Representative to Slovakia Interview: Maintaining Taiwan Strait Status Quo is a Core Interest for US and Taiwan

The major Slovak newspaper 'Dennik N' published a two-page feature interview today with Lee Nan-yang, the Representative to Slovakia, exploring issues such as Taiwan Strait security, China's hybrid threats, the global semiconductor supply chain, and the resilience of Taiwanese society. Lee emphasized that maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait is a core interest for both the U.S. and Taiwan. According to a press release from the Representative Office in Slovakia, Lee pointed out in the interview that Taiwan plays a critical role in international geopolitics and the global economy that cannot be ignored. Regarding the 'Biden-Xi' summit and the situation in the Taiwan Strait, Lee firmly reiterated President Lai Ching-te's stance on maintaining the status quo, stating that the current tension was not provoked by Taiwan. The goal of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has always been to maintain the status quo and fully protect its existing free and democratic system and hard-won way of life. Lee stated that Taiwan is actively practicing the concept of 'comprehensive diplomacy,' closely integrating values, security, and economic and trade strength. The U.S. and Taiwan share core interests in maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region and avoiding conflict. He emphasized that Taiwan's arms purchases from the U.S. are based on the principle of 'peace through strength,' aimed at implementing deterrence tactics and strengthening asymmetric capabilities to reduce the risk of regional conflict. Regarding China's increasingly frequent military aircraft incursions, cyberattacks, and cognitive warfare, Lee said these threats have become a wake-up call for Taiwan to strengthen its whole-of-society defense, explaining the importance of 'social resilience' and lessons learned from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Lee pointed out that modern deterrence no longer relies solely on traditional military power but also on the flexibility, adaptability, and preparedness of the entire society. Taiwan is currently working to diversify risks to critical infrastructure, develop asymmetric capabilities and unmanned vehicle systems, and comprehensively improve civil defense. Lee stated that Taiwan is not only a key node for producing advanced semiconductors and driving global AI development but also an important pillar for economic stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region. Central and Eastern Europe is an important area for cooperation, and Taiwan will continue to deepen long-term mutually beneficial cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries in fields such as smart technology, smart manufacturing, green energy, sustainable development, and drones. After the interview was published, it received a warm response, with many Slovak readers leaving comments supporting Taiwan and calling on European society not to ignore Taiwan's importance as a key ally in the democratic camp.