TAIPEI, Taiwan – The United States and Australia convened the Australia-US Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) in the United States on August 6, 2024, with key officials including the US Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and ministers for foreign affairs and defense from Australia participating. Following the meeting, a joint statement was released marking the 34th AUSMIN.
The statement emphasized the necessity of sustaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait while expressing shared opposition to any unilateral changes to the cross-strait status quo. The officials called for resolving cross-strait issues through dialogue, steering clear of threats, coercion, or the use of force. There was a notable expression of concern regarding recent military and coast guard activities by China around Taiwan.
Both nations recognized Taiwan’s pivotal role as a vital partner and a leading economy and democracy in the Indo-Pacific region. The joint statement reaffirmed a commitment to supporting Taiwan’s active involvement in international organizations while aiming to bolster economic, trade, and cultural relations with Taiwan, alongside enhancing development coordination in the Pacific.
This year’s AUSMIN marked the fifth consecutive occasion where the United States and Australia expressed robust support for Taiwan in their joint statements. It also highlighted an unprecedented concern regarding China’s escalating military and coast guard activities, which have contributed to heightened tensions in the region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Taiwan welcomed this reaffirmation of support, stating:
“The consistent expressions of solidarity from the United States and similarly minded countries underscore a collective commitment to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Recent statements from various multilateral dialogues have reiterated the importance of this consensus, showcasing a united front on maintaining the region’s stability.”
The MOFA further expressed Taiwan’s dedication to collaborating with like-minded nations to uphold shared values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, in addition to preserving peace and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
