On December 17, 2024, the “AUKMIN” (Australia-United Kingdom Ministerial Consultations) was held in London on December 16. Following the meeting, a joint statement was issued emphasizing the crucial importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. It advocated for peaceful resolution of disputes rather than resorting to threats, force, or coercion.
The UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defense Secretary John Healey met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles during the AUKMIN meeting.
In the joint statement released after the meeting, the parties reiterated the significance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. They emphasized the need for resolving differences through peaceful means, rejecting the use of threats, force, and coercion, and reaffirmed their opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. Both countries recognized the beneficial expertise and skills of the Taiwanese people to the international community and expressed their commitment to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. Additionally, they expressed willingness to enhance relations with Taiwan in various fields including economy, trade, technology, and culture.
The joint statement expressed serious concern over the escalating actions of Chinese vessels in the South China Sea, causing instability. It pointed out that these actions by China may lead to miscalculations and increased risks, urging all countries to exercise restraint, abide by international law, avoid militarization of disputed areas in the South China Sea, and refrain from using coast guard ships or maritime militia to disrupt the legitimate exploitation of offshore resources by other countries. The statement also highlighted serious concerns about the situation in the East China Sea.
The statement mentioned that when the UK aircraft carrier strike group is redeployed to the Indo-Pacific region in 2025, besides the UK’s HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier visiting Australia, Australia will also support the group’s operations in cyberspace, maritime, air, and space domains.
Furthermore, the statement indicated that Japan, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea are continuing discussions with the UK, USA, and Australia on potential cooperation in high-tech areas such as hypersonic weapons, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and underwater capabilities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China highly praised and welcomed the repeated joint public expressions of support for Taiwan by the UK and Australia within two years.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China stated, “The UK and Australia, being close partners that embrace universal values such as democracy, freedom, and rule of law, are essential forces for maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region. As an indispensable member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to closely cooperate with like-minded countries, maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, expand Taiwan’s international participation, uphold the rules-based international order, and collectively promote security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.”