TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the US defended Taiwan Representative to the US Alexander Ta-Ray Yui's (俞大㵢) remarks during a Fox News interview last week, saying they were misinterpreted and taken out of context. 

Yui described Taiwan as “a peace-loving nation” that stands for democracy and freedom. However, he said that the Taiwanese would stand their ground in the case of a Chinese invasion. 

The representative hoped not to require assistance from US troops but said Taiwan would welcome them if offered. "If your house is under fire, and they respond to help you with a bucket of water, would you say no?" Yui said. 

Following criticisms from KMT politicians and former military officials, TECRO said the accusations against Yui are an attempt to mislead public opinion, CNA reported. The office said Yui responded to a question about a hypothetical war initiated by China and did not say Taiwan is preparing for war. 

Fox News had simplified his comments in the headline, but the article conveyed the diplomat’s message clearly, it said.

Yui objectively stated that Taiwan has the determination and confidence to defend itself against China's military threats and must be fully prepared, TECRO said. This is neither provocative nor an attempt to incite war.

The office noted that recent polls showed that 60-70% of Taiwanese are willing to defend the nation if such a situation occurs. It also clarified that the interview aired on Oct. 4 and not after China's military drills on Oct. 14, as some critics falsely claimed.