TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Monday (Nov. 18) expressed its gratitude for a joint statement by the US, Japan, and Australia calling for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Japanese Minister of Defense Nakatani Gen, and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III convened in Darwin, Australia, on Sunday (Nov. 17) for the 14th Trilateral Defence Ministers’ Meeting (TDMM).

“Through this fourteenth meeting, we affirm the longevity and enduring commitment of our partnership,” the three officials said in a joint statement. “Grounded in shared values, deep trust, and our unbreakable commitment to strengthening collective deterrence, our cooperation continues to evolve.”

Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) thanked the countries for their focus on the Taiwan Strait, describing the statement as underscoring the critical importance of peace and stability in the region for global security.

The joint statement by the three countries highlights that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is not only a critical regional issue but also a necessary element for global peace and prosperity, Kuo said in a press release.

Kuo also emphasized Taiwan’s role as a key member of the democratic defense line and a responsible participant in the regional and international community. She reiterated Taiwan's commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities and deepening partnerships with like-minded nations to uphold the rules-based global order.