TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Any Taiwan Strait conflict would severely disrupt global trade, Taiwan’s representative to the US, Alexander Yui (俞大㵢), said Saturday.

When China considers military action against Taiwan, it must also take into account that other powers with vested interests in the region may respond to such a conflict, Yui said in a Fox News interview.

When asked whether Taiwan was concerned China might become more confident about launching a blockade after observing developments in the Strait of Hormuz, Yui said recent US actions in Iran, Venezuela, and elsewhere demonstrated Washington’s willingness to use necessary means to achieve its objectives, per CNA.

Yui said Taiwan would do everything possible to make a Chinese invasion extremely difficult. Taiwan purchases weapons to counter China’s provocative actions, he said, adding that Taiwan believes in securing peace through strength.

Under the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, the US provides Taiwan with necessary arms based on the level of threat Taiwan faces, Yui said. Taiwan’s Legislature passed a bill last week allocating additional resources for arms procurement, he pointed out, according to CNA.

The diplomat said Taiwan was willing to engage in dialogue with China, but that it must be based on mutual respect. Taiwan believes that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait benefit all parties involved, including China, the US, and Japan, he said.

Yui said Taiwan is determined to defend its homeland and preserve peace and democracy.