Policy Meeting January 2024/Motions/Taiwan
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This proposal is currently being voted on.
Please note that until and unless the proposal is ratified, it is not yet endorsed by the party.
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Support for Taiwan and Indo Pacific Strategy
Pirate Party Australia is committed to the principles of democracy and human rights, and believes in the importance of fostering relationships with nations that share these values. We firmly support Taiwan, a vibrant democracy facing increasing pressure from an authoritarian neighbour in the form of China. Self determination is a human right, and the future of Taiwan should be determined by the Taiwanese people.
Taiwan stands as a symbol of democratic progress in the Asia-Pacific, sharing Australian core values of freedom[1], press freedom[2], democracy[3], and human rights[4]. In 2019, Taiwan demonstrated its progressive stance by becoming the first country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage. However, Taiwan is unfairly excluded from vital international organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO)[5], INTERPOL[6], and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)[7], undermining its global representation.
In today's geopolitical climate, a collective effort is required to uphold democratic values and maintain the international rules-based order. Australia, alongside regional partners like the United States, South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines, can promote stability and unity. Our strategy includes supporting Taiwan through diplomatic and political channels, and enhancing military cooperation with allies via joint exercises to bolster deterrence and maintain peace.
The Australian Defence Force has encountered 'grey zone' warfare, facing harmful sonar activities[8], aircraft lasing[9], and obstruction of flight paths with chaff[10]. Similar aggressive tactics are widespread in the region, including repeated incursions near the Taiwan Strait median line [11], confrontations in Philippine waters[12], and economic coercion through trade manipulations[13]. These actions undermine regional peace and security, and Pirate Party Australia considers them dangerous and counterproductive.
The Pirate Party supports Taiwan's participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)[14] and advocates for an Australia-Taiwan Free Trade Agreement (FTA)[15], both which have been requested by Taiwan. With complementary economies, a partnership combining Taiwan's skilled workforce with Australia's vast resources offers significant economic advantages. Australia and Taiwan have the sovereign right to pursue relationships without coercive external interference. Drawing from New Zealand's example of a successful FTA with Taiwan[16], Australia should similarly pursue economic ties for mutual benefit.
Our policy to support Taiwan encompasses diplomatic, political, and economic cooperation, advancing peace and collaboration across nations. By supporting Taiwan, Australia not only upholds its democratic values but also contributes to a global movement championing democracy and human rights in the face of authoritarian challenges.
Pirate Party Australia proposes the following reforms:
- Support Taiwan's inclusion in international organisations such as the WHO, INTERPOL and ICAO.
- Strengthen deterrence through military cooperation with allies.
- Support Taiwan's request for entry into the CPTPP.
- Support the advancement of an Australia-Taiwan FTA.
References
- ↑ Taiwan Tops Asia in Human Freedom Index Despite Pandemic Challenges, The Asian Affairs, https://www.theasianaffairs.com/taiwan-tops-asia-in-human-freedom-index-despite-pandemic-challenges (accessed 20 January 2024)
- ↑ Taiwan climbs in World Press Freedom Index, Taipei Times, https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2023/05/04/2003799102 (accessed 20 January 2024)
- ↑ Taiwan retains ranking as top 'full democracy' in Asia, Focus Taiwan, https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202302020020 (accessed 20 January 2024)
- ↑ Human rights index, Our World In Data, https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/human-rights-index-vdem (accessed 20 January 2024)
- ↑ Why Does the WHO Exclude Taiwan?, Council for Foreign Relations, https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/why-does-who-exclude-taiwan (accessed 20 January 2024)
- ↑ Interpol Is Not Complete Without Taiwan’s Participation, The Diplomat, https://thediplomat.com/2016/10/interpol-is-not-complete-without-taiwans-participation (accessed 20 January 2024)
- ↑ Three countries call for wider inclusion at ICAO, Taipei Times, https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2022/09/30/2003786183 (accessed 20 January 2024)
- ↑ What the Chinese sonar incident that injured Australian navy divers tells us about Xi's relationship with Albanese and the West - ABC News, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-21/what-the-chinese-sonar-incident-says-about-xi-albanese-relations/103129008 (accessed 20 January 2024)
- ↑ Prime Minister Scott Morrison accuses Chinese warship of "reckless and irresponsible" act after laser was shone at RAAF aircraft - ABC News, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-19/defence-accuses-chinese-warship-of-dangerous-act-laser-shone/100845702 (accessed 20 January 2024)
- ↑ Chinese Fighter’s Decoy Dump In Front Of A P-8 Sets Dangerous New Precedent (Updated), The Drive, https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/chinese-fighters-decoy-dump-in-front-of-p-8-sets-dangerous-new-precedent (accessed 20 January 2024)
- ↑ Taiwan Incursion Updates, Missile Defence Advocacy Alliance, https://missiledefenseadvocacy.org/missile-threat-and-proliferation/todays-missile-threat/taiwan-missile-updates/ (accessed 20 January 2024)
- ↑ Water Cannon Reveals Philippine Transparency Strategy Against China Needs Reinforcement, Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillgoldenziel/2023/09/01/water-cannon-reveals-philippine-transparency-strategy-against-china-needs-reinforcement/?sh=4d6121a12cef (accessed 20 January 2024)
- ↑ Understanding (and Managing) China’s Economic Coercion, The Diplomat, https://thediplomat.com/2022/10/understanding-and-managing-chinas-economic-coercion/ (accessed 20 January 2024)
- ↑ Taiwan to push for Australia's backing to join Trans-Pacific Partnership as Beijing pushes for it to be blocked - ABC News, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-29/taiwan-australia-mp-delegation-australia-trade-china-ties/102786668 (accessed 20 January 2024)
- ↑ Taiwan is seeking free trade deals with the US and Australia as China's Xi Jinping vows "peaceful reunification", Australian Broadcasting Corporation, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-07/taiwan-us-free-trade-agreement-xi-jinping-speech-australia/100269014 (accessed 20 January 2024)
- ↑ New Zealand; Taiwan: Free Trade Agreement Signed, U.S. Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2013-07-18/new-zealand-taiwan-free-trade-agreement-signed/ (accessed 20 January 2024)