Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I acknowledge Senator Fawcett and Senator O'Neill in their moving of this urgency motion, and, in doing so, I recognise them as two of many parliamentarians, myself included, who, over many years, have visited Taiwan and done so as part of the respectful relationship that we have—and I expect many more to visit in the years ahead.

In 2022, Australia marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China, established in the joint communique between our nations in 1972. Although our relations had ebbed and flowed throughout this time, the strength of our people-to-people and business-to-business relations are a testament to the goodwill of citizens in both our nations. Australia's act of establishing diplomatic relations with the PRC followed United Nations resolution 2758 on 25 October 1971, which, after 22 years of debate, recognised the international standing of the People's Republic of China as the 'only legitimate representative of China to the United Nations' and also as 'one of the five permanent members of the Security Council'.

UN resolution 2758, however, did not mention Taiwan and did not determine sovereignty over Taiwan. Australia's joint communique of 1972 with the PRC establishing our diplomatic ties did mention Taiwan but, similarly, did not determine sovereignty over Taiwan. Instead, it simply acknowledged the position of the PRC that Taiwan was a province of the PRC. This established the principles that have consistently guided Australia's one China policy since 1972.

We do not recognise Taiwan as a country but we maintain unofficial contacts with Taiwan, promoting economic, trade and cultural interests. Indeed, just as our people-to-people and business-to-business ties with the PRC have grown through the ensuing 52 years, they have also grown with Taiwan, which we welcome. Taiwan is a major trading partner for Australia and supplies critical componentry into global supply chains. A strong Taiwan is good for Australia and good for all economies in our region, contributing to growth that all regional partners should be striving for.

We in Australia respect the will of the Taiwanese people, including the democratic principles they share with Australia, and we look to strengthen Australia's ties with Taiwan, as we also seek to grow areas of mutually beneficial cooperation the PRC. Australia has consistently reiterated continued support for a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues according to the will of the people and without resorting to threats or coercion. There should be no unilateral change to the status quo. There is no justification for the escalation in military activities or acts targeted at Taiwan that we have seen too much of in recent years. Such actions risk instability, miscalculation or misadventure and they should cease.

We also support Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organisations as a member where statehood is not a prerequisite, and as an observer or guest where statehood is a prerequisite for membership. One example is our support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in the work of the World Health Organization and Taiwan's participation as an observer in the World Health Assembly. As was demonstrated during the COVID-19 disaster, such viruses do not respect borders. Taiwan's meaningful participation in forums and technical committees of the WHO would be to the benefit of the people of Taiwan and the world.

As a former trade minister, I note that Taiwan enjoys a status in the World Trade Organization under international trade law equal to that of the PRC or Australia or indeed of Hong Kong. On trade policy, we should approach any engagement with Taiwan or requests from Taiwan on the merits of the case presented, as it should be the case in all matters consistent with the principles I have outlined.

Taiwan and the PRC are important, valued partners of Australia. Our relations with each are clearly defined and they should never be misrepresented. Our ambitions are positive and peaceful towards all, and this is an approach we urge all partners to share in.