India, Taiwan need to join hands to fend off "expansion of autocracy": Taiwanese Envoy

The de-facto ambassador said there is a "gargantuan untapped well of potential" for cooperation between Taiwan and India

India and Taiwan are threatened by "authoritarianism" and it is high time for both sides to engage in "strategic collaboration", Taipei's de-facto Ambassador Baushuan Ger said on October 2 while referring to China's aggressive behaviour in the region.

In an interview to PTI, Mr. Ger said Taiwan and India need to join hands to "fend off" the "expansion of autocracy" as he cited actions in the East and the South China Sea, Hong Kong and Galwan Valley to highlight reasons for tensions in the region.

Following a high-profile visit to Taiwan by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in August, China has been ramping up its military offensive against the self-ruled island of more than 23 million people, triggering global concerns.

China considers Taiwan as its breakaway province and reacted angrily to Ms. Pelosi's tour of Taiwan.

Mr. Ger said Taiwan appreciated India for standing up for justice, peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait in the wake of China's military offensive in response to Ms. Pelosi's trip.

Read | In a first, India refers to ‘militarisation’ of Taiwan Strait by China

"Both India and Taiwan are threatened by authoritarianism; hence, closer collaboration between the two is not only desirable but necessary," Mr. Ger said.