Former Australian PM Abbott calls for solidarity with Taiwan

By HUIZHONG WU
Associated Press

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — A former Australian prime minister has accused China of being a bully and expressed enthusiastic support for Taiwan while visiting the democratically ruled island. Tony Abbott called for solidarity to help preserve Taiwan’s self-determination. He said, “Nothing is more pressing right now than solidarity with Taiwan.” China has been seeking to isolate Taiwan, which it claims as its own territory. Abbott’s comments were at a conference organized by a think tank backed by the Taiwan government. The Australian government has said his visit to Taiwan is unofficial. It comes as tensions flare between Taiwan and China, with Chinese fighter jets making dozens of flights toward the island in recent days.