Ukraine's fight an inspiration, says Taiwan Foreign Minister

Taiwan's foreign minister praises Ukrainians in their fight against Russian invaders and calls them an inspiration for the island's people.

Ukrainians fighting against Russian invaders have inspired the people of Taiwan, the island's foreign minister said on Monday, as he announced millions of dollars in aid for Ukrainian refugees.

"Despite great adversity, the government and people of Ukraine have been fighting with tremendous courage and determination," the minister, Joseph Wu, told a news conference.

"Let me say this from the bottom of my heart: You have been an inspiration to the Taiwanese people in facing threats and coercion from authoritarian power."

Democratic, self-ruled Taiwan is claimed by China, which has vowed to bring the island back under its control, by force if necessary.

While some people have drawn parallels between the plight of Ukraine, trying to fend off invading Russian troops, and Taiwan, facing the threat of invasion by Chinese forces, China rejects the comparison saying Taiwan has always been a part of China.

Taiwan has also said the island's situation is fundamentally different, citing the natural barrier of the Taiwan Strait - which separates it from China - and Taiwan's key role in the global semiconductor supply chain.

Taiwan has stepped up its alert level since the war in Ukraine began but it has reported no unusual military movements by China.