The fruitful results of the visit by a delegation from the European Parliament’s Patriots for Europe are welcomed by the government and people of Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said July 26.
Led by Anders Vistisen, the group’s chief whip, the delegation also included Vice Chair António Tânger Corrêa. Group members met with Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, attended a banquet hosted by Deputy Foreign Minister François Chih-chung Wu and exchanged views with officials from the Legislature, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Mainland Affairs Council, as well as representatives of civic groups and think tanks.
During their July 20-25 trip, the delegation engaged in discussions ranging from Taiwan’s political and economic landscape to the Indo-Pacific geopolitical situation, Taiwan-EU trade relations and innovative technology. The MOFA added that they also visited the outlying Kinmen County.
Speaking to the delegation at the event he hosted, Wu said democracies should unite to defend freedom and democracy in the face of China’s increasing intimidation and gray zone harassment. To counter Beijing’s politicization of economic tools, Taiwan’s businesses have reduced their investment in China from 84 percent 10 years ago to 7 percent last year, he added.
The deputy foreign minister went on to say that Taiwan has a robust democracy and a diverse society while showing strong growth in culture, technology, medical care and sports, and added that the country will continue to deepen exchanges with Euoprean nations to achieve mutual benefit.
Following Wu’s remarks, Vistisen introduced his group’s policy focus while Corrêa condemned China for investing in EU infrastructure to achieve its political goals. The Portuguese politician added that his country supports the right of Taiwan’s people to decide their own future.
According to the MOFA, the EP’s support of Taiwan is also demonstrated by the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defense Policy reports approved in April. Taiwan will continue to expand cooperation and exchanges with the EP, strengthen democratic resilience and forge a firm and mutually beneficial partnership network, the ministry said. (YCH-E)
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