The inclusion of Taiwan in the joint communication to the European Parliament and the Council issued Sept. 16 by the European Commission and External Action Service is sincerely appreciated by the government and people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Titled “EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific,” the report said a significant military build-up by China has led to increasing tensions in regional hotspots such as the South and East China Seas, as well as the Taiwan Strait. This may have a direct impact on European security and prosperity, the report added.
Democratic principles and human rights are also under threat from authoritarian regimes in the region, the report said. In light of these factors, it is essential for the EU to reinforce cooperation with regional partners, the report added.
In particular, the EU will work with Taiwan, Japan and South Korea to reinforce value chains cooperation in key sectors such as semiconductors. This is in addition to pursuing deeper trade and investment ties with partners with which there are currently no investment agreements like Taiwan, according to the report.
The MOFA said the EU has repeatedly spotlighted the importance of cross-strait peace and stability through joint statements and communiques at various bilateral and multilateral venues. The latest communication underscores how cross-strait peace, stability and prosperity is in line with the EU’s regional interests, the ministry added.
As a like-minded partner sharing the values of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law, Taiwan is committed to working with the EU to enhance cooperation in strategic sectors spanning digital economy, green energy, post-pandemic economic recovery and supply chain restructuring, the MOFA said.
The ministry also urged the EU to facilitate negotiation of a bilateral investment agreement with Taiwan by initiating preparation work including impact assessment, public consultation and scoping exercise.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “Our gratitude to @EU_Commission & @eu_eeas for the joint communication committing to pursue deep trade & investment relations with #Taiwan. We’ll keep working with the #EU & other forces for good in promoting a peaceful, stable, secure, prosperous & sustainable #IndoPacific.” (SFC-E)
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