On December 13, 2023, the European Parliament, in a plenary session in Strasbourg, voted to pass the "EU-China Relations" report. For the first time, a passage has been included in the report to unequivocally oppose China’s ongoing and deliberate distortion of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. The Chinese regime manipulates the resolution to unjustly prevent Taiwanese passport holders from entering the United Nations or participating in its activities, thereby infringing upon the rights of the Taiwanese people. We express our deep appreciation to the European Parliament for its concern regarding China's suppression of Taiwan in the international arena.
The report advocates for the European Union to take measures aimed at facilitating Taiwan's meaningful participation in the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
In addition, the report reiterates the European Union's opposition to any unilateral changes in the status quo of the Taiwan Strait and China's destabilizing activities in the region. It emphasizes the EU's need to collaborate with partners to enhance deterrence against China, employing concrete measures to prevent the escalation of regional tensions. These measures include increasing Coordinated Maritime Presences in the Taiwan Strait, facilitating Taiwan's security resilience, and considering economic sanction packages in the event of Chinese aggression.
The report also underscores Taiwan as a reliable and valued partner for the EU, playing an indispensable role in technology and trade. The EU is urged to coordinate with global partners in enhancing the EU-Taiwan relationship. Moreover, it encourages further exchanges between the European Parliament and Taiwan and promotes cooperation among the EU, its Member States, and Taiwan in areas of common interest.
In recent years, the European Parliament has consistently emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for the security and prosperity of the European Union and the global community. The Parliament has taken note of China's expanding influence in international organizations and various obstructions to Taiwan's international participation. The Taipei Representative Office in the EU and Belgium is committed to continuing collaboration with the European Parliament to enhance understanding and support for Taiwan-related issues within the European Union. We aim to facilitate exchanges across various domains within the EU, working towards the establishment of a mutually beneficial and resilient democratic alliance.
Photo Credit: European Parliament
