Amid mounting military tension, MEPs travel to this island for the first time to forge a ‘democratic alliance’
The alliance of democracies against authoritarian regimes continues to be forged in a world increasingly polarized by the pandemic. For the first time, a delegation from the European Parliament visits Taiwan, which is a historic event because this island of 23 million inhabitants is a ‘de facto’ independent country, but only 15 small states recognize it because China claims its sovereignty and demands to cut diplomatic ties with your government.
Defying Beijing, thirteen MEPs met on Thursday with its president, Tsai Ing-wen, amid growing military tension. Last month, 150 Chinese aircraft penetrated the Taiwanese Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIF) over several days. A raid that once again stirred the ghosts of war in the Strait of Formosa.
“We have come here with a very simple and very clear message. You are not alone. Europe is with you, and for you, in the defense of freedom and the rule of law “, expressed solidarity with President Tsai, French MEP Raphael Glucksmann, who heads the delegation. All its members belong to the Special Committee on Foreign Interference in the Democratic Processes of the European Union, in charge of investigating and preventing disinformation and cyberattacks by authoritarian regimes such as China or Russia.
“Our visit should be seen as an important first step. But next time we need a very concrete agenda of high-level meetings to make decisions that build a much stronger alliance between the EU and Taiwan, “proposed Glucksmann, according to the CNA news agency.
Protect the “free life”
Due to the orchestrated attacks that MEPs said the EU is suffering to weaken its democracies, the delegation wants to learn from this island threatened by China to face such threats. “Taiwan is also looking forward to sharing its experience in fighting disinformation with our European friends. That will deepen our partnership and help us safeguard the free and democratic way of life that we enjoy, “offered President Tsai. His objective, he said, is to form “a democratic alliance against disinformation” because, in his opinion, it is a global challenge.
The European Parliament delegation, which arrived on Wednesday and leaves this Friday, is the latest Western support for Taiwan, traditionally backed by the United States. In recent times, Europe has also reached out to its government to counter the international rise of Xi Jinping’s increasingly authoritarian China. This was seen last month during Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu’s trip to Slovakia and the Czech Republic, two countries with a painful communist past that are leading the opposition to the Chinese regime alongside Lithuania. In addition, the European Parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution to strengthen its ties with Taiwan and push for an investment agreement while running aground on the one signed by Brussels and Beijing at the end of last year.
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