19
Oct
2021
Watch
EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation (debate)
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the Republic of China, Taiwan, is a reliable partner and Taiwanese are shaped by democracy, freedom and an open mind that embraces innovation. With our vote today we recognize that in the last twenty years Taiwan has strengthened democratic institutions, social and political rights and individual freedoms and we stand by Taiwan, which wants to remain free, sovereign and independent, cultivating proactive peace diplomacy, especially towards China, even when this militaristic and authoritarian state only shows that it wants to intimidate. Taiwan denies any form of coercion and is an exemplary model for other countries in Asia and the Indo-Pacific. Therefore, every form of collaboration, from culture to semiconductors, from security to the economy, from health to value and supply chains, is a clear mutual strategic interest: Working together for human progress. We are united in the defense of human progress and its freedom and we must defend Taiwan, so that Taiwan can continue to live in this way. The Commission, the Member States of the European Union warn China: We will defend Taiwan.