Taiwan President Tells French Senators "Committed to Regional Stability and Peace"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen expressed her determination to play a key role in regional stability and peace maintenance to the French Senate delegation visiting Taiwan.

According to major foreign media, President Tsai expressed gratitude to France, which sent the Senate delegation, on the 7th, saying, "As a member of the international community, we will fulfill all the responsibilities entrusted to us and continue efforts to ensure stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific region."

She added, "We want to further strengthen our efforts to contribute to the world together with France."

The French Senate delegation, consisting of four members including Alain Richard, former Minister of Defense from 1997 to 2002 and head of the Senate Taiwan Friendship Group, arrived in Taiwan the day before.

President Tsai said, "I was deeply moved by Senator Richard's decision to visit," expressing gratitude for the decision to visit Taiwan despite "pressure" from neighboring countries.

Her mention of pressure from neighboring countries is interpreted as referring to the recent large-scale military demonstrations by China.

Earlier this month, over 150 Chinese military aircraft violated Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), escalating China's military demonstrations and heightening tensions between Taiwan and China.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Amid this, the sudden visit of the French Senate delegation to Taiwan is seen as the French government supporting the Taiwanese government.

Earlier, when the French Senate delegation's visit to Taiwan was decided last month, China strongly protested.

The Chinese Embassy in France issued a statement on the 23rd of last month emphasizing the "One China" principle, criticizing, "France's official contact with Taiwan seriously violates the 'One China' policy." It further warned, "It will harm China's core interests and destroy China-France relations."

Earlier this year, when the French Senate delegation's visit to Taiwan was being promoted, the Chinese Embassy in France expressed "deep concern" in March.

Additionally, President Tsai is scheduled to meet with former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott in the afternoon.

Although Taiwan has not established official diplomatic relations with France and Australia, it plans to continue contacts with high-ranking officials of these countries and enhance cooperation with Western democratic nations to counter China's threats.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.