EU Parliament Delegation's First Official Visit to Taiwan: "Taiwan Is Not Alone"

"Taiwan is the Frontline of Liberal Democracy"
China Faces Anti-China Public Opinion Pressure, "Response Level Should Be Lowered"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] A delegation from the European Union (EU) Parliament officially visited Taiwan and declared strong support for the Taiwanese government. This is interpreted as the EU, along with the United States, declaring a tough stance against China’s pressure surrounding Taiwan. Chinese state media appear to be exercising restraint, warning against overreacting to Western provocations amid the spread of anti-China sentiment.

According to Taiwan’s Liberty Times on the 4th, the EU Parliament delegation led by Member Rafael Glucksmann officially visited Su Tseng-chang, Premier of Taiwan’s Executive Yuan, the previous day. The delegation consisted of 20 members, including 7 EU parliamentarians, and arrived at Taoyuan International Airport in northern Taiwan on EVA Air flight BR88 in the morning to begin their visit.

This is the first official visit by an EU Parliament delegation to Taiwan. Commissioner Glucksmann stated, "Taiwan is the frontline of free democracy facing China," and emphasized, "Taiwan is never alone." He added, "Taiwan is a witness to 30 years of democratic achievements and has produced remarkable results," stressing, "Taiwan, confronting authoritarian China, has forged a highly admirable democracy. Authoritarianism is definitely not the future we want to see."

Premier Su also welcomed the "historic first official visit by the EU Parliament delegation," responding, "Although the actual distance between both sides is very far, in terms of fighting for freedom, democracy, human rights, and free trade, we are very close." Both sides are reportedly planning exchanges to respond to complex threats such as internet attacks using viruses and malware, involving Taiwanese government agencies, experts, and civil organizations.

Meanwhile, China, seemingly aware of the global spread of anti-China sentiment, has been urging restraint in overreacting to the EU Parliament delegation’s visit to Taiwan. The Chinese state-run Global Times editorial on the same day stated, "Western parliamentarians have no real power or responsibility for the actual operation of society, but when conflicts with China arise, they tend to take the lead more than government officials." It criticized, "China should not overreact to the anti-China actions of Western parliamentarians but should focus attention and firepower on key incumbent officials. Being swayed by parliamentarians’ words and actions aimed at attracting attention will only waste energy and resources and help spread their anti-China messages."

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