October 21, 2023
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) noted that EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell again commented on cross-strait relations and the European Union’s “one China policy.” In the personal blog post published on October 20 on the official website of the European External Action Service, High Representative Borell noted that Taiwan was a major security issue in EU-China relations and that the European Union understood how important this issue was for China. Stating that the European Union’s “one China policy” had remained unchanged, he expressed support for maintaining the status quo, indicating that China should not seek to erode it, whether by coercion or force, and that Taiwan should not embark on any unilateral declaration of independence. High Representative Borrell also stressed that the European Union would continue its bilateral relations with Taiwan, which excluded any diplomatic recognition. He added that the European Union continued to call for all tensions to be resolved through dialogue and asked that all parties avoid taking any action that could result in an escalation.
MOFA commends High Representative Borrell for reaffirming the European Union’s position on upholding a robust partnership with Taiwan and its call for cross-strait disputes to be resolved through dialogue. Close cooperation between Taiwan and the European Union is beneficial to ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the rest of the world.
Regarding High Representative Borrell’s recent expressions of his personal views on the “one China policy,” MOFA solemnly reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) has long been an independent state and does not need to declare independence. This is an indisputable fact. Moreover, Taiwan is a free and democratic nation. Its future can only be determined by the Taiwanese people. This principle of governance is widely recognized and respected by the European Union and all democratic countries.
MOFA emphasizes that Taiwan holds the greatest goodwill in engaging in communication and has on multiple occasions expressed willingness to open dialogue with the Beijing authorities on the basis of reason, parity, and mutual respect. Taiwan has never been the one to relentlessly provoke or threaten neighboring countries, thus escalating tensions in the region. Rather, it is China that constantly attempts to alter the status quo and disrupt the rules-based international order.
MOFA has also taken note that the United States and the European Union issued a joint statement following a summit on October 20, underscoring the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, encouraging the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues, and strongly opposing any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion.
MOFA welcomes and appreciates that like-minded countries across the world have repeatedly and publicly voiced their staunch support for cross-strait peace and stability. Taiwan will adhere to its commitments of neither provoking nor acting rashly, and will not bow to pressure. Based on the common values of democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law, as well as the existing solid foundation for cooperation, Taiwan will spare no effort to deepen reciprocal and mutually beneficial exchanges with the United States, the European Union, and other like-minded partners to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability and contribute to the world as a force for good.