March 16, 2023
MOFA response to comments made by EU special envoy to Indo-Pacific concerning EU naval presence in South China Sea and
cross-strait situation ：
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has taken note that European Union Special Envoy to the Indo-Pacific Richard Tibbels stated during a March 15 interview with the Associated Press in Manila, the Philippines, that the EU will encourage and coordinate its member states to continue conducting naval visits or even joint military exercises in the South China Sea. He noted that this will ensure freedom of navigation as provided for under international law as well as safeguard the stability of the global trading system. Special Envoy Tibbels also expressed concern over tensions between China and Taiwan, stressing that the EU has continuously warned that if the situation across the Taiwan Strait spirals out of control, the global trading system would suffer massive disruption. He added that the EU is currently discussing the matter with like-minded partners so that they can prepare for related developments.
MOFA appreciates the EU’s echoing of the position adopted by the Group of Seven, United States-Japan, and United Kingdom-France summits, as well as the foreign and defense ministerial consultations between France and Australia and between the United Kingdom and Australia, reaffirming the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
As a responsible member of the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with the EU and other like-minded partners to jointly strengthen the resilience of the global democratic community and safeguard peace, stability, prosperity, and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific.