July 10, 2023
No. 231
The House of Representatives of the Netherlands approved two motions in support of the Republic of China (Taiwan) by overwhelming majorities on July 6. One motion urges the Dutch government to strengthen cybersecurity cooperation with Taiwan and the other one calls for preparations in the event of China disrupting the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. This marked another concrete act of support by the Dutch Parliament since passing a motion in April calling on its government to work with European nations, the United States, and other like-minded countries to forge a united and unanimous response to China’s suppression of Taiwan. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs highly welcomes and deeply appreciates these actions.
During the debate on China in the Dutch House of Representatives, several members of parliament expressed concerns over Taiwan. Representative Derk Jan Eppink, member of the Juiste Antwoord 21 party, noted the growing importance of cybersecurity and Taiwan’s strong expertise in this domain. He initiated a motion urging the government to enhance related cooperation with Taiwan. The second motion was introduced by Representative Tom van der Lee, member of the GroenLinks party, and Representative Kati Piri, member of the Partij van de Arbeid. The two argued that given China’s heightened threats against Taiwan, the government should prepare for a potential disruption of the cross-strait status quo by China.
These two motions passed by the Dutch House of Representatives once more demonstrate staunch backing for Taiwan through concrete actions. Previously, it passed three motions supporting Taiwan on November 23 and 30, 2021; two on November 29, 2022; and one on April 20, 2023.
Taiwan and the Netherlands are partners that share the universal values of democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. Enjoying close and cordial relations, the two sides will further bolster cooperation in such areas as the economy and trade, environmental protection, epidemic prevention, technology, energy, and innovation. Taiwan will continue to fulfill its international responsibilities and work with the Netherlands and other like-minded countries to make greater contributions to global efforts to promote freedom, democracy, peace, stability, sustainability, and prosperity. (E)