Jaushieh Joseph Wu
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
November 19, 2022
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Good evening!
It is my great pleasure to host this dinner in honor of the INTA delegation. This is the third official delegation of the European Parliament to visit Taiwan, following the INGE delegation last year and Vice President Nicola Beer in July. I would like to extend my warmest welcome to all of you.
Over the past two years, the European Parliament has adopted 25 resolutions in support of Taiwan. It has expressed serious concern over China's military provocations, as well as support for a Taiwan-EU bilateral investment agreement and Taiwan's participation in international organizations. The people and government of Taiwan deeply appreciate your staunch backing.
In October last year, the European Parliament passed the EU-Taiwan Political Relations and Cooperation report. This year, the Indo-Pacific Strategy in the Area of Trade and Investment report and a resolution on the situation in the Strait of Taiwan were adopted. These urged the EU to strengthen comprehensive and economic ties with Taiwan.
In addition, the European Commission has initiated the EU's Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the European Chips Act, stressing Taiwan's role as a responsible partner. Peace across the Taiwan Strait is connected to the security and prosperity of the EU. Taiwan appreciates that the EU has publicly expressed its position on the Taiwan Strait and decided to collaborate with Taiwan on supply chains and economic resilience.
Because of economic coercion from authoritarian regimes, there is now even greater urgency for our cooperation. A week ago, China used food safety concern as a pretext to suspend imports of certain Taiwanese products. This disrupts cross-strait commerce and contravenes international trade norms. China has also deployed economic coercion against Australia, Canada, and Lithuania. When China weaponizes its economic power to target free markets, democracies must stand together to counter such unwarranted behavior.
After the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, we have seen the worrying convergence of authoritarian regimes. Standing on the front lines against authoritarian expansion, Taiwan and the EU play critical roles in defending freedom and democracy. Taiwan is willing to share its experience of countering authoritarian influence with like-minded partners. By working together, we can better safeguard the liberal democratic world order and maintain regional peace and security.
I wish you all a fruitful trip, and I look forward to working with you to further strengthen bilateral ties. Thank you!