On 25 October, Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu posted a bilingual video on Facebook spotlighting the strengthening relations between Taiwan and Europe in parliamentary diplomacy as well as increasing support for Taiwan from European parliamentarians and governments. He pointed out that the Speaker of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, Su Jia-chyuan, led a delegation to France and the UK last year, where he was welcomed by the parliamentary speakers in both countries. “This was a big milestone in our parliamentary diplomacy,” Minister Wu said.
In addition, the foreign minister highlighted increasing parliamentary support for Taiwan throughout Europe since the beginning of 2019. He pointed out that in February, the European Parliament-Taiwan Friendship Group Chairman Werner Langen presented President Tsai Ing-wen with a letter of support signed by 155 members. The minister also cited Deputy Foreign Minister Kelly Wu-Chiao Hsieh’s visit to Brussels for the launch of the “Formosa Club”, a group which has brought parliamentary leaders from the EU, Germany, France and the UK together to support Taiwan in a synchronised way. Minister Wu also praised the record number of parliamentarians supporting Taiwan’s international participation. It was at this point the video showed British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) member Lord Bethell at the “Walk With Taiwan” march supporting the country’s inclusion in the 72nd World Health Assembly on 16 May.
Minister Wu noted that Taiwan’s relationships with European governments are also on an upward swing. He pointed out that European Commission Vice-President Madam Federica Mogherini wrote an op-ed piece to the Apple Daily on Europe-Asia connectivity to strengthen relations with Taiwan. Minister Wu also stressed that the signing of the Agreement of Criminal Judicial Cooperation between Taiwan and Poland in June was the first of its kind in Europe. In addition, he expressed pride in sharing Taiwan’s experience promoting freedom and democracy during a major speech at the Democracy Summit Copenhagen in June.“We have many good friends in Europe as well as new friends concerned with Taiwan’s sovereignty, security and role in the international community,” Minister Wu stated, adding “I believe that relations with Europe will go from strength to strength, given that we are like-minded countries and share common values and interests.”
