Taipei, (Taiwan) – Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-Lung welcomed a delegation of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) on Monday. The group included MEPs Reinis Pozņaks from Latvia, Beatrice Timgren, and European Parliament Policy Advisor Jens Vornøe.

During the meeting, Lin thanked the European Parliament for its October 2023 resolution condemning China’s misrepresentation of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758. He emphasized that Taiwan and Europe, while geographically apart, are united by shared values such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.

Taiwan, EU Deepen Strategic Cooperation

Minister Lin highlighted the importance of Taiwan-Europe cooperation amid increasing global tensions. He noted Taiwan’s push to build resilient, China-free supply chains as part of a broader strategy to safeguard economic security.

He also announced the upcoming 2025 “European Taiwan Culture Year,” a joint initiative with the Ministry of Culture. This project aims to strengthen cultural ties and boost European understanding of Taiwan’s diverse cultural heritage.

MEPs Voice Support for Taiwan Sovereignty

Latvian MEP Reinis Pozņaks drew parallels between Taiwan’s security situation and Latvia’s past under Soviet threat. He said he closely monitors developments in the Taiwan Strait and urged democratic countries to unite against authoritarian expansion.

“We must defend our shared values together,” Pozņaks stated, expressing strong support for Taiwan’s freedom.

The Foreign Ministry noted this is the second European Parliament delegation to visit Taiwan in 2024, following a cross-party visit in February.

Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim Meets UK Lawmakers

In a parallel diplomatic effort, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim met with a UK parliamentary delegation on May 26. The delegation was led by Navendu Mishra, co-chair of Labour Friends of Taiwan, and included UK MPs Tahir Ali, Paula Barker, Gill Furniss, and Connor Naismith.

Hsiao thanked the delegation for their support in Parliament, especially in backing Taiwan’s global participation and advocating for stronger economic ties.

Bilateral Cooperation with the UK Expanding

Hsiao praised the Enhanced Trade Partnership Arrangement, signed in 2023, as a cornerstone of growing Taiwan-UK economic relations. She highlighted key areas of collaboration, including:

• Digital trade
• Energy transition
• Green investment
• Net-zero carbon goals

She also underscored Taiwan’s readiness to partner with the UK in the artificial intelligence sector, noting Taiwan’s advanced AI infrastructure and the UK’s global leadership in AI markets.

Shared Commitment to Regional Peace

Hsiao further appreciated the UK’s public stance on maintaining cross-strait peace, as seen in recent G7 statements. She commended the UK’s role in upholding freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific, a crucial factor in ensuring regional stability.

Delegation’s Itinerary Reflects Strategic Interest

The UK group’s agenda includes:

• A banquet hosted by Foreign Minister Lin
• A meeting with Legislative Yuan Vice President Johnny C. Chiang
• Visits to the Office of Trade Negotiations, Taiwan Space Agency, and the Taiwan Confederation of Trade Unions

The delegation is scheduled to depart on May 30.

Taiwan Expands Global Engagement

Through active diplomacy with the European Union and the United Kingdom, Taiwan continues to strengthen strategic alliances, promote economic partnerships, and defend democratic values on the global stage.

These diplomatic visits underscore Taiwan’s role as a key democratic partner in Asia, committed to innovation, security, and multilateral cooperation.

Taiwan Parliament- Legislative Yuan

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