The plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg held a key debate on the topic of "The EU needs a coherent strategy towards China" on April 18. Invited to attend and state their positions were the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, as well as the chairpersons and key members of the main political groups in the European Parliament. All emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, demonstrating the high level of concern of the EU's executive and legislative branches for the security of the Taiwan Strait. We sincerely thank President von der Leyen, High Representative Borrell, and the many Members of the European Parliament for their remarks emphasizing their support for the status quo, and the maintenance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
President von der Leyen stressed that the EU's policy towards China is "de-risking not de-coupling!” She further expressed that the EU must continue to engage with China, and that the EU is aware of China's recent military exercises in the Taiwan Strait and its military operations in the South China Sea. Under the premise of its one-China policy, the EU firmly supports peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and is strongly against the unilateral use of force to change the status quo, von der Leyen stated, before adding that the EU will not shy away from addressing difficult topics.
High Representative Borrell stated clearly that Taiwan is essential to the EU. Among the reasons why, Borrell noted that the Taiwan Strait is the most strategic strait in the world, and that the EU must support freedom of navigation through it. The High Representative went on to add that external action against Taiwan must necessarily be rejected not only for moral reasons, but also because of its serious economic consequences, noting that Taiwan is the main supplier of semiconductors globally. He further expressed his confidence that all EU Member States unanimously agree that maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait is the best solution to guarantee peace.
Manfred Weber, Chairman of the EPP Group, the largest party in the European Parliament, made it clear that the future of Taiwan can only be decided by the people of Taiwan themselves, that Taiwan is a symbol of freedom and democracy in addition to its strategic economic importance, and that defending Taiwan means defending European values and interests.
More than 30 cross-party members spoke in support of Taiwan in this debate.
The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen
The Chairman of the EPP Group Manfred Weber
