EU passes resolutions containing pro-Taiwan clauses

Taipei, Jan. 21 (CNA) The European Parliament on Wednesday passed two resolutions bearing content supporting Taiwan's democracy and for the first time encourage European Union (EU) members to "revisit their engagement policies with Taiwan," for which Taiwan's government expressed its gratitude.

In a press statement, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) thanked the European Parliament for its passage of two resolutions -- the resolution on the implementation of the Common Security and Defense Policy and the resolution on the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy.

The resolutions for the first time encourage EU member states to "revisit their engagement policies with Taiwan" and to work with international like-minded partners "to protect democratic Taiwan from foreign threats," according to MOFA.

Meanwhile, the two resolutions reiterate the EU's stance that it has been closely monitoring the cross-Taiwan Strait situation, while expressing concern over "China's increasingly provocative military maneuvers aimed at Taiwan," and calling on both sides to resolve their differences through peaceful means.

The resolutions also urge EU members to support Taiwan's "meaningful and pragmatic participation as an observer in World Health Organization (WHO) meetings, mechanisms and activities, so as to jointly fight against the global public health crisis" -- a reference to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As an important member of the Indo-Pacific region, Taiwan will continue to enhance relations with like-minded partners, including the EU, to promote regional peace, stability and prosperity, MOFA said.