EU lawmakers vote to reject Chinese pressure on Taiwan's global role

Brussels, Oct. 7 (CNA) The European Parliament on Wednesday adopted a recommendation on European Union (EU)-China political relations that rejected China's efforts to restrict Taiwan's participation in international organizations and exchanges.

The recommendation, addressed to the European Council, the European Commission and the EU foreign policy chief, includes several references to EU-Taiwan relations and expresses support for closer ties, saying they would bring positive benefits and have strategic importance.

Describing Taiwan as a valuable partner in trade and technology, the European Parliament said it "rejects China's attempts to coerce international organizations, third countries and other actors into restricting Taiwan's international participation and contacts."

The recommendation reaffirms that the EU's "One China policy" guides its policy toward Taiwan and stresses that the EU has never endorsed China's "One China principle."

It also opposes any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion, or any provocation or any change against the will of the Taiwanese people.

The recommendation calls for the EU and its member states to work with other democratic partners in the region on closer security coordination, including a continuous naval presence and joint exercises, to reinforce regional stability.

It also calls on the European Commission to fulfill its pledge to Parliament to work toward deterring China from provoking or escalating tensions with Taiwan.

At the same time, it says the Commission should continue to develop EU-Taiwan relations in various areas under the EU's longstanding "One China policy" and encourage dialogue and constructive engagement across the Taiwan Strait.

The recommendation also calls on the United Nations to reject Chinese demands and grant Republic of China (Taiwan) passport holders, including tourists, journalists, nongovernmental organization workers and political activists, access to tours and events at the U.N.

The European Parliament also opposes what it describes as China's distortion of U.N. Resolution 2758 to support its claims over Taiwan's territory and sovereignty.

U.N. Resolution 2758 does not mention Taiwan and addresses only the issue of China's U.N. representation. Beijing interprets the resolution as giving it the right to represent Taiwan, which it claims as part of its territory.

The recommendation also stresses the importance of deepening economic and technological cooperation with Taiwan in areas such as semiconductors and cybersecurity to strengthen Europe's resilience and protect critical supply chains.

It calls for the EU to begin preparations without delay for negotiations on a bilateral investment agreement or another arrangement, such as a memorandum of understanding on critical supply chains, with Taiwan.