EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell on Tuesday underscored the importance of maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait.
Speaking at a plenary session of the European Parliament, Borrell described the Taiwan Strait as “the most strategic strait in the world, in particular for our trade.”
The session was attended by more than 70 members of the European Parliament.
Photo: AFP
“It is not only for a moral reason that an action against Taiwan must necessarily be rejected. It is also because it would be, in economic terms, extremely serious for us, because Taiwan has a strategic role in the production of the most advanced semiconductors,” he said.
Borrell said that if the EU wants to be a geopolitical power, it must be present in all parts of the world to assert its positions and defend its interests, as well as call for calm and prevent provocations.
“Taiwan is clearly part of our geostrategic perimeter to guarantee peace,” he said.
Borrell was speaking on the issue of clarity and unity regarding the EU’s China policy with regard to Taiwan.
He said Europe’s strategy toward China has to be based on four elements: values, economic security, Taiwan and Ukraine.
China’s role following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would be key to whether EU-China relations can develop normally, Borrell said.
“Our relationship with China cannot develop if China does not use its influence on Russia to get Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine and end the war,” he said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that as China emerges as a global political and economic player, it is all the more important for Europe to manage its relations with Beijing based on its own interests.
“A strong European China policy relies on strong coordination between member states and EU institutions, and on the willingness to avoid divide-and-conquer tactics,” said Von der Leyen, who recently accompanied French President Emmanuel Macron on a trip to Beijing.
China’s shows of military force in the South and East China seas, as well as its border with India, “directly affect our partners and their legitimate interests. Or on the issue with Taiwan,” she added.
“The EU’s ‘one China’ policy is long-standing. We have consistently called for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and we stand strongly against any unilateral change of the status quo, in particular by the use of force,” she said.
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