TAIPEI (Kyodo) — Former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen embarked late Saturday night on a trip to European nations including the Czech Republic, in her first overseas visit since stepping down from office in May.
“I have already set off for the Czech Republic and other European countries to convey to Taiwan’s friends in Europe the belief of the Taiwanese people in firmly safeguarding democracy and freedom, and to continue to deepen Taiwan-Europe relations,” Tsai said in a Facebook post.
Tsai said during her trip she will speak at the 28th Forum 2000 International Conference, which kicks off Sunday in Prague, adding she will also unite like-minded partners in facing world challenges.
Local media have reported the former Taiwanese leader from the ruling, independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party will also visit the European Parliament in Brussels.
The self-ruled democratic island of Taiwan, which mainland China regards as its own, does not have official diplomatic ties with any European state apart from the Vatican. However, the European Parliament has shown strong support for Taiwan’s democracy in recent years, advocating deeper engagement between the two sides.
Responding to a reporter’s question last week, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning slammed the trip and expressed opposition to anyone who seeks “Taiwan independence” during visits to countries with diplomatic ties with China.
“We urge the Czech Republic and relevant countries to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and respect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and not to provide facilitation for ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces in any form or do things that harm bilateral relations with China,” Mao said.
Source link : https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20241013/p2g/00m/0in/045000c
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Publish date : 2024-10-13 08:40:00
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