On the 7th, Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim delivered a speech at the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China Policy (IPAC) summit held at the European Parliament in Brussels, emphasizing that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are crucial to global stability and economic development.
Hsiao Bi-khim gave her speech titled "Taiwan: A Trustworthy Partner in a Turbulent World." Everything had been kept strictly confidential beforehand; the organizers only informed reporters at the last minute, saying that the next session "would be attended by Taiwan's Vice President and Foreign Minister, with the Vice President addressing the summit." After Hsiao’s speech, IPAC issued a statement calling it a breakthrough speech. This marks the first time an incumbent Taiwanese vice president has appeared at the European Parliament.
In her speech, Hsiao said Taiwan is a diverse society that values open dialogue, responsible government, fair elections, and freedom of religion and speech. She believes that truth is not determined by algorithms or dictators, and that international rules are not a menu to choose from, but are the foundation for peaceful coexistence.
Hsiao said Europe defends freedom under fire, while Taiwan builds democracy under pressure. Taiwan's democracy is not perfect, but it is open and does not suppress criticism.
On national defense, Hsiao mentioned in her speech that given the increasing military and security pressure from mainland China, Taiwan is committed to increasing investment in its defense.
Hsiao described Taiwan as a key global economic player, saying that chips and components made in Taiwan power mobile phones, cars, medical equipment, and defense systems. Taiwan plays an important role in safeguarding peace and maintaining sustained economic development within the world’s interconnected technology supply chains.
She noted that the integrity of the international system and global prosperity depend on a strong and free Taiwan.
China: Serious Violation of the One-China Principle
In response to Hsiao’s speech at the European Parliament, a spokesperson for the Chinese mission to the EU answered reporters’ questions on the morning of the 8th, stating that the European Parliament’s actions severely harm China’s core interests, seriously violate the One-China principle, constitute grave interference in China’s internal affairs, and severely undermine political trust between China and the EU.
When asked by reporters: According to reports, on November 7, the anti-China organization "Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China Policy" (IPAC) held its annual conference at the European Parliament building. Hsiao Bi-khim and other prominent "Taiwan independence" figures attended and gave speeches. What is China’s response?
The spokesperson replied that the anti-China organization "Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China Policy" held its annual meeting at the European Parliament building. Despite China’s strong opposition and solemn representations, the European Parliament allowed Hsiao Bi-khim and other main figures advocating "Taiwan independence" to enter the Parliament and engage in separatist activities. This move severely harms China's core interests, seriously violates the One-China principle, constitutes serious interference in China's internal affairs, and gravely damages mutual political trust between China and the EU. China expresses strong indignation and resolute opposition, and has lodged solemn representations with the European side.