A delegation from the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday. The Foreign Ministry says the delegation of 12 European lawmakers will expand cooperation between Taiwan and Europe. The alliance is an international organization consisting of lawmakers from 29 countries looking to change how democratic countries approach China.
During its four day stay, the delegation will visit Taiwan’s parliament, various ministries, and the European trade office in Taipei. The aim of the meetings will be to promote Taiwan-Europe cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, supply chain security and the hi-tech industry.
The group will also meet with major leaders like President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌), and Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮).
The delegation is led by European Parliament member and alliance co-chair Reinhard Bütikofer. Bütikofer was sanctioned by China last year over his criticism of Beijing’s human rights abuses in Xinjiang.
The alliance has voiced its support for Taiwan to be included in international organizations. In September it condemned China’s increased military activity surrounding Taiwan following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit.