Chinese President Xi Jinping’s (習近平) first visit to Europe since 2019 was made amid concerns over China’s support of Russian aggression against Ukraine and trade imbalances. Xi’s recent visits to France, Serbia, and Hungary have raised questions over what the implications will be for Taiwan's relations with the European Union (EU). Taiwan Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang (田中光) addressed these concerns during a meeting at the Legislature on Monday.
When Legislator Loh Mei-ling (羅美玲) asked whether China's actions would affect the friendly status of Taiwan-EU relations, Tien responded saying that European states tend to distinguish economic and trade issues from security issues, treating them separately. Tien used France as an example, pointing out that despite this year being the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and China, the French government continues to emphasize the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also pressed Xi on the inexpensive Chinese electric vehicles flooding the market during their meeting.
Although China has close relations with Serbia and Hungary, Tien gave reassurances that Taiwan can balance this out by reinforcing partnerships with like-minded EU nations.