The Foreign Ministry on Thursday, July 9, expressed its welcome and gratitude for the European Parliament’s continued concrete expressions of support for Taiwan. The body recently passed a policy recommendation for various EU bodies and representatives on the changing geopolitical situation in East Asia and the need for closer cooperation with like-minded partners in the region.

The document was passed in a single reading on July 7, with over 80% of European Parliament lawmakers in support. It states that Taiwan is a reliable and crucial democratic partner for the EU in the East Asia region, and that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea are not only of major strategic importance to the EU, but also have significant implications for global security and prosperity.

The document also supports Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and technical forums, respects freedom of navigation and overflight in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, and encourages the European Parliament and Taiwan’s Legislature to continue engaging in parliamentary diplomacy.