"We consider Taiwan as a partner for stability in this region," said Senator Cyril Pellevat on Thursday, September 8, at the head of the largest European delegation to visit the island since the Chinese military maneuvers in August. .

Cyril Pellevat also stressed during a press briefing that France had "stakes in this territory and we consider Taiwan as a partner for stability in this region".

Surrounded by the four other French senators of this delegation which arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday for a six-day visit, he declared that he had not been the subject of any intimidation on the part of China.

Eight representatives of the American Congress are also since Tuesday on the island, and must leave Thursday.

French parliamentarians have arrived in #Taiwan, constituting the largest European delegation to visit the island since the major Chinese military maneuvers in August around the island #AFP pic.twitter.com/CfT4g9Qhoe

– Agence France-Presse (@afpfr) September 7, 2022

Constant threat

Taiwan lives under the constant threat of an invasion from Beijing, which considers the island as part of its territory to be reconquered one day, if necessary by force.

Beijing rebels against any diplomatic action likely to confer legitimacy on Taiwan and is increasingly irritated by any visit by Western officials and elected politicians.

This was the fourth visit by French elected officials in a year.

In early August, Beijing embarked on a show of force in retaliation for US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.

China sent warships, missiles and fighter jets to Taiwan's waters and skies for a week.

These exercises were the largest and most aggressive since the mid-1990s.

"To attack #Taiwan 🇹🇼 is to attack all democracies."



A delegation of French senators arrived this Wednesday in #Taipei.

Among them, @OlivierCadic, senator for French people living outside France.

He answers questions from @AllainElisabet1 ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/POqVW54WqS

— FRANCE 24 French (@France24_fr) September 7, 2022

Taiwan allies

Nancy Pelosi, very critical of Beijing, was the highest elected American to visit Taiwan in 25 years.

Multiple American delegations visited the island after his visit.

In recent years, many European countries have also shown greater support for Taipei and elected officials visit the island regularly.

Like most nations, the United States and France officially recognize Beijing at the expense of Taipei, but they both remain key allies of Taiwan and maintain de facto diplomatic ties with the island.

Official Washington policy opposes both Taiwan's declaration of independence and China's forcible modification of the island's status.

With AFP

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