Taiwan underlines its readiness to strengthen relations with Ukraine, including by opening a representative office, but avoids providing military aid due to the "too sensitive" nature of the matter. This was stated by the Deputy Foreign Minister of Taiwan, Francois Wu, during the visit to Berlin, quoted by "Reuters" and News.bg.
Humanitarian support and sanctions against Russia
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Moral and financial support: Taiwan has provided millions of dollars in humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees and joined Western sanctions against Russia.
- Lack of direct contact: Although Taiwanese officials have established direct communication with Ukrainian local leaders, direct relations between the governments of the two countries remain unfulfilled.
Reasons for caution
According to Wu, Ukraine is careful in its relations with Taiwan so as not to provoke a reaction from China. Taiwan sees a parallel between its own situation with the threat from China and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- China's influence: Beijing cooperates with Moscow and maintains a neutral position in the conflict, which increases the risk of further escalation.
- Diplomatic Restrictions: China regularly condemns interactions between Taiwan and other countries. Taiwan has official diplomatic relations only with the Vatican in Europe, and there are no mutual representations in Ukraine and Taipei.
Possibilities for future relationships
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Taiwan is open to establishing a representative office in Ukraine, but for now this remains in the realm of long-term plans.
- Vu emphasized that his country is strengthening cooperation through Ukraine's neighbors and providing humanitarian support.
- Military aid remains off the table, with Taiwan's defense minister saying the US should decide the fate of Taiwan's aging HAWK anti-aircraft missiles without Taiwan's involvement.
Taiwan has shown solidarity with Ukraine through humanitarian aid and political support, but has avoided actions that could exacerbate tensions with China. The prospects for closer cooperation depend on the development of the geopolitical situation and Ukraine's readiness to deepen its ties with Taiwan.