Taiwan and the European Union share common values such as freedom and democracy, but face similar threats from “external infiltration“. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te warned this during a meeting with visiting European lawmakers, Reuters reports, BTA reports.
Taiwan views the EU as one of its most important democratic partners with similar thinking, although there are no formal diplomatic relations between the two countries. The European Union faces a delicate balance between supporting Taiwan without straining its relations with Beijing, which insists the island is part of Chinese territory.
Meanwhile, China announced that it would host a summit with the EU in Beijing this week to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The forum is also expected to discuss ongoing trade disputes, amid global economic uncertainty.
Meeting at the presidential office in Taipei with representatives of the European Parliament's Special Committee on the European Shield of Democracy, Lai stressed that Taiwan and the EU not only have close economic cooperation, but also share the values of pluralism and human rights.
“In recent years, both countries have faced information interference and external influence aimed at manipulating elections, creating public tension and undermining trust in democratic institutions,“ he said.
Taiwan rejects China's claims to sovereignty and has repeatedly accused Beijing of interfering in its political life, spreading disinformation and undermining public trust. China, for its part, denies the accusations and claims that the Taiwanese government is seeking international support to push a “separatist agenda“.
Similar concerns are shared by a number of European countries, which accuse Russia of trying to destabilize the EU and undermine trust in governments through information attacks - something Moscow also denies.
President Lai stressed that democracies are not fighting against anyone, but to protect their precious way of life. “Taiwan, as a country on the front line in the defense of democracy, is determined to work to preserve peace and freedom in the world and is willing to share its experience with Europe,“ he added.