2021-10-06
France, Australia to Send Taiwan Delegations
The DPP welcomes the visits of Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and French Senator and Chairman of the France-Taiwan Friendship Group Alain Richard to Taiwan. Regarding these visits, DPP Spokesperson Peifen Hsieh stated DPP sincerely welcomes these good friends of Taiwan. The arrival of the delegations exemplifies Taiwan and its like-minded partners in securing democracy and freedom.
The Spokesperson added that, since Senator Richard undertook the role in 2015, the France-Taiwan Friendship Chair has demonstrated strong support for Taiwan and worked to strengthen Taiwan-France ties. As a result, Senator Richard received numerous verbal threats from Shaye Lu, China’s Ambassador to France, attempting to prevent the Senator’s visit. Despite Chinese interference, the Senator maintained his support for Taiwan and invited the France-Taiwan Friendship Group’s two Vice-Chairpersons, Max Brisson and Else Joseph, to join the delegation. Olivier Cadic (Deputy Chairman of the French Senate’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Armed Forces Committee) and Judith Bout (Secretary of the Friendship Group) also joined the delegation. The DPP appreciates delegation members’ support of Taiwan and their preservation of freedom and democracy.
Regarding the visit of former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Spokesperson Hsieh stated that he is a long-time advocate of Taiwan. Indeed, Former Prime Minister Abbott has called for Taiwan’s inclusion in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The Former Prime Minister has also increased international awareness of Chinese economic intimidation.
Spokesperson Hsieh emphasized that, due to French and Australian experience with Chinese trade coercion, the two delegations will have much to discuss with Taiwan. Taiwan, France, and Australia are partners that share an emphasis on democracy, freedom, and human rights. The DPP hopes the French and Australian delegation visits will enable future dialogue between Taiwan and the two countries. Such exchanges are crucial to strengthening Taiwan’s international alliances.
