Accompanied by Legislators Lin I-Chin, Fan Yun, Wang Wan-yu and Wu Hsin-ying, Deputy Secretary General Kao Ming-chiu, Secretariat Secretary Yang Fang-ling, European Affairs Department Deputy Director General Jared Lin of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vice President Tsai Chi-chang met with the five-member Belgian parliamentary delegation led by Senator Julien Uyttendaele.
Vice President Tsia stated that on behalf of the Legislative Yuan, he first of all wanted to welcome Senator Uyttendaele and distinguished members of the delegation. This was the second time for him to meet with Senator Uyttendaele in Taiwan. The previous meeting was in 2018. Meeting twice can be called old acquaintance. Therefore, it gave him a great pleasure to meet old friend again.
Vice President Tsai pointed out that he was going to visit Brussels, the capital of Belgian and the headquarters of the European Union. Duet to pandemic, his trip was cancelled. He hoped there would be opportunity to visit Belgian in the future. He continued his remarks by saying that President You was visiting the United States and asked him to welcome the delegation with warm hospitality.
Vice President Tsai pointed out that both Taiwan and Belgian share values of democracy, liberty and human rights. Caring and supporting Taiwan is to safeguard global democratic landscape. Therefore, Taiwan is pleased to welcome like-minded friends to Taiwan. It is hoped that democracy, liberty and human rights will continue to have impacts around the corner of the world. Through the solidarity of democratic camp to deter the expansion of totalitarianism and military force.
Vice President Tsai continued to state that since 2020, Belgian Chamber of Representatives, Flemish Parliament. Seante, Parliament of Wallonia adopted resolutions in favor of Taiwan with an overwhelming support to deepen bilateral cooperation and support Taiwan’s participation in World Health Organization, World Health Assembly, International Civil Aviation Organization, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and other international organizations. It is very touching to see the hand of friendship extended by Belgian to Taiwan.
Vice President Tsai further elaborated that recently China did its best to mend its relations with Europe and attempted to divide the cross-Atlantic partnership of Europe and the U.S. and repressed Taiwan’s international existential space. China launched military exercise by sending warplanes and warships surrounding Taiwan with various kinds of excises, interfering our Air Defense Identification Zone and even crossed the media line of Taiwan Straite. According to Financial Times report in March this year, Chinese government sponsored hackers to launch cyber-attacks against Samuel Cogolati, a Belgian MP, who wrote a resolution to warn of “crimes against humanity” against Uyghur Muslims in China. This is the true nature of Chinese authoritarian regime that does not respect for sovereignty, national security and freedom of speech.
Vice President Tsai stated that Taiwan will continue to defend the core values of democracy and freedom in the future. Taiwan is thankful to the world for their efforts to contribute to the stability in the Taiwan Strait and hopes all countries upholding the values of democracy and liberty will continue to support Taiwan to confront the expansion of the authoritarian regimes.
Vice President Tsai pointed out that Taiwan is seeking to have energy transition. Belgian is engaged in the development of Taiwan’s wind power industry. Taiwan’s businesses have actively in global positioning in recent years. He hoped that Belgian will support Taiwan to sign investment agreement with EU, which will be conducive to attracting Taiwan’s investment in Belgian to further promote close economic cooperation and to deepen exchanges in industrial and other aspects.
Vice President Tsai concluded his remarks by thanking members of delegation for their support to Taiwan and wished them a successful visit.
In his remarks, Senator Uyttendaele thanked Vice President Tsai for finding time to meet the delegation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for arranging visiting programs. He stated that the expansion of Chinese authoritarianism, military drills surrounding Taiwan and Hong Kong’s current situation, though in different ways from that of Russia, democracies need to confront these challenges together. He stated that if the people do not have the rights to speak or the freedom of speech is infringed. All of these are not acceptable. All of us yearn for the universal values of liberty and democracy. Although Taiwan and Belgium are distant from each other with different cultures and languages, we share the universal values of liberty, democracy and human rights. They are our common language. He continued to say that regardless of Taiwan or Belgium will defend these universal values and rights with any cost. Taiwan is going to have elections widely recognized by democratic and freedom advocates. Elections are important part of democracies. As a representative of the Belgian people, he will continue to introduce more resolutions in support of Taiwan to further enhance bilateral relations.
Both sides exchanged views on issues related with the legislature committee meetings system, election of committee conveners, the rights of interpellation of legislators, smart mobility, semiconductor, anesnesia, long-term care and energy transition. The meeting concluded at 11:30 a.m. after exchange of gifts and groups photos. The delegation then had a tour to the chamber. (E)
Note: Delegation members
- Senator Julien Uyttendaele
- Senator Philippe Courard
- Member of Parliament of Wallonia René Collin
- Member of Brussels Parliament Emmanuel De Bock
- Member of the Flemish Parliament Joris Nachtergaele
