Tsai Chi-chang: Taiwan and Sweden are like-minded countries. Grateful to Sweden for continuous support to Taiwan’s international participation.

Accompanied by Legislator Lin Chu-Yin, Deputy Secretary General Kao Ming-chiu, Deputy Director You Chien-hui and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Roy Chun Lee, Vice President Tsai met Swedish parliamentary delegation members, MP Markus Wiechel, MP Sara Gille, MP Nima Gholam Ali Pour and MP Rasmus Giertz at 1:30 p.m. on May 17, 2023.

First of all, on behalf of the Legislative Yuan and President You, Vice President Tsai extended a warm welcome to the delegation and congratulated MP Markus Wiechel for his second new-born baby. He thanked Sweden for its longstanding support for freedom, democracy and peace. In particular, MP Markus Wiechel wrote an article on the Swedish Expressen newspaper to support Taiwan’s democracy and peace. At the same time, he also introduced a statement in the European Council to reinstate Taiwan’s observership in World Health Assembly. In addition, Swedish parliamentarians present or back home support issues related with Taiwan in various ways, including introducing motions, sending written statement or launching interpellations to support Taiwan’s participation in WHO, UNFCCC and ICAO. The people of Taiwan are grateful for these supports. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, he wanted to express his heartfelt gratitude.

Vice President Tsai further pointed out that both Taiwan and Sweden confront same issues in Eurasian region, the expansion of international totalitarianism. This means that countries upholding the values of democracy and freedom need to be untied to deter the encroachment of authoritarianism of global democratic landscape. He stated that the people of Taiwan love peace and do not want to see a war. The people of Taiwan do not provoke but will not fear of confronting challenges. In order to defend Taiwan’s sovereignty and values of freedom and human rights, Taiwan will continue to stand tall in Asia. China’s recent wolf warrior diplomacy and provocative moves in the Taiwan Strait by sending warplanes and warships circumnavigating Taiwan have been very unfriendly. 

Vice President Tsai stressed that provoking Taiwan equals to provoking Indo-Pacific peace, a provocative move to the fact that Taiwan Strate is a high sea and to the values of democracy and freedom. 60% of global semiconductor rely on Taiwan. Taiwan Strait is an important navigation channel for the entire world. Therefore, a Taiwan contingency is a global contingency. China’s continuous provocative moves will endanger the economic stability of the Indo-Pacific region and the world.   

Vice President Tsai stated that Taiwan’s democratization is not the same as others, but he believes that democracy is not a gift but to be hardly earned. It needs the strong will of people to safeguard to exist. Although this is a bumpy road, Taiwan is not alone with the support of the delegation members. He hoped that Taiwan and Sweden will work hand in hand for promoting democracy. Vice President Tsai concluded his remarks by wishing the delegation a successful visit and hoped that he can visit Sweden in the future.  

In his remarks, MP Markus Wiechel expressed his gratitude to Vice President Tsai and the Legislative Yuan for their warm welcome. He was honored to be with everyone to exchange views. This marked his second time to Taiwan and would not be the last. The rest of delegation members paid their first visit to Taiwan and believed that they would like to visit this beautiful island again in the future. The came this time to learn because Taiwan has been very successful in many fields. In addition, they hope to deepen cooperation with like-minded free and democratic countries. MP Markus Wiechel also stated that he and other members are from the second largest political party Sweden Democrats, which is the largest one in Swedish coalition government. Current Swedish coalition government is very friendly to Taiwan. Therefore, Sweden looks forward to strengthening cooperation with Taiwan. They will continue to urge the government and international friends to support Taiwan, including contributing articles or introducing bills to support Taiwan on various occasions.  

Both sides exchanged views on Taiwan’s democratization, bilateral cooperation and exchanges, Taiwan’s election in 2024 and gender equality. The meeting concluded at 14:30 after exchange of gifts and group photos. (E)