Swiss politicians gathered for a meeting with the president of Taiwan on Monday and announced that their government aims to strengthen political ties with the self-ruled island nation. This move aligns with other foreign political figures who are expressing their support for Taiwan despite the intimidation from China. Beijing has taken offense to visits from politicians, such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who are from the U.S. as they view Taiwan as part of their own territory. In response, China’s President Xi Jinping’s government has conducted military drills near the island and launched missiles into the sea.
During a meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen, Swiss legislator Fabian Molina instructed the Swiss government to investigate ways to enhance the current relationship between Switzerland and Taiwan in regards to business, politics, science, and culture.
Taiwan and China separated in 1949 after a civil war, resulting in Taiwan not being a part of the People’s Republic of China. However, the Communist Party of China believes that it is necessary to reunite with Taiwan, even if it means using force. The Beijing government claims that Tsai’s government, elected through democratic means, does not have the authority to engage in international diplomacy.
Switzerland, similar to other European nations excluding Vatican City, has established official connections with Beijing rather than Taiwan. However, the country maintains strong commercial and informal relationships with Taiwan, which is a hub for high-tech industries and significant trade.
“It is absolutely essential that the existing differences and tensions between Taiwan and the PRC are resolved peacefully and through dialog,” said Molina, a member of Switzerland’s Social Democratic Party. “Anything less would be unacceptable.”
The elected government of Taiwan has received support from legislators from various countries, including Britain, who have visited the island nation. In August, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, became the most senior American official to visit Taiwan in the past 25 years. However, the Chinese Embassy in Switzerland advised the legislators to avoid having any “official contact” with Taiwan prior to their trip, as reported by Swiss news outlets.
The Swiss group consisted of politicians Nicolas Walder, Yves Nidegger, Mustafa Atici, and Leonore Porchet. During their visit, Tsai emphasized the similarities between Taiwan and Switzerland, highlighting their shared values of freedom and democracy.
The president expressed her gratitude towards the legislators for their unwavering support towards Taiwan. She stated that Taiwan plays a crucial role in protecting democracy and called for further collaboration and partnership with democratic nations to safeguard their way of life against the growing threat of authoritarianism.
(Inputs from AP)
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