Top lawmaker says EU supports Taiwan’s ‘sovereign’ existence

A top European Union lawmaker said Wednesday in a stark warning to Beijing that Taiwan’s future should be decided by its own people and that the EU supports the island’s “sovereign” existence.

Taiwan lives under the constant threat of invasion from China, which has claimed the self-governing democratic island as part of its territory and has vowed to one day conquer it, by force if necessary.

Beijing’s increased saber-rattling has prompted major demonstrations of diplomatic support for Taipei and visits by Western politicians.

Nicola Beer, one of the vice-presidents of the European Parliament, arrived on Tuesday for what Taiwan’s foreign ministry described as “the first official visit” by an MEP of her rank.

In a meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen, Beer expressed Europe’s concern that Beijing is moving with Taipei “in a direction that could unilaterally alter the status quo.”

“This must not happen under any circumstances and without pretext. Only the Taiwanese people can decide Taiwan’s future,” she said.

“Do not doubt Europe’s affirmation in your striving for a democratic, peaceful and sovereign existence.”

Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office said the island’s future should be decided by “all Chinese”.

Beer said Europe would “resist any provocation” and urged China to refrain from “threatening gestures”.

China should play a constructive role in maintaining the status quo “based on neutral and respectful dialogue,” she added.

Beer, a lawyer and member of the Free Democratic Party, said on arriving Tuesday that Europe must support Taiwan’s democracy, citing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s crackdown on Hong Kong.

Russia’s attack on Ukraine has fueled fears in Taiwan and among key Western allies that Beijing under President Xi Jinping could do the same.

Beijing has increased military, diplomatic and economic pressure since Tsai’s election in 2016 as it views the island as a sovereign nation rather than part of Chinese territory.

China often lashes out at visits like Beer’s, with government statements accusing foreign politicians of sending “wrong signals” to pro-independence supporters of Taiwan.