Former Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen is set to embark on a visit to the Czech Republic and potentially other European destinations, a move that has sparked disapproval from China. During her two terms in office, Tsai faced continuous criticism from China due to her steadfast refusal to acknowledge Beijing's demands for Taipei to recognize China's sovereignty over Taiwan.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated China's opposition to any visits by Taiwan independence advocates to countries that have diplomatic ties with China. The spokesperson urged the Czech Republic and other relevant nations to respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
While the specific European countries on Tsai's itinerary have not been disclosed, there is speculation that France and Belgium could be among her destinations. Taiwan's sole formal diplomatic ally in Europe is the Vatican City, but it maintains strong unofficial relationships with other major European nations.
Prior to her trip, Tsai held discussions with her successor William Lai, focusing on the importance of Taiwan's continued participation in international organizations from which China has attempted to exclude it. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung emphasized that Tsai's visit aims to share Taiwan's experiences and promote President Lai's pragmatic diplomacy approach, which prioritizes peace, fairness, and democratic ideals. Europe is viewed as a crucial region in advancing this diplomatic agenda.
