Advertisement
Taiwan
ChinaDiplomacy

Taiwan hopes for ‘robust and close relations’ with Baltic states, Tsai Ing-wen tells visiting lawmakers

  • Taiwanese president also says they ‘share similar experiences of breaking free of authoritarian rule and fighting for freedom’
  • Delegation from Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia are on an eight-day trip to the island and will attend a legislative forum in Taipei

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
1
Tsai Ing-wen addresses the delegation of Baltic lawmakers at the presidential office in Taipei on Monday. Photo: EPA/EFE
Lawrence Chung
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has told a group of visiting Baltic lawmakers that her administration would work to boost Taiwan’s presence in Europe after it opened a de facto embassy in Lithuania.
Advertisement
“We have lately seen exchanges between Taiwan and Lithuania growing increasingly close in many different areas,” Tsai told the 10 members of parliament from Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia at the presidential office on Monday.

She said those exchanges included Lithuania inviting former Taiwanese vice-president Chen Chien-jen to speak at a democracy forum in Vilnius on November 19, and Taiwan sending a trade and investment delegation to Lithuania last month where agreements were signed to cooperate on semiconductors, satellites and biotechnology.

“This month, the Taiwanese Representative Office officially opened,” she said, referring to the de facto embassy. “We expect Lithuania to establish a representative office in Taiwan earlier next year.”

The Baltic lawmakers, including six from Lithuania, arrived in Taiwan on Sunday for the eight-day visit. The delegation is being led by Matas Maldeikis, head of the Lithuanian parliament’s Taiwan Friendship Group, and they will attend a legislative forum in Taipei on Thursday and Friday.

President Tsai Ing-wen greets the group of lawmakers from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Photo: Reuters
President Tsai Ing-wen greets the group of lawmakers from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Photo: Reuters

Taiwan does not have diplomatic relations with Europe, except for the Vatican. Beijing – which sees Taiwan as part of its territory, to be brought under its control by force if necessary – has for years warned European and other nations against having official contacts with the self-ruled island.

Advertisement
Advertisement