Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, Lin Chia-lung, recently made an unannounced visit to Brussels to meet with members of the European Parliament. This visit is part of Taiwan’s efforts to strengthen ties with European countries amidst increasing pressure from China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory.
Initially, Lin was scheduled to visit Lithuania with a delegation of representatives from 20 Taiwanese drone companies. Rasa Jukneviciene, a member of the European Parliament, confirmed on social media that she met with Lin and Taiwan’s former de facto ambassador to Lithuania, Eric Huang, at the European Parliament. Lin expressed his gratitude to Jukneviciene for her support and emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations with Lithuania.
The Taiwanese foreign ministry stated that Lin’s visit to the European Union/Belgium was aimed at meeting with friends in the European Parliament and fostering communication with European allies. While most countries recognize Beijing over Taipei, they maintain trade and unofficial relations with Taiwan.
China has been vocal about its opposition to any international support for Taiwan, as it considers the island part of its territory. In response to overseas visits by top Taiwanese officials, China has conducted military exercises to demonstrate its displeasure. Lithuania faced backlash from China for allowing Taiwan to open a representative office in Vilnius under its own name in 2021.
Despite the challenges, Taiwan continues to seek support from the international community and strengthen its relationships with key allies. Lin’s visit to the European Parliament signifies Taiwan’s commitment to expanding its diplomatic network and countering China’s influence on the global stage. As Taiwan navigates a complex geopolitical landscape, maintaining strong ties with European partners is crucial for its security and prosperity.