TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday thanked Belgium's Flemish Parliament for criticizing China's military maneuvers and urging deeper economic ties with Taiwan.
On Wednesday, it passed a resolution titled “Strengthening Economic Cooperation with Taiwan” by 107 votes in favor, 0 against, and 8 abstentions. The resolution expressed concern that the “ongoing military provocations by the People’s Republic of China pose a serious threat to the status quo and could, perhaps even unintentionally, lead to a dangerous escalation with grave consequences for global stability and peace, including in Europe.”
The resolution condemned China's military exercises in the Taiwan Strait since Aug. 2, 2022. It warned that these drills have “reached an unprecedented intensity that threatens to undermine regional stability.”
The parliament said the instability in the region will have an economic impact on global supply chains. It then called on the European Commission to strengthen its partnership with Taiwan, particularly in economics.
It urged the Flemish Government to encourage a dialogue between Taiwan and China to restore mutual trust and prevent unilateral actions from jeopardizing peace. It advised strengthening and deepening cooperation with Taiwan by signing new memoranda of understanding.
The legislature stressed the importance of a bilateral investment protection agreement and resilient supply chains between the EU, Taiwan, and the broader region. It called for strengthening the EU's economic and diplomatic presence throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
The lawmakers also urged concrete diplomatic efforts with European partners for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations such as the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. They said these bodies address cross-border challenges and are indispensable for global cooperation.
MOFA said Belgium's constitutional system enables its three regional governments to individually conclude agreements and promote bilateral foreign relations, with their laws holding the same legal force as federal-level legislation. Taiwan and Flanders held their first cooperation consultation meeting in 2023, engaging in exchanges in education, technology, public health, business and investment, employment and vocational training, and sustainable energy.
The ministry noted this marks the second time the Flemish Parliament has demonstrated its support for Taiwan, following its first Taiwan-friendly resolution in March 2021.
The ministry said it looks forward to Taiwan and Flanders continuing to deepen and broaden their relationship on the existing strong foundation and jointly upholding the rules-based international order.
