TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Rachid Temal, vice president of the French Senate’s Taiwan Friendship Group, reaffirmed France’s support for Taiwan during talks with DPP officials on Monday.

Temal said France recognizes the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and freedom of navigation. He noted that France’s updated Indo-Pacific Strategy explicitly underscores cross-strait peace and opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo, according to a DPP press release.

He added that as democracies face challenges from China and Russia, it is crucial for Taiwan and France to stand together. Temal said he hopes to deepen cooperation in trade, culture and education, high-tech industries, countering disinformation, and ensuring freedom of navigation in the strait.

DPP Secretary-General Hsu Kuo-yung (徐國勇) said the French Parliament’s long-standing support has been a cornerstone of close ties in recent years, with the Taiwan Friendship Group playing a pivotal role. He called for more ministerial exchanges and parliamentary visits to share experience in countering disinformation and safeguarding democratic values.

DPP lawmaker Chen Kuan-ting (陳冠廷) thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for stressing freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait and called for deeper Taiwan–France cooperation to ensure Indo-Pacific stability. He said broader exchanges would also extend Taiwan’s collaborative vision in Europe.

Temal arrived Sunday for a six-day visit and is leading a delegation to discuss bilateral ties and issues of mutual concern with Taiwanese officials.