Beijing has warned the European Parliament about the issue of Taiwan, stating that it is a red line that should not be crossed. The European Parliament adopted a resolution criticizing China for distorting history and international rules to justify its territorial claims over Taiwan. Lawmakers called on China to cease military operations, economic coercion, and disinformation campaigns against Taiwan. In response, China strongly opposed this breach of the One-China principle and interference in its internal affairs, citing UN Resolution 2758 as the legal basis for its territorial claims over Taiwan. The EU and most of the international community adhere to the One-China policy by only recognizing the People’s Republic of China.
Beijing argues that Resolution 2758 supports its claim over Taiwan despite not explicitly mentioning the country. The resolution led China to block Taiwan’s participation in international bodies like the WHO and ICAO. The European Parliament challenged this interpretation, rejecting the PRC’s distortion of history and calling for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. While lawmakers respect the One-China principle, they believe the Taiwanese people should democratically determine their future. Beijing criticized the Parliament’s position as a blatant provocation against international norms and urged the EU to act prudently on the Taiwan question.
Taiwan’s President William Lai has rejected Beijing’s claims that Taiwan will eventually return to China, stating that the island is de facto independent and will not become subordinate to the mainland. Lai proposed formal dialogue with China based on parity and dignity, but Beijing views him as a dangerous separatist and has ramped up military drills near Taiwan. This is not the first time Brussels has faced Beijing’s anger over Taiwan. In July, after Ursula von der Leyen’s re-election as European Commission president, China warned her against unilaterally changing the status quo, particularly regarding Taiwan, by working with other democratic nations in the region.
China has emphasized the importance of the One-China principle and denounced any challenge to its sovereignty over Taiwan. The European Parliament’s resolution criticizing China’s territorial claims over Taiwan has sparked tension between Beijing and Brussels. While the EU respects the One-China policy, it has expressed support for Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations, challenging Beijing’s interpretation of UN Resolution 2758. Taiwan’s President Lai has rejected Beijing’s claims of reunification, asserting Taiwan’s independence. As tensions escalate, it remains to be seen how the EU will navigate its relations with China and Taiwan while upholding its principles of international law.
