Taipei, Taiwan — A cross-party delegation of Czech parliamentarians arrived in Taiwan on Monday for a four-day visit to discuss areas of mutual interest, including cybersecurity, disinformation, and foreign interference. The delegation, which includes senior officials from various Czech political parties, is set to meet with Taiwan’s leadership to explore deeper cooperation between the two nations.
The visit is led by Marek Benda, the chair of the Czech Republic-Taiwan Parliamentary Platform, and a senior member of the Czech Chamber of Deputies. The delegation will meet with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), and Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), along with other government officials. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), discussions will center on expanding Taiwan-Czechia cooperation in various sectors.
A Focus on Cybersecurity, Disinformation, and Foreign Influence
The official meetings between the Czech delegation and Taiwan’s top leaders are expected to cover a wide range of topics, with a particular emphasis on tackling cybersecurity challenges, combating disinformation, and addressing foreign interference. Taiwan, a democratic island nation, has long faced increasing pressure and cyber threats from external actors, particularly from China.
Marek Benda, leading the delegation, has emphasized the importance of international collaboration on these issues. Czech parliamentarians have expressed interest in sharing best practices with Taiwan, given both nations’ experiences in navigating digital security challenges.
Additionally, the delegates are scheduled to visit local think tanks and meet with cybersecurity experts in Taiwan. The discussions will focus on strategies to enhance cyber defense and information security within both countries.
Strengthening Taiwan-Czech Relations
The visit also aims to further strengthen the bilateral ties between Taiwan and Czechia. Over the past few years, Taiwan and the Czech Republic have cultivated increasingly robust relations, particularly in the fields of trade, technology, and democratic cooperation.
Taiwan’s government has been working diligently to foster international partnerships in a bid to counter growing geopolitical challenges, especially as Taiwan faces increasing pressure from China to limit its diplomatic outreach. The Czech Republic has been one of the few European countries to actively engage with Taiwan, underscoring its commitment to supporting Taiwan’s global participation.
Delegation Members and Their Roles
The Czech delegation is composed of prominent members from various political parties, reflecting the cross-party nature of their visit. Alongside Marek Benda, the delegation includes:
- Eva Decroix, Vice Chairwoman of the Civic Democratic Party of Czechia
- Jakub Michálek, Member of the Czech Pirate Party
- Jan Jakob, Representative of the TOP 09 Party
These parliamentarians are set to engage with Taiwanese officials on issues ranging from trade policies to global security concerns, continuing the Czech Republic’s active engagement with Taiwan.
Bilateral Cooperation in Focus
During their meetings with Taiwan’s senior officials, the Czech delegates are expected to explore new avenues for collaboration, focusing on trade, technology, democratic values, and regional security. Taiwan’s foreign policy emphasizes its willingness to forge stronger relationships with democratic nations worldwide, especially amid challenges posed by China and its efforts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically.
This visit marks another step in Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to solidify its international standing despite mounting external pressure. The growing ties with Central and Eastern European countries, including Czechia, reflect Taiwan’s strategic outreach to like-minded nations that share its commitment to freedom, democracy, and human rights.
Table: Key Delegation Members and Their Roles
| Member | Role | Political Party |
|---|---|---|
| Marek Benda | Chair of Czech Republic-Taiwan Parliamentary Platform | Chamber of Deputies (Czech Republic) |
| Eva Decroix | Vice Chairwoman | Civic Democratic Party |
| Jakub Michálek | Member | Czech Pirate Party |
| Jan Jakob | Representative | TOP 09 Party |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the purpose of the Czech parliamentary delegation’s visit to Taiwan?
The delegation’s visit aims to strengthen Taiwan-Czechia relations, discuss areas of cybersecurity, disinformation, and foreign interference, and explore opportunities for trade and technology cooperation between the two nations.
2. Who are the members of the Czech parliamentary delegation visiting Taiwan?
The delegation is led by Marek Benda, chair of the Czech Republic-Taiwan Parliamentary Platform, and includes Eva Decroix (Civic Democratic Party), Jakub Michálek (Czech Pirate Party), and Jan Jakob (TOP 09 Party).
3. What topics will the delegation discuss with Taiwan’s leaders?
The delegation will meet with Taiwan’s leaders to discuss cybersecurity, disinformation, foreign influence, and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, and regional security.
4. Why is Taiwan focused on strengthening ties with countries like Czechia?
Taiwan is working to build stronger relationships with democratic nations worldwide to bolster its international presence and counter pressure from China, which seeks to isolate Taiwan diplomatically.
5. How does Taiwan view its relationship with Czechia?
Taiwan sees Czechia as an important partner in its efforts to promote democracy, human rights, and global cooperation. The two countries have shared interests in cybersecurity, trade, and regional security.
Conclusion: Deepening Taiwan-Czechia Ties for a Secure Future
The visit of the Czech parliamentary delegation to Taiwan represents a significant step in fostering closer ties between the two nations, particularly in cybersecurity, technology, and regional cooperation. As Taiwan continues to navigate the complex geopolitical environment, strengthening its relationships with like-minded democratic countries like Czechia is vital for ensuring its global participation and regional stability. Through these continued exchanges, both countries stand to benefit from shared insights and collaborations that promote mutual security and prosperity.
