In a significant diplomatic gesture, the first Danish parliamentary delegation has visited Taiwan since the outbreak of COVID-19. The visit, which began on Monday and will run until Thursday, is seen as an important show of international support for Taiwan amidst increasing Chinese military pressure on the island. The delegation, led by former Danish Parliament Speaker Pia Kjærsgaard, emphasizes Denmark’s commitment to Taiwan’s democracy and international standing.
The delegation was welcomed by National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), who highlighted the importance of the visit in light of the escalating tension in the region, with China’s coercive actions targeting Taiwan.
Danish Delegation’s Message of Support
The Danish parliamentary group’s visit is not only a political gesture but also a signal of Denmark’s firm stance on Taiwan’s sovereignty and democracy. Kjærsgaard, who is also the head of the Danish parliament’s Taiwan Friendship Association, expressed her long-standing admiration for Taiwan’s transformation since her first visit in 1987. The group’s arrival comes at a time when Taiwan is under increasing military and diplomatic pressure from China.
Kjærsgaard noted, “Taiwan is standing on the front line of authoritarian expansion, facing daily threats from China, which is why I lead this delegation to show our support.” She praised Taiwan’s robust democracy, human rights record, and technological, energy, and public health innovations.
Supporting Taiwan’s International Participation
One of the key messages from the Danish delegation was the importance of Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, something China has consistently opposed. Kjærsgaard stressed that Taiwan’s contribution to global affairs—particularly in technology, healthcare, and green energy—is crucial to the well-being of the international community. Her statement reflects a growing international recognition of Taiwan’s role in global affairs, despite Beijing’s efforts to isolate the island diplomatically.
“We believe Taiwan’s expertise in various fields, including renewable energy, public health, and technology, is essential for the world. Its inclusion in international organizations would benefit us all,” Kjærsgaard stated.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties with Taiwan
During their visit, the Danish delegation is set to meet with several key Taiwanese officials, including President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Mainland Affairs Council head Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正). The delegation will also attend events hosted by Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) and Deputy Foreign Minister François Wu (吳志中), where discussions are expected to focus on deepening Taiwan-Denmark relations, particularly in trade, economic exchanges, and green energy development.
National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu also emphasized the shared democratic values between Taiwan and Denmark and called for stronger cooperation between the two countries on issues of mutual interest.
Key Facts of the Visit
| Delegation Leader | Pia Kjærsgaard, Former Speaker of the Danish Parliament |
|---|---|
| Purpose of Visit | Strengthen Taiwan-Denmark relations; Support Taiwan’s global participation and sovereignty |
| Dates of Visit | Monday through Thursday |
| Key Meetings | President Lai Ching-te, Mainland Affairs Council chief Chiu Chui-cheng, Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu, Deputy Foreign Minister François Wu |
| Delegation Members | Mikkel Bjørn, Steffen Larsen, Kim Aas, Henrik Thorup |
The visit also comes nearly five years after the last Danish parliamentary visit to Taiwan, which also took place in 2019 and was again led by Kjærsgaard.
Taiwan’s Role on the Global Stage
Taiwan’s growing role in the international community is increasingly recognized by like-minded democracies. The recent visit by Denmark’s parliamentarians underscores this shift, as Taiwan seeks to expand its international partnerships despite Beijing’s persistent diplomatic and military pressure. The Danish delegation’s visit also signals Denmark’s commitment to supporting Taiwan’s sovereignty and standing firm against China’s coercion.
Conclusion: A Symbolic Visit for Taiwan’s International Future
The visit of the Danish parliamentary delegation is a clear signal that Taiwan is not isolated in the face of growing Chinese aggression. With Denmark showing its unwavering support for Taiwan’s sovereignty and democracy, the world is reminded of the importance of standing up for universal values such as human rights, democracy, and self-determination.
Taiwan’s future, in this context, hinges not only on its ability to defend itself but also on fostering deeper diplomatic ties with countries like Denmark, who share the island’s commitment to freedom and democratic principles.
FAQs:
1. Why is the Danish delegation visiting Taiwan now?
The Danish parliamentary delegation is visiting Taiwan as a gesture of support amid rising tensions between Taiwan and China. This marks the first visit from Denmark since the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Who is leading the delegation?
The delegation is led by Pia Kjærsgaard, former Speaker of the Danish Parliament and current head of the Taiwan Friendship Association in Denmark.
3. What are the main objectives of the visit?
The main goals are to strengthen Taiwan-Denmark relations, advocate for Taiwan’s international participation, and support Taiwan’s sovereignty amidst increasing pressure from China.
4. When was the last Danish parliamentary visit to Taiwan?
The last Danish parliamentary visit to Taiwan was in 2019, also led by Pia Kjærsgaard.
5. What is Taiwan’s current international standing?
Despite efforts from China to isolate Taiwan diplomatically, the island nation continues to build international support, particularly among democratic nations that recognize its contributions in areas like technology, renewable energy, and public health.
