unimelb-nlp/MultiEup-v2 huggingface dataset:
Debate: EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation
Date: TUESDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Charlie Weimers
Country: Luxembourg
Language: EN

Colleagues, this report is historic. It is the first time that the European Parliament discusses and votes on a comprehensive report that focuses solely on EU—Taiwan relations. The Parliament truly paved the way with this recommendation. While the Commission was formulating its Indo—Pacific strategy, the EP made its voice heard about the great importance it attaches to Taiwan’s inclusion in the EU’s policy towards the region.  Dear High Representative, I would like to stress several points from the report that calls on you, on behalf of the EU, to put into action. Taiwan is a like—minded partner with whom Europe shares many common values. In a region where this is not always a given, in light of Taiwan’s robust democracy and technologically advanced economy, it is crucial that the EU and Taiwan pursue a comprehensive and enhanced partnership that underpins the rules—based order. Therefore, in order to prepare for negotiations to deepen our economic relations, the EU needs urgently to begin an impact assessment, public consultation and scoping exercise on a bilateral investment agreement with the Taiwanese authorities.  The EU must also more strongly condemn China’s continued military belligerence against Taiwan. We must stress the need for freedom of navigation and overflight in the East and South China Sea, as well as the importance of pursuing peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Just a few weeks ago, China sent over 150 warplanes, including fighter jets and nuclear—capable bombers, into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone. Despite China’s empty words seeking a peaceful reunification with Taiwan, such actions signal the contrary. Taiwan’s Defence Minister, Chiu Kuo-cheng, has stated that given the continuous and significant military build—up, China could be capable of mounting a full—scale invasion of Taiwan by 2025.  Dear High Representative, the EU must condemn China’s action in the strongest possible terms and stress that China’s actions against Taiwan will have consequences for EU—China relations. The EU must, despite Chinese pressure, strongly advocate for Taiwan’s meaningful participation as an observer in meetings, mechanisms and activities of international bodies, including the World Health Organization. Let us not forget that while the Chinese Communist Party tried to deceive everyone, it was Taiwan that brought the COVID—19 outbreak in Wuhan, China, to the world’s attention. Dear High Representative, in order to better reflect the broadened scope of our ties with Taiwan we call on you to change the name of the European Economic and Trade Office in Taiwan to the European Union Office in Taiwan. Dear colleagues, on behalf of the ECR, I would like to thank you once again for the excellent cooperation, and I look forward to today’s debate, a debate that will be conducted in the democratic tradition of Europe, despite the Chinese Communist Party’s attempts to stop us from doing so.
Debate: EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation
Date: TUESDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Margrethe Vestager
Language: EN

As reflected in your report, the tensions in the Taiwan Strait have increased. China has stepped up its pressure on Taiwan and its military presence in the Strait. We have seen repeated incursions of Chinese planes across the median line and in Taiwan’s air defence identification zone. These displays of force may have a direct impact on European security and prosperity. We Europeans have an interest in preserving the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. The EU encourages everyone to engage in dialogue and avoid any unilateral actions that may increase tensions around the Strait. This is key for the peace and stability of the region and for the EU’s interests. We will continue voicing our concerns, in our contact with China and publicly, and step up coordination with like—minded partners such as the G7.  As the report says, the EU has an interest in enhancing relations and cooperation with Taiwan within the framework of its One—China policy. Taiwan is a like—minded partner, and the EU will continue supporting its system of governance, based on democracy, the rule of law and human rights, its open society and market economy. The EU will also continue strengthening people—to—people relations. In recent years, exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan have intensified. Today, they cover a broad range of areas also identified in your report  The EU is realist and pragmatic. We want to further engage in respect of the EU’s One-China policy. The EU Indo—Pacific strategy is offering an excellent platform to broaden cooperation. Trade and investment relationships with this important partner and technological leader will be deepened. The EU takes note of the European Parliament’s views on how this could be pursued. We want to build upon the strong economic links that already exist and to further develop existing dialogues, such as the industrial policy dialogue or the digital dialogue on economy.  The European Union is currently assessing how to engage more closely to address new challenges, focusing on supply chain vulnerabilities and critical value chains, and wants to cooperate on strategic sectors like semiconductors, the ‘new oil’, as I think many call it, indispensable for the European industrial development and digital transition. We hope to see Taiwan as an important partner to achieve the goals of the European Chips Act. While enhancing ties with Taiwan, the EU also has to address China’s assertiveness and attempts to intimidate Taiwan’s like—minded partners. As pointed out in the report, Lithuania and all Member States find themselves coerced for taking decisions that China finds offensive. Well, they need support and they need our solidarity. The European Union will continue to push back these attempts and adopt appropriate tools, such as the anti—coercion instrument currently under preparation. I appreciate this debate. I appreciate your recommendations. They reflect our common interest in seeking closer cooperation with Taiwan, where our values and our interests converge.
Debate: EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation
Date: TUESDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Michael Gahler
Political group: PPE
Country: Spain
Language: EN

There is an island off the coast of mainland China that organises a Chinese society in a democratic and prosperous way and is therefore, as such, a provocation for the Communist one-party state.  I welcome this first report on the EU-Taiwan relations in which we explore the potential of extending and deepening relations with this island. We are not crossing red lines. To the contrary, we want to preserve the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and demand that no unilateral steps be taken and certainly no violent steps from mainland China. In return, we should not unilaterally change the status by recognising Taiwan diplomatically, but an acronym EBFDR, everything but formal diplomatic recognition, should encompass a bilateral investment agreement. We should, for instance, have an interest to secure the supply of semiconductors from Taiwan and facilitate Taiwanese investment in this field in the EU. So I ask the Commission to push the Member States in this regard and be it with the argument that we have all reason to apply it with the democratic part of the Chinese society, when we have already concluded it with the dictator part. It is also in our interest to see Taiwan as an observer in relevant international organisations such as the World Health Organization, or the International Civil Aviation Organization, and it is good to see that Taiwan is a stable factor when we look at our Indo-Pacific strategy. We can also learn a lot from how Taiwan has built up resilience against Chinese cyber war activities and in that regard I welcome the visit of our INGE Committee next week in Taiwan.
Debate: EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation
Date: TUESDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Sven Mikser
Political group: S-D
Country: Hungary
Language: EN

Taiwan is an economically and technologically advanced democracy and as such it is for us a like—minded and valuable partner in a strategically important region. Therefore, I believe it’s important to look for concrete ways to enhance our trade and economic relations, our cultural and youth exchange, industrial and technological cooperation, as well as intensify overall bilateral relations under the guidance of the One China policy.  Secondly, I agree fully with Commissioner Vestager in that any further escalation of tensions in the Taiwan Strait is bound to have deep negative effects on both regional and global security, as well as trade and the economy. In this regard, China’s increasingly aggressive rhetoric and military posturing are of considerable concern. This means that we must stay alert and be very clear in our condemnation of such escalatory steps.  Finally, I believe it’s imperative that we express full solidarity with Lithuania, our fellow EU Member State that has been targeted by Chinese sanctions over the issue of setting up a Taiwanese representative office. We should urge the Vice President / High Representative and the Council to take all appropriate steps.
Debate: EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation
Date: TUESDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Katalin Cseh
Political group: Renew
Country: Sweden
Language: EN

They’re all looking at us for solutions. We must deliver and we must deliver fast. There is absolutely no time to wait until the US comes up with a strategy. Europe must lead a global coalition to ensure Taiwan’s representation in multilateral organisations while calling on China to immediately end the military show of force in the Taiwan Strait. You might think that this issue is too far away, but Beijing’s increasing aggression is very much our business, and China knows this very much. This is why they cultivate Trojan horses like the Orbán government. Orbán’s decision to veto an EU statement criticising China’s crackdown on pro—democracy protesters in Hong Kong was not a one off. But we can also turn their weapons against them. So, let’s use this as motivation to call for the abolishment of unanimous voting on foreign policy decisions in the Council. Because let’s not forget, China is our strategic rival. If Taiwan is destabilised, we risk losing one of our closest allies in the region and if we are to improve our geopolitical might, this is just about the biggest mistake we can make.
Debate: EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation
Date: TUESDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Reinhard Bütikofer
Political group: Verts/ALE
Country: Italy
Language: EN

Taiwan, a vibrant democracy and a society with many progressive achievements, needs and merits our strategic solidarity. The Weimers report which we’re discussing here spells that out. It also formulates perspectives for wide—ranging cooperation as partners which is very much in our own interest.  Our message to the people of Taiwan is clear: we will stand with you. Our message to Beijing is: reconsider your policy. Historical patience will be better for China than any other hypothetical alternative.  Our message to our European citizens, not only in Lithuania, is let’s stay united on China policy. I thank Charlie Weimers for his report and all the colleagues for their good cooperation, and I thank Vice—President Vestager for her remarks too.
Debate: EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation
Date: TUESDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Anna Fotyga
Political group: ECR
Country: Denmark
Language: EN

I would like to express the hope that the Commission is going to take on board the important recommendations the rapporteur was able to prepare. I also hope that, despite mounting pressure, so well described during this debate, from the side of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the air and in the waters of the Taiwan Strait, the community of Taiwan, the people of Taiwan, are able to develop a vibrant democracy and a very innovative economy. This enhanced relationship is going to benefit all of us.
Debate: EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation
Date: TUESDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Emmanuel Maurel
Political group: The Left
Country: Greece
Language: FR

Je suis d’accord sur l’essentiel du rapport, notamment sur les liens démocratiques, institutionnels, culturels et sur l’approfondissement de nos liens avec Taïwan. Je pense qu’il est bien que l’île participe à des organisations internationales en tant qu’observateur, mais en revanche, en matière économique et commerciale, j’ai des doutes, notamment sur un hypothétique accord d’investissement. Je pense que la situation ne le permet pas. Et puis surtout, le vrai défi, c’est la restauration de la souveraineté industrielle. C’est de ça qu’on doit parler aujourd’hui, notamment sur l’histoire des microprocesseurs. C’est en développant sa propre voie que l’Union européenne parviendra à construire, avec Taïwan et d’autres acteurs régionaux, des partenariats stratégiques durables.
Debate: EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation
Date: TUESDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Fabio Massimo Castaldo
Political group: NI
Country: France
Language: IT

Signor Presidente, signora Commissaria, onorevoli colleghi, accrescere le relazioni politiche, economiche e commerciali con Taiwan rappresenta oggi una priorità strategica per la nostra Unione, nonché un passaggio chiave per ergerci al ruolo di attore di primo piano sullo scacchiere globale, attraverso solidi accordi e legami con i partner che condividono i nostri principi e valori. Vorrei insistere proprio su questo punto. Taiwan, infatti, rappresenta un baluardo di democrazia e di libertà nell'area indo-pacifica, una regione nella quale le spinte autoritarie e gli impeti aggressivi si stanno facendo sempre più forti ed evidenti, non solo a livello dialettico, ma anche tramite il ricorso a crescenti esercitazioni militari e interferenze dirette nella vita politica dei singoli paesi. Pertanto, ritengo essenziale che il nostro Parlamento e l'intera Unione attivino fin d'ora tutti i canali politici e diplomatici di cui dispongono affinché qualsiasi negoziato tra Taiwan e gli altri attori regionali possa essere condotto in maniera pacifica, evitando la prepotenza della minaccia del ricorso alle armi. Allo stesso modo, l'UE deve adoperarsi affinché Taipei possa finalmente essere ammessa in tutti i forum multilaterali, in particolare nell'OMS, spingendo affinché gli anacronistici e ingiustificabili veti politici che si frappongono all'inclusione possano essere superati. Ci ricorda Confucio che il saggio preferisce essere lento a parlare ma pronto ad agire; un consiglio che dovremmo assolutamente fare nostro e valutare come molto prezioso.
Debate: EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation
Date: TUESDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Rasa Juknevičienė
Political group: PPE
Country: Germany
Language: EN

Mr President, this report is a very special event. The first European Parliament report devoted exclusively to Taiwan. I commend the rapporteurs on that. The example of Taiwan shows that the Chinese nation can live in a democracy. Live very successfully, prosperously, and not aggressively. As the report points out, Taiwan is a healthy democracy and technologically advanced economy.  There is a direct connection between European prosperity and Asian security. And Taiwan could contribute to maintaining a rules-based order in the region. The EU and Member States should take a proactive role in establishing partnerships with the democratic government of Taiwan. The government of my country has taken a brave step to set up a Taiwanese representative office in Lithuania.  I commend the report’s draft text expressing support and solidarity with Lithuania, and I urge other Member States to follow Lithuania’s example and strengthen ties with Taiwan.
Debate: EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation
Date: TUESDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Evelyne Gebhardt
Political group: S-D
Language: DE

Herr Präsident, Frau Kommissarin! Das sind die Dinge, die passieren, wenn man die Sprache des Vorsitzenden nicht versteht. Aber ich denke, das ist nicht so schlimm. Menschenrechte, Bürgerrechte, Demokratie, das sind die Werte, die uns ausmachen, die für unser Zusammenleben in unserer Gesellschaft, in der Europäischen Union auch tatsächlich als Grundlage da sind. Ja, das sind die Werte, mit denen wir in Taiwan gemeinsame Partnerschaft gestalten können. Das sind die Werte, mit denen wir auch in dieser Region dafür sorgen können, dass Freiheit auch eine Möglichkeit für die Zukunft ist, auch in einer Region, in der das keine gewohnte Geschichte ist. Ja, wir müssen uns Sorgen machen – sehr große Sorgen machen – angesichts der aggressiven Art und Weise, wie in letzter Zeit die chinesische Regierung in dieser Region auftritt. Wir müssen mit allen Mitteln, die uns zur Verfügung stehen, Frau Kommissarin, auf diplomatischem Wege dafür sorgen, dass in dieser Region Frieden, Freiheit, Demokratie herrschen und wir dazu beitragen können, dass in Taiwan die Bürger und Bürgerinnen wirklich auch weiterhin in Freiheit leben können.
Debate: EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation
Date: TUESDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Petras Auštrevičius
Political group: Renew
Country: Lithuania
Language: EN

Mr President, the political ambitions and growing global assertiveness of communist China pose an increasing challenge and strategic threat to Taiwan’s democratic future and wellbeing of Taiwanese. A notion of peaceful coexistence has been replaced by political intimidation, military pressure and hybrid provocations.  We rightly commend Taiwan as a trusted partner in promoting human rights and freedoms, as a shining regional example and appreciate its cooperation in tackling global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Our mutual membership in the world community of democracies requires further common actions in extending EU and Taiwan relations in various fields. I call on and encourage the EU institutions to make a timely decision to rename the EU representation in Taiwan as the European Union Office in Taiwan. Let us use this chance and expand our support to the island of democracy.
Debate: EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation
Date: TUESDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Markéta Gregorová
Political group: Verts/ALE
Country: France
Language: CS

Pane předsedající, tchaj-wan je úspěšnou demokracií. Proto si zaslouží naši pozornost, naši ekonomickou a politickou podporu a ze všeho nejvíc naše závazky. Příliš dlouho se spoléháme, že Tchaj-wan ochrání před čínskou expanzí tzv. křemíkový štít. Kroky Komunistické strany Číny, ať už jsou to hybridní útoky nebo třeba narušování vzdušného prostoru, ale mluví jasně. Tento štít nebude stát věčně. Naše partnerství nemusí stát jenom na čipech, máme si vzájemně hodně co nabídnout a stavět společně štít nový – štít z lidských vazeb, které nikdo nepřetrhá. Nový štít musíme stavět z dialogů a hlavně setkání. Nesmíme se od nich nechat odstrašit, jako se o to pokoušeli v mé rodné zemi. Je naší povinností nabídnout právě nyní Tchaj-wanu užší obchodní i kulturní spolupráci. Totalitní režimy a autoritáři si musí zapamatovat, že útok na jednu demokracii je útokem na všechny demokracie.
Debate: EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation
Date: TUESDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Anna Bonfrisco
Political group: ID
Country: Belgium
Language: IT

Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, la Repubblica di Cina, Taiwan, è un partner affidabile e i taiwanesi sono forgiati dalla democrazia, dalle libertà e da una mentalità aperta che abbraccia l'innovazione. Con il nostro voto oggi riconosciamo che negli ultimi vent'anni Taiwan ha rafforzato le istituzioni democratiche, i diritti sociali e politici e le libertà individuali e siamo al fianco di Taiwan, che vuole rimanere libero, sovrano e indipendente, coltivando una diplomazia di pace proattiva, soprattutto verso la Cina, anche quando questo Stato militarista e autoritario mostra solo di voler intimidire.  Taiwan rinnega ogni forma di coercizione ed è un modello esemplare per altri paesi dell'Asia e dell'Indo-Pacifico. Pertanto, ogni forma di collaborazione, dalla cultura ai semiconduttori, dalla sicurezza all'economia, dalla salute alle catene di valore e di approvvigionamento è un chiaro interesse strategico reciproco: collaborare per il progresso umano. Siamo uniti nella difesa del progresso umano e della sua libertà e dobbiamo difendere Taiwan, perché Taiwan possa continuare a vivere in questo modo. La Commissione, gli Stati membri dell'Unione europea avvertano la Cina: noi difenderemo Taiwan.
Debate: EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation
Date: TUESDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Assita Kanko
Political group: ECR
Country: France
Language: NL

Voorzitter, het is duidelijk dat de Chinese eis van hereniging met Taiwan niet enkel de voltooiing van het Chinese project betreft, maar dat het ook gaat om het behalen van de geopolitieke dominantie in de Indo-Pacifische regio. In deze optiek uit het verslag-Weimers terecht ernstige bezorgdheid over de aanhoudende militaire strijdlustigheid van China tegenover Taiwan, en beveelt het de EU en de lidstaten aan een proactieve rol te spelen in de samenwerking met gelijkgestemde internationale partners om vrede en stabiliteit in de Straat van Taiwan na te streven en partnerschappen aan te gaan met de regering van Taiwan.  Het verslag beklemtoont dat er een rechtstreeks verband bestaat tussen Europese voorspoed en Aziatische veiligheid. Wij moeten ons dan ook sterk kanten tegen alle unilaterale pogingen om de status quo te veranderen en de spanningen op te voeren. Een militair conflict in de Straat van Taiwan zou een aanzienlijke economische ontwrichting met ook gevolgen voor onze Europese contreien meebrengen en de op regels gebaseerde internationale orde ernstig ondermijnen. Het autoritarisme mag er niet de overhand krijgen op de democratie.
Debate: EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation
Date: TUESDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Antoni Comín i Oliveres
Political group: NI
Country: Romania
Language: ES

Señor presidente, señora comisaria, el autoritarismo del régimen de Beijing desafía nuestro concepto de democracia. Lo estamos diciendo todos. Sus minorías (los uigures, los tibetanos, los ciudadanos de Hong Kong y también los demócratas que desde el régimen chino luchan por un país mejor) sufren una vulneración sistemática de sus derechos fundamentales. Europa debe abandonar la política «de una sola China» o, mejor dicho, debe reconocer que China y Taiwán son, a todos los efectos, dos países distintos, y tratarlos como tales. Así se ha expresado en las urnas el pueblo de Taiwán de forma repetida, y, por tanto, tenemos que respetarlo desde las instituciones europeas. Desde Cataluña, Taiwán tiene todo nuestro apoyo y ojalá en los próximos meses volvamos a votar en esta Cámara sobre Taiwán, pero esta vez sobre un tratado de inversión que refuerce las relaciones entre Europa y Taiwán. Europa debe priorizar las alianzas con otras democracias. Si Europa quiere ser una potencia global, debe hacer apuestas geopolíticas que refuercen los sistemas democráticos con derechos civiles, políticos, laborales, ambientales, etcétera. Ojalá esta Resolución sea un hito hacia unas relaciones mucho más estrechas entre Taiwán y la Unión Europea.