2023-04-24 03:35:32
The support of the head of diplomacy of the European Union in Taipei is once again very clear. In a column published Sunday in the JDDJosep Borrell calls on the Marines of member countries to patrol the Taiwan Strait.
Europe must be “very present on this dossier which concerns us economically, commercially and technologically”, he writes. “That’s why I call on European Marines to patrol the Taiwan Strait to signify Europe’s commitment to freedom of navigation in this absolutely crucial area.”
Taiwan is part of “our strategic perimeter”
“Taiwan is crucial for Europe,” Josep Borrell had already declared on Tuesday at the opening of a debate in the European Parliament in Strasbourg devoted to China. “It is the most strategic strait in the world, particularly in terms of trade: we must be present there through freedom of navigation operations”. “Taiwan is resolutely part of our strategic perimeter to guarantee peace, to defend our interests”, pleaded the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
These remarks come especially two weeks after controversial statements by Emmanuel Macron at the end of a visit to China refusing “a block to block logic” on the question of Taiwan and urging Europe not to “be a follower”. from the United States or China. Two days after this visit, a French surveillance frigate coming from Vietnam and en route to South Korea had passed through the Taiwan Strait. This passage “in international waters, in accordance with the freedom of navigation”, was part of a long-planned mission, according to the staff of the French army.
#Josep #Borrell #calls #European #navies #patrol #Taiwan #Strait