IN FOCUS
By Vaishnavi Iyer
EU-Taiwan bilateral relations intensify amid Chinese condemnation
The EU initiated its attempt to create a “common strategic culture” against the bipolarity between China and the U.S and the multipolar international system. On 21 October, in a landslide vote, the European Parliament adopted a report calling for closer relations with Taiwan. The Parliament in Strasbourg in a majority of 580 to 26 votes supported the non-binding resolution requesting an urgent “impact assessment, public consultation and scoping exercise on a bilateral investment agreement". The lawmakers urged for the bloc’s trade office to be renamed “European Union office in Taiwan” in Taipei opposed to the previous “European Economic and Trade Office in Taiwan” to mark a broader scope for their bilateral ties. Following the listing of Taiwan as a trade partner in 2015, there was an indication of an upgraded mission to Taiwan. The members of parliament (MEPs) called for cooperation on semiconductor supplies. The MEPs also expressed “grave concern” over China’s “military belligerence, pressure, assault exercises, airspace violations and disinformation campaigns against Taiwan”. Rapporteur Charlie Weimers said : “The European Parliament's first report on EU-Taiwan relations demonstrates that the EU is ready to upgrade its relationship with our key partner Taiwan”. He suggested the bloc intensify its trade relations with Taiwan within this year.
How did Taiwan and China respond?
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Wenbin expressed condemnation. He stated: “The EU parliament should immediately stop words and actions that undermine China's sovereignty and territorial integrity”. Earlier this month, China criticized the French senator Alain Richard for calling Taiwan a ‘country’. China was “dissatisfied” over Czech Republic and Slovakia hosting Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and urged European countries to not “undermine the political foundation of the bi lateral relations,”.
Taiwanese officials expressed gratitude saying the resolution sets a “new milestone” for its relations with the bloc.
What is the background?
First, the meeting occurred at a critical geopolitical juncture. With both countries issuing sanctions in March, EU-China relations took a nosedive after the collapse of a long-negotiated investment plan in May. With Merkel stepping down, China loses an important and influential partner. The summit was held a day prior to the EU and the US announcing their collaboration on the Trade and Technology Council (TTC). The TTC is revered as an instrument to counter China. The statement by a EU diplomat Josep Borrell in September defended EU’s plans of expanding ties with Taiwan without any recognition of statehood”. The statement was issued amidst strained ties between China and Lithuania over Lithuania’s decision to authorize a “Taiwanese Representative Office'' in Vilnius. Prior to voting on the agreement, the Chinese ambassador lobbied the parliament. The ambassador hoped the president would leverage their role to enable the parliament to respect the seriousness and the sensitivity of the Taiwan issue, to promote a stronger constructive role in building the political foundations of EU-China relations. The report raises larger concerns for China amidst the new AUKUS cooperation.
Second, amid a global chip shortage, the agreement is advantageous to Taiwan and the EU. As a tech powerhouse, Taiwan has been an attractive trade partner for the bloc. However, military tensions and provocations have significantly increased between China and Taiwan. Taiwan predicts that China can potentially launch a “full scale” invasion of the island by 2025.
Way forward
First, the question of statehood. The EU in multiple instances reassured China of indulging in trade with Taiwan without providing for the recognition of statehood.
Second, challenge to the foundation of bi lateral relations. Borrell hoped for continued China-EU cooperation over the joint construction of BRI and EU’s connectivity initiative. China supported strengthened vaccine, technological, innovation, finance, agriculture and energy cooperation in the ‘strategic dialogue’ held in September. Considering the emphasis laid by the EU on the human rights situation in Hong Kong, Xinjiang and China, the countries now differ fundamentally on the foundation of their bi lateral relations. While China is focused on reinforcing the previous agreement of “One-China '' policy as the principle for the bi lateral ties, the EU is demanding a more mature approach centred around addressing unresolved issues. China is disappointed with the EU's pursuit of relations with Taiwan. The EU and Taiwan have held open discussions about trade thus providing for an international space to Taiwan. It seems that there is a new multipolar challenge to China’s dominance in world affairs.
References
“EU lawmakers push to 'upgrade' ties with Taiwan,” Deutsche Welle, 21 October 2021.
“EU lawmakers push for closer ties with Taiwan, drawing Chinese anger,” Reuters, 21 October 2021.
Finbarr Bermingham, “Leverage your role: China tried to sway EU-Taiwan vote,” South China Morning Post, 21 October 2021.
Stuart Lau, “How little Lithuania dragged the EU into its showdown with China,” Politico, 6 October 2021.
Finbarr Bermingham, “EU defends plan to expand Taiwan relations without recognition of statehood,” South China Morning Post, 29 September 2021.
IN BRIEF
By Joeana Cera Matthews
ITALY
Matteo Salvini goes to trial over 2019 denial of migrant ship docking
On 23 October, Former Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini’s trial for preventing a migrant ship from docking began. Salvini has been accused of denying the Open Arms migrant rescue ship from docking at an Italian port in 2019 leading to around 147 people being stranded at sea for days. The charges against him include ‘deprivation of liberty’ and ‘abuse of authority’; if convicted he could face prison time up to 15 years. He has, however, stated that his actions were motivated by national interests. Although the formal trial began in Palermo, Sicily on 15 September, it was postponed due to the inability to accommodate the media, civil parties, and lawyers in a single courtroom. A member of the nationalist League party, Salvini was interior minister from June 2018 to September 2019. (“Italy: Former minister Matteo Salvini on trial for preventing migrant ship from docking,” Deutsche Welle, 23 October 2021; Benjamin Dodman, “'Salvini's moment has passed': Fading right-wing champion on trial for blocking migrants at sea,” France24, 23 October 2021)
POLAND
Civic Platform elects Donald Tusk as party leader
On 24 October, the Polish opposition party Civic Platform announced former Prime Minister Donald Tusk to have been elected as their leader. The announcement followed party-wide elections over the weekend. The former European Council President and current chairman of the European People’s Party (EPP) intends to defeat the ruling Law and Justice Party. Tusk has been the acting leader of Civic Platform since July; however, this election victory will imply greater support for the leader as he presents hope to Poles who want out of the clash with the EU over the rule of law. (Maia de La Baume, “Donald Tusk elected leader of Poland’s Civic Platform,” POLITICO, 24 October 2021)
TURKEY
Erdogan taking on the West by declaring 10 envoys as ‘persona non grata’
On 23 October, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan asked for the 10 envoys who called for Osman Kavala’s release to be declared ‘persona non grata’. Declaration of ‘persona non grata’ revokes diplomatic immunity provided to ambassadors and is equivalent to being expelled. There remains vagueness on whether Turkey will expel these envoys. According to TRTWorld, Erdogan stated: “(they) should either understand or they should leave… (ambassadors) cannot dare come to the Turkish foreign ministry and give orders.” Erdogan’s move will upset the West including significant partners like the US, Germany, and France. Osman Kavala is a civil society leader who was imprisoned in 2017 for involvement in anti-government protests; he is yet to be convicted. (Laurens Cerulus, “Turkey calls 10 western ambassadors ‘persona non grata’ over civil rights criticism,” POLITICO, 23 October 2021; Erkan Arikan, “Opinion: Erdogan is fighting to stay in power | Opinion,” Deutsche Welle, 24 October 2021; “Turkey moves to throw out US envoy and nine others,” BBC, 24 October 2021)
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
France: Communications satellite launched
On 24 October, France successfully launched a communications satellite that will enable quick communication of French armed forces across the globe. Named ‘Syracuse 4A,’ the satellite was launched via Ariane 5 rocket. According to French air and space force spokesperson Colonel Stephane: “(the satellite) is designed to resist military aggression from the ground and in space, as well as interference.” The state-of-the-art satellite is capable of observing its close surroundings and escaping from attacks. A weapons proliferation expert at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy Marco Finaud said: “This is the final warning scenario, if deterrence fails.” (“France successfully launches cutting-edge military communications satellite,” France24, 24 October 2021)