Despite strong warnings from China of possible consequences, the first official delegation of European Parliament arrived in Taiwan on Wednesday (3 November). The group MPs from the special committee on foreign interference will meet high-level political leaders, including President Tsai Ing-wen and Prime Minister Su Tseng-chang, during the three-day visit in Taiwan.
The EU delegation is led by French MEP Raphael Glucksmann, and will discuss complex threats, including disinformation and cyber attacks, with Taiwanese officials.
"The delegation was the first official delegation dispatched by the European Parliament to Taiwan in history, which is of great significance", the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
The delegation's trip is a significant and final step towards more robust relations with Europe for the island against the background of increased tensions between Taipei and Beijing. Taiwan currently has no formal diplomatic relations with European countries apart from the Vatican City. But it would like to strengthen relations with the European Union.