Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait during a meeting with the “European Parliament Conservative Party Group of Polish Members” today (July 21). He expressed Taiwan’s willingness to share experiences and deepen cooperation with democratic partners like Poland to collectively address authoritarian expansion and new challenges, and work together to create a safer and more resilient democratic supply chain.
President Lai Ching-te stated during his speech that the visit of the “European Parliament Conservative Party Group of Polish Members” not only marks the third delegation from the European Parliament to Taiwan this year but is also the first time in nearly two sessions to be composed of members from the same party group and nationality, which holds special significance. This demonstrates the deep friendship between Taiwan and the European Parliament, signifies a further enhancement of relations between Taiwan and Poland, and he expressed the most sincere welcome on behalf of the Taiwanese people, thanking the visiting members of the delegation, the European Parliament, and all European friends who support Taiwan, standing by Taiwan all along.
President Lai Ching-te pointed out that this year, with the strong advocacy of everyone, the European Parliament has passed numerous resolutions and reports supporting Taiwan, including strengthening drone technology cooperation between Taiwan and the EU, supporting Taiwan’s international participation, and urging the EU and democratic partners like Taiwan to deepen cooperation and reiterate the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Faced with authoritarian expansion, the European Parliament not only condemned the promotion by the Chinese Communist Party of the “National Unity and Advancement Act” in April this year, which restricts cultural, religious, and language freedoms, but also passed a resolution last month to counteract the CCP’s transnational repressive behavior.
These concrete actions not only demonstrate Europe’s steadfast commitment to universal values such as democracy and human rights but also continue to inject significant support for Taiwan. Taiwan firmly believes that only by partnering with like-minded allies and enhancing democratic resilience can we safeguard the way of life of democracy and freedom, and maintain regional and global peace and stability.
President Lai Ching-te stated, “Taiwan is very willing to share experiences and enhance cooperation with democratic partners like Poland to collectively address authoritarian expansion and various new challenges. Especially Taiwan and Poland both have vibrant innovation communities and deep technological foundations, possessing highly complementary advantages in key areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, drones, and green energy. We look forward to deepening research and development cooperation, expanding markets, and working together to create a safer and more resilient democratic supply chain.”
President Lai Ching-te mentioned that last month, the “European Taiwan Image Exhibition” was held in Poland for the first time. In addition to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and a national research institution in Poland signing a “Taiwan-Poland Industrial Innovation Research and Development Cooperation Memorandum,” the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Industry Association also announced the establishment of a technology park in Poland to assist more Taiwanese companies in collaborating with Polish industries. With the support of all visitors, Taiwan and Poland are expected to create more cooperation opportunities in various fields in the future, establishing a closer partnership and leaving a deep and positive impression in Taiwan.
During her speech, Beata Szydło, Member of the European Parliament’s European Defense Shield Special Committee (EUDS) and former Prime Minister of Poland, first mentioned a special bond between herself and President Lai Ching-te as both coming from mining families. Such backgrounds enable mutual humility, respect for hard work in the face of the forces of nature, and willingness to shoulder responsibilities and unite in difficult times. These values show that, regardless of how distant geographically, both hold the same principles, including a diligent spirit, unwavering determination, and emphasis on security and unity. These values have been equally important to both Taiwanese and Polish people for decades, as Poles have fought for freedom and sovereignty.
Szydło stated that economic development, digital transformation, and international situations in today’s era are highly interrelated. The past few years have clearly demonstrated that to enhance national resilience, partnerships based on trust and mutual respect are essential. For Poland and Europe, Taiwan is such a partner; hoping that Taiwan will also consider Poland and the EU as important cooperation partners. Taiwan is a highly developed democratic state under the rule of law and a global leader in new startup technologies. Achieving significant success in emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and the semiconductor industry, Taiwan is driving the global economy and shaping the future of the world.
She was pleased to see the flourishing economic and trade relations between Taiwan and Poland. She looks forward to the continuous promotion of cooperation projects, not only enhancing Poland’s economic development but also strengthening the increasingly close relationship between the two parties.
Szydło believes that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait hold strategic significance that transcends this region, affecting not only Taiwan and the Taiwan Strait but also the peace and stability of Europe. Therefore, all disputes should be resolved through peaceful means, respecting international law and refraining from the use of force. She pointed out that the EU should continue to strengthen cooperation with reliable democratic partners, with Taiwan being a crucial partner among them. The Taiwan-EU relationship should continue to develop in a pragmatic, open, and long-term manner, and she also hopes that Taiwan and Poland can work together to safeguard peace and stability.
Members of the delegation also included Mariusz Kamiński, Member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs (LIBE) and former Minister of the Interior and Administration of Poland; Małgorzata Gosiewska, Head of the Delegation to Belarus (D-BY) and former Vice Speaker of the Polish Sejm; Kosma Złotowski, Secretary-General; Waldemar Buda, Member of the Committee on Public Health (SANT) and former Minister of Economic Development and Technology of Poland; Monika Wang, Office Manager of Beata Szydło’s Office, EUDS Special Committee Member; Katarzyna Czesak, Policy Advisor of Beata Szydło’s Office, EUDS Special Committee Member; and Sławomir Moćkun, Office Manager of Mariusz Kamiński’s Office, Member of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs.