Starting from this Saturday (October 12), former President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Tsai Ing-wen will embark on an 8-day visit to Europe, including stops in the Czech Republic and other countries. This visit has received full support from Lai Ching-te, who not only tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with handling the arrangements but also sent along key former staff members who were instrumental during Tsai Ing-wen’s presidency, aiming to enhance Taiwan’s visibility on a global scale.
Tsai Ing-wen has kept a low profile since stepping down from office. There were previous reports in August about a planned visit to Japan, which ultimately did not materialize. On Sunday (October 6), Tsai Ing-wen visited the Presidential Office, where she met with Lai Ching-te, marking their first public meeting since the handover on May 20.
During the meeting, the two delved into discussions on topics such as diplomacy, national defense, and international cooperation, with Lai Ching-te expressing his well wishes for Tsai Ing-wen’s successful trip to Europe.
Like most countries, the Czech Republic does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. However, with Taiwan’s efforts to expand diplomatic ties, the relationship between the two sides has grown closer. Taiwanese officials have noted that the Czech Republic is one of Taipei’s most important allies in Europe.
Tsai Ing-wen’s European visit has been facilitated by the Lai Ching-te administration. Sources from the Presidential Office told Taiwanese media that because Lai Ching-te, as the current national leader, faces constraints in engaging in international exchanges, the former President Tsai Ing-wen has become the most suitable spokesperson. Therefore, since taking office, Lai Ching-te has continuously urged the national security team to actively arrange for Tsai Ing-wen’s overseas trips, hoping that she can frequently and extensively promote Taiwan’s democratic ideals and values on the international stage.
Lai Ching-te has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to plan Tsai Ing-wen’s European itinerary as a special project and has also sent Tsai Ing-wen’s trusted former staff member and National Security Council advisory committee member Huang Chung-yen to accompany her. The aim is to enhance Taiwan’s international visibility and further deepen its relationships with European countries.
Three sources informed Reuters that Tsai Ing-wen will first visit Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, and deliver a speech at the “Forum 2000” conference starting on October 13.
During her time in the Czech Republic, Tsai Ing-wen is expected to meet with senior political figures from the Czech Republic and other European countries.
A source familiar with the travel itinerary mentioned that due to concerns about espionage activities and harassment by the Chinese Communist Party, this visit is highly sensitive and requires “even more careful handling of security issues.”
Tsai Ing-wen will also visit two other European countries, but the details of her schedule have not been made public.
Two diplomatic sources informed Reuters reporters that Tsai Ing-wen will visit France and Belgium during her time in Europe.
During their meeting on Sunday, Tsai Ing-wen also praised Lai Ching-te’s efforts in enhancing “national resilience” across society.
In June of this year, Lai Ching-te announced the establishment of the “National Defense Resilience Committee,” with himself serving as the convener, and Vice President Weng Shih-ching, Presidential Secretary-General Pan Meng-an, and National Security Council Secretary-General David Tawei adding as deputy conveners. The committee would bring together representatives from government agencies, industries, civil society groups, and scholars and experts to strengthen defense, livelihood, disaster prevention, and democratic resilience.
On September 26, the committee held its inaugural meeting to establish a platform for communication and coordination in constructing a national resilience strategy. Lai Ching-te stated his commitment to making Taiwan a cornerstone for ensuring regional stability.