On October 17, 2024, former President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Tsai Ing-wen, continued her European tour with a visit to the French Senate on the second leg of her journey. She expressed her hope that more companions would join the road of Taiwan-France friendship in the future, allowing the relationship between the two countries to continue to grow and achieve more fruitful outcomes in various fields. Despite Chinese Communist Party’s “persuasion,” French lawmakers expressed happiness in meeting Tsai Ing-wen, surpassing any obstacles.
In a Facebook post, Tsai Ing-wen shared a photo in front of the Louvre Museum in Paris, stating that she had arrived in Paris, France, and would visit the Louvre Museum, meet with French friends, continue to convey Taiwan’s beliefs in democracy, freedom, and human rights, and deepen the partnership with France.
Early on the 16th, Tsai Ing-wen visited the prestigious Paris-Saclay University, where she received a warm welcome from the university president. Later, she proceeded to the French Senate to meet with French lawmakers for a lunch meeting to enhance bilateral relations.
Tsai Ing-wen expressed her delight in visiting the French Senate, thanking Chairman Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne of the “French Senate Friends of Taiwan Group” for the invitation, which gave her the opportunity to personally thank France’s good friends.
“Over the years, the exchanges between Taiwan and France have become increasingly close. For instance, the former chairman of the ‘French Senate Friends of Taiwan Group,’ Richard, has led delegations to Taiwan four times. Taiwan and France also have close cooperation in various fields such as economy, technology, culture, and education, setting multiple records in parliamentary exchange,” Tsai Ing-wen said.
She mentioned that both chambers of the French Parliament passed resolutions supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations for the first time in 2021. In last year’s 7-year Military Planning Law (LPM), language supporting Taiwan was included, making France the first country globally to legislatively defend freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait.
Tsai Ing-wen emphasized that Taiwan and France are partners who share democratic and freedom values, expressing gratitude to France’s good friends and looking forward to more companions joining the Taiwan-France friendship road to further strengthen ties and achieve greater results in different fields.
According to reports from the Central News Agency, Tsai Ing-wen was invited to visit the French Senate on the 16th, where nearly 30 bipartisan lawmakers attended and voiced their support for Taiwan, calling Taiwan a forever friend. Lawmakers told the Central News Agency that despite Chinese Communist Party’s “persuasion,” meeting Tsai Ing-wen brought them joy beyond anything else.
French lawmakers warmly welcomed Tsai Ing-wen and gave her a guided tour of the over 400-year-old Senate. Later, accompanied by Chairman Lemoyne of the Friends of Taiwan Group, she had lunch with nearly 30 bipartisan lawmakers from both chambers.
The lawmakers highlighted that Tsai Ing-wen represents Taiwan’s democracy and resilience, making this historic visit the first by a former head of state from Taiwan to a major European country, advancing the deepening of Taiwan-France relations.
Republic of China’s Ambassador to France, Francois Chih-Chiang Ho, told the Central News Agency that Tsai Ing-wen’s visit to France would take Taiwan-France relations to a “new historical height,” with breakthroughs in various exchanges between the two sides on the horizon.
During Tsai Ing-wen’s visits to three European countries, the schedules for the Czech Republic and Belgium were announced earlier, while France’s schedule was revealed last-minute. When asked if this delay was due to concerns about Chinese intervention, Ambassador Ho replied, “Throughout the process, we felt the friendship and support from the French side, government departments, and other teams and groups, which made the preparations very smooth. We just wanted to avoid unnecessary disruptions in the schedule, so we tried to inform everyone at the last minute.”
After the luncheon, former French Defense Minister and former Chairman of the Friends of Taiwan Group, Alain Richard, in an interview with the Central News Agency, stated that French lawmakers have great respect for Tsai Ing-wen and hope she continues to contribute on the international stage. “Now that she has stepped down, she can engage in dialogues with many leaders, which is beneficial for Taiwan. Her presence in France and across Europe helps initiate political dialogues, which will be very helpful for Taiwan.”
On the 15th, through a statement, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed opposition to China’s military drills around Taiwan, with Richard condemning China’s aggressive exercises. He pointed out that French defense experts believe China still has vulnerabilities that should make Beijing cautious. “However, Taiwan is on the front line facing the increasing aggression of the Chinese regime, which is also directed towards other countries in the region.”
Chairman Lemoyne of the Friends of Taiwan Group told the Central News Agency that the cooperation between the French Parliament and Taiwan has a long history, as the Senate’s Friends of Taiwan Group has been established for 40 years. He emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue and discussion in the face of complex international geopolitical situations.
As a major European power within the European Union, France plays a crucial role in decisions and directions in Europe. In celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and Taiwan, the warm reception of Tsai Ing-wen’s visit by the French government holds significant symbolic meaning.
Lemoyne reiterated, saying, “France is the gateway to Europe, so it’s natural for President Tsai to include France in her European itinerary. France carries influence in Europe and has a pivotal role in making decisions regarding EU policies. Spending time in Paris, meeting with the technology, economic, cultural, and academic ecosystem, is an excellent choice.”
He further noted that Taiwan and France share influence in the Indo-Pacific region and will shape the future of the world in the coming decades. “Since both Taiwan and France are residents of this region, it is essential to maintain a strong connection based on shared values and issues.”
French lawmakers are highly critical of Chinese interference and wolf warrior diplomacy, choosing to ignore them. Richard pointed out that almost all parliamentarians or members of the National Assembly present had engaged in “difficult conversations” with Chinese representatives. However, “the benefits and joy of meeting with Ms. Tsai outweigh everything.”
He emphasized that whenever there is progress in Taiwan-France relations, “the Chinese representative in France must express his displeasure. However, the goodwill of parliamentarians and the people they represent is clearly towards Taiwan.”
Former Chairman of the National Assembly Friends of Taiwan Group, Eric Bothorel, revealed to the Central News Agency that on the 15th, he received a call from the Chinese Embassy in France advising him against attending the luncheon, stating it was “not a good idea.” “I did not return the call and attended the event today. I feel uncomfortable with China’s interference. They should have other things to do.”
He firmly stated, “They called me, instructing me not to establish friendship with a country I admire, but that’s not how things work. I don’t take orders from China or anyone else. I am a free representative, and I intend to maintain that freedom. The Chinese Embassy cannot dictate my schedule or what I say.”
Bothorel expressed that despite the world’s divisions and escalating tensions, “France has never lost sight of what is happening in Taiwan because we share not only the economy and culture but also the aspiration for ideal democracy.” He reiterated that Taiwan is a forever friend. “If one of us is threatened, as is happening now, with numerous aircraft and warships disturbing Taiwan’s vicinity, there will always be friends standing by our side.”