On the evening of July 29th, Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Tian Zhong hosted a reception welcoming a visiting delegation of parliamentarians from the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC). In his speech, IPAC rotating delegation leader Olivier Cadic pointed out that the 22 measures imposed by the Chinese Communist Party to punish Taiwanese independence seriously violate the human rights principles outlined by the United Nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China issued a press release stating that Deputy Minister Tian Zhong hosted the reception on the evening of the 29th on behalf of the ministry, warmly welcoming the IPAC parliamentarians to Taiwan to participate in their annual meeting. The ministry expressed gratitude towards IPAC for steadfastly defending peace in the Taiwan Strait, opposing unilateral changes to the status quo in the region, supporting Taiwan’s cooperation with like-minded countries, and further enhancing partnerships based on shared values of freedom and democracy.
Deputy Minister Tian Zhong emphasized in his speech that Taiwan is at the forefront of the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party. In recent years, the CCP has engaged in a hybrid warfare strategy involving legal battles, cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, posing a serious threat to Taiwan’s security and attempting to alter the cross-strait status quo. Over the years, the CCP has distorted UN Resolution 2758, linking its content inappropriately to the “One China Principle,” portraying Taiwan as an internal issue of China. He called on democratic partners to address the CCP’s aggressive actions by rationalizing their means of aggression.
He lauded IPAC for raising public awareness about the CCP’s aggression and for efforts to combat the CCP’s disruption of the international order. Tian Zhong thanked IPAC for actively advocating for support for democratic Taiwan from members of the G7 and G20, expressing concerns about the security and stability in the Taiwan Strait, condemning CCP’s military exercises near Taiwan, emphasizing the importance of close cooperation with Taiwan to counter China’s economic coercion, and promoting Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations.
Drawing an analogy to a marathon where partners reach the finish line together, Tian Zhong highlighted the importance of IPAC and democratic countries joining forces to defend the rules-based international order.
In his address, IPAC rotating delegation leader and Vice-Chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee in the French Senate, Olivier Cadic, mentioned that this was his fourth visit to Taiwan. He noted the significant enhancement of Taiwan-France relations, citing an increase in members of the “France-Taiwan Friendship Group” from 20 to 63.
Cadic pointed out that the IPAC annual meeting coincided with the Paris Olympics, while also highlighting China’s enactment of laws punishing Taiwanese independence advocates on July 1st, which severely violate the human rights principles advocated by the United Nations. He expressed hope that China would uphold the spirit of the Olympics, cease its irresponsible and aggressive military actions, and respect the freedom of navigation of vessels passing through the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea to maintain regional and cross-strait peace and stability.
The reception hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China was attended by over a hundred guests, including IPAC parliamentarians, diplomats stationed in Taiwan, and officials of the Republic of China. The atmosphere was warm, dignified, and vibrant. The ministry specially arranged a performance blending indigenous cultural elements and popular A Capella music, showcasing the vitality and cultural richness of Taiwan. The guests interacted warmly, demonstrating the increasingly close relationships and profound friendships between Taiwan and like-minded nations.