Kiri

1

Newsletter (Issue 026/ 2024)

~Published by Taipei Mission in the Republic of Latvia~

Website: https://www.roc-taiwan.org/lv/index.html

FB: Taipei Mission in the Republic of Latvia

Twitter: @Taiwan_Latvia

E-mail:[email protected] Date: Feb.14, 2024

1

Lithuanian parliament’s Taiwan Friendship Group visited Taiwan

The Chair of Lithuanian parliament’s Taiwan

Friendship Group Matas Maldeikis led a

cross-party delegation to Taiwan from Jan. 21-

26, marking them the first European delegates

to visit Taiwan following the presidential

election victory of Vice President Lai Ching-

te. During the visit, the delegation had an

audience with Vice President Lai and met with

members of the Legislative Yuan, Ministry of

Foreign Affairs, and various governmental

agencies. At a luncheon with Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu, Mr.

Maldeikis spoke of China’s repeated attempts to interfere in the bilateral relations

between Taiwan and Lithuania. He also reflected on the mutual support the countries had

given each other along the way and their firm determination to stand together.

2 China continues to send military aircrafts, warships and balloons in areas around

Taiwan

According to the statistics released by Taiwan’s Ministry of

National Defense, a total of 298 Chinese military aircrafts,

136 warships and 57 balloons were detected around Taiwan

in January. Among which, 58 aircrafts crossed the central

line of the Taiwan Strait and its extended line. While in

February, Chinese warplanes continues to operate daily in

the Taiwan Strait and often cross its central line that

previously served as an unofficial barrier between the two

sides. Report shows 8 air balloons sent on Feb. 9 has

2

crossed the Taiwan Strait, which also hit the single-day record.

This heavy-handed and unreasonable act by China, as well as its virtually daily flying of

surveillance balloons into Taiwan’s airspace since Taiwan’s presidential election, have

gravely impacted regional aviation safety and cross-strait peace and stability, signifying

a change to the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan’s government urges the

international community to pay due attention to this matter and jointly demand that China

promptly negotiate with Taiwan on the activation of these new flight routes.

3 Taiwan condemns China’s unilateral announcement on the current flight route

Without holding prior consultations with Taiwan in accordance with International Civil

Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations, the Civil Aviation Administration of China

unilaterally announced on Jan. 30 the revocation of the 2015 cross-strait agreement on

the M503, W122, and W123 flight routes. This action not only seriously jeopardizes

aviation safety, peace, and stability in the region but also undermines mutual trust and the

status quo across the Taiwan Strait.

ICAO’s Air Traffic Services Planning Manual clearly stipulates that changes to any route

network should be made only after coordinating with all parties concerned. China’s

announcement of changes to a related route network without prior consultations with

Taiwan constitutes a serious violation of ICAO regulations and underscores China’s

irresponsible authoritarian nature.

4 Taiwan welcomes European Parliament resolution for deepening Taiwan-EU trade

and investment cooperation

The European Parliament (EP) overwhelmingly passed a resolution on the security and

defense implications of China’s influence on critical infrastructure in the European Union

(EU) on Jan. 17. The resolution expresses concern over China’s increasingly aggressive

stance toward Taiwan and in the South China Sea. It also reiterates the EP’s long-standing

support for deepening trade and investment cooperation between Taiwan and the EU.

The resolution points out that China’s overwhelming control of global rare earth supplies

poses an enormous risk to the European defense sector and economic security. Noting

that the adoption of the European Chips Act will increase the EU’s ability to produce

semiconductors, the resolution also calls on the European Commission and EU member

states to bolster cooperation with like-minded partners to jointly create semiconductor

and critical infrastructure supply chains in the EU. Additionally, the resolution highlights

Taiwan’s significant role in global supply chains and the international order and endorses

the signing of a Taiwan-EU bilateral investment agreement and any arrangements

3

mutually beneficial to bilateral trade and investment.

5 US National Security Advisor Sullivan underscored the importance of cross-strait

peace and stability

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan underscored the importance of maintaining

peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait during a meeting with Wang Yi, Director of

the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Chinese Communist Party Central

Committee and Foreign Minister of China, in Bangkok on Jan. 26.

Taiwan’s presidential elections on Jan. 13 demonstrated the maturity and continuity of

Taiwan’s democracy, receiving congratulatory messages from more than 100 countries.

Mr. Sullivan’s remark reaffirms the reality and status quo across the Taiwan Strait that

has long been recognized by the international community.

6 US Senate passed US$95 billion foreign aid bill for Taiwan, Ukraine and Israel

The US Senate passed a US$95.34 billion foreign aid bill in a 67-32 vote on Feb. 8. The

bill calls for US$4.83 billion for Taiwan, US$61 billion for Ukraine and US$14 billion

for Israel, and the rest for other partners in the Indo-Pacific. In regard to the bill, Senator

Chuck Schumer pointed out that it is a good first step since the bill is essential for US

national security and its friends including Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and for humanitarian

aid for innocent civilians in Gaza.

7 NATO Secretary General showed concern on China’s military buildup

NATO’s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated at a joint press conference on Jan. 29

that “today it’s Ukraine; tomorrow it could be Taiwan.” This showed his concern over

the Taiwan Strait. He urged countries to take seriously the consequences for NATO

security arising from China’s military buildup and the fact that the war in Ukraine is

bringing China and Russia closer.

It is highly significant that following the 2023 NATO Summit last July. Secretary General

Stoltenberg has continued to express concern over security and stability across the Taiwan

Strait and called on NATO member states to accord due attention to the challenges that

China poses to the rules-based international order.

8 Belgium Foreign Minister expressed concern on tension in the Taiwan Strait

During a congressional interpellation, Belgium Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib expressed

her concern on the rising tension in the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing the importance of

maintaining status quo for all parties involved.

4

9 Ireland’s Tánaiste reiterated the importance of maintaining Cross-Strait peace

Ireland’s Tánaiste and Foreign Minister Micheal Martin reiterated the importance of

cross-strait peace during his response to the interpellation regarding an agenda

concerning China. Mr. Martin emphasized the importance maintaining Cross-Strait

peace and the status quo, and stated that Ireland will continue to strengthen economic ties

with Taiwan.

10 Taiwan deeply regrets Nauru’s acceptance of PRC’s “One China principle” in

joint communiqué on resumption of Nauru-PRC diplomatic ties

On Jan. 15 the Republic of Nauru switched its diplomatic relations from Taiwan to China

on the ground of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. It accepted the

People’s Republic of China’s false narrative concerning the so-called “One China

principle” in the joint communiqué signed on the resumption of Nauru-PRC diplomatic

relations.

Taiwan solemnly stated that the joint communiqué in no way changes the sovereign status

of Taiwan as its democratic achievements, evidenced by the smooth completion of its

recent presidential election, have proven to the world that neither the Republic of China

(Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other.

1

Newsletter (Issue 026/ 2024)

~Published by Taipei Mission in the Republic of Latvia~

Website: https://www.roc-taiwan.org/lv/index.html

FB: Taipei Mission in the Republic of Latvia

Twitter: @Taiwan_Latvia

E-mail:[email protected] Date: Feb.14, 2024

1

Lithuanian parliament’s Taiwan Friendship Group visited Taiwan

The Chair of Lithuanian parliament’s Taiwan

Friendship Group Matas Maldeikis led a

cross-party delegation to Taiwan from Jan. 21-

26, marking them the first European delegates

to visit Taiwan following the presidential

election victory of Vice President Lai Ching-

te. During the visit, the delegation had an

audience with Vice President Lai and met with

members of the Legislative Yuan, Ministry of

Foreign Affairs, and various governmental

agencies. At a luncheon with Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu, Mr.

Maldeikis spoke of China’s repeated attempts to interfere in the bilateral relations

between Taiwan and Lithuania. He also reflected on the mutual support the countries had

given each other along the way and their firm determination to stand together.

2 China continues to send military aircrafts, warships and balloons in areas around

Taiwan

According to the statistics released by Taiwan’s Ministry of

National Defense, a total of 298 Chinese military aircrafts,

136 warships and 57 balloons were detected around Taiwan

in January. Among which, 58 aircrafts crossed the central

line of the Taiwan Strait and its extended line. While in

February, Chinese warplanes continues to operate daily in

the Taiwan Strait and often cross its central line that

previously served as an unofficial barrier between the two

sides. Report shows 8 air balloons sent on Feb. 9 has

2

crossed the Taiwan Strait, which also hit the single-day record.

This heavy-handed and unreasonable act by China, as well as its virtually daily flying of

surveillance balloons into Taiwan’s airspace since Taiwan’s presidential election, have

gravely impacted regional aviation safety and cross-strait peace and stability, signifying

a change to the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan’s government urges the

international community to pay due attention to this matter and jointly demand that China

promptly negotiate with Taiwan on the activation of these new flight routes.

3 Taiwan condemns China’s unilateral announcement on the current flight route

Without holding prior consultations with Taiwan in accordance with International Civil

Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations, the Civil Aviation Administration of China

unilaterally announced on Jan. 30 the revocation of the 2015 cross-strait agreement on

the M503, W122, and W123 flight routes. This action not only seriously jeopardizes

aviation safety, peace, and stability in the region but also undermines mutual trust and the

status quo across the Taiwan Strait.

ICAO’s Air Traffic Services Planning Manual clearly stipulates that changes to any route

network should be made only after coordinating with all parties concerned. China’s

announcement of changes to a related route network without prior consultations with

Taiwan constitutes a serious violation of ICAO regulations and underscores China’s

irresponsible authoritarian nature.

4 Taiwan welcomes European Parliament resolution for deepening Taiwan-EU trade

and investment cooperation

The European Parliament (EP) overwhelmingly passed a resolution on the security and

defense implications of China’s influence on critical infrastructure in the European Union

(EU) on Jan. 17. The resolution expresses concern over China’s increasingly aggressive

stance toward Taiwan and in the South China Sea. It also reiterates the EP’s long-standing

support for deepening trade and investment cooperation between Taiwan and the EU.

The resolution points out that China’s overwhelming control of global rare earth supplies

poses an enormous risk to the European defense sector and economic security. Noting

that the adoption of the European Chips Act will increase the EU’s ability to produce

semiconductors, the resolution also calls on the European Commission and EU member

states to bolster cooperation with like-minded partners to jointly create semiconductor

and critical infrastructure supply chains in the EU. Additionally, the resolution highlights

Taiwan’s significant role in global supply chains and the international order and endorses

the signing of a Taiwan-EU bilateral investment agreement and any arrangements

3

mutually beneficial to bilateral trade and investment.

5 US National Security Advisor Sullivan underscored the importance of cross-strait

peace and stability

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan underscored the importance of maintaining

peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait during a meeting with Wang Yi, Director of

the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Chinese Communist Party Central

Committee and Foreign Minister of China, in Bangkok on Jan. 26.

Taiwan’s presidential elections on Jan. 13 demonstrated the maturity and continuity of

Taiwan’s democracy, receiving congratulatory messages from more than 100 countries.

Mr. Sullivan’s remark reaffirms the reality and status quo across the Taiwan Strait that

has long been recognized by the international community.

6 US Senate passed US$95 billion foreign aid bill for Taiwan, Ukraine and Israel

The US Senate passed a US$95.34 billion foreign aid bill in a 67-32 vote on Feb. 8. The

bill calls for US$4.83 billion for Taiwan, US$61 billion for Ukraine and US$14 billion

for Israel, and the rest for other partners in the Indo-Pacific. In regard to the bill, Senator

Chuck Schumer pointed out that it is a good first step since the bill is essential for US

national security and its friends including Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and for humanitarian

aid for innocent civilians in Gaza.

7 NATO Secretary General showed concern on China’s military buildup

NATO’s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated at a joint press conference on Jan. 29

that “today it’s Ukraine; tomorrow it could be Taiwan.” This showed his concern over

the Taiwan Strait. He urged countries to take seriously the consequences for NATO

security arising from China’s military buildup and the fact that the war in Ukraine is

bringing China and Russia closer.

It is highly significant that following the 2023 NATO Summit last July. Secretary General

Stoltenberg has continued to express concern over security and stability across the Taiwan

Strait and called on NATO member states to accord due attention to the challenges that

China poses to the rules-based international order.

8 Belgium Foreign Minister expressed concern on tension in the Taiwan Strait

During a congressional interpellation, Belgium Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib expressed

her concern on the rising tension in the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing the importance of

maintaining status quo for all parties involved.

4

9 Ireland’s Tánaiste reiterated the importance of maintaining Cross-Strait peace

Ireland’s Tánaiste and Foreign Minister Micheal Martin reiterated the importance of

cross-strait peace during his response to the interpellation regarding an agenda

concerning China. Mr. Martin emphasized the importance maintaining Cross-Strait

peace and the status quo, and stated that Ireland will continue to strengthen economic ties

with Taiwan.

10 Taiwan deeply regrets Nauru’s acceptance of PRC’s “One China principle” in

joint communiqué on resumption of Nauru-PRC diplomatic ties

On Jan. 15 the Republic of Nauru switched its diplomatic relations from Taiwan to China

on the ground of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. It accepted the

People’s Republic of China’s false narrative concerning the so-called “One China

principle” in the joint communiqué signed on the resumption of Nauru-PRC diplomatic

relations.

Taiwan solemnly stated that the joint communiqué in no way changes the sovereign status

of Taiwan as its democratic achievements, evidenced by the smooth completion of its

recent presidential election, have proven to the world that neither the Republic of China

(Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other.