Chinese narrative in disputed Indo-Pacific report challenged by French parliamentarians
French National Assembly's Taiwan Friendship Group Rebukes Pro-China Report
The Taiwan Friendship Group of the French National Assembly has issued a strong rebuke against a controversial report on Europe-China relations, which has sparked political outrage and academic criticism. The report, authored by French legislator Sophia Chikirou, has been accused of supporting China's narrative and misrepresenting UN Resolution 2758.
The report, approved by the National Assembly's European Affairs Committee with minimal debate and limited members, advocates a strategic realignment for Europe, calling for less reliance on the United States and a more independent, cooperative relationship with China. This call includes reconsiderations across trade policy and other sectors intended to foster closer EU-China ties.
One of the most contentious claims in the report is that the United Nations has recognized Taiwan as a province of China. However, the Taiwan Friendship Group has previously clarified that this claim is inaccurate. UN Resolution 2758, while recognizing the People's Republic of China as the legitimate representative of "China" at the UN, does not define Taiwan's legal status.
The group also emphasized that the resolution does not preclude Taiwan's participation in other international organizations. They urged the French government to continue naval transits in the Taiwan Strait alongside allies such as the US and UK to maintain freedom of navigation and uphold the Indo-Pacific status quo.
The group has also criticized the report for repeating Beijing's false narrative. They warned that China's military drills and air incursions into Taiwan's defense zone aim to "undermine regional stability". The group further rejected the report's proposal to abandon the EU's Indo-Pacific strategy in favor of a China-inclusive framework.
The Taipei Times reported the group's rejection of the report's proposal. The group also expressed concern about the proposal, stating that it would be a dangerous concession. The rejection of the proposal was made due to concerns that it would violate international law and compromise French interests in the South Pacific.
In response to a controversial report on Europe-China relations, the Taiwan Friendship Group of the French National Assembly has strongly condemned the report, accusing it of supporting China's narrative, which contradicts the group’s stance that defends Taiwan and counters Beijing’s influence. The group's rebuttal highlights that the report inaccurately presents China’s position, particularly regarding sensitive issues like Taiwan and international law.
The Taiwan Friendship Group of the French National Assembly has raised an opinion against a contentious report on Europe-China relations, which they believe misrepresents UN Resolution 2758 and supports China's narrative. In response, they have stated their intention to continue advocating for policy-and-legislation that supports Taiwan, such as maintaining naval transits in the Taiwan Strait. This stance is a general-news item that has sparked political dissent, with the group criticizing the report's proposal to abandon the EU's Indo-Pacific strategy in favor of a China-inclusive framework, stating that it would be a dangerous concession and violate international law. News outlets, like the Taipei Times, have reported on this development, emphasizing the importance of this issue in the context of war-and-conflicts and regional stability.
