European Parliament calls for resumption of cross-strait talks

ROC Central News Agency

2018/12/13 10:23:03

Brussels, Dec. 12 (CNA) The European Parliament (EP) adopted a resolution Wednesday that includes a provision encouraging the two sides of the Taiwan Strait to resume their dialogue and reiterating the European Union's support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations.

The resolution on the annual report on the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy was passed 401-173, with 73 abstentions, during an EP plenary session in Strasbourg, France.

The provision on cross-strait relations emphasizes that the strengthening of regional security in the Indo-Pacific region is of critical importance to the interests of the EU and its member states.

It calls for all parties concerned in the region to solve differences through peaceful means and to refrain from taking unilateral action to change the status quo, including in the East and South China Seas.

Also, it encourages a quick resumption of bilateral talks between China and Taiwan and reiterates the EU's support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations, mechanisms and activities.

The EP took a similar stance in a report on the state of EU-China relations adopted in September.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday expressed its appreciation to the EP for again demonstrating its friendship and support for Taiwan.

Taiwan will continue to deepen its relations with the EU and other like-minded partners, and hopes that the international community will continue to give Taiwan more substantial support, the ministry said in a statement.

(By Tang Pei-chun, Elaine Hou and Y.F. Low)
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