Alexander Tah-ray Yui, Taiwan’s Representative to the EU warns of “PRC’s dramatically increased tensions across the Taiwan Strait”

Taiwan "facing constant threat of aggression," the Representative has said.

by Staff Reporter October 10, 2023

written by Staff Reporter October 10, 2023 0 comment

Speaking on Monday, Alexander Tah-ray Yui said, “PRC’s dramatically increased tensions across the Taiwan Strait through military exercises since last year, along with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, is a convergence of interests of the two regimes to threaten the rules-based international order.”

He added, “The escalation of tensions have not only highlighted Taiwan’s strategic importance in the Western Pacific island chain, but also its critical role in global trade, shipping and semiconductor manufacturing.

“But more importantly Taiwan should matter to the international community because it is a democracy on the frontline of resistance to authoritarian expansion.”

Taiwan’s National Day 2023 celebrated in Brussels

The senior diplomat, who took up his new post only last month, was speaking at an event in Brussels to mark Taiwan’s National Day.

Taiwan celebrates October10th as its national day, marking an uprising in 1911 that ended China’s last imperial dynasty and ushered in the Republic of China.

The republican government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong’s Communists, who set up the People’s Republic of China.

The Republic of China remains Taiwan’s formal name.

The Representative went on, “We, the people of Taiwan, have demonstrated a high degree of resilience while facing this constant threat of aggression, as we are committed to upholding our national sovereignty, and defending our democratic way of life.

“With the help of friends, we are increasing our defense capabilities by building or improving our military hardware.

“We are also strengthening our civil defense preparedness to play a supporting role in times of need.”

He noted that, “The Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign, independent state, not subordinate to any other party, and we will do whatever it takes to defend our homeland and, I stress again, to preserve our democratic way of life.”

Among those present at the Autoworld Museum for the event were Members of the European Parliament and the Belgian Federal Parliament, as well as the Flemish, Brussels and Walloon Parliaments.

Representative Alexander Tah-ray Yui said, “Many of our friends who are present have been instrumental in making sure Taiwan is a clear and present topic of discussion, and included in important declarations and resolutions at different bilateral, multilateral meetings or fora.

“By raising concerns for the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and stressing it is in your interest that no one side should alter the status quo by force or coercion, is critical to the survival of Taiwan as a democracy.

“These open reminders and warnings will make the potential aggressor understand that its actions will not go unnoticed or even unpunished, that the world does care what happens to us, because it matters to you. And for that, I want to express our most sincere and heartfelt appreciation for your continued support.”

He added, “Likewise, Taiwan has supported Ukraine’s resistance against Russia’s invasion since the beginning and continues to do so, as it is also a democracy under threat. We do what we can in the relief of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.”