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The debate initiated by Baroness D’Souza supporting Taiwan March 3 in the U.K. House of Lords is sincerely appreciated by the government and people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. During the hour-long session themed “Support Democracy in Taiwan,” D’Souza said the number of China’s warplane intrusions into Taiwan’s ADIZ has increased 150 percent in the past 15 months. The U.K.’s prime minister and foreign secretary, as well as G7 leaders have all stressed the importance of cross-strait and Indo-Pacific peace and security, she added. The situation in Ukraine shows that words of encouragement and support are simply not enough, D’Souza said, urging the U.K. government to offer strong and definite commitment to countries facing authoritarian expansion. According to the MOFA, 11 other members of the House of Lords expressed a similar stance during the debate. They called for stronger government support for Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Organization and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. In response, Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon said the UK’s long-standing position on Taiwan has not changed, and that the two sides enjoy a strong and thriving relationship. Enduring cross-strait peace and stability is a matter of global concern, Lord Ahmad said. The U.K. will continue to work with all international partners to discourage any activity that undermines the status quo while pressing for Taiwan’s meaningful global participation, he added. The MOFA said the House of Lords debate follows the unanimous approval of a U.K.-Taiwan friendship and cooperation motion by the House of Commons last month, and underscores the healthy ties between the two sides. The government will continue to enhance cooperation and exchanges with the U.K. through all available channels, the ministry added. In two tweets on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “Good, strong, principled & timely backing of #Taiwan in the @UKParliament’s @UKHouseofLords. We sincerely thank @tariqahmadbt for clearly stating the #UK’s staunch support for our country. We also thank Baroness D’Souza for initiating the debate ably joined by fellow…” “@taiwanappg members Lord Rogan, Lord Dholakia, @JimBethell, @RichardFaulkne8, Lord Truscott, @PurvisTweed & @LordWaverley, as well as good friends @DavidAltonHL, @Lord_Collins, Lord Londesborough & @LPNorthover.” (SFC-E) Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw
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