TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's president welcomed a high-level French parliamentary delegation Thursday (June 12), marking a significant diplomatic milestone as cross-strait tensions continue to dominate regional security discussions. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) hosted the French National Assembly's Taiwan Friendship Group at the presidential office, lauding France as the first major world power to enact legislation defending free navigation rights in the strategically vital Taiwan Strait. The president acknowledged France's pioneering leadership in championing democratic values that Taiwan deeply cherishes and remains committed to safeguarding against authoritarian pressures.
President Lai outlined France's sustained diplomatic support for Taiwan, noting that the French Parliament passed a landmark resolution in 2021 backing Taiwan's participation in international organizations despite Chinese opposition. The president emphasized France's 2023 approval of a comprehensive seven-year military spending bill that reinforced the nation's commitment to protecting Taiwan Strait navigation rights. Lai highlighted the expanding bilateral cooperation between Taiwan and France across diverse sectors including economics, advanced technology, cultural exchanges, and sports initiatives. The president also revealed significant semiconductor and satellite collaboration agreements announced during Taiwan's participation in the prestigious Choose France Summit held in Paris.
French delegation leader Marie-Noëlle Battistel articulated the visit's comprehensive objectives, emphasizing efforts to strengthen Taiwan-France relations across multiple critical domains including economic partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic cooperation. Battistel highlighted the delegation's focus on addressing contemporary challenges such as foreign interference, artificial intelligence governance, and combating misinformation campaigns. The French parliamentarian praised Taiwan's remarkable achievements in youth development programs and its success in facilitating meaningful exchanges between French and Taiwanese young people. She noted the delegation's visits to United Nations ocean-related institutions and the innovative Viva Tech exhibition during their Taiwan itinerary.
Battistel underscored the fundamental connection between supporting Taiwan's "peaceful development" and advancing broader global peace initiatives across the international community. The French parliamentary leader made a firm commitment to actively advocate for Taiwan's meaningful participation in the World Health Organization, recognizing the island's exceptional public health expertise and its potential contributions to global health security. Her pledge reflects France's growing recognition of Taiwan's valuable role in addressing international health challenges and promoting multilateral cooperation in healthcare innovation and pandemic preparedness efforts worldwide. ◼