A senior European Union lawmaker said Wednesday that Taiwan's future should be decided by its own people and that the EU backs the island's "sovereign" existence, in a pointed warning to Beijing.

Taiwan lives under the constant threat of invasion by China, which claims the self-ruled democratic island as part of its territory and has vowed to seize it one day, by force if necessary.

Beijing's increased sabre-rattling has spurred greater shows of diplomatic support for Taipei and prompted visits from Western politicians.

Nicola Beer, one of the European Parliament's vice-presidents, arrived on Tuesday for what Taiwan's foreign ministry described as "the first official visit" by an MEP of her rank.

In a meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen, Beer voiced Europe's concerns over Beijing "moving in a direction that could unilaterally alter the status quo" with Taipei.

"This must not happen, under no circumstances, under no pretext. Only the Taiwanese people can decide on Taiwanese future," she said.

"Don't doubt Europe's reassurance in your strive for a democratic, peaceful and sovereign existing."

Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office has said the island's future should be decided by "all Chinese people".

Beer said Europe will "stand up against any provocation" and urged China to refrain from "threatening gestures".

China should play a constructive role in maintaining the status quo "based on neutral and respectful dialogue", she added.

Beer, a lawyer and a member of Germany's liberal Free Democratic Party, said upon her arrival on Tuesday that Europe must support Taiwan's democracy, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine and China's crackdown in Hong Kong.

Russia's assault on Ukraine has deepened fears within Taiwan and among key Western allies that Beijing might do the same under President Xi Jinping.

Beijing has ramped up military, diplomatic and economic pressure since the 2016 election of Tsai, as she views the island as a sovereign nation and not part of Chinese territory.

China often hits out at visits like Beer's, with government statements blaming foreign politicians for "sending false signals" to advocates of Taiwan independence.

China cries foul as Taiwan delegation visits Prague
Prague (AFP) July 20, 2022 - Beijing on Wednesday slammed Prague for hosting a Taiwanese delegation, claiming the EU member had violated the one-China policy.

The group led by parliament speaker You Si-kun is on a four-day visit to the Czech Republic, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency.

The Chinese embassy in Prague called You "a staunch separatist" and accused Prague of "seriously violating the state sovereignty and territorial unity of China".

China is trying to keep Taipei isolated on the world stage and prevents any sign of international legitimacy for the island.

The Czech Republic officially pursues the one-China policy, just like the entire European Union, but its officials foster close ties with the island.

"The Chinese side urges the Czech side to take China's strict stance seriously, to keep its political pledge vis-a-vis one China," the embassy said in a statement.

"China... will take any measures necessary to suppress any attempts at 'Taiwan's independence'," it added.

You shrugged off the criticism, saying that "every time we are invited somewhere, China always comments and it will always protest, no matter where we travel".

Czech senate speaker Milos Vystrcil said his invitation for You was no violation of the one-China policy.

"On the contrary, this is exactly what a free, democratic, sovereign country should do," he told reporters.

Vystrcil angered China two years ago when he led a 90-member delegation of politicians, entrepreneurs, scientists and journalists to the island.

Last year, in turn, a 66-member delegation from Taiwan visited Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Lithuania in a bid to boost business ties with the region.

During his visit to the Czech Republic, You visited the central Vysocina region where Vystrcil was born and also met lower house speaker Marketa Pekarova Adamova.

He will next travel to Lithuania, which irked Beijing by opening a de facto embassy of Taiwan in Vilnius last year.

Taiwan is planning to open a cultural centre in Prague next year, You's delegation said.

Related Links
Taiwan News at SinoDaily.com

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