European Parliament Adopts Resolution to Counter Transnational Repression; MOFA: Strengthening Democratic Resilience Cooperation

By Central News Agency reporter Yang Yao-ju, Taipei, June 17

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution countering transnational repression and expressing concern over the Chinese government's pressure on Taiwan-related issues. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) stated today that it affirms and supports the European Union's efforts to strengthen response mechanisms, and will continue to deepen cooperation and exchanges with the EU in areas such as information sharing, democratic resilience building, and countering authoritarian coercion.

In a press release issued tonight, MOFA noted that on June 16, the European Parliament adopted the resolution titled 'Countering Transnational Repression: Building an EU Strategy to Defend European Sovereignty and Democratic Values.' The resolution examines the nature and forms of transnational repression and outlines the EU's response strategies. It specifically addresses China's use of various overseas organizations to conduct comprehensive and systematic surveillance, intimidation, and forced repatriation, including the abuse of Interpol mechanisms, pressuring academic institutions to terminate research on sensitive topics such as supply chains, forced labor, Tibet, and Taiwan, and demanding artists cancel events involving Taiwan.

MOFA stated that the resolution calls on the EU and its member states to enhance coordination and deepen cooperation with like-minded partners on legislation, victim protection, accountability, and sanctions. MOFA welcomed and affirmed this initiative.

MOFA emphasized that transnational repression has become a significant challenge posed by authoritarian regimes to democratic nations and civil societies. It not only violates freedom of speech, academic freedom, and human rights protections but also threatens democratic institutions and social resilience.

MOFA expressed satisfaction with the European Parliament's attention to these issues, supports the EU's efforts to strengthen its response mechanisms, and will continue to deepen cooperation and exchanges with the EU and other like-minded countries in information sharing, democratic resilience building, and countering authoritarian coercion. (Edited by Lin Ko-lun) 1150617