Wu Chih-chung: Deputy Foreign Minister's First Speech at European Parliament Shows Taiwan's Growing Importance
Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung delivered a speech at the European Parliament today, pointing out China's attempts to redefine the international order and citing examples of Taiwan's suppression in international organizations and the cancellation of flight permits for presidential visits. The active questioning from attending MEPs indicates Taiwan's increasing importance.
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- 📰 Published: May 6, 2026 at 22:51
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Wu Po-wei, Brussels 6th exclusive report) Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung delivered a speech at the European Parliament today, stating that China is attempting to redefine the international order. He cited examples such as Taiwan being suppressed in its participation in international organizations and the cancellation of flight permits during presidential visits. The active questioning from attending Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) indicates that the Taiwan issue is receiving increasing attention.
Wu Chih-chung told the Central News Agency in Brussels that he was invited to speak at the European Parliament by the Subcommittee on Security and Defence. He believes this is the first time a Taiwanese Deputy Foreign Minister has formally spoken in the Parliament, and the grand arrangement of the meeting signifies Taiwan's growing importance.
Regarding the main content of his speech, Wu Chih-chung said it was primarily a reminder that China is trying to redefine the international order. He explained this situation from three perspectives.
Firstly, he said, when Taiwan seeks to join international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), China demands its consent, which means China can control international organizations. Secondly, when ships pass through the Taiwan Strait, they are often harassed by China, implying that "if you don't want to be harassed, you must first get my consent."
Wu Chih-chung stated that when President Lai Ching-te visited diplomatic allies, China even extended its influence to African countries, causing them to withdraw previously granted flight permits. Such actions involve the international order established on the basis of freedom of navigation and flight for human society.
During the speech, many MEPs asked questions, which Wu Chih-chung believes reflects the increasing attention the EU is paying to Taiwan's achievements in various aspects.
Furthermore, MEPs were also very concerned about issues related to Taiwan's military procurement and self-defense.
Wu Chih-chung said that he used this opportunity to explain to the MEPs that, according to polls, over 60% of Taiwanese people agree with military procurement. These explanations will help them understand Taiwan better, and a better understanding of Taiwan will help them know how to work together in the future.
Wu Chih-chung further analyzed that Europe and Taiwan share many important common interests. Once Taiwan's stability, security, and democracy become European interests, Europe will defend its own interests in various ways.
He said, "We need to make Europe understand that we are a core interest of Europe, a core interest of Japan, and a core interest of the United States. Once we become a core interest of the entire international community, the international community will use all means to defend this core interest, without us having to say it." Conveying such a message is very important. (Editor: Tien Jui-hua) 1150506
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(Central News Agency reporter Wu Po-wei, Brussels 6th exclusive report) Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung delivered a speech at the European Parliament today, stating that China is attempting to redefine the international order. He cited examples such as Taiwan being suppressed in its participation in international organizations and the cancellation of flight permits during presidential visits. The active questioning from attending Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) indicates that the Taiwan issue is receiving increasing attention.
Wu Chih-chung told the Central News Agency in Brussels that he was invited to speak at the European Parliament by the Subcommittee on Security and Defence. He believes this is the first time a Taiwanese Deputy Foreign Minister has formally spoken in the Parliament, and the grand arrangement of the meeting signifies Taiwan's growing importance.
Regarding the main content of his speech, Wu Chih-chung said it was primarily a reminder that China is trying to redefine the international order. He explained this situation from three perspectives.
Firstly, he said, when Taiwan seeks to join international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), China demands its consent, which means China can control international organizations. Secondly, when ships pass through the Taiwan Strait, they are often harassed by China, implying that "if you don't want to be harassed, you must first get my consent."
Wu Chih-chung stated that when President Lai Ching-te visited diplomatic allies, China even extended its influence to African countries, causing them to withdraw previously granted flight permits. Such actions involve the international order established on the basis of freedom of navigation and flight for human society.
During the speech, many MEPs asked questions, which Wu Chih-chung believes reflects the increasing attention the EU is paying to Taiwan's achievements in various aspects.
Furthermore, MEPs were also very concerned about issues related to Taiwan's military procurement and self-defense.
Wu Chih-chung said that he used this opportunity to explain to the MEPs that, according to polls, over 60% of Taiwanese people agree with military procurement. These explanations will help them understand Taiwan better, and a better understanding of Taiwan will help them know how to work together in the future.
Wu Chih-chung further analyzed that Europe and Taiwan share many important common interests. Once Taiwan's stability, security, and democracy become European interests, Europe will defend its own interests in various ways.
He said, "We need to make Europe understand that we are a core interest of Europe, a core interest of Japan, and a core interest of the United States. Once we become a core interest of the entire international community, the international community will use all means to defend this core interest, without us having to say it." Conveying such a message is very important. (Editor: Tien Jui-hua) 1150506
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download CNA's "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.