Yang Tzu-Pao

24th July 2007

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Question: Should the EU do more in recognising Taiwan’s weight in the world?

Yang Tzu-Pao: To some extent, yes. Taiwan has become the EU’s 10th largest trade partner and Brussels could start by dropping its long-standing support for Beijing’s ‘One-China’ policy which does nothing to nurture healthy cross-strait relations.

Question: What else would you like to see the EU do to support Taiwan’s case?

Yang Tzu-Pao: We already enjoy the support of some MEPs, such as Graham Watson and Jules Maaten, but much more could be done. The five most senior Taiwanese politicians, including the president, are not welcome in the EU, even for tourism purposes or a private visit. I am one of the ‘rare’ high-ranking Taiwanese officials who is still welcome here. My country would appreciate it if this visa problem could be soon resolved by European countries.

Question: Taiwan will apply for membership of the United Nations at the organisation’s general assembly on 18 September. Why is Taiwan applying now?

Yang Tzu-Pao: The 23 million people of Taiwan have become impatient and frustrated at the country’s continued exclusion from international organisations, such as the UN and WHO. Since Taiwan has all the qualifications for a sovereign state, it has the right to apply for full UN membership.

Question: Does the EU have a role to play in this regard?

Yang Tzu-Pao: Most certainly, yes. China constantly tries to divide us but we have high expectations of the EU. On my recent visit to Brussels I appealed to the EU and its member states to support our UN bid. The EU should recognise Taiwanese weight in the world and welcome negotiations leading to Taiwanese membership of the UN.

Question: For the first time, Taiwan is this year applying for UN membership under its own name. Why is this?

Yang Tzu-Pao: Since the international community often refers to us as ‘Taiwan’, this decision confirms to international custom. Furthermore, I would point out that countries like Switzerland and Macedonia use the name other than their official titles in the UN.

Question: How do you rate Taiwan’s chances of success?

Yang Tzu-Pao: Under current international circumstances, it is unlikely our application to be a UN member will succeed at the first attempt. However, out of respect for the will of its people and to ensure Taiwan’s survival and development, Taiwan must push for participation in the UN.

Question: The EU, apparently, does not support Taiwan’s plans for a referendum supporting UN membership. How do you react to this?

Yang Tzu-Pao: The UN bid is designed to draw the world’s attention to the One China policy issue and pressure China into giving up the use of force against Taiwan.

Question: Do you think the EU is guilty of giving too much unconditional support to China?

Yang Tzu-Pao: While the EU clearly views the lucrative Chinese market with importance, it should also give Taiwan’s democracy a chance. The Taiwan straits remains a dangerous region even though conflicts in other parts of the world have led the international community to pay less attention to this.