The European Union does not recognize Taiwan as an independent state, yet it advocates maintaining constructive ties with Taiwan as part of a broader regional approach. This stance was outlined by Josep Borrell, the EU’s top diplomat, in an opinion piece for a Chinese newspaper, highlighting that Brussels wants to keep lines of communication open with Taipei while avoiding steps that could be interpreted as recognizing sovereignty. The message, reported by the South China Morning Post, frames the relationship as one grounded in cooperation and dialogue rather than formal political endorsement.
Borrell stressed that in discussions about Taiwan, both sides should refrain from intimidation, coercion, and provocations, and should avoid the use of force. He underscored that the EU’s engagement with Taiwan is not framed as recognition of independence but as a practical partnership aimed at stability, prosperity, and peaceful dispute resolution through diplomatic channels. This distinction matters for policymakers and business communities in Canada, the United States, and beyond, where questions about cross-strait security and regional trade implications are regularly weighed against broader strategic aims.
According to Borrell, the European Union supports bilateral relations with Taiwan that are robust in economic and scientific collaboration while remaining within the framework of one-China policy. He called for tensions to be addressed through dialogue, multilateral diplomacy, and respect for international norms. For observers in North America, this approach signals a preference for steady engagement over confrontation, with an emphasis on predictable rules, open markets, and shared interests in regional peace and security. The emphasis on diplomacy resonates with Canadian and American audiences who seek clarity on how global powers balance credibility with restraint in a volatile environment.
During a working visit to Beijing from October 12 to October 14, Borrell is scheduled to meet a range of Chinese officials and to deliver remarks at a major university. He is also slated to participate in the 12th session of the EU-China Strategic Dialogue, a forum where EU policymakers discuss trade, technology, and regional security with their Chinese counterparts. For Canada and the United States, these engagements matter because they shape the expectations for future cooperation on technology standards, supply chain resilience, and regional security arrangements. High-level exchanges like these often ripple through international markets, influencing investment climates and policy planning across the Atlantic continent.
In earlier remarks made in China, he commented on U.S. military provisions to Taiwan, a topic closely watched by allies in North America who weigh the risks of escalating tensions with Beijing against the importance of supporting regional stability and Taiwan’s security. The broader takeaway for a Western audience is that European leadership remains focused on maintaining strategic dialogue, avoiding sharp confrontations, and encouraging diplomatic tools to address disputes. This nuanced stance is particularly relevant to Canadian and American policymakers, business communities, and researchers who analyze how the EU’s posture intersects with U.S. and allied strategies in the Asia-Pacific region. Each move by Brussels to reinforce calm and predictable relations with Taiwan while not altering the official recognition framework can influence how North American partners calibrate their own policies and economic commitments. This layered approach helps ensure that cross-strait relations stay within a framework that prioritizes stability, rule-based interaction, and the protection of shared interests in trade, science, and global governance. The ongoing discussions are watched closely by observers and analysts who treat them as bellwethers for the broader alignment of Western powers in Asia.—(Citation: South China Morning Post)