Taiwan Tati Cultural and Educational Foundation

Warm Czech ties an opportunity

Chen Yung-chang 陳永昌

The telephone call between President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and Czech president-elect Petr Pavel on Monday last week was the first time a Taiwanese head of state has spoken directly with the leader of a European country. Following on from mutual visits between the speakers of the two countries’ parliaments and the mayors of their capital cities, the call shows that the friendship between Taiwan and the Czech Republic has grown closer.

However, a step that has yet to be taken is the establishment of direct flights between the countries.

Afghanistan shows China’s deficits

Sadiq Amini

China is the most populous country on the planet, with the second-largest economy and a growing military strength, all of which contribute to the perception that China is a challenger to the US for global leadership.

After the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the return to power of the Taliban in August 2021, many assumed that China would seek to fill the ensuing power vacuum.

However, that has not happened.

UK, Australia, vow deeper Taiwan ties

Taipei Times

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) yesterday thanked the UK and Australia for pledging to deepen relations with Taiwan and for opposing any attempt to unilaterally change the “status quo” in the Taiwan Strait.

London and Canberra made the remarks in a joint statement issued on Thursday at the conclusion of the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations, held this year in Portsmouth, England.

A good start for new Czech leader

Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy

On Monday, Czech president-elect Petr Pavel held a phone call with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文). Pavel reportedly said Taiwan is a trustworthy partner, and the Czech Republic would support Taiwan in upholding its democracy free from authoritarian coercion.

Given Taiwan’s growing diplomatic isolation due to Chinese obstruction, many described the gesture as a diplomatic coup for Taipei — and rightly so. In a European context, the president-elect’s phone call with Tsai is without precedent.

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