《TAIPEI TIMES》Taiwan security an international issue: new French envoy

Staff writer, with CNA

Taiwan is “an issue of international security and not an issue of domestic politics,” new French Office in Taipei Director Franck Paris said on Friday.

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Paris, who assumed his post in August, made the comment during a news briefing at his residence, also saying that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is in France’s interest.

Taiwan’s security is an international issue that has been brought up repeatedly in meetings held by groups such the G7 and European Council, Paris said.

G7 foreign ministers have in recent joint statements reiterated their “commitment to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” which they consider “indispensable to security and prosperity in the international community.”

EU leaders also expressed concerns over growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait, as well as opposition to any unilateral moves to change the “status quo,” in their conclusions issued after the European Council meeting in July.

The importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is a narrative that should be promoted not just in Asia, but also in other parts of the world, such as Africa, Latin America and Europe, Paris said, adding that France has strong connections and good relationships with many countries, so it could play a role in contributing to that effort.

The French government would continue to honor the freedom of navigation principle by sending French military vessels through the Taiwan Strait, Paris said.

“This is an important commitment,” not only by the French president, but also endorsed by the French parliament, he said.

Without peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, all the collaborations that France and Taiwan have fostered and are planning to develop would be disrupted, Paris said.

While relations with China are “crucial” for France, such engagements would not undermine the French government’s efforts to continue to improve ties with Taiwan, he said.

“Taiwan is a partner for its own merits,” said Paris, who served as an adviser on Africa to French President Emmanuel Macron for about six years before coming to Taipei to head the French office, which represents the Elysee’s interests in the absence of diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

新聞來源：TAIPEI TIMES