Media report: British lawmakers to visit Taiwan later this year

Media report: British lawmakers to visit Taiwan later this year
August 2, 2022, 11:00 am

Westminster Bridge in London, England (File photo: Pixabay)

The Guardian reported on Monday (August 1) that Britain's House of Commons' Foreign Affairs Committee is planning a visit to Taiwan probably in November or early December this year.

The trip had originally been scheduled for earlier this year, the report said citing unspecified sources, adding that it was postponed due to one member of the delegation testing positive for COVID-19, the Alarabiya English reported, citing Reuters.

The committee did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Taiwan's Foreign Ministry office could not be reached immediately.

According to a report published by the Politico on Monday (August 1), up until recently most EU member states were cautious in their public comments about Taiwan and US rivalry with China, a major trading partner for the EU.

This contrasts with the rhetoric in former EU member the UK, where both Tory Party leadership candidates are seeking to take the helm after outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged to be tough on Beijing.

Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss alike pledged to maintain combative foreign policy as each campaigned for party members’ votes.

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Separately, tensions have recently escalated in the Taiwan Strait as Nancy Pelosi kicked off a tour of some Asian countries on Monday with speculations that the US House of Representatives Speaker may also visiting Taiwan.

The initial visit plans were intended to show Britain's support for Taiwan, the report said.

Taiwan faces mounting pressure from China, which considers the democratically governed island its own territory.

Levantnews with agencies

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