Vice President Lai Ching-te received delegations from the Swedish and European parliaments on Tuesday. President Tsai Ing-wen was unable to host the reception as she is isolating at home, after a relative was diagnosed with COVID. Instead, she greeted the parliamentarians via teleconference. She also ordered up turnip cakes and bubble tea for the guests.
Boriana Aberg
Swedish-Taiwanese Parliamentarian Association
We’re incredibly proud of the fact that Taiwan is ranked 8th on the global democracy list, which serves as a brilliant example for the billion people on the other side of the strait. It is also a threat to the communist regime in China. The atrocities committed by Russia in Ukraine are a frightening example. Thus it is our duty to stand with Taiwan to defend the existence and sovereignty of Taiwan.
Charlie Weimers
Swedish Member of European Parliament
A rapporteur for Taiwan of the European Parliament, I pushed as you are well aware, for a bilateral investment agreement, will pave the way for continued efforts to deepen and intensify our alliance.
Tsai Ing-wen
President
Here, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Member of European Parliament Charlie Weimers, who was the rapporteur of the report. By building upon the solid foundations already in place, we can promote even deeper exchanges with the EU and together create a resilient democratic alliance.
The head of the Swedish delegation said she admired Taiwan''s freedom and democracy. She said China''s embassy in Sweden had pressured the delegation not to visit, but that had only steeled their determination to come.
