Taipei: The United Kingdom's engagement with Taiwan and China should not be a matter of choosing one side or the other, and maintaining relations with China does not mean it cannot have a fruitful relationship with Taiwan, Sarah Champion, a member of the U.K. parliament, said in a recent interview with CNA. Champion, co-chair of the British-Taiwanese All Party Parliamentary Group, emphasized that the relationship between the U.K. and Taiwan should not be restricted by any preconditions proposed by China.
According to Focus Taiwan, Champion highlighted Taiwan as a valuable partner, stressing the importance of democracies sticking together, especially as their global presence has decreased over the years. She noted Taiwan's significant contributions in areas like COVID-19 response and collaborative opportunities in AI and sustainable energy. Champion expressed regret over Taiwan's exclusion from the World Health Organization, which prevents it from sharing its valuable expertise.
The Labor Party's pledged "full audit" of its relations with China was also addressed by Champion. The audit has been scaled back, leading to speculation about its significance. Champion mentioned uncertainties about the audit's scope and public disclosure but confirmed submissions from pro-Taiwan parliamentarians, including herself. She hopes that the audit will be examined with a perspective favorable to Taiwan by officials like Catherine West, who has longstanding ties to the region. Champion also revealed that Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves was urged to discuss human rights and Taiwan's sovereignty during her recent China visit.
Champion expressed concerns about global challenges to democracy and human rights, emphasizing the need to keep Taiwan on the U.K.'s agenda. She aims to raise awareness about Taiwan's democratic strengths and the threats it faces, particularly from China. Champion warned against potential scenarios similar to Hong Kong's and stressed the economic repercussions of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait. She urged proactive parliamentary engagement to counter escalating tensions between China and Taiwan.