Author: Taiwan APPG

Q Asked by Alicia Kearns MP
Asked on: 17 November 2020

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
China: Taiwan / UIN 116673

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the refusal of the World Healthy Assembly at its 73rd plenary to consider Taiwan for membership of the Assembly; and what steps the UK and allied countries are taking to ensure that Taiwan is recognised in global health forums.

A Answered by: Nigel Adams
Answered on: 25 November 2020

The UK continues to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organisations where statehood is not a prerequisite. This includes the World Health Organization (WHO), where Taiwan can make a valuable contribution. The UK recently worked alongside likeminded countries to lobby the WHO at official level to issue an invitation to Taiwan to observe this month’s World Health Assembly and continues to lobby the WHO to allow Taiwan to participate in all relevant WHO technical meetings. Lessons learnt from Taiwan’s effective tackling of the COVID-19 pandemic adds significant value to the international fight against the virus.

Q Asked by Alicia Kearns MP
Asked on: 17 November 2020

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
China: Taiwan / UIN 116676

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of reports that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army has built a full-scale replica of Taiwan’s presidential office building to serve as a military training complex; and whether the UK plans to provide Taiwan with appropriate assistance to preserve its existing status.

A Answered by: Nigel Adams
Answered on: 24 November 2020

We are concerned by any action which raises tensions in the region and risks destabilising the status quo. HMG considers the Taiwan issue one to be settled by the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait through constructive dialogue.

Q Asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass
Asked on: 16 November 2020

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Northern Cyprus and Taiwan: Sovereignty / UIN HL10352

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 10 November (HL9658), what assessment they have made of any difference between their policies towards recognising (1) the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and (2) Taiwan; what are the reasons for any such differences; and what plans they have to treat both territories equally.

A Answered by: Baroness Sugg
Answered on: 24 November 2020

Taiwan and the northern part of Cyprus are two very different political realities. HMG’s position is informed by the particular context of each situation.

A comprehensive settlement to end the division of Cyprus is the best way to resolve the challenges faced by both Cypriot communities, and the UK is encouraging the parties to demonstrate their renewed commitment to that end. In line with the rest of the international community, with the sole exception of Turkey, the UK does not recognise the self-declared “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” as an independent state. Our position respects UN Security Council resolutions on the issue. The UK recognises only one Cypriot state – the Republic of Cyprus – and only one government as the sole legitimate government.

The UK’s longstanding policy on Taiwan has not changed: we have no diplomatic relations with Taiwan but a strong, unofficial relationship, based on dynamic commercial, educational and cultural ties. We regularly lobby in favour of Taiwan’s participation in international organisations where statehood is not a prerequisite.

Q Asked by Rt Hon John Spellar MP
Asked on: 11 November 2020

Department for Transport
Taiwan: International Civil Aviation Organisation / UIN 114060

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he has taken to support Taiwan’s membership of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

A Answered by: Robert Courts MP
Answered on: 20 November 2020

The UK believes that the people of Taiwan have a valuable contribution to make on issues of global concern. We therefore support Taiwanese participation in International Organisations, where there is precedent for their involvement and where there is no pre-requisite of nationhood for participation. This includes meetings of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Q Asked by The Marquess of Lothian
Asked on: 22 October 2020

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Taiwan: China / HL9491

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the remarks by the US National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien to the Aspen Security Forum on 16 October, what is their strategic assessment of the prospects of offensive action by the government of China against Taiwan.

A Answered by: Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Answered on: 5 November 2020

We are concerned by any action which raises tensions in the Taiwan Strait and risks destabilising the status quo. Her Majesty’s Government continues to monitor the situation closely, and considers the Taiwan issue one to be settled by the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait through constructive dialogue.