According to VVD deputy Ruben Brekelmans, Macron’s statement can be seen as a “mistake”. ‘I didn’t think it was correct in terms of content, because Taiwan is crucial for world trade and therefore also for the Netherlands and the potato chip industry. Furthermore, it is a democracy that is in conflict with Chinese autocracy, so it also has a broader meaning.’
“Taiwan is crucial for world trade and therefore also for the Netherlands and the potato chip industry”
Brekelmans argues that it is “wrong” to call the Taiwan issue “not our problem”, also stating that Macron’s timing was anything but tactical. ‘Right now we are trying to gain world support for Ukraine and to convince the world that Ukraine is not just a European problem, but a global one. Then you can’t say at the same time that Taiwan is not our problem.”
Free shipping
But, Brekelmans points out, Macron’s words were not all negative. On the contrary. For example, Macron said France has committed to free shipping to the region, something he hasn’t been very clear about before. “And that includes the water around Taiwan,” Brekelmans says.
And this is important, because one of the toughest sanctions China can introduce is the closure of Taiwan at sea. Rutte and Macron are now making clear that it would be going too far. “Macron has also indicated that both France and the Netherlands share this view with the United States,” continues Brekelmans. “Thus, where in a previous interview he underlined the distance with the United States, yesterday he again underlined the shared vision of freedom of navigation and sovereignty”.
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Brekelmans admits that Macron clearly has a different tone towards certain US politicians. “I thought it was a good shade.”
Recognition
According to Brekelmans, it is important that this support is continuously expressed, and for this there is no need to talk about a possible recognition. “Taiwan doesn’t even ask,” she says. They are not asking for independent status or whether it can be recognized by the West. What they want is a certain degree of freedom and positions in international organizations.’
He said that Taiwan therefore does not expect Europe to suddenly launch any kind of military activity in the region, but that it can continue to count on Europe’s support. “That we too, as Europe, continue to contribute to discourage China”, she concludes. “For example, using our economic power. And I think we should radiate Western unity in that.”