PARIS (Reuters) – France congratulated Taiwanese elected officials on Sunday, the day after the victory of the candidate supported by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and called on Taiwan and China to respect the status quo between the two sides of the strait which separates them.
“The elections in Taiwan have once again demonstrated the deep attachment of Taiwanese citizens to democratic values, the rule of law and human rights,” the Quai d’Orsay said in a statement.
“Taiwan is an important partner of Europe and France, particularly in the economic, cultural, scientific and technological fields,” he continued. “We reaffirm the crucial nature of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, call for respect for the status quo by all parties, and hope for a resumption of cross-Strait dialogue.”
Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te, defends Taiwan’s distinct identity and rejects China’s territorial claims. Beijing has reiterated that its determination to achieve reunification remains intact.
(Report by Gilles Guillaume)
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