Australian Politicians Attend Taiwan Inauguration, Asserting Independence from Beijing’s Influence
DFAT rejected Beijing’s ‘incorrect assertions,’ stating that the visit to Taiwan is in line with Australia’s one China policy.
Beijing has expressed anger over a pending visit to Taiwan by five federal Members of Parliament to attend the presidential inauguration ceremony.
Following recent elections, Taiwan has a new president-elect, Lai Ching-te, seen by Beijing as a proponent of the island’s independence, who is set to be inaugurated next week.
Coalition MPs Claire Chandler and Scott Buchholz plan to attend the ceremony, along with Labor MPs Raff Ciccone and Luke Gosling.
The Chinese Communist Party reiterated its claim over Taiwan promptly after Mr. Lai’s election in January.
The announcement of the four-day visit prompted the Chinese embassy in Canberra to caution Australia that Taiwan is “an inalienable part of China’s territory.”
The regime urged the Australian government to uphold its One China policy, which entails not recognizing Taiwan as an independent nation. Australia maintains informal ties with Taiwan.
Important Relationship
Senator Chandler, however, highlighted the bipartisan nature of this and previous Australian parliamentary delegations visiting Taiwan.
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She emphasized the significance of Australia’s relationship with the self-governed island nation, citing trade, investment, and cultural connections.
Taiwan ranks as Australia’s seventh largest trading partner, with Australia being a major supplier of coal and natural gas to Taiwan.
Senator Ciccone asserted that the visit aligns with Australia’s one-China Policy.
“The prime minister has already congratulated Dr. Lai Ching-te on his victory in the election, and I anticipate celebrating the vibrancy of Taiwan’s democracy at the inauguration of their new president,” he remarked.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) refuted Beijing’s “incorrect assertions.”
“These visits are in accordance with Australia’s one-China policy and historical practices,” a spokesperson stated. “Parliamentarians visit Taiwan in their personal capacities. Australia’s representative in Taipei will also join the inauguration, in line with past practices.”
Beijing Accused of Misrepresentation
Taiwan’s chief representative to Australia, Douglas Hsu, also criticized Beijing’s actions as “a deliberate effort to misinterpret common diplomatic norms regarding visits by foreign government officials to Taiwan.
“As a sovereign nation, the Republic of China (Taiwan) is widely acknowledged as a mature democracy,” Mr. Hsu remarked. “We encourage and welcome even more visits from democratically elected Australian representatives to Taiwan.”
Chapters of the Taiwanese Association of Australia will organize festivities in various states, with Labor MP Daniel Mulino slated to deliver the opening address at the Melbourne event.
“Australian MPs acknowledging the successful conduct of an election and congratulating the winner is appropriate. This includes the recent election in Taiwan,” Mr. Mulino affirmed, adding, “Democracy should not be taken for granted.”
