PoliticsUK lawmakers support East China Sea peace initiative (from left) Members of the All-Party Parliamentary British-Taiwanese Group such as MP Brian Donohoe, Lord Grantchester, Lord Faulkner, Lord Rogan and MP Greg Hands support the ROC government’s East China Sea peace initiative. (Photo/Chen Mei-ling)
The All-Party Parliamentary British-Taiwanese Group has thrown its weight behind the ROC government’s East China Sea peace initiative, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nov. 29. In a letter to ROC President Ma Ying-jeou, Lord Faulkner (Labour) and Lord Steel (Liberal Democrat), joint chairmen of the group, described the initiative’s goals as balanced and pragmatic. They also said the group views stability in East Asia as in the interests of Britain, pledging to work closely with ROC Representative to the U.K. Shen Lyu-shun on highlighting praiseworthy aspects of the initiative such as the East China Sea code of conduct. “The British lawmakers back the initiative’s objectives of replacing territorial struggle with joint development of resources in the East China Sea and using three-way talks as the basis for future cooperation,” a MOFA official said. “We welcome this support and look forward to the group doing all it can to promote the initiative’s merits among British parliamentarians.” Proposed Aug. 5 by ROC President Ma Ying-jeou, the five-point initiative urges all parties to refrain from antagonistic actions; not abandon dialogue; observe international law; resolve disputes through peaceful means; and form a mechanism for exploring and developing resources on a cooperative basis. The All-Party Parliamentary British-Taiwanese Group comprises 100 members from the upper and lower houses. It has successfully promoted Taiwan-U.K. relations for many years and played an important role in persuading the British government to include Taiwan in its visa-waiver program and Youth Mobility Scheme. (SH-JSM) Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw |
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