Four Danish MPs visit Taiwan, ignoring Beijing’s protests

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Taipei: Disregarding Beijing’s complaints, four Danish MPs traveled to Taiwan to debate Denmark’s policy of forcing Taiwanese people to identify themselves as Chinese on their identity certificates.

The Danish daily Berlingske reported on Tuesday (November 12) that the group of MPs, who represent three political parties, is traveling to Taiwan from Sunday to Saturday (November 10-16). According to Taiwan News, the team is led by Pia Kjaersgaard, a former speaker of the Danish Parliament who is now in charge of the Taiwan Friendship Association in Denmark, which planned the trip.

Along with Henrik Thorup, an adviser to the Danish People’s Party, the delegation also included Kim Aas of the Social Democrats, Steffen Larsen of the Liberal Alliance, and Mikkel Bjorn of the Danish People’s Party.

According to Newtalk, the MPs met with Joseph Wu, the secretary-general of Taiwan’s National Security Council, on Monday to discuss commercial connections between the two nations, Taiwan’s international engagement, and China’s growth. Wu conveyed his appreciation for the delegation’s support of Taiwan.
“Taiwan truly needs nations that offer their support,” Berlingske said, quoting Kjaersgaard, adding that “there is no doubt that the Taiwanese feel deeply threatened.”

Larsen said, “The goal is to demonstrate to Taiwan that we stand with them in opposition to Communist China.”

There are indications that the group would “ignore” Beijing’s complaints, according to Alexander Sjoberg, Berlingske’s Asia reporter. The delegation is expected to meet with President Lai Ching-te on Friday.

The Danish government’s policy forcing Taiwanese people residing in Denmark to claim China as their nationality and place of birth is one of the subjects the MPs want to examine. “I’ve raised this issue in the Danish parliament numerous times, but each time the foreign minister has postponed addressing it,” said Kjaersgaard.

Larsen referred to the program as “nonsense” and warned that starting to deport Danish nationals to Beijing may be dangerous. “It would be utterly insane if that were to happen,” he said.

Kjaersgaard said she would discuss the matter with Denmark’s foreign minister when she returned from Taiwan. The moment to support Taiwan has here, she said.