Taiwan’s democracy represents a successful model of Chinese culture developing into a free market, democratic society. The speaker advocates for stronger economic cooperation, international recognition, and security support from the UK to Taiwan.

Inquires about the impact of recent events in Afghanistan on China's perception of UK resolve regarding threats to Ukraine and its ambitions in the South China Sea.

Questions whether there is an absence of strategy from the Government towards China and Taiwan, suggesting the need for urgent action.

Suggests that a cross-party, cross-House approach to this issue could be beneficial in addressing China's patient attitude towards Taiwan.

Agrees with the importance of Taiwan’s role in international bodies and emphasises the negative impact of silencing Taiwan on global health responses to pandemics like COVID-19.

Calls for specific steps from the British Government to lobby for Taiwan’s readmission with observer status to the WHO, questioning when tangible action will be seen in this context.

Compliments the debate and questions whether the UK needs to show steely determination towards Beijing over its attitude towards Taiwan and Hong Kong, similar to the stance taken by the Foreign Secretary in Russia.

Mr Sharma congratulates the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton on leading an important debate regarding Taiwan's relations with the UK. He highlights the significance of allies around the world, especially in light of recent global events that underscore the importance of democracy and freedom. Mr Sharma notes that 9 out of 10 UK companies view their business outlook positively in Taiwan, reflecting a thriving trade relationship. Emphasising Taiwan’s role as a critical partner for high-tech manufacturing, accounting for one fifth of global chip manufacturing capacity, he stresses the potential risks to the global supply chain if this stability were disrupted. He calls on the UK and its international partners to support Taiwan's participation in regional cooperation and trade bodies while urging the Government to grant legal status to the Taipei representative office in the UK and ease restrictions on high-level Taiwanese officials’ travel.

The speaker discusses the impact of China's aggressive actions on international relations and democratic values, emphasising the need to support Taiwan's autonomy and freedom. He raises concerns about disinformation campaigns, cyber-attacks, and the influence of Chinese state entities such as Confucius Institutes in undermining British democracy.

The speaker intervenes to emphasise that many ethnic groups within China do not want to be part of it and are denied self-determination by Beijing, which the speaker considers shameful.

The speaker intervenes to express concern that espionage from Chinese entities is facilitating technological advancements in British institutions without accountability. This raises issues of security and national interests being compromised.

Intervenes to suggest the need for a balanced approach in foreign policy, dealing with the world as it is while also working towards an ideal future. He supports Taiwan's peaceful democratic evolution but warns against actions that could provoke China negatively.

Congratulates the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton and the right hon. Member for Beckenham on securing this important debate, highlighting Taiwan's democratic progress compared to China's authoritarianism; notes Taiwan’s higher press freedom, ambitious climate goals, and inclusive society; mentions Taiwan’s status as a full democracy according to The Economist’s democracy index; calls for meaningful inclusion of Taiwan in the United Nations system and asks international community to join these calls; emphasises economic benefits of strong trade ties between the UK and Taiwan, citing Scotch whisky exports valued at £206 million in 2020; discusses the need to strengthen diplomatic ties for defence and security measures against China's growing military assertiveness; points out similarities between Russia’s actions towards Ukraine and potential threats posed by China regarding Taiwan; urges the Government not to support oppression of independent states by authoritarian governments, whether proactively or passively.

Stewart emphasised Taiwan’s role as a democratic ally and trading partner to the UK. He mentioned Taiwan's donation of masks during the COVID crisis, its banishment from UN membership, and the constant cyber-attacks it faces from China. He highlighted British business investments in Taiwan, including whisky production, and expressed hope for support in joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Additionally, he raised concerns about China's military build-up and territorial claims in the South China Sea.

While not delivering a full speech, Thomas Tugendhat intervened to express concern that President Xi Jinping’s goal of reunification could mean imposing Chinese Communist Party rule on Taiwan, similar to the oppression seen in Tibet and Xinjiang.

Tim Loughton thanked Bob Stewart for his contribution and expressed fear over China's potential annexation of Taiwan, aligning with Xi Jinping’s vision of reunification under strict Communist Party rule. He also highlighted the shared values between Taiwan and Hong Kong prior to recent political changes.

Alicia Kearns raised concerns about Confucius Institutes in Scotland and suggested that given Taiwanese proficiency in Mandarin, they could provide more education in the language. She also noted China’s sanctioning of both Taiwanese and British parliamentarians as a sign of attack on democratic systems.

The debate is about strengthening ties between Taiwan and the UK. Jim Shannon acknowledges Taiwan's democratic reforms since the 1980s, highlighting its rise to the No. 1 democracy in Asia according to The Economist’s Democracy Index in 2020. He emphasises the importance of promoting peace and stability in the region as the UK increases engagement with the Indo-Pacific. Shannon expresses concern over China's expanding authoritarianism and urges the UK to build on its relationship with Taiwan, considering it crucial for supporting democracy against Chinese influence. He mentions that in 2021 there were 950 intrusions by Chinese military planes into the Taiwan zone, a significant increase from previous years. Shannon also notes the economic importance of Taiwan, citing £8 billion in total trade between the UK and Taiwan over four quarters to Q3 2021 and highlighting the crucial role of Taiwanese chip manufacturing.

I commend my hon. Friend the Member for Rutland and Melton on leading this debate today to discuss British-Taiwanese relations. It is high time that we discussed it on the Floor of the House. Taiwan is a beacon of liberty, freedom and democracy in a region overshadowed by China... In 2022, the behaviour by the People’s Republic of China, and how it threatens Taiwan, is completely unacceptable, and the United Kingdom must stand shoulder to shoulder with Taiwan. I pay tribute to the work of His Excellency Ambassador Kelly, and his incredible and dedicated team who operate the Taipei representative office in London... Strengthening our relationship further will send an unambiguous signal to China that aggression will not be tolerated. In this vein, I ask the Minister: why should Taiwan not be allowed to participate in the World Health Organisation, Interpol and the different bodies within the United Nations? We need Taiwan to play its part in the exchange of ideas and to share its technical knowledge and expertise... Let me conclude by wishing the people of Taiwan good fortune, good health and prosperity for the lunar new year. In this the year of the tiger, let us send a clear message that they have and will continue to have the support of the United Kingdom.

I agree completely with what my hon. Friend is saying. Taiwan is one of the great success stories of the far east. It has a multicultural liberal democracy, a growing economy, fantastic trade and many political freedoms and press freedoms. It is superbly championed worldwide, not least by the excellent Taipei representative in London. Does my hon. Friend agree that Taiwan should be celebrated and not threatened?

Neill congratulates the Members who secured this debate, highlighting Taiwan's importance economically, politically, and morally as a peaceful democracy. He declares his interest in being a member of the British-Taiwanese all-party parliamentary group and praises Ambassador Kelly for improving relations between the UK and Taiwan. Neill supports Taiwan’s inclusion in international organisations despite limitations and encourages persistent efforts to change this exclusion. He discusses Taiwan's transition from an autocratic society under Chiang Kai-shek into a democracy with respect for the rule of law, noting its legal reforms since the 1990s and its ratification of key international covenants on human rights.

Congratulated the right hon. Member for Beckenham and the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton on securing the debate. Emphasised his personal connection to Taiwan, having visited in 2013 as part of an international youth culture and study tour. Highlighted the principle of self-determination, drawing parallels with Ukraine, Scotland, and the Falkland Islands. Stated that if the people of Taiwan wanted a referendum, he would be fully supportive. Criticised the UK Government for not recognising Taiwan enough, noting the importance of supporting democratic principles globally. Discussed Taiwan's progress in democracy and its exemplary handling of the pandemic despite lacking full membership in the WHO. Mentioned the importance of trade links with Taiwan, particularly in semiconductors, whisky, energy, offshore wind power, financial services, agriculture, and other sectors. Suggested potential academic collaboration between Scotland and Taiwan given the number of Taiwanese students studying in the UK each year. Highlighted climate priorities and the possibility for renewable energy co-operation. Raised concerns about China's stance on self-determination and the absence of mention of Taiwan in the Government’s integrated review.

Expressed gratitude to the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton for securing an excellent debate highlighting the importance of the friendship between the UK and Taiwan, mentioning people-to-people relationships, student exchanges, business investments in future technologies, medical cooperation during the pandemic, and the significance of Taiwan as a beacon of liberty in Asia-Pacific.

Addressed increased tensions in the Taiwan Strait and expressed concerns over China's military flights near Taiwan. Reassured Members about the UK’s commitment to peace, stability, and trade with Taiwan. Discussed economic, scientific, educational, and climate collaborations between the UK and Taiwan.

Thanked the Minister for her response and expressed gratitude to all Members who contributed. Highlighted unity in support of the people of Taiwan, emphasising friendship, opportunity, shared threats, and a commitment to deepening security cooperation and international recognition.