For immediate release
Tuesday, May 22, 2007, Freiburg, Germany - The Formosan Association for Public Affairs Europe (FAPA Europe) called on French President Nicolas Sarkozy to drop the "one China" policy today. Due to the "one China" policy, France does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, despite the fact that Taiwan is an independent, democratic nation.
"Nicolas Sarkozy stated clearly in his acceptance speech that the pride and duty of France would be on the side of democracy and freedom," remarked Dr. Stan Lai, spokesperson for FAPA Europe. "President Sarkozy can remain true to his words by refusing to kowtow to the Chinese dictatorship, while establishing full diplomatic relations with democratic Taiwan."
French foreign policy under former French president Jacques Chirac often ignored the atrocious human rights record of China. In 2005, Chirac pushed for the end of the EU arms embargo against China, despite China's refusal to renounce the use of force against Taiwan. China now threatens the island nation with over 1000 short-range missiles and double-digit increases in its military budget.
"If Sarkozy wants to uphold the French values of humanism, democracy, and the liberty of all peoples, he should welcome Taiwan into the international community with open arms," added Lai. "He must also condemn the horrible human rights violations committed by the Chinese dictatorship."
Taiwan, which has never been governed by the People's Republic of China, has evolved into a flourishing democracy that respects fully the fundamental rights and freedoms of its citizens. Opinion polls consistently show that the overwhelming majority of Taiwanese citizens reject the idea of unification with China.
"Taiwan is a nation of 23 million citizens, greater than 21 of 27 EU states," stated Alison Hsieh, senior researcher for FAPA Europe. "The Taiwanese people are the only ones that have the right to determine the future of their country."
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About FAPA Europe:
FAPA Europe is a European organization that promotes European-Taiwan relations and supports the sovereign right of Taiwan to self-determination.
