IPAC condemns CCP’s intimidation of legislators and distortion of “One China Policy”

Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) issued a strong statement on August 6, condemning the Chinese Communist Party’s intimidation of multiple foreign parliamentarians participating in IPAC Taiwan Summit. The statement criticized the CCP for distorting the internationally recognized “One China Policy” into their version known as the “One China Principle.”

IPAC, composed of legislators from around the world, is dedicated to uniting legislators globally to promote democracy, rule of law, and human rights principles while addressing the threats posed by the CCP. Established in 2020, IPAC currently has 250 legislators from 40 countries, covering continents such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, Colombia, and Uganda.

The largest-ever parliamentary delegation to visit Taiwan convened in Taipei on July 30-31 for the IPAC Summit, with 49 parliamentarians from 24 countries in attendance. Discussions at the summit revolved around Taiwan’s security, CCP’s political and economic coercion against Taiwan, military threats, human rights violations, cybersecurity, and threats faced by the global supply chain.

One significant motion passed at the summit, as reported by Voice of America, rebutted the CCP’s interpretation of the United Nations Resolution 2758. Legislators present indicated that this motion would set a precedent for similar resolutions in their respective parliaments.

Resolution 2758, passed in October 1971, determined the Chinese People’s Republic as the representative of China in the United Nations Security Council, without denying the sovereignty of the Republic of China or Taiwan. Nonetheless, the CCP has continuously misinterpreted the resolution to isolate Taiwan and utilize it as a pretext for potential military aggression.

Several foreign legislators attending the summit expressed concerns about CCP’s misuse of the UN resolution as a justification for aggression or intimidation against Taiwan. Reinhard Butikofer, former head of the European Parliament’s relations with China delegation, emphasized the dangers posed by CCP’s incorrect interpretation and urged governments to recognize potential risks.

During his keynote speech at the summit, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen emphasized that any threat posed by the communist regime to any country is a threat to the world. Taiwan pledged full support to its democratic partners under the “democratic protection umbrella” to safeguard them from authoritarian expansions.

IPAC believes the summit had a positive impact globally, resonating in 87 countries in support of Taiwan’s message and commitment to upholding human rights, democracy, and the rules-based international order.

Moreover, IPAC Executive Director Luke de Pulford expressed belief that the summit could influence how some countries engage with Taiwan, paving the way for ministerial-level meetings. He stressed the importance of greater international awareness of Taiwan’s plight.

Amid the summit and its aftermath, the CCP continued its interference and intimidation tactics. Several legislators received threatening messages from CCP diplomats, urging them not to participate in the summit.

The pressure exerted by the CCP on legislators has been deemed unprecedented, with attempts to obstruct their travel plans to Taiwan. The high-handed tactics by the CCP only reinforced the resolve of participants to attend the Taiwan Summit.

Legislators from Bolivia, Colombia, Slovakia, North Macedonia, Bosnia, and an unnamed Asian nation reported receiving calls, messages, and requests for urgent meetings from CCP diplomats, urging them to boycott the IPAC summit.

These interference attempts by the CCP drew severe responses from legislators, with many refusing to bow down to such coercion. Miriam Lexmann, European Parliamentarian from Slovakia, highlighted the necessity of countering challenges posed by CCP’s authoritarian maneuvers.

IPAC’s uncompromising response to CCP’s direct and indirect pressures on the Taiwan Summit and the intimidation of several foreign parliamentarians culminated in a firm statement released on August 6. The alliance strongly denounced CCP’s coordinated political interference and intimidation against delegates, while emphasizing their commitment to freedom of legislators and international law.

The intimidating tactics employed by the CCP against legislators underscored the critical nature of their interaction with Taiwan and the imperative of supporting democratic values. The international community remains vigilant against CCP’s infringements on democratic processes and parliamentarians’ rights.

The standoff between IPAC and the CCP highlights the strategic importance of defending democratic principles and fighting back against CCP’s bullying tactics. The unwavering solidarity among legislators in the face of CCP’s threats signifies a united front against malign foreign interference.

As the world observes the escalating tensions and power play between IPAC and the CCP, the international community must stand resolute in defending democratic values, protecting legislators’ freedom, and upholding the sanctity of democratic processes against external aggressions.