Taiwan is part of a democratic alliance, says Minister

After welcoming a large Czech delegation to the island on Monday, Economy Minister Wang Mei-hua said that Taiwan is part of a democratic alliance and can work with many friendly countries.

The number of countries that maintain formal diplomatic ties with Chinese-owned Taiwan has dropped to just 13 following the move of Honduras on Sunday. United States allies like the Czech Republic have bolstered support for the democratic island even though they only officially recognise China.

On Saturday, the Czech delegation of about 150 people arrived in Taipei, led by the Speaker of the Lower Chamber of the Czech Parliament, Marketa Pekarova Adamova. China has criticised the visit.

After speaking to reporters after arriving in a Taiwan-Czech business forum, Wang said that the timing of the Honduras announcement and the Czech delegation's arrival were two different things.

She said that Taiwan is in a democratic alliance and that the delegation is in a democratic alliance.

We can have good cooperation with lots of countries that are friendly to us, especially trade and the economy, culture, and so on. We're going to strengthen substantive relations with a great number of democratic countries. Pekarova Adamova, who is scheduled to meet Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen later on Monday, told the business forum that Taiwan was a crucial investment partner for her country.

Taiwan is not only an important economic partner, but also a friendly and democratic partner, and deserves our attention and support. In January, Czech President Petr Pavel drew a sharp rebuke from Beijing after taking a call from Tsai, a shift from his predecessor's attempts to win Chinese business.

Pekarova Adamova's trip to Taiwan follows a trip by Senate speaker Milos Vystrcil in 2020.