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A temple in Taipei, Taiwan on Monday. Photo: Reuters

British MPs plan visit to Taiwan as tension with China simmers: report

  • The trip had originally been scheduled for earlier this year, but was postponed due to Covid-19
  • Report comes following a deteriorating relationship between China and Britain, and amid UK leadership race
Britain

Britain’s House of Commons’ Foreign Affairs Committee is planning a visit to Taiwan probably in November or early December this year, The Guardian newspaper reported on Monday.

The trip had originally been scheduled for earlier this year, the report said citing unspecified sources, adding that it was postponed due to one member of the delegation testing positive for Covid-19.

The committee did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry office could not be reached immediately.

The initial visit plans were intended to show Britain’s support for Taiwan, the report said.

Pelosi will visit Taiwan, reports say, with White House now expressing support

Taiwan faces mounting pressure from China, which considers the democratically governed island its own territory.

The report comes following a deteriorating relationship between China and Britain, with the UK leadership candidates Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak demonstrating their tough stance on China as they race to replace Boris Johnson as Britain’s next prime minister.

Separately, tensions have recently escalated in the Taiwan Strait as Nancy Pelosi kicked off a tour of some Asian countries on Monday with reports that the US House of Representatives Speaker may also visit Taiwan.
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