Taiwan (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Five Labour MPs visit Taiwan to strengthen relations post-election, marking the first trip amid China’s growing regional aggressions.
As reported by The Guardian, in their first overseas mission since Labour’s election victory, five MPs are set to engage with Taiwanese government representatives in Taipei.
The Labour delegation to Taiwan will arrive in Taipei on Sunday for talks with top officials, senior political figures, trade unions, business leaders, and civil groups.
Which 5 Labour MPs are visiting Taiwan?
MPs visiting Taiwan:
- Navendu Mishra – MP for Stockport
- Paula Barker – MP for Liverpool Wavertree
- Connor Naismith – MP for Crewe and Nantwich
- Gill Furniss – MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
- Tahir Ali – MP for Birmingham Hall Green
What did Labour’s Taiwan visit mean amid rising China tensions?
Tsai Ing-Wen, Taiwanese ex-president, visited the UK weeks after China conducted major military drills near the island – a backdrop to the Labour MPs’ trip.
The Labour MPs’ first visit to Taiwan since last summer’s Labour government comes after Beijing strongly reacted to their previous visit in March 2024.
The Chinese embassy in London confirmed the visit as a “blatant violation of the one-China principle and serious interference in China’s internal affairs,” adding that “any act that undermines China’s interests will be met with forceful responses.”
Mishra’s views on the UK-Taiwan visit
According to Mishra, the Labour Friends of Taiwan chair, the visit represented “more than symbolism.”
He added,
“It’s about real, practical partnerships between the UK and Taiwan – two societies that value freedom, fairness and international cooperation. We want to ensure Taiwan has friends in the UK parliament who will speak up when it matters most.”
What did Tsai say about Taiwan’s role in regional security and democracy?
At a House of Lords event this month, Tsai said,
“Taiwan’s insistence and the resolve of its people are crucial deterrents to China’s expansionist ambition.”
She told MPs and peers,
“Taiwan will continue contributing to security and democracy in the region and we will deepen our relationships with fellow democracies so that we are all better equipped to overcome challenges and to safeguard our democratic freedom.”
During her UK visit, she also spoke at the University of Cambridge and the London School of Economics.
Last year, The Guardian revealed that Ms Tsai cancelled her planned London visit in autumn following Foreign Office intervention due to a scheduling clash with David Lammy’s China visit.
What did Andrew Yeh say about Taiwan’s strategic importance to the UK?
Andrew Yeh, the executive director of the China Strategic Risks Institute, a thinktank, stated,
“There is a growing realisation across Westminster and Whitehall that Taiwan matters deeply to the UK: as a trade and investment partner, but also as a vital link in the UK’s critical supply chains – from MRI scanners to advanced weapons systems.”
He added,
“As the UK faces growing ‘hybrid threats’ from both Russia and China, it has much to learn from Taiwan’s resistance to China’s grey-zone coercion – from countering disinformation campaigns to protecting critical undersea infrastructure.”
China’s military drills around Taiwan
In recent weeks, China conducted extensive military drills near Taiwan. It condemned Taiwan’s officials as “separatists” and “parasites” who are escalating tensions on the self-governed island.
The Foreign Office raised concerns over the drills, stating they are “part of a pattern of activity which is increasing tensions and risking dangerous escalation in the Taiwan Strait.”
Most residents of Taiwan strongly reject the idea of Chinese control. Despite this, Beijing claims Taiwan as Chinese territory and is developing its military capacity to possibly take it by force.
UK Trade with Taiwan
- The total trade between the UK and Taiwan was £9.3 billion in the year ending Q4 2024. This is 7.7% more (£667 million) than the year before.
- UK exports to Taiwan went up by 21.1% (£931 million), reaching £5.3 billion.
- UK imports from Taiwan dropped by 6.2% (£264 million), down to £4.0 billion.
- Taiwan is the UK’s 33rd biggest trading partner, making up 0.5% of all UK trade.