First-ever IPAC delegation of 6 countries' lawmakers visits Kinmen to observe maritime security situation

A delegation of lawmakers from six countries belonging to the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) boarded a vessel in Kinmen on Tuesday to observe the maritime security situation, marking the first time such a multi-national parliamentary group has visited the front line of the Taiwan Strait. The IPAC issued a press release stating that the lawmakers reaffirmed the importance of Taiwan Strait security to the global economy and reiterated their commitment to ensuring peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.

The IPAC delegation departed from Shuitou Pier in Kinmen at 10 a.m. aboard a 100-ton Coast Guard patrol vessel, with Central News Agency reporters accompanying the trip. The tour, conducted in a clockwise direction, passed by the Kinmen Bridge and sailed through the waters north of Kinmen, directly observing the impact of China's land reclamation for the Xiang'an Airport on Kinmen. The patrol vessel eventually docked at Liaoluo Port, concluding the observation tour.

The IPAC stated that the delegation members included British Members of Parliament Alicia Kearns and Tom Tugendhat from the Conservative Party, and Tris Osborne from the ruling Labour Party; New Zealand MP Helen White; IPAC Co-Chair in India Priyanka Chaturvedi; Czech MP Katerina Demetrashvili; and Ukrainian MP Yulia Sirko.

Additionally, Legislator Fan Yun of the Democratic Progressive Party, Legislator Chen Chao-ju of the Taiwan People's Party, and IPAC Co-Founder and Executive Director Luke de Pulford also joined the delegation on board.

IPAC quoted New Zealand MP Helen White as saying that events in the Taiwan Strait do not remain confined to the strait. The Taiwan Strait is a lifeline for global trade, and the supply chains supporting all economies rely on the strait remaining free and open. Therefore, it is essential for all legislative bodies worldwide to pay attention to the situation in the Taiwan Strait.

British Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat stated that this visit demonstrates the firm support of lawmakers from various countries for Taiwan and their stance on peacefully resolving cross-strait issues in accordance with international law. The purpose of this trip was to observe the situation firsthand and ensure that policy positions are grounded in reality. He expressed gratitude to the Taiwan Coast Guard for their assistance, which ensured the safe conduct of the observation.

Kearns currently serves as the Deputy Chair of the UK's Shadow Home Office, while Tugendhat previously served as the Minister of State for Security during the Conservative Party's governance. Osborne currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Maritime Affairs in the UK Parliament.

During their visit to Taiwan, the delegation members met with President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, and National Security Council Secretary-General Wellington Koo starting from the 7th. IPAC connects parliaments in 45 countries and regional bodies worldwide, with a total of over 300 lawmakers. (Editor: Lin Ke-lun, Wan Shu-chang) 2-chang) 00:00:00)

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