Former Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen will visit Denmark from 13 to 14 May to participate in the Copenhagen Democracy Summit—an appearance expected to lead to strong reactions from China.
Tsai’s visit marks the first time a former Taiwanese head of state has traveled to Denmark. According to experts cited in Berlingske, her attendance at the summit may be interpreted by Beijing as a symbolic nod to Taiwan’s independence, despite her no longer holding office.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and consistently opposes any international gestures that could be seen as legitimizing Taiwanese sovereignty.
“Her participation in a democracy summit, especially in Europe, will irritate Beijing, which remains highly sensitive to growing European engagement with Taiwan,” said Dr. Nathan Attrill, a China analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.
The visit also coincides with a sensitive diplomatic moment: the 75th anniversary of China-Denmark diplomatic relations.
“Even though she no longer represents the Taiwanese government, Beijing will certainly not be pleased with her visit,” said Andreas Boje Forsby, senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies.
Berlingske described Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as “Beijing’s biggest object of hatred.” Forsby, however, praised Tsai as “a political icon for Taiwan.”
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the former Danish Prime Minister and founder of the summit, defended the visit:
“The regime in Beijing, and Xi Jinping personally, will not allow the Taiwanese to live in peace and freedom. Preserving their free way of life is the Taiwanese people’s greatest wish,” said Rasmussen.
Though no official meetings with European leaders are expected, analysts predict at least a sharp response from the Chinese embassy in Denmark.
“Symbolism can lead to substance,” said Marcin Jerzewski, head of the Taiwan office of the European Values Center for Security Policy.
Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy, author of Partners in Peace: Why Europe and Taiwan Matter to Each Other, noted that countries such as the Czech Republic and Lithuania have already deepened ties with Taiwan. She believes there is potential for expanded cooperation in areas like technology and supply chain resilience.
Source: taiwannews.com
