EU to Taiwan: Unilateral moves destabilize region

The EU has today expressed its concern over Taiwan's plans to organize a UN referendum. The island, which China considers a part of its territory, now plans to call a referendum on joining the world organization, despite China's protests. EU to Taiwan: Unilateral moves destabilize region "Although a referendum is an acceptable democratic instrument, the EU is worried because of Taiwan's decision to actually go ahead with it," Beta news agency quoted a statement from Slovenia, the country holding the Union's six-month rotating presidency. The statement added that such a move would "increase the tension between Taiwan and China, while the 27 members of the EU believe a solution to the problem is best reached through dialogue". Taiwan looks likely to go ahead with its plans and hold a referendum on March 22, despite warnings that also came from the U.S., France and Japan. Beijing has announced that if the island's authorities do hold the referendum, "it will be understood as a formal declaration of independence". Brussels has reiterated its "one China" position, and said it "insist on mutual solution", at the same time advocating "against unilateral action, that would lead to the destabilization of the region".

EU to Taiwan: Unilateral moves destabilize region

"Although a referendum is an acceptable democratic instrument, the EU is worried because of Taiwan's decision to actually go ahead with it," Beta news agency quoted a statement from Slovenia, the country holding the Union's six-month rotating presidency.

The statement added that such a move would "increase the tension between Taiwan and China, while the 27 members of the EU believe a solution to the problem is best reached through dialogue".

Taiwan looks likely to go ahead with its plans and hold a referendum on March 22, despite warnings that also came from the U.S., France and Japan.

Beijing has announced that if the island's authorities do hold the referendum, "it will be understood as a formal declaration of independence".

Brussels has reiterated its "one China" position, and said it "insist on mutual solution", at the same time advocating "against unilateral action, that would lead to the destabilization of the region".