French lawmakers visit Taiwan in wake of President Macron's remarks on China

By Alaattin Dogru

ANKARA (AA) – French lawmakers traveled to Taiwan on Monday in the wake of President Emmanuel Macron's controversial remarks about China.

The parliamentarians, including Eric Bothorel, head of the France-Taiwan friendship group, shared a photo from the visit on Twitter, writing: "Our French delegation has just landed in (the capital) Taipei. After a press conference on our arrival alongside the VP of the Legislative Yuan (parliament), we look forward to deepening our discussions with the many interlocutors we will meet.”

“Long live Franco-Taiwanese friendship," he added.

Also on Twitter, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said the lawmakers were paying a four-day visit.

- French president's remarks

Following a three-day visit to China, on April 5 Macron said in an interview that Europe must reduce its dependence on the US in order to ensure its strategic autonomy.

He added that Europe must avoid getting caught up in a possible China-Taiwan conflict, saying France and Europe should not be "followers.”

His remarks drew criticism on both sides of the Atlantic, with a number of European officials saying he did not speak for them.

China has recently taken a more assertive stance on Taiwan, a self-ruled island it sees as part of its own territory.