Largest-Ever Delegation of Foreign Lawmakers Visits Taiwan Amidst Beijing's Pressure

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te welcomed the largest-ever delegation of foreign lawmakers to Taiwan, highlighting the importance of democratic unity. The visit, part of a conference held by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), faced pressure from Beijing, which views Taiwan as a renegade province and opposes its democratic stance.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te welcomed the "largest-ever" delegation of foreign lawmakers to Taiwan, emphasizing the importance of democratic unity. The gathering underscores the support and value that various countries place on Taiwan, Lai remarked.

Speaking at a conference organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) in Taipei, Lai said, "Maintaining democracy requires unity, and we must protect democracy together." IPAC comprises hundreds of lawmakers from 35 countries who are concerned about democratic approaches toward Beijing.

Beijing views Taiwan as a renegade province and has increased its threats to annex the island by force if necessary. Despite Beijing's pressure, which included urging foreign lawmakers not to attend the conference, the delegation proceeded with their visit, reiterating the global importance of supporting democracies like Taiwan.

(With inputs from agencies.)