Europe will find ways to work more closely with Taiwan

Significance

Taipei has seized the opportunity, increasing its lobbying of both EU institutions and member states. China has threatened that those supporting closer ties with Taiwan will "pay a heavy price”.

Impacts

• The Czech Republic’s new government will promote ties with Taiwan as during its presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2022.
• No member state or EU institution is ready to abandon the 'One China' policy, but they will find ways to increase interaction with Taipei.
• There will be further rhetorical skirmishes and credible Chinese threats of sanctions on European individuals promoting ties with Taiwan.