Olivier Faure expected in Taiwan to defend the right to self-determination

The first secretary of the Socialist Party, Olivier Faure, will travel to Taiwan from May 23 to 29 to demonstrate his support for the island's "autonomy" in the face of pressure from China. In a statement, the Socialist Party explained that its leader will defend "the autonomy of a democratic and prosperous island" confronted with an increase in military maneuvers and influence operations conducted by Beijing.

During this trip, Olivier Faure is scheduled to meet with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te at a meeting planned for May 28 in Taipei. The Socialist leader intends to reiterate that "the right to self-determination of peoples cannot be applied selectively" and affirms his commitment to upholding the same principles for the Palestinian, Ukrainian, and Taiwanese peoples.

A clear stance towards China and LFI

The Socialist Party leader is also scheduled to meet with several members of the Taiwanese government and visit local companies specializing in innovation, technology, and research. This visit comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions surrounding the Taiwan Strait, as Beijing still considers the island a Chinese province destined for reunification with the mainland.

Olivier Faure's position contrasts sharply with that of La France Insoumise and Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who consider the Taiwan issue primarily an internal Chinese dispute. In recent weeks, the leader of La France Insoumise has reiterated that France should under no circumstances become militarily involved in any potential conflict between Beijing and Taipei.

Since 1964, French diplomacy has officially recognized only one China and considers the government of the People's Republic of China to be the sole legitimate Chinese government. Paris nevertheless supports maintaining the status quo between Beijing and Taipei and opposes any forcible alteration of the current balance in the region.