Danish lawmakers visit Taiwan despite Beijing’s opposition, push for policy change on Taiwan identity

Four Danish Members of Parliament (MPs) ignored Beijing’s protests and traveled to Taiwan, where they discussed Denmark’s policy requiring Taiwanese individuals to list themselves as Chinese on their identity documents .

The group of lawmakers representing three political parties are visiting Taiwan from Sunday to Saturday (November 10-16), according to a report by Danish newspaper Berlingske on Tuesday (November 12). The delegation is led by Pia Kjaersgaard, former speaker of the Danish Parliament and current leader of the Taiwan Friendship Association in Denmark, who organized the trip, Taiwan News reports.

The delegation also includes Mikael Bjørn of the Danish People’s Party, Stefan Larsen of the Liberal Alliance and Kim Aas of the Social Democrats, along with Danish People’s Party advisor Henrik Thorup.

On Monday, lawmakers met with Joseph Wu, secretary-general of Taiwan’s National Security Council, where they discussed China’s expansion, Taiwan’s international partnerships and trade relations between the two countries, according to NewTalk. Wu expressed the delegation’s gratitude for Taiwan’s support.

Berlingske quoted Kjersgaard as saying, “Taiwan really needs nations that offer their support,” noting that “there is no doubt that Taiwanese feel deeply threatened.”

Larson commented, “The goal is to demonstrate to Taiwan that we stand with them in opposition to Communist China.”

Alexander Sjöberg, Berlingske’s Asia correspondent, reported that there were indications the delegation would “ignore” Beijing’s protests and was scheduled to meet President Lai Ching-te on Friday.

One of the topics the lawmakers want to discuss is the Danish government’s policy that requires Taiwanese citizens living in Denmark to list their nationality and birthplace as China. “I have raised this issue several times in the Danish parliament, but each time the foreign minister has avoided addressing it,” Kjærsgaard said.

Larsen called the policy “nonsense” and warned that there was a danger that Danish authorities could start sending citizens to Beijing. “It would be complete madness if that happened,” he/she said.

Kjærsgaard said she would raise the issue with Denmark’s foreign minister upon her return from Taiwan. he/she stressed that the time has come to show support for Taiwan.