Sweden–Taiwan relations explained

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Sweden–Taiwan relations refers to bilateral relations between Sweden (officially the Kingdom of Sweden) and Taiwan (officially the Republic of China).

History

Sweden–Taiwan relations strengthened following Taiwan's democratization and the end of authoritarian rule.[1]

In April 2022, a delegation of Swedish parliamentarians visited Taiwan.

In Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's first parliamentary address in 2022 he expressed concerns about the threat posed to Taiwan by China.

In February 2023, the Taiwan-Four Nordic Countries Parliamentary Friendship Association was stood up to coordinate parliamentary relations between Taiwan and the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.[2]

In May 2023, a delegation of Swedish parliamentarians including Markus Wiechel, Sara Gille, Nima Gholam Ali Pour, and Rasmus Giertz visited Taiwan.[3] [4] While in Taiwan Wiechel called for greater participation in international organizations for Taiwan saying "The fact that Taiwan is excluded from a number of international organizations -- and this despite the fact that most of the free world considers Taiwan a significant international player in trade, diplomacy and democracy -- is of course completely unacceptable."[5]

Representation

The Taiwan Friendship Group is one of the largest groups in the Swedish Riksdag.[2]

Swedish Trade and Invest Council

The Swedish Trade and Invest Council represents Swedish interests in Taiwan. Swedish lawmakers have proposed renaming it to "House of Sweden."[6]

Taipei Mission in Sweden

The Taipei Mission in Sweden represents Taiwanese interests in Sweden.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Chen . Julie Yu-Wen . Lodén . Torbjörn . Slowly Taking Off: Nordic-Taiwan Relations . isdp.eu . Institute for Security & Development Policy . 15 May 2023.
  2. Web site: Tzu-hsuan . Liu . New Zealand, Nordic groups to boost culture, economic ties . taipeitimes.com . 25 February 2023 . Taipei Times . 15 May 2023.
  3. Web site: Yeh . Joseph . Swedish parliamentarians arrive in Taiwan to meet with President Tsai . focustaiwan.tw . 15 May 2023 . Focus Taiwan . 15 May 2023.
  4. Web site: Chen . Kelvin . Swedish lawmakers arrive in Taiwan . taiwannews.com.tw . 15 May 2023 . Taiwan News . 15 May 2023.
  5. Web site: Pei-ju . Teng . Taiwan's exclusion from int'l bodies 'unacceptable': Swedish lawmaker . focustaiwan.tw . 18 May 2023 . Focus Taiwan . 18 May 2023.
  6. Web site: Deeon . Jaqueline . 'House of Sweden' in Taiwan symbolizes expansion of diplomatic work . scandasia.com . 28 April 2022 . ScandAsia . 15 May 2023.