TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) spokesman Jeff Liu on Monday (May 6) dismissed allegations of a secret pact with the Czech Republic to aid Ukraine, calling them baseless. Liu said all related documents have been submitted to the Legislative Yuan for review in accordance with legal procedures, and MOFA is preparing to take legal action against those spreading the rumors.
The allegations were raised by Kuomintang (KMT) legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin, who questioned the nature of Taiwan's agreement with the Czech Republic to assist Ukraine. Liu stated that MOFA has issued press releases explaining the general content of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the Czech Republic. However, because of Taiwan's unique diplomatic situation, further cooperation with like-minded countries often encounters obstacles. This is why the MOFA maintains a low-profile approach.
Liu emphasized that Taiwan's cooperation with the Czech Republic to aid Ukraine is aimed at countering authoritarian expansion. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Taiwan's government and civil society immediately launched humanitarian aid efforts, mainly through friendly countries near Ukraine, such as the Czech Republic, Poland, Lithuania, and Slovakia.
Liu also noted that Taiwan's collaboration with Central and Eastern European countries to aid Ukraine strengthens Taiwan's practical relations and cooperation experience with these nations. It also helps Taiwanese businesses enter the post-war reconstruction market in Ukraine.
Liu stressed that Taiwan's actions to aid Ukraine in cooperation with the Czech Republic are transparent, with related budgets approved by the Legislative Yuan. The Czech government values its cooperation with Taiwan and has appointed a special envoy for Ukraine affairs to sign the agreement in Taiwan.
Liu refuted Hsu's claim that the Czech Health Technology Institute (CHTI), the designated executing agency of the Czech government, is a private company. He clarified that the CHTI is a non-profit organization that cooperates with the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Interior, and Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Moreover, Liu cited a December 2023 internal poll by the New Europe Center, a Ukrainian think tank, which showed that 47.1% of Ukrainian respondents believe Ukraine must assist Taiwan if China takes military action against it. This demonstrates the effectiveness of Taiwan's aid to Ukraine through direct, trilateral, and multilateral cooperation, stated Liu.
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