On 7 October the European Parliament voted 454–86–110 for a non-binding call for continuous naval presence and joint exercises around the Taiwan Strait with Indo-Pacific partners.

The EU keeps its One China policy but has expanded ties with democratic Taiwan (23 million people under Chinese force threats), framing its security as a European concern.

The vote advances debate on supporting democracies beyond geography via dialogue, trade and exchanges without a formal alliance or ending engagement with Beijing.

The European Parliament’s recent vote on Taiwan raises a wider question: how far should Europe go in supporting democratic partners beyond its borders?

On 7 October, the European Parliament adopted a recommendation on EU-China relations with 454 votes in favour, 86 against and 110 abstentions. One of its most significant points was a call for a continuous naval presence and joint military exercises around the Taiwan Strait, in cooperation with democratic partners in the Indo-Pacific.

The vote has no binding effect on EU governments, but it sends an important political message. Taiwan’s security is increasingly becoming a European concern, despite the thousands of kilometres separating the island from Brussels.

Taiwan is a democratic country of around 23 million people. China considers it part of its........

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