Latest news with #EuropeanDemocracyShield
Reuters
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Taiwan, EU both face threats of 'external infiltration', president tells European lawmakers
TAIPEI, July 22 (Reuters) - Taiwan and the European Union share the same values of freedom and democracy, but both also face similar threats from "external infiltration", President Lai Ching-te told visiting European lawmakers on Tuesday. Taiwan views the EU as one of its most important like-minded democratic partners, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, and the bloc has had to balance its support for the Chinese-claimed island with relations with Beijing, which views Taiwan as its own territory. China confirmed on Monday it will hold a top-level summit with the EU in Beijing this week marking 50 years of diplomatic ties as both sides seek to navigate trade disputes amid broader global trade uncertainties. Lai, meeting members of the European Parliament's Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield at the presidential office in Taipei, said Taiwan and the EU not only have close economic and trade ties, but also share the values of democracy and freedom. "But in recent years, both have encountered information interference and infiltration by external forces which have attempted to manipulate the results of democratic elections, create confrontation in society, and shake people's confidence in democracy," he said, according to a statement from his office. Taiwan, which rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, has repeatedly accused China of interfering in its democracy, spreading fake news and undermining public trust in the government. China denies the accusations, but says Taiwan's government is seeking foreign support to push its own "separatist" agenda. For their part, many European countries say Russia has similarly been seeking to discredit European governments and destabilise the EU. Moscow rejects the allegations. Lai said that democracies work not to fight against anyone, but to safeguard a "treasured" way of life, just as Europe strives to promote the spirit of pluralism and human rights. "Standing at the forefront of the world's defence of democracy, Taiwan is determined to work to safeguard democracy, peace and prosperity around the world, and hopes to share its experience with Europe," he added.
AsiaOne
22-07-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
Taiwan, EU both face threats of 'external infiltration', president tells European lawmakers, World News
TAIPEI — Taiwan and the European Union (EU) share the same values of freedom and democracy, but both also face similar threats from "external infiltration", President Lai Ching-te told visiting European lawmakers on Tuesday (July 22). Taiwan views the EU as one of its most important like-minded democratic partners, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, and the bloc has had to balance its support for the Chinese-claimed island with relations with Beijing, which views Taiwan as its own territory. China confirmed on Monday it will hold a top-level summit with the EU in Beijing this week marking 50 years of diplomatic ties as both sides seek to navigate trade disputes amid broader global trade uncertainties. Lai, meeting members of the European Parliament's Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield at the presidential office in Taipei, said Taiwan and the EU not only have close economic and trade ties, but also share the values of democracy and freedom. "But in recent years, both have encountered information interference and infiltration by external forces which have attempted to manipulate the results of democratic elections, create confrontation in society, and shake people's confidence in democracy," he said, according to a statement from his office. Taiwan, which rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, has repeatedly accused China of interfering in its democracy, spreading fake news and undermining public trust in the government. China denies the accusations, but says Taiwan's government is seeking foreign support to push its own "separatist" agenda. For their part, many European countries say Russia has similarly been seeking to discredit European governments and destabilise the EU. Moscow rejects the allegations. Lai said that democracies work not to fight against anyone, but to safeguard a "treasured" way of life, just as Europe strives to promote the spirit of pluralism and human rights. "Standing at the forefront of the world's defence of democracy, Taiwan is determined to work to safeguard democracy, peace and prosperity around the world, and hopes to share its experience with Europe," he added. [[nid:720481]]
Straits Times
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Taiwan, EU both face threats of ‘external infiltration', president tells European lawmakers
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Taiwan views the EU as one of its most important like-minded democratic partners. TAIPEI - Taiwan and the European Union share the same values of freedom and democracy, but both also face similar threats from 'external infiltration', President Lai Ching-te told visiting European lawmakers on July 22. Taiwan views the EU as one of its most important like-minded democratic partners, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, and the bloc has had to balance its support for the Chinese-claimed island with relations with Beijing, which views Taiwan as its own territory. China confirmed on July 21 that it will hold a top-level summit with the EU in Beijing this week marking 50 years of diplomatic ties as both sides seek to navigate trade disputes amid broader global trade uncertainties. Mr Lai, meeting members of the European Parliament's Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield at the presidential office in Taipei, said Taiwan and the EU not only have close economic and trade ties, but also share the values of democracy and freedom. 'But in recent years, both have encountered information interference and infiltration by external forces which have attempted to manipulate the results of democratic elections, create confrontation in society, and shake people's confidence in democracy,' he said, according to a statement from his office. Taiwan, which rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, has repeatedly accused China of interfering in its democracy, spreading fake news and undermining public trust in the government. China denies the accusations, but says Taiwan's government is seeking foreign support to push its own 'separatist' agenda. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Miscalculation of MOH subsidies and grants led to $7m in overpayments, $2m in shortfalls Singapore Changi Airport handles 17.5 million passengers in Q2 2025 Singapore 2 charged over alleged involvement in posting of bail for man who subsequently absconded Singapore Teen charged after allegedly selling vaporisers, advertising e-cigarettes on WhatsApp Life Having a workout partner could be the secret to sticking to your fitness goals Singapore 2,500 turtles seized in India and sent back to S'pore, put down humanely after salmonella detected Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving For their part, many European countries say Russia has similarly been seeking to discredit European governments and destabilise the EU . Moscow rejects the allegations. Mr Lai said that democracies work not to fight against anyone, but to safeguard a 'treasured' way of life, just as Europe strives to promote the spirit of pluralism and human rights. 'Standing at the forefront of the world's defence of democracy, Taiwan is determined to work to safeguard democracy, peace and prosperity around the world, and hopes to share its experience with Europe,' he added. REUTERS
Straits Times
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Taiwan, EU both face threats of 'external infiltration', president tells European lawmakers
FILE PHOTO: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te delivers a speech on anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe in Taipei, Taiwan May 8, 2025. REUTERS/Ann Wang/File Photo TAIPEI - Taiwan and the European Union share the same values of freedom and democracy, but both also face similar threats from "external infiltration", President Lai Ching-te told visiting European lawmakers on Tuesday. Taiwan views the EU as one of its most important like-minded democratic partners, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, and the bloc has had to balance its support for the Chinese-claimed island with relations with Beijing, which views Taiwan as its own territory. China confirmed on Monday it will hold a top-level summit with the EU in Beijing this week marking 50 years of diplomatic ties as both sides seek to navigate trade disputes amid broader global trade uncertainties. Lai, meeting members of the European Parliament's Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield at the presidential office in Taipei, said Taiwan and the EU not only have close economic and trade ties, but also share the values of democracy and freedom. "But in recent years, both have encountered information interference and infiltration by external forces which have attempted to manipulate the results of democratic elections, create confrontation in society, and shake people's confidence in democracy," he said, according to a statement from his office. Taiwan, which rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, has repeatedly accused China of interfering in its democracy, spreading fake news and undermining public trust in the government. China denies the accusations, but says Taiwan's government is seeking foreign support to push its own "separatist" agenda. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore S'poreans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Miscalculated grants: Overpayments amounted to $7m for most people, a shortage of $2m to others, says MOH Singapore Changi Airport handles 17.5 million passengers in Q2 2025 Singapore 2 charged over alleged involvement in posting of bail for man who subsequently absconded Singapore Teen charged after allegedly selling vaporisers, advertising e-cigarettes on WhatsApp Life Having a workout partner could be the secret to sticking to your fitness goals Singapore 2,500 turtles seized in India and sent back to S'pore, put down humanely after salmonella detected Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving For their part, many European countries say Russia has similarly been seeking to discredit European governments and destabilise the EU. Moscow rejects the allegations. Lai said that democracies work not to fight against anyone, but to safeguard a "treasured" way of life, just as Europe strives to promote the spirit of pluralism and human rights. "Standing at the forefront of the world's defence of democracy, Taiwan is determined to work to safeguard democracy, peace and prosperity around the world, and hopes to share its experience with Europe," he added. REUTERS
Euractiv
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Euractiv
Council eyes easing rules for responsible news media in upcoming Democracy Shield
The Council wants the Commission to simplify rules for editorial news media in the upcoming European Democracy Shield initiative in light of threats from emerging technologies and foreign manipulation, according to a document obtained by Euractiv. The Commission has said its forthcoming Democracy Shield communication will focus on fighting risks to EU democracy, such as misinformation and foreign information manipulation. In its draft conclusions, the Council document asks the Commission and member states to clarify "the notion of editorial responsibility" in order to ensure that reliable news can circulate in democracies. The Council's conclusions identify increasing pressure on the news sector and public information sphere from online platforms, big tech companies and algorithm-driven content. Furthermore, the document flags the huge challenges posed by foreign disinformation and misinformation (FIMI) – a position also voiced recently by the Parliament's report on the same topic. The conclusions ask authorities to ensure that services curating news content – such as AI systems like large language models, search engines and online platforms – are sufficiently accountable to do so. Simplifying burdensome requirements The Council also wants the Commission and national authorities to simplify rules for "editorially responsible" media to help them compete with online platforms that monetise informational content without abiding by such standards. The Commission's upcoming evaluation of the Audio-Visual Media Directive – which is expected in 2026 – should also focus on simplifying the rules for media, the Council concludes. Furthermore, the document asks authorities to "map ways" in which "editorial news media" might be made exempt from any "burdensome regulatory requirements", as it puts it. The Council also wants to see efforts to ensure a level playing field between online platforms and new media-like actors, on the one hand, and editorially responsible news media services on the other – to ensure a more sustainable, independent, pluralistic and free media sector. The draft Council conclusions are set to be presented in the Audiovisual and Media Working Party on 11 July. Euractiv's Claudie Moreau contributed reporting. (nl)
