Taipei, July 14 (CNA) “Firm and resolved deterrence” and day-to-day security efforts are needed to prevent the Russian aggression in Ukraine from being seen elsewhere, French Representative to Taiwan Jean-Fran?ois Casabonne-Masonnave said Friday.
Casabonne-Masonnave made the comment at the celebration of the French national day, known as Bastille Day, in Taipei, without elaborating.
Keeping his remarks vague, he commended Taiwan and France, as well as their allies and partners, for working in favor of peace, stability, and the status quo.
He went on to take note of the cooperation between Taiwan and France on entertainment, innovation, and human rights promotion, but said “we must go further,” suggesting science, industrial development and talent incubation as other areas where ties could be deepened.
Casabonne-Masonnave, who has served as head of the French Office in Taipei since September 2019, is expected to leave the post at the end of July.
Neither the office, which represents Paris’ interest in Taiwan in the absence of diplomatic relations, nor Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially announced Casabonne-Masonnave’s replacement.
July 14: Taiwanese artist gifts calligraphy pieces to French government
Meanwhile, Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan (???) said at the event that Taiwan and France are important partners in trade, scientific research, culture and education.
The continuous expansion of authoritarianism has posed a “grave threat” to the international rules-based order, Cheng said, adding that he was pleased that “France has been working with like-minded partners to counter such a threat.”
He went on to thank the French government for “repeatedly raising concerns over China’s threat to the security of the Taiwan Strait and expressing firm opposition to any unilateral changes to the status quo.”
