The City of Edinburgh Council has put on hold its plans for a new partnership with a Taiwanese city due to concerns over potentially damaging relations with China. The five-year partnership aimed to strengthen cultural and commercial links with the Scottish capital and Kaohsiung. However, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Airport, Essential Edinburgh and other local organisations warned that this could lead to repercussions, with fewer tourist, student and trade numbers and even the imposition of sanctions. A report on the matter also raised concerns about cyber attacks and an increased risk if the agreement was to be signed.
Taiwan considers itself an independent nation and largely functions as one. But China does not recognise that and, in most other countries, the island’s political status remains conflicted. Councillors were warned of the potential risks that the partnership could pose to the city’s current relationship with China. Council leader Cammy Day, who spearheaded the efforts to develop relationships with Taiwan, previously visited Kaohsiung and Taipei on a government-funded trip in 2019. Despite his efforts, the discussions will be delayed so that further dialogue can take place.
China’s representative in Edinburgh expressed grave concerns to councillors via a letter, warning that the signing of a “friendship arrangement” between Edinburgh and any Taiwanese city would be deeply related to the Taiwan issue, potentially leading to serious outcomes for their bilateral relationship. The Scottish council’s signing of the arrangement “will hurt the feelings of the Chinese people and bring serious consequences,” warned the letter. “Surely Edinburgh would benefit little but lose a lot from such action”. The pause in deliberations will allow the council to engage more before bringing up any new proposals.
However, letters received from the Kaohsiung City Government, the Taipei Representative Office in the UK, and the Scotland Taiwanese Association were in support of the partnership. Ultimately, the council will need to balance the opportunities for cultural enrichment and potential economic gain against uncertainties around the strained relationship with China and the risks posed
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More