Lord Navnit Dholakia is taking part in a debate on supporting democracy in Taiwan emphasised its importance, "particularly in these difficult times, when democracy in some parts of the world is challenged by military force".
Noting the existing "stable and sound relationship", the UK has with Taiwan, Lord Dholakia underlined, "It is in our interest to ensure the preservation of peace and stability across the strait," that lies between Taiwan and China, whilst he simultaneously called on China to "end(.) its coercion against Taiwan".
Aware of unease in the region regarding the proposed building by China of a civilian airport on land reclaimed from the sea, 100 miles from Taiwan's capital, Taipei, Lord Dholakia stated, "All democratic nations and those countries in and near the South China Sea must be concerned about the building of the base". Worryingly, he pointed out, if it goes ahead it "could affect peace and stability", in the region, "particular[ly] the navigational facilities there". Pointing out "frequent excursions (...) invading the Taiwanese airspace", these are, he said vehemently, "unacceptable". Making clear the threats posed in the area, Lord Dholakia described visiting the "coastal region and been shocked to see missiles pointing towards Taiwan".
Extolling the beauty of the Taiwanese island and its "fully functioning democracy" Lord Dholakia highlighted the close ties between the Liberal Democrats and their counterparts in Taiwan as he said, he was, "impressed with the way its Parliament functions" having met with the present and previous Presidents.
Giving gravitas to the importance of a robust and sound democracy, Lord Dholakia had a request for Lord Ahmed, the Minister for South Asia at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
As he declared an interest as a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Abolition of the Death Penalty, Lord Dholakia noted "it was clear that Taiwan was working towards the abolition of the death penalty". Describing his visits to Taiwan both during the previous president, President Ma's incumbency, and more recently, during that of President Tsai, he said, "I want to ensure that Taiwan is now at a very advanced stage on this".
With the "majority of [the Taiwanese legislators wanting] to see the death penalty abolished", Lord Dholakia stressed the significance of not making such a move due to, "The risk of wrongful convictions, the abuse of human rights and a recognition that the death penalty had no unique deterrent effect" as he requested Lord Ahmad give his support to the initiative and commence discussions with his counterparts in Taiwan to further bolster the aims, and give momentum to, abolishing it.
