Lisbon: Despite the failure of six Taiwan-related bills in Portugal’s parliament, ties between Taipei and Lisbon are showing signs of progress, Taiwan’s envoy to Portugal said Friday. All six motions concerning Taiwan, including proposals to establish a Portuguese representative office in Taiwan, were rejected by lawmakers in a plenary vote. This followed a debate marking the first substantive discussion on the issue in Portugal’s parliament under the speaker’s chairmanship.

According to Focus Taiwan, the proposals were introduced by four parties, including the Liberal Initiative (IL), which submitted two motions. These motions called for establishing a representative office in Taiwan and urged the government to correct perceived improper administrative and institutional treatment of Taiwan. Similar proposals were submitted by the People-Animals-Nature party. The Left Bloc advocated strengthening relations with Taiwan while maintaining diplomatic ties with China, and the far-right Chega party urged the government to mediate tensions between Beijing and Taipei.

Taiwan’s representative to Portugal, Chang Ya-kuang, commented on the outcome, stating that while the proposals were not passed, they indicate that Taiwan-related issues are gaining more attention in Portugal’s Assembly of the Republic. She expressed gratitude for lawmakers who abstained from voting against the proposals, interpreting this as a gesture of support. Chang emphasized the positive significance of the growing visibility of Taiwan-related issues and cross-party engagement.

Chang also noted that mainstream media in Portugal has started to focus more on Taiwan over the past year, with outlets like Observador providing extended coverage, which she sees as an encouraging development.

In a phone interview, IL lawmaker Rui Rocha described the proposals as based on “common sense” and a “pragmatic approach,” highlighting existing economic ties, mutual investment, tourism exchanges, and expatriate communities between Portugal and Taiwan. Rocha argued that strengthening ties is in the interest of the people of Europe, Portugal, and Taiwan, emphasizing Taiwan’s significance in global industries like semiconductors.

Rocha acknowledged Portugal’s cautious stance compared to other European countries, many of which already have representative offices in Taiwan. He criticized Lisbon’s position as “over cautious,” noting the inconsistency of hosting a Taiwanese representative office without establishing one in Taipei. Rocha stated that the IL would continue to advocate for Taiwan-related proposals, underscoring the importance of parliamentary debate and the potential for Portugal’s approach to evolve over time.