Mr Johnson drew a direct comparison between Taiwan and Palestine (Image: Getty)
Boris Johnson has called for Britain to reconsider its approach to Taiwan, arguing that the case for recognising the island’s statehood is “far more robust” than that of Palestine. The former prime minister made the comments during his first visit to the democratic east-Asian island.
Addressing reporters at a press meeting in the heart of Taipei, Mr Johnson drew a direct comparison between Taiwan and Palestine. “There is an analogy,” he said, referencing recent developments in British foreign policy.
Article continues belowADVERTISEMENT
Discover Effortless Glucose Monitoring: Request a Free TrialDexcom G7 Is Easy To Use and Easy To Get Started. Simply Sign Up For A Free 10-Day Trial Today.Dexcom |
Try Now
Undo
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Eamonn Holmes rages 'Labour is taking us for fools!' in furious migrant deal rant
Iran poses ‘serious threat' to UK as new report exposes foreign aggression in Britain
Full list of every Labour minister who has quit since Keir Starmer became Prime Minister
Keir Starmer torn apart on TalkTV as Reform MP rages 'They're laughing at us!'
POLL: Would you be happy to pay more tax if Rachel Reeves spent it all on the NHS?
WW3 fears explode as Britain vows to fight China over Taiwan
Starmer blasted over 'disingenuous' defence plan that won't fool Donald Trump
Angela Rayner told 'there's still time' to reject Chinese Super Embassy in London
EU buckles under US tariff pressure in huge boost for Trump
Rachel Reeves urged to make huge tax move ahead of Autumn Budget
Labour housing minister caught dismissing own policy of cutting red tape to reduce prices
Donald Trump has 'exposed EU trade hypocrisy' after tariffs climbdown
Andrew Neil unleashes Brexit fury as he fumes 'Trump has shown us up'
Late Queen's true feelings about Meghan Markle revealed in unearthed letter
'Keir Starmer risks sacrificing Britain's democracy with China mega embassy plan'
Hong Kong activist with ￡100k bounty issues warning to Starmer over China mega embassy
The abandoned seaside ghost town once loved by rich celebrities that's about to re-open
Kemi Badenoch has a new reason to lose sleep over Reform UK
Donald Trump's major divide with Keir Starmer and the UK exposed
Labour Homelessness Minister resigns over 'staggering hypocrisy' after hiking rent
Eamonn Holmes rages 'Labour is taking us for fools!' in furious migrant deal rant
Iran poses ‘serious threat' to UK as new report exposes foreign aggression in Britain
Full list of every Labour minister who has quit since Keir Starmer became Prime Minister
Keir Starmer torn apart on TalkTV as Reform MP rages 'They're laughing at us!'
POLL: Would you be happy to pay more tax if Rachel Reeves spent it all on the NHS?
WW3 fears explode as Britain vows to fight China over Taiwan
Starmer blasted over 'disingenuous' defence plan that won't fool Donald Trump
Angela Rayner told 'there's still time' to reject Chinese Super Embassy in London
EU buckles under US tariff pressure in huge boost for Trump
Rachel Reeves urged to make huge tax move ahead of Autumn Budget
Labour housing minister caught dismissing own policy of cutting red tape to reduce prices
Donald Trump has 'exposed EU trade hypocrisy' after tariffs climbdown
Andrew Neil unleashes Brexit fury as he fumes 'Trump has shown us up'
Late Queen's true feelings about Meghan Markle revealed in unearthed letter
'Keir Starmer risks sacrificing Britain's democracy with China mega embassy plan'
Hong Kong activist with ￡100k bounty issues warning to Starmer over China mega embassy
The abandoned seaside ghost town once loved by rich celebrities that's about to re-open
Kemi Badenoch has a new reason to lose sleep over Reform UK
Donald Trump's major divide with Keir Starmer and the UK exposed
Labour Homelessness Minister resigns over 'staggering hypocrisy' after hiking rent
Eamonn Holmes rages 'Labour is taking us for fools!' in furious migrant deal rant
Iran poses ‘serious threat' to UK as new report exposes foreign aggression in Britain
Full list of every Labour minister who has quit since Keir Starmer became Prime Minister
Keir Starmer torn apart on TalkTV as Reform MP rages 'They're laughing at us!'
POLL: Would you be happy to pay more tax if Rachel Reeves spent it all on the NHS?
WW3 fears explode as Britain vows to fight China over Taiwan
Starmer blasted over 'disingenuous' defence plan that won't fool Donald Trump
Just last week, Sir Keir Starmer, who succeeded Mr Johnson as prime minister, announced that Britain was prepared to recognise Palestinian statehood by September . This move would depend on Israel taking tangible steps to increase aid into Gaza, committing to a lasting peace plan based on a two-state solution, and confirming there would be no annexation of the West Bank.
What is China's claim to Taiwan?
China continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to achieve unification. In recent years, Beijing has ramped up military pressure on the island and encouraged Taiwan’s few remaining allies to sever diplomatic ties. Currently, only 12 countries officially recognise Taiwan.
Read more: I visited beautiful UK neighbourhood with world famous school
Read more: Afghan migrants latest as Dominic Cummings hints at 'even worse cover ups'
While Britain does not formally recognise Taiwan as a state, it maintains a permanent presence in Taipei. Mr Johnson pointed to international law, saying: “Under the Montevideo Convention in 1933, the claim of Taiwan to be recognised by the British state is far more robust,” drawing a comparison with Palestine’s claim.
Sponsored
She Mixed Pink Salt With This - Now She Can't Stop Losing Weight
Undo
What is Taiwan's claim to statehood?
The Montevideo Convention sets out four key criteria for statehood: a permanent population, defined territory, government, and capacity to enter into relations with other states.
“They actually have a recognised government, they actually have boundaries that they control. They actually have a proper democratic system,” Mr Johnson said about Taiwan. “None of which you could say about Palestine,” he added.
Mr Johnson is now the third former British prime minister to visit Taiwan, following in the footsteps of Liz Truss in 2023 and Margaret Thatcher in 1992 and 1996.
Nigel Farage takes aim at Boris Johnson during speech
0 seconds of 55 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard ShortcutsEnabledDisabled
Shortcuts Open/Close/ or ?
Play/PauseSPACE
Increase Volume↑
Decrease Volume↓
Seek Forward→
Seek Backward←
Captions On/Offc
Fullscreen/Exit Fullscreenf
Mute/Unmutem
Decrease Caption Size-
Increase Caption Size+ or =
Seek %0-9
Next Up
GB News reporter swarmed by Stand Up to Racism protesters
00:41
x facebook Email
Linkhttps://cdn.jwplayer.com/previews/WsnNE2dR
Copied
Auto360p1080p720p540p360p270p180p
Live
00:04
00:50
00:55
More Videos
00:41
GB News reporter swarmed by Stand Up to Racism protesters
00:57
Prince Harry and King Charles' feud explained
00:47
Virgin Atlantic passenger threatens stewardess
01:38
PMQs: Lee Anderson grills Starmer on migrant deportations
01:22
Labour minister left stuttering after being grilled on LBC
00:35
Jeffrey Epstein found dead in New York prison cell
Close
He did not hold back in his criticism of China’s actions towards Taiwan. “It does not deserve to be intimidated in this way. There’s no point in it and I hope it stops as soon as possible,” he said. Mr Johnson accused Beijing of trying to coerce Taipei through so-called “grey zone” tactics—sending boats into Taiwanese waters and planes into its airspace.
Since the end of China’s civil war, Taiwan has blossomed into a vibrant democracy. Election campaigns are known for their lively displays, with candidates parading around town accompanied by giant balloon versions of themselves or even dressing up as local snacks to win over voters.
Does Taiwan have a counter-claim?
Although Taiwan’s constitution still claims all of mainland China as its territory, constitutional amendments over time have limited its de facto borders to the main island and several smaller ones nearby.
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Eamonn Holmes rages 'Labour is taking us for fools!' in furious migrant deal rant
Iran poses ‘serious threat' to UK as new report exposes foreign aggression in Britain
Full list of every Labour minister who has quit since Keir Starmer became Prime Minister
Keir Starmer torn apart on TalkTV as Reform MP rages 'They're laughing at us!'
POLL: Would you be happy to pay more tax if Rachel Reeves spent it all on the NHS?
WW3 fears explode as Britain vows to fight China over Taiwan
Starmer blasted over 'disingenuous' defence plan that won't fool Donald Trump
Angela Rayner told 'there's still time' to reject Chinese Super Embassy in London
EU buckles under US tariff pressure in huge boost for Trump
Rachel Reeves urged to make huge tax move ahead of Autumn Budget
Labour housing minister caught dismissing own policy of cutting red tape to reduce prices
Donald Trump has 'exposed EU trade hypocrisy' after tariffs climbdown
Andrew Neil unleashes Brexit fury as he fumes 'Trump has shown us up'
Late Queen's true feelings about Meghan Markle revealed in unearthed letter
Meet The Wife Of Ron Howard - Try Not To GagGamesWaka |
Undo
'Keir Starmer risks sacrificing Britain's democracy with China mega embassy plan'
Hong Kong activist with ￡100k bounty issues warning to Starmer over China mega embassy
Jolie-Pitt Family Shows Support For Shiloh's ChangeDrivepedia |
Undo
The abandoned seaside ghost town once loved by rich celebrities that's about to re-open
Kemi Badenoch has a new reason to lose sleep over Reform UK
The Secret to Perfect MeltingTopgadgetlife |
Shop Now
Undo
Donald Trump's major divide with Keir Starmer and the UK exposed
Labour Homelessness Minister resigns over 'staggering hypocrisy' after hiking rent
Earn More on Your Savings— See Great Rates Now!NerdWallet |
Learn More
Undo
Eamonn Holmes rages 'Labour is taking us for fools!' in furious migrant deal rant
Iran poses ‘serious threat' to UK as new report exposes foreign aggression in Britain
Lana Green Is Retiring - Her Final Jewelry Pieces Are 80% OffArtisan Weekly |
Read More
Undo
Full list of every Labour minister who has quit since Keir Starmer became Prime Minister
Keir Starmer torn apart on TalkTV as Reform MP rages 'They're laughing at us!'
Dexcom G7 is proven to lower A1C and increase time in range3？？.Dexcom |
Undo
POLL: Would you be happy to pay more tax if Rachel Reeves spent it all on the NHS?
WW3 fears explode as Britain vows to fight China over Taiwan
This Special Salt Can Burn Fat Cells While You Are EatingWeightLossQuick |
Watch Now
Undo
Starmer blasted over 'disingenuous' defence plan that won't fool Donald Trump
Angela Rayner told 'there's still time' to reject Chinese Super Embassy in London
5-Min Quiz: What Does Your Body Actually Need To Lose Weight?Noom |
Go To Quiz
Undo
EU buckles under US tariff pressure in huge boost for Trump
Rachel Reeves urged to make huge tax move ahead of Autumn Budget
The Trazodone And Hydroxyzine Combo Quietly Replacing Common Sleep AidsEverlife |
Learn More
Undo
Labour housing minister caught dismissing own policy of cutting red tape to reduce prices
Donald Trump has 'exposed EU trade hypocrisy' after tariffs climbdown
7 Ways to Generate Income With a $1,000,000 PortfolioFisher Investments |
Learn More
Undo
Andrew Neil unleashes Brexit fury as he fumes 'Trump has shown us up'
Late Queen's true feelings about Meghan Markle revealed in unearthed letter
'Keir Starmer risks sacrificing Britain's democracy with China mega embassy plan'
Hong Kong activist with ￡100k bounty issues warning to Starmer over China mega embassy
The abandoned seaside ghost town once loved by rich celebrities that's about to re-open
Kemi Badenoch has a new reason to lose sleep over Reform UK
Donald Trump's major divide with Keir Starmer and the UK exposed
Labour Homelessness Minister resigns over 'staggering hypocrisy' after hiking rent
Eamonn Holmes rages 'Labour is taking us for fools!' in furious migrant deal rant
Iran poses ‘serious threat' to UK as new report exposes foreign aggression in Britain
Full list of every Labour minister who has quit since Keir Starmer became Prime Minister
Keir Starmer torn apart on TalkTV as Reform MP rages 'They're laughing at us!'
POLL: Would you be happy to pay more tax if Rachel Reeves spent it all on the NHS?
WW3 fears explode as Britain vows to fight China over Taiwan
Starmer blasted over 'disingenuous' defence plan that won't fool Donald Trump
Simple. Comfortable. The Best Casual Shirt You’ll OwnKaittly
Undo
Sponsored LinksSponsored Links
Earn Up to 10x More with a High Yield Savings AccountNerdWallet
Undo
Sponsored LinksSponsored Links
These Are The Rolls-Royce Of Hearing Aids (And Under $100)Hear True
Undo
Sponsored LinksSponsored Links
THIS 5 Min Quiz Tells You What Your Body Actually Needs To Lose WeightNoom
Undo
Sponsored LinksSponsored Links
Most people in Taiwan now identify as Taiwanese rather than Chinese. Despite this distinct identity, many prefer maintaining peaceful relations with China rather than making any formal declaration of independence—a stance shaped partly by concern over Beijing’s potential response.
Taiwanese president Lai Ching-te has repeatedly stated that his country is already a sovereign state and does not need to declare independence from China.
Mr Johnson summed up his views: “The ambitions and requests of the people of Taiwan are extremely modest. All they’re asking for is the right to be left in peace as a free democratic country and not bullied or coerced.”
Read Next
SUBSCRIBEInvalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy