Taiwan takes tougher line against Myanmar regime

First parliamentary motion in Chinese-speaking world to criticize February coup

Taiwan's national legislature has passed a motion urging the Myanmar junta to restore democracy and halt its violence against demonstrators opposing the coup. (Nikkei montage/Reuters)

RORY WALLACE, Contributing writer, and GWEN ROBINSON, Nikkei Asia editor-at-large

April 12, 2021 21:21 JST

YANGON/BANGKOK -- Taiwan's national legislature has passed a motion urging the Myanmar junta to restore democracy and halt its violence against demonstrators opposing the coup.

Supported by the ruling party and passed by a large majority on Friday, the resolution signals a policy shift that sets Taiwan further apart from such countries as China, Thailand and Vietnam, all of which have taken a softer approach toward the Myanmar military. While having no formal diplomatic ties, Taiwan is among the biggest investors in Myanmar.