TAIPEI (Reuters – Taiwan has welcomed the European Parliament’s first delegation to the island on Wednesday. The trip was deemed significant by Taiwan, which is trying to strengthen ties with Europe amid rising tensions between Taipei & Beijing.

Taiwan claims China’s territory. China hasn’t ruled out taking Taiwan by force. Taiwan does not have diplomatic relations other than with Vatican City. However, it wants to improve relations with European Union democracies.

The foreign ministry stated in a statement that the delegation “was the first official European Parliament delegation to Taiwan in historical times, which was of great importance.”

Raphael Glucksmann is the French Member of European Parliament. The delegation will be discussing complex threats, including cyberattacks, with Taiwanese officials.

A European Parliament committee dealing with foreign interference, such as disinformation within democratic processes organized the three-day trip.

The Taiwanese Presidential Office stated in a statement that the government would share its experiences with dealing with foreign infiltration challenges with the delegation.

Glucksmann stated that Taiwan’s experience in responding to repeated sophisticated attacks by mobilizing the whole society and not restricting its democracy was unique. He made this statement prior to departing for Taiwan.

Tsai-Ing-wen, President of the Democratic Island has warned about increasing Chinese attempts to influence the island. He has requested security agencies to combat the infiltration.

Following a trip by Joseph Wu, Taiwan’s foreign minister to Europe, the EU legislators visited. Beijing was angered and warned other countries not to undermine their bilateral relations.

Last month, the European Parliament adopted a non-binding resolution in order to strengthen ties with Taiwan. It also looked into bilateral investment agreements.

Later on Wednesday, Taiwan Premier Su Tseng Chang will receive the delegation. Tsai will then meet them on Thursday.