TAIPEI (Reuters – Taiwan is determined to continue its participation in the international community, and provide stability for regional affairs. President TsaiIng-wen spoke Thursday before a French senators delegation. The remarks were made amid escalating tensions towards China.

Alain Richard was the former defense minister. The senators arrived in Taiwan Wednesday despite strong opposition from China, which regards Taiwan as its territory. It is also always angry by foreign officials visiting Taiwan.

After four days of Chinese air force operations into Taiwan’s air defense zone on Friday last week, the senators visit. These moves were met with alarm by Washington and its allies.

Tsai expressed gratitude to France, which expressed concern over the Taiwan Strait situation and offered support for international cooperation.

“We will not relinquish our international community responsibilities to the Indo-Pacific to guarantee peace and stability. France, too, hopes to be a more significant contributor to the world,” she said.

Richard was head of France’s Taiwan Friendship Group’s Senate. He served as the defense minister for the French from 1997-2002 under President Jacques Chirac. Richard visited Taiwan in 2015, and again in 2018.

Tsai claimed Taiwan was “very touched” Richard came despite her description of “pressure” (a reference towards China).

The Chinese Embassy in Paris had warned lawmakers against meeting Taiwanese representatives. This prompted a French Foreign Ministry response, which stated that French senators can meet with anyone they want when traveling.

Tsai didn’t mention directly the Chinese recent air force activities.

At the moment, the senators aren’t the only high-ranking foreigners in Taiwan.

Tsai is scheduled to meet Tony Abbott (ex-prime minister in Australia) later Thursday.

As with most countries, Australia and France do not have diplomatic ties to Taiwan.

Taiwan was keen to improve its relationships with other democracies, as China ramps up its pressure campaign and tries to force Taiwan to recognise Chinese sovereignty.

Taiwan’s government condemned China’s move and said it would defend Taiwan’s freedoms and democracy. Taiwan is the only country that can make decisions about its future.