Taiwan Calls for Enhanced EU Collaboration on Trade and Security

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Taiwan’s Vice President Bi-Khim Hsiao made a notable appeal to European legislators on Friday, urging the European Union to enhance security and trade partnerships with the self-governing island. Addressing a China-centric conference in Brussels, Hsiao underscored the necessity of safeguarding democracy under increasing pressure from China.

“Stability in the Taiwan Strait is crucial for global peace and economic continuity,” Hsiao stated, stressing that any unilateral action to alter the status quo through force would result in serious international consequences. Her statements were made during a gathering of approximately 50 lawmakers from various countries, including Germany and Spain.

Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations between Taiwan and the EU, the Vice President encouraged European nations to work together on secure supply chains and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, pointing out Taiwan’s vital role in the semiconductor and electronics sectors. She further highlighted the similarities between cyberattacks affecting Taiwan and the hybrid threats European nations have confronted following Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Beijing reacted vehemently to Hsiao’s visit, condemning the European Parliament for permitting her address. In a statement, China characterized the meeting as a breach of the “One China” principle and cautioned Europe against endorsing “separatist forces.” China has long asserted Taiwan as part of its territory and has frequently conducted military exercises near the island in recent years.

Taiwan has been reinforcing its defenses, with President Lai Ching-te pledging to enhance the air defense systems and raise defense expenditure to 5 percent of GDP by 2030. Hsiao’s visit highlights Taiwan’s determination to preserve international ties despite the security threats, including past instances of intimidation by Chinese agents targeting Taiwanese officials abroad.

Amid increasing US-China competition, analysts suggest that strengthened EU-Taiwan relations could help safeguard global technology supply chains and uphold democratic principles in the region, all while avoiding unnecessary escalation of tensions.