Taiwan Calls on EU for Enhanced Trade and Security

Taiwan’s Vice President Bi-Khim Hsiao made an impactful appeal to lawmakers in Europe on Friday, calling on the European Union to enhance its trade and security partnerships with the self-governing island. Speaking at a conference focused on China in Brussels, Hsiao stressed the importance of safeguarding democracy against increasing pressures from China.

“Stability in the Taiwan Strait is critical for global peace and economic reliability,” Hsiao stated, underlining that any forceful attempt to alter the existing situation would have grave international consequences. Her comments came during a session attended by around 50 lawmakers from numerous countries, including Spain and Germany.

Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations between Taiwan and the EU, the Vice President called for European nations to work together on secure supply chains and advanced technologies, pointing out Taiwan’s significant role in the semiconductor and electronics sectors. She also drew parallels between cyber threats faced by Taiwan and the hybrid challenges European nations have encountered since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

In response to Hsiao’s visit, China firmly condemned the European Parliament for hosting her. Beijing labeled the meeting as a breach of the “One China” principle and cautioned Europe against endorsing “separatist movements.” China has consistently asserted its claim over Taiwan, frequently conducting military exercises in the vicinity of the island in recent years.

Amid these tensions, Taiwan is enhancing its defenses; President Lai Ching-te has pledged to bolster air defense systems and raise defense spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2030. Hsiao’s visit highlights Taiwan’s persistent efforts to fortify international relations despite prevailing security threats, including previous instances of intimidation directed at Taiwanese officials abroad by Chinese agents.

In light of increasing US-China rivalry, experts suggest that a stronger EU-Taiwan alliance could safeguard technological supply chains globally and bolster democratic principles in the region without unnecessarily heightening tensions.