Key facts
- Taiwan's foreign minister warned the EU that dependence on China is a threat to European freedom and sovereignty.
- Lin Chia-lung spoke at the Warsaw Security Forum on Tuesday.
- EU leaders will discuss China and trade imbalances at a summit starting Thursday.
- Taiwan's minister argued that trade with Taiwan benefits Europe and can foster innovation.
- Taiwan has increased engagement with Europe since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Taiwan's foreign minister, Lin Chia-lung, cautioned the European Union on Tuesday against over-reliance on Chinese suppliers, stating that such dependence poses a significant risk to the bloc's freedom and sovereignty. Speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum in Poland, Lin argued that China's authoritarian ideology is fundamentally incompatible with European democracy, and that a Europe controlled through its supply chains would compromise its liberty.
EU leaders are scheduled to discuss China as a primary agenda item at their summit in Brussels, which begins on Thursday. The discussions aim to address the bloc's trade deficit with Beijing and mitigate perceived risks associated with over-dependence in critical sectors.
Lin highlighted the shared values of democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law between Taiwan and Europe. He suggested that Taiwan's model of fostering innovation and prosperity, which has benefited Silicon Valley, could similarly benefit Europe.