Richard Sanders
During a visit to Poland, Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung emphasized the urgent need for Europe to stand with Taiwan, as both face threats from authoritarian neighbors. Addressing the Warsaw Security Forum, Lin highlighted that Taiwan and Europe share similar risks from countries like China and Russia, which challenge the international rules-based order through cyberattacks, military exercises, and hybrid operations.
Lin pointed out that authoritarian regimes, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, are forming a coalition to destabilize global stability. He specifically mentioned China’s role in enabling Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and urged Europe to forge stronger alliances with Taiwan based on shared democratic values.
Calling for increased economic cooperation, Lin encouraged European nations to attract more Taiwanese semiconductor firms, citing TSMC’s recent investment in Germany as a model for technological and strategic partnership. He asserted that such collaborations could bolster Europe’s technological resilience and strategic re-industrialization efforts.
This visit marks Lin’s second to Europe this month, following stops in Prague, Rome, and Vienna—another move met with stern criticism from China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory.
Lin concluded by emphasizing the importance of unified action amid growing global instability, asking, “Is Europe ready to work with Taiwan?”
