Hsiao Bi-khim urges deeper Taiwan-Europe cooperation and supply chain partnerships at Italian forum

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim was invited to attend the Altiero Spinelli Institute for Federalist Studies' European seminar in Ventotene, Italy, earlier this month, marking her second visit to the European continent within a year. The forum focused on common challenges and cooperation opportunities among European countries in the fields of freedom, democracy, and human rights. During the event, Vice President Hsiao delivered a speech highlighting Taiwan's contributions to global supply chains, technological innovation, and public health, while calling on participating nations to deepen substantive engagement with Taiwan. Her participation through a non-governmental forum underscores Taiwan's strategy of seeking diverse channels to engage in global governance on the international stage.

Although Taiwan-Italy relations have been constrained by diplomatic recognition limitations since the 1990s, both sides have continued to deepen cooperation in economic, trade, cultural, and academic exchanges. Statistics show that Taiwan's exports to Italy have exceeded tens of billions of New Taiwan Dollars, primarily comprising semiconductors, machinery, and high-end manufacturing products. Meanwhile, Italy is also an important source of tourism and investment for Taiwan in Europe. Vice President Hsiao led a delegation to visit Italy last year, signing multiple memoranda of understanding. Her return visit not only builds upon the previous outcomes but also aims to consolidate the foundation of bilateral cooperation in energy transition and green technology, demonstrating that Taiwan's role in its European partnerships is gradually shifting from a purely trading partner to a comprehensive strategic partner.

In response to an inquiry from the Central News Agency on the 14th of Eastern Time, the U.S. Department of State stated that Taiwan's relationships with countries around the world "bring significant benefits to those countries' citizens, including in Europe." This statement not only affirms Taiwan's substantive contributions to the international community but also reflects the United States' continued support for Taiwan as a "democratic partner" under its Indo-Pacific strategy framework. In recent years, the United States has repeatedly emphasized Taiwan's critical role in supply chain security, information technology, and medical research and development, while deepening official and non-official interactions through mechanisms such as the Taiwan Travel Act and the U.S.-Taiwan Trade and Investment Framework Agreement. This public commendation from the United States exerts a positive demonstration effect for Taiwan as it seeks greater diplomatic space in Europe.

European countries' attention toward Taiwan has shown an upward trend in recent years. The European Union released its policy guidelines regarding Taiwan in 2023, clearly stating that it will strengthen cooperation with Taiwan on trade, technology, and human rights issues. Taiwan's leading advantages in semiconductor manufacturing processes, 5G communications, and green energy technologies provide direct assistance to Europe in advancing its industrial upgrading and carbon neutrality goals. Vice President Hsiao's proposal at the forum to "jointly build secure and sustainable supply chains" echoes Europe's urgent demand for supply chain resilience in the post-pandemic era, while also providing a point of entry for future cooperation on standard-setting and market opening between the two sides.

Domestically, the Taiwan government continues to center its strategies on the New Southbound Policy and "diversified diplomacy," enhancing international visibility through high-level visits. Vice President Hsiao's trip not only demonstrates Taiwan's diplomatic vitality externally but also conveys a message domestically that the government can maintain international participation through practical cooperation and multilateral platforms despite facing external pressure. Regarding cross-strait relations, Taiwan's increased visibility in Europe may prompt Beijing to face more complex diplomatic considerations, as European countries have shown a supportive inclination toward Taiwan in terms of values and economic interests.

In summary, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim's visit to Italy is not merely a diplomatic courtesy trip, but a concrete action by Taiwan to seek deeper cooperation within the global camp of freedom and democracy. The positive evaluation from the U.S. Department of State, along with European nations' recognition of Taiwan's technological and economic contributions, both demonstrate that Taiwan is gradually breaking through the framework of diplomatic isolation based on substantive interests, bringing considerable positive effects to the international community. In the future, if Taiwan can continue to provide visible contributions in supply chain security, green technology, and democratic values, it is expected to gain more substantive partnerships and policy support in Europe and across the broader international stage.