New South Korean Ambassador Unveils AI-Driven Strategy to Deepen Semiconductor Supply Chain Cooperation with Taiwan

At a South Korean National Day reception, newly appointed Representative to Taipei Lee Jae-ho made his first official public appearance, expressing high expectations for Taiwan-South Korea relations. Ambassador Lee pointed out that bilateral trade between South Korea and Taiwan has continued to deepen since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992, with the complementary nature of both economies being particularly evident in key industries such as semiconductors, displays, and electric vehicle components. According to bilateral trade statistics, bilateral trade volume exceeded 15 billion USD last year, demonstrating a continuous increase in economic interdependence between the two nations. Ambassador Lee emphasized that the future will use the "AI era" as an opportunity to promote cross-border research and development cooperation and talent exchanges, enabling the two countries to build a shared innovative momentum in emerging technology fields.

Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung spoke at the same event, calling on Taiwan and South Korea to deepen cooperation with strategic thinking, especially at a critical juncture of global supply chain restructuring. Over the past few years, impacted by the US-China trade friction and the COVID-19 pandemic, the vulnerability of global supply chains has gradually become apparent. As Taiwan serves as a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing and South Korea holds a leading advantage in memory and display technologies, if both sides can cooperate on a division of labor in the design, manufacturing, and testing phases, it will help build a "non-Red supply chain"—meaning a reduction in dependence on a single market while enhancing the resilience and security of the supply chain.

Against this backdrop, the governments of both countries have launched several concrete initiatives. Economic cooperation offices established respectively in Taipei and Seoul are coordinating business matchmaking and investment reviews. At the same time, the science and technology departments of both sides are discussing the joint establishment of an AI research and development fund, focusing on fields such as machine learning, intelligent manufacturing, and autonomous driving. These measures not only respond to the industrial sector's demand for high-end technology, but also align with the long-term goals of both countries to enhance their competitiveness on the international stage. Particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, cross-border cooperation provides access to advanced equipment and technical support, shortens research and development cycles, and increases product added value.

However, the deepening of Taiwan-South Korea cooperation is not merely a consideration of economic interests; it also involves changes in the regional geopolitical landscape. In recent years, the complexity of East Asian geopolitics has increased, particularly as China's dominant position in supply chains faces challenges. Maintaining "substantive relations" rather than official diplomatic ties, Taiwan and South Korea often share common stances in international organizations and multilateral conferences, mutually supporting foreign trade freedom and technological innovation. Ambassador Lee mentioned at the reception that both sides should adopt a "diversified" cooperation model to avoid excessive reliance on a single market, which is not only risk management at the economic level, but also a contribution to regional security and stability.

From a long-term perspective, the new type of cooperation between Taiwan and South Korea is expected to become a major force for global economic innovation. Artificial intelligence and digital transformation have become key drivers of industrial upgrading worldwide. Taiwan's advantages in IC design and software services, combined with South Korea's strengths in hardware manufacturing and materials research and development, could give rise to a new generation of smart products and services. If both sides can maintain synchronization in standard formulation, intellectual property protection, and talent cultivation, their future competitiveness in international markets will be significantly enhanced, providing a cooperation model for other emerging economies.

In summary, the remarks by Ambassador Lee Jae-ho and Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung symbolize that Taiwan-South Korea relations are deepening bidirectionally, moving from traditional trade toward high-end technology and supply chain security. As uncertainties in the global economic environment increase, the efforts of the two countries to build a non-Red supply chain through strategic thinking will play a crucial role in enhancing their respective industrial resilience, promoting regional innovation, and safeguarding the international order. (Source of facts: Central News Agency)