Francois Wu seeks stronger Taiwan

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu (吳志中) hosted a welcome reception Thursday for European officials participating in the European Values Important Partnership program.

Wu said Taiwan and Europe share deep historical ties and values such as democracy and freedom, per the foreign ministry. Taiwan’s semiconductor industry is also closely linked to long-standing cooperation with Europe, he said.

Wu identified the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Belgium as key partners in Taiwan’s industrial development.

Technology and semiconductor exchanges between Taiwan and Europe have deepened in recent years, Wu said. Taiwanese companies such as TSMC and Foxconn have continued expanding their presence in Europe, while Taiwan and the UK have strengthened talent exchanges through semiconductor training programs.

Wu said Taiwan and Europe should work more closely to protect their shared values and build a more resilient and secure partnership.

Delegation leader Stefan Gara said Taiwan and Europe could deepen trusted, people-centered technology cooperation. Taiwan’s expertise and industrial ecosystems in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and drones could be combined with Europe’s research strengths to promote practical applications and create greater value for both sides, he said.

The foreign ministry said this year’s program focuses on the semiconductor supply chain. Meetings with Taiwanese government agencies and private-sector organizations are intended to facilitate exchanges on trusted semiconductor supply chains and digital industry development.

Delegation members came from Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and the UK.