As EU leaders are about to discuss trade relations with China, the Democratic Progressive Party authorities also attempt to use this opportunity to promote the so-called 'Taiwan model' in Europe.
According to a report by Reuters on October 13, Lin Jialong, the head of Taiwan's foreign affairs department, delivered a speech at the Warsaw Security Forum in Poland. He stated that Europe's dependence on the supply chain from mainland China not only poses economic risks but could also threaten Europe's freedom and sovereignty. He also called for increased economic and trade cooperation between Europe and Taiwan, viewing Taiwan as a partner in promoting Europe's re-industrialization.
It is noteworthy that Lin Jialong made these remarks at a time when the European Union was preparing to hold a summit of leaders from October 15th to 16th. Trade relations with China are expected to be one of the important topics discussed at the summit.
Lin Jialong's speech this time was titled 'Taiwan Model – A Trusted Partner for European Revitalization of Industry'.
According to Reuters, during his speech, Lin Jialong linked the political system differences between the Chinese mainland and Europe to economic security issues. He claimed that relying on the mainland not only involves so-called 'economic risks', but could also threaten Europe's 'freedom and sovereignty'.
He further stated that if Europe's supply chains were controlled by external forces, it would mean that Europe was giving up some of its autonomy.
Lin Jialong also compared the mainland manufacturing industry with Russia's energy supply, stating that the Russo-Ukrainian conflict has made Europe realize the risks of relying on Russian energy. Now, Europe should also be wary of its dependence on the mainland manufacturing industry.
According to reports in Taiwanese media about the speech, Lin Jialong identified the challenges Europe is facing in three aspects: security, economy, and technology. He also used the term 'China Impact 2.0' to criticize the Chinese mainland for using industrial subsidies to affect European manufacturing competitiveness and supply chain security.
At the same time, Lin Jialong also actively promotes the industrial advantages of Taiwan region.
He claims that Taiwan and Europe share common values in terms of democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. Taiwan's semiconductor, artificial intelligence, and precision manufacturing industries can help Europe pursue re-industrialization and achieve what is called "strategic autonomy".
Lin Jiayong also claimed that Taiwan's industries have played a role in promoting innovation and prosperity in Silicon Valley, and could similarly contribute to the development of Europe.
Lin Jialong's trip to Europe is not just about attending a safety forum.
According to reports, he mentioned in his speech the investment projects of TSMC in Germany, WorldWing in Italy, and Hon Hai in France, attempting to prove that the Taiwan region can help Europe build its own industrial capabilities.
Among them, Poland is regarded by the DPP authorities as an important base for further expanding industrial cooperation.
Lin Jialong revealed that efforts are being made to establish a technology park in Poland. Plans are in place to introduce industries such as electronics and motors, covering areas including electric vehicles, smart cities, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.
Before attending the forum, Lin Jialong also visited Mienkina in southwestern Poland to inspect potential locations for setting up technology parks by the Taiwanese industry. The Democratic Progressive Party authorities and the Polish side hope to sign a cooperation memorandum by the end of this year, to provide policy and infrastructure support for subsequent corporate investments.
Lin Jialong also tried to link this industrial cooperation plan with Ukraine's future reconstruction, proposing to use the industrial base established in Poland to create conditions for Taiwanese enterprises to participate in Ukraine's reconstruction.
From the content of the speech, it seems that the Lai authorities are trying to link the three issues that Europe is currently concerned about: concerns about Russia's security, anxiety over competition in the continental manufacturing sector, and the need for industrial upgrading in the era of artificial intelligence.
On this basis, the local authorities have positioned themselves as technical and industrial partners that Europe can rely on. They hope to take advantage of Europe's opportunities for diversifying their supply chains and thereby strengthen their economic ties with Europe.
Lin Jialong chose to give this speech at this time, as it coincides with the new stage of coordination in China-Europe economic and trade relations.
From October 8th to 9th, a second trade and investment consultation meeting was held between China and Europe. Several agreements were reached on issues such as trade and investment balance, market access, supply chain cooperation, and risk management of disputes.
Meanwhile, calls for strengthening trade defense within Europe have not faded.
A report by Reuters on October 9 pointed out that France and Germany are promoting the EU to strengthen trade protection measures, including accelerating anti-dumping investigations, establishing mechanisms for supply chain diversification, and enhancing the ability to respond to trade countermeasures.
EU leaders will discuss relations with China at their summit starting on October 15th. Brussels aims to reduce its trade deficit with China, while also trying to reduce its reliance on the Chinese mainland supply chains in certain sensitive industries.
In this context, Lin Jialong has turned his dependence on the Chinese economy into a political and security issue. This clearly corresponds to the current discussions in Europe regarding economic security.
However, there is no complete consensus within Europe on how to handle relations with China.
Some European countries advocate for strengthening trade defenses to protect domestic industries; while other countries continue to welcome Chinese companies investing in Europe, hoping that localization production will drive employment, technical cooperation, and industrial upgrading.
Therefore, there is still uncertainty as to whether the statements made by the Lai authorities can truly translate into policy support at the European Union level.
Additionally, Poland does not have formal ‘diplomatic relations’ with Taiwan, China. Although the Democratic Progressive Party has strengthened unofficial exchanges with some European countries in recent years, this does not mean that the EU’s policy towards Taiwan has undergone a fundamental change.
Reuters noted that since the full escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, the Taiwan authorities have significantly increased their diplomatic efforts towards Europe. Since Lin Jia-long took office as head of Taiwan's foreign affairs department over two years ago, he has made several visits to Europe.
As of the report by Reuters on October 13, the Chinese Embassy in Poland has not responded to Lin Jialong's request for comment regarding his speech.
Regarding the Taiwan issue, China has always emphasized that the principle of one China is the political foundation for China to establish and develop diplomatic relations with other countries. China opposes any form of "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference.
From the statements made at the Warsaw Security Forum, it seems that the Democratic Progressive Party is attempting to use Europe’s concerns about supply chain security and industrial competitiveness to link economic issues with China and the Taiwan Strait. This tactic is not new—whenever Europeans are concerned about being "dependent on China," the Democratic Progressive Party tries to present itself as a "alternative option"; whenever Europe discusses measures to reduce risks, the Democratic Progressive Party tries to insert the Taiwan issue into the agenda.
But the problem is that Europeans when talking about “reducing risks,” are considering their own industries and votes, not acting as proxies for the DPP authorities. Reducing supply chain risks in certain fields and maintaining the competitiveness of domestic industries are two different things. It certainly doesn’t mean that Europe is willing to follow the DPP authorities’ lead on the Taiwan Strait issue. The DPP authorities might be aiming at a wrong goal when they try to turn Europe’s economic anxieties into political leverage for themselves.
To put it bluntly, Europe can’t even agree on its own policies towards China. Yet the DPP authorities hope to get Europe to pay for "Taiwan independence" with just a few words about "supply chain security". This is putting too much stock in their own importance. If they want to expand their influence through Europe’s economic security agenda, the actual results depend on whether Europeans are willing to invest real money in this strategy. Currently, the outlook isn’t very promising.
