Allies & International

Taiwan to celebrate National Day with rising international support

Taiwan’s efforts to strengthen partnerships across Europe and Southeast Asia are showing tangible results ahead of Double Ten National Day, underscoring growing international support for the island’s democracy and economic resilience. After Taiwan and the Philippines signed MOUs on supply chain connectivity last week at an industrial collaboration summit in Manila, this week the Philippine Chinese community held an early National Day gala. Taiwan’s representative to Manila, Wallace Chow (周民淦), highlighted milestones such as the Philippines’ visa-free entry for Taiwanese travelers and expanded trade and investment missions. He also announced a US$200,000 donation to support relief efforts following last week’s Cebu earthquake, reaffirming Taiwan’s solidarity with its regional partners. In Bangkok, Taiwan’s representative office hosted a National Day reception attended by Thai government and business leaders. Representative Peter Lan (藍夏禮) described Taiwan as an emerging “AI island,” citing its robust GDP growth and role as Thailand’s fourth-largest foreign investor. The event featured the Thai-wan Chamber Orchestra and displays celebrating Taiwan’s semiconductor achievements, reflecting shared ambitions for innovation and resilience. Meanwhile in Taipei, an 11-member Swedish parliamentary delegation—the largest in recent years—arrived for a weeklong visit led by lawmaker Alexandra Anstrell. The group is meeting senior officials, including Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴), and will attend Friday’s National Day celebrations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also voiced confidence in ties with the Czech Republic following recent elections, noting that cooperation in trade, education, and technology remains both solid and strategic. As Taiwan marks its 114th National Day, the wave of new partnerships, goodwill visits, and global gestures of friendship signal continued growth of like-minded allies.

2025-10-07

First Taiwanese foreign envoy speaks at Poland’s top security forum

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) delivered a speech at the 12th Warsaw Security Forum on Monday, stressing that Taiwan, with its technological strength and democratic values, is a reliable and trusted partner for Europe and the wider world. Organized by Poland’s Casimir Pulaski Foundation, the forum is regarded as one of Europe’s leading annual security conferences. Since its launch in 2014, the Warsaw Security Forum has hosted senior officials, defense experts, and business leaders from around the globe. This year marked the first time that a Taiwanese foreign minister had been invited to address the event, underscoring Taiwan’s growing visibility in European strategic discussions. In his keynote, titled “Reinvention of the Global Democratic Supply Chain,” Lin identified four major disruptions to global supply chains in recent years: the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia–Ukraine war and other regional conflicts, the alignment of authoritarian regimes, and the rise of nationalism and deglobalization. He said these challenges highlight the urgent need for like-minded democracies to work together to strengthen and rebuild global supply chains based on shared values and trust. “Taiwan can help amplify Europe's industrial might and remarkable capability for innovation. It is high time for Europe to stand with Taiwan to forge a robust coalition for our shared values and to halt the expansion of authoritarian regimes. Taiwan is ready to work with Europe,” Lin said. Lin added that Taiwan serves as a hub of the global technology ecosystem and has become a driving force in advancing innovation in the AI era. He said Taiwan will pursue more pragmatic and forward-looking policies to encourage local companies to expand into European markets. At the same time, he urged Europe to increase its investment in Taiwan, calling on partners to “chip in with Taiwan” to jointly promote AI innovation and ensure resilient supply chains.

2025-09-30