Politics · Singapore Bureau
Taiwan urges Europe to reconsider reliance on Chinese suppliers
Taiwan's foreign minister has cautioned the European Union against growing economic dependence on China, warning that such reliance could undermine the bloc's strategic autonomy. The warning comes ahead of high-level EU trade discussions with Beijing.
LSN Singapore ·
Taiwan's top diplomat raised concerns about Europe's vulnerability to Chinese supply chains during remarks in Warsaw on Tuesday, highlighting what Taipei sees as a critical risk to the EU's independence and decision-making freedom.
The intervention reflects growing unease among democracies in the Indo-Pacific region over Europe's deepening economic ties with Beijing. Taiwan's position carries particular weight given its frontline status in regional geopolitical tensions and its own experience navigating economic relationships with China.
The timing of Taiwan's message is significant, coming just before a Brussels summit where EU leaders are expected to discuss trade policy toward China. The bloc has faced mounting pressure to reassess its economic strategy with Beijing amid concerns over market access, technology transfer, and strategic dependencies.
Taiwan's appeal to Europe underscores a broader diplomatic push by regional democracies to strengthen coordination with Western partners on China policy. The island nation has increasingly emphasized shared democratic values and security interests with Europe as it seeks to deepen ties with the continent.