Taiwan Warns EU Against Dependence on China, Citing Risks to European Freedom and Sovereignty

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has warned the European Union that excessive dependence on Chinese suppliers could threaten the bloc’s economic security, freedom and sovereignty, Reuters reported.

Lin made the remarks during a speech at the Warsaw Security Forum in Poland on Tuesday, ahead of an EU summit in Brussels where trade relations with China are expected to be a key priority.

“Because China’s authoritarian ideology is fundamentally incompatible with Europe’s democracy, dependence on China is not merely an economic risk, it’s a threat to European freedom and sovereignty itself,” Lin said.

He added that Europe risked losing part of its independence if critical supply chains came under excessive Chinese influence.

“A Europe controlled through its supply chains would be a Europe that had surrendered part of its liberty,” he said.

EU leaders are seeking to address the bloc’s growing trade deficit with China while reducing reliance on Chinese suppliers in strategically important sectors.

Taiwan Promotes Stronger Economic Ties With Europe

Lin argued that closer trade and technological cooperation between Taiwan and Europe could deliver economic benefits while supporting shared democratic values.

“Taiwan and Europe share the values that matter most – democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law,” he said.

He also highlighted Taiwan’s role in supporting technological innovation and economic growth, pointing to its contribution to the development of Silicon Valley.

“The Taiwan model has helped power innovation and prosperity in Silicon Valley, and it can do the same for Europe too,” Lin added.

Taiwan has increasingly sought to strengthen economic and political ties with European countries, particularly since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. European governments have also raised concerns about trade imbalances with China and Beijing’s relationship with Moscow.

Beijing Opposes Taiwan’s International Engagement

China routinely condemns overseas visits by Taiwanese officials and opposes efforts by Taiwan to establish closer international ties.

Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and has refused to engage with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, whom it describes as a separatist. Taiwan’s democratically elected government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and maintains that the island has the right to engage with other countries internationally.

Taiwanese foreign ministers have historically made relatively few visits to Europe because of Chinese objections. However, Lin has travelled to the continent several times since taking office more than two years ago, including visits to Poland.

Poland, like most countries, does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, reflecting the diplomatic sensitivities surrounding the island’s international status.

Lin’s latest remarks underscore Taiwan’s efforts to deepen cooperation with Europe as the EU reassesses its economic relationship with China and seeks to protect strategic industries from excessive external dependence.

Source: Reuters