Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-Lung emphasized India’s vital role in countering China’s expansionism and reinforcing the rules-based international order amidst growing geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific. Cooperation among like-minded nations, especially through the Quad and partnerships in the semiconductor industry, is regarded as essential for establishing a cohesive defense strategy.
In a recent statement, Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-Lung underscored India’s crucial role in countering China’s expansionist ambitions and reinforcing the global rules-based order. Speaking ahead of Taiwan’s National Day, Minister Lin remarked that India is “especially important” for fostering cooperation among like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly through frameworks such as the Quad. The foreign minister emphasized concerns over China’s assertive behavior in vital maritime regions, including the Taiwan Strait, East China Sea, and South China Sea, and expressed Taiwan’s eagerness to collaborate with international groupings that include AUKUS, the G7, and the Quad to establish a cohesive defense strategy. Lin highlighted Taiwan’s growing partnerships with dominant semiconductor industries in nations like India, Japan, Germany, and the United States, marking a shift towards creating a robust security alliance, a non-China supply chain, and a resilient global democratic network. Minister Lin stressed the necessity for an overarching cooperation framework that leverages the complementary economic strengths of India and Taiwan. He explained that both nations share concerns over China’s economic coercion and ambition for dominance over supply chains, which aligns with India’s strategic objectives. In this context, he mentioned collaborative initiatives, such as a joint venture between Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) and Tata Group, aimed at establishing a “clean network away from the Red supply chain.” Furthermore, Lin suggested that India could develop initiatives to attract Taiwanese companies currently based in China to invest in India, proposing mechanisms such as a free trade agreement to create a conducive business environment for Taiwanese small and medium enterprises. At a separate engagement, Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Chihchung Wu echoed these sentiments, asserting that the United States and India remain the only nations capable of balancing China’s influence. Wu pointed out the significant improvement in Taiwan-India relations over recent years, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, and noted the pragmatic mechanisms employed to enhance bilateral political and trade interactions. He cautioned against complacency regarding China’s territorial ambitions, warning that their success in territorial expansions could prompt further aggressions, potentially towards Japan, the Philippines, and India. Although India and Taiwan do not maintain formal diplomatic relations, their engagement has been facilitated through representative offices established in their respective capitals since 1995. The economic relationship has grown robust, with two-way trade reaching approximately $8.2 billion in 2023, establishing India as Taiwan’s 16th largest trading partner and the 12th largest export market for Taiwanese goods.
The article discusses Taiwan’s increasing collaboration with India to counter Chinese expansionism in the Indo-Pacific region. Amid heightened tensions surrounding China’s assertive actions in various maritime territories, Taiwan seeks to strengthen ties with nations sharing similar geopolitical concerns. The importance of multinational partnerships such as the Quad is emphasized, reflecting a growing emphasis on collective security frameworks. Additionally, Taiwan’s semiconductor industry’s partnership with India highlights economic interdependence as a strategic counterbalance to China’s influence.
In summary, Taiwan’s leadership recognizes the strategic significance of India in confronting China’s authoritarian challenges and expansionist policies. The collaboration between India and Taiwan, particularly in the semiconductor sector, represents an evolving partnership aimed at fortifying regional security and economic resilience. Both governments are urged to create frameworks that facilitate business investments and strengthen their economic ties, while simultaneously addressing common geopolitical threats posed by China.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
