The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China stated that Minister Joseph Wu recently gave an interview to the leading Italian financial newspaper, “Il Sole 24 Ore,” explaining how Taiwan defends democracy with chips and artificial intelligence (AI).
Minister Joseph Wu addressed questions on Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, AI development, US-Taiwan and Taiwan-Europe cooperation, Indo-Pacific security situation, as well as the threat posed by China, elaborating on the Republic of China’s policy position of upholding democratic institutions and promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Regarding Taiwan’s critical role in the global technology supply chain, Minister Joseph Wu highlighted that Taiwan’s semiconductor industry has evolved from past investments in China to a new model of deepening cooperation with the United States, Japan, and Europe. The strategic significance of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry now extends beyond technological deterrence represented by the “Silicon Shield” to the core concept of “Silicon Prosperity,” focusing on economic security, technological sovereignty, and supply chain resilience. As semiconductors and AI rapidly integrate, Taiwan will continue to serve as a pivotal hub in the global democratic technology supply chain.
Discussing US-Taiwan policy and regional security, Minister Joseph Wu emphasized that while different US governments or leaders may have varying political narratives and communication styles, the long-term strategic interests have not changed, and the US fully understands the importance of Taiwan. He stressed that Taiwan cannot rely on others for its security, and will continuously enhance its self-defense capabilities while strengthening contributions to the international community and strategic value to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability.
Addressing China’s ongoing expansion and the Indo-Pacific security situation, Minister Joseph Wu pointed out that China’s expansionist and coercive actions impact not only Taiwan but the entire Indo-Pacific region. Therefore, regional countries should deepen bilateral, trilateral, and multilateral cooperation, enhance coordination and partnerships, and collectively uphold the free and open Indo-Pacific order.
Regarding Taiwan-Europe cooperation, Minister Joseph Wu highlighted the significance of unmanned aerial vehicles and asymmetric warfare in the wake of the Ukraine war, with Europe actively promoting strategic autonomy, industrial reindustrialization, and defense capacity building. Taiwan will continue to diversify its supply chain layout, reduce investment dependence on China, and deepen cooperation with Europe in technology, industry, and economic security to establish a partnership based on shared strategic interests.
Addressing the multifaceted threat from China to Taiwan, Minister Joseph Wu noted that Taiwan has long faced military intimidation from China, along with threats in grey areas such as disinformation, cyber attacks, and legal warfare. China seeks to weaken Taiwan’s democratic system and achieve political objectives without resorting to war. However, in the 30 years since Taiwan’s first direct presidential election, Taiwan has peacefully completed three party transitions, demonstrating the maturity of Taiwan’s democratic system and the resolute determination of the Taiwanese people to safeguard democracy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China noted that “Il Sole 24 Ore” is an influential national financial professional daily in Italy and one of the important financial media in Europe. This interview helps explain Taiwan’s semiconductor and AI development strategies to various sectors in Europe, as well as the policy concept of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, enhancing understanding and attention from the European political, economic, and policy communities towards Taiwan.