Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, attended the “2025 European Day Banquet” on the evening of the 29th, expressing his hope for European democratic countries to join Taiwan in safeguarding democracy. Europe is Taiwan’s third-largest trading partner, and President Lai also looks forward to promoting the signing of a Taiwan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement.
President Lai Ching-te thanked Chairman Zhang Hanshu for the invitation and congratulated him on his reappointment as chairman. He expressed his belief that under Chairman Zhang’s leadership, the European Chamber of Commerce could build more bridges for cooperation between Taiwan and Europe. He also expressed gratitude to Director Lutz Güllner and all European country representatives in Taiwan for their longstanding efforts that have deepened Taiwan-Europe relations and yielded fruitful cooperation.
President Lai Ching-te mentioned the 75th anniversary of the “Schuman Declaration.” In 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed this declaration, advocating for the creation of a European organization dedicated to maintaining peace. This symbolized the resurgence of beliefs in democracy, unity, and cooperation after World War II.
“In the face of the changing geopolitics and turbulent economic situations in today’s world, the spirit embodied in the Schuman Declaration remains deeply inspiring to us,” President Lai Ching-te stated. He added that this year also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation and exchanges with democratic partners, working hand in hand with Europe to build a more resilient and trusting partnership.
“Europe is Taiwan’s third-largest trading partner and the biggest source of foreign investment. Last year, the total bilateral trade between Taiwan and Europe reached $84.7 billion, demonstrating the vibrant economic and trade exchanges between the two sides and the high level of mutual trust in each other’s markets and systems,” President Lai Ching-te emphasized.
President Lai Ching-te expressed the expectation for Taiwan and Europe to further formalize bilateral economic, trade, and investment relations through institutionalized mechanisms and to push for the signing of the Taiwan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement in an innovative and diversified manner, providing a more transparent, stable, and predictable business environment for businesses on both sides.
He pointed out that Taiwan currently has an internationally recognized democratic system and possesses a semiconductor industry crucial for global security and prosperity. This positions Taiwan to play a pivotal role in the restructuring of the global democratic supply chain and economic order.
“We have seen authoritarian groups expand their supply chains through non-market mechanisms, price subsidies, and resource monopolies, attempting to control key global technologies and manufacturing capabilities. This distorts market fairness and poses a threat to the fundamental expectations of the international community regarding democracy, rule of law, and corporate responsibility,” President Lai Ching-te warned.
In response to this, Taiwan will actively collaborate with democratic countries, including Europe, to jointly create a resilient and potent “non-red supply chain.” Taiwan will also propose the “Global Semiconductor Democratic Supply Chain Partnership Initiative,” which is not only a proposal for economic cooperation but also an alliance for shared values and advanced technologies.
“The security of the Taiwan Strait and regional peace and stability have always been mutual concerns for Taiwan and Europe,” President Lai Ching-te expressed his gratitude on behalf of all Taiwanese people to the EU and European countries for their ongoing concrete actions in supporting peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. These actions are crucial for regional security and prosperity. Taiwan will continue to enhance its own strength to ensure “real peace through strength” and to jointly safeguard freedom and democracy with its democratic partners, demonstrating determination to uphold regional peace.
President Lai Ching-te emphasized that at this critical moment, whether in safeguarding freedom and democracy or enhancing economic and trade relations, Taiwan’s potential for cooperation with Europe is unlimited. He encouraged everyone to seize this strategic opportunity, further strengthen partnership relations, and collectively strive for global peace, stability, and prosperity.