On July 10th, Czech President Pavel lavishly praised the Taiwan-Czech aid to Ukraine as a paradigm of democratic cooperation during the “Ukraine Reconstruction Conference”. The Czech ambassador emphasized that the cooperation between Czech Republic and Taiwan in Ukraine is the cornerstone of all their activities and serves as an example to the world. He mentioned that the Taiwan-Czech companies had started collaborating in the field of drones a few years ago, with Taiwan drawing relevant technological experiences from the Ukrainian battlefield, which he deemed a logical approach.
The “Ukraine Reconstruction Conference” was held in Rome on the 10th and 11th, as reported by the Central News Agency. Czech government envoy for Ukrainian affairs, Tomáš Kopečný, in an interview with the Central News Agency, stated that both Taiwan and Ukraine face aggression from authoritarian neighboring powers. He highlighted that Russia had grown stronger with the help from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), aiming to annex democratic Taiwan. The clear connection between Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Taiwan Strait battlefield must be carefully considered to learn and prevent further atrocities.
Kopečný mentioned that Czech President Pavel chose to showcase the Taiwan-Czech cooperation as a prime example during his speech at the conference, emphasizing the remarkable outcomes of the joint efforts of Taiwan and Czech Republic, setting a worldwide example. The collaboration includes two major focal points: a water treatment plant providing drinkable water to 380,000 people after the destruction of a reservoir by Russia, and a co-generation system supplying electricity and heating to around 100,000 individuals.
According to Kopečný, both Taiwan and Ukraine face similar challenges from authoritarian neighbors, with the CCP ambitiously targeting the democratic Taiwan for absorption into its autocratic rule, resembling Ukraine’s struggle against Russian aggression. Therefore, connecting Taiwan and Ukraine through Czech Republic is deemed crucial.
Kopečný stated that the Chinese military has gleaned substantial information and inspiration from Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, learning what to do and what not to do, not only tactically but also strategically, in public communication, diplomatic means, and organizing coordinated military actions.
Furthermore, Europe must learn from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, now more than ever focusing on defense due to the perceived threat Russia poses to European security. The understanding that Russia’s strength is bolstered by CCP support reflects the clear nexus between the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Taiwan Strait battlefield.
Kopečný asserted that Taiwan is the next target of CCP’s aggression, with their bolder actions being only a matter of time. Hence, it is imperative for everyone to consider these interconnected scenarios seriously.
In reference to future collaborative directions, Kopečný believed that the current projects encompassing water resources, energy, healthcare, etc., have laid a solid foundation for cooperation in other areas. He emphasized that for Ukraine’s survival, the most crucial area at present is drone technology.
Highlighting Ukraine President Zelensky’s call for a new “Marshall Plan” for reconstruction, Czech President Pavel discussed the implementation of the plan, particularly focusing on the most severely devastated frontline regions, where the potential to save lives and assist the most people is highest, underlying the significance of the joint project with Taiwan in this regard.
Kopečný acknowledged Czech Republic’s deep understanding of the local conditions in Ukraine, serving as a guide for Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Taiwanese companies in aiding the most vulnerable and severely affected regions, showing a spirit of dedication.
Looking ahead to future cooperation, Kopečný expressed confidence in the foundation laid by the current projects, encompassing water resources, energy, healthcare, etc., preparing for collaboration in other fields in the future. He emphasized that drone production is currently the most critical area for Ukraine’s survival.
Moreover, during the opening speech of the conference, Ukraine President Zelensky solely focused on drones, stating that Ukraine produced 2.2 million drones last year and target to produce between 8 to 10 million drones this year, depending on funding.
Finally, Kopečný discussed the importance of producing “naval drones” to prevent Russian navy access to many areas in the Black Sea, ensuring safe transport routes for Ukraine, which is crucial for Taiwan as well, considering its island geography and the potential navy threats from the CCP that would need to traverse the strait.
He highlighted Taiwan’s strength in drone production, having started collaboration with Czech companies years ago, drawing relevant technological experiences from the Ukrainian battlefield, a logical approach that aligns well with Taiwan’s capabilities and needs.