Deepening Taiwan-France Technology Cooperation: Tsai Ing-wen Visits Top French University

Former President of the Republic of China, Tsai Ing-wen, concluded her visit to the Czech Republic and headed to the next destination, Paris, France, to continue advocating for Taiwan’s democracy. On the 16th, Tsai Ing-wen visited the prestigious Paris-Saclay University in France, where she received a warm reception from the school’s principal.

In a Facebook post on the 15th, former President Tsai Ing-wen expressed gratitude for the warm reception in the Czech Republic and thanked the Taiwanese people for their support. She mentioned experiencing the picturesque European scenery, meeting old and new friends, and extending invitations to European friends to visit Taiwan in the future to meet the friendly people and savor delicious Taiwanese cuisine. She is now moving on to her next destination to continue her efforts for Taiwan’s democracy.

Tsai Ing-wen announced on the 16th that she has arrived in Paris, France. She is scheduled to visit the Louvre Museum and engage in exchanges with her French counterparts to further promote Taiwan’s beliefs in democracy, freedom, and human rights, strengthening the partnership with France.

According to a report by the American political news media, Politico, on the 15th, two sources informed NatSec Daily that after concluding her European tour, Tsai Ing-wen is expected to visit the United States in the coming weeks. Tsai Ing-wen’s office stated that they cannot comment on unconfirmed quotes and reports and reiterated that future international visits will be planned based on overall considerations and will be explained publicly at an appropriate time.

Upon her arrival in Paris on the 16th, Tsai Ing-wen was welcomed at Paris-Saclay University at 9 a.m. by the biologist principal, Camille Galap, and former French Minister of Higher Education and Research, Sylvie Retailleau, demonstrating a high level of enthusiasm for cooperation in science and technology with Taiwan.

Tsai Ing-wen was invited to visit the state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center and Nanotechnology Center at the university to deepen her understanding of the AI-related projects at the school.

The Ministry of Education of the Republic of China recently signed a cooperation agreement with the university for the “Taiwan-Paris-Saclay University Scholarship,” and during the tenure of former ROC representative to France, Wu Zhi Zhong, a Taiwan-France technology cooperation agreement was signed to enhance collaboration between technology and academia.

Taiwan plays a vital role in the global semiconductor industry with a focus on AI applications. Paris-Saclay University boasts top-notch technology research talent and capabilities, making the Taiwan-France technology connection crucial.

Sources revealed that the university has shown a strong willingness to collaborate with Taiwan and attaches great importance to hosting Tsai Ing-wen during her visit.

According to the latest 2024 “World University Academic Rankings,” Paris-Saclay University, located 20 kilometers south of Paris, is tied for 12th place with Cornell University in the United States, making it the highest-ranked university in France and the only non-English-speaking university among the top 20.

The Paris-Saclay University Alliance, established at the end of 2019, integrates multiple universities, colleges, and scientific research institutions with the goal of enhancing global rankings as an “experimental institution.” The surrounding area is known for high-tech industrial clusters, renowned for industry-academia collaboration and technology transfer.

In May of this year, Taiwan’s HiSilicon Technology announced the establishment of its first overseas research and development center at the Paris-Saclay Science and Technology Park, marking its first R&D center in Europe and overseas. The facility includes two laboratories.