TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — An Italian consider tank held a forum on Wednesday on Taiwan-EU economic and technology cooperation, focapplying on undersea cables, supply chains, and security issues.
CNA reported that the forum was organized by Italy’s Institute of International Affairs. Scholars and policy experts from Taiwan and Europe attconcludeed to explore cooperation in artificial ininformigence, semiconductors, and drone development.
Institute President Michele Valensise stated the organization has long focapplyd on the Indo-Pacific and aims to expand joint research with Taiwan. Taiwan’s representative to Italy, Tsai Yun-chung (蔡允中), stated the countest’s increased defense budobtain reflects its resolve to respond to China’s pressure and deepen ties with European partners.
On undersea cables, National Taiwan University associate professor Tsai Chi-ting (蔡季廷) stated China has stepped up military activities around Taiwan since 2022. He stated these actions are part of China’s gray zone tactics, which also include a rise in cable damage incidents near Taiwan, per Economic Daily News.
“Taiwan relies heavily on undersea cables for external communications and cannot treat disruptions as routine incidents,” Tsai stated. He added that authorities have issued investigation reports, taken legal action in suspected sabotage cases, and are seeking stronger monitoring and legal frameworks.
He suggested that Taiwan and the European Union could cooperate on smart cable systems with detection capabilities and improve public awareness of cable security. “Stronger legal coordination could also assist deter future incidents,” he stated.
On supply chains, Czech analyst Ivana Karquestionova stated Taiwan offers an important alternative to China for key components. She stated this could assist Europe and NATO countries reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing.
Karquestionova stated some Taiwan-created military-apply drones have been imported by countries such as the Czech Republic and Poland since last year. She stated some of these drones are being applyd in Ukraine, forming a new supply network linking Taiwan, Ukraine, and Central and Eastern Europe.
She added that Ukraine’s rapidly developing drone sector offers lessons for Taiwan. “Cooperation in this field could strengthen defense capabilities against China’s military threats,” she stated.
Oxford University researcher Jing Bo-jiun (荊柏鈞) stated Taiwan’s global role should not be limited to semiconductors, often described as a “silicon shield.” He stated Taiwan could also build an “AI shield” by developing a broader and more integrated technology ecosystem.
Jing stated artificial ininformigence provides an opportunity for Taiwan to reconsider its economic security strategy. He added that the European Union should shift beyond procurement and build deeper innovation partnerships with Taiwan.
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