Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-Lung stressed India’s vital role in uniting nations against China’s assertive actions that threaten the global rules-based order. He highlighted Taiwan’s semiconductor collaborations and proposed stronger economic ties to counter Chinese dominance. Emphasizing the need for a collaborative defense framework, Lin addressed broader geopolitical concerns and called for joint efforts among democratic nations.
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, Lin Chia-Lung, recently emphasized the critical role of India in countering China’s assertive actions and its challenge to the global rules-based order. Speaking to international journalists ahead of Taiwan’s National Day, Lin underscored that India is pivotal in uniting like-minded nations within the Indo-Pacific region, particularly through collaborative frameworks such as the Quad, AUKUS, and the G7. The foreign minister expressed concerns about China’s aggression in the Taiwan Strait, the East China Sea, and the South China Sea, which has alarmed the global community. He pointed to Taiwan’s burgeoning partnerships with semiconductor industries in countries such as India, Japan, the United States, and Germany, aligning this cooperation with a new foreign policy initiative aimed at creating a robust security alliance, a resilient supply chain devoid of Chinese influence, and a global democratic coalition. Lin articulated, “All of these related countries are put under the same geopolitical framework… the reason [for this] is China’s rising power and its expansionism.” He argued that it is appropriate for India and other nations sharing similar democratic values to forge closer ties to address these geopolitical challenges. Additionally, Lin advocated for a comprehensive cooperation framework that leverages the complementary economic strengths of India and Taiwan. He highlighted the collaboration between Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation and India’s Tata Group as a significant development aimed at establishing a supply chain independent of China. To further bolster these ties, he suggested that India could implement initiatives designed to attract Taiwanese companies currently based in China to invest within its borders. Proposals such as establishing a free trade agreement (FTA) or fostering a conducive environment for Taiwanese small and medium enterprises to thrive in India were suggested. Lin also underscored the importance of addressing China’s expanding territorial ambitions, which include numerous border disputes and strategic initiatives like the One Belt, One Road initiative. Lin highlighted the dichotomy of governance ideologies, stating, “The Chinese government is built on authoritarianism” and emphasised the necessity of countries committed to upholding democratic values to work collectively against this growing authoritarian influence. In a separate interview, Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Francois Chihchung Wu, remarked that the United States and India are the only nations capable of counterbalancing China effectively, noting a remarkable improvement in Taiwan-India relations over recent years. Wu asserted that if China continues to expand its territories unchallenged, it could lead to increased aggression toward Japan, the Philippines, and potentially India. Despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations, Taiwan and India have maintained representative offices in each other’s capitals since 1995, facilitating cooperation in various sectors. In 2023, trade between the two nations reached $8.2 billion, establishing India as Taiwan’s 16th largest trading partner, with exports to India valued at $6 billion.
The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region have prompted Taiwan to seek stronger alliances with countries like India. Faced with China’s aggressive territorial claims and expansionism, Taiwan views its relationship with India and other like-minded countries as crucial in creating a joint defense strategy. Taiwan’s focus on semiconductor partnerships reflects broader economic strategies aimed at diminishing reliance on China. The historical context of Taiwan and India’s informal relations, alongside their shared democratic values, underscores their potential as strategic partners against the challenges posed by a rising China.
In conclusion, Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-Lung highlighted the significant role India plays in countering China’s growing assertiveness and maintaining a rules-based international order. By fostering cooperation through existing frameworks and forging economic partnerships, both India and Taiwan can enhance their strategic positioning against authoritarian influences. Their evolving relationship, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, signifies a mutual commitment to resilience in the face of shared geopolitical challenges.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
