A few weeks ago, Taiwan Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung (吳志中) sent a message with quiet confidence, hinting at a diplomatic shift on the horizon.
Italy, he said, is “attentive” and should now “do more.” At the time, it sounded like a polite nudge; today, that nudge echoes louder.
The launch of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Taipei this May—something once considered unthinkable—now stands as a tangible sign of a relationship quietly evolving through economic cooperation, cultural engagement, and shared democratic values. Whether through parliamentary support, naval transits in the Indo-Pacific, or symbolic gestures like the Chamber, Rome is becoming part of the broader effort redefining Taiwan’s diplomatic space.
Wu, who spent more than a decade representing Taipei in Europe, puts it plainly: “More courage is needed.” He sees in Italy not only a longtime friend rediscovering its regional interests, but a country capable of helping steer the future—not just follow it. As he noted, “Everything is politics,” and even informal channels like cultural exchanges, business forums, and academic cooperation are fast becoming the tools of 21st-century diplomacy.
Italy is Taiwan’s fourth-largest trading partner in the EU, and momentum is finally growing. From the fashion houses of Milan to the chip foundries of Hsinchu, a story of shared excellence is being written in silicon and silk. Taiwan’s dominance in semiconductor manufacturing—accounting for over 90% of the world’s most advanced chips—is well known.
Less discussed, however, is how countries like Italy are now entering the ecosystem not just as buyers, but as partners. With STMicroelectronics co-founding the ICCT alongside Taiwanese figures, the message is clear: innovation transcends borders when interests align.
Former Taiwanese representative to Italy, Lee Sing-ying (李新穎), sees something deeper in this relationship than trade alone. He speaks of mutual admiration—for Italy’s design ethos, craftsmanship, and cultural depth—and of a quiet professionalism that mirrors Taiwan’s own approach to discipline, quality, and innovation. While old stereotypes of late trains or long strikes may linger, Lee highlights a deeper common ground between the two societies.
It is no coincidence that Giorgia Meloni, long before becoming prime minister, posed for a photo with Lee and voiced her support for “those who believe in freedom and democracy.” Today, that support is becoming policy: Italy has sent naval missions to the Indo-Pacific, issued repeated statements in Parliament, and coordinated quietly with Brussels and NATO on Taiwan policy. These moves may not grab headlines—but they matter.
Taiwan, for its part, is ready to reciprocate. With its defense budget set to rise to 3% of GDP and an increasing focus on self-reliance, Taipei is also carving out space for strategic friendships. The ICCT will serve not just as a business forum, but as a bridge—for collaboration in hydrogen energy, low-orbit satellites, EVs, and circular economy models. Taiwan sees Italy not just as a market, but as a true partner in shaping what global relevance—and resilience—mean in the 21st century.
In the background, there is less talk of war, and more of the architecture of peace: peace through cooperation, peace through shared innovation. As Wu says, this is not about geopolitical ambition. It’s about the right to live in peace and democracy. And if Italy continues to engage with optimism—then that may be its boldest diplomatic act yet.
