TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) expressed hope to deepen cooperation with the UK during talks with UK Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones on Tuesday.

Chen highlighted efforts to promote artificial intelligence applications in industrial development, help local enterprises accelerate digital transformation, and strengthen the city’s semiconductor industry, according to a Kaohsiung City Government press release. He said he looked forward to expanding cooperation with the UK in areas such as smart governance and digital transformation.

Chen said both Taiwan’s central and local governments place high importance on cybersecurity development. Kaohsiung has been enhancing its cybersecurity defenses and talent cultivation while addressing the impact of disinformation on public governance and social trust.

As Kaohsiung is home to several state-owned enterprises and critical infrastructure facilities, Chen said there is strong demand for cybersecurity professionals and solutions. He expressed hope to strengthen exchanges and connections with British experts and industry players.

Chen also thanked the UK for its long-standing support for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait in international forums.

Bradley-Jones praised Kaohsiung for applying smart city technologies to public services. She said the UK has strengths in academic research and industrial innovation in artificial intelligence and expressed hope for deeper collaboration in smart city development, as well as sharing experiences in urban transformation and governance.

She said that amid global uncertainty, maintaining close cooperation with trusted partners helps strengthen supply chain stability and economic resilience. The UK will continue working with Taiwan and the international community to support Taiwan’s expanded international participation, she added.