TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — An Italian think tank held a forum on Wednesday on Taiwan-EU economic and technology cooperation, focusing 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 attended to explore cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and drone development.
Institute President Michele Valensise said the organization has long focused on the Indo-Pacific and aims to expand joint research with Taiwan. Taiwan’s representative to Italy, Tsai Yun-chung (蔡允中), said the country’s increased defense budget 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) said China has stepped up military activities around Taiwan since 2022. He said 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 said. 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 help deter future incidents,” he said.
On supply chains, Czech analyst Ivana Karaskova said Taiwan offers an important alternative to China for key components. She said this could help Europe and NATO countries reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing.
Karaskova said some Taiwan-made military-use drones have been imported by countries such as the Czech Republic and Poland since last year. She said some of these drones are being used 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 said.
Oxford University researcher Jing Bo-jiun (荊柏鈞) said Taiwan’s global role should not be limited to semiconductors, often described as a “silicon shield.” He said Taiwan could also build an “AI shield” by developing a broader and more integrated technology ecosystem.
Jing said artificial intelligence provides an opportunity for Taiwan to rethink its economic security strategy. He added that the European Union should move beyond procurement and build deeper innovation partnerships with Taiwan.
