Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-Lung emphasized India’s critical role in countering China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. He noted Taiwan’s collaborations with India in semiconductor manufacturing and proposed initiatives to attract Taiwanese investments. Lin called for a broader cooperative framework among like-minded nations to address the challenges posed by China’s expansionism. Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Wu reinforced the importance of U.S.-India relations in balancing China’s ambitions, highlighting recent improvements in Taiwan-India relations despite a lack of formal diplomatic ties.
The Foreign Minister of Taiwan, Lin Chia-Lung, has articulated the crucial role of India in addressing the challenges posed by China’s assertive stance within the Indo-Pacific region. During a press conference held on the eve of Taiwan’s National Day, Lin asserted that China’s rise threatens the existing rules-based international order, marked by its expansionist policies and authoritarian governance. Thus, he underscored India’s significant relevance among the ensemble of like-minded states, such as those in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), AUKUS, and the G7, in countering this threat. In his remarks, Lin referred to Taiwan’s collaborations with global semiconductor leaders, including Indian enterprises, as a facet of Taiwan’s strategic foreign policy. This policy aims to foster a trilateral approach involving a security alliance, resilient supply chain independent of China, and a global democratic framework. Highlighting the vitality of the Indo-Pacific cooperative framework, he pointed out that nations sharing mutual geopolitical concerns are drawn together due to China’s growing influence. Lin specifically noted the ongoing partnership between Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation and India’s Tata Group, emphasizing the necessity of creating a ‘clean network’ to mitigate reliance on Chinese supply chains. He further advocated for initiatives that would entice Taiwanese companies, previously based in China, to invest in India, proposing mechanisms such as free trade agreements to facilitate this integration. Additionally, Lin expressed a broader view of China’s territorial disputes and the expansive strategies employed by Beijing, including initiatives such as the One Belt, One Road, which utilize both economic and cultural influence to assert control over neighboring territories. He contended that the confrontation is not merely between differing governance systems but represents a global contest between authoritarianism and the principles upheld by democratically-aligned nations dedicated to maintaining the international order. Similarly, Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Francois Chihchung Wu, echoed the sentiment regarding the indispensable roles of the U.S. and India in balancing China’s ambitions. He noted the significant improvement in Taiwan-India relations, despite the absence of formal diplomatic connections, and highlighted the need for pragmatic mechanisms for advancing political and economic ties. In summary, Lin and Wu’s statements encapsulate a vision of increased bilateral cooperation between India and Taiwan as a bulwark against China’s perceived aggression in the region, positioning India as a pivotal player in a broader cooperative framework to safeguard democracy and uphold a rules-based global order.
The geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region has become increasingly complex due to China’s assertive actions in areas such as the Taiwan Strait, East China Sea, and South China Sea. The challenges posed by China necessitate a concerted effort among like-minded nations to forge a coherent defense framework. Taiwan, recognizing its unique position due to its geopolitical vulnerabilities, seeks partnerships with countries like India who are similarly concerned about China’s expansionism. Despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations, Taiwan maintains substantial trade and economic interactions with India, underscoring the strategic importance of their relationship in the context of regional security and economic resilience.
In conclusion, Taiwan’s foreign minister, Lin Chia-Lung, underscored the indispensable role of India in countering China’s growing influence across the Indo-Pacific region. With shared democratic values and concerns about security, both nations have a significant opportunity to enhance their collaboration through strategic partnerships in trade and technology. The ongoing efforts to create a sustainable and resilient economic framework between Taiwan and India can serve as a vital component in maintaining a rules-based international order amidst increasing authoritarian challenges.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
