Kelly Wu-Chiao Hsieh
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
March 29, 2024
(As delivered)
Ladies and gentlemen:
Good afternoon!
I am delighted to welcome this delegation led by Chair Fenechiu. This is the first cross-party parliamentary group from Romania to visit Taiwan since the COVID-19 pandemic. Your trip paves the way for deeper exchanges and interactions between our countries.
I understand that most of you are visiting Taiwan for the first time. I am glad to hear that you have been to Hsinchu—the home of Taiwan’s most important technology companies—to tour the Hsinchu Science Park, visit the Industrial Technology Research Institute, and see some of Taiwan’s top electric bus and green energy businesses. You have also met with Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu and called at other government agencies. I trust that you have experienced the openness, diversity, and hospitality of Taiwanese society and taken in some of our beautiful scenery.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chair Fenechiu for expressing staunch support for Taiwan and condemning China’s attempts to threaten us with military intimidation. The fact that you are leading this delegation to Taiwan demonstrates the deep friendship and trust that we share.
Taiwan is the 21st-largest economy in the world and plays a key role in the fields of science and technology. Over 60 percent of the world’s semiconductors are produced here, including more than 90 percent of the most advanced chips. As we all know, high-tech supply chains have been undergoing a dramatic transformation in recent years. Taiwan is ready to work with like-minded countries such as Romania to strengthen global supply chain resilience.
To enhance cooperation with Central and Eastern Europe, our government has launched a 1 billion US dollar credit fund and a 200 million dollar investment fund. These initiatives aim to promote business opportunities and exchanges in critical industries with countries in the CEE region. In particular, there is much potential for stronger collaboration with Romania, which is one of Taiwan’s most valued partners.
In an increasingly complex international situation, we are confronted by some formidable challenges. Climate change, postpandemic recovery, the energy crisis, disinformation, cyberattacks, and security issues are all part of the mix. Many of these problems can be traced back to the actions of authoritarian regimes. To address their expansionist ambitions, democracies must work more closely together to safeguard our democratic institutions and defend our free and open way of life.
Russia’s unjustified invasion of Ukraine and China’s military activities in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait underline the threat that authoritarian regimes pose to peace and stability around the world. The ongoing war in Ukraine, which recently passed the two-year mark with no end in sight, has served as a stark reminder for Taiwan of the need to reinforce our defense capabilities in the face of mounting pressure from China. As a peace-loving and responsible nation that stands on the front line of defense of democracy, Taiwan is committed to upholding our common values.
Once again, it is a great delight to receive you all in Taiwan. I hope that our partnership will continue to grow after you return to Romania. I wish you all the very best of health and happiness and look forward to exchanging opinions with you over lunch. Thank you!