Tien, Chung-kwang
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
January 12, 2022
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Ladies and gentlemen:
Greetings from Taipei!
On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), it is a great honor to deliver opening remarks at the 11th Sensitive Technologies and Strategic Trade Controls Workshop, cohosted by National Chengchi University's Institute of International Relations and the Pacific Forum in Honolulu.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, this important workshop has been able to continue in hybrid form thanks to advanced communications technology and successful antipandemic measures in Taiwan. The workshop provides a dynamic platform for fruitful discussions, enhancing multilateral cooperation and addressing existing and emerging challenges. It allows us to exchange perspectives on strategic trade controls, competition, and technologies, as well as their impacts on supply chain restructuring.
Taiwan, as a democratic country in Asia, offers a positive example to its Asian neighbors that democracy, freedom and economic development can coexist. It has made our government's long-standing open-mindedness to reinventing its government institutions and overall strategic posture based on the capabilities made possible by the latest advances in technology. Our government has not only long spearheaded and integrated innovations in digital government, but is itself responsible for spearheading the development of Taiwan's technology industry as part of its overall strategy for economic development and national sovereignty.
Worldwide, major changes are underway. The COVID-19 pandemic and growing competition between the United States and China present both challenges and opportunities. Global supply chains are being reshuffled and the international community is coming together to reshape the world in the postpandemic era. Against this backdrop, Taiwan's role has become increasingly significant.
Taiwan is one of the world's leading and most reliable suppliers of semiconductors. Our semiconductor industry, dubbed the Silicon Shield, helps Taiwan protect itself and its partners from aggressive attempts by authoritarian regimes to exert undue influence in the sector.
In addition to the microchip industry, Taiwan specializes in high-precision manufacturing, artificial intelligence, 5G applications, renewable energy, and biotechnology, contributing to more diverse and resilient global supply chains.
Although Taiwan is not party to the major multilateral export control regimes, it upholds international nonproliferation guidelines and complies with the regulations set by international export control organizations. Taiwan has created robust national export control systems and works closely with countries such as the United States and Japan on these matters.
Promoting peace, prosperity, and stability collectively benefits all stakeholders in the Indo-Pacific region. Through openness and mutual respect, Taiwan remains committed to collaborating with its partners to achieve these objectives.
Moving forward, we must cooperate even more closely and efficiently on strategic trade controls. Taiwan is willing to leverage its competitive industries, including the semiconductor, ICT, and machinery sectors, to help revitalize the global economy and establish new industrial supply chains. Together, we can make the world safer and more prosperous in the postpandemic era.
I wish this workshop every success, and I wish all of you a joyful and prosperous new year. Thank you!