Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), was warmly welcomed by a group of European parliamentarians during his ongoing trip to Europe. On Tuesday, Lin and Taiwan’s top European diplomat, Eric Huang (黃鈞耀), met with several members of the European Parliament (EP) in Brussels, Belgium, as part of efforts to further strengthen Taiwan’s diplomatic relationships with European nations.
Taiwan’s Growing Diplomatic Presence in Europe
The meeting took place at the European Parliament complex in Brussels, where Lin and Huang were photographed with prominent European parliamentarians, including Rasa Juknevičienė, a Lithuanian politician and former defense minister. Other notable European parliamentarians in attendance included Kathleen Van Brempt of Belgium, Engin Eroglu and Michael Gahler from Germany, and Bernard Guetta of France. Additionally, members from Estonia, Bulgaria, and Latvia also participated, reflecting the growing cooperation between Taiwan and European nations.
Lin’s visit to Brussels is seen as a significant milestone in Taiwan’s diplomatic outreach to Europe, especially following Lithuania’s strong support for Taiwan in recent years. Juknevičienė, who posted a photograph of the meeting on her social media account, highlighted the importance of Taiwan-Lithuania cooperation and emphasized that both sides are committed to furthering successful partnerships.
Diplomatic and Economic Ties: Taiwan’s Objectives in Europe
During his time in Brussels, Lin also visited the Belgian Chamber of Representatives, where he met Els Van Hoof, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee. The two discussed key issues related to Taiwan’s diplomatic relationships with European countries, including trade, technology, and international cooperation.
As part of his broader European tour, Lin and his delegation, which includes representatives from 20 Taiwanese drone companies, also made a stop at the Interuniversity Microelectronics Center (imec) in Belgium. imec, a world-renowned research and development organization focused on nanoelectronics and digital technologies, welcomed Lin and his delegation. At the center, Lin discussed Taiwan’s world-leading semiconductor industry and Taiwan’s role in global digital transformation.
Taiwan and Lithuania: Building Stronger Business Partnerships
Lin’s visit to Europe, particularly to Lithuania, underscores Taiwan’s growing economic influence in the region. Lin is scheduled to visit Lithuania on Wednesday, where he will continue to develop business relationships with European companies. The visit is seen as a key opportunity to promote Taiwan’s advanced technology sector, especially in areas like drone manufacturing and semiconductor production.
| Event | Location | Key Participants | Key Topics Discussed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meeting with European Parliamentarians | Brussels, Belgium | Lin Chia-lung, Eric Huang, European Parliament members | Taiwan-EU relations, economic cooperation |
| Visit to Belgian Chamber of Representatives | Brussels, Belgium | Els Van Hoof, Taiwan’s foreign delegation | Taiwan’s foreign relations, technology cooperation |
| imec Visit | Leuven, Belgium | Lin Chia-lung, imec CEO Luc Van den hove | Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, global innovation |
Lin’s Mission: Strengthening Taiwan’s International Relationships
Lin’s European tour is primarily focused on enhancing Taiwan’s business ties with European nations. As Taiwan’s semiconductor industry continues to grow in global importance, Lin’s meetings with European lawmakers and business leaders aim to solidify Taiwan’s role as a leading player in the tech world. In addition to his meetings in Belgium, Lin’s trip will include a focus on increasing trade opportunities for Taiwan’s innovative companies in the European market.
Conclusion
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung’s diplomatic visit to Europe highlights Taiwan’s growing presence and influence in international affairs. With strong backing from European lawmakers, especially those in Lithuania, Taiwan is well-positioned to strengthen its ties with the EU. Lin’s continued discussions on technology, trade, and innovation are expected to bolster Taiwan’s strategic position in global markets.
