Taiwan eyes stronger ties with UK post-Brexit

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Following the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union (EU), its foreign policy and trade relations have experienced newfound freedom, leading to increased attention towards Taiwan and the India-Pacific region, according to Taiwan's representative to the UK last Sunday (Jan. 28).

In an interview with The Mail on Sunday, Vincent Yao mentioned that Brexit allows the UK to establish tighter economic ties with Taiwan, which could help Taiwan resist attempts by China to isolate it.

Concurrently, significant Taiwanese investments destined for Europe are landing in the UK, with Taiwan hoping to become the UK's primary trading partner in Europe, he mentioned.

Statistics from the Ministry of Economic Affairs reveal that by the end of 2022, nearly one-quarter of Taiwan's investments in Europe were in the UK, second only to investments made in the Netherlands.

He further suggested that strengthening UK-Taiwan investment and trade relations could give the UK an advantage in accessing Taiwan's key industries, such as semiconductors.

The evolving bilateral relationship between Taiwan and the UK is also reflected in the UK's personnel arrangement towards Taiwan.

Yao cited the increase in the number of UK government officials posted to Taiwan and a significant expansion of the UK office in Taipei as examples.

He further stated that Taiwan and the UK collaborate on artificial intelligence, offshore wind power, and electric vehicle batteries.

However, room for development in bilateral cooperation still exists. Taiwan aims to explore more opportunities for collaboration, Yao concluded.