TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan positioned itself as an indispensable partner for global AI development Tuesday (Sept. 9) as Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) emphasized the island's critical role in building trustworthy supply chains. Lin delivered his message during a high-profile semiconductors and geopolitics forum at SEMICON, held at Taipei's Nangang Exhibition Center (南港展覽館). The minister declared that partnering with Taiwan represents the most crucial first step for advancing artificial intelligence amid escalating global geopolitical tensions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外交部) organized the strategic forum alongside SEMI, the international semiconductor industry association, to address mounting global challenges. Lin warned against China's deployment of AI technology to expand authoritarian influence, calling for democratic nations to form a unified response. European countries launched comprehensive AI action plans in April, Japan intensified AI technology studies in May, and the U.S. introduced its AI strategy in July, while Taiwan's Executive Yuan, Taiwan's cabinet, (行政院) unveiled ten ambitious AI infrastructure projects.
Lin characterized AI as a strategic resource fundamental to national security and public welfare, possessing transformative power to shape global futures. The minister reiterated Taiwan's indispensable role in establishing reliable supply chains for democratic allies worldwide. Both the U.S. and European Union have prioritized infrastructure development within their AI strategies, seamlessly integrating traditional information and communication technology industries into emerging AI supply networks, with Taiwan maintaining its pivotal position in semiconductor manufacturing, packaging, and AI server assembly.
Lin highlighted Taiwan's irreplaceable position within supply chains serving technology giants including Apple, NVIDIA, Amazon, and Microsoft. The foreign minister emphasized Taiwan's capacity to help the United States maintain its commanding leadership in the rapidly evolving AI sector. Strategic partnership with the U.S. would provide Taiwan access to crucial markets, cutting-edge technology, top-tier talent, and essential capital while enabling the island to mentor smaller enterprises through major corporations, ultimately strengthening AI development across democratic nations. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$30.3)
