The existence of Taiwan and what is happening in the Asia-Pacific region are issues of high strategic importance: not only for the USA, but also for the European Union. During the visit to Taipei, the delegation of Berlin Security Conference (BSC) obtained first-hand information at the National Security Office about current situation of Taiwan and its relationship with the People’s Republic of China. Questions of international law were discussed with the Minister of Justice and the democratic developments of Taiwan and Europe were contrasted with anti-democratic trends (Russia, China).
In a short briefing, the head of the new Ministry of Digitalisation convincingly explained how digitalisation and cyber security can function in a whole-of-government approach. The issue of renewable energies (Taiwan gets 90% of its energy from coal/oil via the strategically vulnerable sea route) was discussed with NGOs and representatives of the Ministry of Economy. The Coast Guard illustrated the challenging operations in the Taiwan Strait.
Highlights were the talks with the Vice President and the Foreign Minister, who emphasised that status quo is currently the only way to maintain freedom of the sea routes, uninterrupted world trade and avoid conflict. This also requires European efforts, including more “showing the flag” through a stronger maritime presence.
Major General (ret.) Reinhard Wolski, Chairman Berlin Security Conference 2023