TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) penned an op-ed last week as an open invitation to nations around the world to collaborate with Taiwan to promote peace and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific and the globe.
Since Sept. 6, Lin’s essay “Chip in with Taiwan for peace and prosperity” has been published by news outlets in more than a dozen countries, including the US, the Philippines, India, Thailand, Spain, and allies in the Pacific and Caribbean. The article notes the strength of Taiwan’s economy and Taiwan’s importance in the supply chain for critical technologies like semiconductors and AI.
As part of the diplomatic “Chip in with Taiwan” campaign, Lin also notes the danger posed by authoritarian regimes and the need for democratic nations to strengthen crucial supply chains. “Taiwan’s resilience in the face of authoritarian threats proves that democracy can endure and thrive under pressure,” said Lin.
Lin added that Taiwan is committed to defending and partnering with other democratic countries, through what he calls a “global democratic values chain.” Taiwan is ready and willing to help countries struggling with authoritarian threats to “resist authoritarian influence, promote human rights, advance digital governance, and uphold the rules-based international order,” he said.
Lin’s message of cooperation reached a wide readership in the Philippines, which rankled the Chinese government, reported Philstar Global. The Chinese Embassy in Manila lodged a complaint on Thursday, publishing a statement that highlighted Beijing’s dissatisfaction with the foreign minister’s recent visit to the country
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed China’s criticism of Lin’s visit. The foreign ministry said that as neighbors, it is natural for Taiwan and the Philippines to boost ties through trade and investment.
