Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu indicated during a recent visit to Europe that "European countries should enhance relations with Taiwan if they wish to continue Taiwanese investment in semiconductor production." He clarified that "the government will not place conditions on investments from the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, and it is up to the company to determine whether the project will be profitable." Wu stated, "Taiwan will not hinder investment in Europe, but the state that requires Taiwanese assistance should view relations with Taiwan from a broader perspective."
The Taiwanese minister requested not to disclose which European country he visited due to the sensitivity of his trip. Taiwan does not have official diplomatic relations with any European country except the Vatican. China has warned Europe against establishing formal relations with Taiwan prior to Wu's visit. The Taiwanese government must approve foreign investments made by the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, the world's largest chip manufacturer, as well as plans to establish a factory in Germany.
Wu reportedly visited the Czech Republic, according to sources, and also traveled to Brussels, where the EU and NATO are headquartered. He noted that EU leaders have become clearer than before in calling for peace in the Taiwan Strait, the waterway between China and Taiwan, and for maintaining the status quo. He added that the European bloc should consider further cooperation with Taiwan, such as a bilateral investment agreement.
