Written by Laura Bonsaver.
Image credit: European Union flag by Håkan Dahlström / Credit, Wikimedia: CC BY 2.0.
In European policy circles, discussions around Taiwan have long been narrowed by the persistent question of potential Chinese invasion. As policymakers strategise their next move in the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan is occasionally mentioned, but primarily through its relationship with its authoritarian neighbour. Taiwan’s survival is widely recognised as a global security concern. However, framing Taiwan primarily through the lens of threat limits European understanding. Highlighting Taiwan on its own terms, as a capable, innovative partner, shifts the discourse and encourages policymakers to pursue meaningful engagement.
A pillar of democratic resilience in the region, Taiwan leads in cybersecurity and technological innovation. As Europe refines its Indo-Pacific strategies, expanding AI, green transition, and resilient supply chains, it is vital to recognise Taiwan not just as an island to “save” but as a capable partner. Taiwan’s commitment to freedom and innovation aligns closely with Europe’s priorities, offering not only shared values but practical solutions.
The term “Indo-Pacific” has become central to European foreign policy, reflecting the region’s strategic and economic significance. Once called the “Asia-Pacific,” the expanded Indo-Pacific highlights key sea passages linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans, vital for trade, energy, and security, while emphasising India as a strategic partner balancing China’s influence. Since gaining traction in Washington discourse in 2017, it has shaped Europe’s regional priorities. Yet Taiwan, despite its strategic and economic relevance, often slips out of these conversations.
This article presents three recommendations aimed at shifting the discourse on Taiwan within Europe’s Indo-Pacific strategies, motivating policymakers to highlight and facilitate underutilised avenues for cooperation. First, it calls for de-hyphenating Taiwan from militaristic framings; second, it urges a re-articulation of Taiwan as a key regional player, normalising this recognition in European foreign policy reports; and finally, it proposes reframing Europe’s relationship with Taiwan by moving away from a discourse of dependency and toward one grounded in mutual benefit.
De-hyphenate Taiwan from militaristic framings
If mentioned in major foreign policy reports, Taiwan is almost exclusively framed as an island under threat, often appearing within the context of the “Taiwan Strait,” centring on conflict-related aspects. While security is rightly a paramount concern for European nations, this narrow focus ties Taiwan to a crisis in the imagination.
A report by the Center for Strategic International Studies (CSIS), based on reflections from an international expert task force, determined that due to ‘overly militaristic framings’ of the Taiwan ‘challenge’, leaders and publics around the world lack a well-rounded understanding of Taiwan. Despite increased awareness prompted by European anxiety caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many Europeans know little about Taiwan’s history, the origins of cross-Strait tensions, and its national identity. Taiwan and Ukraine are frequently invoked in tandem, framed as vulnerable targets, which obscures the many concrete ways Taiwan has assisted Ukraine’s anti-invasion efforts.
A challenge is that Taiwanese voices are hardly heard in Europe. Taiwanese nationals are unable to work in international organisations such as UN agencies, leaving Taiwan with little representation in European policymaking. Furthermore, Western writers frequently discuss the future of Taiwan without including or quoting Taiwanese individuals.
Taiwan’s democratic resilience, technological leadership, and regional initiatives offer clear alternatives to this narrative. Despite its struggles for diplomatic recognition and the ongoing threat of Chinese interference, Taiwan has consolidated a resilient democracy, ranked 12th globally in the Democratic Index and 1st in Asia. In addition, the island is not only the first in Asia to legalise gay marriage but also highly transparent in governance, with significant female political representation. Beyond politics, Taiwan is one of Asia’s most prosperous economies, ranked 11th globally for GDP (PPP) per capita in 2024, ahead of Japan and South Korea. Taiwan’s technological ecosystem, from the globally critical TSMC semiconductor industry to e-governance and AI-driven public services, positions it as a leader in responsible, democratic technological development.
Many of these initiatives are driven by Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy Plus (NSP+), the government’s key tool for building bridges in the region. Launched by President Tsai Ing-wen and carried forward by President Lai Ching-te, the NSP+ promotes regional investment, talent exchange, and resource sharing through collaboration among government, business, and civil society. Since its launch, the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF) has facilitated regional dialogues between NGOs and research institutes, convened conferences like the annual Yushan Forum, and hosted youth camps empowering rising leaders of the Indo-Pacific.
Despite this activity, much of Taiwan’s innovation and regional influence is underreported in Europe. De-hyphenating Taiwan from militaristic and China-centric narratives is essential to allow policymakers to appreciate the island’s full value as an independent actor. Highlighting Taiwan’s contributions and partnerships around the world can reshape European perspectives and pave the way for deeper collaboration.
Re-articulate Taiwan as a key regional player
Taiwan is increasingly recognised as a leader and valuable partner for promoting stability, democratic values, and innovation across the Indo-Pacific. Yet European policymakers often overlook this, hesitant to appear confrontational toward China. To change this, Taiwan’s role should be normalised within European foreign policy analyses, encouraging governments to integrate it alongside other regional partners.
In a Chatham House article published this summer, ‘Why the Indo-Pacific should be a higher priority for the UK’, the authors call for an “effective refresh” of the UK’s Indo-Pacific strategy. They categorise the region into parts, including the ‘Indo-Pacific Four’—Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea—all described as ‘fellow democracies’ with advanced technological capabilities. Additionally, these countries are experiencing ‘economic coercion, cyberattacks, interference in democratic processes, and direct military intimidation by China, while pursuing de-risking processes from China.’ The report also characterises Southeast Asian countries, which are emphasised for their economic opportunities and strategic locations at the heart of global supply chains.
Taiwan, however, is mentioned only in passing, typically in the context of potential conflict. Yet Taiwan aligns closely with these categories: a like-minded democracy, technologically advanced, a critical supply chain hub, and an expert in countering Chinese cyber threats. Its absence highlights a missed opportunity. Taiwan fits squarely within the categories of economic and strategic partnership that European policymakers should emphasise, precisely the areas that encourage deeper engagement.
Understandably, authors choose to leave Taiwan out of these reports. Relations with Taiwan are more complicated than those with countries like Japan and Australia, whose status and alliances require less nuance and political context.
But it is time for policymakers to normalise Taiwan’s inclusion and recognise it as a key player alongside neighbouring countries. Highlighting Taiwan’s broader contributions will give confidence to companies and encourage investment across public and private sectors.
While uncertainty over Taiwan’s future can feel daunting, treating it as a normal economic partner is itself a stabilising force. The stronger Taiwan’s integration with countries globally, the more difficult it is for Beijing to intervene, enhancing regional security.
Reframe Europe’s relationship with Taiwan: from dependency to partnership
Europe’s engagement with Taiwan has often been framed as a duty to support a vulnerable democracy, rather than a mutually beneficial partnership. Experts in the CSIS report argue that while Taiwan is a healthy democracy that should be celebrated, it cannot thrive by relying on its democracy alone for protection. To gain European support and investment, economic and security interests are stronger drivers than values.
Europe’s reliance on Taiwan is tangible: nested in one of the world’s most crucial geostrategic regions, its island’s position in the first island chain is vital for maritime trade, and its dominance in semiconductors and other critical technologies underpins Europe’s economy. Disruptions in Taiwan’s supply chains would ripple across factories, businesses, and households in Europe.
The reframing requires recognising Taiwan as a partner, not just a beneficiary. This means emphasising collaborative R&D, technological innovation, and cybersecurity. Taiwan’s semiconductor and AI leadership offers Europe opportunities for growth, high-value employment, and resilient security systems.
The European Parliament itself has advocated for deeper EU-Taiwan ties, promoting co-investment partnerships that encourage economic growth and regional stability. Treating Taiwan as a normal economic and technological partner, rather than a “case to be managed,” stabilises both Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific. Moreover, normalising Taiwan’s agency in European discourse increases confidence for private investment, strengthens civil society engagement, and ensures Europe benefits from Taiwan’s frontline experience in cybersecurity, AI, and democratic innovation.
Reframing Europe-Taiwan relations in this way also addresses the perception gap. Many European policymakers look to Washington for cues on Taiwan, but growing uncertainty around US leadership underscores the importance of Europe asserting an independent and strategic role. By prioritising partnership over crisis management, Europe can harness Taiwan’s expertise while fostering resilient and forward-looking regional relationships.
European nations are beginning to explore this partnership approach. The UK’s Enhanced Trade Partnership with Taiwan, covering areas such as digital trade, green energy, and technology, reflects a model for engaging without unnecessarily antagonising China. It demonstrates the practicality and profitability of genuine collaboration.
From Oversight to Opportunity: Europe and Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific
Europe is increasingly focused on the Indo-Pacific, but Taiwan’s full potential as a partner remains underappreciated. By de-hyphenating Taiwan from these framings, re-articulating its role as a key regional player, and reframing Europe’s engagement as mutually beneficial, Europe can tap into a wealth of opportunities across technology, security, and economic growth.
Taiwan offers Europe more than shared values; it provides practical solutions, expertise, and innovation critical to advancing Europe’s Indo-Pacific agenda. The time is ripe to move beyond narratives of vulnerability and obligation and instead embrace a partnership grounded in recognition, collaboration, and mutual benefit. Doing so will strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy, reinforce the Indo-Pacific’s stability, and position Taiwan as the capable partner it truly is.
Laura Bonsaver is Assistant Research Fellow and Coordinator for the Think Tank Collaboration Program at Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF) based in Taipei, where she directs the publication of key policy reports and coordinates flagship events, such as the biennial Think Tank Summit and the prestigious Yushan Forum. She is also a consultant and researcher on Europe-China, UK-Taiwan, and Cross-Strait relations, with a particular interest in diplomacy, soft power, geopolitical discourse, and digital media.
She has provided policy and research insights to government and research institutes, chaired and spoken at high-level events and been interviewed on national radio in multiple languages about her research. Laura is an alumnus of the British Council’s Generation UK-China Leadership Development Program and serves part-time as Co-Director of Young China Watchers London, managing the mentorship programme. She is fluent in English, Mandarin, Italian, and French.
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