Dialog on Tech w/ Taiwaneese Officials
Hamburg, September 2023
Since the Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in succession of their lost civil war over to the Communists in 1949 and established a separate political system, the relations between Mainland China and the Taiwanese have steadily gotten worse. Today, suppliers like TSMC turn Taiwan into a great importance to the world economy – despite the rising geopolitical tensions. Super-advanced technology is their only foundation of security.
Yun-chan Wu is part of Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and strives to push positive standing of his island in the German public sphere. While Germany has no official relations with Taiwan, presumably out of economic interest, it is “unofficial” contacts such as these that spread optimism.
The talks covered a wide range of topics. For instance, mainland Chinas population outpaces that of Taiwan in a whoping 60:1 ratio – no degree of millitary drawing can erase this gap. Superior technology is the only way out of a possible invasion. Today, Taiwan seems to be highly reliant on European / German technology for its defense.
Most notable dependencies:
1. Submarine Technology (Diesel-Electric Propulsion)
2. Precision Machinery and CNC Tools
3. Optics and Electro-Optical Systems
Germany continuing its one-China policy implies potential restrictions of export and therefore integrity of the Taiwaneese state.
I emphasize with the vital concerns of the Taiwaneese people and their wish to living in a democracy, while also understanding the german caution and pursuit of economic interests.
I also spoke to Mr. Wu about possible autonomous air-domes (as seen in Israel with Iron-Dome, or the United States ‘Golden Dome’). Without providing any details, they seem clever in circumventing sanctions…