Taiwan Warns Europe Against Overdependence on China Ahead of EU Summit

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, Lin Chia-lung, has warned European countries that excessive dependence on Chinese suppliers could threaten their economic security, political independence and national sovereignty, urging the European Union to strengthen trade and technology ties with Taiwan.

Lin delivered the warning on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, during a speech at the Warsaw Security Forum in Poland, ahead of an EU summit in Brussels where relations with Beijing are expected to feature prominently.

He argued that economic reliance on China could leave European countries vulnerable to political pressure, particularly in sectors where alternative suppliers are limited.

“Dependence on China is not merely an economic risk, it’s a threat to European freedom and sovereignty itself,” Lin said, warning that control over supply chains could give Beijing leverage over European decision-making.

His comments come as the EU considers ways to reduce its trade imbalance with China and limit exposure to disruptions involving critical goods and technologies. European policymakers have increasingly discussed diversifying supply chains rather than relying heavily on a single country for essential materials and products.

Lin urged European governments to deepen cooperation with Taiwan, highlighting shared democratic values and opportunities in technology, innovation and trade. Taiwan plays a major role in global semiconductor manufacturing, an industry that supports electronics, telecommunications, automotive production and other advanced technologies.

The Taiwanese foreign minister said the island’s experience in technology and innovation could benefit European industries, while stronger commercial links could provide Europe with additional options for securing critical supplies.

The warning also reflects Taiwan’s broader diplomatic effort to strengthen relations with European countries despite Beijing’s opposition to official international engagements with the island. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taiwan’s democratically elected government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and maintains that the island’s future should be determined by its people.

The issue has gained further attention following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which exposed Europe’s vulnerability to dependence on external suppliers, particularly in energy. European officials have since placed greater emphasis on economic resilience and reducing strategic dependencies.

The EU has also faced disputes with China over trade imbalances, industrial competition and Beijing’s relationship with Moscow. European governments are seeking to balance economic ties with China against concerns about security, market access and geopolitical influence.

China had not immediately responded to Lin’s latest remarks. Beijing has consistently objected to visits by Taiwanese officials abroad and opposes efforts to treat Taiwan as a separate sovereign state.

The EU summit, scheduled to begin on Thursday, October 15, is expected to address the bloc’s economic relationship with China and measures to manage trade tensions. The discussions could influence how European governments approach critical supply chains and cooperation with partners across the Indo-Pacific.

Lin’s message underscores Taiwan’s effort to position itself as a reliable economic and technological partner for Europe, while pressing European leaders to consider the strategic consequences of relying too heavily on Chinese suppliers.