Italian officials have expressed a wish to increase cooperation with Taiwan on the production and export of semiconductors, Bloomberg reported.
The officials also said that Italy might be willing to stop participating in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Although the report did not name its sources, and said the discussion happened “in private talks,” the government should take it seriously.
The context of the report and the proposal should be analyzed, and Taiwan should deliberate on how to respond.
French President Emmanuel Macron said earlier this month that Europe and France should develop a strategy toward the Taiwan Strait independent of Washington and Beijing.
He demonstrated the pragmatic stance of a “third pole,” trying to maneuver within the tension between the US and China.
Macron was substantially criticized for his remarks. In the face of this, the center-right coalition in Italy began discussing the possibility of replacing France within the EU under the pro-Euro-American banner of “Atlanticism” and “Europeanism.”
In addition to Italian officials’ disparagement of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the European Chips Act was approved by the European Commission on Wednesday last week. In this context, the Bloomberg report should be regarded as credible.
Before Macron’s controversial remarks, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni did not pay much attention to Taiwan. Instead, she attempted to establish closer relations with China.
The situation has changed. With European countries and the US challenging Macron’s move, along with the passing of the European Chips Act, Meloni might have begun calculating the most beneficial stance for her country.
Italy’s reported shift reflects a choice: work with a democratic supply chain that is balanced between Taiwan, the US and Europe, or upgrade the pact with China.
Much seems to be dependent on whether Meloni pulls out of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and all involved parties are likely trying hard to persuade Meloni to make up her mind.
Semiconductors play a significant role in this matter. As Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co’s (TSMC) plan to establish a fab in Germany has not yet been confirmed, Italy might have been motivated to draw Taiwan closer to its side.
Although TSMC might not be able to promise to build a fab in Italy, the company should consider offering necessary equipment and research-and-design facilities, or at least arrange for Italian engineers to work in Germany.
Given such attention, Italy and Meloni might take more favorable approaches toward Taiwan.
As the government is preparing to establish a representative office in Milan, Taiwan should seize the opportunity to further consolidate relations with Italy.
Meloni’s high approval ratings, pro-US stance and willingness to offer weapons to Ukraine make her the best partner for Taiwan.
The government should take advantage of the situation and work with Meloni to strengthen connections with Italy.
Taiwan can provide incentives for her to convince other officials in Italy and the EU to lean in a similar direction.
It is also worth mentioning that Italy’s flagship aircraft carrier is heading to the Indo-Pacific region.
Italy wants to increase its presence in the international community and have a voice in one of the world’s disputed areas.
As the carrier accommodates fifth-generation F-35 jets, Italy’s ambition to set foot in the region cannot be more clear.
Among G7 nations, Taiwan must work to consolidate relations with France, Germany and Italy. The government should deliberate on whether it is worthwhile using chips as a vehicle for diplomacy.
Chang Meng-jen is chair of Fu Jen Catholic University’s Department of Italian Language and Culture, and coordinator of the university’s diplomacy and international affairs program.
Translated by Emma Liu
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