In his first official speech, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof emphasized that the Netherlands must be “very careful” when dealing with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Schoof said that the Netherlands must be particularly vigilant when it comes to the country’s national security and the CCP. As a former Dutch head of intelligence, he has a profound understanding of the threat posed by Chinese hackers.
In 2019, the Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service recommended that the Dutch government not use Chinese or Russian hardware or equipment, as they were frequently exploited in hacking attacks targeting the government, private enterprises and academic institutions.
The world’s premier semiconductor manufacturing equipment supplier, ASML, has said on multiple occasions that the CCP had attempted to spy on it and steal its trade secrets.
The Dutch government has adopted strict measures to counter the threat.
First, it has restricted exports of the most advanced semiconductor manufacturing machinery to China, a measure born out of economic considerations and to stop national core technologies being stolen by the CCP.
Second, Schoof’s government proposed reducing the number of immigrants to bolster national security and social stability. This policy has received widespread approval, as it is believed to reduce potential threats from abroad.
Schoof also spoke on the Dutch-US alliance, promising to continue to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion. Its support of Ukraine is in the best interests of Dutch self-defense, as well as upholding global peace and stability.
At the same time, the Dutch provision of 24 F-16 jets elevates Ukraine’s aerial defense capabilities. Dutch military aid to Ukraine helps the entire globe.
Schoof seeks to remind the world that when facing the CCP’s threats, it should not be underestimated. Regardless of whether it be a government, a company or an individual, all should be more vigilant. Only then can security, rights and interests be safeguarded.
Taiwan also needs to pay attention to international cooperation and give a unified response to the threat posed by the CCP.
Fang Kai-hung is an assistant professor at Taipei University of Maritime Technology.
Translated by Tim Smith
To The Honorable Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜): We would like to extend our sincerest regards to you for representing Taiwan at the inauguration of US President Donald Trump on Monday. The Taiwanese-American community was delighted to see that Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan speaker not only received an invitation to attend the event, but successfully made the trip to the US. We sincerely hope that you took this rare opportunity to share Taiwan’s achievements in freedom, democracy and economic development with delegations from other countries. In recent years, Taiwan’s economic growth and world-leading technology industry have been a source of pride for Taiwanese-Americans.
Next week, the nation is to celebrate the Lunar New Year break. Unfortunately, cold winds are a-blowing, literally and figuratively. The Central Weather Administration has warned of an approaching cold air mass, while obstinate winds of chaos eddy around the Legislative Yuan. English theologian Thomas Fuller optimistically pointed out in 1650 that “it’s always darkest before the dawn.” We could paraphrase by saying the coldest days are just before the renewed hope of spring. However, one must temper any optimism about the damage being done in the legislature by the opposition Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), under
To our readers: Due to the Lunar New Year holiday, from Sunday, Jan. 26, through Sunday, Feb. 2, the Taipei Times will have a reduced format without our regular editorials and opinion pieces. From Tuesday to Saturday the paper will not be delivered to subscribers, but will be available for purchase at convenience stores. Subscribers will receive the editions they missed once normal distribution resumes on Sunday, Feb. 2. The paper returns to its usual format on Monday, Feb. 3, when our regular editorials and opinion pieces will also be resumed.
This year would mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the India Taipei Association (ITA) in Taipei and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) in New Delhi. From the vision of “Look East” in the 1990s, India’s policy has evolved into a resolute “Act East,” which complements Taiwan’s “New Southbound Policy.” In these three decades, India and Taiwan have forged a rare partnership — one rooted in shared democratic values, a commitment to openness and pluralism, and clear complementarities in trade and technology. The government of India has rolled out the red carpet for Taiwanese investors with attractive financial incentives
RSS