Taiwan's science and technology are valued, and the National Science and Technology Council went to France to discuss fruitful cooperation results

Executive Yuan Political Councilor Wu Zhengzhong led a delegation to visit France, which was warmly received by the French side and plans to jointly develop semiconductor, space and net-zero technologies. Wu Zhengzhong said that the world has realized the importance of Taiwan's science and technology, and is optimistic about promoting high-level framework dialogue and cooperation.

Wu Zhengzhong, who is also the chairman of the National Science and Technology Committee (National Science and Technology Council), visited France after Germany, met with members of the upper and lower houses, and was invited by the Economic Affairs Committee of the National Assembly to have a long talk for one hour. Wu Zhengzhong said to the Central News Agency: "The French side is friendly and warm. I feel that France and Germany support Taiwan and Taiwan's visibility is unprecedentedly high."

Wu Zhengzhong analyzed that the main reason is that the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) epidemic in the past three years has brought great changes to the world. The economic wheel was once shut down. Due to the shortage of semiconductor chips, the world suddenly discovered the importance of Taiwan's existence.

Secondly, the Russo-Ukrainian War shocked Europe greatly. They learned about the crisis that they had neglected in the past. For France and Germany, Taiwan is a country that is free, democratic and respects human rights just like them. Collaborate further."

Taiwan and France have had many cooperations in the past 30 years, "but the difference is that most of the cooperation in the past was bottom-up (bottom-up), and I hope that in the future it will be top-down (top-down), with higher-level French government units Talk to the corresponding window in Taiwan. In the past, Taiwan met with foreign officials under the table, but since there is demand, it should be gradually normalized.”

Wu Zhengzhong said that when the French parliamentarians mentioned China's interference in the meeting, they felt the same hatred. They said that as long as they posted photos of friendly Taiwan, they would receive protests from the Chinese ambassador, which was unacceptable to them. "We also understand the coercion they have suffered, but the appropriate exposure is also helping France, further raising the popularity and friendship of French technology in the hearts of the Taiwanese people, and helping the government and companies to promote their decision-making in France."

Global demand for chips is growing exponentially. The semiconductor industry is known as Taiwan's "National Protector". France and Germany are most concerned about the possibility of TSMC's establishment of a factory. Wu Zhengzhong replied to the officials of the two countries that it took Taiwan 40 years to become a global leader and develop a special industrial culture. "Taiwan is very willing to share its experience."

But Wu Zhengzhong also emphasized that Taiwan is a democratic country and will never interfere in the decision-making of private companies. He suggested creating an ecosystem that can attract TSMC and the semiconductor industry chain to set up factories, including talents, capital, technology, and regulations, and releasing friendly messages to Taiwan will also help companies choose where to stay.

Wu Zhengzhong talked about China's threat to Taiwan during the meeting. The French side also realized Taiwan's situation. "For 50 years, we have defended with one hand and developed with the other. We can still achieve such achievements. It shows that Taiwan is not easy to deal with. Taiwanese will help themselves, but if What happens in Taiwan will impact the whole world, not only because of the economy, but also because of freedom and democracy, and let bullies run rampant.”

During this trip, Wu Zhengzhong also visited Arianespace to learn about the launch plan of Taiwan's first self-made weather satellite "Wind Hunter", which is expected to launch in March next year.