European Values Center for Security Policy and the Czech-Taiwanese Business Chamber with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan), held the opening ceremony of the Czech Hub in Taiwan, a new joint platform for governmental and non-governmental organisations, entrepreneurs, academics, startups and cultural entities.
Markéta Pekarová Adamová, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic and Dr. Roy Chun Lee, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan) delivered opening remarks at the official event which was held as a part of the program of the 150-member delegation from the Czech Republic that was accompanying the Speaker to Taiwan during 25-29 March 2023.
“The Czech Republic is becoming the strongest partner for Taiwan in Europe. The bilateral relations are growing at highest political levels such as presidents talking to each other, and across many areas from industry and civilian universities, think tanks, and increasing number of businesses. The importance of this collaboration illustrates the fact that this delegation is the biggest delegation to Taiwan in its recent history. I am glad we can be a part of that,” says Jakub Janda, the Director of the European Values Center for Security Policy, which has opened an office in Taiwan in January 2022 with the support of the President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-Wen. The mission of the Taiwan office of the European Values Center for Security Policy is to foster exchanges between primarily Central European and Taiwanese experts on security-oriented topics and strengthen cooperation between Central Europe and Taiwan on matters of defense, foreign policy, and security policy.
The key activities of the Hub include organising Czech-Taiwanese events that open security and economic topics and support new Czech-Taiwanese initiatives. The Hub also serves to streamline soft-landing services for Czech businesses, academics, and non-governmental organizations by offering a workspace, know-how, and relevant networks.
The establishment of the new Czech Hub in Taiwan reflects the need to strengthen cooperation among NATO member countries in the Indo-Pacific. Taiwan has first-hand sources of information and knowledge about China as a security threat – not only militarily, but in the areas of intelligence, economic coercion, cyber threats, or information operations. This knowledge will be increasingly needed by the Czech Republic and other EU members in the future, and Taiwan can preferentially provide it to governmental institutions. Similarly, Taiwan can provide language and vocational training to young Czech experts focused on China, as there is a lack of them in the Czech administration and they will needed in the long term.
For media enquiries please contact:
Marcin Jerzewski
The Head of Taiwan Office, European Values Center for Security Policy
marcin.jerzewski(at)europeanvalues.cz
www.czechhub.tw
Threats arising from Chinese influence
China’s influence is gradually becoming a major security concern (not only in Europe), as pointed out by Czech and allied intelligence services. In its new strategy, NATO identifies the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as a growing threat (see NATO Strategic Concept). Confrontation with China will be one of the main security agendas for the Czech Republic and its alliance partners in the future, alongside the primary threat of Russia in Europe. Just before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the PRC had declared “no-limits partnership” with the Russian Federation. Although China attempts to act as a neutral player, it does not comply with the international sanctions imposed on Russia. For example, Chinese state-owned companies are supplying Russia with navigation jamming technology, as well as components used in fighter jets, despite the sanctions that have been imposed.
The analysts of the European Values Center for Security Policy within the “Red Watch” program address the threats posed by, among other things, the growing efforts of Russia and China to influence public administration in the Czech Republic, the cooperation between universities and Chinese entities with clearly proven links to the Chinese military industry, the data collection and surveillance of Chinese companies through telecommunications to influence decision-making in the public sphere, and the lack of transparency of some politicians in their cooperation with Russia and China.
Publications about a hostile Chinese influence can be found at this link.
If you have any questions or are interested in interviewing one of our analysts on this topic, please contact:
Olga Janžurová
Communications manager
olga.janzurova(at)europeanvalues.cz
