The visiting Estonian defense industry delegation was received at a banquet by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) Tuesday, where both sides spoke about strengthening democratic cooperation against increasing threats including undersea cable sabotage and misinformation attacks.
The visiting delegation, led by Estonia-Taiwan Friendship Group Chairman Kristo Enn Vaga, aims to foster collaboration in the Estonia-Taiwan defense industries. Speaking at a reception banquet, Lin mentioned how, as both countries have experienced authoritarian rule, they equally cherish their hard-earned freedoms and democracy. Lin said that recent incidents of undersea cable sabotage and authoritarian expansion, including the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, and China’s increasing military exercises around Taiwan, highlight the importance of cooperation between democratic countries.
Lin also pointed out his recent visit to Lithuania last November heading a drone industry delegation, underlining the event as proof of Taiwan’s determination to jointly establish a democratic defense supply chain with like-minded countries. He said he was pleased to see Estonia organise similar delegations to Taiwan, and what it could mean for the potential of future cooperation between the two countries.
In light of both the undersea cable damage, and the massive amounts of misinformation attacks both countries receive daily, Vaga called on the democratic camp to be more united in responding to threats and challenges. He further stated that failure to develop supply chains with like-minded countries could be considered a national security threat.
The Estonian delegation arrived Tuesday for a five-day tour, during which time they are expected to meet with Vice President Hsiao Bi-Khim (蕭美琴), and relevant defense officials, ministries, and associations in Taiwan.