Deputy Foreign Minister François Wu Chih-chung (吳志中) on Wednesday urged Europe not to take a pro-China stance during a remote interview with French political host Darius Rochebin on La Chaîne Info (LCI).
Wu said that China, currently lacking the power to surpass the United States, is seeking to align with Europe to weaken U.S. influence. He warned that Beijing is also trying to steal European technology and expertise to boost its industrial strength, with the broader goal of reshaping the global order under its leadership.
He stressed that China continues to deploy gray zone tactics globally and called on Europe to take the risks of Chinese infiltration and espionage seriously. While democracy’s strength lies in openness, Wu noted, that openness has become a vulnerability exploited by authoritarian states.
On cross-strait tensions, Wu said Taiwan faces rising military pressure from China. He emphasized the need for close ties with democratic partners—France, the EU, the U.S., Japan, and Canada—to safeguard stability and strengthen cooperation in areas like semiconductors. He added that recent European naval patrols in the Indo-Pacific reflect growing awareness of the threat.
As for U.S.-Taiwan ties, Wu said a strong United States is in Taiwan’s interest and confirmed ongoing tariff discussions with Washington, voicing confidence in future collaboration.