Taipei: In a landmark high-level dialogue, senior officials from Taiwan and the United States convened this week in Washington to advance cooperation in artificial intelligence, drone technology, and broader economic security. The forum, part of the ongoing U.S.–Taiwan Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue initiated during the first Trump administration in 2020, highlighted the strategic significance of Taiwan’s advanced manufacturing sector.
The U.S. State Department described Taiwan as a “vital partner”, emphasizing the island’s pivotal role in supporting the AI revolution through its cutting-edge semiconductor production. The sixth round of talks was led by U.S. Under Secretary for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg and Taiwan’s Economy Minister Kung Ming-hsin, who is visiting the United States.
Both sides signed statements under the Pax Silica Declaration, a U.S.-led initiative aimed at securing AI and semiconductor supply chains. Discussions also encompassed drone component certification, cooperation on critical minerals, and supply chain resilience. Officials stressed the importance of mutual progress in responding to economic coercion and identified tax barriers that, if addressed, could boost bilateral investment.
Taiwan, a global leader in advanced semiconductors, reiterated its push for a double taxation avoidance agreement, aiming to further stimulate investment flows between the two economies. The talks also focused on strengthening technological infrastructure, including undersea communication cable security, low-Earth-orbit satellite cooperation, and the training of high-tech talent.
Earlier this month, Taipei and Washington reached a deal to cut tariffs on Taiwanese exports and encourage Taiwanese investment in U.S. semiconductor and technology sectors. These initiatives signal an intensified economic partnership amid rising regional tensions.
Beijing, which claims sovereignty over Taiwan, routinely condemns official interactions between Taiwanese and U.S. officials, labeling such moves as crossing a “red line.” Taipei, however, reaffirmed that only its people can determine the island’s future and stressed that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential for global economic security.
Analysts say the forum underscores Washington’s commitment to deepening tech and AI ties with Taiwan while highlighting the island’s crucial role in the global technology ecosystem. As the world increasingly relies on advanced semiconductors and AI applications, the U.S.-Taiwan partnership is expected to become even more significant in shaping technological and economic landscapes worldwide.