(DW Chinese) An op-ed in the Neue Zürcher Zeitung highlights the importance of stable and resilient international partnerships amidst growing geopolitical tensions worldwide. Taiwan, as a technological powerhouse and democratic entity, is increasingly becoming the focus of European attention.

The commentary states that today’s Taiwan is not only a key player in core technology sectors like semiconductors but also stands as a democratic counter to Chinese authoritarian ambitions. While facing military intimidation, information manipulation, and economic pressure from Beijing, Taiwan's society shows vulnerabilities but also resilience and stability.

Moreover, the concerning trends in Washington's foreign policy have raised alarms in Europe. Against this backdrop, deepening relationships with Taiwan should draw significant interest from European institutions. The European Parliament has repeatedly sent delegations to Taiwan, pushing for its participation in international organizations and advocating for enhanced technological cooperation. These actions signify a shift in perspective: people are no longer solely viewing matters through a ‘China policy’ lens but recognizing Taiwan as a partner with an independent status.

For Switzerland, this shift presents unique opportunities. Leveraging its economic innovation capabilities, Switzerland can pragmatically promote Taiwan's involvement in multilateral cooperation in technology, academia, and healthcare without challenging the ‘One China’ policy. For Taiwan, European and Swiss partnerships may increasingly be viewed as a cornerstone of political stability.

However, the commentary cautions that collaborating with Taiwan could invite criticism, retaliation, and sanctions from Beijing. Nonetheless, cooperation in specific areas under the 'One China' framework should be permissible. In fact, EU member states and G7 countries are already doing so. The piece emphasizes that diversifying economic relations is crucial not only for security but also for enhancing economic resilience. In a context of escalating institutional tensions, establishing new, reliable partnerships is more crucial than ever, as the unpredictability of geopolitics continues to rise.