Taiwan Says “We’re Not Alone” After Breakthrough Europe Trip

Advanced | November 21, 2025

✨ 혼자서 기사를 소리 내어 읽거나 튜터를 따라 각 단락을 반복해서 읽으세요. 레벨...

A Bold Message: Taiwan’s Vice President Stresses “We’re Not Alone”

On November 9, 2025, Hsiao Bi-khim, Vice President of Taiwan, returned from a landmark diplomatic visit to Europe where she declared: “Taiwan is not alone. We have more and more like-minded friends around the world.”

Speaking at the European Parliament

Her trip included addressing the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China at the European Parliament in Brussels — a highly unusual move for a Taiwanese leader because of potential backlash from China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory. (Reuters)

Why the “Taiwan is not alone” Message Matters for Business and Diplomacy

Global Tech and Supply-Chain Importance

The phrase “Taiwan is not alone” signals a shift: Taiwan is actively building informal alliances beyond its formal diplomatic constraints. These developments matter to businesses because Taiwan plays a critical role in global tech, semiconductors, and supply-chains — and geopolitical instability could ripple through markets. Analysts note the push also highlights Taiwan’s emphasis on democratic partnerships and global participation. (Financial Times)

The Trip’s Key Moves: Europe, Partnerships and Pressure

Emphasizing Democratic Values

During the Brussels visit, Hsiao emphasised Taiwan’s commitment to democracy and international cooperation despite limited formal recognition. She said Taiwan has “never backed down” and needs the chance “to participate in the international community.”

China’s Reaction to the Visit

China responded harshly. Its mission to the European Union condemned the visit as “serious interference in China’s internal affairs” and warned of undermining political trust with Europe.

Aligning with Like-Minded Democracies

Taipei is also aligning with like‑minded democracies on issues such as secure supply‑chains, AI technology, and trade resilience — all of which have relevance to commercial and high‑tech sectors. (AP News)

What’s Next: Opportunities and Risks for Taiwan’s Global Role

Opportunities for Global Companies

If Taiwan continues to expand its diplomatic footprint, global companies operating in Taiwan or with Taiwanese suppliers should monitor the signals: closer European-Taiwan ties could offer new trade or investment openings.

Rising Geopolitical Risks

However, the risk remains high: China’s pressure could escalate, affecting cross-strait stability, semiconductor production, and investor confidence. The message “Taiwan is not alone” underscores both promise and vulnerability.

Vocabulary

Diplomatic (adjective) – relating to the profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations.
- Example: “She made a diplomatic visit to Europe to strengthen Taiwan’s global partnerships.”
Landmark (adjective) – very important in history or development.
- Example: “Her landmark trip marked a new chapter in Taiwan’s foreign outreach.”
Backlash (noun) – a strong negative reaction by a large number of people.
- Example: “China’s backlash against the visit highlights regional tensions.”
Alliance (noun) – a union formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries.
- Example: “Taiwan is seeking new alliances with European democracies.”
Participation (noun) – the action of taking part in something.
- Example: “Taiwan’s leaders argue the country should have full participation in international affairs.”
Resilience (noun) – the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
- Example: “The island’s tech sector is famed for its resilience under pressure.”
Fray (noun) – a situation of intense activity, typically one involving competition or tension.
- Example: “Taiwan’s outreach comes as the cross-strait strategic fray intensifies.”
Informal (adjective) – having an unofficial or relaxed style or nature.
- Example: “Taiwan is building informal ties with European countries despite lack of formal recognition.”
Recognition (noun) – acknowledgement of something’s existence or validity.
- Example: “Taiwan lacks formal recognition from many states, yet it engages with them anyway.”
Footprint (noun) – the impact or reach of an entity’s presence or influence.
- Example: “Companies are watching Taiwan’s growing diplomatic footprint in Europe.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What message did Taiwan’s Vice President send with her Europe visit, and why emphasise “Taiwan is not alone”?
Why is it significant that she spoke at the European Parliament and addressed the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China?
How might this increased outreach affect Taiwan’s business and technology sectors?
What are possible responses from China, and how could they impact regional or global stability?
From a business-English viewpoint: how might companies working with Taiwanese suppliers interpret the phrase “Taiwan is not alone”?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Is building informal diplomatic alliances a viable strategy for countries with limited formal recognition? Why or why not?
How do geopolitics and supply-chains intersect in places like Taiwan?
From a free-market, individual-liberty perspective: what role should democratic values play in business and trade relationships with countries like Taiwan?
How should companies prepare for political risk when operating in geopolitically sensitive regions?
Do you think the phrase “Taiwan is not alone” carries more symbolic or practical weight in the short term?

Related Idiom

“Stand one’s ground” – to refuse to change one’s position even when pressured.

Example: “Taiwan’s leadership said they would stand their ground despite external pressure.”

📢 Want more helpful lessons like this? 👉 Sign up for the All About English Mastery Newsletter!
Click here to join us and get weekly tips sent straight to your inbox!

Want to improve your English but don’t have much time?
Check out Mastering English for Busy Professionals—your 10-minute-a-day system for real progress.

Follow our YouTube Channel @All_About_English for daily tips and live lessons.

This article was inspired by: Reuters