Deepening Relationship: A Transition from Colonial Past to Modern Cooperative Bond Between Netherlands and Taiwan
The relationship between the Netherlands and Taiwan has evolved over time, encompassing historical connections and contemporary collaborations, particularly in the tech industry and political values.
Historical Connections
During the Dutch colonial period, the Netherlands played a significant role in Taiwan, known as "Formosa." The Dutch East India Company established Fort Zeelandia on the southern edge of the island, using it as a major trade hub for silk and other materials. However, Dutch rule was short-lived, ending in 1662 with the conquest of the island's southwest by the Ming Dynasty [1].
Tech Industry Collaboration
In recent years, the Netherlands and Taiwan have forged a strong partnership in the tech sector, particularly in the semiconductor industry. The Netherlands, through companies like ASML, is a major supplier of lithography machines essential for the production of advanced chips. Taiwan, home to global leader Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), is a key player in this field [2].
However, this partnership is not without challenges. The Netherlands, like other countries, has been affected by the export controls imposed by the U.S. and its allies to limit China's access to advanced semiconductor technology [4].
Political Alignment
Politically, both the Netherlands and Taiwan share democratic values and have expressed concerns about China's increasing geopolitical influence. The Netherlands has been aligned with international efforts to ensure that Taiwan's status is respected, and there have been international calls for China to respect the status quo across the Taiwan Strait [5]. This alignment reflects a general support for democratic principles and regional stability.
The Dutch parliament has also shown its support for Taiwan, approving resolutions supporting the need to preserve the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and to strengthen ties with Taiwan [6].
A Bright Future Ahead
Taiwan's emergence as a global technology hub and its democratic rebirth have led to a renewed interest in ties between the Netherlands and Taiwan. The strategic partnership between ASML and TSMC encourages other entities to invest in ASML's machines, further strengthening the relationship [3].
Within the EU, the Netherlands is a reliable and earnest partner that shares Taiwan's interests [7]. The alliance between the Netherlands and Taiwan extends beyond the economic sphere, sharing common values and objectives.
In conclusion, while the historical connection between the Netherlands and Taiwan is rooted in colonial times, their contemporary collaboration focuses primarily on the tech industry. Shared democratic values have also contributed to their political alignment in recent years. However, the relationship is influenced by broader geopolitical dynamics, particularly concerning China's growing influence in the region.
[1] "Dutch colonial period." Taiwan Today. https://www.taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=5,106788
[2] "ASML." Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/asml.asp
[3] "ASML and TSMC expand ties in semiconductor sector." Nikkei Asia. https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Semiconductors/ASML-and-TSMC-expand-ties-in-semiconductor-sector
[4] "Chip shortage: Dutch firm ASML's ties with China under scrutiny." Deutsche Welle. https://www.dw.com/en/chip-shortage-dutch-firms-ties-with-china-under-scrutiny/a-59343283
[5] "Netherlands supports Taiwan's international status." Taiwan News. https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4193932
[6] "Netherlands parliament supports Taiwan." Taiwan Today. https://www.taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=5,487997
[7] "The Netherlands and Taiwan." European Parliament. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2021/665201/EXPO_STU(2021)665201_EN.pdf
The Netherlands and Taiwan's active collaboration in the tech industry has been fueled by mutual partnerships, such as the agreement between ASML and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), boosting both domestic and foreign investments in ASML's essential technology.
Politically, the Netherlands and Taiwan have aligned themselves, exhibiting common democratic values and shared concerns about China's growing influence in the region, alongside supporting international efforts to uphold Taiwan's status.
