Heger: EU Summit Draws Attention to Importance of Strategic Approach to China(2)

Bratislava/Brussels, October 21 (TASR-correspondent) - EU countries must show unity when drafting their strategy for relations with China and it's in their interest to defend Taiwan in a potential conflict with China, Prime Minister Eduard Heger (OLaNO) declared after an EU summit in Brussels on Friday. In Heger's view, the summit confirmed the willingness of the EU countries to march in lockstep regarding China, demonstrating the same unity as in the case of Russia following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. The three-hour long talks on the future relations with China, during which the EU leaders were not allowed to have their cell phones with them, reflects on the greater willingness of the EU to build more independence from China. "It's important for the EU not to assume the leadership role only in the climate protection and environment, but also in other spheres," stated Heger. He added that after problems with its energy dependence on Russia, the EU has realised it cannot afford to become technologically dependent on China. "That's why diversification is important. We're talking energy autonomy, but also technological autonomy," said Heger, adding that this is a "long-term goal". According to Heger, secret services have been warning European governments of the risks posed by Chinese investments in various European strategic sectors. The EU is aware of this, but it also respects the principles of free markets. However, the strategy of ties with China should take this into account, which is why the EU leaders concurred that such strategic discussions are needed in order to give rise to specific plans and long-term measures. When asked by a TASR correspondent whether the declared unity of the EU in its approach to China concerns also the protection of Taiwan in a potential escalation of conflict with Beijing, Heger underlined that Taiwan is of vital importance to the EU. He added that 80 percent of chips for the European industry originate from Taiwan and that the EU must stand up for Taiwan, if it wishes to protect its chip-based industry and AI. In the case of Slovakia, the Taiwanese chips are needed for its automobile industry. "For us, the protection of Taiwan is of paramount importance not only in terms of geopolitics, but also of the whole economy of the developed world," said Heger. mf/mcs