US Designates Taiwan as 'Vital Partner' in Tech and AI Cooperation

Jan 29, 2026, 2:55 AM
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Senior officials from the United States and Taiwan have recently engaged in high-level discussions centered on cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), technology, and drones. This dialogue, which began during the first Trump administration, has led the US State Department to commend Taiwan as a "vital partner" in these sectors.
The US serves as Taiwan's primary international supporter and arms supplier, despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations. The Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue, which aims to enhance economic collaboration, first commenced in November 2020.
During the sixth round of talks, held on January 27, 2023, US Under Secretary for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg and Taiwan's Economy Minister Kung Ming-hsin discussed several key initiatives. Among these was the signing of the Pax Silica Declaration, a US-led effort to secure AI and semiconductor supply chains amidst growing competition from China, viewed as Washington's main strategic rival.
"Taiwan is a vital partner on these and other important economic initiatives, and its advanced manufacturing sector plays a key role in fuelling the AI revolution," stated the State Department, underscoring Taiwan's significance in global technology advancements.
The discussions also covered supply chain security, particularly concerning AI, certification of drone components, and cooperative efforts related to critical minerals. Both sides focused on strategies to address economic coercion and enhance mutual cooperation in third-party nations, along with tackling tax-related barriers to boost investment between the US and Taiwan.
Taiwan, recognized as a leading producer of advanced semiconductors essential for AI technologies, has long sought an agreement to prevent double taxation, believing such an accord would enhance bilateral investment opportunities. The Taiwanese economy ministry reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait for global economic security and prosperity.
Additionally, the talks highlighted issues such as undersea cable security and low-Earth-orbit satellite cooperation, which are critical as Taiwan has accused China of damaging undersea telecom and internet cables—an assertion Beijing denies. In response, Taiwan is expanding its use of low-Earth-orbit satellites to ensure backup communications in case of potential disruptions by China during conflicts.
The US and Taiwan also recently reached a deal to reduce tariffs on Taiwanese exports to the US and to stimulate Taiwanese investment in sectors like semiconductors. Taiwanese companies have committed to investing $250 billion to expand semiconductor, energy, and AI production in the US, while Taiwan will provide an additional $250 billion in credit to support further investments.
Kung highlighted that US companies, including major players like Nvidia and Micron Technology, continue to invest heavily in Taiwan—over $15 billion—to establish a "non-red" supply chain that is not dependent on China.
As the US and Taiwan strengthen their economic ties, they face opposition from China, which routinely condemns any interaction between Taiwanese and US officials. The Taiwanese government, however, maintains that only its people can determine the island's future, firmly rejecting Beijing's sovereignty claims.
In conclusion, the ongoing collaboration between the US and Taiwan in technology and AI represents a significant step towards ensuring economic security and stability in the region, amidst rising geopolitical tensions with China.

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