Taiwan minister kicks off Europe trip with Brussels stop

Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung started his week-long trip to Europe with a stop in Brussels, a visit that illustrates Taipei's efforts to connect with fellow democracies.

Mr Lin said in a Facebook post on the evening of Nov 19 that he visited the Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (Imec), a hub for nanoelectronics research and development, and discussed semiconductor supply chains with Imec chief executive Luc Van den hove.

Mr Lin also met Belgian lawmaker Els Van Hoof and a group of European Parliament members, Taiwan's semi-official Central News Agency reported.

Ms Van Hoof is a member of Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, an organisation made up of lawmakers from around the world that aims to counter China's influence. Earlier in 2024, she said Chinese spies had hacked her laptop.

Mr Lin's trip to Europe is part of Taipei's efforts to counter Beijing as it strives to isolate Taiwan diplomatically.