The French Centre for Research on Contemporary China (CEFC), Taipei Office organise the following conference:

Abstract:

After decades of building trade relations with China, the EU faces growing concerns over economic security and political cohesion. This conference will critically examine China’s influence in strategic sectors such as semiconductors and electric vehicles, alongside its efforts to exploit divisions within the EU. The talk will also explore Taiwan’s pivotal role in global supply chains, particularly in semiconductors, and how EU-Taiwan relations may evolve as a counterbalance to China’s dominance. By analyzing recent developments—including anti-subsidy investigations, Xi Jinping’s European visits, and NATO’s responses to China’s military maneuvers—the conference will shed light on actionable pathways for Europe to navigate these challenges. Combining diplomatic experience with an academic perspective, this discussion will explore how the EU can balance economic cooperation and security concerns vis-à-vis China and its surrounding region.

Speaker: Olivier Vaysset (Former French Diplomat, Expert on EU-Asia Relations)

Olivier Vaysset is a distinguished former French diplomat (1983–2017), with over three decades of experience in Asia and beyond. His diplomatic postings include key roles in Taiwan, China, Japan, Burma, and North Korea, where he served as the first Director of the French Cooperation Office in Pyongyang. Vaysset has specialized in foreign policy, international cooperation, and strategic relations, particularly between Europe and Asia.

He holds advanced degrees in international relations and Chinese studies, having studied at Nanjing and Beijing Universities under a Chinese government scholarship and participated in summer programs in Taiwan at Soochow University.

Since retiring from diplomacy, he has lectured on France and Europe’s Asian policy at Keio University and contributed analyses on geopolitical developments in the region. His expertise uniquely combines hands-on experience in diplomacy with an academic understanding of the evolving dynamics between Europe, China, and Taiwan.

This seminar will be held in English.
Corrado Neri, Director of the CEFC Taipei, will chair the session.