The Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Technology (DSET) welcomed a bipartisan delegation of congressional staff from both the U.S. House and Senate for in-depth discussions on Taiwan’s energy security, defense technology cooperation, undersea cable protection, and the challenges of semiconductor and artificial intelligence competition.
On energy security, the delegation expressed concern over Taiwan’s heavy reliance on liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports and the potential risks posed by disruptions in South China Sea shipping lanes. Dr. Tsaiying Lu, Director of the Energy Resilience Research Program, presented scenario-based simulations, outlining how diversified energy sources could help sustain Taiwan’s industrial and residential electricity demand, while also creating opportunities for international cooperation. She further noted that while a full blockade of the Taiwan Strait remains unlikely given its dense maritime traffic, “quarantine”-style gray-zone tactics could still delay energy imports.
On drone cooperation, the delegation focused on the potential for closer Taiwan-U.S. collaboration. DSET’s National Security Research Program highlighted that although Taiwanese companies such as Thunder Tiger have actively sought U.S. federal certifications like Blue UAS, joint development is still constrained by import dependencies and limited production capacity. Stakeholders expressed hope that co-production and technology transfer could expand Taiwan’s domestic manufacturing lines, though mature case studies remain lacking. Beyond drones, submarine cable security was another focal point. DSET experts outlined Taiwan’s enforcement challenges in safeguarding undersea cables and introduced findings from a recent policy report, Undercurrent: Limits and Prospects of Submarine Cable Security for Taiwan. The report suggested adopting a fisheries agreement model, in which flag states relinquish certain jurisdictional rights to allow coastal states to conduct timely enforcement. However, given that submarine cables are often jointly owned by multiple international private entities, implementation remains complex.
On economic security, the delegation raised questions regarding China’s rapid expansion in mature-node chip production and the challenges posed by sanctioned companies such as Huawei. DSET Energy Security Research Program introduced the policy report, The Great Siege: The PRC’s Comprehensive Strategy to Dominate Foundational Chips, emphasizing that while competition over advanced semiconductors remains skewed in favor of the United States and its partners, Taiwan continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring supply chain resilience. Regarding AI governance, the delegation’s primary interest lay in export controls rather than domestic regulatory frameworks.
The visit underscored the shared U.S.–Taiwan commitment to strengthening cooperation on energy resilience, supply chain security, and critical technology development.DSET reaffirmed its commitment to advancing international collaboration and strengthening Taiwan’s central role in democratic and global technology networks.
