Atlantic Council Delegation Visits DSET to Discuss Semiconductor, Energy, and Indo-Pacific Security Cooperation

On October 30, the Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology (DSET) hosted a delegation led by Mr. Gabrielius Landsbergis, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Gen. (ret.) Michael Minihan, former Commander of the U.S. Air Mobility Command, and the Atlantic Council’s Indo-Pacific Security Initiative (IPSI) team, including Mr. Markus Garlauskas, Director, Ms. Lauren Gilbert, Deputy Director, and Dr. Bee Yun Jo, Research Fellow at the Sejong Institute in South Korea. The discussions focused on semiconductor supply chain security, energy transition, and regional defense strategies.

In welcoming the delegation, DSET emphasized that mature-node semiconductors have become a national security issue, and that Taiwan, as the world’s leading producer, must maintain its competitive advantage while strengthening cooperation with allies such as the United States to build a secure and resilient supply network. DSET’s Energy Resilience and National Security Research also stressed that Taiwan’s defense budget should encompass resilience in communications, energy, and critical infrastructure, rather than focusing solely on military procurement.

Former Minister Landsbergis highlighted that geopolitical shifts compel democratic nations to rethink their social systems and economic resilience. Gen. Minihan underscored that policy signals must be clear and consistent to ensure the credibility of international cooperation.

Mr. Garlauskas introduced the Indo-Pacific Security Initiative’s research priorities, focusing on challenges posed by China and North Korea, and expressed the Atlantic Council’s interest in deepening collaboration with Taiwanese think tanks. Ms. Gilbert and Dr. Jo shared insights from South Korea’s experience in addressing North Korean threats.

The two sides also discussed Taiwan’s energy transition strategies, including diversifying energy sources, enhancing energy system resilience, and establishing clear narratives to gain social support. Participants agreed that Taiwan’s challenges in semiconductors, energy, and cognitive warfare are not only crucial for regional stability but also represent shared concerns for the global democratic community.