On January 15, DSET hosted a delegation from the Czech think tank Sinopsis for an exchange on semiconductors, the development of the drone industry, energy security, and the impact of China’s state-led policies on global supply chains.
DSET CEO Dr. Jeremy Chih-Cheng Chang welcomed the delegation and noted the deepening ties between Taiwan and Europe. He highlighted that in the semiconductor sector, Taiwan’s supply chain strengths are highly complementary to the Czech Republic’s manufacturing expertise, creating strong potential for cooperation. He also pointed out that the Czech Republic has become Taiwan’s third-largest export market for drones, and that its advanced technological capabilities and strategic links with Ukraine position it as a key partner in the development of “non-red” supply chains.
During the meeting, the Sinopsis delegation raised questions regarding China’s drone industry, focusing on its production scale and the potential implications for global markets and the security environment. DSET’s National Security team shared updates on Taiwan’s recent progress in the drone sector, noting that the Czech Republic is now one of the major destinations for Taiwanese drone exports. The two sides further discussed the types of drones exported from Taiwan to the Czech Republic and their primary application scenarios, including civil and commercial uses.
On energy security, DSET Energy Resilience Program Director Dr. Tsai-Ying Lu shared recent research findings on the security risks facing undersea power cables during operation and maintenance. She emphasized that damage to such critical infrastructure could simultaneously undermine national security and the stability of energy supply. She also introduced a recent DSET Energy Program report, Unveiling the Hidden Agenda Behind China’s Green Ambitions, which examines China’s climate narratives and overseas investment strategies in critical minerals. The discussion further explored how China leverages industrial policy tools to shape the trajectory of the global energy transition.
Founded in 2016, Sinopsis is a Czech think tank specializing in China-related research. Its founder and director, Martin Hála, has long contributed to raising public awareness in Czech society of China’s political, economic, and social influence through research and public advocacy, indirectly shaping the Czech government’s China policy. In June 2025, Hála was awarded the Medal for Merit in Diplomacy by the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs in recognition of his contributions to public diplomacy and policy research.
