The Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology (DSET) hosted a delegation from the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) on May 14. The two sides exchanged views on key issues including economic security, artificial intelligence (AI) supply chains, energy resilience, unmanned systems, and communications security.

The delegation was led by Mr. Michael Wills, President of NBR, and comprised leading experts in U.S. trade, national security, and technology policy, including:

  • Mr. Michael Beeman, Former Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Japan, Korea, and APEC
  • Mr. Andrew Gotto, Former Senior Director for Cybersecurity Policy, U.S. National Security Council
  • Mr. William Bartholomew, Director of Public Policy for Responsible AI, Microsoft
  • Mr. Doug Strub, Senior Director, Research and Programs, NBR
  • Mr. Jonathon Marek, Assistant Director, Technology and Geo-Economic Affairs, NBR

On economic security and industrial ecosystems, both sides discussed the application of open-source intelligence (OSINT) methodologies in analyzing China’s semiconductor and AI development. DSET CEO Dr. Jeremy Chang shared insights from his OSINT-based research on structural issues within China’s AI hardware and software stack, including efforts to visualize its industrial ecosystem.

The two sides also exchanged views on coordination of Taiwan–U.S. export control policies. DSET noted that Taiwan has committed to maintaining a high degree of alignment with U.S. export control regimes. While such alignment may create short-term competitive pressures for certain industries, it also contributes to building international policy consensus and reinforces Taiwan’s critical role in global AI hardware and semiconductor supply chains.

Regarding AI competition, participants examined China’s strategy to promote the diffusion of AI models, as well as the emerging trend of integrating AI with physical systems—such as drones and robotics—often referred to as “physical AI.” Both sides observed that these developments may reshape international technology standards and supply chain structures. They emphasized the importance for the United States and its allies to strengthen controls on key equipment, talent flows, and remote computing resources, while advancing scalable, next-generation technology solutions.

On the unmanned systems sector, DSET’s National Security Team highlighted Taiwan’s challenges in “de-risking” supply chains from China. Certain critical components—particularly battery materials—remain indirectly dependent on Chinese supply chains. Nevertheless, since China introduced related export controls in 2024, Taiwanese firms have begun receiving increased orders from Europe and Ukraine, indicating a shift in market demand. However, participants noted that operational experiences from the battlefield in Ukraine may not be fully transferable to a Taiwan Strait contingency, reflecting the influence of differing operational environments on technological applicability.

On energy resilience and critical minerals, Dr. Tsaiying Lu, Director of DSET’s Energy Resilience Team, shared research on Taiwan’s energy supply capacity under extreme scenarios, such as blockades or quarantines, as well as the potential impacts on economic activity and maritime transportation systems. Both sides also discussed China’s expanding role in global critical mineral supply chains through overseas investment.

Looking ahead, NBR and DSET exchanged views on future collaboration. Given the strong overlap in research priorities, both sides identified opportunities to deepen cooperation in areas including critical minerals, data governance, quantum computing, and global AI governance.