At the Sydney Dialogue on September 2, 2024, Australian Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology, Brendan Dowling, highlighted Taiwan as a pivotal partner in cybersecurity. Speaking at the annual policy summit hosted by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Dowling praised Taiwan’s strong stance on cybersecurity as integral to national security. The summit gathered industry experts, government officials, and academics from 30 countries to address critical topics such as artificial intelligence (AI) development, digital infrastructure, and hybrid threat management.
Dowling’s comments came during a session that included a discussion with Taiwanese National Security Council adviser, Lee Yuh-jye. Lee provided insights into Taiwan’s strategic role in AI supply chains and its proactive measures to protect democracies from disinformation and other cyber threats. He emphasized Taiwan’s resilience in the face of geopolitical tensions and its commitment to integrating human rights into technology applications, such as privacy-focused social distancing apps used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lee also addressed concerns about Taiwan’s AI infrastructure, noting its essential role in global technology markets. He pointed out that while Taiwan contributes significantly to AI development through major players like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co and Quanta Computer Inc, it also faces risks from external AI programs, such as those developed by Chinese entities. Taiwan’s efforts to achieve AI sovereignty were highlighted, underscoring the importance of maintaining a secure and independent technological infrastructure.
The dialogue underscored Taiwan’s growing significance in the global tech landscape and its dedication to strengthening democratic resilience through technological advancements. The participation of key Taiwanese figures, including Representative to Australia Douglas Hsu and Ministry of Digital Affairs Deputy Director for Cyber Security Cheng Shin-ming, further emphasized the country’s active role in shaping global cybersecurity discussions. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to addressing the evolving challenges of cybersecurity and digital innovation on a global scale.
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