France is stepping up ties with Taiwan on the back of its chip industry, a positive sign for both sides' trade and tech links.

• Taiwan's grip on semiconductor production has made it a priority partner for France, the new head of the French Office in Taipei said.
• Chip shortages during the pandemic showed how much the world depends on Taiwan's factories.
• France and the EU want to rely less on any single supplier and instead build supply chains with trusted partners.
• Taiwan's democracy and steady industrial base are the selling points, described as an "ecosystem of trust."
• Ten French companies will exhibit at SEMICON Taiwan next week, the most in the French Pavilion's three years there.

Outlook: Expect more French investment and business, science and cultural exchanges with Taiwan in the months ahead.