Taiwan's representative office in Switzerland held its National Day reception in Bern, using the occasion to pitch Taiwan as a reliable democratic and tech partner — a positive, relationship-building moment for Taipei's diplomatic push in Europe.

• Nearly 200 guests attended, including Swiss members of parliament, federal and local officials, and diplomats from friendly countries.
• Taiwan's envoy Wang Si-wei said democratic Taiwan is small but its commitment to the world is huge, likening it to a strong ocean current moving quietly beneath the surface.
• The pitch centered on AI: Taiwan's tech strength paired with Swiss innovation makes the two natural partners as AI becomes the backbone of every industry.
• Bern's deputy mayor Alec von Graffenried traced Taiwan's path from martial law to its first direct presidential vote, saying Switzerland should stand more boldly with Taiwan.
• Taiwanese whisky and music by composer Hsiao Tyzen gave the evening a cultural edge.

Outlook: Expect Taiwan to keep leaning on tech and AI cooperation as its main lever for deepening ties with European partners that lack formal diplomatic relations.