BERLIN (Reuters) -Taiwan's chip industry has become an indispensible part of the global economy and strengthens Taiwan's defence in the face of threats, former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen told the Berlin Freedom Conference on Monday.

"Our high-tech sector, particularly in semiconductors, has become an indispensable part of the global economy - in an age where AI also defines power, Taiwan's chip industry also anchors global prosperity," Tsai said in her speech.

"Now, it is such an initiative that helps Taiwan strengthen its defence and societal resilience in the face of threats," she said, adding that Taiwan was willing to share its experience. 

"We are also willing to bear our share of the burden and do not take our security partners' support for granted," she said.

Chinese-claimed and democratically governed Taiwan has formal diplomatic ties only with the Vatican in Europe, but countries from Britain and France to Lithuania and Poland have disregarded Beijing's complaints to about visits by acting or former senior Taiwan officials.