Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF)

Political Theory And International Order (PCS) International Economic Institutions

Context: U.S, India, and Taiwan convene a cybersecurity workshop, to foster operational expertise and sharing best practices under GCTF.

The first in-person GCTF program in India, co-hosted by the US ambassador to India, was attended by representatives from the US, India, and Taiwan in New Delhi.
This event signifies a significant step in cybersecurity cooperation, as the GCTF serves as a platform for sharing expertise in areas often restricted in international institutions.
India, with over 800 million internet users and 1.2 billion smartphones, considers cybersecurity integral to its national security.
The collaborative administration of the GCTF by the US, Taiwan, the Australian Office in Taipei, and the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association reflects a shared commitment to addressing contemporary challenges.

On June 1, 2015, Taiwan and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF).
It is a platform to utilize Taiwan’s strengths and expertise to address global issues of mutual concern.
Taiwan has world-class experts in a wide variety of fields, including public health, law enforcement, disaster relief, energy cooperation, women’s empowerment, digital economy and cyber security, media literacy, and good governance.
The initiative assists countries in the Indo-Pacific for their capacity building efforts through training programs for officials and experts.
The United States, Taiwan, the Australian Office, Taipei, and the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association jointly administer the GCTF.
Progress: Since its launch, the GCTF has held 70 international workshops with participation from over 120 countries to strengthen connections among experts on such topics as public health, supply chains, humanitarian assistance, digital health and other regional issues.

This trilateral collaboration on cybersecurity is likely to have implications for regional stability.
It is aimed to counter digital threats and enhance collective security in the Indo-Pacific region.
This strategic alignment could balance China's growing influence and assertiveness in the region.
China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes official interaction, may view this development as a challenge to its regional aspirations.
The collaboration could be seen as a concerted effort to counter Chinese influence in cyberspace and as a tacit support for Taiwan's international presence, despite its exclusion from global platforms.