Tsai receives EP Foreign Affairs Committee delegation
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said July 26 while receiving a 15-member delegation from the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs at the Presidential Office in Taipei City that Taiwan aims to sign a bilateral investment agreement with the EU. The group was led by its vice chair, Urmas Paet of Estonia. Tsai said Taiwan and the EU are partners that share values of freedom and democracy. The government will continue to deepen cooperation with the EU in areas such as cybersecurity, investment, logistics resilience and technological innovation, she added. Paet called Taiwan a crucial trade partner for the EU and said its high-tech prowess and digital development pave the way for further collaboration. He added that Taiwan’s engagement in global bodies like the World Health Organization would benefit the international community and that the EU attaches great importance to Asia-Pacific security.
MOFA thanks US, Italy, Japan, Australia for statements supporting Taiwan
Recent statements by the U.S., Italy, Japan and Australia reaffirming their support for Taiwan are sincerely appreciated by the government and people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said July 30. According to the MOFA, following a meeting July 27 at the White House, U.S. President Joe Biden and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a joint statement that stressed the vital importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The ministry said the 2023 white paper released by Japan’s Ministry of Defense expressed similar ideas, discussing China’s increasing military pressure on Taiwan and asserting that such activities have become a matter of concern for Japan and the international community. In the July 29 Joint Statement on the 33rd Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations, the aforementioned countries reiterated the importance of cross-strait peace and stability and their shared opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo. This marks the fourth consecutive time these nations have stated their support for Taiwan, the MOFA said.
President addresses 124th National Convention of US Veterans of Foreign Wars
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said July 24 that Taiwan will continue to uphold shared values of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights and the rule of law. Tsai made the remarks during a video address for the 124th National Convention of U.S. Veterans of Foreign Wars from the Presidential Office in Taipei City. Tsai said the VFW’s long-standing support for Taiwan is deeply appreciated, with a fraternal relationship established by the organization and Taiwan’s Veterans Affairs Council in 1980. The VFW has expressed its support for Taiwan annually in resolutions calling for further bilateral defense and security. The president said backing for Taiwan from the current U.S. administration and society had increased, as demonstrated by arms sales to Taiwan in June, in addition to visits from high-ranking officials.
MOFA thanks US House for passing Taiwan International Solidarity Act
The passage of the Taiwan International Solidarity Act by the U.S. House of Representatives is sincerely appreciated by the government and people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said July 26. The MOFA said the bipartisan legislation aims to counter China’s persistent attempts to distort United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, which was adopted in 1971, to exclude Taiwan from the international arena. China has suppressed Taiwan’s global participation and contributions for decades by using its “One China principle” to claim sovereignty over Taiwan in various international venues, the ministry added. With the bill’s passage in the House, it now moves to the Senate. The bill states that the historic resolution did not address the issue of Taiwan’s representation in the U.N. or any related organizations, nor did it take a position on the relationship between China and Taiwan or include any statement pertaining to Taiwan’s sovereignty. The MOFA welcomed the bipartisan support for Taiwan’s global participation.
President Tsai meets with Paraguayan president-elect
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) looked forward to continuing to work with Paraguay to deepen bilateral partnerships during a meeting with a delegation led by the country’s President-elect Santiago Pena July 12 in Taipei City. At the meeting that took place on the 66th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Paraguay, Tsai said the two countries cooperate to great effect in fields such as medicine and women’s empowerment. Tsai also cited study tours organized to empower Taiwan companies, who seek opportunities in the electric vehicle, food processing and textile industries. Pena said that Taiwan’s history and generosity has inspired him ever since his first visit in 1999, and he pledged to show Taiwan’s businesses that investing in Paraguay will yield benefits for both sides. He added that during his term as president, Paraguay would continue its firm commitment to standing with Taiwan.
Taiwan, Somaliland ink MOU
Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua (王美花) and Mohamoud Hassan Saad, Somaliland’s minister of trade and tourism, signed a memorandum of understanding July 31 in Taipei to strengthen business and trade relations between the two countries, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs. There is great potential for cooperation between Taiwan and Somaliland, Wang said, citing the recent visit of business owners from Taiwan to the East African country to explore the fishing and mining industries. Saad spoke of Taiwan’s achievements in trade and economy, which he regards as a role model for his country. The minister mentioned Somaliland’s excellent location and rich natural resources as he affirmed that the MOU will facilitate substantial further exchange between the two sides.
MOFA welcomes US act supporting initial Taiwan-U.S. trade pact
The passage of the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade First Agreement Implementation Act by the U.S. Senate is sincerely appreciated by the government and people of Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said July 19. Passed July 18 with unanimous consent, the measure imposes negotiation requirements for future agreements under the initiative. These include that the U.S. Trade Representative must share U.S. negotiating texts with Congress in advance and must send on Taiwan’s negotiating texts within three days of receipt, as well as provide daily briefings to certain members of Congress during negotiating rounds. The MOFA said the act aims to ensure that bilateral trade relations and future pacts inked by the two sides will receive firm, reliable support from the legislature. It added that the speed with which the act was passed demonstrates the great importance Congress attaches to the trade initiative, as well as its staunch support for strengthening ties with Taiwan.
Taiwan holds APEC forum on sustainable cruise industry
A resilient and sustainable cruise industry meeting was staged by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications under the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum July 25 in Taipei City, underscoring government commitment to working with like-minded partners to boost sector development in the region. The daylong event involved 106 academics, experts, officials and business representatives from Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and the U.S., according to the MOTC. During his opening remarks, Yeh Hsieh-lung (葉協隆), director general of the MOTC’s Maritime and Port Bureau, said COVID-19 made a severe impact on the global cruise industry and ensuring its resilience was key to the sector’s sustainable development. Mohamad Halim Bin Ahmed, chair of the APEC Maritime Experts Group, said the pandemic also brought reconstruction and new opportunities for the cruise industry. He offered suggestions on guidelines to ensure crew and passenger safety, promotion of cross-regional travel packages and closer consideration of environmental responsibilities.
MOEA delivers APEC project sponsorship report
Taiwan received notification of funding from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum for six projects it proposed in the first half of 2023, bringing the total number of its APEC-sponsored initiatives to 47 since 2019, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said July 11. Chiou Chyuo-huey (邱求慧), director-general of the MOEA’s Department of Industrial Technology, said this is more than any other APEC member economy in the four-year span. Technology-related projects submitted under the DOIT’s auspices lead those in all other categories, Chiou said, adding that this reflects APEC’s recognition of the country’s high-tech prowess. The two new proposals within DOIT’s purview are “Building Precision Fishery Model Cases in the APEC Region with Smart Technology” and “Promoting the Developing of Information and Communications Technology-Enabled Smart Hospitals.” The former project is to be implemented by Hsinchu County-headquartered Industrial Technology Research Institute and the latter will be carried out by the Metal Industries Research and Development Center based in the southern city of Kaohsiung.
MOE launches course to enhance agricultural ties across Africa
The Ministry of Education launched a short-term course July 3 in Taipei City to develop agricultural personnel in African countries, spotlighting government ties with allies and like-minded partners. Organized by National Pingtung University of Science and Technology in the southern county, the course has drawn academics, farm managers, officials and researchers from Eswatini, Nigeria, Somaliland and South Africa. High-profile attendees at the opening ceremony included Ambassador Promise Sithembiso Msibi from Eswatini and Representative Mohamed Omar H. Mohamoud of Somaliland. Participants will attend lectures on agricultural and animal husbandry technology and visit relevant facilities around Taiwan. Students will also gain a better understanding of the country’s market through experience sharing events planned by the Cabinet-level Council of Agriculture and the Taipei City-based International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF). The MOE said the course is part of the African Elite Cultivation Project, which was set up in 2021 by a wide range of ministries and Cabinet-level councils.
Taiwan climbs to 6th place in IMD world competitiveness ranking
Taiwan moved up one spot to sixth in the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook published June 20 by Switzerland-based International Institute for Management Development, achieving its best ranking in the annual report since 2012. In the survey of 64 major economies worldwide, Taiwan placed second in the Asia-Pacific, behind Singapore in fourth place. The country placed ahead of regional neighbors Hong Kong, seventh; Australia, 19th; China, 21st; Malaysia, 27th; South Korea, 28th and Thailand, 30th. Of the four main categories used to assess an economy’s overall competitiveness, Taiwan was fourth in the world in business efficiency, rising from sixth last year. The country also progressed up the ranks in the subcategories of attitudes and values, finance, management practices, and productivity and efficiency. In government efficiency, Taiwan also moved up two spots to sixth due to a strong showing in public finance. In infrastructure, the country rose from 13th to 12th this year with upward progress in subcategories such as health and environment; scientific infrastructure; and technological infrastructure.
Taiwan makes headway on AmCham white paper
The government has made progress on issues identified in the 2022 Taiwan White Paper produced by the American Chamber of Commerce, the Cabinet-level National Development Council said June 7. According to the NDC, 30 percent of the concerns raised in last year’s edition have been resolved or seen improvement. The government has made headway on recommendations spanning regulatory practices, energy transition, digital transformation, and personnel cultivation and retention included in the 2023 report, it added. In a major milestone, Taiwan and the U.S. signed the first batch of agreements under the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade June 1 after a year of negotiations, the NDC said, adding that the accomplishment reflects Taiwan’s long-standing cooperation with AmCham. NDC Minister Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) vowed to continue soliciting public participation to improve Taiwan’s investment environment and regulatory system and establish the country as a role model in the Asia-Pacific. AmCham also called on Washington to strengthen its partnership with Taiwan by using the ongoing 21st century trade initiative.
Taiwan donates timber to Japan
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Taiwan government has approved donation of five red cypress logs to Japan to rebuild UNESCO World Heritage site Shuri Castle in Okinawa Prefecture after a fire. Shuri Castle was built with Taiwan cypress wood, so to reconstruct the castle Japan requested timber from Taiwan. After discussion between the MOFA and the Ministry of Agriculture about regulations on timber export, the Taiwan government agreed to provide material to Japan for the monument’s reconstruction. In 2020, the total volume of logged red cypress reached 256.98 cubic meters, and as the amount of wood to be donated to Japan is only 3.86 cubic meters, it was assessed this would not make a significant impact on the red cypress market or the environment. The donation process will be coordinated by the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association and the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, the MOFA added.
Taiwan, Slovak in charities partner to support Ukraine’s recovery
Taiwan has signed a cooperation agreement with Slovakian charities Open Society Foundation and Pontis Foundation to assist with reconstruction in Ukraine, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aug. 1. The signing ceremony took place at the Slovak prime minister’s office, with Lee Nan-yang (李南陽), head of the Taipei Representative Office in Bratislava, and representatives of the Bratislava-based charitable foundations. It was witnessed by Elena Kohutikova, chair of the prime minister’s council of advisors. Under the agreement, Taiwan will donate US$5 million to help charities carry out reconstruction projects in Ukraine. The executive committee decided to first focus on rebuilding medical and education facilities in northern Ukraine’s Chernihiv, a city severely damaged during Russia’s invasion. Lee called Slovakia a like-minded partner and expressed appreciation to its government for collaborating with Taiwan to help Ukrainians. In response, Kohutikova said the accord establishes a pioneering model for cooperative aid.
Taiwan expands English-language education cooperation with Australia
Taiwan and Australia released a joint statement on deepening English-learning cooperation July 20, underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing its Bilingual 2030 policy, according to the Cabinet-level National Development Council. Academic ties will be strengthened under the Taiwan-Australia English Language Learning Partnership and Action Plan launched last August. The partnership has promoted a series of English-learning initiatives and bilateral education, vocational training, and youth links, the NDC said. Taiwan will collaborate with Australia to foster bilingual personnel and promote vocational education, the NDC said, adding that over 42 universities and educational institutions will join the Australian Office in Taipei 2023 Study in Australia Education Exhibition. Initiated in 2017 under the name of Bilingual Nation 2030 and renamed in 2022, the Bilingual 2030 policy targets Taiwan’s workforce to tap into global markets and create high-quality jobs.
MOFA stages Pacific Climate Change Forum in Taipei
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held the 2023 Pacific Climate Change Forum July 19 in Taipei City, underscoring the government’s commitment to working with Taiwan’s allies to tackle the pressing challenge. Co-organized by Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy, the half-day event promoted international exchange and collaboration to adapt to climate change, according to the MOFA. Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said the country plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The National Development Council unveiled Taiwan’s Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050 the following year, while the Climate Change Response Act was passed this February, making the country the 18th in the world to incorporate a net-zero emission goal into domestic law. Taiwan has been working with the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau and Tuvalu to help them cope with rising sea levels, develop clean energy, ensure food security and respond to severe weather, among other projects, the minister said. The event saw the signing of the Joint Statement on Combating Climate Change by Wu, Tuvalu Governor-General Tofiga Falani, Palau Minister of State Gustav Aitaro, Marshall Islands Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce John Silk and Nauru Minister for Climate Change and National Resilience Rennier Gadabu.
President Tsai visits New Taipei City heritage site
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) visited a former Ministry of National Defense prison for military personnel in New Taipei City’s Xindian District July 15. It has been designated as a heritage site by the Transitional Justice Commission to illustrate the path that Taiwan has taken to democracy. The president said that the abolition of martial law on July 15, 1987, marked an important milestone in Taiwan’s democratic development. She added that the site’s approval was part of a move to identify spaces where human rights were violated under authoritarian rule in order to preserve and revitalize the facilities so that today’s freedom and democracy will be safeguarded by remembrance of past struggles.
NCL launches Taiwan Corner at Seoul Metropolitan Library
A Taiwan Corner was launched July 12 at Seoul Metropolitan Library to help promote the country’s diverse culture and vibrant publishing industry in South Korea, according to the National Central Library. During the launch, NCL Director-general Tseng Shu-hsien (曾淑賢) said people-to-people exchanges between Taiwan and South Korea have gone from strength to strength, and this positive development is evidenced by the number of South Korean visitors to Taiwan since the government reopened borders in October 2022. The Taiwan Corner initiative is a key project undertaken by the NCL to expand the country’s global presence and promote it via soft power. The first such space was launched in Athens in August 2019, followed by TCs in cities such as Boston, Prague, San Jose, Tallinn, Vilnius, Warsaw and Zurich.
Taiwan troupes selected to perform at France, UK festivals
Eight Taiwan troupes have been selected to feature at the 2023 Festival Off Avignon in France and Edinburgh Festival Fringe in the U.K., spotlighting the vibrancy of the country’s performing arts sector. According to the Ministry of Culture, the groups chosen for the Festival Off Avignon running July 7-29 are Formosa Circus Art, Hung Dance, Kuo-shin Chuang Pangcah Dance Theatre and Lei Dance Theater. At the Edinburgh Festival Fringe taking place Aug. 4-28, the event’s Taiwan Season will showcase acts by 0471 Acro Physical Theatre, Double & Cross Theater Group, Eye Catching Circus and The Double Theater.
9th Trending Taiwan Short Film Competition launched by MOFA
The Trending Taiwan Short Film Competition opened July 20 to raise the country’s profile on the global stage, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Organized by the MOFA’s Department of International Information Services, the ninth edition of the annual event is accepting global submissions until Sept. 30. There are two categories for the competition: the Creative Theme Category for entries of no more than three minutes and the Reel-style Short Video Category, launched this year to encourage vertical submissions of 60 seconds or less. Entries will be assessed by a six-member panel for narrative technique, script, technical proficiency and appeal. A total of 40 submissions will be shortlisted in the first round, with final selections honored during a ceremony Oct. 31 in Taipei City.
Taiwan shines at Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space
Taiwan is flexing its performing arts muscles at the Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space by showcasing the country’s cultural and creative energy, according to Taipei City-based Taiwan Association of Theatre Technology June 13. Sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and themed “The Rare Ship, Taiwan,” the Taiwan Pavilion at the event kicked off June 8. The pavilion’s program highlights two shows, “The Whisper of the Waves” and “To the Warriors” staged by Taipei-headquartered Shinehouse Theatre, with both shows using artificial intelligence voiceprint interaction. Equally impressive was Taiwan Day held June 14, the TATT said. According to the association, the performances conveyed Taiwan values of freedom, democracy and cultural diversity. The pavilion theme was in line with this year’s topic, “Rare,” which encourages participants’ unique imagination and creativity to envision what the world could look like in the post-pandemic future.
Photos: Chin Hung-hao, Hung Dance, Luodong Forest District Office, National Central Library, National Development Council, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space and Presidential Office