President Lai stresses security, economic growth and global partnerships
As President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) approaches his first anniversary in office on May 20, Taiwan remains committed to strengthening national security, fostering economic resilience and deepening cooperation with like-minded partners. Lai’s administration has emphasized that Taiwan and China are not subordinate to each other and underscored the importance of cross-strait peace to regional stability. The government will continue to boost national defense capabilities, enhance disaster preparedness and increase societal resilience. The administration has also called on the global democratic community to work together to preserve Indo-Pacific stability and address international challenges. On the economic front, Taiwan is advancing its semiconductor and artificial intelligence industries while supporting traditional businesses’ digital and net-zero transitions. The government is also expanding social programs, including long-term care, tax relief and youth development initiatives, ensuring that economic growth benefits all. Taiwan will deepen ties with democratic allies, strengthen its role in global supply chains and contribute to regional and international prosperity.
Lai announces national strategies on defense, semiconductors and Taiwan-US relations
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Feb. 14 that Taiwan is committed to continuing to reform national defense, bolster Taiwan-U.S. ties and develop the semiconductor industry, according to the Presidential Office. Lai made the remarks during a press conference following this year’s first high-level national security meeting in Taipei City. The president reaffirmed that Taiwan must resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and strengthen defense self-sufficiency, as well as enhance economic resilience and autonomy, the PO said. To this end, he announced that the country will prioritize special budget allocations to ensure the defense funding exceeds 3 percent of the gross domestic product, the office added. Lai additionally unveiled national strategies on other critical issues. He discussed Taiwan-U.S. relations, asserting that the mutual trust and close cooperation between Taiwan and Washington will endure, and pledged to continue enhancing security cooperation.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Feb. 14 that Taiwan is committed to continuing to reform national defense, bolster Taiwan-U.S. ties and develop the semiconductor industry, according to the Presidential Office. Lai made the remarks during a press conference following this year’s first high-level national security meeting in Taipei City. The president reaffirmed that Taiwan must resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and strengthen defense self-sufficiency, as well as enhance economic resilience and autonomy, the PO said. To this end, he announced that the country will prioritize special budget allocations to ensure the defense funding exceeds 3 percent of the gross domestic product, the office added. Lai additionally unveiled national strategies on other critical issues. He discussed Taiwan-U.S. relations, asserting that the mutual trust and close cooperation between Taiwan and Washington will endure, and pledged to continue enhancing security cooperation.
FM Lin welcomes Lithuanian lawmaker
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) underscored Taiwan’s eagerness to expand cooperation with Lithuania on unmanned aerial vehicles, national defense and other sectors. Lin made the remarks while receiving Giedrimas Jeglinskas, chair of the Lithuanian Parliament’s Committee on National Security and Defence, Feb. 26 in Taipei City. The meeting followed a domestic drone industry delegation led by the minister to the Baltic country last November. In his remarks, Lin noted that current global economic and political volatility highlights the importance of reinforcing democratic collaboration, adding that Taiwan is willing and able to work with the Baltic nation to assist with reconstruction in Ukraine. In response, Jeglinskas said Lithuania looks forward to deepening partnership with Taiwan across the board to jointly address threats and challenges.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) underscored Taiwan’s eagerness to expand cooperation with Lithuania on unmanned aerial vehicles, national defense and other sectors. Lin made the remarks while receiving Giedrimas Jeglinskas, chair of the Lithuanian Parliament’s Committee on National Security and Defence, Feb. 26 in Taipei City. The meeting followed a domestic drone industry delegation led by the minister to the Baltic country last November. In his remarks, Lin noted that current global economic and political volatility highlights the importance of reinforcing democratic collaboration, adding that Taiwan is willing and able to work with the Baltic nation to assist with reconstruction in Ukraine. In response, Jeglinskas said Lithuania looks forward to deepening partnership with Taiwan across the board to jointly address threats and challenges.
President Lai receives Japanese parliamentarian
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Taiwan will reinforce cooperation with Japan in the drone, hydrogen energy and semiconductor industries. Lai made the remarks while receiving Yuichiro Tamaki, a member of Japan’s House of Representatives, Feb. 24 at the Presidential Office in Taipei City. The president noted that, in addition to close collaboration on trade, Taiwan intended to continue working with Japan to safeguard peace in the Indo-Pacific. Tamaki responded with praise for Lai’s active promotion of bilateral ties and vowed to further advance the robust relationship between the two sides.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Taiwan will reinforce cooperation with Japan in the drone, hydrogen energy and semiconductor industries. Lai made the remarks while receiving Yuichiro Tamaki, a member of Japan’s House of Representatives, Feb. 24 at the Presidential Office in Taipei City. The president noted that, in addition to close collaboration on trade, Taiwan intended to continue working with Japan to safeguard peace in the Indo-Pacific. Tamaki responded with praise for Lai’s active promotion of bilateral ties and vowed to further advance the robust relationship between the two sides.
Foreign Minister Lin attends Indo-Pacific regional security conference
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) attended the opening ceremony of an Indo-Pacific security conference Feb. 18 in Taipei City. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two-day event promoted exchanges between Taiwan, Canada and other regional partners and provided an overview of regional security concerns. Experts and scholars from Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and the Philippines spoke on issues spanning regional, economic and maritime security. In his opening remarks, Lin said the recent passage of a Canadian frigate through the Taiwan Strait and the joint statement issued after the U.S.-Japan-South Korea trilateral meeting in Munich underscore the unwavering commitment of like-minded partners to taking concrete actions to ensure a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) attended the opening ceremony of an Indo-Pacific security conference Feb. 18 in Taipei City. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two-day event promoted exchanges between Taiwan, Canada and other regional partners and provided an overview of regional security concerns. Experts and scholars from Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and the Philippines spoke on issues spanning regional, economic and maritime security. In his opening remarks, Lin said the recent passage of a Canadian frigate through the Taiwan Strait and the joint statement issued after the U.S.-Japan-South Korea trilateral meeting in Munich underscore the unwavering commitment of like-minded partners to taking concrete actions to ensure a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific.
Taiwan, Lithuania sign financial innovation MOU
A memorandum of understanding was concluded Dec. 30 between Taiwan and Lithuania to expand cooperation and jointly develop innovative financial services. According to the Financial Supervisory Commission, the pact was signed by Constance Wang (王雪虹), head of Taiwan’s representative office in Lithuania, and her Lithuanian counterpart Paulius Lukauskas at a ceremony in Vilnius. The pact includes provisions for the exchange of information on emerging market trends and development, as well as on regulatory issues regarding financial technology and innovation, the FSC said, adding that it also aims to foster cooperation on issues of mutual concern. The FSC said the MOU is part of the most recent wave of government efforts to enhance fintech cooperation with Taiwan’s like-minded partners around the world and follows similar agreements with authorities in Canada, France, Israel and the U.S. states of Arizona, New Jersey and New York.
A memorandum of understanding was concluded Dec. 30 between Taiwan and Lithuania to expand cooperation and jointly develop innovative financial services. According to the Financial Supervisory Commission, the pact was signed by Constance Wang (王雪虹), head of Taiwan’s representative office in Lithuania, and her Lithuanian counterpart Paulius Lukauskas at a ceremony in Vilnius. The pact includes provisions for the exchange of information on emerging market trends and development, as well as on regulatory issues regarding financial technology and innovation, the FSC said, adding that it also aims to foster cooperation on issues of mutual concern. The FSC said the MOU is part of the most recent wave of government efforts to enhance fintech cooperation with Taiwan’s like-minded partners around the world and follows similar agreements with authorities in Canada, France, Israel and the U.S. states of Arizona, New Jersey and New York.
2025 UK Elite Mini Conference held in Taiwan
The 2025 U.K. Elite Mini Conference came to Taiwan Feb. 8-14, underscoring the government’s commitment to promoting Taiwan as a travel destination. Since 2017 the annual event has seen popular travel YouTubers congregate in a host country and feature the destination’s tourist attractions on their channels, the Tourism Administration said. According to the administration, 22 popular YouTubers, video creators, workshop lecturers and travel bloggers such as Sima Sthanakiya and Ellie Green were invited to this year’s edition. The TA first took the group to the National Center for Traditional Arts in the northeastern county of Yilan, where they tried out herbal medicine and tea-making experiences. Welcoming conference attendees to Taipei 101 in the capital, TA Deputy Director Trust Lin (林信任) expressed hope that this year’s conference would facilitate deeper understanding of Taiwan’s unique charm and hospitality through its traditional culture, modern cityscapes, natural landscapes and gourmet cuisine.
The 2025 U.K. Elite Mini Conference came to Taiwan Feb. 8-14, underscoring the government’s commitment to promoting Taiwan as a travel destination. Since 2017 the annual event has seen popular travel YouTubers congregate in a host country and feature the destination’s tourist attractions on their channels, the Tourism Administration said. According to the administration, 22 popular YouTubers, video creators, workshop lecturers and travel bloggers such as Sima Sthanakiya and Ellie Green were invited to this year’s edition. The TA first took the group to the National Center for Traditional Arts in the northeastern county of Yilan, where they tried out herbal medicine and tea-making experiences. Welcoming conference attendees to Taipei 101 in the capital, TA Deputy Director Trust Lin (林信任) expressed hope that this year’s conference would facilitate deeper understanding of Taiwan’s unique charm and hospitality through its traditional culture, modern cityscapes, natural landscapes and gourmet cuisine.
MOEA’s Best AI Awards competition opens for applications
The Best AI Awards competition organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs began accepting submissions Feb. 26, highlighting the government’s work to accelerate artificial intelligence personnel cultivation, stimulate innovative applications and shape Taiwan into an AI hub. According to the MOEA, the competition aims to boost the creativity of the younger generation and strengthen cooperation between academics and businesses. It serves as a platform for promoting innovative AI technology applications and for attracting top global professionals to Taiwan, the ministry said, adding that it expects to accelerate such development in Taiwan and to create a more competitive industry ecosystem.
Taiwan tiger grouper shipment en route to Japan
The first shipment of Taiwan tiger groupers is heading to Japan after gaining approval for export last October, spotlighting government efforts to expand into new markets, the Ministry of Agriculture said Feb. 5. According to the MOA, the batch was procured by Osaka-based West Japan Railway Co. and will be sold in its Rail Kitchen Chikugo, as well as its hotels and supermarkets in Hokkaido and Kyoto prefectures and the Kyushu region. During the news conference announcing the shipment, MOA Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) said the ministry provided rigorous evidence of the product’s safety during several bilateral economic and trade conferences. The export approval reflects Japanese recognition of the groupers’ quality, breeding management and water quality monitoring, Chen noted, adding that the development marks a milestone in access to the global market for Taiwan fishery products.
The first shipment of Taiwan tiger groupers is heading to Japan after gaining approval for export last October, spotlighting government efforts to expand into new markets, the Ministry of Agriculture said Feb. 5. According to the MOA, the batch was procured by Osaka-based West Japan Railway Co. and will be sold in its Rail Kitchen Chikugo, as well as its hotels and supermarkets in Hokkaido and Kyoto prefectures and the Kyushu region. During the news conference announcing the shipment, MOA Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) said the ministry provided rigorous evidence of the product’s safety during several bilateral economic and trade conferences. The export approval reflects Japanese recognition of the groupers’ quality, breeding management and water quality monitoring, Chen noted, adding that the development marks a milestone in access to the global market for Taiwan fishery products.
Taiwan satellite PARUS-T1 launched into orbit
A satellite designed and produced by Taiwan Space Agency was successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Transporter-12 rocket Jan. 15 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in the U.S. state of California, the TASA said in a press release. The 3U-class satellite, which is composed of three units of standardized blocks of roughly 10 cubic centimeters each, was launched at 3:09 a.m., positioned in low-earth orbit at an altitude of 515 kilometers 57 minutes later and successfully connected with a TASA station at 11:05 a.m. The TASA said the satellite carries an experimental communication payload to test the agency’s ability to design and produce CubeSats bodies. If it remains stable, PARUS-T1 will also conduct communication experiments and test autonomous identification of marine traffic over its estimated mission duration of 12 months, the agency added.
A satellite designed and produced by Taiwan Space Agency was successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Transporter-12 rocket Jan. 15 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in the U.S. state of California, the TASA said in a press release. The 3U-class satellite, which is composed of three units of standardized blocks of roughly 10 cubic centimeters each, was launched at 3:09 a.m., positioned in low-earth orbit at an altitude of 515 kilometers 57 minutes later and successfully connected with a TASA station at 11:05 a.m. The TASA said the satellite carries an experimental communication payload to test the agency’s ability to design and produce CubeSats bodies. If it remains stable, PARUS-T1 will also conduct communication experiments and test autonomous identification of marine traffic over its estimated mission duration of 12 months, the agency added.
RightsCon 2025 opens in Taipei
RightsCon 2025 got underway Feb. 24 in Taipei City, bringing together academics, business leaders, policymakers, technology experts and human rights advocates from around the world to tackle pressing issues at the intersection of human rights and technology. During her opening remarks, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) said that Taiwan is committed to forging an abuse-free digital environment that prioritizes protection of individual freedoms, adding that the government looks forward to working with global partners to foster digital skills so everyone can benefit from technological advancements. Echoing the vice president’s remarks, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君) thanked the organizers for staging the event in Taiwan and offering the opportunity to share the Taiwan Model of digital governance.
RightsCon 2025 got underway Feb. 24 in Taipei City, bringing together academics, business leaders, policymakers, technology experts and human rights advocates from around the world to tackle pressing issues at the intersection of human rights and technology. During her opening remarks, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) said that Taiwan is committed to forging an abuse-free digital environment that prioritizes protection of individual freedoms, adding that the government looks forward to working with global partners to foster digital skills so everyone can benefit from technological advancements. Echoing the vice president’s remarks, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君) thanked the organizers for staging the event in Taiwan and offering the opportunity to share the Taiwan Model of digital governance.
Migrant workers’ prize-winning writing published
An anthology of works that won the 2024 Taiwan Literature Award for Migrants was released Jan. 5 in Taipei City as part of the government’s efforts to promote the rights and inclusion of immigrants. A cooperation between the National Museum of Taiwan Literature in southern Taiwan’s Tainan City and Monomyth Co. in Taipei, the ninth edition of the annual collection contains 17 pieces written in Burmese, Filipino, Indonesian, Thai and Vietnames. Speaking at the ceremony, NMTL Director Chen Ying-fang (陳瑩芳) began by recognizing the societal contributions of migrant workers, immigrants and their children. Literary work in their native languages diversify Taiwan’s cultural scene, she said, adding that the annual award and the publication of its associated collection help enhance public awareness of their presence and understanding of their experiences. Winning entries were selected from a total of over 200 submissions.
An anthology of works that won the 2024 Taiwan Literature Award for Migrants was released Jan. 5 in Taipei City as part of the government’s efforts to promote the rights and inclusion of immigrants. A cooperation between the National Museum of Taiwan Literature in southern Taiwan’s Tainan City and Monomyth Co. in Taipei, the ninth edition of the annual collection contains 17 pieces written in Burmese, Filipino, Indonesian, Thai and Vietnames. Speaking at the ceremony, NMTL Director Chen Ying-fang (陳瑩芳) began by recognizing the societal contributions of migrant workers, immigrants and their children. Literary work in their native languages diversify Taiwan’s cultural scene, she said, adding that the annual award and the publication of its associated collection help enhance public awareness of their presence and understanding of their experiences. Winning entries were selected from a total of over 200 submissions.
President Lai pledges to expand law enforcement in Taiwan
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Jan. 20 at the Ministry of the Interior National Police Agency that the government is working hard to crack down on criminal activity, ensure social order and protect people. To demonstrate commitment to countering scams, four regulations were amended and promulgated in July last year, Lai said. Through collaboration, 2,430 fraud cases were uncovered in 2024, with assets worth NT$14.4 billion (US$438.92 million) confiscated in the process, and raids were conducted on more than 700 criminal organizations. The government will not rest, the president said, adding that there are other policy measures in the pipeline to enhance supervision of the digital economy and strengthen law enforcement.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Jan. 20 at the Ministry of the Interior National Police Agency that the government is working hard to crack down on criminal activity, ensure social order and protect people. To demonstrate commitment to countering scams, four regulations were amended and promulgated in July last year, Lai said. Through collaboration, 2,430 fraud cases were uncovered in 2024, with assets worth NT$14.4 billion (US$438.92 million) confiscated in the process, and raids were conducted on more than 700 criminal organizations. The government will not rest, the president said, adding that there are other policy measures in the pipeline to enhance supervision of the digital economy and strengthen law enforcement.
Taiwan International Science Fair kicks off in Taipei
The Taiwan International Science Fair got underway Jan. 20 in Taipei City, bringing in record numbers of participants to the largest event of its kind in the country, according to the National Taiwan Science Education Center. During the official opening Jan. 21, Deputy Minister of Education Chang Liao Wan-chien (張廖萬堅) commended Taiwan youth for winning four golds, three silvers and five bronzes in 11 major international science competitions last year. The science fair is part of ongoing government expansion of student exchanges with their counterparts around the world, the deputy minister said. According to the organizer, the 23rd edition of the annual event features 233 projects by 658 participants from Taiwan and 28 other countries and territories.
MOHW diversifies care for dementia patients
The Ministry of Health and Welfare said Jan. 20 that the ministry is committed to diversifying services for dementia patients in accordance with condition severity to provide the most appropriate and professional care. According to the MOHW, the Long-term Care Plan 2.0 launched in 2017 encourages dementia patients with extremely mild and mild symptoms to go to dementia care stations to participate in activities to stimulate cognition and thus mitigate symptoms, while those in moderate and severe groups are recommended to enter long-term care institutions that have high personnel to patient ratio and barrier-free facilities and equipment. The ministry went on to say that starting 2025, if the condition of a patient served by a dementia care station deteriorates, the local government shall help transfer the patient to long-term care management centers and case managers within six months.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare said Jan. 20 that the ministry is committed to diversifying services for dementia patients in accordance with condition severity to provide the most appropriate and professional care. According to the MOHW, the Long-term Care Plan 2.0 launched in 2017 encourages dementia patients with extremely mild and mild symptoms to go to dementia care stations to participate in activities to stimulate cognition and thus mitigate symptoms, while those in moderate and severe groups are recommended to enter long-term care institutions that have high personnel to patient ratio and barrier-free facilities and equipment. The ministry went on to say that starting 2025, if the condition of a patient served by a dementia care station deteriorates, the local government shall help transfer the patient to long-term care management centers and case managers within six months.
Act on Wildlife Conservation amendments passed by Legislature
The Legislative Yuan passed amendments to the Act on Wildlife Conservation Jan. 21 in Taipei City, underscoring the government’s respect for Taiwan’s Indigenous heritage in its efforts to conserve wildlife, protect biodiversity and maintain the balance of natural ecosystems. The amendments, which involve nine clauses of the act, prohibit the use of steel-jaw traps, dynamite and other explosives to catch wild animals, the Ministry of Agriculture said, adding that any devices, equipment and medication used to illegally catch wild animals, as well as the catch and their products, will be confiscated. According to the MOA, the amendments allow members of Indigenous groups to hunt wild animals for nonprofit purposes, including birth celebrations and other ritual ceremonies. In a move to decriminalize hunting without prior approval from relevant agencies, the amendments impose only administrative fines on Indigenous individuals for such violations and exonerate first-time offenders.
The Legislative Yuan passed amendments to the Act on Wildlife Conservation Jan. 21 in Taipei City, underscoring the government’s respect for Taiwan’s Indigenous heritage in its efforts to conserve wildlife, protect biodiversity and maintain the balance of natural ecosystems. The amendments, which involve nine clauses of the act, prohibit the use of steel-jaw traps, dynamite and other explosives to catch wild animals, the Ministry of Agriculture said, adding that any devices, equipment and medication used to illegally catch wild animals, as well as the catch and their products, will be confiscated. According to the MOA, the amendments allow members of Indigenous groups to hunt wild animals for nonprofit purposes, including birth celebrations and other ritual ceremonies. In a move to decriminalize hunting without prior approval from relevant agencies, the amendments impose only administrative fines on Indigenous individuals for such violations and exonerate first-time offenders.
MOC to stage event marking International Mother Language Day
The Ministry of Culture is hosting the National Language and Culture Festival at Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab Feb. 15-16 in Taipei City to celebrate the country’s cultural and linguistic diversity. Launched in 2022, the annual event promotes the use of the mother tongues of Taiwan’s ethnic groups in honor of International Mother Language Day, the ministry added. According to the MOC, the two-day event will feature a book fair, movie screenings, theatrical performances, concerts, seminars, workshops and storytelling sessions, among other activities.
The Ministry of Culture is hosting the National Language and Culture Festival at Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab Feb. 15-16 in Taipei City to celebrate the country’s cultural and linguistic diversity. Launched in 2022, the annual event promotes the use of the mother tongues of Taiwan’s ethnic groups in honor of International Mother Language Day, the ministry added. According to the MOC, the two-day event will feature a book fair, movie screenings, theatrical performances, concerts, seminars, workshops and storytelling sessions, among other activities.
Taiwan, Japan hold railway dining exhibition in Saitama
An exhibition showcasing Taiwan’s railway system, its dining car history and the bento boxes of both Taiwan and Japan started Feb. 22 at the Railway Museum in the Japanese city of Saitama, the Ministry of Culture said. During the opening ceremony, Chou Shyue-yow (周學祐), Taiwan’s deputy representative to Japan, said the two countries share common memories and culture, including the unique experiences associated with railways and lunchboxes. It is hoped that the exhibition will bring both sides even closer together, he said, adding that the government is looking forward to expanding Taiwan’s global presence through its unique cultural heritage. The event features audiovisual records of Taiwan’s platform lunchbox vendors, literature and samples of lunchbox containers throughout the years.
An exhibition showcasing Taiwan’s railway system, its dining car history and the bento boxes of both Taiwan and Japan started Feb. 22 at the Railway Museum in the Japanese city of Saitama, the Ministry of Culture said. During the opening ceremony, Chou Shyue-yow (周學祐), Taiwan’s deputy representative to Japan, said the two countries share common memories and culture, including the unique experiences associated with railways and lunchboxes. It is hoped that the exhibition will bring both sides even closer together, he said, adding that the government is looking forward to expanding Taiwan’s global presence through its unique cultural heritage. The event features audiovisual records of Taiwan’s platform lunchbox vendors, literature and samples of lunchbox containers throughout the years.
Taiwan festival glows with lanterns from Belize, St. Kitts and Nevis
The 2025 Taiwan Lantern Festival in the northern city of Taoyuan includes contributions from the country’s allies and like-minded partners, according to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Belize and St. Kitts and Nevis were among participants that kicked off lantern installations Feb. 12, the first day of the event. At the allies’ launch ceremonies, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) thanked Ambassador Candice Pitts of Belize for her tireless work to enhance city-to-city exchanges, adding that he looked forward to further bilateral cooperation across the board. He also expressed gratitude to St. Kitts and Nevis for its staunch support. The countries have enjoyed close cooperation in areas spanning agriculture, education, medical care and women’s empowerment, he said, encouraging fellow citizens to visit the ally to appreciate its culture, music and scenic landscapes.
The 2025 Taiwan Lantern Festival in the northern city of Taoyuan includes contributions from the country’s allies and like-minded partners, according to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Belize and St. Kitts and Nevis were among participants that kicked off lantern installations Feb. 12, the first day of the event. At the allies’ launch ceremonies, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) thanked Ambassador Candice Pitts of Belize for her tireless work to enhance city-to-city exchanges, adding that he looked forward to further bilateral cooperation across the board. He also expressed gratitude to St. Kitts and Nevis for its staunch support. The countries have enjoyed close cooperation in areas spanning agriculture, education, medical care and women’s empowerment, he said, encouraging fellow citizens to visit the ally to appreciate its culture, music and scenic landscapes.
Calligraphy from Taiwan on show in Tokyo
An exhibition showing the work of calligrapher Chang Bing-huang (張炳煌) and seven other artists is underway through March 14 at the Taiwan Cultural Center in Tokyo, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing the global visibility for domestic creators. A total of 54 pieces are being displayed, including examples of traditional calligraphy as well as works created by e-pen. The devices are a collaboration between Chang and Tamkang University and incorporate artificial intelligence technology into the traditional art, the Ministry of Culture said.
An exhibition showing the work of calligrapher Chang Bing-huang (張炳煌) and seven other artists is underway through March 14 at the Taiwan Cultural Center in Tokyo, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing the global visibility for domestic creators. A total of 54 pieces are being displayed, including examples of traditional calligraphy as well as works created by e-pen. The devices are a collaboration between Chang and Tamkang University and incorporate artificial intelligence technology into the traditional art, the Ministry of Culture said.
Vice Premier Cheng pledges to promote Hakka culture
Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君) said Feb. 14 that the government is committed to working with Hakka communities to promote culture at home and abroad, according to the Hakka Affairs Council. Cheng made the remarks during the U.S.-based Taiwanese Hakka Association of the World’s presidency handover ceremony in Taipei City. According to the vice premier, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) both attach great importance to Hakka policies, as evidenced by those included in the National Project of Hope. The government will continue to support the HAC’s ongoing Hakka language revitalization plan, she said, adding that the Executive Yuan will also allocate NT$8.3 billion (US$253.4 million) from the national languages development plan’s NT$32 billion budget to promoting Hakka through 2026. Additionally, the government will continue to promote Hakka cuisine and music while encouraging screen adaptations of literary works, Cheng said.
Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君) said Feb. 14 that the government is committed to working with Hakka communities to promote culture at home and abroad, according to the Hakka Affairs Council. Cheng made the remarks during the U.S.-based Taiwanese Hakka Association of the World’s presidency handover ceremony in Taipei City. According to the vice premier, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) both attach great importance to Hakka policies, as evidenced by those included in the National Project of Hope. The government will continue to support the HAC’s ongoing Hakka language revitalization plan, she said, adding that the Executive Yuan will also allocate NT$8.3 billion (US$253.4 million) from the national languages development plan’s NT$32 billion budget to promoting Hakka through 2026. Additionally, the government will continue to promote Hakka cuisine and music while encouraging screen adaptations of literary works, Cheng said.
MOFA, MOC jointly promote cultural diplomacy
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said that cultural diplomacy is central to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ mission to raise Taiwan’s international profile and that culture is at the core of President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) values-based diplomacy strategy. Lin made the remarks during a meeting with Minister of Culture Lee Yuan (李遠) Feb. 11 in Taipei City, marking the first time the two agencies have held interministerial talks. Deputy Foreign Minister François Chih-chung Wu (吳志中) and Deputy Culture Minister Sue Wang (王時思) were also in attendance. Discussions focused on Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan and the promotion of Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe, the MOFA said. Lin expressed hope of further enhancing the country’s global image at major international events throughout the year.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said that cultural diplomacy is central to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ mission to raise Taiwan’s international profile and that culture is at the core of President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) values-based diplomacy strategy. Lin made the remarks during a meeting with Minister of Culture Lee Yuan (李遠) Feb. 11 in Taipei City, marking the first time the two agencies have held interministerial talks. Deputy Foreign Minister François Chih-chung Wu (吳志中) and Deputy Culture Minister Sue Wang (王時思) were also in attendance. Discussions focused on Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan and the promotion of Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe, the MOFA said. Lin expressed hope of further enhancing the country’s global image at major international events throughout the year.
Taiwan artist presents Atayal world view at Hawaii Triennial
Works by Atayal artist Ciwas Tahos are featured in the Hawaii Triennial, the U.S. state’s largest modern art exhibition, through May 4. This year marks the first time that Taiwan Academy in Los Angeles, an overseas branch of the Ministry of Culture, collaborated with the event, the MOC said. At the Feb. 15 launch, Jerry Chang (張詩瑞), director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Honolulu, exchanged views with Ciwas, who also goes by the Chinese name of Lin An-chi (林安琪) and discussed hopes for cultural dialogue through artistic exchanges among Taiwan, Hawaii and Pacific island countries. Ciwas’ work “Finding Pathways to Temahahoi” is based on the Atayal legend of a society deep in the forest and the quest for a modern version of the inclusive, accepting setting, the MOC said, calling it a reflection upon issues of ecology and gender.
Works by Atayal artist Ciwas Tahos are featured in the Hawaii Triennial, the U.S. state’s largest modern art exhibition, through May 4. This year marks the first time that Taiwan Academy in Los Angeles, an overseas branch of the Ministry of Culture, collaborated with the event, the MOC said. At the Feb. 15 launch, Jerry Chang (張詩瑞), director general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Honolulu, exchanged views with Ciwas, who also goes by the Chinese name of Lin An-chi (林安琪) and discussed hopes for cultural dialogue through artistic exchanges among Taiwan, Hawaii and Pacific island countries. Ciwas’ work “Finding Pathways to Temahahoi” is based on the Atayal legend of a society deep in the forest and the quest for a modern version of the inclusive, accepting setting, the MOC said, calling it a reflection upon issues of ecology and gender.
Photos: Presidential Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan Representative Office in Lithuania, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, Taiwan Space Agency, Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation & Communication, Ministry of Culture, National Taiwan Science Education Center, Liberty Times, Executive Yuan