President Tsai kicks off 2021 Open Parliament Forum
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) kicked off the 2021 Open Parliament Forum—Open Parliament in a Post-COVID Context: Global Examples of Resilience and Planning for 2022 and Beyond—staged Dec. 2 in Taipei City, reaffirming the government’s commitment to expanding resilient partnerships with members of the democratic world, according to the Presidential Office. Taiwan’s governmental, parliamentary and civil society organizations have been working together to achieve open government and parliament, as evidenced by the Legislative Yuan’s Open Parliament Action Plan and the Executive Yuan’s Open Government National Action Plan launched earlier this year Tsai said. According to the president, Taiwan is willing to share its experience while collaborating with like-minded partners worldwide to safeguard the universal values of freedom and democracy.
MOFA thanks allies, like-minded partners for backing Taiwan’s Interpol bid
The backing of allies and like-minded partners for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in Interpol is sincerely appreciated by the government and people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Nov. 26. Taiwan’s allies sent letters or spoke in support of the country’s participation in the international police organization as an observer during its general assembly Nov. 23 to 25 in Turkey, the MOFA said. This was complemented by backing from like-minded partners such as Rick Waters, U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs; Ben Knapen, foreign minister of the Netherlands; and Abdinasir Omer Jama, deputy foreign minister of Somaliland, the ministry added. In addition, lawmakers and legislative bodies from 35-plus countries and territories spoke for Taiwan. As an important stakeholder in the global police community, Taiwan is willing and able to make greater contributions, the MOFA said, adding that Interpol should make proper arrangements for the country to take part in its activities, mechanisms and meetings so as to strengthen international security.
Taiwan, US stage Indo-Pacific democratic governance consultations
The third U.S.-Taiwan Consultations on Democratic Governance in the Indo-Pacific Region was held Nov. 15 in Arlington, Virginia, and virtually in Taipei City, spotlighting the like-minded partners’ commitment to strengthening elected institutions. Launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and American Institute in Taiwan, the annual forum serves as a platform for the U.S. and Taiwan to pursue joint projects promoting freedom, human rights and transparency in the region. The one-day event was attended by government officials and civil society representatives from the Washington-based International Republican Institute and National Democratic Institute, as well as the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, among others.
MOFA spotlights Taiwan’s successful UNFCCC campaign
Taiwan’s bid for meaningful participation in the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) showcased the country’s commitment to achieving zero emissions by 2050 and garnered widespread support from the local public and private sectors, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Nov. 18. At the vanguard of this effort was Shen Chih-hsiu (沈志修), deputy minister of the Cabinet-level Environmental Protection Administration, the MOFA said. He led a delegation of experts and officials to attend various activities on the sidelines of the 26th Conference of the Parties to the Convention staged Oct. 31 to Nov. 13 in Glasgow, the U.K., the ministry added. According to the MOFA, the activities included 30 bilateral meetings with representatives from 12 of Taiwan’s allies and 10 like-minded countries such as the U.K. and U.S, as well as two international organizations.
Former VP Chen visits EU member states Poland, Lithuania
Former ROC (Taiwan) Vice President Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) and his wife Lo Fong-ping (羅鳳蘋) departed Nov. 15 on a six-day visit to EU member states Poland and Lithuania, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). During the Poland leg of the trip, Chen will meet with Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation (ABF) officials and participate in the unveiling of a plaque recognizing Taiwan’s ABF donations. Upon arriving in Lithuania, he is scheduled to deliver a keynote address “Taiwan as a Litmus Case for Democracy” during the Future of Democracy forum Nov. 20 in capital Vilnius. Organized by Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two-day dialogue seeks to build a consensus among like-minded partners on responding to reduced democratic space and authoritarian entrenchment.
Taiwan ranks 6th worldwide in defense integrity index
Taiwan ranked sixth in the 2020 Government Defence Integrity Index released Nov. 16 by the U.K.-based Transparency International Defence and Security Programme, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND). With a score of 70 out of 100, Taiwan received a B band and topped 14 countries in Asia, beating out Japan, 60; South Korea, 59; Singapore, 56; and the Philippines, 55. The country was classified as having “robust safeguards against corruption” among the 86 nations surveyed. According to the survey, the corruption risk is low in Taiwan’s defense sector. Parliamentary oversight is well established and effective while external scrutiny of financial management is sound, the survey said, adding that personnel management processes also contain strong anti-corruption provisions. In response, the MND said the result demonstrates that Taiwan’s improvement in transparency in the defense sector is earning international recognition. The government will continue to introduce more external assessors and exchange experience with other countries in this regard, the ministry added.
Taiwan, US stage 2nd Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue
The second Taiwan-U.S. Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue wrapped up Nov. 23, underscoring the commitment of the like-minded partners to continuing expand trade and investment ties. Staged virtually from Taipei and Washington, the event was led by Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua (王美花), Minister of Science and Technology Wu Tsung-tsong (吳政忠) and U.S. Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez, respectively. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the dialogue centered on cooperation in areas and issues of mutual concern spanning economic coercion; digital economy and 5G, or next-generation, network security; supply chains; and science and technology. The Taiwan and U.S. delegations agreed to enhance cooperation in ensuring long-term supply chain resilience to promote post-pandemic recovery, prosperity and stability, especially in clean energy, public health and semiconductors, the MOFA said.
Tsai’s APEC envoy seeks support for Taiwan’s CPTPP bid at economic leaders’ meeting
Taiwan is willing and able to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) while promoting free trade with fellow Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies, according to Morris Chang (張忠謀), founder and former chairman of the world’s largest chipmaker, Hsinchu City-headquartered Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. As the country’s envoy to the online 2021 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting hosted by New Zealand Nov. 12, Chang said economic integration has helped the region foster closer trade ties. To accelerate such integration, Taiwan has applied to join the CPTPP, an agreement that will liberalize investment while boosting regional sustainable growth, he added. Taiwan plays a vital role in global high-tech supply chains, Chang said, adding that the country has a highly transparent market economy that is certain to meet the high standards of the CPTPP.
Taiwan, Canada host 14th agriculture cooperation meeting
The 14th agriculture cooperation meeting between Taiwan and Canada was held Nov. 10, with the like-minded partners setting out their commitment to bolstering mutually beneficial business and trade ties, according to the Cabinet-level Council of Agriculture (COA). Convened by the COA and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the daylong event focused on issues concerning trade in agricultural products, regulatory coherence, technological cooperation on the research and development of health food products, and market-entry mechanisms. The Taiwan-Canada Sustainable Circular Agriculture Virtual Forum was held a day later to facilitate exchanges in sustainable and circular agriculture polices and provide agricultural companies from the two sides with opportunities to seek investment and collaboration, the COA said. According to the COA, Canada is Taiwan’s second-largest source of imports for organic agricultural products.
Taiwan Expo 2021 staged successfully in Somaliland
Taiwan Expo 2021 was staged successfully Nov. 4 to 5 in Horn of Africa partner Somaliland, representing the effectiveness of government efforts aimed at strengthening the bilateral trade relationship while growing the country’s economic footprint in East Africa. Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taipei City-based Taiwan External Trade Development Council, Importers and Exporters Association of Taipei and Taiwan Representative Office in Somaliland, the event showcased more than 400 products made by 73 homegrown businesses spanning sectors such as auto parts, food, health care, information and communications technology and solar energy.
30th anniversary of National Space Organization celebrated in Taiwan
A press conference marking the 30th anniversary of the National Space Organization was staged Oct. 20, the Ministry of Science and Technology said. Established in 1991 as the National Space Program Office under the National Space Technology Long Term Development Program approved by the Cabinet, the office was tasked with overseeing Taiwan’s development of related next-generation technologies. It was grouped under the National Applied Research Laboratory in 2003 before being renamed in 2005. According to Minister of Science and Technology Wu Tsung-tsong (吳政忠), space development is one of the government’s top priorities. The administration is leaving no stone unturned in this regard, as demonstrated by the passing of the Space Development Act and a plan to invest US$900 million in the space sector over the next decade, he added.
President Tsai addresses EU Investment Forum in Taiwan
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Oct. 14 that Taiwan and the EU should commence bilateral investment agreement (BIA) negotiations to create opportunities benefiting both sides and the rest of the world. Taiwan and the EU share the values of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law, Tsai said. This makes the country a reliable and natural partner for the EU in the areas of economy, regional security, and trade and investment, she added. BIA talks could be the beginning of an even more concrete partnership for global democracies, Tsai said, adding that the future can only be bright with Taiwan and the EU working together as partners and friends. Tsai made the remarks during her opening address at the virtual EU Investment Forum Oct. 14 in Taipei City. Jointly organized by the Ministries of Foreign and Economic Affairs in conjunction with the European Economic and Trade Office, the daylong event focused on digital economy and green energy.
Taiwan, Canada host 1st gender-based analysis plus seminar
A seminar on gender-based analysis plus was staged Nov. 24 by Taiwan and Canada, with the like-minded partners setting out their commitment to establishing partnership for gender equality, according to the Executive Yuan (EY). Hosted by the EY’s Department of Gender Equality and the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei, the daylong event involved discussions on methods for assessing how diverse groups of women, men, and gender diverse people may experience policies, programs, and initiatives.
Taiwan, US, Japan, UK, Slovakia stage GCTF media literacy workshop
A workshop on defending democracy through media literacy was staged by Taiwan, the U.S., Japan, the U.K. and Slovakia under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) Nov. 9 to 10 from Taipei City. Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD), American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association (JTEA), British Office Taipei (BOT) and Slovak Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei (SECOT), the virtual was the third of its kind under the multilateral platform. According to the MOFA, the workshop involved officials such as Deputy Foreign Minister Harry Ho-jen Tseng (曾厚仁), TFD President You Si-kun (游錫堃), AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk, JTEA Representative Hiroyasu Izumi, BOT Representative John Dennis and SECOT Representative Martin Podstavek. More than 100 experts and other participants from Europe and the Asia-Pacific also took part in the event.
Team Taiwan wins 2 golds, silver, bronze at Inline Speed Skating World Championships
Team Taiwan won two golds, a silver and bronze at the Inline Speed Skating World Championships Nov. 6 to 13 in Ibague, Colombia, according to the Ministry of Education (MOE). The team contested six races in the track championship program, four in the road circuit championship program and one in the marathon program, the MOE said. The event was organized and staged by Switzerland-headquartered World Skate. According to the MOE, Team Taiwan comprised four coaches and 11 athletes. Yang Ho-chen (楊合貞) won gold in the women’s 1,000m sprint and bronze in the women’s 10K points elimination race, as well as contributing to the victory of the women’s 3,000m relay race alongside Li Meng-chu (李孟竹) and Liu Yi-Hsuan (劉懿萱), the ministry added. Chao Tsu-cheng (趙祖政) snatched silver in the men’s 1000m sprint race and Chen Yan-cheng (陳彥成) got bronze in the men’s marathon, the MOE said.
President Tsai reaffirms Taiwan’s commitment to achieving net zero goal by 2050
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Nov. 7 that the government is committed to expanding collaboration with partners around the world to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. In recent decades, the world has faced increasingly grave challenges from extreme weather and climate change, Tsai said. As an integral part of the international community, Taiwan is looking to make greater contributions to leave a better world for future generations, she added. Tsai made the remarks during a prerecorded video address for the 26th U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties, or COP26, Taiwan Day event.
MOFA releases COP26 short spotlighting Taiwan’s commitment to combating climate crisis
A short film showcasing Taiwan’s commitment to combatting climate change was released Nov. 1 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Voiced in Amis, one of Taiwan’s indigenous languages, the one-and-half minute short titled “A Green Promised Land” elucidates Taiwan’s development of geothermal, solar, wind and ocean current power utilizing the country’s natural resources and advantageous location in proximity to the Pacific Ring of Fire, breeze-blessed Taiwan Strait, and powerful Kuroshio current, as well as its long sunlight hours. According to the MOFA, Taiwan will continue sparing no effort to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Taiwan, US, Japan, Australia, Israel stage GCTF workshop on rights for people with disabilities
A workshop on implementing the rights of persons with disabilities was staged by Taiwan, the U.S., Japan, Australia and Israel under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) Nov. 4 to 5 from Taipei City. Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Human Rights Commission, American Institute in Taiwan, Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, Australian Office Taipei and Israel Economic and Cultural Office (ISECO) in Taipei, the virtual event was the first under the GCTF to focus on ensuring people with disabilities enjoy equal access to opportunities, protection from discrimination and full inclusion in society and the first co-hosted by ISECO.
Tsai presents Taiwan’s Presidential Culture Awards, lauds honorees’ contributions
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) lauded the cultural contributions of five individuals and groups Nov. 30, spotlighting their achievements in showcasing Taiwan values and excellence in their respective fields. Taiwan is fully committed to defending its free and democratic way of life while sharing the country’s values and stories with the world, according to the president. Tsai made the remarks while attending the Presidential Culture Awards ceremony organized by the Taipei-headquartered General Association of Chinese Culture. The 11th edition of the biennial event saw celebrated filmmaker Ang Lee (李安) named a recipient of the Arts and Culture Award.
Taiwan animation wins at Big Syn International Film Festival
Taiwan animation “Libangbang–The Coming of the Flying Fish” took home the best animation and best animator awards at the 2021 Big Syn International Film Festival in the U.K., according to the Cabinet-level Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) Nov. 23. Produced by the CIP and Taipei City-based Bright Ideas for Life Co., the animation was among nearly 400 submissions from 60 countries contending for top honors at this year’s edition of the event. Running Oct. 24 to 31, the event included screening of about 50 films, animations, and documentaries. The awarded film is about the indigenous Yami people who settled on the outlying island of Lanyu, also known as Orchid Island, where flying fish are a food source, the CIP said.
Trending Taiwan Short Film Competition winners awarded
Winners of the Trending Taiwan Short Film Competition, an annual competition organized by the Department of International Information Services under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), were awarded at a ceremony Nov. 10 in Taipei City.
The seventh edition of the event showcasing Taiwan’s distinctive qualities saw 20 submissions of three minutes or less selected from a near 200-strong field in the categories of creative and brand story. The former centers on inspiring stories of beauty and culture, while the latter focuses on framing Taiwan as a marketable commodity. According to the MOFA, the entries were assessed by a six-member panel using the criteria of narrative technique, script creativity, technical proficiency and theme appeal. They will be subtitled in a variety of foreign languages for broadcast on the ministry’s Trending Taiwan YouTube account.
5 Taiwan films to feature in London East Asia Film Festival
Five Taiwan-produced films are set to be screened Oct. 21-31 as part of the 2021 London East Asia Film Festival, according to the Ministry of Culture Oct. 19. Chen Pin-chuan (陳斌全), head of the cultural division of the Taipei Representative Office in the U.K., said Taiwan-produced films are proving popular in the country as arts and cultural activities are gradually being reintroduced. The office is also sparing no effort to promote Taiwan films through other events like the London-based Queer East Film Festival to raise the country’s cultural profile on the global stage, he added.
MOC, GACC celebrate Taiwanese Cultural Association centennial
Activities marking the centennial of the Taiwanese Cultural Association are underway around the country, according to the Ministry of Culture (MOC) Sept. 30.
Co-organized by the MOC and Taipei City-based General Association of Chinese Culture (GACC), the yearlong event is themed around “a century of pursuit,” involving exhibitions of artworks, historical documents and love letters; film screenings; and musical performances, which are staged by the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts in central Taiwan’s Taichung City; the National Museum of Taiwan History and the National Museum of Taiwan Literature in southern Taiwan’s Tainan City; the Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute in Taipei City; and the Taipei and Kaohsiung Music Centers.
Photos: Chin Hung-hao, Council of Agriculture, Council of Indigenous Peoples, Executive Yuan, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Presidential Office, Transparency International Defence and Security Programme and World Skate