President Tsai launches Taiwan’s first indigenous submarine
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) launched the country’s first domestically made submarine Sept. 28 in the southern city of Kaohsiung, underscoring the success of government efforts to enhance Taiwan’s defense capabilities. According to Tsai, submarines are crucial to the country’s development of asymmetric combat capabilities, and the craft, called Narwhal, marks a milestone in the independence and resilience of Taiwan’s national defense. The president said Narwhal will undergo a series of equipment installation tests and sea trials, adding that the navy is expected to have three combat-ready submarines by 2025, including two existing Chien Lung-class subs procured from the Netherlands in the 1980s. Indigenous aircraft- and ship-building programs are currently top priorities, Tsai added.
MOFA thanks international backers of Taiwan’s UN bid
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its gratitude to allies and like-minded countries for supporting Taiwan and its requests for inclusion in U.N. meetings Sept. 27. Representatives from Belize, Eswatini, Guatemala, Haiti, Nauru, Palau, Paraguay, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands spoke out on Taiwan’s behalf during the 78th U.N. General Assembly and at associated high-level meetings. During the UNGA general debate, President Petr Pavel of Czechia also voiced concern over the cross-strait situation while condemning China’s escalation of tensions in the region, the MOFA said. The ministry called for the U.N. to resist China’s misinterpretation of Resolution 2758 and to carry out the international body’s goal of leaving no one behind.
Tsai receives Guatemala Defense Minister Reyes
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) received a delegation led by Guatemalan Minister of Defense Henry Reyes at the Presidential Office Sept. 27 in Taipei City, pledging to expand partnership across the board. According to the president, Taiwan and Guatemala enjoy a deep friendship and close cooperation. The strong bilateral ties are evidenced by this April’s reciprocal presidential visits, military officer training exchanges and the launch of a Mandarin course to help Guatemalan military officers better understand Taiwan’s culture, she said. The president also took the opportunity to thank the Central American ally for speaking up for Taiwan at numerous international venues and expressed her wish that the two governments continue to support each other on the global stage.
Taiwan, US, Japan, Australia stage GCTF seminar in New York to promote UN SDGs
A seminar promoting U.N. Sustainable Development Goals was staged by Taiwan, the U.S., Japan and Australia under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework Sept. 21 in New York City, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During his opening remarks, James K.J. Lee (李光章), director-general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, said stability in the Indo-Pacific has strong bearing on global economic development and security, adding that the region is also key to realizing SDGs globally. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to work on advancing the goals with its like-minded partners through the GCTF platform, taking both a professional and practical approach to sharing its expertise and experience, he added.
Foreign minister visits St. Kitts and Nevis to mark 40 years of friendship
Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) led a delegation to St. Kitts and Nevis Sept. 18-20 to offer congratulations on the country’s 40th anniversary of independence and celebrate 40 years of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and the Caribbean ally, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In his role as presidential envoy, Wu met with Governor-General Marcella Liburd and attended a banquet hosted by Prime Minister Terrance Drew, the MOFA said. The minister also met with high-ranking officials such as Minister of Foreign Affairs Denzil Douglas to exchange views on bilateral cooperation, culminating in the signing of the Agreement on Diplomatic Staff Training Cooperation. According to the MOFA, the milestone pact will enable more comprehensive collaboration in foreign language training and policy analysis to further deepen the countries’ bond.
President Tsai addresses Concordia Annual Summit
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) delivered a video speech Sept. 20 from Taipei City for the 2023 Concordia Annual Summit, calling on members of the democratic community to support cross-strait peace and Taiwan’s international participation. According to the president, this year’s summit highlighted the necessity of democracy, global security and human rights in advancing social progress. These shared values lie at the heart of everything Taiwan’s government does, including expanding its international engagement, she said. Taiwan is an important trade partner in the free world, with a pivotal role in global supply chains demonstrated by its production of 90 percent of advanced semiconductor chips and the 50 percent of all international container traffic that passes through the Taiwan Strait every year, Tsai said.
Taiwan steps up recruitment in the US
A delegation organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs toured the greater Los Angeles and San Francisco areas Sept. 25-28 as part of an ongoing government mission to expand personnel and facilitate national development, according to the ministry. Arranged in collaboration with Taiwan External Trade Development Council, the delegation involved 23 top locally based firms such as Acer Inc., Asustek Computer Inc., Delta Electronics Inc. and AUO Corp., which are offering more than 350 job openings in a wide range of positions. According to the MOEA, the sessions took place at University of Southern California and San Jose State University and involved more than 400 potential candidates. The mission provided an effective platform for Taiwan’s high-tech firms to seek top-notch professionals, the ministry said, adding that the government will continue to arrange similar events at home and abroad.
Taiwan and Canada celebrate quarter century of science and technology cooperation
Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) said international cooperation is indispensable to promoting scientific and research development while receiving a Canadian delegation Sept. 25 in Taipei City. Led by the National Research Council of Canada, the delegation of academic, industrial and governmental representatives is attending forums on artificial intelligence and 3D technology, novel biologics, and earthquake engineering during their visit. Chen expressed his gratitude to the NRC for its long-term cooperation and eagerly anticipated deepening two-way ties, especially in technological innovation. Prior to calling at the Executive Yuan, the delegation attended a ceremony celebrating the 25th anniversary of Taiwan-Canada partnership, at which the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada renewed a memorandum of understanding on science and technology cooperation.
Japan-Taiwan Startup Summit wraps up in Tokyo
The second Japan-Taiwan Startup Summit concluded Sept. 15 in Tokyo to help local firms expand their presence in the neighboring nation. Supported by the Cabinet-level National Development Council, the two-day event involved more than 500 participants from the two countries. During his opening remarks, NDC Minister Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) said exchanges between Taiwan and Japan have been on the rise in recent years and are now at a historic high, thanks in part to support from the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The two countries’ collaboration in key areas like biotechnology and medicine, high-end manufacturing, and semiconductors are particularly noteworthy, Kung added.
Taiwan, US, Japan, Australia stage GCTF forum on sustainable aviation system
A workshop on promoting sustainable aviation was staged by Taiwan, the U.S., Japan and Australia under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework Aug. 29-30 in Taipei City, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Themed “Sustainable Aviation System: Safe, Green and Innovative,” the event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Civil Aeronautics Administration under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications in collaboration with the three partner countries’ local representative offices. According to the MOFA, around 130 business representatives, experts and officials from 25 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, Latin America and Oceania took part in the first ever aviation event staged in Taipei.
MOFA delivers Q2 economic report card
Embassies and overseas missions have extended cooperation with members of the free world, expanded Taiwan’s participation in the global economy and international trade organizations and promoted key policy measures, thus delivering considerable dividends to the country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Aug. 25. According to the MOFA, trade ties with key partners such as the U.S., EU and democracies in Central and Eastern Europe are going from strength to strength. This is evidenced by the first agreement signed in June under the Taiwan-U.S. Initiative on 21st-Century Trade, as well as the statement issued by the Formosa Club in Europe following its Unity Summit 2023 urging the negotiation of a bilateral investment or trade agreement to boost supply chain cooperation. Taiwan is also making great strides in expanding relationships with its allies, the MOFA said. Examples include a MOFA-organized trade event held during Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei’s visit in April, a letter of intent on supply chain collaboration to promote Taiwan investment in the Central America country and an economic cooperation agreement with the Marshall Islands.
MOHW minister talks post-pandemic resilience at APEC meeting
Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan (薛瑞元) represented Taiwan during discussions on forging adaptable health systems to respond to challenges in the post-pandemic era at the 13th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation High-Level Meeting on Health and the Economy August 3-6 in Seattle. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the meeting emphasized investment in health care; transparent and secure processes for health insurance reimbursement; and measures to safeguard aging populations. Speaking at the event, Hsueh said that Taiwan places great importance on introducing new technology, medical equipment and drugs and will soon implement a parallel review process to reduce waiting time for patients and institutions. He added that the ministry is also reforming the country’s medical system to address the challenges posed by an aging population and low birthrate.
Taiwan’s human rights commission attends APF conference in India
The National Human Rights Commission participated for the first time as an observer in the annual general meeting and biennial conference of Australia-based Asia Pacific Forum Sept. 20-21 in New Delhi, underscoring the government’s commitment to working with like-minded partners to promote civil liberties, according to the NHRC.
The event celebrated the 30th anniversary of adopting the Paris Principles and the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with Indian President Droupadi Murmu delivering the inaugural address. It comprised three sessions respectively on the last 30 years of human rights work in the region; advancing the UDHR and its promise of freedom, equality and justice for all; and the role of relevant institutions in mitigating the human rights impacts of climate change.
MODA minister shares Taiwan’s digital democracy at Concordia summit
Digital Minister Audrey Tang (唐鳳) said Taiwan is eager to share its success in promoting digital democracy and the responsible use of artificial intelligence to help the global community realize the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The minister made the remarks during her speech titled “Digital Democracy in the Age of AI” at the Concordia Annual Summit Sept. 19 in New York City on the sidelines of the 78th U.N. General Assembly. According to Tang, democratic values face unprecedented challenges stemming from the abuse of AI. The way forward is to focus on plurality, or collaborative diversity, to increase the bandwidth of democracy through digital technology to take divergences into account and seek common ground for all, she said.
Taiwan holds APEC workshop to spur public-private collaboration on pandemic control
A physical and virtual workshop on public-private pandemic control collaboration was staged under the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Sept. 12-13 from Taipei City, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The workshop provided a platform for participants to share innovative care or treatment models employing digital health technologies, ensuring the privacy of personal data and utilizing public-private collaboration in complex health care cases, the MOHW said. The event is expected to enhance the adaptability and resilience of APEC member economies’ health care systems and boost policy exchanges between Taiwan and APEC counterparts during public health challenges, the ministry added.
Tsai reaffirms government commitment to transitional justice
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Sept. 9 that the government will accelerate fact-finding missions and reconciliation to realize transitional justice, redress past judicial wrongs and safeguard Taiwan’s democratic way of life. She made the remarks during a special ceremony in Taipei City to exonerate individuals who had been falsely persecuted during the country’s authoritarian rule. According to Tsai, while Taiwan is now a free and democratic country, it is important that the government continue to scrutinize the past and bring to justice those responsible for the wrongdoings committed during the White Terror era. Democratic pioneers went through personal experiences that are also part of the country’s collective history and something that the whole population must face, the president said. As of July this year, 1,439 cases were exonerated by relevant agencies, while 1,594 indemnification applications have been processed with NT$2.2 billion (US$68.75 million) paid out to victims and families, she added.
Austronesian Forum in the Marshall Islands draws Indigenous attendees
The 2023 Austronesian Forum took place Aug. 16 in the Marshall Islands, with participants from Taiwan’s regional allies and partners gathering to discuss methods of promoting sustainable tourism while tackling climate change and preserving their respective cultures and heritage. Sponsored by Taiwan’s Cabinet-level Council of Indigenous Peoples, the one-day event was attended by around 110 experts, officials and tribal chiefs from 15 countries. In his opening remarks, CIP Minister and Forum Chair Icyang Parod said the Indigenous peoples of Austronesia each have their unique ways of living sustainably in their homelands, adding that such wisdom can offer important guidance when it comes to addressing climate change challenges. He also invited all participating countries to attend the World Indigenous Tourism Summit set for March 2024 in Taiwan.
President Tsai launches Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) launched the Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange Aug. 7, pledging to assist local enterprises in turning the challenges of net-zero carbon emissions into business opportunities. Established by the Executive Yuan’s National Development Fund and the Taiwan Stock Exchange, the body is based in the southern city of Kaohsiung, with an information center located in Taipei City. During her opening address, Tsai said that achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is a goal shared by countries worldwide. Carbon reduction is both a trade issue and a supply chain management requirement for Taiwan to compete globally, she added. The exchange will facilitate carbon credit trading and create incentives for businesses to reduce carbon emissions, the president said. She added that the trading mechanisms will help boost research and development of low-carbon technology, enhance personnel training for net-zero goals and drive a virtuous circle for the country’s green economy.
Creative Expo Taiwan gets underway in Taipei
The 2023 Creative Expo Taiwan kicked off Sept. 22 in Taipei City, highlighting the country’s dynamic cultural and creative industry and spirit of innovation. Organized by the Ministry of Culture, the 10-day fair featured over 100 arts and intellectual property licensing-themed exhibitions, forums, performances, seminars and workshops at five main venues in Taipei. Launched in 2010, the annual CET plays a key role in the MOC’s strategic promotion of the cultural and creative industry. The sector was first included in the national development plan in 2002 and further prioritized following promulgation of the Law for the Development of the Cultural and Creative Industries in 2010.
Taiwan artists shine at Czech festival
Three local artists participated in the 10th International Festival of Illustration and Comics (LUSTR) held Sept. 21-26 in the Czech Republic, spotlighting Taiwan’s vibrant cultural landscape, according to the Ministry of Culture Sept. 27. With the support of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Prague’s cultural division and Taipei Illustration Fair, Abei Liu (劉正堃), Austin Tzeng (丁原生) and Likuanzhen (李冠瑱) displayed their works at the “MetaFest—Festival of Festivals” event. TIF organizers also held seminars and workshops to introduce the development of illustration in Taiwan and share their views on trends in the Asian market. The event demonstrated global recognition for Taiwan’s creative energy, as it was one of only two Asian countries invited to take part, the MOC said.
Local feature wins Lion of the Future award at Venice film festival
Actor Lee Hong-chi’s (李鴻其) directorial debut “Love Is a Gun” won the Lion of the Future award at the recently concluded 80th Venice International Film Festival, the Ministry of Culture said Sept. 11. The 81-minute drama, which depicts the struggle of an ex-convict desperately striving for society’s acceptance, is the first ever homegrown production to win this prestigious award, the MOC said. Cultural Minister Shih Che (史哲) extended his congratulations to the team for the historic feat and for showcasing Taiwan’s cinematic prowess to a wider global audience. According to the MOC, the honor represents global recognition of Taiwan’s burgeoning filmmakers and shows the increasing strength of the local cultural and creative content sector on the international stage.
Hakka Expo kicks off in Taoyuan
The 2023 Hakka Expo kicked off Aug. 11 in northern Taiwan’s Taoyuan City, highlighting the rich and diverse local culture while underscoring the government’s commitment to developing the country into an international hub for Hakka revitalization, according to the Executive Yuan. Co-organized by the Cabinet-level Hakka Affairs Council and Taoyuan City Government, the event is themed “Travel to Tomorrow” and runs until Oct. 15. At the launch ceremony, Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan (鄭文燦) said the expo is an initiative resulting from the 2017 Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program. Taiwan’s Hakka culture is a shared national asset and the expo will showcase the best of the culture to the world, with the Taiwan Pavilion including a display area for 14 cities and counties, he added.
Puppet Beings Theater performs at New York festival
Taipei City-based Puppet Beings Theater has accepted an invitation to the International Puppet Fringe Festival in New York City and is set to perform the original work “The Paper Play” Aug. 9-12, according to the Ministry of Culture. Director of Taipei Cultural Center in New York Jo Chang (張惠君) said that this is the first time an artistic group from Taiwan has participated in the event. The troupe, founded in 2000 by Sun Cheng-chieh (孫成傑), is dedicated to experimenting with new styles of interpretation even as it integrates elements of traditional puppetry into its contemporary shows. Sun said it took six years of research to prepare for the piece, whose puppets and props are all made of paper. He added that it was not easy to turn a two-dimensional material into three-dimensional figures, but it was worth worth the difficulty as paper’s plasticity and softness makes for lifelike creations that immerse the audience in an imaginary world.