President Tsai talks cross-strait, Taiwan-US relations for DealBook Summit
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) answered a series of questions via a video interview Nov. 29 for the DealBook Summit, an annual event hosted by The New York Times that focuses on cross-strait ties, Taiwan-U.S. partnership and the country’s semiconductor prowess. According to Tsai, Taiwan is strengthening its defense capabilities and societal resilience while facing increased military intimidation, cyberattacks and information manipulation. The international community has come to the consensus that peaceful and stable cross-strait relations are in the best interests of all stakeholders, Tsai said, citing statements released following bilateral and multilateral engagements such as the Camp David Summit in August and the Group of Seven foreign ministers’ meeting in November. Long-standing friendship and steadfast support from the U.S. are deeply appreciated, Tsai said, thanking the country for urging the international community to recognize that cross-strait peace and stability is indispensable to global security and prosperity.
MOFA thanks international leaders for supporting cross-strait peace
Recent accords, remarks and joint statements from leaders and high-level officials of Canada, Japan, South Korea, the EU and the U.K. reaffirming the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are sincerely welcomed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During a Nov. 26 meeting in Busan, Foreign Minister Park Jin reiterated his country’s opposition to unilateral change of the cross-strait status quo. His remarks to his Chinese counterpart followed the Downing Street Accord striving for openness and transparency in the Indo-Pacific inked by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Nov. 22 in London, the MOFA said. Similar sentiments were expressed by Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa during a bilateral meeting with her Chinese counterpart Nov. 25 in Busan, as well as in a joint statement released by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Nov. 24 following the Canada-EU Summit 2023 held in the North American country. According to the document, Canada and the EU remain seriously concerned about growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait and underscored the importance of cross-strait peace and stability.
Taiwan, US, Japan, Australia, Canada stage GCTF digital human rights workshop
An international workshop on protecting human rights in the digital age was held Nov. 15-17 in Taipei City under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework, reflecting Taiwan’s commitment to working with like-minded partners to promote internet freedom, advance norms and safeguards for artificial intelligence, counter misuse of surveillance technology and strengthen digital inclusion. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the three-day event involved officials, academics, civil society experts and private sector representatives from 18 countries in the Indo-Pacific and Latin America. In addition to sharing views on ways to tackle related challenges in the digital age, participants also explored Taiwan’s approach to respecting personal rights in cybersecurity and data collection, as well the country’s policies to narrow the digital divide and safeguard human rights online, the ministry added.
MOFA welcomes Biden’s continued support of cross-strait peace
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation Nov. 16 for U.S. President Joe Biden’s statement that the U.S. opposes any unilateral change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. According to the MOFA, Biden made the remarks during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping (平近習) Nov. 15 in Woodside, California. Biden emphasized that differences should be resolved peacefully, as it is in the international community’s best interest to keep the region stable. The ministry said that Biden also urged China to exercise restraint in the matter of military activity in the strait and neighboring areas. The MOFA was grateful to see the U.S. president reiterate his country’s firm stance on the issue. Biden has repeatedly voiced his support of Taiwan, the ministry said, contributing to the international community’s consensus on the need for cross-strait peace and stability.
President Tsai meets with U.N. permanent representatives
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Nov. 16 that she looks forward to continued backing from Taiwan’s allies as well as mutually beneficial development. Tsai made the remarks while receiving a delegation of permanent representatives to the U.N. from Taiwan’s allies. Led by Inga Rhonda King of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the group consisted of Amatlain Elizabeth Kabua of the Marshall Islands, Margo Reminisse Deiye of Nauru, Carlos Fuller of Belize, and Jose Eduardo Pereira Sosa of Paraguay. Interaction between Taiwan and its allies is growing increasingly close, Tsai said, citing her visits to Belize and Paraguay in 2018, to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Marshall Islands and Nauru in 2019, and to Belize again in April. The allies are key to Taiwan’s engagement with the world, Tsai added. She took the opportunity to thank leaders, including President Santiago Pena Palacios of Paraguay, President David Kabua of the Marshall Islands, then-President Russ Joseph Kun of Nauru, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Prime Minister John Briceño of Belize, for speaking out in support of Taiwan at the U.N. General Assembly and the SDG Summit in September.
President Tsai thanks APEC envoy
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) expressed her gratitude to 2023 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting special envoy Morris Chang (張忠謀), founder of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Nov. 20 in Taipei City. She thanked him for successfully conveying four messages to APEC: first, that Taiwan is promoting peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific; second, that Taiwan is collaborating on energy transition to mitigate the impacts of climate change; third, that Taiwan is building more resilient supply chains; and fourth, that Taiwan is taking action to bridge the digital divide. The president noted that Chang’s role as envoy to the Asia-Pacific’s most important economic and trade forum allowed Taiwan to enhance exchanges with other regional nations and continue to expand its international role. At the event, Chang held two-way talks with Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard of the U.S., as well as Japan Prime Minster Fumio Kishida and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
International Talent Taiwan Office opens to attract and retain foreign professionals
The International Talent Taiwan Office was launched by the Cabinet-level National Development Council Nov. 1 in Taipei City, underscoring the government’s commitment to providing comprehensive services to professionals from around the world to encourage them to stay permanently in the country. The office, an expansion of the Taiwan Employment Gold Card Office established in October 2020, offers in-person, phone and online consultations to white-collar workers of foreign nationality and their families, according to the NDC. In his remarks at the inauguration ceremony, NDC Minister Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) said that during President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文)’s time in office, the passage of major policies like the six core strategic industries initiative and the Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions in 2050 has necessitated additional international specialists to meet Taiwan’s goals. It is estimated that the country will need 400,000 more skilled workers by 2030, he added. To address the problem, the NDC is leaving no stone unturned in recruiting a larger international workforce while ensuring the office is equipped to solve problems foreign nationals may encounter in Taiwan.
Taiwan, US stage AWE Indo-Pacific Women in Tech Summit
The inaugural Indo-Pacific Women in Tech Summit under the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs program was staged by Taiwan and the U.S. Nov. 14-16 in Taipei City, emphasizing the government’s commitment to working with like-minded partners to advance gender equality and technological development. Jointly organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration and the American Institute in Taiwan, the event was attended by entrepreneurs from Taiwan, Brunei, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and the U.S. Representatives from businesses and international nonprofit organizations were also present, as was Sara Mathews, director of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs’ Office of Press and Public Diplomacy for the U.S. State Department. Speaking at the event, Deputy Economic Affairs Minister Chen Chern-chyi (陳正祺) said technology is a focal point of Taiwan’s economic development and increasing numbers of women are investing in the field. The summit enables them to share their expertise and experience with their counterparts to promote cooperation between women entrepreneurs throughout the Indo-Pacific, he added.
Taiwan, UK sign milestone trade partnership pact
Taiwan and the U.K. concluded the Enhanced Trade Partnership Arrangement Nov. 8, highlighting the two sides’ commitment to expanding economic and trade ties, the Office of Trade Negotiations under the Executive Yuan said Nov. 8. Signed by Kelly Wu-chiao Hsieh (謝武樵), Taiwan’s representative to the U.K., and John Dennis, his counterpart in Taiwan, via video link at their respective locations, the pact sets out priorities for future discussions in the three key areas of bilateral investment, digital trade, and renewable energy and net-zero emissions, the OTN said, adding that it is the first agreement of its kind between Taiwan and a European country. Hsieh said during the signing ceremony that the historic arrangement is built on three decades of wide-ranging collaboration and will serve as an important mechanism for expanding trade and creating jobs for both sides. In response, Dennis said he expects the pact to bring economic ties to new heights and pave the way for new forms of engagement.
Agricultural delegates to deepen collaboration with NSP states
Youth agricultural ambassadors will visit Indonesia and the Philippines before the end of the year to foster closer ties with the two nations, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Through the Young Agricultural Ambassadors New Southbound Policy Exchange Program, two contingents, each comprising 12 delegates specializing in various agricultural areas, are meeting with local officials, academics and industry experts to substantively promote bilateral partnerships. Speaking during the program’s flag presentation ceremony Oct. 18 at MOFA headquarters in Taipei City, Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang (田中光) said he believes the exchange will enable Taiwan’s agricultural talent to share knowledge while discovering innovative methods to utilize at home.
MOFA thanks Formosa Club members for supporting Taiwan’s participation in COP 28
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its sincere gratitude to members of the Formosa Club for jointly calling for Taiwan’s meaningful involvement in the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change and mechanisms related to the Paris Agreement Nov. 29 in Taipei City. With the 28th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC underway Nov. 30-Dec. 12 in Dubai, 169 FC members, consisting of lawmakers and representatives from 12 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, called on UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell to invite Taiwan to the event, according to the MOFA. The joint letter states that Taiwan is the 18th country to enshrine the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 into law. The government recently set up its Ministry of Environment and the Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange, which are concrete proof of Taiwan’s staunch commitment to promoting green transition, the letter added.
MOFA to stage 2023 NGO Leaders Forum
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is staging the 2023 NGO Leaders Forum Nov. 17 in Taipei City, spotlighting the international achievements of Taiwan’s government agencies and nongovernmental organizations and providing a platform for NGOs to collaborate with the public sector. Titled “Allied by Universal Values: Strengthening Partnerships Between Taiwan’s Government, NGOs and Global Civil Society,” this year’s event emphasizes how Taiwan—which stands on the front-line in the fight against authoritarian expansion—firmly safeguards the values of democracy, freedom and respect for human rights. Since 2020, the MOFA has been assisting major international NGOs in setting up branch offices in Taiwan, and these offices are cooperating with local counterparts to launch projects spanning disinformation countermeasures, gender equality, government transparency and open parliaments, and youth empowerment.
EY releases short film promoting Taiwan tourism
A short promotional film was released Oct. 11 by the Executive Yuan to invite international visitors to experience 24-hour fun when traveling the country. The 110-second “Time for Taiwan” proposes activities ranging from outdoor activities such as camping, yoga in the mountains and stand-up paddleboarding to breakfast from traditional food vendors beside temples. The clip also recommends street foods like sweet potato balls and stinky tofu and shows off the country’s magnificent landscapes. The video additionally highlights the 24-hour convenience and safety of Taiwan’s cities, suggesting nighttime runs along scenic streets or clubbing and karaoke, with stops at night markets or always-open convenience stores to refuel. According to EY spokesperson Lin Tze-luen (林子倫), the short film supports the goal of six million tourist arrivals this year by showcasing Taiwan’s beauty and diversity.
Remains of Paiwan tribal warriors returned to Taiwan
The skulls of four Paiwan warriors have been returned to their ancestral home from Scotland’s University of Edinburgh in the first such repatriation as the government continues to seek historical and transitional justice, the Council of Indigenous Peoples said Nov. 6. According to the CIP, the remains belong to four members of the Paiwan tribe from a community living in today’s Mudan Township in southern Taiwan’s Pingtung County. They were killed in 1874 during the Mudan incident, a retaliatory attack by Japanese soldiers who sought to avenge the deaths of 54 sailors who had been killed three years earlier by members of the tribe. The skulls are thought to have been taken back to Japan as trophies by soldiers before falling into the hands of collectors and finally being given to the University of Edinburgh in 1907.
MOENV co-launches first NASA APAC in Asia
The Ministry of Environment co-launched the Asia Pacific AERONET Calibration and Training Center (APAC) with the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration Nov. 2 in Taipei City, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing air quality monitoring and substantively contributing to climate change research. According to MOENV Minister Shieu Fuh-sheng (薛富盛), the facility located at the Lulin Atmospheric Background Station in southern Taiwan’s Chiayi County will help expand exchanges of environmental monitoring techniques and data with Southeast Asian countries. The ministry will also collaborate closely with the Central Weather Administration and Taiwan Space Agency to offer climate change data to the world, Shieu added.
5 millionth visitor this year welcomed to Taiwan
Taiwan welcomed its 5 millionth visitor of 2023 Nov. 2 at Taoyuan International Airport, reflecting the success of government tourism promotion, according to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Tourism Administration.
The lucky arrival was Apasiri Khumpibal from Thailand, who was thrilled by the unexpected designation. Traveling to Taiwan for the third time, she plans to visit major tourist sites in the greater Taipei area and Rainbow Village in the central city of Taichung during her five-day stay. During a special ceremony at the airport, the Thai visitor received free bus, train and subway tickets, hotel vouchers and other gifts from TA Director-General Chou Yung-hui (周永暉). She also won a cash prize of NT$5,000 (US$155) from the Taiwan the Lucky Land raffle draw. Chou said the TA’s goal is to welcome a total of 6 million visitors from target markets by year-end, or about 50 percent of 2019 arrivals.
The MOFA and Discovery Channel introduce Taiwan’s cuisine in new video
“Food Masters: Taste of Taiwan,” a documentary co-produced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Discovery Channel, will premiere Dec. 3 at 8 pm on the Discovery Channel in Taiwan, according to the MOFA Nov. 28. The program will be broadcast in nearly 20 other Asian countries and regions starting from Dec. 7 and will subsequently be available to global audiences through Discovery’s YouTube channel. Food featured in the film ranges from internationally rated dishes to night market snacks. The video seeks to promote Taiwan’s varied and unique food culture and features interviews with chefs and an executive from a biotech company to explain the cultural background of the country’s food environment.
Taiwan European Film Festival kicks off in Taipei
The Taiwan European Film Festival got underway Nov. 23 in Taipei City, underscoring the government’s dedication to deepening cultural links with friendly European nations. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tien Chung-kwang (田中光) praised the richness of European culture, adding that it is highly admired by the people of Taiwan. The festival provides an opportunity for local residents to witness and better understand the continent’s multiculturalism, he said. This year’s festival marks the 19th edition of the annual event, with a total of 19 films from 19 countries being screened from Nov. 23, 2023, to Jan. 31, 2024, at universities, theaters and art venues in 14 cities and counties.
CIP hosts Austronesian leadership forum in Taipei
The inaugural Austronesian Forum of Female Opinion Leadership was held Nov. 26 at Taipei International Convention Center to deepen exchanges with Taiwan’s Indo-Pacific partners and expand connections within the global Indigenous community. Organized by the Cabinet-level Council of Indigenous Peoples, the event was attended by around 200 participants, including high-profile guests like Kitlang Kabua, minister of culture and internal affairs for the Marshall Islands, and female opinion leaders from eight other countries. According to the CIP, discussions focused on cultural, economic, educational and public policies for Indigenous peoples. The event aimed to strengthen the public influence of Indigenous women, as well as to create a platform for exchanges between Taiwan’s Indigenous groups and their counterparts overseas, the council added.
MOC reveals winners of 27th Taiwan-France Cultural Award
Gwennael Gaffric and Elizabeth Zeitoun from France and Chen Yi-fen (陳逸芬) from Taiwan are the winners of the 27th Taiwan-France Cultural Award, the Ministry of Culture recently announced in Taipei City. An associate professor of Jean Moulin Lyon 3 University, Gaffric pioneered the development of research and publication of Taiwanese literature in France and French-speaking countries through translation and academic papers, according to the MOC. Since joining Taiwan’s foremost research institution, Academia Sinica, in 1992 as a linguistic researcher, Zeitoun has dedicated herself to promoting study of Taiwan’s Austronesian languages. With decades-long contributions to the collection, dissemination, documentation, preservation and teaching of the country’s Indigenous languages, she was awarded the Cultural Association Medal by the MOC last month in Taipei. Chen received a comprehensive education in classical music and holds a diploma from the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague. She founded the Formosa Baroque Orchestra, which regularly invites renowned international musicians to Taiwan to hold concerts and organize educational activities, thus serving as a bridge between Taiwan and Europe in the field of classical music, the ministry said.
Taiwan’s Cloud Gate Dance Theatre kicks off European tour
Taiwan’s renowned Cloud Gate Dance Theatre is bringing its productions “13 Tongues” and “Lunar Halo” by artistic director Cheng Tsung-lung (鄭宗龍) to France, Germany, Spain and the U.K. from Nov. 23 to Dec. 21, according to the Ministry of Culture. Based on Cheng’s childhood memories of Taipei City’s Wanhua District, “13 Tongues” features choreography inspired by traditional religious rituals and folk songs. It reflects the vivacity of street life and the imagination of people living in one of the capital’s oldest neighborhoods. The inspiration for “Lunar Halo” came from Cheng’s trip to Iceland. Dancers perform to a ethereal soundtrack by Icelandic band Sigur Ros and interact with each other and multiple large LED panels filled with fluidly moving shapes, colors and images. According to the Cultural Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Spain, where the troupe is stopping first, the tour is expected to demonstrate the vibrancy of Taiwan’s performing arts sphere and raise the country’s global profile.