President Lai congratulates newly elected U.S. leaders
On Nov. 6, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) congratulated U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance on behalf of Taiwan’s government and people. Lai also expressed gratitude to President Joe Biden’s administration for its support of Taiwan during his term. A Presidential Office spokesperson stated that Taiwan values its strong relationship with the U.S. and looks forward to deepening bilateral ties with the new administration and Congress. Taiwan will continue to strengthen connections with both the Democratic and Republican parties to ensure bipartisan support. In light of global challenges, Taiwan emphasized its commitment to collaborating with the U.S. for global peace, stability and democracy.
President Lai unveils Taiwan’s new defense frigate
President Lai Ching-te（賴清德）attended the keel-laying ceremony for 2,500-ton antiair light frigate prototype in Kaohsiung on Nov. 4. The vessel, Taiwan’s first domestic-built second-class combat ship, is a major milestone in the nation’s defense industry. Lai praised collaboration between academic institutions, businesses and government agencies. The frigate will be equipped with advanced antiair and antimarine missiles, as well as reconnaissance and battle management systems to strengthen maritime defense. Lai pledged to continue enhancing Taiwan’s defense capabilities and complete domestic industrial chains to boost economic growth. The frigate, one of two prototypes under construction by Jong Shyn Shipbuilding Co., is expected to be delivered by October 2026.
Czech delegation strengthens Taiwan ties
On Nov. 12 Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Czechia was reaffirmed by President Lai Ching-te（賴清德）, with particular emphasis on advancing cooperation in culture, cybersecurity and semiconductors. During a meeting with a Czech delegation led by Marek Benda, chair of the Czech Republic-Taiwan Parliamentary Platform, Lai underscored the shared values of freedom and democracy that unite both nations in their collective stance against authoritarianism. He highlighted recent high-level exchanges, including visits by Czech officials and Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, as clear signs of growing collaboration. Lai also pointed to notable developments such as the opening of the Czech Centre Taipei and direct flights between Taipei and Prague. Benda, in turn, reiterated the importance of economic cooperation, especially in the semiconductor industry, while stressing the need for cross-strait peace to safeguard regional stability. He also firmly rejected China’s military intimidation and its misinterpretation of U.N.G.A. Resolution 2758.
Foreign Minister Lin delivers speech at GTI forum
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung（林佳龍）affirmed Taiwan’s commitment to playing a key role in international affairs while praising the U.S. for building strong global coalitions. Speaking virtually at the Global Taiwan Institute Annual Symposium in Washington, D.C., Lin said Taiwan is determined to shoulder responsibility as an indispensable stakeholder in international issues. He condemned China’s military threats and use of gray zone tactics against Taiwan, which he said destabilize cross-strait peace. Lin expressed gratitude for U.S. support, including through the Foreign Military Financing program, and stressed Taiwan’s enhancement of defense and resilience. He emphasized deepening U.S.-Taiwan cooperation in areas like economic prosperity and global training frameworks. Taiwan will continue to work closely with like-minded partners to tackle global challenges, Lin concluded. The Global Taiwan Institute, founded in 2016, promotes greater understanding of Taiwan through research and engagement.
Global leaders back Taiwan’s UNFCCC participation
At the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change in Azerbaijan, leaders from the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Eswatini expressed strong support for Taiwan’s participation in the UNFCCC. Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine highlighted Taiwan’s innovative climate solutions, while Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo and Eswatini PM Russell Dlamini backed Taiwan’s inclusion on projects tackling global climate issues. Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute and the Marshall Islands held a meeting on fossil fuel transition at COP29, while the country’s Ministry of Environment launched a zero-waste manufacturing center in Taichung. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. also signed a partnership for carbon capture and green technology development to support Taiwan’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Taiwan voices concern over Hong Kong’s crackdown on democracy activists
Taiwan condemned China’s recent sentencing of 45 pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong, describing the prison terms as a violation of fundamental freedoms. The Presidential Office stressed that democracy is not a crime and criticized China’s suppression of political participation and freedom of speech. The sentences, ranging from four to ten years, further exposed the shortcomings of the “one country, two systems” model, according to Taiwan officials. Taiwan reaffirmed its support for Hong Kong through humanitarian aid and called for international cooperation in defending democratic values. Both the Mainland Affairs Council and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed concern over ongoing repression and urged the Chinese government to end its crackdown on Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement.
Premier Cho opens Taiwan Innotech Expo
Premier Cho Jung-tai（卓榮泰）opened the Taiwan Innotech Expo (TIE) on October 17, highlighting the government’s commitment to developing Taiwan into an inclusive, innovative and sustainable nation. The event, organized by Academia Sinica and several ministries, featured pavilions focused on innovation, future tech and sustainability. Cho emphasized the promotion of innovative technology and digital transformation, particularly for small- and medium-sized enterprises. The Ministry of Environment showcased AI-driven green technology, including advances in recycling, while the Ministry of Agriculture presented cloud-based tools for chemical residue detection. In the Future Tech pavilion, three groundbreaking technologies, including a lunar radiation probe developed by Taoyuan City’s National Central University, received the Future Tech Award. Cho called for deeper international collaboration and accelerated software and AI development to drive growth across various sectors.
Taiwan ranks high in global digital competitiveness
Taiwan ranked ninth out of 67 major economies in the 2023 World Digital Competitiveness Ranking, released on Nov. 14 by the International Institute for Management Development. The rankings, based on criteria in knowledge, technology and future readiness, highlighted Taiwan’s strong digital capabilities. In knowledge Taiwan ranked second in R&D personnel per capita and third in educational achievement. In technology it led the world in IT and media market capitalization and ranked third in high-tech exports. Taiwan also placed second in corporate agility under future readiness, reflecting its emphasis on digital transformation. The Ministry of Digital Affairs credited the government’s digital infrastructure and cybersecurity policies for the strong performance, stressing the need for continued investment in AI and digital training to maintain global competitiveness.
Key forum on metrology and trade held in Taipei
The 31st Asia-Pacific Legal Metrology Forum was held in Taipei City Nov. 6-8, hosted by Taiwan’s Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection for the second time since joining the organization in 1994. APLMF, founded to improve trade in the Asia-Pacific region by developing reliable legal metrology systems, aims to eliminate trade barriers and promote fair transactions. This year’s forum focused on agricultural product quality, hydrogen energy and medicine while also discussing new trends and current conditions in metrology. Taiwan’s contributions to the field, particularly in medical tools and law enforcement equipment, were acknowledged as the country has received multiple awards from APLMF in past years. The forum highlights Taiwan’s commitment to advancing standards and fostering economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific.
Researchers make breakthrough in wireless sensing for next-gen communication
A team of academics from Taiwan’s leading universities has developed a groundbreaking multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) sensing technology that makes wireless sensing services more accessible. Supported by the National Science and Technology Council, the research group includes experts from National Sun Yat-sen University, National Tsing Hua University, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and National Applied Research Laboratories. The breakthrough focuses on enhancing 6G and WiFi systems, with innovations like a MIMO 6G terahertz transceiver chip to improve power efficiency and sensitivity. The technology has applications in areas such as automotive safety, health care and elder care, with products like child presence detectors, fall detection alarms and non-contact patient monitors currently under development. This research supports Taiwan’s strategic focus on next-generation communications as one of its five trusted industry sectors.
Taiwan and U.S. strengthen legal ties with asset transfer
Taiwan and the U.S. recently completed their first reciprocal transfer of seized assets, marking a significant step in judicial cooperation. On Oct. 17 the Taiwan Ministry of Justice announced the return of US$16 million to the U.S. seized from money laundering and drug trafficking activity. The transfer was conducted under the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. Following Taiwan’s return of illicit funds in 2022, the U.S. also agreed to remit approximately 50 percent of the recovered assets to Taiwan after victim compensation and deductions. This move highlights the strengthened legal partnership between the two nations in combating transnational crime. MOJ Minister Cheng Ming-chien（鄭銘謙）emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to deepening international cooperation to uphold global justice. The event was attended by key U.S. officials, including AIT Director Raymond Greene, who praised the successful bilateral collaboration in fighting cross-border crime.
Taiwan joins Japan to combat ocean waste
In late October Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council Deputy Director-General Li Hsiao-hsia（李筱霞）led a delegation to Japan for discussions on marine debris and circular economies, reinforcing Taiwan’s commitment to environmental cooperation. The delegation, which included OAC officials, staff from Industrial Technology Research Institute and representatives of nine domestic companies, signed a memorandum of understanding with Japan Clean Ocean Material Alliance to enhance joint ocean waste management. Li emphasized Taiwan’s role in global environmental initiatives through transnational technical exchanges. The group also met with the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies in Kanagawa prefecture to address microplastic pollution and G20 sustainable development goals. Taiwan’s expertise in information and communucations technology and data infrastructure was recognized as key to supporting Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries in plastic reduction and circular economy strategies. The delegation also engaged with Japanese firms such as Dai Nippon Printing and Sumitomo Chemical, leaders in the circular economy field.
Global digital literacy study highlights national performances
Taiwan eighth grade students excelled in the 2023 International Computer and Information Literacy Study, with strong performances in both computational thinking and digital literacy. This is the first time Taiwan has participated in the survey, which involved over 130,000 students from 34 countries. Taiwan students scored an average of 548 points in computational thinking, surpassing the global average of 483. Taiwan ranked among the top nations in computer and information literacy, with an average score of 515, trailing only South Korea, Czechia and Denmark. Sixty-four percent of Taiwan students achieved level two or higher, beating the global average of 49 percent. Girls outperformed boys in digital literacy, but both genders showed equal results in computational thinking. The Ministry of Education credited the success to its strong digital education policies and promised continued support to enhance students’ digital skills for future challenges.
MOE unveils youth fund for global projects
The Ministry of Education will launch the Youth Overseas Dream Fund in Jan. 2025 with a budget of NT$10 billion (US$307 million) over four years. The program, targeting individuals aged 15 to 30, is divided into three categories: Dream Workshop, which supports projects; Soaring Overseas, offering international internships and training; and the Flagship Plan, focusing on sustainability through partnerships with global environmental organizations. In 2025, the ministry aims to help over 600 youths. Premier Cho Jung-tai emphasized that the program aligns with President Lai Ching-te’s National Project of Hope.
High-tech balloon tests emergency communication capabilities
The Ministry of Digital Affairs recently conducted a successful pilot run of a high-altitude tethered balloon communications platform in Taitung County’s Luye Highlands. Designed to restore communication during emergencies, the balloon can soar to 800 meters and cover 380 square kilometers, powered by hydrogen fuel cells for over two weeks of stable operation. MODA Minister Huang Yen-nun（黃彥男）highlighted its potential in enhancing disaster response and delivering post-disaster relief, especially in remote areas with poor network coverage. The project is a collaborative effort between government ministries, research institutions and the private sector, showcasing the power of cross-sector partnerships. Demonstrations at the event included simulated communication disruptions, drone use and temporary signals provided by the balloon platform. Huang committed to securing further resources for the platform to ensure its readiness for future contingencies.
Taiwan celebrates 35th anniversary of children’s rights convention
Taiwan marked International Children’s Rights Day and the 35th anniversary of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) with a series of events led by the National Human Rights Commission and CRC Watch, Taiwan. Taipei Expo Park showcased an exhibition on children’s rights across areas like education, protection and participation. NHRC Chair Chen Chu（陳菊）emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to CRC implementation since 2014, noting regular national progress reports and expert reviews. The exhibition also addressed modern challenges, such as cyberbullying and identity, and advocated for treating every child as an individual with a voice. Chen reaffirmed Taiwan’s dedication to ensuring every child enjoys the four CRC pillars—survival, protection, development and participation—while promoting equality for children in rural areas.
Taipei Fashion Week showcases identity and originality
Taipei Fashion Week, held at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, explored Taiwan’s unique aesthetic and envisioned the future through creative fashion and artistic collaboration. The event, running from Oct. 16-24, featured 13 fashion shows and business matchmaking opportunities. Speaking at the launch on Oct. 17, Culture Minister Li Yuan（李遠）highlighted the event’s alignment with the anniversary of the Taiwanese Cultural Association’s founding in 1921. Li praised boxer Lin Yu-ting（林郁婷）, TFW’s marketing ambassador, for embodying Taiwan’s confident spirit. Additional events, including a show at Taipei City Hall on Oct. 20, completed the week’s activities.
National Museum of History explores art influence from Paris
A forum on Taiwan artists’ experiences in Paris was held by the National Museum of History on Oct. 19 in Taipei, coinciding with the exhibition “The Elsewhere of the Other: Sanyu and the Echoes of Expatriate Artists in Paris.” The event shared the personal stories of six local artists who spent time in Paris, including how the city influenced their creative styles and contributed to Taiwan’s art scene. Presenters included Hsieh Li-fa（謝里法）, who reflected on his 1964 journey from Shanghai to Paris, and Li Wen-tsien（李文謙）and Wang Che-hsiung（王哲雄）, who both studied there in the 1960s and 1970s. Family members of late artists Liu Chi-hsiang（劉啟祥）and Yang San-lang（楊三郎）spoke about their contributions to Western techniques. The forum highlighted Sanyu（常玉）, a pioneering Taiwanese artist in Paris, with a follow-up event on Nov. 9 focusing on his legacy.
Tradition meets innovation at Tainan’s 2024 Design Expo
The 2024 Taiwan Design Expo, ongoing in Tainan City until Nov. 10, showcased the nation’s innovative spirit, with over 150 designers and 200 businesses participating. Organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Tainan City Government, the expo spanned nine main zones across key locations like the Tainan Art Museum and West Market. Highlights include “NO.1 - Spotlight Tainan,” which celebrates the city’s traditional manufacturing industries, and “Unfold Life,” which explores collaborations with Tokyo’s Sumida district. The event integrated design aesthetics into urban life, enhanced tourism, and raised economic competitiveness. The expo also offered public walking routes, themed tours and evening weekend exhibitions, emphasizing the fusion of traditional culture and emerging technologies in Tainan’s development.
Local directors shine at Geneva Film Festival
Two Taiwan directors have been selected to showcase their works at the 30th Geneva International Film Festival, highlighting Taiwan’s dynamic art scene. Chou Tung-yen’s（周東彥）extended reality piece “Free UR Head” will be shown in the festival’s Virtual Territories program from Nov. 7-10, with eight screenings. The 30-minute interactive work explores the boundary between performer and viewer. Additionally, Hsieh Wen-yee’s（謝文毅）virtual reality work “Limbophobia” competed in the International Immersive Experience Competition. The piece uses architectural imagery to explore societal detachment. The GIFF emphasizes new media and digital art, with 93 works selected from 15 countries this year.
Taiwan novel wins national book award
Yang Shuang-zi’s（楊雙子）Mandarin novel Taiwan Travelogue, translated by Lin King（金翎）, won the National Book Award for Translated Literature, the first book from Taiwan to do so. Set in 1938 during Japanese colonial rule (1895-1945), it tells a poignant love story between a Japanese novelist and a Taiwan interpreter, exploring themes of language, history and power. The novel, which won Taiwan’s Golden Tripod Award in 2021, also received the 2024 Best Translation Award in Japan. The English translation, supported by Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture, will be promoted through book tours in major U.S. cities in 2025.
Photos: Central News Agency, Courtesy of Presidential Office, Executive Yuan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Digital Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Ocean Affairs Council, National Human Rights Comission, Tainan City Government, Courtesy of Very Theatre via MOC