President pledges to shape secure, sustainable Taiwan
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Sept. 10 that the government is committed to strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors to build a more secure, stable and sustainable future for Taiwan. At a forum on national security and economic resilience in Taipei City, he cited the Five Trusted Industry Sectors Promotion Plan and added that the government will improve the country’s key technological capacities and deepen international collaboration. The government is also promoting multilayered network construction and protection options and intends to deploy sovereign satellites to ensure resilient communications under all circumstances. Lai further vowed to promote the Ten Major AI Infrastructure Projects to encourage artificial intelligence applications in all sectors and said that the government is determined to balance economic diversification, social stability, strategic independence and technological security to make Taiwan a reliable partner to other democracies around the world.
MOFA, MOTC call for Taiwan’s UN, ICAO participation
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Transportation and Communications held a press event Sept. 9 in Taipei City to call for Taiwan’s participation in the U.N. and the International Civil Aviation Organization. The 80th U.N. General Assembly began the same day at its New York City headquarters, while the 42nd ICAO Assembly will take place from Sept. 23 to Oct. 3 in Montreal. Vice Foreign Minister Ger Bau-shuan (葛葆萱) said Taiwan has long been excluded from the U.N. system as a result of China’s so-called “one China” principle and ongoing attempts to distort U.N. Resolution 2758, adding that the resolution does not mention Taiwan or say that Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic of China. He stated that only the government democratically elected by the 23 million people of Taiwan can represent them in the U.N. system or any other global organization.
Deputy FM Wu gives interview to France’s La Tribune
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chih-chung Wu (吳志中) said in an interview conducted online with journalist Amélie Charnay for a Sept. 5 article by France-based La Tribune that the strategic partnership in semiconductors between Taiwan’s Foxconn Group and France’s Thales Group marks a milestone in bilateral relations. Under a pact announced in May, the two sides will invest 250 million euros to set up a semiconductor packaging and testing plant in France. Wu attributed the success of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry to the long-term collaborations between local firms and their European partners and stressed that such partnerships are in the interest of all involved parties and uphold the core values of the free world while preventing these key sectors from being weaponized by China.
MOFA lauds success of visit by Indo-Pacific press group
The Aug. 17-23 visit by members of the media from across the Indo-Pacific was a success in enhancing awareness of Taiwan’s contributions to democracy and regional development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The group comprised nine journalists from media outlets in Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Palau and Vietnam. While in Taiwan, they met with Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Deputy Foreign Minister François Chih-chung Wu (吳志中), called on other agencies, and discussed Taiwan’s economic, political, social and technological developments. The MOFA said members of the press group have published reports on mainstream media outlets such as The Australian, India’s The Statesman and News Today, Indonesia’s Sura Online and IDX Channel, and Palau’s Island Times.
The Aug. 17-23 visit by members of the media from across the Indo-Pacific was a success in enhancing awareness of Taiwan’s contributions to democracy and regional development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The group comprised nine journalists from media outlets in Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Palau and Vietnam. While in Taiwan, they met with Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Deputy Foreign Minister François Chih-chung Wu (吳志中), called on other agencies, and discussed Taiwan’s economic, political, social and technological developments. The MOFA said members of the press group have published reports on mainstream media outlets such as The Australian, India’s The Statesman and News Today, Indonesia’s Sura Online and IDX Channel, and Palau’s Island Times.
President Lai receives St. Lucia deputy prime minister
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Sept. 3 while welcoming a delegation from St. Lucia that Taiwan is committed to expanding cooperation with its Caribbean ally to jointly promote mutual prosperity and contribute to global development. The group was led by Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire, who concurrently serves as St. Lucia’s minister for tourism, investment, creative industries, culture and information. Taiwan and St. Lucia enjoy close collaboration in sectors spanning agriculture, education, infrastructure and public health, Lai said, citing the 2025 Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative and its Diplomatic Allies Inbound Track. The initiative was launched earlier this year and youths from both countries will take internships in the other’s country this month. Hilaire thanked Taiwan for participating in small-scale community projects in St. Lucia that raise quality of life, as well as for its assistance in building and renovating Hewanorra International Airport and St. Jude Hospital.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Sept. 3 while welcoming a delegation from St. Lucia that Taiwan is committed to expanding cooperation with its Caribbean ally to jointly promote mutual prosperity and contribute to global development. The group was led by Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire, who concurrently serves as St. Lucia’s minister for tourism, investment, creative industries, culture and information. Taiwan and St. Lucia enjoy close collaboration in sectors spanning agriculture, education, infrastructure and public health, Lai said, citing the 2025 Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative and its Diplomatic Allies Inbound Track. The initiative was launched earlier this year and youths from both countries will take internships in the other’s country this month. Hilaire thanked Taiwan for participating in small-scale community projects in St. Lucia that raise quality of life, as well as for its assistance in building and renovating Hewanorra International Airport and St. Jude Hospital.
VP Hsiao attends IPAC gala in Taipei
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) said that Taiwan will continue to stand together with global partners to safeguard the cherished shared values of democracy and freedom. She made the remarks Aug. 26 in Taipei City at a gala dinner hosted by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, the Presidential Office said. Hsiao expressed gratitude to the alliance for providing long-term support for Taiwan’s international participation by speaking out against cognitive warfare, gray zone tactics and military intimidation by authoritarian regimes. As a critical link in global supply chains, Taiwan is aware of its responsibility to the international community, she said. Hsiao emphasized that Taiwan’s democracy was hard-earned and that the people never take freedom for granted, adding that the support of like-minded friends and partners has made Taiwan stronger and more confident.
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) said that Taiwan will continue to stand together with global partners to safeguard the cherished shared values of democracy and freedom. She made the remarks Aug. 26 in Taipei City at a gala dinner hosted by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, the Presidential Office said. Hsiao expressed gratitude to the alliance for providing long-term support for Taiwan’s international participation by speaking out against cognitive warfare, gray zone tactics and military intimidation by authoritarian regimes. As a critical link in global supply chains, Taiwan is aware of its responsibility to the international community, she said. Hsiao emphasized that Taiwan’s democracy was hard-earned and that the people never take freedom for granted, adding that the support of like-minded friends and partners has made Taiwan stronger and more confident.
FM Lin attends semiconductors and geopolitics forum
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) attended the 2025 Forum on Semiconductors and Geopolitics Sept. 9 in Taipei City, highlighting Taiwan’s commitment to safeguarding its supply chain security while deepening cooperation with democratic partners against a background of evolving U.S.-China technology competitiveness. Jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Chung-hua Institution for Economic Research; Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Technology; and Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International, the event brought together more than 200 domestic and international academics, experts and officials. Speakers came from eight countries and territories and included authorities on the subject Marc Hijink, Yasuhiko Ota and Philip Wong.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) attended the 2025 Forum on Semiconductors and Geopolitics Sept. 9 in Taipei City, highlighting Taiwan’s commitment to safeguarding its supply chain security while deepening cooperation with democratic partners against a background of evolving U.S.-China technology competitiveness. Jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Chung-hua Institution for Economic Research; Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Technology; and Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International, the event brought together more than 200 domestic and international academics, experts and officials. Speakers came from eight countries and territories and included authorities on the subject Marc Hijink, Yasuhiko Ota and Philip Wong.
Innovation summit staged in Tokyo
The fourth Taiwan-Japan Innovation Summit was held Aug. 25 in Tokyo, spotlighting government commitment to deepening cooperation between startups with a focus on artificial intelligence, biotechnology, financial technology, digital transformation and medical care. Organized by the Cabinet-level National Development Council, Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Japan External Trade Organization, the event focused on issues spanning corporate venture capital, deep technology, international cooperation, and mergers and acquisitions. Attendees included NDC Minister Liu Chin-ching (劉鏡清), delegates from 45 Taiwanese startups, representatives of Japanese businesses and Japanese political figures. Liu elaborated on Taiwan’s strategies to boost startups during the event, including collaborations with ministries and agencies to invest over NT$10 billion (US$328 million) into the digital and net-zero sectors, particularly AI. The summit has attracted over 100 Taiwanese startups since 2022 and successfully connected participants with Japanese companies and financial institutions, as well as helping enterprises expand business operations and establish branches overseas.
The fourth Taiwan-Japan Innovation Summit was held Aug. 25 in Tokyo, spotlighting government commitment to deepening cooperation between startups with a focus on artificial intelligence, biotechnology, financial technology, digital transformation and medical care. Organized by the Cabinet-level National Development Council, Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Japan External Trade Organization, the event focused on issues spanning corporate venture capital, deep technology, international cooperation, and mergers and acquisitions. Attendees included NDC Minister Liu Chin-ching (劉鏡清), delegates from 45 Taiwanese startups, representatives of Japanese businesses and Japanese political figures. Liu elaborated on Taiwan’s strategies to boost startups during the event, including collaborations with ministries and agencies to invest over NT$10 billion (US$328 million) into the digital and net-zero sectors, particularly AI. The summit has attracted over 100 Taiwanese startups since 2022 and successfully connected participants with Japanese companies and financial institutions, as well as helping enterprises expand business operations and establish branches overseas.
Tourism Administration promotes attractions to the US market
The Tourism Administration office in Los Angeles set up a booth at the Taiwan Expo USA 2025. The event took place Aug. 14-16 in Dallas, Texas, and was organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the MOEA-sponsored Taiwan External Trade Development Council. Thomas Shu (許正龍), who has three decades of experience in the tea trade, offered tastings and gave a talk about tea as a means to understand land and culture. An interactive touch screen tour guide gave information on food, cultural festivals, travel resources and sights. Vivian Lin (林宜錚), director of the TA’s Los Angeles office, encouraged visitors to take a trip to Taiwan, saying that there are 170 direct flights from the North American area to Taiwan weekly, with more set to launch in October.
The Tourism Administration office in Los Angeles set up a booth at the Taiwan Expo USA 2025. The event took place Aug. 14-16 in Dallas, Texas, and was organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the MOEA-sponsored Taiwan External Trade Development Council. Thomas Shu (許正龍), who has three decades of experience in the tea trade, offered tastings and gave a talk about tea as a means to understand land and culture. An interactive touch screen tour guide gave information on food, cultural festivals, travel resources and sights. Vivian Lin (林宜錚), director of the TA’s Los Angeles office, encouraged visitors to take a trip to Taiwan, saying that there are 170 direct flights from the North American area to Taiwan weekly, with more set to launch in October.
Taiwan takes part in Pacific port authorities conference in Canada
A delegation from Taiwan International Ports Corp. attended the 111th conference of the Association of Pacific Ports Aug. 10-11 in Nanaimo, Canada, to share the country’s success in port operations and promote cross-border exchanges. The group, led by TIPC President Wang Chin-jung (王錦榮), shared that despite the challenging global maritime market, TIPC recorded its best ever revenues of NT$22.8 billion (US$7.6 billion) in 2024. The delegates also outlined progress on various major port projects in Taiwan, including ongoing facility improvements at the southern port of Kaohsiung as digital and sustainable transitions continue. A highlight of Taiwan’s participation was the inking of a sister port pact between Kaohsiung and the conference’s host city. Wang also announced at the event that Taiwan will host the 2032 APP conference in Taichung City.
A delegation from Taiwan International Ports Corp. attended the 111th conference of the Association of Pacific Ports Aug. 10-11 in Nanaimo, Canada, to share the country’s success in port operations and promote cross-border exchanges. The group, led by TIPC President Wang Chin-jung (王錦榮), shared that despite the challenging global maritime market, TIPC recorded its best ever revenues of NT$22.8 billion (US$7.6 billion) in 2024. The delegates also outlined progress on various major port projects in Taiwan, including ongoing facility improvements at the southern port of Kaohsiung as digital and sustainable transitions continue. A highlight of Taiwan’s participation was the inking of a sister port pact between Kaohsiung and the conference’s host city. Wang also announced at the event that Taiwan will host the 2032 APP conference in Taichung City.
Digital Minister Huang attends inaugural APEC AI ministerial meeting
Digital Minister Huang Yen-nun (黃彥男) led a delegation to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting Aug. 4-6 in Incheon, South Korea, to deepen regional cooperation and advance Taiwan’s digital sector development. Huang briefed officials from 20 other APEC members on Taiwan’s measures to enhance digital connection for all and promote digital and artificial intelligence innovations to address social and economic challenges. The minister said Taiwan’s AI ecosystem is built on the three pillars of innovation promotion, security and trust, and social justice and equality, and stressed the importance of transparency and a multistakeholder approach to the process. Meeting participants issued a joint statement to highlight key issues and call for cooperation to build a trusted, safe and sustainable digital ecosystem, a vision in line with the Ministry of Digital Affairs’ goals of fighting online fraud, strengthening digital resilience and promoting the digital economy.
Digital Minister Huang Yen-nun (黃彥男) led a delegation to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting Aug. 4-6 in Incheon, South Korea, to deepen regional cooperation and advance Taiwan’s digital sector development. Huang briefed officials from 20 other APEC members on Taiwan’s measures to enhance digital connection for all and promote digital and artificial intelligence innovations to address social and economic challenges. The minister said Taiwan’s AI ecosystem is built on the three pillars of innovation promotion, security and trust, and social justice and equality, and stressed the importance of transparency and a multistakeholder approach to the process. Meeting participants issued a joint statement to highlight key issues and call for cooperation to build a trusted, safe and sustainable digital ecosystem, a vision in line with the Ministry of Digital Affairs’ goals of fighting online fraud, strengthening digital resilience and promoting the digital economy.
President Lai, Premier Cho attend launch of sports ministry
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said that the Ministry of Sports will boost domestic health and unity as it enables Taiwan to continue to shine at international competitions. Lai made the remarks at the ministry’s launch ceremony Sept. 9 in Taipei City, calling Lee Yang (李洋), a two-time Olympic badminton gold medalist and the newly sworn-in sports minister, a capable and well-prepared leader with concrete plans to achieve the ministry’s goals. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said at the event that the first advisory group meeting on the establishment of a sports ministry was convened a year ago by the Executive Yuan. Five meetings were held to hear from academics, coaches and professional athletes on the protection of athlete rights, career development for student athletes, the advancement of the sports industry, the promotion of an active society and hosting global sporting events.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said that the Ministry of Sports will boost domestic health and unity as it enables Taiwan to continue to shine at international competitions. Lai made the remarks at the ministry’s launch ceremony Sept. 9 in Taipei City, calling Lee Yang (李洋), a two-time Olympic badminton gold medalist and the newly sworn-in sports minister, a capable and well-prepared leader with concrete plans to achieve the ministry’s goals. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said at the event that the first advisory group meeting on the establishment of a sports ministry was convened a year ago by the Executive Yuan. Five meetings were held to hear from academics, coaches and professional athletes on the protection of athlete rights, career development for student athletes, the advancement of the sports industry, the promotion of an active society and hosting global sporting events.
Premier Cho attends international police cooperation forum
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) attended the opening ceremony of the 2025 International Forum on Police Cooperation Sept. 2 in Taipei City, calling for support for Taiwan’s participation in the International Criminal Police Organization. The premier said that while technological advancement and financial deregulation bring great convenience, they also give rise to cross-border criminal activities such as cybercrime fraud, human trafficking and money laundering that erode social trust and threaten personal security. He described the government’s concrete measures to address these issues, citing the Next-generation Anti-fraud Strategy Guidelines launched in 2022 and the New Generation Anti-drug Strategy Guidelines in 2017. The premier urged the international community to support Taiwan’s Interpol bid to build a stronger global network to ensure public security.
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) attended the opening ceremony of the 2025 International Forum on Police Cooperation Sept. 2 in Taipei City, calling for support for Taiwan’s participation in the International Criminal Police Organization. The premier said that while technological advancement and financial deregulation bring great convenience, they also give rise to cross-border criminal activities such as cybercrime fraud, human trafficking and money laundering that erode social trust and threaten personal security. He described the government’s concrete measures to address these issues, citing the Next-generation Anti-fraud Strategy Guidelines launched in 2022 and the New Generation Anti-drug Strategy Guidelines in 2017. The premier urged the international community to support Taiwan’s Interpol bid to build a stronger global network to ensure public security.
NDC approves Tourism 2030 initiative
The Tourism 2030 initiative proposed by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications was approved by the National Development Council Aug. 28, highlighting government commitment to boosting the industry and visitor numbers. The initiative centers on enhancing the digitization, innovation, resilience and sustainability of the tourism sector to turn it into an NT$1 trillion (US$32.73 billion) industry by 2030. Under the initiative, the Tourism Administration will establish a specialized institute for training and marketing. The initiative also emphasizes balanced regional development, with the TA launching plans to promote cross-regional attractions and upgrade facilities in national scenic areas. The council added that diverse and sustainable tourism that highlights culture, ecology, leisure, farms, and Hakka and Indigenous communities is encouraged. As global tourism recovers, the government plans to attract more international visitors by staging additional concerts, conventions, exhibitions and sports events.
The Tourism 2030 initiative proposed by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications was approved by the National Development Council Aug. 28, highlighting government commitment to boosting the industry and visitor numbers. The initiative centers on enhancing the digitization, innovation, resilience and sustainability of the tourism sector to turn it into an NT$1 trillion (US$32.73 billion) industry by 2030. Under the initiative, the Tourism Administration will establish a specialized institute for training and marketing. The initiative also emphasizes balanced regional development, with the TA launching plans to promote cross-regional attractions and upgrade facilities in national scenic areas. The council added that diverse and sustainable tourism that highlights culture, ecology, leisure, farms, and Hakka and Indigenous communities is encouraged. As global tourism recovers, the government plans to attract more international visitors by staging additional concerts, conventions, exhibitions and sports events.
Taiwan cultivates cooperation with global partners to counter human trafficking
Deputy Minister of the Interior Ma Shih-yuan (馬士元) said in an address at the International Conference on Strategies for Combating Human Trafficking Aug. 27 in Taipei City that Taiwan would strengthen its role in preventing human trafficking in the Asia-Pacific through global, cross-sector collaboration. The forum, conducted both in person and online, drew over 300 attendees from Belgium, Canada, France, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, the U.K. and the U.S., with discussion topics encompassing trends and challenges, victim protection, and the use of innovative technology to prevent trafficking. The deputy minister pledged to continue leveraging high-tech tools to forge a regional cooperative network for fighting human trafficking.
Deputy Minister of the Interior Ma Shih-yuan (馬士元) said in an address at the International Conference on Strategies for Combating Human Trafficking Aug. 27 in Taipei City that Taiwan would strengthen its role in preventing human trafficking in the Asia-Pacific through global, cross-sector collaboration. The forum, conducted both in person and online, drew over 300 attendees from Belgium, Canada, France, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, the U.K. and the U.S., with discussion topics encompassing trends and challenges, victim protection, and the use of innovative technology to prevent trafficking. The deputy minister pledged to continue leveraging high-tech tools to forge a regional cooperative network for fighting human trafficking.
Executive Yuan unveils 2026 fiscal budget proposal
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) emphasized that Taiwan stands strong and resolute in bolstering self-defense and safeguarding regional peace. Lai’s remarks came in a post on his official X account Aug. 21 following the Executive Yuan’s announcement of the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) held a news conference the same day to brief citizens on the spending plan, during which he emphasized that 3.32 percent of the gross domestic product is to be allocated to national defense to demonstrate Taiwan’s capacity and determination to preserve its sovereignty. Cho detailed targeted tax exemptions in the proposed budget to benefit citizens, as well as funding for new cancer drugs and long-term care. The premier encouraged government agencies to be more proactive and innovative amid AI challenges, geopolitical risks, fluctuations in global politics and the restructuring of supply chains to ensure a prosperous and sustainable Taiwan.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) emphasized that Taiwan stands strong and resolute in bolstering self-defense and safeguarding regional peace. Lai’s remarks came in a post on his official X account Aug. 21 following the Executive Yuan’s announcement of the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) held a news conference the same day to brief citizens on the spending plan, during which he emphasized that 3.32 percent of the gross domestic product is to be allocated to national defense to demonstrate Taiwan’s capacity and determination to preserve its sovereignty. Cho detailed targeted tax exemptions in the proposed budget to benefit citizens, as well as funding for new cancer drugs and long-term care. The premier encouraged government agencies to be more proactive and innovative amid AI challenges, geopolitical risks, fluctuations in global politics and the restructuring of supply chains to ensure a prosperous and sustainable Taiwan.
53 Taiwanese restaurants receive stars in latest Michelin Guide
The 2025 Michelin Guide Taiwan was unveiled Aug. 19 in Taipei City, with three restaurants retaining their coveted three stars, seven earning two stars and 43 receiving one star. The list includes 43 restaurants based in Taipei, six in Taichung City and four in Kaohsiung City. In addition, seven establishments were awarded the Michelin Green Star for dining experiences that combine culinary excellence with a commitment to sustainability. Lin Kuo-shian (林國顯), deputy minister of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, commended the guide’s decision to include more cities this year, better spotlighting Taiwan’s unique culture and cuisine. Gourmet food is both a starting point for global visitors to better understand Taiwan and a tool to delve deeper into the country’s cultural and social fabric, he said.
The 2025 Michelin Guide Taiwan was unveiled Aug. 19 in Taipei City, with three restaurants retaining their coveted three stars, seven earning two stars and 43 receiving one star. The list includes 43 restaurants based in Taipei, six in Taichung City and four in Kaohsiung City. In addition, seven establishments were awarded the Michelin Green Star for dining experiences that combine culinary excellence with a commitment to sustainability. Lin Kuo-shian (林國顯), deputy minister of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, commended the guide’s decision to include more cities this year, better spotlighting Taiwan’s unique culture and cuisine. Gourmet food is both a starting point for global visitors to better understand Taiwan and a tool to delve deeper into the country’s cultural and social fabric, he said.
Taiwan-France Cultural Award winners honored in Paris
Taiwanese choreographer Benson Tsai (蔡博丞) and film festival artistic director Jean-Marc Thérouanne of France were presented with the 2025 Taiwan-France Cultural Award Sept. 8 in Paris for their cultural exchange work. Tsai founded B.DANCE in 2014 and was named best emerging choreographer of 2020 by the dance and theater critics’ professional union in France. Thérouanne co-founded the Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema in 1995. It is one of the top 10 film events in France and the longest-running Asian film festival in Europe. Culture Minister Li Yuan (李遠) expressed gratitude to those dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between Taiwan and Europe, saying that art is not only a bridge connecting people, but also a powerful force that can transcend borders and enhance mutual understanding.
Taiwanese choreographer Benson Tsai (蔡博丞) and film festival artistic director Jean-Marc Thérouanne of France were presented with the 2025 Taiwan-France Cultural Award Sept. 8 in Paris for their cultural exchange work. Tsai founded B.DANCE in 2014 and was named best emerging choreographer of 2020 by the dance and theater critics’ professional union in France. Thérouanne co-founded the Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema in 1995. It is one of the top 10 film events in France and the longest-running Asian film festival in Europe. Culture Minister Li Yuan (李遠) expressed gratitude to those dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between Taiwan and Europe, saying that art is not only a bridge connecting people, but also a powerful force that can transcend borders and enhance mutual understanding.
Deputy Foreign Minister Wu briefs on cultural diplomacy
Deputy Foreign Minister François Chih-chung Wu (吳志中) spoke about cultural diplomacy, particularly the Taiwan Culture in Europe 2025 initiative, as a way to raise Taiwan’s profile internationally. The program is a collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture that aims to facilitate deeper European understanding of Taiwan and strengthen mutual recognition of the shared values of democracy and freedom with like-minded partners. Over 70 art and culture events are planned in 26 countries, including a historic exhibition of items from the collection of the Taipei City-headquartered National Palace Museum at the National Museum in Prague. The first Taiwan Culture in Europe 2025 events featured National Symphony Orchestra performances in Austria and Lithuania and Vox Nativa Children’s Choir recitals in Germany and the Vatican.
Deputy Foreign Minister François Chih-chung Wu (吳志中) spoke about cultural diplomacy, particularly the Taiwan Culture in Europe 2025 initiative, as a way to raise Taiwan’s profile internationally. The program is a collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture that aims to facilitate deeper European understanding of Taiwan and strengthen mutual recognition of the shared values of democracy and freedom with like-minded partners. Over 70 art and culture events are planned in 26 countries, including a historic exhibition of items from the collection of the Taipei City-headquartered National Palace Museum at the National Museum in Prague. The first Taiwan Culture in Europe 2025 events featured National Symphony Orchestra performances in Austria and Lithuania and Vox Nativa Children’s Choir recitals in Germany and the Vatican.
MOC promotes global cultural cooperation
Vice Minister of Culture Hsu Yi-chun (徐宜君) led a delegation to the 2025 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation High-Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries Aug. 27 in South Korea. This was the first time that an APEC dialogue was held on culture, the Ministry of Culture said. The event focused on connection, innovation and prosperity, and Hsu noted that Taiwan Creative Content Agency’s collaborations with Japan, Thailand and the U.S pointed to potential for further international collaborative projects. The vice minister said that integrating cultural content with technology was a catalyst for cross-sector innovation, adding that Taiwan is actively formulating guidelines on the application of generative artificial intelligence in art and culture.
Vice Minister of Culture Hsu Yi-chun (徐宜君) led a delegation to the 2025 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation High-Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries Aug. 27 in South Korea. This was the first time that an APEC dialogue was held on culture, the Ministry of Culture said. The event focused on connection, innovation and prosperity, and Hsu noted that Taiwan Creative Content Agency’s collaborations with Japan, Thailand and the U.S pointed to potential for further international collaborative projects. The vice minister said that integrating cultural content with technology was a catalyst for cross-sector innovation, adding that Taiwan is actively formulating guidelines on the application of generative artificial intelligence in art and culture.
Taiwanese manga exhibition underway in Tokyo
The Ministry of Culture’s Taiwan Cultural Center in Japan launched the “Colorful Diversity in Taiwan Manga” exhibition Aug. 22 in Tokyo, showcasing the breadth and depth of Taiwan’s creative power. The exhibition features works by comic artists Ruan Guang-min (阮光民), Zuo Hsuan (左萱) and Kasaka (重花), the MOC said. Chou Hsueh-yu (周學佑), deputy representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, and veteran manga artist Machiko Satonaka also attended the opening. Chou said 21 works focusing on themes such as ethnicity, gender and human rights were selected for the show, adding that he hoped the exhibition would deepen cultural exchange between Taiwan and Japan. In recent years Taiwanese creators have received two gold, nine silver and 21 bronze prizes at Japan’s International Manga Award. Ruan and Zuo have each won one silver award.
The Ministry of Culture’s Taiwan Cultural Center in Japan launched the “Colorful Diversity in Taiwan Manga” exhibition Aug. 22 in Tokyo, showcasing the breadth and depth of Taiwan’s creative power. The exhibition features works by comic artists Ruan Guang-min (阮光民), Zuo Hsuan (左萱) and Kasaka (重花), the MOC said. Chou Hsueh-yu (周學佑), deputy representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, and veteran manga artist Machiko Satonaka also attended the opening. Chou said 21 works focusing on themes such as ethnicity, gender and human rights were selected for the show, adding that he hoped the exhibition would deepen cultural exchange between Taiwan and Japan. In recent years Taiwanese creators have received two gold, nine silver and 21 bronze prizes at Japan’s International Manga Award. Ruan and Zuo have each won one silver award.
Taiwan stands out at Venice International Film Festival
Dozens of films and projects from Taiwan have been included in competitive and noncompetitive categories at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival running from Aug. 27 to Sept. 9 in Italy. Among these, “Girl” by Shu Qi (舒淇) has been nominated for the main competition, while Joe Hsieh’s (謝文明) animated short “Praying Mantis” has been selected for the Orizzonti Short Films Competition. Tsai Ming-liang’s (蔡明亮) “Vive l’amour” was short-listed for Venice Classics and his “Back Home” will screen outside of competition in the nonfiction category. Taiwan also has a commanding presence in the Venice Immersive Competition with “Blur,” “Dark Rooms,” “La Magie Opéra,” “Sense of Nowhere,” “The Clouds Are Two Thousand Meters Up” and “The Shadow.” In addition, “After Being Shattered into Dust,” “Poetics of Soil: The Wood Wide Web” and “The Amazon Gold” will be featured in the immersive projects category of the festival’s gap-financing market, providing opportunities to attract more global resources.
Dozens of films and projects from Taiwan have been included in competitive and noncompetitive categories at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival running from Aug. 27 to Sept. 9 in Italy. Among these, “Girl” by Shu Qi (舒淇) has been nominated for the main competition, while Joe Hsieh’s (謝文明) animated short “Praying Mantis” has been selected for the Orizzonti Short Films Competition. Tsai Ming-liang’s (蔡明亮) “Vive l’amour” was short-listed for Venice Classics and his “Back Home” will screen outside of competition in the nonfiction category. Taiwan also has a commanding presence in the Venice Immersive Competition with “Blur,” “Dark Rooms,” “La Magie Opéra,” “Sense of Nowhere,” “The Clouds Are Two Thousand Meters Up” and “The Shadow.” In addition, “After Being Shattered into Dust,” “Poetics of Soil: The Wood Wide Web” and “The Amazon Gold” will be featured in the immersive projects category of the festival’s gap-financing market, providing opportunities to attract more global resources.
Photos: Presidential Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Development Council, Executive Yuan, Ministry of Culture, Tourism Administration, CNA, Taiwan Creative Culture Agency.