The Aug. 17-23 visit by members of the media from the Indo-Pacific was a success in enhancing awareness of Taiwan’s contribution to democracy and regional development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
According to the MOFA, 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 and Deputy Foreign Minister François Chihchung Wu, and called on other agencies.
Visiting journalists also discussed Taiwan’s economic, political, social and technological developments, as well as the country’s democratic defense and global participation with local think tank experts, the ministry added.
During a reception Aug. 21 in Taipei City, Lin said the government’s integrated diplomacy approach is based on democratic values, and aims to expand international cooperation and industrial transformation to promote sustainable governance and safeguard freedom. He encouraged the governments of Indonesia and Vietnam to grant visa-free privileges to Taiwanese visitors to expand bilateral exchanges.
Lin said Taiwan continues to work with its regional partners in enhancing economic resilience and climate adaptation. The government is willing to cooperate with friendly countries in promoting semiconductor personnel cultivation and technical transfers to safeguard global supply chain security and address geopolitical challenges, he added.
The minister solemnly refuted the People’s Republic of China’s distortion of U.N. Resolution 2758 and said that the PRC never ruled Taiwan. Deputy Minister Wu reminded the world that Beijing has tried to sabotage democratic institutions by interfering with other countries’ elections through disinformation campaigns.
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. These articles inform their readerships that Taiwan is not only a beautiful place with stunning landscapes and a vibrant cultural scene, but also a model of democratic resilience, the ministry added. (SFC-E)
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