President Tsai oversees delivery of 2 navy ships
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) witnessed the handover of two naval vessels March 26 in Yilan County, reiterating the government’s commitment to building a modern and professional military force to defend the country’s territorial waters. Constructed by Taipei City-headquartered Lungteh Shipbuilding Co. in partnership with National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology in the northern city of Taoyuan, PGG-625 and PGG-626 are the last of six multimission corvettes delivered under the government’s domestic warship building program. The two were originally scheduled for completion in 2025, and Tsai called the early delivery a reflection of Taiwan’s advanced shipbuilding capacities and resolute determination to defend freedom and democracy.
Taiwan, US hold 4th Indo-Pacific democratic governance consultations
The fourth U.S.-Taiwan Consultations on Democratic Governance in the Indo-Pacific Region took place March 26 in Taipei City and virtually in Washington, D.C., emphasizing the like-minded partners’ commitment to buttressing elected institutions. Launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and American Institute in Taiwan, the annual forum serves as a platform for the U.S. and Taiwan to pursue joint projects promoting freedom, human rights and transparency in the region. Attendees exchanged views on countering foreign information manipulation and interference, strengthening Indo-Pacific democratic governance, and reinforcing the resilience of Taiwan’s democracy and civil society, as well as how to deepen cooperation in the future, the MOFA added.
Vice President-elect Hsiao visits Europe to expand cooperation with EU
Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) met with legislators across Europe to deepen their understanding of Taiwan’s strategy to safeguard cross-strait peace. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hsiao delivered speeches on Taiwan’s four pillars to maintain regional stability: strengthening national defense, enhancing economic security, cooperating with democratic partners and preserving the cross-strait status quo. She urged the EU to sign an economic partnership agreement with Taiwan to demonstrate its commitment to upholding regional prosperity. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan vows to continue reinforcing its collaboration with the EU and other like-minded partners to advance global security and prosperity, the MOFA added.
MOFA thanks US President Biden for supportive legislation
The signing into law of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, by U.S. President Joe Biden is sincerely appreciated by the government and people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said March 24. According to the MOFA, H.R. 2882 will raise Taiwan-U.S. exchanges to a new level. The ministry said the legislation includes no less than US$300 million in free military aid to Taiwan under the U.S. Foreign Military Financing program, more than US$26 million for cooperative programs via the Department of Defense, and no less than US$4 million for projects under the umbrella of the Taiwan-U.S. Global Cooperation and Training Framework, among others. The Biden administration previously included a standalone call for Taiwan military assistance in its 2025 Fiscal Year Budget Request, the MOFA said. The latest development demonstrates the importance the U.S. executive and legislative branches attach to strengthening Taiwan’s self-defense, expanding its global participation and maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific, the ministry added.
Officials fly flag for Taiwan at 2024 Summit for Democracy
Minister of Digital Affairs Audrey Tang (唐鳳) highlighted Taiwan’s commitment to deepening global democratic resilience during the 2024 Summit for Democracy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Held March 18-20 in Seoul, this year’s event was themed “Democracy for Future Generations,” the MOFA said. Tang delivered an address via a prerecorded video for a roundtable session titled “Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies: Right-Respecting Innovation in Democratic Societies” on the first day. Taiwan’s belief in the power of technology and co-creation has helped it successfully counter cyberattacks and cognitive warfare, Tang said, adding that only by adhering to democratic ideals can the country find the best solutions to ethical, political and social challenges brought on by emerging technologies.
MOFA organizes Eswatini investment forum
The 2024 Seminar on Exploring Investment Opportunities in the Kingdom of Eswatini was held March 20 in Taipei City, underscoring Taiwan’s commitment to deepening business links with its African ally, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Co-organized by the MOFA and Taiwan External Trade Development Council, the event attracted 105 businesses from sectors spanning biotechnology, green energy, food processing, information and communications technologies, medical equipment, and textiles. Speaking at the seminar, Vice Foreign Minister Remus Li-kuo Chen (陳立國) praised Eswatini’s robust foundation in agriculture, food and beverage processing, mining, and textiles. In response, Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini emphasized the country’s stable financial system and invited Taiwan companies to facilitate the diversification of its economy via investment. Eswatini can be a springboard into the African market of 1.2 billion people, he said, citing the success of Taiwan textiles in the kingdom.
Taiwan, US, Eswatini stage GCTF workshop on women’s economic empowerment
A workshop promoting women’s economic empowerment was held under the Taiwan-U.S. Global Cooperation and Training Framework March 6 in the Kingdom of Eswatini to mark International Women’s Day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Themed “Women Empowerment: Autonomy and Economic Sustainability,” the event was the second of its kind staged in the African ally under the GCTF’s auspices since December 2021 and underscored the two sides’ commitment to enhancing women’s welfare in Eswatini. Since its launch in June 2015 by Taiwan and the U.S., with Japan and Australia joining later, the GCTF has become a critical platform for discussing solutions to global issues.
Domestic science parks deliver 2nd highest annual revenue
Taiwan’s three science parks reported revenue totaling NT$3.94 trillion (US$125.49 billion) for 2023, marking the second-highest return in history, according to the Cabinet-level National Science and Technology Council. NSTC statistics released March 11 reveal that total trade reached NT$4.43 trillion, with employment hitting 322,936. The revenue of Southern Taiwan Science Park in the cities of Tainan and Kaohsiung grew 6.88 percent to NT$1.59 trillion, hitting a record high for the third consecutive year, while Hsinchu Science Park in northern Taiwan and Central Taiwan Science Park in Taichung City saw drops to NT$1.42 trillion and NT$938 billion, respectively. STSP’s growth can be attributed to the steady increase of integrated circuit production using the advanced three-nanometer process, the NSTC said, adding that the other two parks’ declines have since slowed with the recovery of the technology industry and the surge in artificial intelligence applications. Despite global economic challenges, the NSTC said it remains optimistic about the outlook for Taiwan’s science parks in 2024.
Taiwan women’s economic power on display in New York
Taiwan Gender Equality Week showcased initiatives by the country’s public and private sectors to promote the cause March 11-22 in New York City, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Staged on the sidelines of the U.N.’s 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, TGEW highlighted the ways women in Taiwan pioneer industrial innovation and advance economic development, in line with CSW68’s goal of accelerating progress on gender equality and empowering women and girls by addressing poverty through strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective, the ministry added.
Taiwan remains 4th in global economic freedom index
Taiwan ranked fourth in the 2024 Index of Economic Freedom released Feb. 26 by Washington, D.C.-headquartered think tank The Heritage Foundation, maintaining its best-ever ranking achieved last year. Scoring 80 out of 100, Taiwan finished second among 40 economies in the Asia-Pacific. It topped South Korea, 73.1; Japan, 67.5; Malaysia, 65.7; Indonesia, 63.5; and China, 48.5. Taiwan ranked as “free” for the third consecutive year alongside top three finishers Singapore, Switzerland and Ireland, in that order. According to the index, Taiwan improved in three out of 12 benchmarks used to compile the rankings. The biggest gains were in business freedom and trade freedom, which both rose six points year on year to 84.9 and 86.4, respectively, while property rights also saw a three-point increase to 82.2.
Labor force MOU inked by Taiwan, India
Taiwan and India concluded a memorandum of understanding Feb. 16 to facilitate employment of Indian workers in Taiwan, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The pact was signed via video link by Baushuan Ger (葛葆萱), representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India, and Manharsinh Laxmanbhai Yadav, director general of the India-Taipei Association. The two sides will schedule meetings to discuss the number of workers and the industry sectors they are needed for, among other issues, the ministry said. According to the MOFA, Taiwan and India have expanded cooperation in recent years in areas such as culture and education, investment and trade, science and technology, and medicine and public health. As well as further deepening the partnership, the pact will help mitigate the impact of Taiwan’s aging population and declining birth rate on the country’s workforce, the ministry added.
Taiwan takes part in WTO Ministerial Conference
Taiwan is taking part in the World Trade Organization’s 13th Ministerial Conference Feb. 26-29 in Abu Dhabi to exchange views with other member economies on issues of common interest, the Executive Yuan’s Office of Trade Negotiations said Feb. 24. According to the OTN, the biennial conference is the WTO’s top decision-making event and provides guidelines on multilateral trade issues. This year’s conference will focus on e-commerce, environmental sustainability through trade facilitation, restoration of dispute settlement mechanisms and other global trade challenges. Over the four days, Taiwan’s delegation will highlight advancement of inclusive, sustainable and transparent global trade, as well as reaffirm the government’s commitment to joining other regional trade organizations. Through such participation, the country can contribute to the development of more open and inclusive international trade rules, the OTN added.
MOFA pledges to increase domestic NGO visibility on world stage
Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) met with over 160 representatives of nongovernmental organizations at a reception March 26 at Taipei Guest House in the capital, pledging to continue boosting domestic NGOs’ international participation. Attendees from home and abroad shared the results of long-term cooperation at an event themed “Necessary, Growing, Outstanding.” Speaking at the reception, Wu expressed his appreciation to NGOs for continuing to demonstrate unity, resilience and excellence in the face of rapid political and economic changes. The organizations have helped turn Taiwan into a bastion of democracy, freedom, human rights and gender equality, as well as a medical pioneer and model for sustainable development, he said.
Freedom House rates Taiwan “free” for the 26th consecutive year
Taiwan has maintained its rating as “free” for 26 years running according to the latest “Freedom in the World” report released by U.S.-based nongovernmental organization Freedom House. With an overall score of 94 out of 100, Taiwan ranks second in Asia after Japan at 96 and ahead of South Korea at 83. According to Freedom House, Taiwan scored 38 out of 40 in political rights on the back of its strong performances in the subcategories of electoral process, political pluralism and participation, and government functioning. The report said Taiwan’s vibrant and competitive democratic system has allowed for regular peaceful transfers of power since 2000, and protections for civil liberties are generally robust.
GCTF workshop on combating transnational fraud kicks off in Taipei
The 2024 International Workshop on Combating Transnational Fraud held under the Taiwan-U.S. Global Cooperation and Training Framework kicked off March 25 in Taipei City, with around 270 civil society specialists, experts, officials and private sector representatives from 24 countries sharing their experience and best practices. During his opening remarks, Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) said that tackling fraud is a high priority for the government, adding that Taiwan has successfully intercepted more than 19.32 million fraudulent calls from abroad and stopped perpetrators in over 12,000 criminal cases involving NT$8.21 billion (US$257.65 million) since 2023. Citing statistics from Netherlands-based Global Anti-Scam Alliance, Chen said 25.5 percent of the world population fell victim to fraud last year, with total financial losses estimated to exceed US$1 trillion. Chen welcomed participants to exchange views and discuss multilateral cooperation opportunities and ways to enhance detection and prevention of transnational fraud to secure the assets of people around the world.
Academia Sinica joins international Giant Magellan Telescope construction consortium
Academia Sinica’s Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics in Taipei City will take part in building the Giant Magellan Telescope, one of the world’s largest such instruments, following a memorandum of understanding signed Feb. 20, according to the Cabinet-level National Science and Technology Council. Taiwan will join Australia, Brazil, Chile, Israel, South Korea and the U.S. in work on the optical telescope, which is currently under construction in Chile and expected to be completed in 2030, the NSTC said. With a resolution 10 times better than the Hubble Space Telescope, the GMT will lead ground-based optical and infrared research while offering unparalleled insights into dark matter, the origins of chemical elements and the discovery of life on distant exoplanets, the council added. Taiwan will contribute expertise in areas such as low noise and compact detector electronics, precision detector characterization and precision laser cutting technology, the NSTC said.
Taiwan FDA gains ICMRA associate membership
The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration under the Ministry of Health and Welfare recently became an associate member of the EU-based International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities, the MOHW said in a statement Feb. 21. According to the ministry, the ICMRA is a voluntary international and nonpolitical consortium of drug authorities established in 2013 to address global regulatory issues while enhancing communication and information sharing. Its 24 full members and 15 associate members regularly produce academic papers, host innovation workshops and hold emergency public health clinical trials, among other key actions. The TFDA plans to participate in all ICMRA working groups and initiatives to keep up to date with the latest global regulatory developments and exchange information with counterparts from around the world, the MOHW added.
MOENV cooperates with NASA on Asia-AQ mission
Two NASA research aircraft were launched Feb. 15 on flights from the Philippines to South Korea, during which air quality observations were conducted in airspace over central, southern and eastern Taiwan for four hours, providing precise high-resolution data. This is the first large international and cross-departmental monitoring exercise by the Ministry of Environment. In addition, the MOENV, 15 interministerial committees, 20 academic research units and over 40 international and domestic academics launched 3D air monitoring Feb. 1 in southern Taiwan to analyze correlations between terrain, atmospheric circulation and air pollutants, in a collaborative international observation of changes in distribution of air particles. The project has two NASA-Taiwan advanced ground-based air monitoring stations and a U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration vertical spectrometer station, the MOENV said, adding that it looks forward to working further on large-scale international experiments in cooperation with NASA and NOAA.
Cooperation produces eventful March for Francophones
The National Museum of Taiwan Literature, French Office in Taipei and Alliance Francaise jointly hosted cultural events throughout March for Taiwan French Language Month. According to the Ministry of Culture, French illustrator Florent Chavouet shared inspiration he has taken from the streets of Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and Thailand with a rapt audience March 2 at Taipei City’s Taiwan Literature Base, where he is currently a resident artist. Renowned French novelist Olivia Rosenthal, whose works have been translated into English, German, Korean and Hungarian, read from her award-winning work “We’re Not Here To Disappear” March 23, and to wrap up the month, Haiti Ambassador to the ROC (Taiwan)Roudy Stanley Penn presented an overview of his country’s political history March 31, the ministry said, adding that in addition to his diplomatic responsibilities, the ambassador is an author who has published books on public policy and democratic systems.
Taiwan author wins Asian literature award
The Ministry of Culture announced Feb. 29 that Yu Pei-yun (游珮芸), chair of National Taitung University’s Graduate Institute of Children’s Literature, was awarded the 7th Émile Guimet Prize for Asian Literature in the new category of graphic novel. She was recognized for her collaboration with illustrator Zhou Jian-xin (周見信) entitled “Son of Formosa,” which follows the life of political critic Tsai Kun-lin (蔡焜霖, 1930-2023) and has been translated into Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Korean. Delivering her acceptance speech, Yu said the story presents Tsai as a role model for a new generation by showing events in his tumultuous life as opposed to the usual portrayal of him as a political victim. The story educates about the martial law era, giving both domestic and international readers a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s history.
Travelling Film Festival screens Taiwan movies in France
A total of 73 Taiwan productions are screening at the 35th Travelling Film Festival in Rennes running through Feb. 27 in France, marking the largest showing of the country’s cinema ever put on by a French film festival, the Ministry of Culture said. With support from Taiwan Cultural Center in Paris and New Taipei City-based Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute, the eight-day event showcases diverse facets of the country’s culture such as dance, martial arts and Indigenous groups, the MOC said. CCTP Director Hu Ching-fang (胡晴舫) said the exciting lineup exemplifies the creative strength of Taiwan filmmakers and is a fruitful result of long-term exchanges between Taiwan and France.
Translated Hakka literature gains international exposure
The Cabinet-level Hakka Affairs Council lauded Hakka authors for their achievements and celebrated translations of their work, underscoring government efforts to expand the international reach of local literature. During an event held Feb. 18 in Taipei City, five books by four authors were displayed by the council, including Czech and Spanish editions of Lee Chiao’s (李喬) novellas “The Human Ball” and “Ghost Hunting,” respectively, as well as the Spanish translation of a poetry collection by Chang Fang-tzu (張芳慈). Tseng Kuei-hai’s (曾貴海) “Self-portrait at Dusk” and Wu Ching-fa’s (吳錦發) “Mother’s Horse That Trotted Backwards” were both presented in three languages, with editions displaying poems in the original Mandarin alongside English and Spanish. According to the HAC, the translations are part of the council’s 2018 initiative to promote Hakka literature overseas.
Photos: Chin Hung-hao, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Presidential Office and Taiwan Food and Drug Administration