President Tsai Ing-wen vowed to develop Taiwan into a sustainable maritime nation June 8 as the country marked its first National Oceans Day.
As an island nation, Taiwan relies on the sea for prosperity and to connect with the global community, Tsai said. Further measures are set to be announced by the government to bolster the country’s marine security, prosperity and sustainability, she added.
Tsai made the remarks in a Facebook post on National Oceans Day, which was created by the Ocean Basic Act promulgated in November last year.
In accordance with the act, a national ocean policy white paper was co-released yesterday by Vice Premier Chen Chi-mai and Cabinet-level Ocean Affairs Council Minister Lee Chung-wei at Kaohsiung Exhibition Center in the southern port city.
The paper provides guidelines for ocean-related policies, such as safeguarding national maritime rights, enhancing scientific research, advancing environmental protection, improving industrial development and promoting regional and international cooperation on marine affairs.
American Institute in Taiwan Director Brent Christensen also conveyed a congratulatory message via AIT’s Facebook in recognition of the occasion. “The U.S. will continue its partnership with Taiwan in deepening cooperation on marine issues, promoting the sustainable development of the marine industry and resources, and working on host activities to protect the ocean ecology,” he said. (YCH-E)
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