President Tsai receives Palau president and first lady
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) received Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. at the Presidential Office in Taipei City March 30, spotlighting the government’s commitment to forging closer ties with the Pacific ally in the post-pandemic era. Taiwan and Palau have cooperated extensively in areas spanning disease prevention and tourism on the back of long-standing mutual trust, Tsai said, citing as examples the country’s donation of medical resources and missions to help strengthen the ally’s response to COVID-19. Tsai also expressed appreciation to Whipps for his dedication to deepening bilateral relations and vowed to continue cooperation in the fields of education, energy, medicine, maritime security and Austronesian cultural exchanges. Taiwan and Palau celebrated 20 years of diplomatic relations in 2019. They share a rich Austronesian heritage and are working together to advance peace, stability and sustainable development across the Indo-Pacific, Tsai said.
MOFA thanks Belgian Senate for resolution supporting Taiwan
A resolution adopted by the Belgian Senate in support of Taiwan’s international participation is appreciated by the government and people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) March 26. Passed earlier the same day in a 49-0 vote, with five abstentions, the resolution calls on Belgium’s government to strengthen ties with Taiwan via the European Union (EU) and support its meaningful participation in the international governance system, including in the International Civil Aviation Organization, U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change and World Health Organization. The resolution makes clear that safeguarding Taiwan is crucial to wider peace in the Asia Pacific and urges the Belgian government and EU to advocate for the resumption of dialogue between Taipei and Beijing amid China’s ongoing campaign of coercion.
Taiwan, US sign coast guard cooperation MOU
Taiwan and the U.S. completed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a coast guard working group March 25, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said. The pact was signed in Washington by Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴), head of Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S., and Ingrid Larson, managing director of the American Institute in Taiwan. According to the MOFA, the MOU is the first pact signed between Taipei and Washington since U.S. President Joe Biden took office in January. It also reaffirms the determination of the two sides to formalize bilateral exchanges and partnership, the ministry said. Under the pact, the two will work together to preserve maritime resources; reduce illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; and participate in joint maritime research, rescue and environmental response events to ensure the stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region, the MOFA added.
Taiwan wins inaugural Catalyst 2030 Systems Change Award
Taiwan won a top honor in the government category of the inaugural Catalyst 2030 Systems Change Award, spotlighting the country’s efforts to cultivate a collaborative ecosystem addressing key social issues, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs March 26. Selected from among more than 200 total nominees, Taiwan was awarded during the virtual ceremony staged by the Amsterdam-based nongovernmental organization. Minister without Portfolio Audrey Tang (唐鳳) received the prize via livestream on behalf of the government. During her acceptance remarks, Tang said the award demonstrates global recognition of Taiwan’s commitment to promoting social innovation, which has played a vital part in strengthening the government’s response to COVID-19. The country embraces the values of freedom, openness and democracy and is willing and able to share its experiences with countries around the world in line with the Taiwan Can Help spirit, she added.
Tsai vows to uphold democracy, freedom at 228 memorial service
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) pledged Feb. 28 to always uphold the values of democracy and freedom, spotlighting the government’s commitment to truth and reconciliation in the pursuit of transitional justice. Democratic Taiwan has come a long way from the era of authoritarian rule, Tsai said. Efforts to face up to the country’s past are beginning to bear fruit, as demonstrated by an online database listing victims of government persecution launched by the Transitional Justice Commission last year, she added. Tsai made the remarks during an event marking the 74th anniversary of the February 28 Incident held at Kaohsiung Museum of History in the southern Taiwan city. The 228 Incident of 1947 occurred when protesters demanded reforms from the government. When these went unmet, people around Taiwan demonstrated, prompting the arrival of military reinforcements from China who killed many during the ensuing crackdown.
President Tsai touts smart city development in Taiwan
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said March 23 that Taiwan is making great strides toward its policy goal of becoming a “Digital Country, Smart Island,” setting an example for democratic countries around the world when it comes to smart city development. The government is sparing no effort in promoting 5G telecommunications technology under the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program, the president said. To this end, several initiatives have been implemented to set up experimental trials for the development of smart technology applications, she added. These include the Asia Silicon Valley in Taoyuan City, northern Taiwan, as well as Asia New Bay Area and Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City in the southern cities of Kaohsiung and Tainan, Tsai said. The president made the remarks during the opening ceremony of the Smart City Summit and Expo in Taipei City.
Taiwan stages webinar to accelerate women’s economic empowerment
Taiwan staged a webinar aimed at accelerating women’s economic empowerment March 18, underscoring the government’s commitment to working with like-minded partners to boost gender equality around the world. Co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taipei City-based Foundation of Women’s Rights Promotion and Development, and several nongovernmental organizations (NGO) from home and abroad, the event is in line with the spirit of the 65th session of the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women running March 15-26. Participants included experts, legislators, NGO leaders and officials from allies such as Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Palau, as well as like-minded partners Brazil, Brunei, Fiji, India, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, New Zealand, Singapore, Somaliland, Sweden, the Philippines and the U.S.
Cisco launches cybersecurity talent center in Taiwan
U.S.-based Cisco Systems Inc. launched a cybersecurity talent cultivation center March 16 in New Taipei City, underscoring the global networking heavyweight’s commitment to working with Taiwan in boosting local capability in the sector. Jointly set up by the firm’s local branch and Taipei City-based Ausenior Information Co., the center is located in the Startup Terrace Linkou, which operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Small and Medium Enterprise Administration. MOEA Deputy Minister Lin Chuan-neng (林全能) said cybersecurity is a top priority in the government’s industrial development policy. The ministry welcomes Cisco’s decision to set up the center, Lin said, adding that the government looks forward to working closely with the firm in fast-tracking development of top-tier professionals and will channel all available resources in this regard.
Taiwan’s export orders up 9.7 percent in February
Taiwan’s export orders increased 9.7 percent year on year to US$27.79 billion in February, according to the Ministry of Finance (MOF) March 9. The MOF attributed the growth to high demand for chips, display panels and information and communication technology products, as well as the rising number of outbound raw materials shipments. According to statistics revealed by the MOF, optical instruments exports soared 23.8 percent; plastic and rubber products, 18.8 percent; machinery, 16.2 percent; electronics, 14.4 percent; and ICT products, 7.5 percent. China and Hong Kong were Taiwan’s top source of orders, up 14.8 percent to US$1.45 billion, followed by the U.S., up 14.8 percent to US$3.91 billion; Europe, up 8.1 percent to US$2.38 billion; and Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, up 4.2 percent to US$4.72 billion.
Taiwan ranks fourth in Asia-Pacific women entrepreneurs index
Taiwan is rated fourth in the Asia-Pacific in the Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs 2020 report recently released by the U.S.-based financial service company. Moving up three spots from last year to 12th in the world, Taiwan trailed regional neighbors New Zealand, Australia and Thailand but came out ahead of Hong Kong, 15th; Singapore, 24th; South Korea, 38th; and Japan, 47th. Israel, the U.S. and Switzerland topped the global list, in that order. Covering 58 countries and territories representing nearly 80 percent of the world’s female labor force, the report examines work conditions for women across 12 indicators and 25 sub-indicators under three categories: advancement outcomes, knowledge assets and financial access, and supporting entrepreneurial conditions.
Inbound investment from NSP target countries grows 61.6 percent
Inbound investment from countries targeted by Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy (NSP) grew 61.6 percent to US$381 million in the four years since its launch, according to the latest statistics released by the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs March 4. In a statement, the BOFT welcomed the investment growth and looked forward to further strengthening of mutually beneficial trade relations. The change reflects years of work by the government and Taiwan businesses in developing industrial supply chains throughout South and Southeast Asia, it added. A key plank in the government’s national development strategy, the NSP seeks to deepen the country’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand.
NDC projects rosy outlook for Taiwan’s economy in 2021
Taiwan is projected to economically outperform most countries in 2021 on the strength of effective government policies and a global recovery as the COVID-19 pandemic comes under control, the Cabinet-level National Development Council (NDC) said Feb. 17. According to the NDC, while the majority of the world was grappling with the fallout of coronavirus over the past year, Taiwan’s success in managing the disease allowed the country to avoid massive lockdowns and keep its economy on the growth track. With COVID-19 vaccines being widely administered around the world, the global economy is set for a major rebound in the second half of the year, which is expected to trigger exponential growth in business activities across the board, the NDC said.
Taiwan launches COVID-19 vaccination program, with premier, health minister receiving first shots
Taiwan began administering the AstraZeneca (AZ) COVID-19 vaccine March 22, with Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) and Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung (陳時中) receiving the first shots. According to the Executive Yuan, Su got his initial dose at National Taiwan University Hospital in Taipei City as per arrangements by the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC). A total of 116,500 doses of the AZ vaccine had been sealed and delivered to 57 designated sites by March 18, the CECC said, adding that priority will be given to medical personnel working at COVID-19 and negative pressure isolation wards, as well as staff members responsible for specimen collection. The center also advised people who are taking contraceptive pills or undergoing hormone therapy not to receive the immunization.
CIP invites Austronesian youths from 9 countries to compete in traditional games
A flag presentation ceremony for the 2021 Austronesian Traditional Sports Competition took place March 18, underscoring the government’s commitment to deepening Taiwan’s ties with partners across the Indo-Pacific. Presided over by Icyang Parod, minister of the Cabinet-level Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP), the event was attended by Papua New Guinea Trade Office in Taiwan Representative Tommy Kambu Kunji and 21 members of the Austronesian Youth United team hailing from Indonesia, Kiribati, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu and the Philippines. According to the minister, this is the first time in 22 years that athletes from abroad are participating in National Indigenous Games hosted alongside the main event.
Taiwan rated ‘free’ by Freedom House for 23 consecutive years
Taiwan is rated as a free country in the latest Freedom in the World annual report released March 3 by the U.S.-based nongovernmental organization Freedom House. With an aggregate global freedom score of 94, one point up from last year, Taiwan finished second in Asia behind Japan, 96, free. It was followed by South Korea, 83, free; Hong Kong, 52, partly free; and Singapore, 48, partly free. Of the 210 countries and territories included in the report, 40 percent were rated as free, 30 percent as partly free and the remainder not free. In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs tweeted: “Results are in! #Taiwan’s global score is up & the country is the 2nd freest in #Asia. A vibrant democracy & strong #COVID19 response amid a campaign of coercion got the #IslandOfResilience top marks in political rights & civil liberties. Read #FreedomInTheWorld 2021 report.”
MOE, Harvard University to launch 3-year project promoting Taiwan studies
The Ministry of Education (MOE) and U.S.-based Harvard University are set to launch a three-year research initiative promoting Taiwan studies as part of government efforts to boost academic exchanges and cooperation between the two sides, according to the MOE Feb. 16. Based on a memorandum of understanding signed earlier this year by the Education Division of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston and Harvard’s Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies, the project is set to launch in August and will be hosted by the center’s Executive Director Dan Murphy. The pact will annually offer two grants to scholars conducting research in Taiwan, fund advanced language training for six Harvard graduate students and sponsor participation in short-term research programs at Harvard for eight local students.
Taiwan-US satellites reach mission orbits
Formosat-7, a group of six satellites jointly developed by Taiwan and the U.S., has reached its mission orbit, spotlighting government efforts to advance the space technology industry and enhance meteorological monitoring, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) said Feb. 9. Operated by Taiwan’s National Space Organization and U.S.-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the constellation has moved into its designated circular orbit at an altitude of 540-550 kilometers after being released by Space Exploration Technologies Corp. at 720 km in June 2019. According to the MOST, information gathered by Formosat-7 became publicly available March 7 on Taiwan Analysis Center for COSMIC’s website. Utilized by various organizations, the data has already improved the accuracy of weather forecasting by up to 11 percent and increased the accuracy of typhoon formation and movement predictions, the ministry added.
Taiwan to boost child care subsidies, public preschool capacities
Taiwan’s child care subsidies and public preschool capacities will be boosted as part of government efforts to lift the country’s birthrate. Subsidies for households with children under the age of five are set for a rise of NT$1,000 (US$35.77) per month to NT$3,500 (US$128) effective Aug. 1 before increasing by NT$1,500 to NT$5,000 (US$53.57 to US$178.57) a year later. Tuition fees for those attending public preschools aged two to six will fall by NT$1,000 per month from August, with a further cut of NT$500 (US$17.86) around the middle of 2022. The capacities of public child care centers and preschools are to be expanded by 64,000 places for children up to the age of six by 2025.
MOC announces winners of Taiwan-France Cultural Award
Wu Kun-yung (吳坤墉) from Taiwan and Jana S. Rosker from Slovenia are the winners of the 25th Taiwan-France Cultural Award, the Ministry of Culture (MOC) announced March 17 in Taipei City. As a co-founder of the Taiwan Association of French Language Translators, Wu has been avid in his advocacy of local social movements, according to the MOC. Rosker, a professor from the Department of Asian Studies at the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia, has published a series of articles discussing the role of local academics in preserving Eastern philosophy, the MOC said, adding that she has also devoted herself to enhancing Taiwan-Europe cultural exchanges by promoting collegiate cooperation between Taiwan and her home country.
National Taiwan Museum opens new permanent exhibition in Taipei
A new permanent exhibition opened to the public March 15 at National Taiwan Museum (NTM) in Taipei City, highlighting the rich natural and cultural diversity of the country’s past and present. Part of a project aimed at reinvigorating the museum’s collection, “Exploring Taiwan” comprises more than 1,700 artifacts and specimens spanning the realms of anthropology, botany, earth science and zoology. At the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Culture Hsiao Tsung-huang (蕭宗煌) said NTM is an ideal place to learn about Taiwan’s varied landscapes and geology alongside the history and culture of its ethnic groups including the Hoklo, Hakka and indigenous peoples, as well as new immigrants. The museum’s collection showcases the country’s natural beauty and the development of a Taiwan identity, he added.
Cloud Gate Dance Theatre announces Taiwan tour
Cloud Gate Dance Theatre is set to take the classic 2016 production “13 Tongues” by artistic director Cheng Tsung-lung (鄭宗龍) on a monthslong tour of Taiwan, the troupe announced March 9. Based on Cheng’s childhood memories of Taipei’s Wanhua District, “13 Tongues” features choreography inspired by traditional religious rituals and folk songs. The tour is scheduled to kick off in April at the group’s headquarters in New Taipei City, followed by stints in the northern city of Taoyuan May 8-9; central county of Changhua May 15-16; southern Taiwan’s Chiayi County May 22-23 and Tainan City May 29-30; and the eastern county of Hualien June 5-6, before moving back south to Pingtung County June 12-13.
Taiwan director Ang Lee receives France’s top honor
Renowned Taiwan-born director Ang Lee (李安) was conferred with the Knight of the Legion of Honor medal Feb. 3 by Jean-Francois Casabonne-Masonnave, director of French Office in Taipei (FOT), for his outstanding achievements in cinema and culture. In a press release issued the following day, FOT praised the award-winning director, screen writer and producer for his ability to take on a wide range of genres with ease while grounding his works with a deep humanity. Established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Legion of Honor is the highest award bestowed by France on individuals who have made outstanding accomplishments in a wide array of fields including art, culture and democracy.
MOC welcomes donation of late Taiwan artist Hong Rui-lin’s paintings, sketches
A total of 1,496 paintings and 40 sketchbooks by late Taiwan artist Hong Rui-lin (洪瑞麟) were officially donated to the Ministry of Culture (MOC) Feb. 1 in the central city of Taichung, bolstering government efforts to preserve the country’s artistic heritage. The artworks will be placed in the custody of Taichung-based National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts (NTMFA), the ministry said. Born in 1912 in Taipei’s Dadaocheng neighborhood, Hong studied watercolor painting and sketching with Japanese artist Kinichiro Ishikawa (1871-1945) at Taiwan Institute of Fine Arts in 1927. NTMFA Director Liang Yung-fei (梁永斐) thanked the Hong family for the generous donation. The museum will digitalize the works of art, as well as organize exhibitions and forums to introduce the artist to a wider audience, he said. Under the government’s Reconstruction of Taiwan Art History project, many works by the country’s artists have returned home in recent years, according to the MOC.
Photos: 3NG Film, Central News Agency, Cisco Systems Taiwan Ltd., Cloud Gate Dance Theatre, Council of Indigenous Peoples, Executive Yuan, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pang Chia-shan and Presidential Office