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Taiwan, Japan pledge further cooperation
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) anticipated further collaboration with Japan in areas of artificial intelligence, drones, hydrogen energy and semiconductors to advance mutual prosperity as he met with a delegation led by Yasutoshi Nishimura, current member of Japan’s House of Representatives and former economic minister, May 5 at the Presidential Office in Taipei City. The president thanked the Japanese government for its ongoing support of Taiwan at major international events such as the U.S.-Japan Joint Leaders’ summit and the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting. In light of current global economic volatility, Taiwan continues to seek entry to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and is also discussing signing an economic partnership agreement with Japan, Lai added. In response, Nishimura said he believed that, working in tandem, Taiwan and Japan could forge a more resilient semiconductor supply chain.
Lai urges solidarity on 1st anniversary of presidency
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) praised progress made by committees addressing climate change, health promotion and social resilience in an address May 20 in Taipei City marking the first anniversary of his inauguration. He also said that he believes the people of Taiwan will maintain solidarity and forward momentum with enthusiasm, perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges. The Executive Yuan and its agencies have produced 20 flagship carbon reduction projects and aim to achieve the new 2035 national target of emission reductions of 36-40 percent. Lai stressed that Taiwan is a beacon of democracy in Asia and plays a pivotal role in regional security. He expressed hope that citizens would continue working together to make Taiwan a model for world peace and a force for global prosperity.
Former VP Chen attends Pope Leo XIV inaugural mass
Former Vice President Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁), in his capacity as special envoy from President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), attended Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass May 18 in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. Following the mass, Chen had an audience with the new leader of the global Catholic Church and presented a congratulatory letter signed by Lai. On arrival in Rome, Chen met with representatives of allies Eswatini and Haiti. The diplomatic ties between Taiwan and the Holy See date to 1942 and are built on a shared belief in the universal values of freedom, peace and respect for human rights.
Foreign Minister Lin gives interview to Asharq Al-Awsat
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said Taiwan is committed to working with like-minded partners to build a more resilient and diversified supply network. The minister made the remarks in an interview for an article published May 19 by London-based newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat. It was the first interview of a Taiwan foreign minister by an Arabic-language outlet in 35 years. Lin said Taiwan is a key link in global supply chains as it produces 60 percent of the world’s semiconductors and up to 95 percent of the most advanced chips. The government will continue to deploy its strengths, expertise and services to create smart solutions that advance the development of allies and foster mutually beneficial relations with like-minded countries, he added.
Taiwan urges WHA inclusion
Health and Welfare Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) urged the World Health Assembly, the World Health Organization’s decision-making body, to include Taiwan as an observer at its 78th session May 19-27 in Geneva. Chiu said Taiwan will highlight its contributions to health by holding bilateral meetings, international press conferences and seminars on the event’s sidelines and thanked the international community for supporting Taiwan. At a news conference May 18 to advocate for Taiwan’s WHA participation, Chiu said the country is an active participant in international health cooperation and has extensive expertise in areas spanning epidemic response, humanitarian assistance and medical technology innovation, adding that Taiwan’s exclusion from the WHO and WHA leaves a breach in the global health network.
Taiwan, Guatemala sign a semiconductor cooperation LOI
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) welcomed Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo June 5 in Taipei City. The two presidents then met to discuss the bilateral partnership and the furthering of cooperation advancing the development of global democracy. Arévalo said that consolidating existing partnerships and strengthening cooperation in science and technology, the economy, education, and medical care will move the relationship to new levels as they pursue human well-being together. The two countries have common goals and clear cooperation guidelines and directions, Arévalo emphasized. He added that Taiwan is an important partner for Guatemala and the Taiwan-Guatemala Free Trade Agreement has advanced bilateral trade. Both presidents mentioned the ongoing semiconductor vocational training, which has attracted enthusiastic participation from Guatemalan college students, engineers and teachers. The two heads of state then signed a letter of intent for semiconductor cooperation.
Investment seminar offers new opportunities
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo attended a seminar on investment opportunities in Guatemala June 5 in Taipei City, underscoring commitment to enhancing reciprocal economic and trade development. Gabriela García, the ally’s economic minister, gave a briefing on the investment climate and business opportunities and said she hoped that Taiwan entrepreneurs would utilize Guatemala’s location as a base to expand markets in central America. Arévalo also visited Hsinchu Science Park in the northern city of the same name to seek opportunities for cooperation and gain insight into the history and achievements of local industries by visiting semiconductor and textile businesses.
MOEA hosts symposium to boost green transition
The Ministry of Economic Affairs staged a symposium on enhancing green competitiveness under the auspices of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation June 17 in the southern city of Kaohsiung. The MOEA said that the event, focused on micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), drew corporate leaders from APEC member economies including Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the U.S. The ministry added that discussions covered applications of artificial intelligence in carbon reduction, the development of a circular economy and green policy trends, and pledged to continue exchange and cooperation with fellow APEC members to strengthen the competitiveness of domestic MSMEs.
Taiwan moves to sixth in IMD world competitiveness ranking
Taiwan is No. 6 in the latest World Competitiveness Ranking published June 17 by Switzerland-based International Institute for Management Development, according to the National Development Council. In a survey of 69 major economies worldwide, Switzerland topped the list, followed by Singapore, Hong Kong, Denmark and the United Arab Emirates, in that order. The NDC said this marks the fifth year in a row that Taiwan was rated first among economies with a population of more than 20 million people. Analysis of the 262 criteria that made up the overall survey shows that Taiwan led the world in freely elected government, entrepreneurship and sustainable development, among other criteria. The NDC called the annual rankings a valuable policymaking reference, adding that Taiwan will use the ranking as an assessment tool to inform development in economic resilience and global competitiveness and ensure the country continues to progress despite global challenges.
Taiwan guavas, mangoes get green light for export to EU
Taiwan-grown guavas and mangoes have been cleared by the EU Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety for shipment to the region, marking a new chapter in government promotion of local agricultural exports to the world. The Ministry of Agriculture called the development a reflection of global recognition of Taiwan’s capabilities in plant quarantine, disease and pest control. The government will continue to work with local farmers to ensure that they follow global traceability and export quarantine standards and will help expand cooperation with partner distributors and organize promotional events in target markets. The MOA said it prioritizes cooperation with agricultural businesses in France, Lithuania, Poland and the Netherlands to bring quality Taiwan agricultural products to consumers.
Startups make waves at BIO International Convention
A delegation comprising eight biotech startups from Taiwan is taking part in the BIO International Convention June 16-19 in the U.S. city of Boston to showcase cutting-edge biomedical products and innovative technologies. The firms span sectors such as artificial intelligence-based pharmaceutical research and development and treatment for cancer and neurodegeneration, the National Science and Technology Council said. Taipei City-based Pharmasaga Co., a developer of novel small-molecule drugs to treat and reverse diabetes, is a finalist in the convention’s Start-up Stadium, a program that provides startups with opportunities to engage with the global investment community. The country’s expertise in AI-driven health care, biomanufacturing and precision medicine is on full display at the Taiwan pavilion, which features 35 local firms, one industry association and six research institutes.
British influencers promote Taiwan in Europe
Four British social media influencers were invited by the Tourism Administration to visit Taiwan April 24-30 to promote the country to younger generations in Europe. According to the TA, Taiwan recorded around 350,000 European visitors in 2024, up 17 percent from 2023. The TA said the four content creators, travel blogger Jennifer Tuffen (known as @izkiz on Instagram and X), photographer Umit Yoruk (@iamtravelr on Instagram) and vacationing duo Hand Luggage Only (@handluggageonly on Instagram and Tik Tok), collectively boast more than 6.5 million followers. While visiting Alishan National Scenic Area in central Taiwan, the four experienced Indigenous Tsou tribal culture and cuisine, as well as the area’s renowned tea culture. Although the four influencers are no strangers to Taiwan, they were still amazed by the hospitality and culture, and said they hope to visit again soon.
Taiwan takes part in APEC human resources ministerial meeting
Minister of Labor Hung Sun-han (洪申翰) is leading a delegation to the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting May 11-13 in Jeju, South Korea, to promote cross-border cooperation. Themed “Sustainable Labor Markets and Jobs for the Future,” the event is the first such APEC meeting in 11 years and features two plenary discussions. In addition to speaking at the “Flexible and Vibrant Labor Market” and “Responding to Future Jobs and Active Labor Market Policies” sessions, Hung exchanged views with his counterparts on issues such as cross-border personnel recruitment. He applauded APEC for facilitating experience sharing among member economies, which he said would help Taiwan bring its policies more in line with global standards.
SA releases video for Ministry of Sport launch
The Ministry of Education’s Sports Administration released a video May 12 to promote the 2025 presidential cup games and the launch of the Ministry of Sport, highlighting government commitment to creating an environment conducive to exercise for all. The film features national team baseball player Chen Chieh-hsien (陳傑憲) and comedian Tai Chi-yuan (邰智源) and introduces the sports to be played at the games, which will be held by the SA and Taipei City-based General Association of Chinese Culture in the second half of the year. The video also introduces the Ministry of Sport, whose brief is to support Taiwan athletes by upgrading training environments, encouraging the general public to engage in sports and raising the country’s global athletic profile, the SA said.
MOE unveils achievements of campus design initiative
An event presenting the results of the Ministry of Education’s Design Movement on Campus project was held June 2 at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park in Taipei City. The event featured 21 successful examples from around Taiwan. Their themes ranged from “openness and locality,” “creative stage” and “support and care” to “diversified exploration” and “teacher growth.” One such project was undertaken at National Hengchun Vocational High School in the southern county of Pingtung. The school transformed an unused space into an outdoor venue for coffee-making and ecology courses in addition to interactive community activities. The initiative seeks to turn campuses into open environments that boost students’ creativity, emotional expression, local identity and social connection.
Tour de France L’Étape series to open in Sun Moon Lake
The second edition of the Tour de France-certified L’Étape Sun Moon Lake cycling event is set to kick off Oct. 18 at Xiangshan Visitor Center in central Taiwan’s Nantou County, the Tourism Administration said June 4. As the first Asian event in this year’s L’Étape series, the race will involve cyclists from over 30 countries and comprise 29-kilometer and 104-kilometer routes. According to the TA, the event gives participants a Tour de France-like experience on a cycling path ranked as one of the world’s top 10 by CNNGo, an online travel guide affiliated with U.S.-based Cable News Network. This year also marks the first time that an e-bike race has been added to the event to expand its scale, the administration said. The 2025 edition is expected to sustain the momentum from last year, when over 3,000 cyclists took part, the TA said.
Taiwan, Philippines ink disaster prevention pact
Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction and the Philippines’ Iloilo City signed an agreement on enhancing early earthquake detection and precipitation measurement June 10 in the Philippine city. NCDR Director Hongey Chen (陳宏宇), one of the signatories, emphasized that Taiwan and the Philippines are both located in disaster-prone areas. The two sides’ technological cooperation will boost overall disaster prevention capacity and social resilience in the region, he said. The other signatory was Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, who expressed appreciation for the NCDR’s long-standing support for the city, adding that the pact reflects the city government’s determination to promote emergency preparedness. The NSTC said in a statement that the agreement demonstrates commitment to ramping up international disaster prevention technology exchanges.
President Lai praises Vox Nativa Children’s Choir
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) received Vox Nativa Children’s Choir June 10 at the Presidential Office in Taipei City, lauding the group’s recent high-profile performances in Europe. While in the Holy See, the choir attended the May 28 general audience and performed a traditional ballad in Bunun for the pope. The Nantou County-based ensemble, whose members are mainly drawn from the Indigenous Bunun people of that area, also performed with the Sistine Chapel Children’s Choir at Rome’s Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone before heading to Germany, Poland and Austria as part of its European tour through June 10.
Taiwan is guest of honor at Seoul International Book Fair
Taiwan is prepared to dazzle audiences as guest of honor at the 2025 Seoul International Book Fair running June 18-22 in the South Korean capital, the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) said June 10. The national pavilion will feature six sections on literature, lifestyle, images, land and travel, food and entertainment, and history. The Taiwan delegation will comprise around 300 representatives from the publishing sector, including 23 writers, cartoonists and illustrators whose works have been published in Korean. The pavilion will also organize more than 60 events including musical performances, workshops, author meet-and-greets and DIY and cultural experience sessions. The TAICCA said this marks the fourth time that Taiwan has been featured as the guest of honor or theme nation at an international book fair, following the 2007 and 2018 editions of the Bangkok International Book Fair and the 2012 Angouleme International Comics Festival in France.
Taiwan folk art troupe showcases skills in Japan
Chio-Tian Folk Drums and Art Troupe performed in Tokyo and Osaka at the end of May to showcase Taiwan’s traditional culture. May 22 saw the group awe guests at a reception in Tokyo co-hosted by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan and the Embassy of the Republic of Paraguay in Japan, with sponsorship from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. President Santiago Peña Palacios of Paraguay attended, as did Lee Yi-yang (李逸洋), head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Japan, and Keiji Furuya, chair of the Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council. The troupe drew an audience of more than 200 people to a performance the following day at Osaka’s ABC Hall, organizer TECO Osaka added. The MOFA said that Cho-Tian, along with other acrobatic and opera troupes, performed in Taipei City for President Lai Ching-te (賴清德)’s inauguration ceremony May 20, 2024.
MOC unveils Taiwan cultural program for Expo 2025
The Ministry of Culture unveiled the details of key cultural engagement and global connection initiative We TAIWAN June 19. According to the MOC, We TAIWAN comprises four programs to spotlight Taiwan’s prowess in combining cultural diversity and technology in art. It kicks off Aug. 2 and runs through Aug. 20 at various sites in the Japanese city of Osaka, which is hosting the international Expo 2025. According to the MOC, Taiwan’s Tech World pavilion at the Expo showcases the country’s skill and panache in digital applications and smart technology. Its major features respond to the expo theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”
FM Lin pledges to promote Taiwan culture in Europe
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said June 19 that the government is committed to hosting more cultural activities in Europe. Lin made the remarks while accompanying a European media group as they met members of the cast of the local production “Zeelandia” in Taipei City. Underway until June 29 at the Taipei Performing Arts Center, the Mandarin-language musical depicts how the Han, Indigenous Siraya and Dutch cultures intertwined in Taiwan in the 17th century. The show is a great example of cultural diplomacy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, adding that it also cooperated with the Ministry of Culture and the National Palace Museum to launch the Taiwan Culture in Europe 2025 initiative. Lin noted that a wide range of events will be held under the initiative, including exhibitions of NPM artifacts in the Czech Republic and France in September and November, respectively.
NPM gears up for centennial celebrations
Taipei City-based National Palace Museum held a press event May 7 in the capital to update the public on planned centennial celebrations and progress on renovation projects. Director Hsiao Tsung-huang (蕭宗煌) said that 2025 also marks 60 years since its relocation to Taiwan and 10 years since the southern branch opened. Over the last century, the NPM has evolved into an international facility while preserving Taiwan’s historical memories, he said, explaining that the upcoming celebrations will look back at the museum’s past and chart its path forward. Other major initiatives include several exhibitions comprising works from its own collections, shows on loan from Japanese museums and the Museum of the Asian Arts of Paris, and exhibitions of treasures from the NPM in Prague in September and in France in November.
Photos: Presidential Office, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Asharq Al-Aswat, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Science and Technology Council, Tourism Administration, General Association of Chinese Culture
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