News

Taiwan removed from EU tax jurisdiction watch list

2019-03-22 Executive Yuan

At Thursday’s meeting of the Cabinet, Premier Su Tseng-chang said that Taiwan has successfully addressed European Union concerns and no longer appears on the EU’s latest list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions. The premier noted that not only does removal from the list boost Taiwan’s international image and reputation, but even more importantly it assures that local enterprises will remain able to invest and compete in EU member states.

Taiwan semiconductor industry expected to regain world's No. 2 spot

2019-03-22 Focus Taiwan

Despite the slowing global economy, Taiwan's semiconductor industry is expected to pass its South Korean counterpart to regain the second spot in global production value this year, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) said Thursday.

Taiwan-Japan indigenous handicraft show kicks off in New Taipei

2019-03-22 Taiwan Today

The third annual Taiwan-Japan indigenous handicraft exhibition kicked off March 21 in New Taipei...

Tsai arrives in Palau on Oceans of Democracy 2019 Presidential Visit

2019-03-22 Taiwan Today

President Tsai Ing-wen touched down March 21 in Palau on the first leg of her eight-day Oceans of...

Office of the President showcases gifts for state visits to Palau, Nauru, and the Marshall Islands

2019-03-21 Office of the President

President Tsai Ing-wen will lead a delegation themed “Oceans of Democracy” on state visits to Palau, Nauru, and the Marshall Islands, three of Taiwan's allies in the Pacific, from March 21 to 28. On this trip, the president will present distinctively Taiwanese gifts to the respective heads of state and others. On the morning of March 19, the Office of the President convened a press conference to showcase those gifts, and Department of Public Affairs Director-General Chang Wen-lan (張文蘭) described their special features and significance.

Taiwan can play proactive role in international community: Tsai

2019-03-21 Focus Taiwan

Taiwan can be proactive as it pursues an indispensable role in the world community, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Wednesday in a Facebook post in which she listed some of Taiwan's major accomplishments in foreign affairs.

Taiwan's first female baseball umpire receives IOC Award

2019-03-21 Focus Taiwan

Taiwan’s first female baseball umpire-in-chief Liu Po-chun (劉柏君) on Tuesday received the “2019 Women and Sport World Award,” which was granted in New York by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Taiwan, U.S. launch Indo-Pacific Democratic Governance Consultations

2019-03-20 Focus Taiwan

Taiwan and the United States on Tuesday jointly announced the launch of a new dialogue mechanism to achieve closer bilateral cooperation and to defend and promote shared values.

Three X-ray Machines Added by Kaohsiung Customs to Help Prevent Invasion of ASF

2019-03-20 Ministry of Finance

In order to prevent the invasion of African Swine Fever (ASF), the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan (BAPHIQ) and customs have been strengthening border inspection by conducting thorough inspections on carry-on baggage of all air passengers arriving from high risk regions such as Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau since January 16, 2019. Starting from February 19 and March 9 respectively, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand have also been listed by the bureau as high risk regions. To facilitate carry-on baggage inspections, Kaohsiung Customs acquired three additional X-ray baggage inspection machines, two of which were installed at Kaohsiung International Airport (KIA), and the third one was installed at Tainan Airport. Officially put to use on March 13, these machines are supposed to help prevent the attack of ASF, securing the development of related industries in the country.

Tsai to transit in Hawaii after visit to Pacific allies

2019-03-20 Focus Taiwan

President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) will embark on a visit to three Pacific allies Thursday, a trip that will include a stopover in Hawaii on her way home, according to the itinerary released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

President Tsai meets Guatemalan Minister of Defense Major General Luis Ralda

2019-03-19 Office of the President

President Tsai Ing-wen met with Guatemalan Minister of Defense Major General Luis Miguel Ralda Moreno on the morning of March 15. She thanked him for Guatemala's long-standing support for Taiwan at international venues and said that she hopes for more interaction and exchanges to establish a closer bilateral partnership.

Presidential Hackathon kicks off

2019-03-19 Executive Yuan

The Executive Yuan’s Office of Science and Technology on Sunday announced the start of the second-ever Presidential Hackathon, this year exploring the theme “smart nation.”

Southern Taiwan beach music festival to feature 100 performers

2019-03-19 Focus Taiwan

Southern Taiwan’s annual music festival, Spring Break on the Beach, will feature over 100 performers, including disc jockeys from France, the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, when it rocks Kenting in April, according to organizer “On the Beach.”

Eswatini health minister visits Taiwan

2019-03-18 Focus Taiwan

Eswatini Minister of Health Lizzy Nkosi arrived in Taiwan Sunday for a five-day visit aimed at enhancing bilateral exchanges in the areas of health and medical care, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said that day.

President Tsai offers condolences to victims of terror attack in Christchurch, New Zealand

2019-03-18 Office of the President

According to Presidential Office Spokesperson Alex Huang (黃重諺), President Tsai Ing-wen is closely following developments in the terrorist attack that occurred in Christchurch, New Zealand on March 15.

Taiwan appoints first Ambassador at Large for religious freedom, makes donation to US International Religious Freedom Fund

2019-03-18 Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The US Department of State held the first Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom in July 2018, launching the Potomac Plan of Action that called on participating states to create Ambassador at Large positions for religious freedom. The US Department of State also announced the establishment of the International Religious Freedom Fund (I-ReFF) that encourages countries to make donations and leverage related resources for the promotion of religious freedom around the world.

Premier: Help companies move back and invest in Taiwan

2019-03-15 Executive Yuan

At a Cabinet meeting Thursday, Premier Su Tseng-chang directed government agencies to make every effort to clear investment obstacles faced by overseas Taiwanese companies looking to return home. These companies will help transform and upgrade domestic industries while laying a strong foundation for Taiwan’s economic future. Companies that have remained in Taiwan deserve recognition and encouragement as well, he said.

President Tsai meets WorldSkills International board members

2019-03-15 Office of the President

President Tsai Ing-wen met with members of the board of directors from WorldSkills International (WSI) on the morning of March 14. The president explained that the government is making technical and vocational education more dynamic, and encouraging more young students to acquire technical skills. She also expressed hope that Taiwan can work with WSI to share our experiences in promoting technical and vocational education and skills development with friends around the world.

President Tsai to visit Palau, Nauru, Marshall Islands

2019-03-15 Office of the President

On the morning of March 12, the Office of the President held a press conference to announce that President Tsai Ing-wen will lead a delegation to visit Palau and Nauru, leaving from Taiwan on March 21, continuing on to the Marshall Islands to attend an international conference. The planned itinerary was presented by Deputy Foreign Minister Hsu Szu-chien (徐斯儉).

President Tsai convenes National Security Meeting, finalizes strategy and mechanisms for responding to PRC's “one country, two systems model for Taiwan”

2019-03-14 Office of the President

To effectively counter the immense national security challenge posed by China's “one country, two systems model for Taiwan,” and to safeguard the Republic of China's national sovereignty, freedom, and democracy, President Tsai Ing-wen convened a National Security Meeting on March 11. Related agencies briefed the president on matters pertaining to cross-strait ties, foreign relations, the economy, and democracy and the rule of law, and discussions were held by those present. After the meeting, President Tsai proposed guidelines to counter the “one country, two systems model for Taiwan” as a basis for action by Taiwan's national security team and executive branch in responding to this challenge.

Taiwanese students win international architecture prize

2019-03-14 Focus Taiwan

A project created by two graduate students at National Chiao Tung University won the Architecture and Sea Level Rise award at an international architecture competition last year, according to a statement issued recently by the school.

UK and Taiwan sign MOU on Offshore Wind

2019-03-14 Ministry of Transportation and Communications

At the Asia Pacific Wind Energy Expo in Kaohsiung today, the British Office in Taipei and Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on joint co-operation in respect of the development of Taiwan’s offshore wind industry. The signing was witnessed by Wen-Sheng, Tseng, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs and representatives from leading companies in the UK offshore wind supply chain.

Smart manufacturing base in Kaohsiung to boost local economy

2019-03-13 Executive Yuan

Vice Premier Chen Chi-mai on Monday attended a groundbreaking ceremony for a new smart manufacturing base at the Kaohsiung Export Processing Zone, saying the Kaohsiung and Nanzih export processing zones will connect the internet of things with artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing to boost and energize Kaohsiung’s industrial development.

Taiwan to donate US$1 million to U.S. Religious Freedom Fund

2019-03-13 Focus Taiwan

Taiwan announced Tuesday that it will donate US$1 million to a U.S.-initiated fund to help persecuted religious minorities around the world.

Taiwan-U.S. ties the best as TRA enters 40 year: foreign minister

2019-03-13 Focus Taiwan

While the threat posed by China is growing more serious, Taiwan's relations with the United States are stronger than ever as the two countries prepare to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), Taiwan's minister of foreign affairs said in a speech in Los Angeles Monday.

President Tsai attends opening of A Civil Society Dialogue on Securing Religious Freedom in the Indo-Pacific Region

2019-03-12 Office of the President

President Tsai Ing-wen attended the opening ceremony of “A Civil Society Dialogue on Securing Religious Freedom in the Indo-Pacific Region” on the morning of March 11. She said that the state should not try to control religious organisations, and that government should create an environment of tolerance and acceptance, and a respect for minorities and diversity. The president also emphasized that Taiwan will continue to strengthen value-based partnerships with like-minded friends around the world to create a world where people are free from fear of persecution, or the fear of exile because of their religion or ethnicity.

President Tsai meets Samuel Brownback, US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom

2019-03-12 Office of the President

President Tsai Ing-wen, accompanied by Vice President Chen Chien-jen, met with US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Samuel Brownback at noon on March 11. The president stated that Taiwan is very willing to work with the United States to contribute to religious freedom and democratic development. She also expressed hope for closer cooperation between Taiwan and the United States in the future, so as to strengthen our bilateral partnership.

U.S. lawmakers express support for Taiwan on 40th anniversary of TRA

2019-03-12 Focus Taiwan

Several heavyweight members of the United States Congress from different political parties have appeared in a congratulatory video clip to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA).

On Women’s Day, Premier Su thanks women for contributions to Taiwan

2019-03-11 Executive Yuan

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, to be celebrated March 8, Premier Su Tseng-chang on Thursday conveyed his gratitude to all the women of Taiwan, whether at home or in the workplace, for making quiet yet significant contributions to the nation.

President Tsai meets delegation from International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

2019-03-11 Office of the President

President Tsai Ing-wen met with a delegation from the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) on the morning of March 8. She praised the Taiwan Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology (TAOG) for helping Taiwan reach out to the world through their medical expertise, and emphasized that Taiwan will continue to strive to ensure the rights of women and children as well as women's rights globally.

Taiwan welcomes US ambassador for religious freedom

2019-03-11 Focus Taiwan

Taiwan on Sunday welcomed U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, who is visiting the country to attend a first ever regional religious freedom forum.

AIT lauds 2019 as 'Pivotal Year' for U.S.-Taiwan relations

2019-03-08 Focus Taiwan

2019 is a “pivotal year” for U.S.-Taiwan relations, John J. Norris Jr., Managing Director of the Washington Office of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), said Wednesday.

Biomedical industry growing on the back of new drugs, medical devices

2019-03-08 Executive Yuan

At the Cabinet’s weekly meeting Thursday, Premier Su Tseng-chang applauded strong results from the Ministry of Science and Technology’s (MOST) Biomedical Industry Innovation Program in 2018, including overall revenue growth of 5.5 percent to NT$514.1 billion (US$17 billion), and higher numbers of drug and device approvals received domestically and abroad. Taiwan also became a member of the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use last year.

Taiwan farm products well received in Japan

2019-03-08 Focus Taiwan

A delegation led by the Council of Agriculture (COA) to a recent international food and beverage expo in Japan took home orders worth billions of Taiwan dollars.

European Parliament members express support for Taiwan

2019-03-07 Focus Taiwan

Members of the European Parliament on Tuesday expressed support for Taiwan and highlighted the importance of establishing a partnership between Taiwan and Europe.

Foreign minister to speak on Taiwan's role in Indo-Pacific

2019-03-07 Focus Taiwan

Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) has been invited to speak in Los Angeles later this month on Taiwan's possible role in U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Wednesday.

Taiwan listed as top Asian country for gender rights: report

2019-03-07 Focus Taiwan

Taiwan is the top country in Asia in terms of giving women and men equal rights under the law, according to a women's empowerment study released recently by the World Bank.

President Tsai meets Cardinal Fernando Filoni, Prefect of Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples

2019-03-06 Office of the President

President Tsai Ing-wen met with a delegation led by Cardinal Fernando Filoni, Prefect of the Vatican's Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples on the afternoon of February 28. President Tsai stated that Taiwan and the Vatican share the common values of freedom, human rights, and benevolence. In the future, Taiwan will continue to partner with the Holy See in humanitarian and charitable work, contributing even more to the world, she said.

President Tsai meets Marshall Islands Nitijela Speaker Kenneth A. Kedi

2019-03-06 Office of the President

President Tsai Ing-wen met with a delegation led by Speaker of the Marshall Islands Nitijela (Parliament) Kenneth A. Kedi on the afternoon of March 4. The president stated that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands will continue building an even closer partnership to bring about further results in all areas of cooperation.

Young ambassadors sought for service in Southeast Asia, Pacific

2019-03-06 Focus Taiwan

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is now recruiting people for its youth ambassador program to help build closer ties with countries in the Pacific, Southeast Asia, and South Asia, it said Tuesday.

Premier announces flexible labor policy for fisheries industry

2019-03-05 Executive Yuan

Premier Su Tseng-chang on Wednesday traveled to southern Taiwan’s Pingtung County, where he visited the seafood market in Donggang to better understand the implementation of food safety procedures. He also announced a policy of flexible scheduling for workers in the fisheries industry, noting that the special nature of crewing fishing vessels dictates that working hours be counted differently, as provided for in Article 84-1 of the Labor Standards Act. Employers and fishermen should work together to schedule appropriate working times and days off so as to meet the practical needs of job.

President Tsai attends ceremonies to mark 72nd anniversary of 228 Incident

2019-03-05 Office of the President

President Tsai Ing-wen attended the nation's main memorial ceremony to mark the 72nd anniversary of the 228 Incident on the afternoon of February 28, which was themed “Truth—Dignity—Moving Forward Together.” In addition to presenting flowers to show respect for the victims, the president emphasized that her government's goal in pursuing transitional justice is to enable all persons residing in Taiwan to live each day with peace of mind—to read freely, express opinions freely, and build a better democratic society together. She said that the people of Taiwan will not forget the 228 Incident. She also declared that all facts which have not yet come to light will gradually be revealed as transitional justice continues to progress, and will remain indelibly imprinted in the memories of Taiwanese who have so ardently hoped to learn the truth.

Taiwan's newly developed hybrid orchids win major prizes

2019-03-05 Focus Taiwan

Three unique hybrid orchids developed by the Kaohsiung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station have won four prizes at an international orchid show in Taiwan for their exotic appearance and fragrance.

Pope has his heart with Catholics in Taiwan: special envoy

2019-03-04 Focus Taiwan

The 4th National Eucharistic Congress in Taiwan took place in Yunlin County on Friday, during which Pope Francis' special envoy said the pontiff's heart was with Catholics here.

Taiwan's Tsao Chun-yu breaks national record in Tokyo Marathon

2019-03-04 Focus Taiwan

Taiwanese Tsao Chun-yu (曹純玉) ran the 2019 Tokyo Marathon in a time of just over two hours and 36 minutes on Sunday, breaking a 15-year national record and finishing 17th in the women's race.

Taiwan, Philippines agree to improve Davao port management

2019-03-04 Focus Taiwan

Taipei and Manila has agreed to share information on fishery inspection, improve management of Davao port and the environment for Taiwanese fishing vessels to unload their catches.

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