foreign affairs 結果共121筆

LINE TODAY, an information site by LY Corporation, reveals the top 10 news topics in 2023. Entertainment news, mainly linked to #MeToo movement sexual harassment incidents involving Taiwanese celebrities, tops the list. Coco Lee’s passing, a Hong Kong-American Mandarin pop singer-songwriter, ranks second. Relaxed pandemic policies causing a resurgence of viruses takes the third spot. Taiwanese people show high sensitivity to international affairs, reflected in comments and shares on the ＂TODAY Sees the World＂ channel. Popular polls and quizzes cover leisure, entertainment, livelihood, and policy topics, including Apple products, the president’s salary, and the ＂Slam Dunk＂ manga quiz.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses gratitude to ministers from five diplomatic allies for advocating for Taiwan at COP28. Leaders from Paraguay, Palau, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Tuvalu, and Eswatini voiced support for Taiwan at the World Climate Summit, marking another step forward for Taiwan’s international backing. Haiti’s Minister of Environment acknowledged Taiwan’s dedication to addressing climate change, while the Marshall Islands’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade affirmed Taiwan’s deserving of observer status in such forums. Guatemala’s Minister of Environment and Natural Resources showcased Taiwan’s contributions to climate change efforts, and Nauru’s Deputy Minister of Climate Change & National Resilience appreciated Taiwan’s support for the Just Transition fund in the Pacific. Taiwan emphasizes its eagerness to work with allies and urges the global community to support its meaningful participation in the UNFCCC.

Taiwanese writer Lo Sen has been missing in China since November last year and is suspected to be detained by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stated that neither Lo Sen nor his family have sought assistance from any Taiwanese authorities, including the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF). Lo Sen, known for his adult novels, was recently reported to have been sentenced to 12 years on charges of profiting from privately publishing pornography. The MAC highlighted the CCP’s intensified internal security management, which has resulted in disruptions and restrictions on personal freedom for Taiwanese citizens and foreign enterprises in China. The MAC urged Taiwanese citizens to register with the ＂Mainland Travel Dynamic Registration＂ system before traveling to China to facilitate assistance in emergencies. The SEF has received reports of Taiwanese citizens being interrogated upon entry into China, with various reasons for the scrutiny, including the possession of religious-related books, posing challenges to cross-strait exchanges.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Wang Wenbin, strongly opposes Italy’s decision to withdraw from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (OBOR), dismissing attempts to smear the global infrastructure project. Wang emphasizes that OBOR has expanded to over 150 countries since its establishment and asserts that it is the most popular international public product and the largest platform for international cooperation. He points to the 3rd Belt and Road Forum, which was attended by representatives from 151 countries and 41 international organizations, as evidence of the initiative’s global appeal and influence. Wang firmly rejects any negative portrayal of OBOR and emphasizes China’s preference for cooperation rather than forming divisive blocs.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Taiwan welcomes and expresses gratitude for the joint statement made by G7 member countries, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The G7 urged the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues and opposed any attempts to change the status quo through force or coercion. MOFA highlighted China’s military expansion in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, which poses a significant threat to security in the Indo-Pacific region. Throughout the year, various international statements have reiterated the centrality of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. MOFA emphasizes Taiwan’s key role in the Indo-Pacific and commits to continuing cooperation with the G7 to strengthen global democratic alliances against authoritarianism.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih proposes a pro-US and China diplomatic stance, diverging from incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen’s approach. Hou criticizes Tsai’s foreign affairs and cross-strait policies, blaming the Tsai administration for Taiwan’s diplomatic isolation, failure to join regional economic bodies, and lack of communication with China. Hou emphasizes adhering to the Constitution of the Republic of China, affirming the nation’s sovereignty, and proposing a balanced stance between fostering solid ties with the United States and engaging with Mainland China. He also highlights the importance of Taiwan being prepared and realistic about its defense, suggesting that the island’s security should not rely solely on promises from the US but on its efforts and pragmatic relations with democratic allies. Political commentator Jaw Shau-kong fiercely criticizes the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for being pro-US and anti-China, deeming Tsai’s policies on cross-strait relations and international diplomacy a complete failure. Jaw points out that despite Taiwan’s willingness to import American pork, the support has yet to translate into the U.S. helping with Taiwan’s entry into international organizations.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has pledged an additional $2 million over the next five years to support the Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC). The donation aims to enhance the fisheries capabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including Taiwan’s Pacific allies. MOFA has already contributed $2 million since 2017 to establish a foundation that promotes sustainable fishery practices and economic development in these communities. The Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission is currently holding its annual session in the Cook Islands.

Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, the presidential candidate for the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), aims to win a total of 10 seats in the upcoming Legislative Yuan elections. He plans to maintain President Tsai Ing-wen’s foreign affairs policies while adopting a friendlier approach to cross-strait relations and emphasizing Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. Despite his pro-Democratic Progressive Party stance, Ko aims for a non-partisan approach to governance, drawing on his experience as a physician. He believes that the key to his success lies in the turnout of young voters and aspires to make Taiwan a ＂normal country.＂ Ko has been using his media platform, ＂KP TV,＂ and participating in interviews to enhance his media presence. Cynthia Wu has been chosen as the vice-presidential candidate for the TPP. Ko hinted at the possibility of involving Terry Gou, founder of Foxconn, in the campaign after discussing economic policies with Gou’s team. While Ko did not provide specific vote estimates, he mentioned that around 5.5 million votes are needed to win the presidency. He also suggested that if the TPP and the Kuomintang (KMT) were to part ways, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) might gain a majority in the Legislative Yuan.

Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Wu, warns of China’s increasing interference and cognitive warfare tactics as Taiwan’s elections approach. China is using a ＂hybrid warfare＂ strategy involving military actions, economic pressure, disinformation campaigns, and unlawful financial flows to influence the election results. Taiwan’s government is actively countering these tactics by strengthening communication with the public, enhancing media literacy, and collaborating with public and private sectors. Wu calls for a united front among international allies to enhance democratic resilience and increase awareness of China’s unfriendly actions. This reflects Taiwan’s efforts to preserve its sovereignty and democratic values amid rising tensions with China.

Hsiao Bi-khim, the Democratic Progressive Party’s vice-presidential candidate, warned against complacency during her campaign stop in Taichung, Taiwan, emphasizing the intense electoral competition across the country. She embarked on her first-ever campaign sweep in a specialized vehicle provided by the National Security Bureau and joined forces with Legislator Lin Ching-yi of Taichung’s 2nd electoral district. Hsiao visited Lin’s campaign headquarters in Wuri District and held a press conference with the legislator. She then boarded a high-security campaign vehicle, complete with bulletproof glass and guarded by national security personnel. Hsiao’s campaign received presidential-level support, including a motorcade of ten vehicles and police motorcycles dedicated to her protection. Reflecting on the challenges of the campaign trail, Hsiao acknowledged the contrast to her past electoral experiences in Hualien. This visit to Taichung was significant for Hsiao, as she expressed her honor in supporting Lin, a colleague known for her strong sense of justice and camaraderie. Hsiao and Lin have long championed foreign affairs and gender equality issues together. Today’s itinerary will take Hsiao through four electoral districts in Taichung, underscoring the importance of each district in her campaign tour.

11月30日美國最新出版的《外交事務》(Foreign Affairs)期刊，刊登了葛來儀(Bonnie Glaser)、白潔曦(Jessic Weiss)及柯慶生(Thomas Christensen)三位著名兩岸問題專家，聯名撰寫的〈台灣與威懾的真正來源－為什麼美國必須安撫中國，而非僅是威脅中國〉(Taiwan and the True Sources of Deterrence－Why America Must Reassure, Not Just Threaten, China)的文章。作者在文中指出「為了阻遏戰爭，台灣必須讓北京的領導人們相信，和平統一還是有可能的」一段話，因統一在台灣已是政治禁忌，故並未為媒體所報導。

美國《外交事務》期刊（Foreign Affairs）日前刊登華府智庫「德國馬歇爾基金會」（GMF）印太研究主任葛來儀等3名美中關係學者聯名文章，文中提及民進黨總統候選人賴清德若勝選，應重新考慮凍結台獨黨綱。國民黨也要求賴對此表態，不過卻遭葛來儀本人表示「斷章取義」。對此，國民黨主席朱立倫今（3）日表示，賴清德這位台獨金孫，引起國際人士的關切，國民黨很清楚，美國從官方到學術單位的看法就是不贊成台獨。

The Central Election Commission (CEC) has announced that all presidential and vice presidential candidates in Taiwan’s upcoming elections have submitted consent forms for nationality verification to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. One candidate, Cynthia Wu of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), has come under scrutiny for allegedly retaining her U.S. citizenship. Lawmakers from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the Kuomintang (KMT) have called on Wu to provide proof of her nationality status. The CEC aims to finalize the list of candidates by December 5 and announce the official roster on December 15. The DPP has nominated Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim, while the TPP has put forward Ko Wen-je and Cynthia Wu. The KMT has endorsed Hou Yu-ih and Jaw Shaw-kong. The focus now shifts to transparency and eligibility, with citizenship concerns becoming a central issue in the political discourse. The CEC’s timeline allows for any issues to be resolved before the formal candidate list is published, ensuring a fair and democratic election process.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has condemned North Korea for launching a military reconnaissance satellite, marking the 22nd instance in 2023 of North Korea deploying missiles or satellites. MOFA expressed grave concerns over this provocation, stating that it undermines regional peace and security. The ministry called on North Korea to comply with UN Security Council resolutions and engage in dialogue to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the surrounding area. North Korea’s state media outlet, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), reported the successful placement of the satellite into Earth’s orbit and plans for future launches.

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai commended Hsiao Bi-khim for her extensive knowledge of the United States and Japan, as well as her expertise in Taiwan’s foreign affairs. Chen expressed admiration for the ＂Lai-Hsiao team＂ and acknowledged Hsiao’s diplomatic skills, particularly her connections with political figures in the U.S. and Japan. He emphasized Hsiao’s familiarity with Taiwan’s foreign affairs but stressed the importance of respecting the yet-to-be-announced vice presidential candidate. Chen and Hsiao have collaborated for several years in Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan.

Lai Ching-te, the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) presidential candidate, has announced on Facebook that he has invited Hsiao Bi-khim to be his running mate in the 2024 Presidential Election. Lai believes that Hsiao, Taiwan’s representative to the U.S., is an excellent choice and has fostered extraordinary closeness in Taiwan-U.S. relations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) also praised Hsiao’s significant contributions to Taiwan-U.S. relations, and she is widely recognized as an exceptional diplomat. Hsiao, a former DPP legislator, has submitted her resignation, which is expected to take effect in a few days. Foreign Minister Joseph Wu has granted her leave during this period.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is currently verifying reports that Myanmar has handed over six Taiwanese telecom fraudsters to China. The MOFA is working with the Ministry of Justice, National Police Agency, and National Immigration Agency to bring these stranded citizens back to Taiwan. Myanmar’s Wa State, known for its independent judicial system and close ties with China, is where the transfer took place. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Myanmar is actively assisting Taiwanese citizens in their return. This is the first public announcement by Myanmar of transferring Taiwanese individuals involved in telecom fraud.

Taiwan’s application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) has been delayed since 2021, according to Kuomintang legislator Johnny Chiang. Chiang expressed concerns about the government’s progress in establishing a task force for the CPTPP and questioned the allocation of a NT$12 million budget for hosting discussion forums. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has proposed three strategies to take relevant action when Canada assumes leadership of the CPTPP Commission next year. These strategies include building informal communication channels with CPTPP attendees, facilitating effective communication teams with key opinion leaders, and engaging with members who hold unfavorable stances towards Taiwan’s CPTPP entry. The MOFA sees the year 2024 as a gateway for Taiwan to access international opportunities.

Taiwanese health authorities plan to include Chinese students in the island’s health insurance starting from the 2024 school year, according to Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan. Currently, international students must wait six months after arriving in Taiwan to be eligible for health insurance. The reform was prompted by concerns from Paraguay about the health rights of its students in Taiwan and was supported by Vice President Lai Ching-te, who advocated for equal treatment of Chinese students. Currently, international students with a residence permit and six months of residency in Taiwan can apply for health insurance at a cost of NT$826 per person per month. The Ministry of Health and Welfare, along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Mainland Affairs Council, has been considering this measure for some time and has evaluated its financial impact. The inclusion of Chinese students in the health insurance program will require adjustments to premiums for all international students, but the overall impact is expected to be minimal. The new measure will not apply to students who are in Taiwan for short periods and not pursuing a degree. However, it could be implemented as early as September 2024 for international students with a residence permit. Despite a halt on Chinese students coming to Taiwan since 2020, 378 students registered in 2022. The peak of Chinese students in Taiwan was in 2016, with a total of 41,975 students.

Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Wu, delivered a speech at Riga Stradins University in Latvia, clarifying Taiwan’s position amid tensions with China. Despite enduring military intimidation, diplomatic isolation, and economic threats from China, Taiwan remains committed to achieving peace through open conversation while being pragmatic and prepared for potential risks. Wu praised the diplomatic relationship between Taiwan and Latvia, as both countries share similar paths to democracy and the establishment of sovereign statehood. However, both countries face unprecedented security challenges, with a standoff between democracy and autocracy driving the current international conflict. Wu emphasized that established democracies cannot ignore the expansion of authoritarianism, which seeks to undermine the rules-based international order. In light of President Tsai’s decision to restore one-year military service, Wu stressed the importance of being armed to protect Taiwan’s freedom, as the cost of losing it is unbearable for a democratic society.

Former Taiwan foreign affairs official in New York, Lu Chih-chien, is being investigated for allegations of improper behavior and sexual harassment. Lu was previously reprimanded for an inappropriate relationship during his assignment in New York and was later posted to the Taipei Liaison Office in South Africa. However, in July 2023, an allegation of sexual harassment emerged, leading to his recall to Taiwan. The Control Yuan members, Wang Mei-yu and Yeh I-chin, have stated that an investigation is underway to determine if Lu abused his power to sexually harass female subordinates and if there are other victims. They have also sought clarification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding measures to protect the rights and services of staff members.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) spokesperson, Jeff Liu, urged Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to oppose any changes to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait to China. Taiwan hopes that Australia will defend its shared interests and values with Taiwan while maintaining stable relations with China. This comes after Albanese’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who claimed that China does not engage in exclusivist blocs or confrontational politics. MOFA disagreed with this statement, citing China’s behavior in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. Liu emphasized the shared interests of Taiwan and Australia in upholding freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and ensuring peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. He also highlighted the common Trans-Pacific Partnership interests between the two nations. Liu further noted the steady development of relations between Taiwan and Australia, with Taiwan becoming Australia’s fifth-largest trading partner and fourth-largest export market, while Australia is Taiwan’s leading supplier of energy and mineral resources.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has confirmed ongoing discussions for the establishment of a representative office in Estonia. While the move is significant for strengthening ties between the two nations, a shared consensus has not yet been reached. MOFA expressed gratitude towards the Estonian Government for engaging in continued negotiations and displaying an open approach. They emphasized the shared values of freedom and democracy that unite Taiwan and Estonia. Estonia’s government has reportedly agreed to allow Taiwan to establish an economic or cultural representative office in Tallinn under the name ’Taipei.’ MOFA stated that they will respond to foreign media reports of Taiwan’s Foreign Minister visiting Estonia at an appropriate time. The ministry highlighted the stable development of the bilateral relationship, citing the Estonian health minister’s support for Taiwan at this year’s World Health Assembly. Estonia is seen as a valued partner with common principles, highlighting the potential for deepening ties in future diplomatic endeavors.

In an exclusive interview with BBC World Service flagship program Newshour, Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Wu, discussed the increasing disturbances in Taiwan-China relations. Minister Wu highlighted the significance of international support, citing the visit of then-US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi as a positive diplomatic move. He also drew attention to China’s efforts to hinder Taiwan’s participation in international events. Wu welcomed the wave of international visitors expressing support for Taiwan, including the Vice President of the European Parliament and legislative speakers from Czechia and Lithuania. He urged democratic countries to be vigilant against potential interference from China in the upcoming presidential election and to voice their discontent over sensitive issues. Minister Wu drew three valuable lessons from the Ukraine-Russia conflict, commending the Ukrainian people’s commitment to defending their homeland, acknowledging the effectiveness of asymmetric warfare tactics, and emphasizing the importance of global support for invaded nations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has arranged a repatriation flight for Taiwanese nationals and compatriots in Israel to leave the country. The flight is scheduled to depart from Tel Aviv Airport and arrive at Rome International Airport in Italy. Remaining seats will be offered to embassy personnel and overseas Chinese from friendly countries. MOFA and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office have been assisting Taiwanese nationals in leaving Israel since a terror attack by Hamas on October 7. So far, 157 Taiwanese nationals have been successfully evacuated.