Maroc - TAIWANTODAY.TW - Taiwan Review - 01/Feb 00:00

Snapshots March / April 2025

Marshall Islands warmly receives President Lai President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) began his Pacific allies tour Dec. 3, 2024, with a meeting with Marshall Islands President Hilda C. Heine. He thanked Heine for advocating for Taiwan at key international forums and emphasized the strong partnership between the two nations in areas such as climate change and women’s empowerment. Heine reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to supporting Taiwan in international organizations. At a state banquet, Lai announced an additional US$500,000 in funding for the ROC (Taiwan)-RMI Presidents’ Scholarship and confirmed a loan to enhance local air services. Lai also attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Majuro Hospital AI and Telemedicine Center, which will be operated with support from Taipei Medical University - Shuang Ho Hospital, and visited a market showcasing agricultural projects led by Taiwan Technical Mission. Taiwan deepens links with Tuvalu President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) visited Tuvalu Dec. 4, 2024, strengthening ties between the two nations. At a luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Feleti Teo in Funafuti, Lai expressed gratitude for Tuvalu’s commitment to advancing bilateral relations. The leaders signed a joint communique to deepen partnership, while Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Tuvalu Foreign Minister Paulson Panapa signed a memorandum of understanding on constructing an undersea cable to enhance communications. In a meeting with Governor-General Tofiga Falani, Lai highlighted collaboration with Australia and New Zealand on a coastal adaptation project addressing climate change. He also announced Taiwan’s support for the construction of Tuvalu’s parliamentary building, set to begin in 2025, as a symbol of democratic solidarity. Lai concluded his visit in the afternoon and arrived in Guam, where he was welcomed by U.S. and local officials, further reinforcing regional partnerships. President Lai arrives in Palau for state visit President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) visited Palau Dec. 5, 2024, during the third leg of his Smart and Sustainable Development for a Prosperous Austronesian Region tour following stops in Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands. Upon arrival, Lai met with President Surangel S. Whipps Jr., congratulating him on his reelection and highlighting the two nations’ shared Austronesian roots, democratic values and 25 years of diplomatic ties. He expressed hope of further expanding cooperation to benefit both peoples. Whipps thanked Taiwan for its contributions to agriculture, education, infrastructure and tourism, emphasizing the strong bilateral partnership. Later, Lai addressed Palau’s National Congress, expressing gratitude for its support for Taiwan’s international participation and advocating collaboration on transborder crime, climate action and public health. He also attended the launch of a new legislative information system and attended a state banquet. Earlier in Guam, Lai met Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero, discussing ties in culture, education and personnel cultivation. President Lai welcomes parliamentary delegation from Poland President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) commended Poland’s Senate and Sejm for their bipartisan support of Taiwan, reaffirming a commitment to strengthening democratic partnerships. Hosting a Polish delegation led by Senate Deputy Marshal Michał Kamiński Dec. 10, 2024, in Taipei City, Lai highlighted Kamiński’s long-standing advocacy for Taiwan, including resisting Beijing’s pressure and championing Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. In 2022 Poland’s Senate committees passed resolutions supporting Taiwan’s inclusion in the WHO, and the Polish-Taiwanese Parliamentarian Group has consistently backed Taiwan’s global engagement. Marking Human Rights Day, Lai underscored the shared democratic values and challenges posed by authoritarian expansion faced by both nations. Recent high-level exchanges with Poland, such as Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim’s (蕭美琴) visit in March and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung’s (林佳龍) trade mission in November, further demonstrate robust bilateral ties. Kamiński reiterated Poland’s support for rules-based international order, welcomed investment from Taiwan and expressed optimism for an even closer partnership. FM Lin wraps up visits to Belgium, Lithuania, Poland Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) concluded his European tour to Belgium, Lithuania and Poland Nov. 25, 2024, strengthening Taiwan-Europe relations. In Belgium Lin met European Parliament members and visited the Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre. In Lithuania he led Taiwan’s drone industry delegation to a business forum, where a cooperative memorandum of understanding was inked with the Lithuanian Defence and Security Industry Association, emphasizing shared democratic values. In Poland Lin attended the Economic Cooperation Forum and witnessed the signing of MOUs, including one with the Ukrainian city of  Bucha to establish its first 5G smart city. Taiwan also donated power equipment and laptops to support Ukraine. Lin’s visit highlights Taiwan’s commitment to fostering democratic partnerships and strengthening economic ties with Europe in line with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ integrated diplomacy strategy. Vice premier advocates green growth and carbon competitiveness Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君) spotlighted Taiwan’s green growth strategies during an event held Nov. 24, 2024, by Taipei City-based financial magazine Business Weekly honoring 100 local firms for their carbon competitiveness. She commended the publication’s rankings for reshaping perceptions of carbon reduction. Highlighting innovative approaches over the past three years, Cheng noted trends like decoupling carbon emissions from profitability. Honorees were lauded for investing in energy-efficient technologies, storage systems and supply chain carbon reduction measures. Cheng introduced upcoming initiatives, including the Ministry of Environment’s carbon fee system launching in January 2025 and a carbon trading mechanism aligned with global practices. These measures aim to position Taiwan as a leader in sustainable manufacturing, circular economy and low-carbon transitions. By fostering innovation and resilience, Cheng said Taiwan can enhance competitiveness while addressing climate challenges, paving the way for a sustainable economic future.  Stronger partnerships to come with Australia, New Zealand Taiwan aims to deepen renewable energy, trade and education ties with Australia and New Zealand, said National Development Council Minister Liu Chin-ching (劉鏡清) at the Dec. 4 release of the 2024 Australia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce White Paper. Liu highlighted shared goals in energy transition and net-zero emissions, proposing collaboration in green hydrogen with Australia and geothermal exploration with New Zealand. Aligned with President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) National Project of Hope, Liu detailed initiatives like the NT$10 billion (US$303 million) cancer treatment fund, expanded health care budgets and the Healthy Taiwan Cultivation Plan. Efforts to make Taiwan bilingual were also emphasized, including enhanced English accessibility in public spaces. Liu praised the chamber’s recommendations and affirmed Taiwan’s commitment to resilient partnerships. By combining strengths in innovation and sustainability, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand can drive mutual growth and address global challenges. Taiwan hosts landmark space technology expo The Taiwan Space Agency showcased Taiwan’s growing space industry at the Taiwan International Assembly and Expo of Space Science, Technology and Industry from Dec. 1–3, 2024, in the southern city of Kaohsiung. The event featured 92 booths from 58 organizations, including dedicated pavilions for TASA, Poland and the U.K. Highlights included a half-scale launch vehicle model and satellite component exhibitions. Taiwan plans to launch its eighth remote sensing satellite by late 2025. The U.K. pavilion emphasized collaborative opportunities with the industry-academia Space South Central, while Poland showcased satellite systems and advanced technologies through the Polish Space Agency and local manufacturers. International participants like Japan startup ispace and U.S.-based Maverick Space Systems Inc. highlighted the event’s global appeal. TASA stressed the importance of fostering cross-border innovation and collaboration, cementing Taiwan’s role in the burgeoning space technology sector. Taiwan-Japan forum explores AI, semiconductor innovations The National Science and Technology Council hosted the 2024 Artificial Intelligence and Semiconductor Forum during SEMICON Japan Dec. 13 in Tokyo. NSTC Deputy Minister Su Chen-kang (蘇振綱) emphasized Taiwan’s leadership in the two sectors and addressed challenges like climate change, digital transformation and aging populations. The event featured speeches on topics like the NSTC’s IC Taiwan Grand Challenge initiative, advances in edge computing and Taiwan-Japan semiconductor collaboration. Su highlighted Taiwan’s expertise in semiconductor manufacturing and its commitment to global partnerships for industry advancement. By strengthening ties with Japan, Taiwan aims to drive technological progress and secure its central position in the global semiconductor supply chain. Digital nomad visa launches The National Development Council unveiled Taiwan’s digital nomad visa Dec. 20, 2024, in the southern city of Tainan, underscoring the government’s commitment to attracting global personnel. Effective January 2025, the visa permits foreign professionals to work remotely in Taiwan for up to six months. NDC Minister Liu Chin-ching (劉鏡清) highlighted Taiwan’s top ranking in Asia for digital nomads by U.K.-based Global Citizen Solutions, citing the nation’s exceptional living conditions, cuisine and attractions. In line with President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) directives, the government will allocate NT$150 billion (US$4.59 billion) annually to foster innovative entrepreneurship, with a focus on attracting talent from Japan and South Korea. Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) emphasized the city’s appeal as a cultural and high-tech hub. He welcomed professionals to Tainan, which is home to a newly established digital nomad service center, to experience its unique blend of history and innovation. Franco-Taiwanese Scientific Grand Prize awarded in Paris Danny Shang-te Hsu (徐尚德) of Academia Sinica and Cyril Hanus of France’s National Institute of Health and Medical Research received the 2024 Franco-Taiwanese Scientific Grand Prize Nov. 27, 2024, in Paris. Recognized for breakthroughs in modeling glycoprotein structures using cryo-electron microscopy, their work advanced understanding of virus-host interactions and immune evasion. Deputy Minister Chen Bing-yu (陳炳宇) of Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council praised the 30-year collaboration and expressed hope of expanding R&D partnerships. The award ceremony also included bilateral discussions on artificial intelligence, green energy and semiconductors. The NSTC announced updates to the award’s scope and eligibility to attract more applicants. While in France, Chen met with senior officials, visited startups and explored collaboration opportunities in key areas like space technology. Over 7 million visitors arrive in 2024  Taiwan surpassed 7 million foreign visitors for the year as of Dec. 3, 2024, with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Tourism Administration projecting the upward trend to continue. Japan led with 1.18 million arrivals, followed by Hong Kong and Macau at 1.16 million and South Korea at nearly 900,000. The U.S. ranked fourth with almost 600,000 arrivals, exceeding prepandemic levels. The Tourism Administration credited the growth to additional flights, promotional campaigns and sustainable travel initiatives. Tourism promotion offices were established this year in Jakarta, Mumbai, Paris and Vancouver, with new centers planned for Seattle and Sydney. Taiwan also earned recognition on the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories list for promoting eco-friendly tourism. Initiatives like the “Taiwan, Waves of Wonder” campaign and domestic travel subsidies aim to further boost tourism. The sector is projected to generate NT$1 trillion (US$30.86 billion) in output by 2028. Taiwan strengthens anti-corruption efforts Taiwan reaffirmed its commitment to combating corruption at the Integrity Awards Ceremony and Taiwan Transparency Forum Dec. 9, 2024, in Taipei City on International Anti-Corruption Day. Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君) emphasized ethical governance as the cornerstone of democracy. The event recognized eight government teams for promoting transparency and innovation in areas like environmental protection and public administration. Minister of Justice Cheng Ming-chien (鄭銘謙) and Agency Against Corruption Director-General Feng Cheng (馮成) signed a pledge to uphold international standards in investigations. Taiwan, though not a U.N. member, voluntarily adopted the U.N. Convention Against Corruption in 2015 and publishes regular reports. Migrants Day celebrates multiculturalism Taiwan celebrated Migrants Day Dec. 08, 2024, with a vibrant parade in Taipei City organized by the Ministry of the Interior and Taipei City Government. Over 300 foreign residents showcased their cultural heritage, offering insights into Taiwan’s diverse immigrant community. MOI Minister Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) highlighted the contributions of over 600,000 immigrants who have settled through marriage, alongside those of international workers, students and businesspeople. Liu emphasized the New Immigrants Basic Act, introduced in August 2024, which strengthens multicultural policies and protects immigrants’ rights. The government has also launched measures to help naturalized citizens adjust to life in Taiwan, such as family-oriented projects and skill-building opportunities. Liu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with civil organizations to ensure that Taiwan remains an inclusive and supportive environment for its immigrant population.  President Lai honors Bangladesh NGO for human rights advocacy  President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) presented the 19th Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award to Bangladesh-based nongovernmental organization Odhikar Dec. 10, 2024, in Taipei City. Established in 1994, Odhikar has been a steadfast advocate for human and political rights despite facing harassment and surveillance. Lai commended the organization’s courage and dedication, drawing parallels between Taiwan and Bangladesh’s shared struggles against authoritarianism. The award, organized by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, includes a US$100,000 grant to support recipients’ work. Lai also highlighted Taiwan’s efforts to counter disinformation and cognitive warfare through initiatives like the Global Cooperation and Training Framework. The award ceremony coincided with the 2024 Human Rights Day International Conference, which featured discussions on global practices and transitional justice and drew over 400 participants from Asia, Europe and North America. Taiwan continues to strengthen international cooperation to uphold democratic values and promote global human rights. Floating bookshop visits Taiwan The world’s largest floating bookshop, Doulos Hope, arrived at Kaohsiung Port Dec. 18, 2024, beginning its Taiwan tour with stops planned for the eastern county of Hualien and the northern city of Keelung through March 2025. Operated by German nonprofit Good Books for All, the ship offers over 2,000 titles on topics like art, science and languages, promoting reading and cultural exchange. The vessel, launched in 2023, focuses on East Asia and the Pacific. Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council contributed 320 books on marine ecosystems to its collection. Doulos Hope embodies its Greek namesake, “servant of hope,” by fostering connections through literature. The ship’s visit highlights Taiwan’s commitment to supporting cultural initiatives and strengthening ties with international communities through education and outreach.  Arts Education Contribution Award honorees recognized A total of 37 individuals, institutions and schools were honored with the Arts Education Contribution Award Dec. 26, 2024, in Taipei City for their dedicated efforts in the field. Established in 2014 by the Ministry of Education, the awards span five categories, namely lifetime achievement, exceptional schools, institutions, teaching and special contributions. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognized 92-year-old Cheng Shan-hsi (鄭善禧), Taiwan Normal University professor emeritus, for his nearly six-decade contribution to art education and publications, and the late Chen Huei-dung (陳輝東), who was instrumental in founding Tainan Art Museum. Honorees for school and institutional achievements included Huwei Junior High School and Chang Yung-fa Foundation. Outstanding teaching awards went to educators Sun Chu-chun (孫菊君) and Chen Yun-ru (陳韻如). Special contribution accolades were presented to NTUA professor Hung Yao-hui (洪耀輝) and Hakka musician Lai Yi-fa (賴義發). To date, the awards have celebrated 283 institutions and 145 individuals. MOC launches Taiwanese language initiative The Ministry of Culture announced a plan Dec. 25, 2024, to promote the use of the Taiwanese language in family settings, underscoring its commitment to Taiwan’s multilingual heritage. Speaking at the launch, MOC Minister Li Yuan (李遠) stressed the importance of language equality as a reflection of ethnic equity. The initiative offers two participation tracks: “Taiwanese language learning family” for those seeking to improve their proficiency and “Taiwanese culture family” for fluent speakers. Eligibility is open to multigenerational households or married couples who complete designated courses. The program addresses findings from a 2020 survey revealing a decline in younger generations speaking Taiwanese as their first language. The MOC collaborated with local governments and civic groups to develop diverse activities supporting the initiative. National Palace Museum announces centennial events The National Palace Museum outlined its 2025 centennial celebration plans during a press event Dec. 24, 2024, in Taipei City. The main and southern branch sites will simultaneously host a special exhibition next October, highlighting NPM’s development over 75 years in Taiwan. Key exhibits include a Northern Wei dynasty (386-534) Buddhist sculpture, a Later Jin dynasty (936-946) Guanyin Bodhisattva silk mandala and iconic national treasure paintings such as Fan Kuan’s “Travelers Among Mountains and Streams.” Additional events feature exhibitions on the ancient board game Go, ukiyo-e woodbwlock prints and artificial intelligence-driven immersive experiences on Song dynasty (960-1279) calligraphy and books. The comprehensive program aims to boost annual visitor numbers to 2.5 million for the main site and 1 million for the southern branch in 2025. Global Hakka consortium strengthens academic ties The Consortium of Global Hakka Studies renewed its memorandum of understanding Dec. 14, 2024, in the northern city of Taoyuan, reaffirming its commitment to advancing Hakka culture and academic research. Established in 2019, the GHAS connects Taiwan’s academic institutions with counterparts in Asia and the U.S., enhancing the field’s global visibility. Hakka Affairs Council Deputy Minister Fan Tso-ming (范佐銘) highlighted the consortium’s role in fostering cultural exchange through conferences and collaborations. Over the last five years GHAS organized international conferences and youth camps and awarded graduate students for research on topics like Malaysian use of the Hakka language and immersive Hakka preschool education. Management of GHAS recently transitioned to National Central University’s College of Hakka Studies. The renewed MOU reflects a shared dedication to promoting Hakka culture through research, youth engagement and academic partnerships across Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and the U.S. Taiwan, Japan exchange handicrafts experience The National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute hosted a craft seminar Dec. 11, 2024, focusing on handicrafts’ role in community revitalization and education. The hybrid event brought together experts from Taiwan and Japan, including representatives from Fukushima prefecture’s Mishima Town Local Crafts Museum and Miyagi prefecture’s Sendai City Industrial Promotion Organization. Museum head Igarashi Yoshinobu shared insights on how Mishima revitalized its local economy through crafts and its annual festival. Inspired by Mishima’s success, Baolai Organization Director Li Wan-ling (李婉玲) launched a similar event in the southern city of Kaohsiung’s Liouguei District, combining crafts, food and agriculture. NTCRDI Director Chen Tien-li (陳殿禮) emphasized how craft activities encourage creativity among students and communities, contributing to Taiwan’s artisan ecosystem. The seminar fostered dialogue on integrating traditional craft skills with modern regional development, highlighting the role of creative industries in cultural and economic sustainability. NMTL stages Czech literature exhibition The National Museum of Taiwan Literature unveiled “Typeset Hopes and Dreams: Exhibition on Contemporary Czech Literature” Dec. 6, 2024, in Tainan City, southern Taiwan. Running until March 2025, the event showcases memorabilia of Czech literary icons such as Milan Kundera and Ivan Klima alongside works emphasizing reciprocal translations of Taiwan and Czech literature. Speaking at the opening, Deputy Minister Lee Ching-hwi (李靜慧) celebrated the exhibit as the third major Taiwan-Czech cultural exchange in 2024. NMTL Director Chen Ying-fang (陳瑩芳) highlighted the museum’s close ties with Czech literary circles, including translation initiatives and translator-in-residence programs. The event features complementary activities, including film screenings, seminars, puppet shows and children’s storytelling sessions to deepen public understanding of Czech literature and culture. Photos: Presidential Office, Executive Yuan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Education, Central News Agency, Tourism Administration, Taiwan Space Agency, National Palace Museum