- TAIWANTODAY.TW - Top News - 01/Jul 00:00

President Lai receives TIOF participants

President Lai Ching-te said July 1 that Taiwan is committed to working with global partners to promote oceanic prosperity and sustainable development for the next generation.   Lai made the remarks while meeting with selected attendees of the Taiwan International Ocean Forum, which takes place July 2-3 in Taipei City. The group includes Thomas McDevitt, chair of U.S. daily paper The Washington Times; Gavin Williamson, member of the U.K. Parliament; and Hitoshi Kikawada, member of the Japanese House of Representatives.   According to Lai, Taiwan’s container transportation volume accounts for nearly 10 percent of the global total, and the ocean is both key to the country’s survival and a driving force for its prosperity. He said that one of his administration’s goals is to develop Taiwan’s strengths as a maritime nation, and added that the government will continue to pursue this aim by transforming the energy, fishing and shipping industries.   The president also noted that the country is leveraging its marine technologies and digital innovations to create a new model which takes environmental protection and economic and social development into consideration.   Faced with China’s ongoing gray zone tactics, Lai said the government continues to build coast guard ships and shore up the deployment of unmanned vehicles and smart surveillance equipment underwater, on the surface and in the air. He further expressed Taiwan’s determination to safeguard freedom, democracy and cross-strait peace and stability.   Following the president’s remarks, McDevitt praised Taiwan as a global beacon of democracy and a key partner for many countries.   Launched in 2020 by the Cabinet-level Ocean Affairs Council, the TIOF aims to foster exchanges on marine science and maritime affairs between Taiwan and international professionals and organizations. This year’s event focuses on strategies for strengthening maritime security and achieving sustainable prosperity. (YCH-E)   Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw