Month: March 2025

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MOFA response to US Secretary of State Rubio reiterating US commitments to Taiwan in press interview

February 22, 2025

In a press interview with Catherine Herridge of Catherine Herridge Reports on February 20, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed that multiple US administrations had for years made clear their commitments to Taiwan based on the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. He also reiterated US opposition to any changes to the status quo by force, threat, or coercion. Furthermore, he again expressed staunch support for Taiwan’s international participation, noting that China was unable to represent Taiwan’s views and interests in international forums. 
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung thanks Secretary Rubio for reaffirming the United States’ clear and unwavering commitment to Taiwan, its long-standing policy of opposing the use of force or coercion to alter the status quo, and its backing of Taiwan’s international participation. Minister Lin also echoes Secretary Rubio’s stance that this long-term safeguarding of the status quo has maintained stability in the region. Taiwan will continue to work with the United States to deepen reciprocal, mutually beneficial, and close bilateral ties; bolster Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities; and jointly preserve the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. This will promote the well-being of the peoples of both countries, as well as advancing regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

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MOFA response to US-Japan-ROK joint statement on importance of cross-strait peace and stability

February 16, 2025 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya, and Republic of Korea Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul met on February 15 on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. In a joint statement issued after the meeting, they emphasized that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait was an indispensable element of security and prosperity for the international community. They also encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues, opposed any attempts to unilaterally force or coerce changes to the status quo, and backed Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. They also made clear that the three countries stood shoulder to shoulder against any effort to destabilize democratic institutions, economic independence, and global security.
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely welcomed and appreciated this reiteration of support for cross-strait peace and stability and opposition to any unilateral change to the status quo by force or coercion during the first meeting between the US secretary of state and the Japanese and ROK foreign ministers since President Donald Trump took office. This joint declaration by like-minded partners echoes a similar statement issued following the US-Japan leaders’ summit not long ago. It underscores that there is international consensus and a shared interest in cross-strait peace and stability, which are vital to the well-being of all nations and integral to regional and global peace and prosperity.
 
MOFA welcomes the international community’s continued concern regarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and threats to the status quo caused by China’s gray-zone tactics and economic coercion. As a responsible member of the global community, Taiwan will continue to enhance its defense capabilities and economic resilience and work with the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and other like-minded partners to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the Indo-Pacific.

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MOFA response to inclusion of Taiwan-friendly statements in coalition agreement of new Belgian government

February 12, 2025  

On February 11, the Kingdom of Belgium’s five-party coalition government, which was formed on January 31, publicized a coalition agreement that for the first time stressed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, and called for the signing of investment agreements between Europe and countries in the region. 
 
This is the first coalition agreement of a Belgian government to contain content on Taiwan. MOFA expresses sincere appreciation for this action and congratulates Prime Minister Bart De Wever and his cabinet on their inauguration on February 3. Building upon shared values, MOFA looks forward to working with the Belgian government to further promote cordial relations; enhance all forms of substantive bilateral exchanges; advance regional peace, stability, and prosperity; and foster robust friendship between the peoples of Taiwan and Belgium. 

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MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement between PRC and Pakistan

February 10, 2025  

President Asif Ali Zardani of Pakistan paid a state visit to China from February 4 to 8. A joint statement issued following President Zardani’s meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping contained false claims, among them the assertion that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China.”
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly protests and gravely condemns China for using meetings with national leaders to publicly disparage Taiwan’s sovereignty, and Pakistan for blindly accepting China’s false assertions and cooperating in the release of statements that undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty.
 
MOFA reiterates that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other; that the Chinese Communist Party regime has never governed Taiwan; and that no country has the right nor power to deny Taiwan’s existence through any so-called joint statement.
 
MOFA urges the government of Pakistan to squarely face the fundamental difference between democratic Taiwan, which defends the democratic system and respects human rights and the rule of law; and authoritarian China, which engages in reckless expansion, intimidates neighboring countries, and violates human rights. Pakistan should stop submitting to Chinese statements that make false claims and express aggressive intent, and cease any inappropriate actions that undermine Taiwan’s sovereign status.
 
Taiwan will continue to safeguard the values of freedom and democracy and strengthen cooperation with all partners in the democratic camp so as to jointly contain authoritarian expansion, defend cross-strait peace and stability, and uphold freedom and openness throughout the Indo-Pacific.

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Taiwan women’s power takes flight internationally; gender equality achievements showcased in New York

Date：2025-03-04
Data Source：Department of NGO International Affairs

March 4, 2025No. 056The 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) will be held in New York from March 10 to 21. This year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), in continued collaboration with Taiwanese nongovernmental organizations, has arranged for Taiwan Gender Equality Week (TGEW) to be held in New York at the same time. CSW69 will focus on the gender equality outcomes of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted by the Fourth World Conference on Women. In line with this, TGEW’s theme will be “Resilient Leadership & Free Expression,” demonstrating to the world Taiwan’s long-standing efforts to promote gender mainstreaming and gender equality.The highlight of this year’s TGEW will be Taiwan Women’s Power and Culture Night, to be held at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York at 18:00 on March 12. The event, themed “Taiwan Main Stage: Celebrating Women’s Resilience and Progress,” will showcase Taiwan’s gender equality achievements. A number of distinguished guests will be invited to share their perspectives on Taiwan’s implementation of gender mainstreaming and international commitments in recent years as Taiwan has responded to global trends. In addition, the event will feature Ambassador-at-Large Liu Po-chun, World Winner of the 2019 International Olympic Committee Women and Sport Award. Using her personal experiences in Taiwan as a starting point, she will invite the international community to discuss in depth the next steps for global gender equality. And Chair of the Egret Cultural and Educational Foundation Lu Chia-hui will hold a multimedia piano concert, expressing Taiwanese women’s concern for and contributions to environmental protection, cultural inclusion, and peace via the performing arts. Meanwhile, the Taiwan Women’s Power Exhibition will employ statistics to illustrate milestones along Taiwan’s path to gender equality. The event will be live streamed on MOFA’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.This year, over 60 representatives from more than 40 Taiwanese NGOs and local governments will hold 32 parallel events during the NGO CSW Forum. They will share Taiwan’s gender equality initiatives and policy implementation experiences with the international community.Since 2020, MOFA and the Foundation for Women’s Rights Promotion and Development (FWRPD) have coorganized TGEW. Moving forward, the government will continue to work hand in hand with civil society, leveraging Taiwan’s advantages in gender equality to make Taiwan’s voice heard on the world stage. During TGEW, everyone is welcome to participate in the FWRPD’s gender equality campaign on X at @WomensRightsTW and use the hashtags #TaiwanforHer and #EqualityTaiwan to spread the word. And by following MOFA’s Facebook page and X account, together we can raise awareness about Taiwan’s gender equality achievements and call for global sustainable development through gender equality. For more information, visit https://www.tgew.org/. (E)

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MOFA urges international community to jointly condemn China for once again provoking and undermining regional security and stability

Date：2025-02-27
Data Source：Department of Policy Planning

February 27, 2025  
No. 051  

China announced without prior warning on February 26 that it had designated a military exercise zone off the coast of Taiwan for live-fire drills. This was a blatant violation of international norms and another provocative act undermining regional security and stability, as well as posing high risks to aircraft and ships in the area. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly condemns China and urges it to exercise self-restraint, immediately cease its military provocations, and stop instigating trouble under false pretenses. 
 
In recent days, China has unilaterally engaged in threats and intimidation in international waters near Vietnam, the Philippines, New Zealand, and Australia. On February 26, it again acted with deliberate provocation by designating a military exercise zone off the coast of Taiwan without prior warning. China’s actions have repeatedly proven that it is the greatest destabilizer of regional peace and stability, as well as the single most significant threat to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific today.
 
MOFA calls on the international community to closely follow cross-strait and regional security developments and collectively condemn China for repeatedly acting malevolently to unilaterally undermine peace and stability in the region. Taiwan will continue to work closely with like-minded nations in the region to jointly safeguard the rules-based international order and ensure regional and cross-strait peace, stability, and prosperity. (E)

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MOFA expresses serious concern regarding Chinese PLA helicopter converging on Philippine government aircraft over South China Sea

Date：2025-02-20
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

February 20, 2025No. 044On February 18, a Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) navy helicopter conducted dangerous maneuvers in airspace above Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal) in the South China Sea, converging on a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources aircraft on routine patrol. At one point, the two planes were only three meters apart, causing a hazardous situation for the Philippine aircraft. This follows another recent incident in which a Chinese PLA aircraft in the South China Sea dropped flares at close range, endangering an Australian Defence Force reconnaissance aircraft. China has once again interfered with and put at risk the aircraft of other countries in the South China Sea. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) condemns China’s unsafe, irresponsible, reckless, and provocative behavior, which threatens navigation and overflight safety.MOFA expresses serious concern regarding disputes in the South China Sea and calls on all parties to exercise restraint; abide by international law and relevant international norms; avoid taking any actions that could impact regional peace and stability; and continue working to resolve South China Sea issues in a peaceful and noncoercive manner through multilateral dialogues and dispute settlement mechanisms.MOFA reiterates the position of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on South China Sea issues below.(1) The South China Sea Islands are part of the territory of the ROC (Taiwan). That the ROC enjoys all rights over the South China Sea Islands and their relevant waters in accordance with international law and the law of the sea is beyond dispute.(2) The ROC (Taiwan) supports freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea and insists on the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law and the law of the sea, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Relevant multilateral dialogues and dispute settlement mechanisms should not exclude the participation of the ROC (Taiwan).(3) In line with the government’s four principles and five actions, the ROC (Taiwan) is willing to work with relevant countries to set aside differences and promote joint development to maintain and advance peace and stability in the South China Sea, as well as to protect and develop resources in the region. (E)

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Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome banquet for Canadian parliamentary delegation

Date：2025-02-20
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

February 20, 2025 
No. 043 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a welcome banquet on February 17 for a delegation from the Parliament of Canada led by Senator Michael MacDonald, Chairman of the Canada-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group. The two sides exchanged opinions on deepening economic and trade exchanges and strengthening talent development.  
 
In his remarks, Minister Lin first expressed thanks for Canada’s staunch support of cross-strait peace and stability in recent years, including the February 16 transit of the Taiwan Strait by the Halifax-class frigate HMCS Ottawa. This was yet another concrete demonstration that the Taiwan Strait constitutes international waters. Since releasing its Indo-Pacific Strategy in 2022, Canada has continued to bolster cooperation with Taiwan on economics and trade as well as science and technology. The two sides have signed the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Arrangement as well as the Science, Technology, and Innovation Arrangement. 
 
In the context of Taiwan promoting a policy of integrated diplomacy, Minister Lin expressed hope that Canada would continue to support Taiwan’s participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, strengthen regional economic cooperation, and jointly build resilient non-red supply chains. With Canada holding the rotating presidency of the G7 this year, Minister Lin said he expected it to play a pivotal role in upholding the international order and leading like-minded nations in a continued coordinated effort to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. 
 
In his response, Senator MacDonald praised Taiwan’s achievements in high tech, education, public health, and democratic development. He expressed support for Taiwan’s appropriate participation in international organizations and said that he hoped national security would no longer be an issue of concern for Taiwan in the near future. 
 
In addition to Senator MacDonald, the delegation included Sens. Donald Neil Plett and John M. McNair. The group will attend the HFX Taipei Forum and call on government agencies and private organizations including the Legislative Yuan, Executive Yuan Office of Trade Negotiations, Tainan City government, and Doublethink Lab.

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To support businesses during the 2024 Lunar New Year holiday (January 25 – February 2), the Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIP) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) will continue providing four essential services: import/export certification, emergency rescue assistance, security patrols, and sanitation services. These measures are designed to create a smooth and supportive operating environment, help businesses seize international opportunities, and ensure a worry-free holiday for all enterprises in the industrial parks.
Recognizing the technology industry’s need for uninterrupted import and export operations, the BIP will arrange for dedicated staff to process export/import permit applications during the holiday period. Enterprises are encouraged to apply in advance, and the BIP will coordinate with customs to facilitate smooth clearance procedures, ensuring trade operations remain seamless throughout the year.
To maintain park cleanliness, industrial parks with sanitation teams-including Nanzih, Cianjhen, Linkuang Technology Industrial Parks, and Kaohsiung Software Park-will provide garbage collection services on January 27 (Lunar New Year’s Eve) and January 31 (the third day of the Lunar New Year) from 8:00 AM, following designated collection routes. Taichung Tanzi Technology Industrial Park will offer garbage collection services on January 28 (Lunar New Year’s Eve) and January 31 (the third day of the Lunar New Year).
Additionally, throughout the holiday period, all industrial park service centers will continue to operate 24/7, with the BIP’s Emergency Response Center on standby to strengthen security, rescue, and patrol efforts. If enterprises or individuals notice any safety hazards or suspicious activities, they can contact their respective service center or reach the BIP Emergency Response Center at (07) 361-2054. BIP personnel will remain fully dedicated to ensuring a safe and stable business environment.
The BIP extends our warmest wishes for a prosperous and successful Year of the Snake to all enterprises in the industrial parks.

Spokesman: Mr. Liu Chi-Chuan (Acting Director-General, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-3613349, 0911363680
Email: lcc12@bip.gov.tw

Contact Person: Liao, Xuan-Min (Management Guidance and Consulting Section of Investment Services Division)
Contact Number: 886-7-361-1212 ext 323
Email: mina18@bip.gov.tw

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On February 18, 2025, the Trade Remedy Commission of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) made a determination that revocation of antidumping duty order on certain cold-rolled stainless-steel products from China and Korea would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of injury to the domestic industry.

The subject products in this case are SUS 300 series flat-rolled products of stainless steel, cold-rolled (cold-reduced), whether in coils or sheets. They primarily encompass grades such as SUS301, 304, 304L, 316, 316L, and 321, along with other corresponding specifications. Since August 15, 2013, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) has imposed antidumping duties on these products from China and Korea. This was the second sunset review following the first conducted earlier.

The requirements for continuing the imposition of antidumping duties in a sunset review case are that the MOF determines that the revocation of the duty would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping, and the MOEA determines that the revocation of the duty would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of injury. The MOEA shall notify the MOF of the aforementioned determination of injury by the Trade Remedy Commission, and the MOF shall then decide whether to maintain the antidumping duty order.

After March 18, 2025, a public version of the injury investigation report, in Chinese, will be available on the International Trade Administration’s website (https://www.trade.gov.tw/).