Month: March 2025

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MOFA thanks US Department of State for affirming Belize’s staunch commitment to maintaining diplomatic partnership with Taiwan

Date：2025-03-15
Data Source：Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs

March 15, 2025
No. 065The United States Department of State issued a press statement on May 14 congratulating Belize on the completion of its democratic elections and Prime Minister John Briceño on his successful reelection to a second term. The statement also lauded Taiwan as a democratic force for good in the region and affirmed Belize’s staunch commitment to maintaining its diplomatic partnership with Taiwan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely thanks the United States for reiterating its support for democratic Taiwan and Taiwan’s diplomatic alliance with Belize.
 
Taiwan and Belize share robust diplomatic relations, and bilateral ties continue to deepen. The government of Taiwan and the embassy in Belize expressed sincere congratulations to the Belizean people and Prime Minister Briceño immediately following Belize’s general elections. As a rock-solid partner of Belize and the United States, Taiwan will continue to do its utmost to strengthen and expand trilateral cooperation and to jointly safeguard the values of democracy and freedom, as well as regional peace and security. (E)

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MOFA sincerely appreciates G7 foreign ministers’ joint statement reaffirming importance of cross-strait peace and stability

Date：2025-03-15
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

March 15, 2025 
No. 064 

The Group of Seven (G7) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was convened in Charlevoix, Quebec, Canada, from March 12 to 14. In a joint statement released after the meeting, G7 members reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, reiterated their opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion, and called for the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues. They also expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) highly welcomes and sincerely appreciates G7 members continuing to take concrete action to demonstrate their staunch support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
 
In the statement, G7 members reiterated their commitment to upholding a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific and conveyed concern over China’s military buildup and the continued, rapid increase in its nuclear weapons arsenal. They urged China not to conduct or condone activities aimed at undermining the safety of communities and the integrity of democratic institutions in other countries. They also expressed concerns about China’s nonmarket policies and practices, which they said were leading to harmful overcapacity and market distortions. 
 
In addition, the G7 foreign ministers issued a declaration stressing the importance of maritime security and prosperity. Expressing concern that undersea communications cables and other critical undersea infrastructure have been subject to damage through sabotage, they pledged to enhance cooperation with industry, strengthen repair capacities, and improve infrastructure resilience.
 
Since the G7 Leaders’ Summit held in Cornwall, United Kingdom, in 2021, G7 members have issued joint communiqués or statements at several high-level meetings and summits over the past five consecutive years emphasizing a high regard and support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. As an important country in the Indo-Pacific and a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to bolster cooperation with G7 members, allies, and friendly countries to collectively ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific, safeguard the rules-based international order, firmly protect the core values of democracy and freedom, create non-red supply chains, and strengthen the economic resilience of the democratic community. (E)

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ROC (Taiwan) government congratulates diplomatic ally Belize on successful completion of general elections

Date：2025-03-13
Data Source：Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs

March 13, 2025
No. 061

Belize, a diplomatic ally of the Republic of China (Taiwan), held general elections on March 12. The ruling People’s United Party won the elections and its leader, John Briceño, will serve a consecutive term as prime minister and form a new government. After the elections, ROC (Taiwan) Ambassador to Belize Lily Li-wen Hsu promptly expressed sincere congratulations to Prime Minister Briceño on behalf of the government of Taiwan.
 
The election process was peaceful and smooth, underscoring the staunch commitment to and belief of the Belizean government and people in safeguarding democracy. Under Prime Minister Briceño’s leadership, the government of Belize has spoken up for Taiwan at numerous international events. The government of Taiwan will build on existing foundations to further foster friendships with high-level Belizean officials and continue to deepen the two nations’ close and cordial cooperation. 
 
Last year marked 35 years of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Belize. In May, Prime Minister Briceño led a delegation to attend the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim. In late October, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung led a delegation to visit Belize. During his visit, Minister Lin issued a joint statement with Belizean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Francis Fonseca on the 35 years of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Belize, reaffirming the two countries’ robust friendship. (E)

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March 7, 2025  
No. 059  

The 7th Taiwan-EU Human Rights Consultations were held in Taipei on March 5. The meeting was chaired by Minister without Portfolio Lin Ming-hsin, who led a group of representatives from various Taiwan government agencies. On the EU side, the consultations were attended by Nicoletta Pusterla, Deputy Head of the China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Mongolia Division of the European External Action Service, and Domenica Bumma, Policy Officer from the EEAS Human Rights Team. This regular dialogue underscores the long-standing Taiwan-EU exchanges and cooperation on human rights and the two sides’ shared commitment to global human rights development.
 
The consultations were conducted in an open and constructive manner, with the two sides first exchanging views on recent human rights developments, policy initiatives, actions following Constitutional Court Judgment no. 8 of 2024, and priority action plans. Taiwan shared the progress it has made on multiple national human rights action plans, emphasizing transparency and public participation to ensure an open, inclusive process that effectively responds to societal needs. The participants reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to promoting and defending human rights, democracy, and the rule of law and engaged in in-depth discussions on several key issues.
With regard to business and human rights, the EU addressed the latest developments concerning the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. Taiwan shared updates to its National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, which stresses a soft-law approach to promoting corporate human rights protection while also exploring potential legislative measures.
 
Furthermore, a working luncheon was cohosted by Minister Lin Ming-hsin and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chihchung Wu. Discussions during the luncheon extended to digital human rights and human rights education. The EU side spoke about its Artificial Intelligence Act and Digital Services Act, which emphasize the need to balance technological development with human rights and privacy protection. Representatives from the Taiwan side provided an introduction to the draft AI basic act, which highlights risk management and data governance. On human rights education, Taiwan presented efforts it has made in schools and public institutions and proposed exploring the feasibility of establishing a Taiwan-EU human rights education cooperation framework to promote academic and educational exchanges.
 
The consultations further explored gender equality and the rights of the elderly. The two sides reviewed the achievements under the Taiwan-EU Gender Equality Cooperation and Training Framework, and the Taiwan side proposed launching a second phase, focusing on combating online gender-based violence, protecting the rights of diverse gender communities, and deepening gender equality cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. Regarding elderly rights, the two sides shared their policies on long-term care and age-friendly initiatives, discussing ways to safeguard the rights of older adults in an aging society, including economic security, healthcare, and social participation, while exchanging policy experiences.
 
On migrant workers’ rights, Taiwan outlined measures to protect foreign domestic workers and distant-water fishermen, including setting up direct hiring mechanisms, improving working conditions, and strengthening legal supervision. The two sides also discussed ways to enhance the rights of disadvantaged migrant workers.
 
The consultations were followed by an exchange between nongovernmental members of the Executive Yuan’s Human Rights Protection and Promotion Task Force and the EU representatives, marking the first time they engaged in dialogue on the challenges and opportunities in human rights policies faced by both sides.
 
Taiwan and the EU both uphold the core values of democracy, freedom, and human rights. The two sides have laid a strong foundation for cooperation in these areas. The Taiwan government will continue to enhance human rights standards and ensure alignment with international norms, with the Executive Yuan coordinating interagency efforts. Both sides have expressed that they look forward to developing more concrete cooperation initiatives, fostering experience sharing and policy dialogues to further strengthen the Taiwan-EU partnership, jointly advancing global human rights, and benefiting the international community. (E)

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MOFA strongly denounces Chinese Foreign Minister Wang’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758 and false claims regarding Taiwan

Date：2025-03-07
Data Source：Department of Policy Planning

March 7, 2025  
No. 058  

At a press conference held on March 7 during sessions of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi falsely claimed that United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 had once and for all resolved the issue of the representation of the whole of China, including Taiwan, in the UN. He also alleged that the “only reference to the Taiwan region in the UN is ‘Taiwan, Province of China,’” promoting spurious narratives that distorted the facts and deviated from the truth. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly condemns and expresses strong disappointment at this renewed and blatant attempt to unilaterally disrupt the status quo and this malicious conduct aimed at deceiving and misleading the international community.
 
As a matter of fact, UNGA Resolution 2758 made no mention of Taiwan throughout its entire text and thus could not have stated that Taiwan was a part of the People’s Republic of China, nor did it legally authorize the PRC to represent Taiwan or the Taiwanese people in the UN and its specialized agencies. China’s deliberate manipulations contradict the principle of universality enshrined in the UN Charter. Additionally, its military provocations in the Taiwan Strait, East and South China Seas, and other areas in recent years have clearly jeopardized peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The claims that China made regarding Taiwan and its actions in the region represent blatant attempts to undermine the status quo.
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung calls on the international community to oppose China’s repeated misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758 and its attempts to alter the status quo of neither side being subordinate to the other. Minister Lin also urges nations worldwide to jointly condemn China for again resorting to flagrant provocation and disruption of the status quo. MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is an independent and sovereign country; that Taiwan has never been a part of the PRC; and that neither democratic Taiwan nor authoritarian China being subordinate to the other is the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and a long-standing, internationally recognized, and objective fact. Only Taiwan’s democratically elected government has the right to represent the 23.5 million people of Taiwan in the UN system and the international arena. The PRC has no right to interfere. (E)

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The Daily Telegraph published an article titled “Why is China sending ships our way? Just ask Taiwan” by Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu on 28 February 2025.
The full context as below:
《Why is China sending ships our way? Just ask Taiwan》
David Cheng-Wei Wu, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office In Sydney
The surprise visit of three Chinese warships just 150 nautical miles east of Sydney serves as a wake-up call, bringing up distant memories of World War II when Australia, a country “girt by sea”, was exposed to threat of an authoritarian power’s navy suddenly appearing in the nation’s waters.
Yet for some time Australian opinion leaders have debated the nature of the China threat.
But the simple fact is, last week Chinese warships conducted live-fire drills in Australia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for the very first time, and from afar. And at least 49 commercial flights flying over the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand were forced to change course, after receiving a short-notice verbal warning broadcast from the Chinese warships.
Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that China did not follow the best practice of giving 12 to 24 hours’ prior notice and the Australian government has expressed concern to the Chinese government.
There has plenty of analysis in the past few days on the purpose to rationalise China’s flagrant military moves. It is worth noting that a comment published by Chinese Communist Party’s mouthpiece, the Global Times, stated that: “The People’s Liberation Army is expected to host more such far seas voyages … Some countries may have not yet adapted to seeing the PLA Navy’s normal voyages”.
Coming from Taiwan, a neighbouring country which faces China’s military harassment and economic coercion on a regular basis, I want to share observations that China is trying to create its “new normal” now in Australia’s front yard with the grey zone tactics, just as they have done in the Taiwan Strait.
We have seen an uptick of frequency of PLA aircraft’s incursions into our ADIZ (Air Defence Identification Zone) from 960 sorties in 2021 to 3074 sorties in 2024.
China does this to protest the world’s engagement with Taiwan and to cast a shadow over our elections.
On this score, it is sure that China knows about Australia’s upcoming federal election and calculated it was “worthwhile” sending a fleet to make an impression.
China would also like to test the determination of our democratic allies in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly as Donald Trump recalibrates US foreign policy.
The development of international relations may have its own course. Nevertheless, there are still some rules in world politics which have been verified throughout the pain and history.
“Like-minded countries must band together”, should be the one to help stand up against aggression and authoritarian expansionism.
When Australia faces the Chinese military bully and intimidation, do not forget the rules we learned, and all democracies would be united by your side, including Taiwan.

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Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu met with Parliamentary Secretary for Roads and Regional Transportation, Anna Watson MP to learn more about the history and issues of the union. Unions play a crucial role in Australia and are a driving force for good governance in Australian society and government. Of course, Taiwan and Australia also have many areas of mutual learning and exchange in their development and experience. We look forward to working with Ms Watson and enhance ties between Taiwan and NSW.

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The President of the Global Federation of Chinese Business Women Sydney Chapter of Australia, Ms. Ching-Mei Maddock, along with the board members, visited Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu on 6 March 2025.
DG Wu expressed gratitude to President Maddock and her team for taking the time to visit TECO and praised the Sydney Chapter for its strong initiative and creativity, which has become a model for promoting national diplomacy. TECO will continue to support the efforts of the Sydney Chapter in promoting initiatives that integrate with Australian society, allowing the world to see Taiwan.

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Mayor Brown of the City of Ryde, the Council’s Executive Team and Councillors Keanu Arya, Tina Kordrostami and TECO Sydney attended a book donation ceremony this morning.
Mayor Brown said multiculturalism has been deeply rooted as the way of living in Ryde. Thanks for the generosity from Taiwan, so the Mandarin speaking communities in Ryde can enjoy the top-tier Taiwanese literature works, and the city’s diverse heritages are further enriched.
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu said that he is also a City of Ryde Library member and honored to represent the National Taiwan Museum of Literature in donating 60 books of 2023 and 2024 Taiwan Literature Awards Finalists and Award-Winning Titles, for the very first time in history.
The Awards recognize outstanding work across all literary categories, including fiction, nonfiction, prose, poetry and also provide a window into the richness and diversity of Taiwanese society and culture. This is the pilot program that the National Museum of Taiwan Literature donates books to Australia, and we hope residents of this community can know more about Taiwan through reading them, and most importantly, enhance the connection between our two peoples.
The plan is for the books to start touring the libraries from the week commencing Monday, 9 March. The books will be available at our Ryde Library (Top Ryde) for a week, before being taken to West Ryde Library for another week, before Eastwood for the final week.

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On February 26, The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held the Best AI Awards launch press conference, officially kicking off Taiwan’s premier AI software competition. The competition features two main categories: AI Applications and IC Design, and is divided into four groups: Student, Startup & SME, Corporate Open, and International. More than just a platform for showcasing cutting-edge AI applications, the event serves as a gateway for discovering Taiwan’s rising stars and attracting top global talent to the island. Through this competition, MOEA aims to accelerate AI-driven technological advancements and foster a thriving startup ecosystem, reinforcing Taiwan’s position as a competitive AI powerhouse. Registration is now open and will remain available until April 8. All interested participants are encouraged to apply.

The Best AI Awards is envisioned as the “Oscars” of AI in Taiwan, emphasizing diversity, international collaboration, and future-oriented innovation. The competition seeks to inspire creativity among younger generations, encourage deeper industry-academic partnerships, and cultivate AI-savvy innovators and enterprises. Ultimately, the goal is to drive AI industrialization and the AI-driven transformation of industries, laying a stronger foundation for Taiwan’s AI sector. The grand prize for the Student group is NTD 300,000, while the top prize in the Corporate Open, Startup & SME, and International groups is NTD 1,000,000. The final round and awards ceremony are scheduled for May 3, 2025.

For more details, visit the competition website: www.bestaiawards.com.tw. Interested teams are encouraged to register and compete for the highest honor in AI!