Month: March 2026

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly condemns and refutes Chinese Foreign Ministry’s false claims regarding Taiwan’s participation in WTO

Date：2026-03-25
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

March 25, 2026  
No. 114  

At a press conference on March 24, the Chinese Foreign Ministry attempted to mislead the international community and suppress Taiwan’s international participation by erroneously claiming that the so-called “one China principle” was a political prerequisite for Taiwan’s participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expresses its strongest condemnation and categorically refutes this blatantly false and distorted narrative.
 
In accordance with Article XII of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization, Taiwan acceded to the WTO as a fully autonomous separate customs territory not subordinate to any other member. As such, Taiwan enjoys equal and complete rights under the WTO framework. There is absolutely no basis for China’s fallacious unilateral claim that Taiwan’s membership is predicated on the so-called “one China principle” as a political prerequisite.
 
MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country; that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other; and that the PRC has never governed Taiwan. These objective facts are the internationally recognized status quo. Only the democratically elected government of Taiwan can represent the 23 million people of Taiwan in multilateral organizations and at international events. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

No. 109  March 21, 2026   US Ambassador to the United Nations Michael Waltz appeared before the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs of the House Committee on Appropriations on March 20 to testify during a field hearing on accountability and reform at the United Nations (UN) held at the US Mission to the UN in New York. 
 
During the hearing, John Moolenaar (R-MI), Chairman of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, asked Ambassador Waltz about how the United States was working with allies and partners to maintain transparency and the integrity of UN institutions and address the issue of these organizations being leveraged by countries such as China and Russia for their own geopolitical agendas. In response, Ambassador Waltz stated that continual support of Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations was a key part of the charge of the US Mission to the UN. 
 
Ambassador Waltz also stressed that Taiwan’s expertise and resources, particularly in technology, were of substantive benefit to the world in addressing some of the world’s most critical challenges and that the United States would not advocate for partners that do not share the same view on the value of freedom. He further pointed out that, for example, the United States opposed China’s intentional misuse and mischaracterization of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758, which was part of China’s broader efforts to isolate Taiwan from the international community, adding that the United States had forcefully pushed back against China’s attempts and that he hoped this would be effective.
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely thanks Ambassador Waltz for publicly restating US support for Taiwan’s international participation and opposing China’s attempts to keep Taiwan out through its mischaracterization of UNGA Resolution 2758. He points out that staunch US support for Taiwan demonstrates that Taiwan is a responsible, capable, and key partner of the world’s nations and that the international community cannot condone political distortions by any country aimed at the exclusion of a democratic partner capable of contributing to the world. 
 
The United States, he continued, is firmly committed to maintaining Taiwan’s right to connect with the world, which further showcases Taiwan’s expertise in health care, disease prevention, digital technology, and supply chain resilience, and the importance of maintaining Taiwan’s ability to use its experiences for the betterment of the international community. Only by allowing Taiwan to truly engage with the world can the world benefit from Taiwan. This is the consensus and sincere desire of many democratic countries.
 
Minister Lin once again reiterates that UNGA Resolution 2758 addresses China’s representation in the UN, not Taiwan’s sovereignty. The resolution makes no mention of Taiwan. Therefore, no country can cite the resolution as a reason for precluding Taiwan’s participation in the UN system or other international organizations. 
 
The Republic of China (Taiwan) is an independent and sovereign country. Taiwan’s sovereignty belongs to the people of Taiwan. The People’s Republic of China has never governed Taiwan, and the international community overwhelmingly recognizes that neither side is subordinate to the other. These objective facts reflect the status quo, and Taiwanese society has a strong common understanding of these issues. Only Taiwan’s democratically elected government can represent the 23 million people of Taiwan in the UN system and in multilateral mechanisms.
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges the international community to continue taking concrete action to oppose China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758 and the inappropriate linkage between this misrepresentation and the “one China principle.” The international community should collectively refute China’s attempts to claim that the Taiwan issue is an internal matter so as to prevent China from establishing a so-called legal basis for a possible future armed invasion of Taiwan. As a force for good, Taiwan will continue to work for its international participation, contribute to the international community, and jointly safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific region. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly condemns Cameroon for compelling Taiwan to be absent from WTO MC14

Date：2026-03-20
Data Source：Department of International Cooperation and Economic Affairs

March 20, 2026  
No. 101  Taiwan has been compelled to be absent from the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) after the Republic of Cameroon, the host country, sought to issue visas to members of the Taiwan delegation using improper and unacceptable nomenclature for the nationality designation. 
 
This will mark the first time that Taiwan has not attended a Ministerial Conference since it acceded to the WTO at the fourth Ministerial Conference in 2001. Cameroon’s subservience to China and disregard for the long-standing practice of host members respecting Taiwan’s status as a member not subordinate to any other member has severely infringed on Taiwan’s right to equal participation in the WTO. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expresses its condemnation in the strongest possible terms.
 
The Ministerial Conference is the WTO’s highest decision-making body and is held biennially. The 14th session is scheduled to take place from March 26 to 29 in Yaoundé, Cameroon. This would have marked the 11th delegation from Taiwan to attend since Taiwan first participated in 2001. 
 
In accordance with established precedent, the Taiwan delegation was to have been led by Minister without Portfolio and Chief Trade Representative Yang Jen-ni. However, the pre-enrolment notification issued by Cameroon to Taiwan prior to the delegation’s departure erroneously designated Taiwan as Taiwan, Province of China, seriously demeaning Taiwan’s status.
 
MOFA notes that Taiwan acceded to the WTO as a separate customs territory and that it is not subordinate to any other member. Cameroon’s designation is clearly inconsistent with Taiwan’s membership status and standing under the WTO framework. Despite repeated efforts by Taiwan’s Permanent Mission to the WTO to engage the WTO Secretariat and director-general, as well as active assistance from other members—including the United States, Japan, and diplomatic allies of Taiwan—Cameroon failed to uphold its responsibilities as this year’s host, insisting instead that its improper visa designation for Taiwan was a matter of its foreign policy. By prioritizing bilateral policy considerations over the collective interests of the WTO as a multilateral organization, Cameroon not only violated long-standing conventions regarding entry and visa procedures for delegation members from Taiwan, it also neglected to provide Taiwan with the fair, impartial, and reasonable treatment that Taiwan is entitled to as a WTO member. Furthermore, Cameroon ignored the flexible solutions proposed by Taiwan. MOFA reiterates its strongest possible condemnation of Cameroon.
 
MOFA notes that Taiwan, as a responsible member of the WTO, has lodged a formal protest with the WTO Secretariat and the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Cameroon. In addition, Taiwan is calling for future hosts of WTO Ministerial Conferences to provide formal assurances that similar incidents undermining the equal rights of members will not recur. MOFA emphasizes that Taiwan will continue to maintain close coordination with like-minded members to jointly protect the rules-based international economic and trade order and safeguard Taiwan’s rights and dignity. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA welcomes ANZMIN 2+2 joint statement supporting cross-strait peace and stability

Date：2026-03-18
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

March 18, 2026  
No. 094  
 
Following the third Australia-New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (ANZMIN 2+2) on March 17, the two countries issued a joint statement reaffirming the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, opposing any unilateral action to change the status quo, and encouraging all parties to engage in dialogue rather than resorting to coercion or force. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes and affirms this statement.
 
Australia and New Zealand are both like-minded partners of Taiwan, sharing such common values as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait and stability in the Indo-Pacific has become an international consensus. Taiwan will continue to work hand in hand with like-minded countries to jointly safeguard the rules-based international order and promote democracy, peace, and prosperity in the region. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) today (March 18) announced a new measure to accelerate the adoption of energy storage systems by industrial users while ensuring installation and operational safety. Under the initiative, the Energy Administration (EA) will provide subsidies for behind-the-meter energy storage systems, with eligible businesses able to receive NT$5 million per MWh. To complement the subsidy program, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) ensures safety and quality of these installed systems through standards, testing, and certification programs, supported by a localized national testing laboratory for energy storage systems.

The EA stated that the “Directions of Subsidies for the Installation of Battery Energy Storage System at Industrial Sites by Ministry of Economic Affairs” announced by the MOEA encourages electricity users in industrial parks, science parks, and other industrial facilities to install energy storage systems, with a view to strengthening grid resilience and supporting the development of Taiwan’s battery cell industry.

To further stabilize the power grid and enhance domestic supply chain development, the subsidy program primarily targets energy storage equipment using locally manufactured lithium-based battery cells. The MOEA stated that the measure is intended to help industrial users shift from relying solely on grid electricity to incorporating stored backup energy into their power management strategies.

Alongside the subsidy program, the BSMI has put in place a comprehensive safety regime for energy storage systems in line with international developments. The framework now extends beyond battery-level requirements to cover system-level integration. By 2025, Taiwan had published a total of 24 national standards (CNS) covering batteries, modules and complete energy storage systems, which are harmonized with relevant international standards. BSMI said it will continue tracking international regulatory and technological developments and update the standards as needed to further strengthen safety.

On the testing side, to address previous constraints in domestic testing capacity, the National Center for Energy Storage System Technology (NEST) will begin providing testing services in 2026. With a testing capacity of up to 360 kWh, the center will be the only laboratory in Taiwan capable of conducting combustion tests for energy storage systems. The localized testing facility is expected to reduce testing costs by more than 50 percent compared with overseas testing, while also cutting sample delivery time and related expenses. Through international cooperation, test reports issued by NEST will also be accepted via international recognition arrangements.

The MOEA emphasized that it will continue to integrate financial incentives with standards, testing and certification mechanisms to promote industrial upgrading and ensure that Taiwan’s energy transition proceeds in a safe and reliable manner.

Contact Person (Subsidy Policy): Yu-Chuan Hsia, Director, Energy Administration
Tel. (O): +886-2775-7753
Email: yhhsia@moeaea.gov.tw

Contact Person (Energy Storage Equipment Certification): Ching-Hong Cheng, Deputy Director, Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI)
Tel. (O): +886-2343-1700 ext.1211
Email: ch.cheng@bsmi.gov.tw

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

To mark the 11th National Security Education Day, the Fire Services Department will host an open day at the Fire & Ambulance Services Academy in Tseung Kwan O on April 12.

The event, which runs from 10am to 2pm, aims to enhance public understanding of the Constitution, the Basic Law and the Hong Kong National Security Law. It will also showcase the department’s role in safeguarding national security, maintaining public order and safety and professional personnel training.

Highlights include a parade of fire appliances, a rescue demonstration and displays of specialised equipment and training facilities.

The event will also feature a fire-safety exhibition, interactive games and a demonstration of Fire Services working dogs.

In addition, the Fire & Ambulance Services Education Centre & Museum will be open to visitors throughout the day.

People can apply for up to four admission tickets via the Fire Services Department mobile app from today until Sunday.

Tickets will be allocated by computer ballot and successful applicants will be notified through the mobile app on April 1. Tickets are not required for children aged three or below.

Call 2411 8773 for enquiries.

Source: Government of Singapore

Three tenders will be called to commission studies on nuclear safety standards and environmental considerations as Singapore studies the potential deployment of nuclear energy

26 March 2026 – As part of Singapore’s efforts to strengthen capabilities in nuclear safety, the National Environment Agency (NEA) will commission three studies to examine international safety standards and potential environmental impacts of nuclear power facilities.

Building technical nuclear expertise is critical

2.       The three studies will examine different aspects of nuclear safety: (i) safety standards adopted by international organisations and national regulators, including how to design and operate the reactor safely, what safety systems are needed, and how to prevent accidents; (ii) international environmental standards and regulatory frameworks for nuclear facilities; and (iii) environmental considerations for the potential deployment of nuclear energy in Singapore and the region – both of which focus on how to protect public health and the environment. These studies will complement the ongoing study commissioned by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) to evaluate the safety performance and technical feasibility of advanced nuclear energy technologies.

Singapore is closely studying global nuclear developments

3.       NEA has been developing Singapore’s nuclear safety capabilities through close partnerships with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and established regulatory bodies in Finland, France and the United States, as well as our regional neighbours with whom we engage in nuclear safety cooperation discussions. NEA’s Nuclear Safety Advisory Panel, comprising experts in nuclear and related scientific fields, provides independent advice on nuclear safety, security and safeguards.  

4.       The studies, together with our other capability building efforts, ensure that Singapore is well equipped with the knowledge and technical expertise to independently assess the potential for safe deployment of nuclear energy in Singapore. These capabilities will also allow us to contribute to strengthen regional discussion on nuclear, to better prepare for a region with nuclear power plants. The studies will also support our preparations in the event that countries in our region decide to deploy nuclear power.

~~ End ~~

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan approved by the National People’s Congress this month expresses explicit support for expediting the development of the Northern Metropolis (NM). The development of the NM, which accounts for approximately one-third of Hong Kong’s total land area and planned population, has entered a new stage, with the focus now on expediting construction works, as well as promoting the entry and operation of industries. The Legislative Council (LegCo) Secretariat today (March 25) released the latest issue of the Policy Pulse on “Northern Metropolis: Accelerating development through industry-driven momentum”. This issue provides a brief overview on the latest developments in the NM, including the enactment of dedicated legislation for the NM, the status of supporting industries in establishing a presence in the region, the layout of an innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem, the planning for the University Town, transport infrastructure, and the concurrent pursuit of development and conservation. It also summarizes the relevant discussions in LegCo and suggestions by Members.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam, leading a delegation comprising legal sector representatives, continued his visit to Hangzhou today.

Mr Lam visited the Zhejiang Merchants Foreign-Related Legal Service Center in the morning, to gain an in-depth understanding of the current state of foreign-related legal services in Zhejiang Province, and to explore co-operation opportunities between Hong Kong and Zhejiang in areas such as talent nurturing, international arbitration and commercial dispute resolution.

The delegation then attended an exchange session with representatives of the Zhejiang legal community.

Mr Lam discussed with Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Deputy Director-General of the Department of Justice of Zhejiang Province Lao Hong the collaboration between the legal sectors of Hong Kong and Zhejiang.

During the exchange session, Zhejiang legal professionals introduced the forms and latest trends of Mainland enterprises going global, as well as the relevant common legal and risk management issues, while representatives from Hong Kong’s legal sector elaborated on the unique role of Hong Kong’s legal profession in assisting Mainland enterprises expanding overseas.

Both sides also explored enhancing professional collaboration between the legal, arbitration and mediation sectors of the two places in supporting Mainland enterprises going global, and discussed co-operation on the exchanges and training of foreign-related legal talent.

Speaking at the exchange session, Mr Lam said that economic and trade co-operation between Hong Kong and Zhejiang has continued to deepen in recent years, with both sides serving as important engines for the country’s high-quality development, and possessing tremendous potential for collaboration. As the only common law jurisdiction within China, Hong Kong has a marked advantage in legal services.

With more Zhejiang enterprises expanding overseas, Hong Kong’s legal sector can provide one-stop professional services to Mainland companies in areas including cross-boundary investment and financing, international arbitration and compliance inspections.

He expressed the hope of further deepening comprehensive co-operation between the legal communities of Hong Kong and Zhejiang, promoting complementary strengths, jointly raising the professional standards and international credibility of dispute resolution services, and working together to support enterprises as they go global.

In the afternoon, Mr Lam and his delegation visited the Hangzhou Future Sci-Tech City Urban Exhibition Center to gain insights into Hangzhou’s advancements in areas including smart city development and artificial intelligence.

They then met local business representatives to learn about the latest business developments and promote Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre and the unique advantages of its common law system in assisting Mainland enterprises to expand overseas.