Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: MOFA response to false claims by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson regarding Taiwan and its president

[Unofficial Translation]

Secretary General Stoltenberg and distinguished leaders,

It is a pleasure to attend the NATO Summit for the third consecutive year, following the Madrid Summit in 2022 and the Vilnius Summit in 2023.

It is especially meaningful to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of NATO here in Washington, D.C., where both NATO and the ROK-U.S. alliance came into being.

Distinguished leaders,

In the midst of a global polycrisis, the security of Europe and of Asia could be likened to two sides of the same coin.

The cooperation between NATO and its Indo-Pacific partners, who share universal values, is an answer to the call of our times for a free and prosperous world. Our cooperation has become a prerequisite for paving the way to a sustainable future.

If we fail to fend off significant challenges to the freedom, peace and rule of law that we have nurtured with great devotion, attempts to upend the status quo by illegal means will continue to confront us.

The war in Ukraine and military cooperation between Russia and North Korea pose a threat to the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific region simultaneously.

One reason why the war in Ukraine persists, in spite of the support efforts from NATO allies and partners here, is the presence of factions such as North Korea that are prolonging the conflict.

Furthermore, the military and economic assistance that Russia may provide to North Korea would exacerbate security threats on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region.

We must stand firm in greater unity and solidarity for the expeditious restoration of peace in Ukraine as well as for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Moreover, in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions, we should thoroughly prevent all efforts that contribute to North Korea’s military buildup, including military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.

As Russia is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, its military and economic cooperation with North Korea – a country subject to Security Council sanctions – in violation of Security Council resolutions is an act in itself that undermines the foundations of the UN system.

Russia must fulfill its due responsibilities and obligations as a permanent member of the Security Council, the last bastion of international peace.

Fellow leaders,

Alongside security cooperation to restore peace in Ukraine, we must also strengthen our solidarity to support Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery.

The Republic of Korea will continue to provide and further expand assistance essential to the Ukrainian people in various areas such as energy, healthcare, education and infrastructure.

Notably, we remain committed to providing security assistance, humanitarian aid and support for reconstruction on the basis of the Ukraine Peace and Solidarity Initiative, which I announced during my visit to Ukraine in July of last year. Next year, we will double our contributions to the NATO Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine Trust Fund compared to this year.

Fellow leaders,

Hostile acts that exploit AI and new digital technologies, such as cyberattacks and the spread of disinformation, loom large as new global security threats.

With indiscriminate attacks on digital infrastructure of countries and societies such as satellite communications systems becoming increasingly common, our digital solidarity must be further strengthened.

I welcome the decision made during this summit by NATO and its Indo-Pacific partners to push for Flagship Projects that focus on the areas of cyber defense, disinformation and advanced technologies.

In line with these projects, the Republic of Korea will proactively work with NATO to come up with an action plan to bolster cybersecurity.

This coming September, the Republic of Korea plans to host the Allied Power EXercise (APEX) to help NATO and its partner countries strengthen their capabilities against cyber threats.

In addition, the Republic of Korea, together with the Netherlands, will host the Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Military Domain (REAIM) Summit to spearhead the establishment of international norms for AI, one of the Flagship Projects between NATO and its Indo-Pacific partners.

The Republic of Korea will continue to help bolster the defense capabilities and expand defense industry supply chains of NATO and its partner countries.

In particular, I hope that cooperation between the two sides in the aerospace defense industry will further expand based on the agreement on mutual recognition for military airworthiness certification between the Republic of Korea and NATO, which was concluded during this summit.

Furthermore – to effectively respond to mutual threats – we will further facilitate information sharing between the Republic of Korea and NATO regarding the North Korean weapons used on the battlegrounds in Ukraine.

Fellow leaders,

NATO’s 75-year history has taught us an important lesson.

Peace without freedom is merely an empty word, and freedom and peace can only be safeguarded when backed by robust strength.

The sound freedom we achieve together will bring us greater prosperity and peace.

I hope that NATO and its Indo-Pacific partners will forge stronger solidarity to usher in a thriving future of prosperity both for ourselves and for generations to come.

Thank you.

Source: MOFA response to false claims by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson regarding Taiwan and its president

[Unofficial Translation]

Servicemembers of the United States Indo-Pacific Command,

It is a pleasure to meet you all.

I am delighted to visit USINDOPACOM, the largest and oldest unified combatant command in the United States, responsible for a vast area that covers more than half of the Earth’s surface.

I am grateful to USINDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo and commanders of its subordinate component commands, including the U.S. Army Pacific, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pacific Air Forces and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, as well as their troops for the hospitality extended to me.

A short while ago, I received an operational status briefing and was clearly reminded once again of how crucial USINDOPACOM’s role is in safeguarding peace and stability in the region.

In particular, I reaffirmed that USINDOPACOM plays a pivotal role in maintaining the combined defense posture on the Korean Peninsula during both wartime and peacetime.

USINDOPACOM serves as the backbone of the ROK-U.S. alliance, supporting the ROK-U.S. combined defense posture and playing a central role in deploying augmented U.S. forces in the event of any contingency on the Peninsula.

My visit to USINDOPACOM today is the first by a sitting Korean president in 29 years.

This visit aims to solidify the ironclad ROK-U.S. alliance and our combined defense posture in the face of the grave international circumstances and security situation on the Korean Peninsula.

The North Korean regime has been advancing its nuclear and missile capabilities and codified the preemptive use of nuclear weapons, all the while disregarding the plight of its people.

Worse still, North Korea is posing a threat to peace not only on the Korean Peninsula but worldwide through its illicit arms dealings with Russia.

Last month, the North signed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Russia to strengthen their military and economic cooperation, further deepening the international community’s concerns.

In order to safeguard our freedom, democracy and economic prosperity against these reckless forces, solidarity among nations with shared values is a must along with overwhelming power.

Through the Camp David summit in August last year, the Republic of Korea, the United States and Japan ushered in a new era of trilateral cooperation.

In June this year, Freedom Edge – the first multi-domain military exercise between the three countries – was successfully conducted in accordance with the Spirit of Camp David.

I boarded the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt when it was in Korea for the exercise and saw with my own eyes the United States’ unwavering defense commitments and posture.

Moreover, this year’s RIMPAC is being conducted right now in the waters off Hawaii to strengthen operational capabilities and interoperability among the Republic of Korea, the United States and partner countries while mobilizing the destroyer ROKS Yulgok Yi I and aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson.

Strong capabilities that are based on firm commitments and partnerships are the driving force that steadfastly protects the rules-based order in the region.

And right at the foundation is USINDOPACOM.

The dedication and efforts of USINDOPACOM’s servicemembers are the genuine force that drives the strong ROK-U.S. alliance and cooperation among the Republic of Korea, the United States and Japan as well as solidarity in the international community.

I express my gratitude once more to USINDOPACOM and its subordinate component commands for their contributions to reinforcing the ROK-U.S. alliance and combined defense posture and maintaining peace in the region. I have absolute trust in all of you servicemembers.

I understand that Admiral Paparo’s command directive is to “Prevail!” in order to secure an overwhelming victory. I am certain that USINDOPACOM will always serve as a command that dominates the battlefield and secures victory.

Thank you.

Source: MOFA response to false claims by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson regarding Taiwan and its president

[Unofficial Translation]

President Mirziyoyev, people of the Republic of Uzbekistan,

I extend my gratitude for the warm hospitality provided to my delegation.

It is meaningful to pay a state visit to Uzbekistan, one of Korea’s few Special Strategic Partners.

Under President Mirziyoyev’s exceptional leadership, Uzbekistan has been achieving rapid development, and I am privileged to be here and see this with my own eyes.

Today, President Mirziyoyev and I held our second summit, following our meeting in New York last September on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

We reflected on the past 32 years of bilateral relations, and agreed to develop our Special Strategic Partnership in a future-oriented manner.

First, President Mirziyoyev and I agreed to further expand our collaboration in infrastructure, which has long been a key sector of cooperation between our two countries.

Today, a contract to export Korean-made high-speed train cars to Uzbekistan was concluded.

This marks the first export of such cars developed with Korea’s own technology. It will lead to broader bilateral cooperation in the railway sector, including high-speed rail operations, while also helping to enhance Uzbekistan’s railroad infrastructure.

Moreover, the “Arrangement of Cooperation in District Heating Modernization in Uzbekistan” was concluded, further strengthening the foundation for bilateral collaboration in this field.

I asked President Mirziyoyev for his continued consideration towards Korean businesses, so that they can participate in Uzbekistan’s construction of expressways, water supply facilities and other national projects, thereby generating many cases of exemplary bilateral cooperation in infrastructure following the Gas Chemical Complex Project in Surgil. We also agreed to continue close consultations in this regard.

Second, we agreed to maximize the synergy created through supply chain cooperation by combining Uzbekistan’s abundant mineral resources with Korea’s technological expertise.

The “Arrangement of Cooperation on Critical Mineral Partnership” concerning minerals such as tungsten and molybdenum was signed, and we agreed to actively work together to ensure that Korean companies are given priority to participate in projects that have been identified as economically feasible.

Moreover, we agreed to work together to ensure that the Rare Metals Center Project, through which our two countries are jointly developing refining technologies essential for high-purity rare metal products, yields mutually beneficial results.

Third, we agreed to expand cooperation in defense and the defense industry.

To this end, we will expand our bilateral cooperation, which has been focused on joint exercises, military medical technology and military training, to include information and communications, cyberspace and border surveillance systems as well as aircraft and other defense equipment.

Fourth, we lauded the National Children’s Medical Center of Uzbekistan, which is an exemplary case of bilateral healthcare cooperation, on obtaining international accreditation. We also welcomed the conclusion of Korean-Uzbek negotiations on Uzbekistan’s accession to the WTO, and the signing of the Protocol of Bilateral Negotiations during this visit.

As the Chair of the Working Party for Uzbekistan’s accession to the WTO, the Republic of Korea will actively support Uzbekistan efforts to join the WTO.

Fifth, President Mirziyoyev and I concurred that in the pursuit of national development, it is vital to improve public administration services and enhance the capabilities of civil servants.

The Uzbek government has shown great interest in how the Korean government trains civil servants and also in cooperating with Korea on public personnel administration.

Building upon this, we adopted the “Agreement on a Cooperation Plan for strengthening the Government Capacity of Uzbekistan” and agreed to closely cooperate in this field.

Sixth, we discussed the latest developments on the Korean Peninsula and agreed to continue to play a part in the international efforts to denuclearize North Korea. I expressed my gratitude to Uzbekistan — a country at the forefront of the non-proliferation movement — for consistently supporting our policy on North Korea.

Finally, I briefed President Mirziyoyev in detail on the “K-Silk Road Initiative on Cooperation between Korea and Central Asia” – our first diplomatic strategy focusing exclusively on Central Asia. I also explained my government’s expectation and aspiration to expand our partnership with Central Asia.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to President Mirziyoyev once more for fully supporting this initiative and our plan to hold a Korea-Central Asia Summit next year.

Building upon this initiative, Korea will take a leap towards the future alongside Uzbekistan, a brother country that warmly embraced ethnic Koreans 87 years ago.

My government will faithfully implement measures for cooperation agreed upon today with President Mirziyoyev, and further advance our Special Strategic Partnership.

I would like to sincerely thank President Mirziyoyev once again for his kind invitation and warm hospitality.

Source:

On January 13, the Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIP) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held the “2025 Lunar New Year Security and Confidentiality Maintenance Coordination Meeting.” The meeting, chaired by Secretary-General Lin, Chian-Huey, gathered representatives from enterprises within the park and local branches to discuss security strategies for the holiday season. The primary goal was to ensure security during the holiday and further strengthen the protection of key national industrial assets.
Secretary-General Lin, Chian-Huey stated that the BIP would continue building upon last year’s security achievements by enhancing patrols mechanisms and risk management. This includes strengthening inspections at financial institutions and high-risk construction sites to ensure the overall safety of the industrial parks during the holiday period. She urged enterprises within the park to collaborate to maintain stability and harmony.
This meeting is one of the key projects of the BIP for the year. It focused on precise response strategies for safeguarding official confidential information and ensuring park security, reviewing the current state of protective facilities, and establishing an emergency response network. In addition, the meeting highlighted anti-fraud and anti-infiltration issues, with awareness campaigns aimed at enhancing vigilance and response capabilities among all attendees. Participants highly praised the BIP’s comprehensive security maintenance plan, recognizing that it not only enhances the sense of security within the park but also creates a safer operation environment for the new year.
According to past data, the BIP implements a well-structured emergency response mechanism during the Lunar New Year, addressing security vulnerabilities and confidentiality protection to uphold stability in the industrial park. This year’s strategy has been further refined with digital management tools and streamlined communication networks, creating a stronger security foundation for the coming year.
The meeting emphasized three key priorities: (1) a systematic security risk assessment covering core infrastructure within the park; (2) continuous improvements to emergency response mechanisms for faster and more efficient crisis handling; and (3) the promotion of fraud prevention and anti-infiltration education to provide multilayered protection against emerging security threats. Moving forward, the BIP is committed to further strengthening its security initiatives and exploring innovative technologies and strategies to protect enterprises and employees within the parks. This meeting also marks a strong start for security management during the Lunar New Year, fully demonstrating the professionalism and dedication of the BIP.

Contact Person: Tseng, Chien-Hua (Government Ethics Office)
Contact Number: 886-7-361-1212 ext 636
Email: chtseng@bip.gov.tw

Source:

On January 21, 2025, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) officially opened its new Metrology Laboratory in Xizhi. The opening ceremony was attended by Director-General Chen Yi-Ling, along with representatives from related laboratories and industry leaders. This new facility marks an important step forward in maintaining accurate measurements that benefit both businesses and consumers.

According to the Weights and Measures Act, devices like water meters, gas meters, scales, weighbridges, and breath alcohol testers must pass official verification before they can be sold or used for legal or trade purposes. The Xizhi Metrology Laboratory will take over the work of the Chengde Road lab, which served the public for more than 36 years. The new lab will continue providing important services like testing, calibration, and verification to help ensure fair trade and accurate readings for law enforcement.

As technology advances, many traditional mechanical devices-like water and gas meters-are being replaced by electronic systems. To keep up, the new lab offers updated testing services that meet the latest international standards developed by the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML). This helps confirm that electronic meters are accurate and reliable. A key feature of the new lab is the addition of Asia’s first electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing system in real-flow conditions. This means that it can evaluate how external signals affect measurement accuracy under actual water and gas flow scenarios, a vital step in ensuring reliable readings and supporting the development of next-generation metering technologies. For local businesses, the Xizhi lab is also good news. Manufacturers can now perform important tests locally instead of sending equipment abroad, which saves both time and money.

BSMI is committed to running the lab efficiently and keeping it equipped with the latest technology. The goal is to protect consumers from inaccurate measurements, promote fairness in trade, and support local industries as they adopt new technology. With the Xizhi Metrology Laboratory in operation, the public can feel confident that the products they rely on-whether it’s for buying groceries, paying utility bills, or ensuring public safety-are measured accurately and fairly.

Responsible Division: Metrology Technology Division
Contact Person: Chen, Horng-Lin, Deputy Director
Tel. (O):+886-2343-4585
Email:hl.chen@bsmi.gov.tw

Source:

To address the impact of U.S. tariffs on Taiwanese companies operating overseas, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has commissioned the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) to implement various support measures, thereby enabling businesses to make adjustments to supply chains and investment strategies. These support measures include:

1. Establishing a Task Force and Consultation Hotline for Immediate Assistance
TAITRA has set up task forces in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Southeast Asia, and South Asia to provide real-time support. A consultation hotline is available at +886-2-27577190.

2. Providing Customized Services for Businesses to Expand Overseas Deployments
The MOEA offers market insights for businesses relocating to the U.S. or other regions, which include investment locations, regulations, and partnership opportunities. Companies shifting production to supply local domestic markets receive regulatory guidance and networking support.

3. Establishing a Service Center for Investment and Trade in the U.S. to Support Supply Chain Relocation
Under the policy of “Connecting Taiwan to the World”, the MOEA will establish a Taiwan Investment and Trade Center in the U.S. It will help businesses assess investment environments, shift supply chains, and link with local partners.

4. Strengthening Taiwan-U.S. Industrial Collaboration and Assisting Taiwanese Businesses with Innovation and Upgrading
ITRI’s North America office will actively promote R&D and manufacturing collaborations, assist businesses in finding local partners, facilitate technological advancement, and boost competitiveness.

The MOEA will remain committed to monitoring global trade trends and supporting Taiwanese businesses in adapting to market changes.

Source:

The Taiwan Water Corporation Customer Service Hotline 1910 is still on 24/7 while TWC offices will be closed during the Lunar New Year. Users with any questions,such as water using,bills,reporting water leaking,can get assistance by calling 1910.

TWC provides a variety of convenient payment methods. Users can easily pay through the following methods during the Lunar New Year.
1.Taiwan Water Corporation official website.
2.Taiwan Water Corporation APP.
3.Mobile payment:JKOPay,iPASS MONEY,TCPASS,GAMAPAY,PiAPP,icash Pay,ezPay,beePay,TaiwanPay,Easy Wallet,PXPay and PlusPAY.
4.At convenience stores:Pay water bill at 7-11,Family Mart,Hi-Life,OK and Simple Mart. Users without water bills,can print them with KIOSK Machines,like ibon,OKGo,Fami Port,Life-ET.

Before returning to hometown for reunions,please check the water equipment at home,TWC offices will be open on February 3rd,2025.

Ministry of Economic Affairs Taiwan Water Company
Spokesman:Vice President Wu, Jing-Wen
Contact Number:04-22244191 Ext.205,Mobile Phone:0934-262835
Email:jingwen@mail.water.gov.tw

Business Contact:Director, Dept. of Business LIN,MENG-ZHU
Contact Number:04-22244191 Ext.400,Mobile Phone:0952-402749
Email:moju @mail.water.gov.tw

Source:

On January 8, foreign media outlet MIT Technology Review inaccurately reported that the Taiwan government would assist Chinese companies in establishing operations in Taiwan to circumvent US tariffs. The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) regrets that the report was published without prior verification with the ministry. A formal letter has been sent to the media requesting a correction. The MOEA solemnly clarifies that its long-standing efforts have been directed toward assisting Taiwanese enterprises, not Chinese companies as the report incorrectly claimed. In response to the potential imposition of higher tariffs on Chinese products by the new U.S. administration, Minister Kuo has consistently emphasized the ministry’s support for Taiwanese businesses operating in China to relocate their production lines back to Taiwan or to other regions not affected by tariffs, including the United States.

The MOEA will continue to provide systematic support and resources based on the needs of businesses to help them diversify their investment strategies and build a resilient supply chain. Through the Taiwan Desk and the Connecting Taiwan to the World Policy, the ministry offers investment services to Taiwanese enterprises in eight New Southbound Policy countries, as well as in Japan and the Czech Republic. Additionally, economic divisions stationed in major countries and Taiwan Trade Centers are available to provide further assistance. In response to US policies and to meet the demands of Taiwanese enterprises’ clients, the government will continue to collaborate with the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) to invite domestic industry associations and enterprises to participate in the 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit, strengthening their presence in the US market.

Furthermore, Taiwanese businesses can take advantage of the Three Major Programs for Investing in Taiwan, which facilitate the relocation of high-end production capacity back to Taiwan. The program has been extended to 2027, with revised eligibility criteria to expand coverage to overseas Taiwanese enterprises and foreign-invested companies. The program focuses on five trusted industries, the service sector, and the healthcare industry, with a mandatory requirement for AI applications to enhance the resilience of the supply chain. These measures are designed to encourage the return of Taiwanese businesses from China.

Spokesperson: MOEA DOIP Deputy Director, Rio Lu
Tel: (02) 2389-2111 ext. 812
E-mail: rio@moea.gov.tw

Contact: MOEA DOIP Section Chief, Chuang Wen-Chang
Tel: (02) 2389-2111 ext. 110, 0922-007-093
E-mail: wcchuang@moea.gov.tw

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The Water Supplies Department today announced that it will hold the Water Save Carnival from December 5 to 15 at HarbourChill, Wan Chai to raise public awareness about water conservation, working together to create a sustainable future without water shortages.

Under the theme “Save Water Today for a Sustainable Future”, the carnival features a variety of activities such as water conservation workshops, interactive games, and a Water Save Dave mascot meet-and-greet.

A giant crystal droplet will also be set up on-site, allowing the public to step inside for photos and pledge their commitment to the vision of “Cherish Every Drop, Sustain a Better Life”. 

The department said all activities at the carnival are free of charge, with some requiring pre-registration.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The Long Valley Nature Park officially opened today for public visits, with Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan and Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn officiating at the opening ceremony.

Covering an area of approximately 37 hectares, the park adopts an open design divided into three management zones – the Biodiversity Zone for core conservation, the Agriculture Zone for eco-friendly farming, and the Visitor Zone equipped with facilities for visitors and educational activities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Tse stated that the establishment of the park for active conservation of Long Valley by the Government represents a breakthrough.

By proactively restoring abandoned farmlands and some dry farmlands into various wetland habitats, including wet farmlands, a water flea pond, shallow ponds and marshes, as well as constructing irrigation channels to nurture various wildlife and facilitate eco-friendly farming practices, the park not only better conserves Long Valley but also achieves the complementary objectives of ecological conservation and agriculture.

He added that since construction began in 2019, the park has achieved encouraging conservation results. Over the past three years, the numbers of critically endangered Yellow-breasted Bunting, nests of Black-winged Stilt, and endangered Black-faced spoonbill have all increased severalfold.

Ms Linn said in her speech that the park possesses high ecological value and has effectively enhanced the wetland habitats. The necessary supporting infrastructure and visitor facilities have also been built, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to feature “Urban-Rural Integration and Co-existence of Development and Conservation” in the development of the Northern Metropolis.

The Opening Fun Day will be held at the park today and tomorrow, featuring in-depth tours, a farmers’ market, game booths, art and crafts workshops, and music performances. Admission is free. There are also free shuttle bus services between MTR Fanling Station and the park.