Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to Dutch House of Representatives passing four Taiwan-friendly motions

April 16, 2025  

The House of Representatives of the Netherlands on April 15 adopted four Taiwan-friendly motions, urging the Dutch government to oppose China’s escalation of tensions, strengthen trade relations with Taiwan, send a high-level official delegation to Taiwan, and support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the World Health Organization. The motions were proposed by House members from different parties, including Representative Jan Paternotte of Democrats 66, who is also cochair of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China for the Netherlands. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely welcomes and appreciates the high level of consensus that Dutch parliamentarians have shown in their support for Taiwan.

The Dutch House of Representatives simultaneously passed four motions calling on the Dutch government to take a number of concrete actions to support Taiwan. It encouraged the government to oppose China’s launch of large-scale military exercises around Taiwan; attach great importance to cross-strait peace and send another warship through the Taiwan Strait; assist Taiwan in responding to the United States’ tariff policy and enhance economic and trade exchanges with Taiwan; promote high-level official visits between Taiwan and the Netherlands; and explicitly voice support for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly and other events. These motions concern Taiwan’s core interests and are therefore of great significance.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung recognizes that Taiwan and the Netherlands have forged an increasingly close relationship, that support for Taiwan in the Dutch parliament has grown steadily year after year, and that the Netherlands is an important partner in the promotion of President Lai Ching-te’s Five Trusted Industry Sectors. Taiwan looks forward to engaging in further cooperation with the Netherlands in such critical domains as strengthening resilience of the semiconductor supply chain, security control and information security, and next-generation communications.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

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

April 16, 2025 

During a visit to Vietnam from April 14 to 15, Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam. Following the meeting, the two sides issued a joint statement on continuing to deepen their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Among other spurious content, the statement falsely claimed Taiwan to be an inseparable part of Chinese territory. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly condemns the authoritarian CCP government’s continued dissemination of false narratives aimed at undermining Taiwan’s sovereignty. 

MOFA reaffirms that Taiwan remains staunchly committed to safeguarding its national sovereignty; that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is an independent, sovereign country; that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other; that the CCP regime has never governed Taiwan; and that no narratives distorting Taiwan’s sovereign status can change the internationally recognized status quo across the Taiwan Strait.

MOFA stresses that Taiwan will continue to develop deep and enduring cooperation and exchanges with other countries through integrated diplomacy. It calls on nations worldwide to jointly counter China’s false narratives and not to condone China’s malicious attempts to mislead the international community and downgrade Taiwan’s sovereignty. MOFA also urges nations to work together to contribute to regional peace and stability and advance economic security and prosperity across the globe.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA expresses condolences at passing of Pope Francis

Date：2025-04-21
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

April 21, 2025  
No. 105

Following the announcement by the Press Office of the Holy See of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis on April 21, President Lai Ching-te immediately instructed the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Holy See to transmit a message of condolences expressing the profound sympathies of the people and government of Taiwan. 
 
In addition, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung immediately conveyed Taiwan’s condolences to Reverend Monsignor Stefano Mazzotti, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Apostolic Nunciature in Taiwan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) also expressed its condolences to Bishop John Lee Keh-Mien, President of the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference of Taiwan. Given the profound diplomatic bond between Taiwan and the Holy See and in order to extend the deepest sympathies of the Taiwanese people, Taiwan’s Catholic parishioners, and the government of Taiwan, high-level officials will be dispatched to serve as special envoys in attending Pope Francis’s funeral, while senior government officials will also attend a memorial mass convened by the Apostolic Nunciature in Taiwan.
 
During his pontificate from 2013 to 2025, Pope Francis voiced sympathy for those injured during the major earthquake that struck Hualien and prayed for the victims of the disaster. He cared deeply for the Catholic Church in Taiwan and appointed several bishops of ROC (Taiwan) nationality. In addition to receiving a number of special presidential envoys who visited the Holy See to attend important ceremonial events, Pope Francis also maintained cordial interactions and exchanges with interfaith groups in Taiwan. His humility and concern for all humanity, and especially his active calls for world peace, will remain forever in the hearts of the people and government of Taiwan. In this moment of sorrow, the Taiwanese people, Taiwan’s Catholic parishioners, and the government of Taiwan grieve together.
 
Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to promote cooperation with the Holy See and the Catholic Church in the field of humanitarian care. It will do its utmost to advance world peace and demonstrate the democratic values of humankind, further deepening its long-standing diplomatic partnership with the Holy See based on common ideals. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA sincerely thanks Saint Christopher and Nevis government for supporting peace and stability across Taiwan Strait

Date：2025-04-21
Data Source：Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs

April 21, 2025  
No. 106  

In a statement published on April 18, the government of Saint Christopher and Nevis said it observed with profound and growing concern the recent escalation of tensions in the Taiwan Strait. It said it held the conviction that all societies, regardless of size or geopolitical influence, should be allowed to advance their development without fear of aggression, intimidation, or the threat of conflict. In addition, it emphasized the need for constructive diplomacy to ensure lasting peace and security across the Taiwan Strait. 
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) extends its sincere gratitude to the government of Saint Christopher and Nevis for taking concrete action to convey staunch support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
 
This statement by the government of Saint Christopher and Nevis, which follows the adoption of a resolution by the country’s National Assembly on April 17 endorsing Taiwan’s international participation, fully demonstrates the close and cordial diplomatic bond between Taiwan and Saint Christopher and Nevis. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to work with the global democratic camp to jointly safeguard stable and prosperous development globally and throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA welcomes pragmatic step by the Philippine government to promote closer bilateral interactions

Date：2025-04-21
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

April 21, 2025  
No. 108  

The government of the Philippines issued Memorandum Circular No. 82 on April 21. The document, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, declared that the Philippine government would relax certain restrictions on interactions with Taiwan to promote economic, trade, and investment relations between the two countries. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung affirms the Philippine government’s pragmatic step to promote bilateral relations, expressing his belief that new regulations will help Taiwan continue to deepen substantive cooperation with the Philippines under the policy of integrated diplomacy.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that Taiwan is the Philippines’ eighth-largest export market, ninth-largest trading partner, and 10th-largest source of imports. As Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has emphasized repeatedly, peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are a priority, while peace, security, and stability are the concern of all nations. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to work with democratic allies such as the Philippines to jointly contribute to regional prosperity, peace, and stability. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

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

Date：2025-04-19
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

April 19, 2025  

Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet during a visit to Cambodia from April 17 to 18. The two sides issued a joint statement on April 18 falsely claiming that the authority of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 “brooks no question or challenge.” It also said that Cambodia “recognizes that there is but one China in the world and emphasizes that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.” These statements could not be further from the truth.
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly protests and condemns the Chinese government’s repeated dissemination of preposterous narratives aimed at undermining Taiwan’s sovereignty. It also expresses deep regret over the Cambodian government’s subservience to China, whose actions are designed to downgrade Taiwan’s sovereignty. 
 
MOFA emphasizes that UNGA Resolution 2758 merely established China’s representation in the United Nations. It makes absolutely no mention of Taiwan, nor does it authorize the PRC to represent Taiwan in any international organization.
                             
MOFA reaffirms that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is an independent, sovereign country; that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the PRC is subordinate to the other; and that the Chinese communist regime has never governed Taiwan. It also reiterates that narratives aimed at distorting Taiwan’s sovereign status run contrary to reality and cannot change the internationally recognized status quo across the Taiwan Strait. MOFA strongly denounces the Chinese government for repeatedly claiming that Taiwan is an internal issue at international events and attempting to downgrade Taiwan’s sovereignty. 
 
MOFA calls on the global community to be aware of China’s efforts to use lawfare to misrepresent UNGA Resolution 2758, mischaracterize Taiwan as an internal matter, and block international support for Taiwan. MOFA urges nations worldwide to continue to take concrete action to counter and explicitly oppose China’s relentless misrepresentation of the resolution and China’s malicious endeavors to change the cross-strait status quo, thereby jointly safeguarding peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA thanks Saint Christopher and Nevis National Assembly for passing resolution endorsing Taiwan’s participation in international organizations

Date：2025-04-18
Data Source：Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs

April 18, 2025  
No. 101  

The National Assembly of Saint Christopher and Nevis on April 17 adopted a resolution proposed by Prime Minister Terrance Drew that endorsed Taiwan’s participation in the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the International Criminal Police Organization, and the International Civil Aviation Organization. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely appreciates the staunch and unwavering support and friendship that parliamentarians from governing and opposition parties of Saint Christopher and Nevis have shown toward Taiwan through concrete action. 
 
The resolution pointed out that Saint Christopher and Nevis parliamentarians, as members of the Formosa Club, cherished their country’s diplomatic ties with Taiwan. It stated that over the years the two nations had built a robust friendship based on shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The resolution lauded Taiwan for its contributions to global public health and recognized Taiwan’s efforts and actions in such fields as renewable energy, climate change adaptation, disaster warning systems, the fight against transnational crime, and the development of international civil aviation. It urged all sectors to support Taiwan’s professional, pragmatic, and constructive participation in the United Nations and other international organizations. 
 
This marks the third consecutive year that the National Assembly of Saint Christopher and Nevis has passed a Taiwan-friendly resolution, underscoring the close and friendly diplomatic alliance between the two countries. Taiwan will continue to work with Saint Christopher and Nevis and other allies and like-minded nations to make even greater contributions to peace, security, and sustainable development across the globe. (E)

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

This year’s April 23 marks the second Hong Kong Reading for All Day. Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) today collaborated with stakeholders to set up reading locations for “Read Together for Half an Hour” activities to promote reading among the public.

Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Manda Chan attended the “Read Together for Half an Hour” activity at the Hong Kong Central Library to share her reading experience with the participating students, remarking that reading while broadening one’s horizons is also life-enriching. She encouraged students to keep reading.

HKPL also invited renowned online content creator SaiDorSi to explore the relationship between reading and creativity with the participating students.

“Read Together for Half an Hour” is one of the highlight activities of Hong Kong Reading Week 2025.

The department provided a variety of books at different reading locations today, including the Museum of Art, the Science Museum, the Oil Street Art Space, the Railway Museum, Choi Hung Road Sports Centre, Tsuen Wan Sports Centre, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park and individual public libraries.

In addition, “Read Together for Half an Hour” activities were held at 2025 Hong Kong Reading+ at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin, as well as at individual community libraries and community centres.

Furthermore, HKPL, in collaboration with the Hans Andersen Club, carried out the “Read together for Half an Hour” event and carnival at Lok Fu Place, featuring storytelling sessions, game booths and handicraft workshops. A reading area with selected books was also set up to promote reading.

Hong Kong Reading Week is being held from April 19 to 27. Under the theme “Zoom/LIBRARY”, it offers about 450 online and on-site events to encourage the public to develop a reading habit.

Activities include fun days, sharing sessions, videos and audio clips in which celebrities share their reading experiences and more. QR codes for selected e-books are available at different government venues for easy public access.

All Hong Kong Reading Week activities are free of charge, with seat reservations required for individual events.

Click here for more details.

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE – 9 APRIL 2025] – The first ever certified local course for electric vehicle (EV) mechanics has been completed, with the participants receiving their certificates today in a ceremony held at the National University of Samoa (NUS).

Thirty one drivers and vehicle operators from different Government Ministries and Authorities, and automotive trainers and teachers from the National University of Samoa, Don Bosco Technical College, and Laumua o Puna’oa Vocational School, have completed the four-day Train the Trainers course on EV automotive Professional Continuation Training (PCT), that was conducted at NUS.

The training was run by EV specialist, Paul Corbert, from REPCO New Zealand, and was made possible under the Japan-funded CAP-IT Project which promotes clean, green transport, and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in close partnership with the Government of Samoa through the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure.

“This training is part of a broader effort under CAP-IT to build capacity where it matters most — in our institutions, in our teachers, and in our young people. This is only the beginning. As we roll out new curricula, upgrade automotive workshops in three schools – which we launched yesterday, and scale up access to EV infrastructure, we are also investing in people — people like you — who will make this transition real, relevant, and lasting,” said Aliona Niculita, UNDP Resident Representative.

The trainers will now pass on their newfound skills and knowledge to their students, who will become the new generation of EV professionals who will lead the transition to green transport in Samoa.

“I’m grateful for this course and the new knowledge and skills I have gained, along with my fellow teachers, which will go a long way in helping us to train and teach our youth at our school at Don Bosco Technical Centre at Alafua on this relatively new concept of green transport,” said Teaali’i Aukusitino Kalolo, Head of Department, Automotive and Mechanical Education at Don Bosco.

This course is the operationalization of the new curriculum and EV mechanics education that was launched yesterday, along with the Transport and Infrastructure Sector Decarbonization Strategy and Sustainable Land Use and Mobility Plan.

The design and rollout of this training programme was done in collaboration with the KVA consortium of Samoa and FLOW Consultants of New Zealand.

END.

SOURCE – UNDP in Samoa, Cook Islands, Tokelau & Niue

April 23, 2025

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE 08 April 2025] – A significant educational milestone has been reached, with the opening of electric vehicles (EV) automotive workshops in three vocational institutions in Samoa, namely the National University of Samoa, Don Bosco Technical Centre, and Laumua o Puna’oa Technical College.

These workshops will be supported by the incorporation of an EV mechanics curriculum as a Professional Continuing Training (PCT) programme of these schools, pending the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding soon.

These will equip students with essential knowledge and skills in EV automotive and electrical fields, preparing them to become certified EV mechanics, and laying the foundation for integrating EV training into national education.

These were highlighted today at a ceremony at Don Bosco, Alafua, which also celebrated the launch of the Transport and Infrastructure Sector Decarbonization Strategy and Sustainable Land Use and Mobility Plan, with Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, doing the honours.

“Transport is a key enabler of connectivity — supporting trade, employment, education, and healthcare. Yet, it is also one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions in Samoa. The importance of these Plans are clear: it ensures that Samoa remains steadfast in its commitment to transitioning to a lower-carbon future. It encompasses new legislation, policy changes, financing initiatives, and interventions to support our transportation needs in a way that minimizes environmental harm while ensuring that future generations benefit from enhanced mobility,” said Olo Fiti Afoa Vaai, Minister for the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure.

These new developments have all been made possible under the CAP-IT Project – Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport – which aims to facilitate Samoa’s transition to a more clean and sustainable transport sector.

The project is funded by the Government of Japan, and jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Government of Samoa through the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure.

“Japan is proud to support Samoa’s long-term journey towards a cleaner, more resilient transport sector. By advancing policies, building skills, and providing infrastructure through the CAP-IT project, we are investing in a sustainable future led by Samoa’s youth and powered by innovation,” said Ryotaro Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan to Samoa.

The Transport Sector Decarbonization Strategy and Sustainable Land Use and Mobility Plan will guide Samoa’s transition from fossil fuel dependency to a decarbonized transport sector. This shift will not only reduce carbon emissions but also improve transport services, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable Samoa.

“The long-term benefits of these initiatives extend far beyond environmental stewardship. They create jobs, empower our youth, and open new economic opportunities in the burgeoning field of sustainable transport. UNDP remains steadfast in supporting Samoa’s capacity-building efforts, fostering innovation, and implementing policies that drive systemic change in our transport sector,” said Aliona Niculita, UNDP Resident Representative in Samoa.

The CAP-IT project is a component of the Japan-funded US$36.8 million regional project, ‘Promoting Green Transformation in the Pacific Region towards Net-zero and Climate-Resilient Development’, also supporting Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu in achieving their green transformation ambitions for a more inclusive, climate-resilient future.

END.

April 23, 2025