Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to China using APEC and other key international forums to disparage Taiwan’s sovereignty and spread falsehoods intended to confuse international public opinion

November 16, 2024  

Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on November 15 on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. After the meeting, China publicly announced that Singapore fully understood the Chinese government’s position on the Taiwan issue, opposed any form of Taiwan independence, and staunchly abided by the “one China principle.” However, since the Singaporean government has verifiably not made any such declaration, China’s statement is unmistakably false.
 
In addition to once again publishing untrue remarks about Taiwan on behalf of another country without its consent, China has repeatedly made erroneous statements misstating other countries’ positions with the intention of confusing international public opinion. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly condemns and refutes the Chinese government for repeatedly spreading falsehoods and lies among the international community that disparage Taiwan’s sovereignty. MOFA urges the international community to jointly denounce China’s peremptory actions, which unilaterally and deliberately undermine regional peace and stability.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to claim made in China-Peru joint statement that Peru reiterates staunch commitment to “one China principle”

November 15, 2024  

Chinese leader Xi Jinping held a bilateral meeting with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte on November 14 while in Peru to attend the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. Following the meeting, a joint statement was issued that made the gratuitous claim that Peru had reiterated its staunch commitment to the “one China principle.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) gravely protests and condemns China and Peru for making such unwarranted statements, which disparage Taiwan’s sovereignty.
 
MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent nation; that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other; and that the PRC has never governed Taiwan for even a single day. These facts are understood throughout the world. Taiwan is a modern, democratic nation that actively defends its democratic system and respects human rights and the rule of law. No statement distorting Taiwan’s sovereign status can alter the international consensus as to the situation across the Taiwan Strait.
 
On the occasion of hosting a major international conference, the government of Peru has failed to consider the spirit of cordiality that exists between nations. Instead, it has unilaterally followed the Chinese government’s one-sided “one China principle” and confused international public opinion. This is most certainly not what the leaders of participating APEC member economies would have wanted to see. MOFA urges Peru to recognize China’s attempts to infiltrate Latin American countries by appealing to their economic and trade interests. Indeed, MOFA calls on Peru to no longer follow the falsehood that is the “one China principle,” maliciously disparage Taiwan’s sovereignty, or serve as an accomplice in fueling regional tensions.
 
MOFA solemnly reiterates that the staunch desire of the Taiwanese people to defend the values of freedom and democracy is indisputable and not to be underestimated. MOFA urges the international community to jointly denounce the Chinese government’s peremptory actions, which unilaterally and deliberately undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to Philippines’ enactment of domestic laws and China’s announcement of maritime baselines regarding South China Sea

November 12, 2024  

Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., signed into law the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act on November 8. Subsequent to this, China announced both the baselines of territorial waters around Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal) and standard names and geographic coordinates for 64 islands and reefs in the South China Sea.
 
The government of the ROC (Taiwan) solemnly states that the Philippines’ enactment of the two aforementioned domestic laws and China’s demarcation of the baselines of territorial waters around Huangyan Island and the naming of certain islands and reefs in the South China Sea do not change the fact that the South China Sea islands are part of ROC (Taiwan) territory. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) stresses that the territorial sovereignty of the ROC (Taiwan) is indisputable and that the ROC (Taiwan) will staunchly safeguard its sovereign rights over territory and relevant waters in the South China Sea.
 
MOFA points out that, in accordance with a related announcement previously issued by the Executive Yuan, Taiwan’s rights with regard to its territorial sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and their relevant waters as accorded by international law and the law of the sea will not be impacted whatsoever by any country’s unilateral claims. It expresses grave concern over the Philippines and China escalating disputes in the South China Sea, which undermines regional peace and stability. MOFA urges all parties to exercise restraint and peacefully resolve South China Sea issues through multilateral dialogue and dispute settlement mechanisms, and it calls for Taiwan’s inclusion in such dialogue and mechanisms on the basis of equality. 
 
MOFA reiterates that the position of the ROC (Taiwan) on South China Sea issues is as follows:
 
1. The South China Sea islands are part of ROC (Taiwan) territory. That the ROC (Taiwan) is entitled to all rights over the South China Sea islands and their relevant waters in accordance with international law and the law of the sea is beyond dispute.
 
2. The ROC (Taiwan) supports freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. It strongly maintains that disputes should be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law and the law of sea (including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and that it should be included in related multilateral dialogue and dispute settlement mechanisms.
 
3. The ROC (Taiwan) will uphold the four principles and five actions. On the basis of setting aside differences and promoting joint development, it is willing to work with all countries to safeguard and advance peace and stability, as well as to jointly protect and develop resources, in the South China Sea.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in joint PRC-Indonesia statement issued by PRC

November 11, 2024Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during a visit to China from November 8 to 10. After the meeting, China issued the Joint Statement Between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Indonesia on Advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the China-Indonesia Community with a Shared Future, which declares that “Indonesia reiterates its consistent adherence to [a] one-China principle, which is reaffirmed by the UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, and its recognition . . . that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.”The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly protests and condemns these false claims. It reiterates that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the PRC is subordinate to the other; that the Chinese communist regime has never governed Taiwan; and that no narrative distorting Taiwan’s sovereign status can change the internationally recognized status quo across the Taiwan Strait. MOFA also points out that UNGA Resolution 2758 does not mention Taiwan and has nothing to do with Taiwan. It stresses that the resolution neither reflects nor is equivalent to China’s so-called “one China principle.” Given China’s continuing malicious misrepresentation of the resolution and its attempts to mislead the international community, MOFA calls on countries worldwide to come together to counter China’s spurious claims. Taiwan and Indonesia share the fundamental values of democracy and freedom. President Prabowo and his new administration took office in October. MOFA looks forward to working with Indonesia’s new government and building on friendly bilateral relations so as to further deepen exchanges and cooperation in economics and trade, agriculture, education, and other domains, and jointly contribute to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Taiwan and EBRD cohost third Donor Day meeting; sign MOU on skills development

Date：2024-12-03
Data Source：Department of International Organizations

December 3, 2024 
No. 446 

Taiwan and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) cohosted the third EBRD Donor Day meeting in Taipei on December 2. EBRD Director for Donor Partnerships Camilla Otto led a delegation to Taiwan for the event. 
 
The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on providing skills development opportunities at a ceremony witnessed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tien Chung-kwang. The MOU was signed on behalf of Taiwan by Jonathan C. Y. Sun, Director General of the Department of International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and by Director Otto on behalf of the EBRD. 
 
Deputy Minister Tien delivered a speech in which he discussed Taiwan’s strengths in technology, digital and smart solutions, and the energy sector. He noted that talented individuals from Taiwan could make concrete contributions to advancing the EBRD’s work. He stated that the MOU would enhance bilateral personnel exchanges and experience sharing, adding that Taiwan looked forward to bolstering cooperation with the EBRD to further assist countries and peoples in need.
 
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the successful results of joint endeavors, including aid to Ukraine. They also reached a mutual understanding on continuing to leverage Taiwan’s strengths in such domains as ICT, financial innovation, green cities, smart transport, and information security in order to help EBRD member countries pursue green, digital, and smart technology transformations. 
 
The EBRD was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in London. A renowned multilateral development bank with an excellent credit rating, it assists countries in Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, West Asia, North Africa, and other regions in gradually transitioning to market economies and democratic and pluralistic societies. 
 
Taiwan is an important cooperation partner of the EBRD. In 2006, it established the TaiwanBusiness-EBRD Technical Cooperation Fund, which has since helped finance over 400 EBRD projects. Taiwan proactively supports EBRD efforts to promote socioeconomic development in beneficiary countries and creates business opportunities for Taiwanese companies, achieving win-win outcomes. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin signs agreement with Paraguayan Foreign Minister Ramírez on mutual visa exemption for regular passport holders of Taiwan and Paraguay

Date：2024-11-30
Data Source：Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs

November 30, 2024 
No. 442

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and Paraguayan Minister of Foreign Affairs Rubén Ramírez Lezcano on November 29 signed an intergovernmental agreement on mutual visa exemption for regular passport holders from Taiwan and Paraguay. After the conclusion of the ceremony, which took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Lin hosted a banquet for the Paraguayan delegation. The two sides exchanged views on such issues as further deepening the diplomatic alliance between Taiwan and Paraguay, promoting bilateral economic and trade exchanges, and pursuing trilateral cooperation together with the United States. 
 
Minister Lin welcomed Minister Ramírez back to Taiwan, following an earlier trip in May to accompany President Santiago Peña to President Lai Ching-te’s inauguration. Minister Lin noted that this demonstrated the deep friendship and close relations between Taiwan and Paraguay. During their meeting, the two ministers discussed international political and economic developments and bilateral cooperation projects. They also exchanged opinions on economic, trade, and investment issues related to Taiwan’s electric bus, food processing, and textile industries and the import of agricultural and livestock products. Minister Ramírez said he was pleased that Taiwan had implemented the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project in Paraguay, which he hoped would bring mutual benefits and prosperity to both nations.
 
Minister Ramírez reaffirmed the staunch support extended to Taiwan by President Peña and the government and people of Paraguay and conveyed sincere greetings on their behalf. He expressed the hope that by building a model of trilateral cooperation, Taiwan, the United States, and Paraguay could jointly safeguard the core values of freedom, democracy, and human rights. He affirmed the earlier signing of the agreement on mutual visa exemption for regular passport holders of the two countries, adding that this would foster people-to-people exchanges and afford greater convenience to Taiwanese businesses investing in Paraguay. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

November 25, 2024  
No. 432  

From November 16 to 25, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung visited the European Parliament and traveled to Lithuania and Poland. He met with prominent lawmakers from friendship groups of the EP and national parliaments, including Michael Gahler, the German chair of the EP-Taiwan Friendship Group; Ruslanas Baranovas, the new chair of the Lithuania-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group; and Krzysztof Truskolaski, the chair of the Polish-Taiwanese Parliamentarian Group. The fruitful trip served to deepen cooperation between Taiwan and its democratic partners in Europe.
 
While in Belgium, Minister Lin visited the Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (IMEC) in Leuven and met with its President and CEO Luc Van den hove to discuss strengthening the resilience of advanced semiconductor supply chains between Taiwan and Europe. 
 
In Lithuania, Minister Lin led a delegation from the Taiwan Excellence Drone International Business Opportunities Alliance (TEDIBOA) to the Drone Industry Business Forum, jointly organized by Taiwan and Lithuania on November 21. He and Lithuanian Vice Minister of National Defense Monika Koroliovienė delivered opening remarks at the event, which was attended by over 200 participants and around 60 drone companies from Taiwan, Lithuania, and other European countries. Industry representatives from Taiwan and Lithuania signed a memorandum of understanding, underlining their commitment to jointly establishing democratic drone supply chains. Minister Lin also met with 21 Taiwan-friendly members of the Seimas from the governing and opposition parties, including Dovilė Šakalienė, Giedrimas Jeglinskas, and Tomas Tomilinas. He laid flowers at the January 13 Memorial at the Seimas and witnessed the transfer of the chairmanship of the Lithuania-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group from Matas Maldeikis to Ruslanas Baranovas. The handover was a meaningful demonstration of the continuing desire of the two like-minded nations to promote parliamentary exchanges.
 
When visiting Poland, Minister Lin attended the Polish-Taiwanese Economic Cooperation Forum on November 22. The event was organized by a group of companies led by Taiwan’s International Economic Cooperation Association (CIECA) from sectors including ICT, semiconductors, smart urban transport, and drones. The following day, Minister Lin witnessed the signing of an MOU between the Taiwan-Poland Chamber of Commerce and the Polish-Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the city of Łódź. The two chambers will coordinate with the CIECA and the Polish Chamber of Commerce to develop economic and trade opportunities between Taiwan and Poland, thus promoting economic and trade diplomacy.
 
In a demonstration of Taiwan’s values-based diplomacy, on the same day in Warsaw, Minister Lin witnessed the donation of 580 electric generators for cities in Ukraine and 2,600 Taiwanese laptops to help Ukrainian students bridge the digital divide. The two donations, worth US$10 million, will be facilitated through the Association of Ukrainian Cities. Minister Lin also witnessed the signing of a letter of intent between Taiwan’s Chunghwa Telecom and the Ukrainian city of Bucha. The parties will cooperate to develop Bucha into Ukraine’s first 5G smart city. The initiatives further demonstrated that Taiwan is aligning with the democratic community to provide much-needed humanitarian resources to Ukraine and assist it with reconstruction.
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to promote integrated diplomacy and work with Europe and other like-minded partners to enhance democratic resilience and establish strong and mutually beneficial values-based alliances. Through joint public-private initiatives to promote economic and trade diplomacy, MOFA will further enhance Taiwan-Europe economic and trade links and consolidate Taiwan’s pivotal position in global supply chains. Building on the robust ties between Taiwan and Europe, both sides will continue to deepen cooperation, bolster the economic security of democratic partners, and advance economic coprosperity. (E) 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

November 22, 2024
No. 427

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung led a 59-member delegation from the Taiwan Excellence Drone International Business Opportunities Alliance (TEDIBOA) and 20 related Taiwanese companies to Vilnius, Lithuania, to attend the Drone Industry Business Forum on November 21. The event was cohosted by the Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania and Lithuania’s Innovation Agency.
 
Minister Lin and Legislator Wang Ting-yu, Convener of the Legislative Yuan Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee, delivered remarks on Taiwan’s behalf. Vice Minister of National Defense Monika Koroliovienė, Director of the Innovation Agency Romualda Stragienė, and President of the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists (LPK) Vidmantas Janulevičius spoke on behalf of Lithuania. During the forum, Minister Lin also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the TEDIBOA and the Lithuanian Defense and Security Industries Association (LGSPA), which underlined the commitment of Taiwan and Lithuania to jointly establishing a democratic drone supply chain.
 
In his remarks, Minister Lin spoke about the serious threat posed by such authoritarian states as China and Russia as they continued to deploy gray-zone tactics, economic coercion, and other means to pressure democratic nations. Noting that the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific were closely interconnected, he urged like-minded partners to come together to safeguard their hard-won free and democratic way of life. Explaining that President Lai Ching-te had identified the Five Trusted Industry Sectors in a bid to bolster economic resilience through Taiwan’s innovative and technological strengths, Minister Lin said that Taiwan would employ integrated diplomacy to reinforce economic and trade collaboration with partners worldwide and thereby promote mutual prosperity. He also stated that Taiwan had already proven to the world that it was an indispensable partner in democratic supply chains and that it would continue to share its experience with Lithuania and other democracies. He described the development of close bilateral ties since the opening of Taiwan’s representative office in Vilnius as a model for mutual assistance and cooperation between democratic countries. He said that, given the potential for drone industrial development in Taiwan and Lithuania, he was confident that this new domain would become a success story of bilateral collaboration, and added that Taiwan looked forward to working with the new government of Lithuania to further enhance a bilateral partnership of mutual benefit and shared prosperity. 
 
Also speaking at the forum, Legislator Wang said that he had accompanied Minister Lin on the trip to demonstrate Taiwan’s support for Lithuania. He pointed out that since both countries stood on the front line of democracy against the threat of authoritarian expansion by such regimes as China and Russia, they should engage in close industrial cooperation so as to jointly enhance economic resilience. Citing Taiwan’s commitment to a spirit of supreme excellence for producing the robust manufacturing base that prevailed in the country today, Legislator Wang pledged that Taiwan would uphold this enterprising approach in the drone sector and work steadfastly with like-minded partners to bolster democratic supply chains.
 
Vice Minister Koroliovienė noted in her remarks that Taiwan and Lithuania shared the values of freedom and democracy and that Lithuania anticipated building on this solid existing foundation to strengthen bilateral cooperation. She said that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the threat to democratic countries from authoritarian expansion highlighted the urgent need to enhance national defense and all-out civilian defense, as well as to strengthen asymmetric capabilities through the development of the drone and counterdrone industries. She stated that Lithuania would continue to deepen cooperation with Indo-Pacific countries and that it hoped to pursue strategic collaboration with Taiwan in the drone industry so as to create a democratic defense supply chain. Director Stragienė and LPK President Janulevičius conveyed similar expectations in their remarks. 
 
This first Drone Industry Business Forum coorganized by Taiwan and Lithuania attracted participants from more than 40 companies from Lithuania and Ukraine. Interactions were lively at the event, which was attended by more than 200 people, including officials from the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of the Economy and Innovation. With staunch government support from both sides, Taiwan and Lithuania will use this platform to foster industrial linkages and jointly create business opportunities in drone markets in Europe and beyond. Minister Lin’s presence at the head of the delegation to the forum underscored the importance he places on the bilateral partnership and his commitment to engage proactively with Lithuania’s new government. (E)

Source:

MOFA response to UK parliament passing motion reaffirming that UNGA Resolution 2758 did not determine Taiwan’s status

November 29, 2024 

Following a debate on November 28, the UK House of Commons unanimously passed a motion on the international status of Taiwan affirming that United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 did not mention Taiwan or establish PRC sovereignty over Taiwan and was silent on the status of Taiwan in the UN. Responding to the motion on behalf of the UK government, Catherine West, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Indo-Pacific at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, stated that the United Kingdom was of the view that UNGA Resolution 2758 decided that only the People’s Republic of China should represent China at the UN, that it did not determine the status of Taiwan, and that it should not therefore be used to preclude Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the UN or the wider international system. She pointed out that the United Kingdom opposed any attempt to broaden the interpretation of the resolution to rewrite history, which she said would not be in the interests of the Taiwanese people, the United Kingdom, or the global community.
 
The passage of this motion by the UK parliament underscored its staunch support for Taiwan. Furthermore, through Ms. West’s comments, the UK government publicly expressed for the first time its position on UNGA Resolution 2758 and underlined Taiwan’s wrongful exclusion from important international cooperation and dialogue mechanisms. This marked a new milestone in Taiwan’s efforts to counter China’s distortion of the resolution. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly affirms and sincerely appreciates the support of the United Kingdom. 
 
The motion was introduced by Blair McDougall, a member of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, and cosigned by 16 members of parliament from the Labour Party, the Conservative Party, the Liberal Democrats, the Scottish National Party, and other political parties, including British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group Chair Sarah Champion and Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) Cochair for the United Kingdom Iain Duncan Smith. It fully demonstrated the firm commitment of both governing and opposition parliamentarians in the United Kingdom to supporting Taiwan’s international status and participation. 
 
The UK House of Commons was the fifth national parliament in the world—after Australia, the Netherlands, Guatemala, and Canada—to pass such a motion since IPAC adopted a model resolution on UNGA Resolution 2758 for its members’ reference at its annual summit in July. The European Parliament has also approved a similar measure. MOFA sincerely thanks all parties once again for their support.

Source:

MOFA response to G7 foreign ministers’ statement reaffirming importance of cross-strait peace and support for Taiwan’s international participation

November 27, 2024 

The Group of Seven (G7) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held in Fiuggi and Anagni, Italy, from November 25 to 26. A statement issued following the meeting on November 26 reaffirmed that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait was indispensable to international security and prosperity. It called for the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues and backed Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. The statement also reiterated the importance of upholding a free and open Indo-Pacific, and it expressed serious concern about the situation in the East and South China Seas as well as strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely welcomes and appreciates the continuing staunch support extended to Taiwan by G7 member nations. 
 
As a responsible country in the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan will continue to enhance collaboration with G7 members and take concrete action to safeguard the core values of democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. It will maintain cooperation with like-minded partners to uphold the rules-based international order and jointly pursue peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond.