Category: MIL-OSI

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MOFA expresses sincere condolences over passing of former Indian Prime Minister Singh

Date：2024-12-28
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

December 28, 2024No. 469Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away on December 26. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) extends sincere condolences over his passing and has instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) in India to convey its sympathies to the government of India on behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan).Former Prime Minister Singh boasted a wealth of political experience. During his tenure as prime minister from 2004 to 2014, he bolstered cooperation between India and Taiwan in such areas as the economy, trade, investment, culture, and education. He also facilitated the opening of the TECC in Chennai in 2012, significantly enhancing the development of bilateral relations. Prime Minister Singh will be remembered with great respect for advancing Taiwan-India relations and promoting regional peace and prosperity during his time in office. MOFA will build on the solid foundation he laid to further deepen friendship and cooperation with current Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India. (E)

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US government officially notifies Taiwan of latest arms sale

Date：2024-12-21
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

December 21, 2024
No. 465

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has received official notification from the United States government that its executive branch has informed Congress of a nearly US$300 million arms sale to Taiwan, to include upgrades to the Link-16 tactical datalink system as well as 76-mm gun mounts and related equipment. MOFA wholeheartedly welcomes this development and thanks the US government for continuing to honor its security commitments to Taiwan as outlined in the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. Recently, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken again publicly stressed that Taiwan was not China’s business but the world’s business. In its Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2024 report, the US Department of Defense explicitly pointed out that China has amplified pressure against Taiwan. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 adopted by the US Congress included a Taiwan security cooperation initiative. This latest round of arms sales to Taiwan is another concrete action demonstrating the high regard and bipartisan support of the US administration and Congress for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung has expressed his appreciation for the supportive comments by the US government and Secretary Blinken.
 
This the 19th arms sale to Taiwan announced during the Biden administration. It continues the US policy of normalized weapons sales to Taiwan, underscores the United States’ staunch commitment to and support for bolstering Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities and resilience, and ensures that Taiwan has adequate and reliable defense capacity to respond to China’s military and gray-zone coercion. MOFA reiterates that in the face of China’s threats, Taiwan will fulfill its responsibility to protect its homeland and will continue to demonstrate its determination to defend itself. Through arms purchases from the United States, national defense reforms, enhancement of whole-of-society defense resilience, and other means, Taiwan will bolster its comprehensive defense capabilities and resilience, leverage its strengths to ensure peace, and deepen its close security partnership with the United States. MOFA welcomes further concrete actions by the United States and like-minded partners to advance peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific. (E)

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US Congress passes NDAA 2025 with enhanced Taiwan security cooperation

Date：2024-12-20
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

December 20, 2024 
No. 464 

The US House of Representatives and Senate approved the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (NDAA 2025) on December 11 and 18, respectively. The act includes a Taiwan security cooperation initiative, the establishment of a Taiwan-US military trauma care program, and other new provisions. Among other supportive measures for Taiwan, the act encourages the United States to work with European countries to strengthen relations with Taiwan and back efforts to bolster Taiwan’s defense capabilities. It also calls for enhanced defense industrial cooperation with Taiwan. 
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely thanks the US Congress for continuing to demonstrate staunch support for Taiwan-US security cooperation and Taiwan’s security through legislation. The NDAA 2025 will pass into law once it is signed by President Joe Biden.
 
MOFA will continue to stay in close contact with the US Congress and administration to jointly deepen the cordial partnership between Taiwan and the United States and to ensure a free, open, peaceful, and stable Indo-Pacific. (E) 

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MOFA extends sincere condolences to French overseas department Mayotte in aftermath of Cyclone Chido

Date：2024-12-16
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

December 16, 2024  
No. 462  

Cyclone Chido struck the French overseas department of Mayotte on December 14, with gusts exceeding 200 kilometers per hour. It was the strongest cyclone to hit the area in over 90 years. The local government stated that casualties likely numbered in the hundreds and that the storm had caused severe property damage. 
 
Upon receiving news of the disaster, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung immediately instructed the Taipei Representative Office in France to convey President Lai Ching-te’s sincere sympathies and condolences on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan to French President Emmanuel Macron. Minister Lin emphasized that, if necessary, the Taiwan government would gladly provide disaster assistance. He also indicated that Taiwan would donate €250,000 through its representative office to assist with local disaster relief and postdisaster reconstruction efforts. 
According to information available to the representative office in France, no Taiwanese nationals have been injured or stranded. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the representative office in France will continue to closely follow developments in Mayotte, maintain contact with the relevant French authorities, and provide any assistance necessary. (E)

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MOFA response to disinformation campaign alleging Taiwanese firm assisted Russia

January 8, 2025  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly issues a clarification in response to recent reports fabricated by ill-intentioned individuals claiming that the Taiwanese company Rung Cherng Suspenparts (TRC) produced servomechanisms for Russia to augment its weaponry for use against Ukraine. This is completely false. MOFA strongly condemns the malicious individuals behind the deplorable disinformation campaign against Taiwan and calls on all sectors to carefully distinguish fact from fiction so as not to be misled. 
 
Recent media reports have cited statements by Ukrainian civic activist Vadym Labas, who claimed that TRC had supplied servomechanisms to Russia that could increase the precision of arms deployed against Ukraine. After receiving news of the reports on January 6, MOFA immediately instructed the Taipei Representative Office in Poland to contact Ukraine for clarification. Ukraine promptly responded that the items in question were believed to be counterfeits of Taiwanese products jointly manufactured by China and Russia; that the components and packaging were intentionally branded with the TRC logo to falsely link them to Taiwan; and that this was believed to be a disinformation campaign targeting Taiwan. 
 
Mr. Labas, the original news source, has since publicly clarified on his Facebook page that Taiwan strongly supports Ukraine. He has added that further investigation revealed the likelihood of a deliberate attempt by unscrupulous Chinese and Russian businesspeople to circumvent sanctions and discredit Taiwan, leading to Taiwan being wrongfully accused.
 
MOFA also contacted the Ministry of Economic Affairs International Trade Administration for information on TRC, the company that was implicated. TRC stated in a media interview on January 6 that it did not even manufacture servomechanisms and that it would take legal action in response to the unfounded allegations. 
 
Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, Taiwan has staunchly supported Ukraine in countering Russian aggression; provided humanitarian assistance for reconstruction efforts in Ukraine; and joined the United States, European nations, and other like-minded democratic countries in imposing sanctions on Russia. MOFA urges people everywhere to beware of disinformation campaigns against Taiwan and not be misled by false reports.

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MOFA response to Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya reaffirming importance of cross-strait peace and stability at meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang

December 25, 2024 

During a bilateral meeting with Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi in Beijing on December 25, Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya expressed serious concern over China’s recent military activities around Taiwan and reiterated the extreme importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait to the international community, including Japan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) affirms and appreciates these statements. 
 
On multiple occasions in recent years, the government of Japan has stated that Taiwan and Japan are important partners and valuable friends that share the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. It has also repeatedly urged the international community to closely monitor developments in the Taiwan Strait. Japan has emphasized the significance of cross-strait peace and stability at major international events, including the Group of Seven summit in June; a trilateral meeting among the US secretary of state and the Japanese and Republic of Korea foreign ministers held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September; the ASEAN-Japan summit in October; and the Japan-China summit meeting in November.
 
MOFA has consistently welcomed the international community’s attention to cross-strait developments, as well as any constructive actions aimed at advancing regional peace. Taiwan will continue to bolster cooperation with like-minded countries to jointly safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

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MOFA response to AUKMIN joint statement emphasizing importance of cross-strait peace and stability

December 17, 2024  

UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy and Secretary of State for Defence John Healey met with Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles for the Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) in London on December 16. 
 
Following the meeting, they issued a joint statement underscoring the critical importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They stressed that differences should be resolved peacefully rather than through the threat or use of force or coercion and reiterated opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo. They also recognized that the international community benefits from the expertise of the Taiwanese people and committed to supporting Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. In addition, the two sides expressed their willingness to continue deepening relations with Taiwan in the domains of the economy, trade, science, technology, and culture. 
 
This is the third time in two years that the United Kingdom and Australia have issued joint statements publicly expressing support for Taiwan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the statements and extends its sincere appreciation.
 
The United Kingdom, Australia, and Taiwan are like-minded partners which share the common values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. They are also important stabilizing forces in the Indo-Pacific region, helping to maintain peace. As an indispensable member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to work closely with like-minded countries to uphold cross-strait peace and stability, broaden Taiwan’s international participation, defend the rules-based international order, and jointly promote security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

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MOFA response to 7.3-magnitude earthquake in Vanuatu

December 17, 2024  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has taken note of the 7.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu on the morning of December 17. MOFA immediately instructed the Taipei Trade Office in Fiji, which has purview over Vanuatu, to ascertain the situation and determine whether any Republic of China (Taiwan) nationals were affected. A preliminary assessment suggests that no nationals or overseas compatriots were in difficulty.
 
MOFA also quickly reached out to the High Commission of Vanuatu to Fiji to express Taiwan’s concern for and condolences to Vanuatu. MOFA remains in close contact with the embassies of the United States, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand in Fiji.
 
MOFA will continue to monitor the disaster situation and is prepared to provide assistance to nationals in need. Should ROC (Taiwan) nationals in Vanuatu require emergency support, they may contact the emergency assistance hotline of the Taipei Trade Office in Fiji at (+679) 707-6662.

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MOFA response to Australian Foreign Minister Wong thanking Taiwan, US, Japan, and New Zealand for supporting undersea cable project connecting to Tuvalu

December 14, 2024  

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong on December 14 posted a message on her X account thanking Taiwan, the United States, Japan, and New Zealand for working with Australia to support the Tuvalu section of the Central Pacific Cable, which made landfall recently.
 
Tuvalu, a diplomatic ally of Taiwan, has for years relied on satellite services for internet connectivity and telecommunications. However, related costs are high, communication stability is vulnerable due to weather-related factors, and insufficient bandwidth seriously impacts overall efficiency. Placing tremendous importance on internet infrastructure, which it regards as a critical domain in national development, on taking office in January the current administration of Tuvalu announced that one of the country’s 21 priority plans would be to ensure the quality of internet connectivity.
 
Since 2021, Taiwan has actively assisted in building nationwide 4G/LTE infrastructure in Tuvalu to back local efforts to strengthen internet and communication connectivity. To support the Tuvaluan government’s implementation of priority policies and honor Taiwan’s commitment to assist in the development of its Pacific allies, Taiwan has for the first time participated in the planning of a Pacific undersea cable installation project alongside the United States, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. This first undersea cable to connect to Tuvalu recently successfully made landfall. It is expected to significantly enhance Tuvalu’s digital resilience and communication efficiency as well as contribute to advancing people’s well-being and economic and social development. 
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes and appreciates the public expression of gratitude for Taiwan’s contributions by Minister Wong, which underscores the close cooperative partnership between Taiwan, Australia, the United States, Japan, and other like-minded countries. 

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MOFA announces US$500,000 donation to assist US relief efforts in wake of Southern California wildfires

Date：2025-01-16
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

January 16, 2025 
No. 018 

Recent wildfires raging across mountainous areas in Southern California in the United States have caused severe devastation, with at least 25 deaths confirmed and more than 12,300 structures destroyed. The fires remain severe. Nearly 90,000 people have been evacuated, and losses are estimated to have reached US$150 billion. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has announced a donation of US$500,000 to assist the local government in rescue and relief efforts.
 
At the suggestion of the Los Angeles city government, the donation will be made to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and will be used for the purchase of professional firefighting equipment urgently needed in rescue operations. 
 
Following the outbreak of wildfires in the mountainous regions of Los Angeles, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles promptly conveyed sympathies to the local government on behalf of the Taiwan government. It has also actively integrated relief resources of overseas Taiwanese communities, the Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, the Buddha’s Light International Association, and other charitable organizations. To date, tens of thousands of N95 masks have been donated to rescue workers, disaster victims, and local educational institutions to help protect against poor air quality. Numerous overseas Taiwanese communities have responded by launching fundraisers and in-kind donation drives, providing free accommodation, and initiating other charitable acts. 
 
Taiwan and the United States maintain a cordial partnership, and their peoples enjoy robust friendships. Taiwan and California have shared a sister-state relationship for 41 years, and Southern California has the largest population of Taiwanese compatriots in the United States. In the wake of the wildfire destruction, Taiwan has proactively upheld the spirit of humanitarian concern, showing that Taiwan can help and Taiwan is helping. Taiwan hopes that rescue and relief operations will proceed smoothly; that the situation will be brought under control at an early date; and that those affected, including local Taiwanese compatriots, can resume their normal lives. (E)