MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

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Taiwan sends delegation to the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies of the President-elect and Vice President-elect of the United States

Date：2025-01-18
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

January 18, 2025 
No. 022 

The 60th Inaugural Ceremonies of the President-elect and Vice President-elect of the United States will be held in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. The government of Taiwan has again organized a cross-party delegation to convey the Taiwanese people’s sincere congratulations to the United States. This demonstrates the importance that the government and people of Taiwan place on the close Taiwan-US partnership and reciprocates the United States’ goodwill in sending a delegation to the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim last year. Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu will lead the delegation at President Lai’s behest and will be joined by seven other legislators: Ko Chih-en, Wang Ting-yu , Ko Ju-chun, Lee Yen-hsiu, Chen Kuan-ting, Kuo Yu-ching, and Chen Gau-tzu.
 
The delegation is departing for the United States on January 18 and is scheduled to return home on January 24. During the visit, the delegates will engage with US Congress members and other prominent political figures and convey Taiwan’s congratulations. They will participate in exchanges with US think tanks and other important friends on such issues as the current international landscape and Taiwan-US relations. They will also proactively seek to achieve the three missions entrusted to them by President Lai: to extend the best wishes of the people of Taiwan, to convey Taiwan’s firm commitment to democracy, and to pursue new milestones in Taiwan-US relations.
 
The US presidential and vice presidential inauguration is organized by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. The theme of this year’s ceremonies is “Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise.” Due to forecasts for severe weather, the committee announced that the inauguration would be moved from outdoors into the Capitol Rotunda, where the swearing-in ceremony will be held and the inaugural address delivered. In accordance with the US Constitution, on January 20 President-elect Donald J. Trump will take the oath of office as the 47th president of the United States, while Vice President-elect JD  Vance will become the 50th vice president.
 
Taiwan sincerely congratulates President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Vance on their upcoming inauguration. It hopes that the two countries can build on their existing close partnership to further deepen cooperation across all domains; pursue their common interests; and work jointly to advance peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and the rest of the world. (E)

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Foreign Minister Lin hosts luncheon for British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group delegation

Date：2025-02-19
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

February 19, 2025  
No. 041  

On February 18, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon to welcome a delegation from the British-Taiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group led by its chair, Sarah Champion MP, who also chairs the House of Commons International Development Committee. In his remarks, Minister Lin thanked the members of the UK parliamentary cross-party group for demonstrating their support for Taiwan through concrete actions.
 
Minister Lin noted that the Group of Seven had consistently stressed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element to global security and prosperity since 2021, when the United Kingdom held the G7 rotating presidency. He thanked the UK government for continuing to underline the fact that the interests and security of the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic were indivisible. Furthermore, Minister Lin expressed gratitude to the House of Commons for passing a motion last November concerning Taiwan’s international status. The motion noted that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 neither mentioned Taiwan nor addressed Taiwan’s status in the United Nations. Minister Lin said that he looked forward to Taiwan and the United Kingdom signing subarrangements under the framework of the Enhanced Trade Partnership Arrangement on investment, digital trade, and energy and net-zero transition in the near future. He also expressed the hope that the United Kingdom would publicly voice support for Taiwan’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
 
In her remarks, Ms. Champion noted that the international community was currently facing many challenges as authoritarian regimes continued to create conflict through various means. She said that democracies therefore needed to be more united to jointly defend freedom, human rights, and other core values. With friendship and cooperation between Taiwan and the United Kingdom continuing to deepen, Ms. Champion expressed hoped that the two sides would further strengthen collaboration on issues such as foreign information manipulation interference, critical infrastructure protection, and semiconductor supply chains. (E)

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Decision No. 1 for the Rules of Procedure of the Administrative Commission of the Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA) between the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Government of Belize took effect on 28 December 2024.

Decision No. 1 for the Rules of Procedure was approved by consensus at the first meeting of the Administrative Commission of the ECA between Taiwan and Belize. The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Chern-Chyi “C.C.” Chen and Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Belize Amalia Mai in January 2024.

More details about Decision No. 1 are available at this website: https://fta.trade.gov.tw/

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February 14, 2025  
No. 039  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and Minister of Health and Welfare Chiu Tai-yuan convened a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 14. A decision was made to form a cross-ministerial consultation task force and to invite medical institutions, healthcare businesses, industrial associations, and other experts that often participate in international cooperation projects to organize a Taiwan public healthcare team in conjunction with staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW). By integrating public and private sector resources and harnessing the spirit of integrated diplomacy, the team will jointly implement a flagship initiative on smart medicine and healthcare as part of the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, deepening Taiwan’s public health and medical cooperation with allies and other friendly countries.
 
As the first leader of Taiwan to hail from the field of medicine, President Lai Ching-te has drawn on his medical expertise and background to commit to growing Taiwan’s leading status in global healthcare. During his 2024 tour of the South Pacific, entitled “Smart and Sustainable Development for a Prosperous Austronesian Region,” President Lai bolstered cooperation with other countries through medical diplomacy, highlighting Taiwan’s contributions to global healthcare development.
 
Minister Lin and Minister Chiu expressed their hope of leveraging Taiwan’s competitiveness in public health and medical care to further enhance partnerships with diplomatic allies and other friendly countries. This would involve combining the strengths that Taiwan had developed in biotechnology, medicine, pharmaceuticals, and ICT over the years under the Five Plus Two Innovative Industries and Six Core Strategic Industries programs implemented by former President Tsai Ing-wen. The ministers said they wanted the healthy Taiwan envisioned by President Lai to benefit the world while also assisting related Taiwanese industries to expand into overseas markets.
 
Minister Lin invited Minister Chiu and MOHW staff to attend today’s meeting at MOFA to discuss ways of sharing Taiwan’s public health experience and smart medical solutions with allies and other friendly countries through a smart healthcare cooperation program. Both parties agreed that human resources, technology, and capital should serve together as the three pillars for expediting the export of comprehensive smart medical care and health systems. They said that this would effectively assist allies in increasing healthcare capacity, as well as raise the efficiency of public health management, enhance people’s well-being, and advance local prosperity. They also said that by employing a model that uses medicine to steer a path for industry, they looked forward to helping create business opportunities for Taiwan’s smart healthcare sector and promoting further development in the global healthcare industry.
 
In addition, the ministers reviewed the highlights and successful results of Taiwan’s public health and medical care cooperation projects. One example was an initiative to enhance Paraguay’s health information management system, which had successfully laid the foundation for healthcare digitalization and would continue to be optimized and serve as a demonstration point for Taiwan’s smart healthcare projects in South America. Elsewhere, they said, a smart healthcare collaboration project between Taiwan and Belau National Hospital in Palau would continue to expand so as to increase Palau’s public health capacity. Views were also exchanged as to strengthening business participation mechanisms and improving the outcome of Taiwan’s joint endeavors with Guatemala, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Eswatini, and other allies.
 
During the meeting, Minister Lin pointed out that Taiwan’s medical assistance to allies could also benefit Taiwanese people. Citing his delegation’s involvement in a car accident that took place during his recent trip to Palau as President Lai’s special envoy, Minister Lin said that injured MOFA colleagues had been able to receive timely professional care and return safely to Taiwan due to the medical services provided in Palau by Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital. He said this amply demonstrated the common good and value inherent in international medical cooperation.
 
In the future, MOFA and the MOHW will continue to work hand in hand with partners worldwide to deepen healthcare cooperation and make greater contributions to global public health and smart healthcare development based on the vision of a healthy Taiwan. They will also take joint steps to expand the presence of related Taiwanese industries in the international market and transform Taiwan into an economy on which the sun never sets. (E)

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The Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIP) held the third annual “Advanced Seminar (Summary)” on (29th) as part of the LinYuan Industrial Park Comprehensive Inspection project. This event brought together central and local government officials, technical experts, and executives from 22 petrochemical companies to highlight and celebrate the achievements of the three-year initiative, paving the way for a more sustainable future for industrial parks.
The Director of BIP, Yang, Po-Keng, and LinYuan Project Convener Weng, Rong-Chou opened the seminar, expressing gratitude for the joint efforts. From 2022 to 2024, the initiative assisted 22 petrochemical factories in implementing a KPI management system focused on process safety, environmental protection, and fire response. The project achieved its objectives, laying a solid foundation for improved safety, reducing pollution, and enhancing fire response capabilities.
The BIPs outlined the project’s key achievements, including enhanced pipeline management with regular inspections and replacements, real-time anomaly tracking through monitoring systems, streamlined SOP adherence, improved reward mechanisms, better pollution control efficiency, and the adoption of digital tools for analyzing equipment leaks. The project also reinforced fire safety with self-check systems and diverse emergency drills. Beginning in 2025, businesses will transition to self-regulated management to sustain these gains.
Representatives from USI Group and Chang Chun Group shared insights into their KPI implementation efforts, underscoring their dedication to fostering a strong safety culture. During discussions, LinYuan Project Convener Weng emphasized addressing equipment aging and workforce shortages while building resilient safety practices. Deputy Convener Wu Rong-Ping discussed strategies for employee participation in emergency training and using AI to enhance disaster prevention, sparking dynamic exchanges.
The BIPs reaffirmed that safety in industrial parks is essential for corporate sustainability and environmental stewardship. Continued collaboration among businesses is vital. Companies committed to building on the project’s outcomes, utilizing smart technologies, setting new targets, and extending improvements to industry partners, positioning the LinYuan Industrial Park as a model of excellence.

Contact Person: Chiu, Hsin-Chang (Industrial Safety and Labor Affairs Section of Environment and Labor Affairs Division, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-3611212 ext. 429
Email: t1017@bip.gov.tw

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As Taiwan moves toward the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications is driving the “Electrification and Decarbonization of Transportation” policy. With electric vehicles (EVs) becoming increasingly popular, the demand for safe and reliable EV charging equipment is on the rise. Recognizing this, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology, and Inspection (BSMI) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs announced on December 25, 2024, that starting July 1, 2026, EV charging equipment with a capacity of less than 30 kW must meet requirements for electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), communication compatibility, and cybersecurity before being imported or sold. Products that comply with these requirements will be affixed with the “Commodity Inspection Mark,” signaling they meet BSMI’s high safety standards.

Unsafe or non-compliant charging equipment can pose serious risks, including electrical hazards and data security breaches. With EV charging stations expected to shift from public spaces to private homes and communities, ensuring the safety of these devices is more critical than ever. To ensure a smooth transition to these new requirements, the BSMI engaged extensively with stakeholders. In May 2024, it held a consultative meeting with industry associations and manufacturers, fostering two-way communication. Following this, a 60-day public consultation was conducted domestically and internationally. With no objections raised, the BSMI moved forward with its plan to include EV charging equipment under the mandatory inspection program.

The BSMI urges manufacturers to comply with these requirements and ensure accurate labeling to uphold consumer rights and safety. For consumers, the BSMI advises checking for the “Commodity Inspection Mark” (see attached) when purchasing EV charging equipment to ensure compliance with safety standards. Details of the new requirements are available on the BSMI website under the “Focus News” section of the “Business Announcements” page at http://www.bsmi.gov.tw. For further assistance, please call the BSMI toll-free number at 0800-007123.

Responsible Division: Inspection Administration Division
Contact Person: Cheng, Ching-Hong, Deputy Director
Tel. (O): +886-2343-1763
Email:ch.cheng@bsmi.gov.tw

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Located in the Yongan Industrial Park in Kaohsiung, Qualipoly Chemical Corp. (QPC), one of the world’s top five UV curing materials manufacturers, has been in operation for over 20 years and is now taking proactive steps to expand its production capacity. QPC announced an investment of over NT$2 billion to build the new Annan Plant in the Tainan Industrial Park. The plant is expected to commence operations in the first quarter of 2025, creating more than 100 job opportunities and increasing annual output value by NT$5 billion, injecting fresh momentum into Taiwan’s high-value electronic synthetic resin technology.
The Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIPs) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) stated that since its establishment in 1978, QPC has upheld its corporate philosophy of “integrity and professionalism”, focusing on innovative product development to adapt to an ever-changing market. In addition to applying for technical guidance programs from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the company has established an R&D center at its Yongan plant and actively held exchanges on carbon neutrality policies with the Industrial Park Service Center. It also collaborates with institutions such as the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Metal Industries Research and Development Center (MIRDC), National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST), and Cheng Shiu University (CSU) to continuously enhance its capabilities in products, technologies, R&D, and services. Its brands “QUALIPOLY” and “Qualicure” have marketed UV curing materials to over 40 countries and regions, including various Asian countries, the Americas, Europe, and Africa.
Recently, QPC has also actively advanced its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. At the beginning of this year, the company participated in the Sports Enterprise Certification program by the Ministry of Education’s Sports Administration, receiving a certificate from the Minister of Education. Additionally, QPC joined Kaohsiung City Government’s “Happy Enterprises Selection” for the first time this year and won the Happiness Enterprise Award in the large enterprise category, which will be valid until the next award ceremony.
Looking ahead, Qualipoly Chemical Corp. plans to deepen industry-academia collaboration and invest in new technology development to meet rapidly changing market demands. The company has partnered with institutions such as the ITRI, NKUST and MIRDC to jointly promote Net Zero emission and high-value product R&D. With the completion and launch of the new Annan Plant, QPC aims to further drive the development of Taiwan’s upstream and downstream related industries, creating greater added value for the regional economy.
Sustainability and social responsibility are at the core of QPC’ business philosophy. The company is dedicated not only to technological leadership and customized services but also aspires to become a beacon of Taiwan in the global market through innovative products and solutions.

Spokesman: Mr. Liu Chi-Chuan (Deputy Director General, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-3613349, 0911363680
Email: lcc12@bip.gov.tw

Contact Person: Wang, Min-Cheng (Director of Yongan Industrial Park Service Center, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-6212895
Email: z311box@bip.gov.tw

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Deputy Foreign Minister Wu witnesses signing of MOU between TECO in Prague and Czech NGO People In Need to assist Ukrainian refugees

Date：2025-02-12
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

February 12, 2025  
No. 036  

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chihchung Wu witnessed via videoconference on February 11 the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on Support for Ukrainian Refugees in the Czech Republic. The MOU was signed by Ambassador Ke Liang-ruey, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Prague, and Managing Director Šimon Pánek of People in Need (PIN), a Czech humanitarian nongovernmental organization. The ceremony was also witnessed in person by Czech Government Commissioner for Human Rights and Deputy Minister for European Affairs Klára Šimáčková Laurenčíková and virtually by Representative David Steinke of the Czech Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan.
 
In his remarks, Deputy Minister Wu stated that the MOU marked a significant milestone in Taiwan-Czech Republic cooperation in support of Ukraine and that it underscored Taiwan’s commitment to standing with Ukraine in its hour of need. He noted that since 2022, Taiwan and PIN had honored their pledge to jointly assist Ukrainian refugees in integrating into new communities and ensure their access to a complete education, psychological counseling, and language learning. Deputy Minister Wu also thanked the government of the Czech Republic for playing a key role in these initiatives.
 
Ambassador Ke emphasized that the MOU called for the provision of a consultation hotline, assistance for teens, psychological counseling, and other services for Ukrainian refugees that would help them return to normal life—either in the Czech Republic or after they return home in the future.
 
In his briefing on the progress of humanitarian assistance efforts, Managing Director Pánek expressed special appreciation for Taiwan’s prompt support following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, adding that Taiwan collaborated with PIN to provide youth shelters, after-school tutoring for children, language courses, and psychological and legal counseling to assist Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic. He pointed out that a significant number of them had benefited from Taiwan’s compassion. Reflecting on the foundation of mutual trust that Taiwan and the Czech Republic had built to become staunch partners in aiding Ukraine, he conveyed the hope that the war would soon end and reconstruction could begin. 
 
Commissioner Laurenčíková indicated that most of the Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic were women, children, and teenagers. She said that the education and employment opportunities provided for in the MOU would benefit them and facilitate their smooth integration into local communities. 
 
Founded in 1992, PIN has grown to become the largest humanitarian organization in the Czech Republic and one of the most important NGOs in Central and Eastern Europe. Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, Taiwan has actively engaged in close cooperation with PIN to assist Ukrainian refugees.
 
Taiwan and the Czech Republic are both like-minded countries that uphold freedom and democracy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is pleased to work with the Czech Republic to help Ukrainians begin a new life in the country and provide the necessary assistance. The MOU embodies the Taiwanese spirit of humanitarian assistance and demonstrates that Taiwan and the Czech Republic are staunchly committed to standing in solidarity with Ukraine in its time of need. (E)

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February 12, 2025 
No. 037Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a welcome luncheon on February 12 for a delegation from the Kingdom of Eswatini led by Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla. He thanked Eswatini for its staunch commitment to diplomatic alliance with Taiwan and for its firm support for Taiwan’s international participation over the years.
 
In his remarks at the event, Minister Lin also spoke about the heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding in Eswatini that had seriously impacted the lives of people in some areas. He extended sympathies to those affected and recounted President Lai Ching-te’s instruction that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) must do its utmost to assist in the Eswatini government’s relief efforts and increase food donations so that the disaster victims could resume normal life as early as possible. 
 
Commenting on the close bilateral cooperation across various domains, Minister Lin stated that the strategic oil reserve project currently underway in Eswatini was the largest infrastructure project by the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic ties. He added that Taiwan and Eswatini had steadily strengthened collaboration in such areas as energy, agriculture, education, gender equality, and women’s empowerment. He noted that among the joint projects, the Women’s Business Start-Up Microfinance Revolving Fund established in 2023 with assistance from the Taiwan government had effectively provided start-up capital to female entrepreneurs in rural areas of Eswatini. Minister Lin affirmed that more than 500 women had benefited from the program and that a beneficiary family had named their newborn daughter Taiwan out of gratitude, highlighting the positive impact of the friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini on the people’s well-being. He further expressed that such developments were inspiring.
 
During the luncheon, Deputy Prime Minister Dladla thanked Taiwan for assisting in the national development of Eswatini. She reiterated that Eswatini would not falter in its support for Taiwan under any external pressure; that it would stand by Taiwan in the face of all challenges; and that it would continue to uphold Taiwan’s right to participate in all international organizations, including the United Nations. 
 
Deputy Prime Minister Dladla emphasized that Taiwan and Eswatini enjoyed deep and extensive cooperation, having built a partnership as strong as family ties. As an example, she cited Taiwan’s prompt evacuation assistance to Eswatini expatriates in Ukraine when the Russia-Ukraine war erupted as testament to the genuine friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini.
 
The luncheon was also attended by Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lue Jen-der, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chihchung Wu, Superintendent of Taipei Medical University Hospital Shih Chun-ming, and Board Chairperson of the Garden of Hope Foundation Pan Ay-woan. Participants exchanged views on healthcare, education, and energy collaboration between Taiwan and Eswatini; the creation of social safety nets; protection of vulnerable groups; and other issues.
 
Eswatini established diplomatic relations with Taiwan immediately after it gained independence in 1968. MOFA will maintain close cooperation with the government of Eswatini to steadily promote the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, foster a reciprocal and mutually beneficial partnership, enhance the well-being of the peoples of Taiwan and Eswatini, and further consolidate bilateral ties. (E) 

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Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Estonian defense industry delegation

Date：2025-02-05
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

No. 032 
February 5, 2025 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a welcome luncheon on February 4 for an Estonian defense industry delegation led by Chair of the Estonia-Taiwan Support Group of the Parliament of Estonia Kristo Enn Vaga. The delegation included senior parliamentarian Kalle Laanet—who previously served as minister of defense, minister of the interior, and minister of justice—as well as representatives of the defense industry. During the event, the two sides exchanged views on cooperation in defense industry innovation, whole-of-society resilience, the Russia-Ukraine war, and other issues. 
 
Minister Lin noted that Taiwan and Estonia had both experienced authoritarian rule and therefore greatly cherished their hard-won freedoms and democracy. Commenting on authoritarian expansionism in recent years, he pointed out that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, China’s recurrent military exercises in the waters around Taiwan, and frequent incidents of sabotage of underwater cables in the Baltic Sea and the waters off Taiwan underscored the importance of enhancing collaboration among democratic nations. Minister Lin also spoke about having led a delegation of the Taiwanese drone industry to Lithuania last November to demonstrate Taiwan’s determination to build democratic supply chains together with like-minded nations. He welcomed this visit by the Estonian defense industry delegation, which, he said, would open up additional areas for cooperation. 
 
Chair Vaga stated that the democratic community had realized that if like-minded partners did not work together to establish supply chains, national security could become susceptible to potential threats. Observing that Taiwan and Estonia were both the targets of massive daily disinformation attacks and that underwater cables serving each had recently been damaged, Chair Vaga urged the democratic community to become more united against all manner of threats and challenges. He also pledged to steadily promote relations between Taiwan and Estonia.
 
At the luncheon, Minister Lin thanked the representatives of Motex Healthcare and Taiwan Comfort Champ Manufacturing for their joint donation of 1.11 million masks to Ukraine and Estonia during the Estonian delegation’s visit to Taiwan, adding that it highlighted the Taiwanese spirit of humanitarian assistance. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chihchung Wu witnessed the donation ceremony on behalf of Minister Lin. 
 
Deputy Minister Wu said that, since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, Taiwan had worked proactively with like-minded countries to support Ukraine. He stated that the Taipei Mission in the Republic of Latvia and the Estonian Centre for International Development had signed a partnership agreement last June, under which Taiwan would donate €1.1 million to support the construction of homes for orphans in Ukraine. Deputy Minister Wu expressed pleasure that Taiwanese companies had shown a commitment to corporate social responsibility and demonstrated that Taiwan could help and that Taiwan was helping. His views were echoed by Chairman of Motex Healthcare Y. C. Cheng and Chairman of Taiwan Comfort Champ Manufacturing Andy Chen, both of whom expressed a willingness to work with the government to assist Ukraine. (E)