Headline News

President Tsai committed to status quo across Taiwan Strait

President Tsai Ing-wen said that her administration is committed to maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait in her address to the diplomatic corps. She said that “Our goodwill will not change” but “we will not bow to pressure,” said Tsai.

Taiwan is cooperating with the US, Japan, the EU and Southeast Asian countries in the fields of trade, economics and regional security and looking for substantive and meaningful participation of Taiwan in the international community, Tsai said and she also thanked the allies of Taiwan for their support.

In an effort to improve the economy, the government would simplify the visa application to attract more foreign visitors and talent.

Trump and Beijing are the main diplomatic challenges

Minister David Lee of Foreign Affairs said that the main challenges for Taiwan diplomacy are the new policies of US President Donald Trump and toughening measures by Beijing toward the participation of Taiwan in the international community.

The US pulled out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and Taiwan is closely monitoring the policy of Trump toward the Asia-Pacific and his interactions with Chinese leaders, Lee said.

In response to the challenges mentioned above, Taiwan will strengthen its relations with the US, Japan, the European Union and Southeast Asia. Furthermore, Taiwan will keep participating in international organizations, Lee said.

Economy

Taiwan records trade surplus in February

Taiwan recorded a 27.7 percent trade surplus in February, amounting to US$3.36 billion. Exports amounted to US$22.66 billion, with imports reached US$19.3 billion.

Exports increased for the fifth consecutive month. The trade surplus is down US$810 million from February 2016, the ministry of Finance said.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport named best airport in Asia-Pacific

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TTIA) has been named “Best Airport in Asia-Pacific” and ranked first worldwide for “Best Airport by Size” by the Airports Council International (ACI). This was the result of a survey held among 600,000 passengers at more than 300 airports in 80 countries.

Passengers were asked about airport access, check-in, security, facilities, food and beverage providers among others. The survey is the only one of its kind where people are interviewed at airports.

In terms of “Best Airport by Size” TTIA falls in the category 25-40 million passengers per year. Last year it ranked second.

The airport saw a major increase in passenger traffic, 42 million by the end of 2016, and with that compares to Changi Airport in Singapore, Hong Kong International Airport and Incheon International Airport in South Korea.

Society

Taiwan in top three in anti-corruption efforts

According to the Transparency International report “People and Corruption: Asia Pacific – Global Corruption Barometer,” Australia, Sri Lanka and Taiwan scored highest in the region in terms of anti-corruption efforts. More than 20,000 people in 16 countries were surveyed. An estimated 900 million people were forced to pay bribes for access to basic services such as public education and healthcare.

In Taiwan, Australia and Sri Lanka bribery rates were very low and few people felt that corruption was increasing. Many felt empowered to help fight corruption.

When asked if ordinary people could make a difference in the fight against corruption, 79 percent of Taiwanese respondents said yes, coming second after Australia with 80 percent.

‘Communal fridge’ aims to reduce food waste

The Hsinchu City Government launched a “communal refrigerator” program that allows retailers to share excess food with the needy.

Retailers, such as supermarkets and bakeries can donate excess food to the program which is collected and placed in these refrigerators set up in different locations.

The units will be opened on weekdays between 4 and 5 PM for food to be picked up.

The communal refrigerator program saves about 1000 kilograms worth of food and feed 800 people per month. More refrigerators will be set up in other communities.