Headline News
U.S. arms sales boost Taiwan’s defense
The Ministry of National Defense said that the US$1.42 billion arms deal will help maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait. The arms sale, based on the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), and the Six Assurances between Taiwan and the U.S. will take effect within a month and is the first arms sale to Taiwan by the Trump Administration.
The arms package comprises eight items asked for by Taiwan, including anti-radiation missiles, torpedoes, electronic warfare shipboard suite upgrades and early warning capabilities.
Taiwan offers assistance to China after landslide
The Presidential Office conveyed condolences and offered assistance to mainland China after a deadly landslide in southwestern Sichuan Province. The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) and Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) conveyed the message of sympathy to mainland China. Presidential Office Spokesman Alex Huang said that Taiwan is willing to provide any assistance that could limit the damage and loss caused by the landslide.
China urged to allow Liu Xiaobo medical treatment overseas
A senior Taiwan lawmaker urged mainland China to allow Liu Xiaobo, writer and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, to come to Taiwan for medical treatment after being released from prison. Liu and his wife were reported to have applied to the mainland Chinese authorities for permission to seek medical treatment overseas for his liver cancer. “We are highly concerned about Liu’s case, and hope he will receive proper medical treatment as soon as
possible,” Presidential Office spokesman Sidney Lin said at a news conference. The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said that Taiwan is willing to offer Liu medical assistance.
MAC also called on the authorities in mainland China to grant family members access to detained Taiwan activist Lee Ming-che, after being detained since March. Lee, a human rights activist and former Democratic Progressive Party worker, has been charged with pursuing activities harmful to national security of mainland China, which were later upgraded to “subverting state power.” Requests by his wife to visit him have been ignored.
Economics
Taiwan ministers pursue EU bilateral investment pact
On June 25th, a 110-member delegation, headed by Minister without Portfolio, John Deng, and Environment Minister, Lee Ying-yuan, visited the European Parliament in Brussels, where they solicited support for forging a bilateral investment agreement between Taiwan and the EU.
Taiwan’s circular economy policy, based on the 5 Rs- reduction, reuse, recycling, energy recovery, reclamation and redesign was thereby strongly emphasized. Taiwan is striving to recycle waste into resources, a shared goal of Taiwan and the EU.
Anti Peltomaki, of the European Commission, stated that Taiwan’s circular economy policy and its renewable energy industry will be a focus for future business development.
The introduction of bilateral visa exemption arrangements led to closer ties between Taiwan and Europe, and it is expected that further Taiwan-EU cooperation will yield more impressive results.
Japan welcomes Taiwan to join TPP
At a press conference, the Japanese government expressed its welcome to various countries and areas, including Taiwan, to participate in the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). Premier Lin Chuan said that Taiwan wished to join the TPP, even after the withdrawal by the United States.
High-level talks will be held in Japan in July by TPP countries. Japan will provide the necessary information to countries and areas interested in TPP. Japan and New Zealand already ratified the TPP.
Amended anti-money laundering act to go into effect
An amendment to the Money Laundering Control Act went into effect on June 28. Under the revised law, passengers entering or leaving Taiwan with cash in local currency exceeding NT$100,000 (US$3,350), foreign currency exceeding US$10,000, Chinese currency exceeding 20,000 yuan or other negotiable securities such as traveler’s checks, other checks and money orders, should be declared. Passengers who carry gold in excess of NT$600,000 and jewelry and diamonds in excess of NT$500,000 in value are also required to declare the items or risk being fined.
