Headline News

Taiwan willing to hold meaningful dialogue with China

President Tsai Ing-wen expressed willingness to hold "meaningful dialogue" with the leadership of Beijing to have peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

"At this stage, the most pressing cross-strait issue is to discuss how we can live in peace and coexist based on mutual respect, goodwill and understanding. As long as the Beijing authorities are willing to resolve antagonisms and improve cross-strait relations, while parity and dignity are maintained, we are willing to work together to facilitate meaningful dialogue," Tsai said during her Republic of China National Day address on October 10.

However, Tsai also stressed Taiwan’s determination to further improve its defensive capabilities.

“Showing weakness and making concessions will not bring peace. Adequate preparation and reliance on the determination and strength of solid national defense capabilities are the only way to guarantee Taiwan's security and maintain regional peace,” remarked Tsai.

The President also addressed the nation's economic goals in the post-COVID era. “We will fully and comprehensively participate in supply chain reorganization,” in order to make “Taiwan an indispensable force in global supply chains,” adding that Taiwan will strive to become “a hub for international capital, talent, and digital technology” and take advantage of its booming ICT and semiconductors industries.

Time for EU, Taiwan to renew relations: ex-NATO head

It is time for the European Union to stand with Taiwan in the face of an aggressive China, said Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former Danish Prime Minister and former NATO Secretary-General, during a virtual forum in Taipei on Oct.8.

The EU should strengthen ties with Taiwan through areas of health and economy, as well as engage more widely with democratic allies in the Indo-Pacific region, he said.

Europe must demand Taiwan's participation in the next World Health Assembly," Rasmussen said, praising the country's successful control of the spread of COVID-19.

Economically, it is time for an EU-Taiwan bilateral investment agreement, as it will create business potential for both sides and facilitate further industrial revolution. The EU should also seek greater partnership with like-minded, free markets in the region to counterbalance China.

"Democratic unity is the most perfect weapon we can build against autocracy," Rasmussen said.

Chinese dredger forced to return sand

On Oct. 3, the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) caught a 6,000-ton Chinese sand-dredging vessel that had illegally crossed into the waters off Matsu's Nangan Township. As CGA officers suspected the ship had been dredging sand and gravel off of Taiwan’s Matsu Islands, CGA officers boarded the dredging ship and arrested all 11 Chinese crew members. Later on, the Chinese crew was directed to take their ship to a designated area off the coast of Matsu and was ordered to returning the 1,800 tons of sand and gravel they had siphoned. After the operation was completed the crew members were transferred to the Prosecutor’s Office for investigation.

Economy & Society

Taiwan's exports up 9.4% in September

September exports rose 9.4 percent from a year earlier to US$30.71 billion, marking the third consecutive month of year-on-year increase and the biggest growth since July 2018,

Strong growth in exports of electronic components and information and communication products, which was propelled by solid demand for emerging 5G technologies and work-from-home devices, has helped boost Taiwan's exports in September.

Taiwan LGBT Pride parade to take place on Oct. 31

Taiwan LGBT Pride parade will celebrate its 18th anniversary on Oct.31 in Taipei with this year’s gay parade theme: "Beauty, My Own Way."

Even though it is expected there will be far fewer participants than last year, which attracted nearly 200,000, organizers believe it is likely to be the largest gay parade held across the Northern Hemisphere in 2020.

Participants are advised to maintain social distancing while in the procession and wear a face mask when that is impossible.