Headline News
European Parliament votes
for stronger partnership with Taiwan
The European Parliament’s first report on EU-Taiwan relations was adopted on Oct. 20 in a 580-26 vote, describing Taiwan as a key EU partner and democratic ally in the Indo-Pacific. It urges the EU to intensify political relations and pursue a comprehensive and enhanced partnership between the two sides.
In addition, the report expresses concerns over China’s continued military belligerence against Taiwan, calling for like-minded partners across the region to collaborate in maintaining cross-strait peace and stability.
The report further stresses the need to initiate procedures on a bilateral investment agreement, and advocates for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the activities, mechanisms and meetings of international organizations.
EP-members also propose changing the name of the European Economic and Trade Office in Taiwan to ‘European Union Office in Taiwan’ in order to reflect the broad scope of EU-Taiwanese ties.
“The European Parliament’s first report on EU-Taiwan relations demonstrates that the EU is ready to upgrade its relationship with our key partner Taiwan. The Commission must now intensify EU-Taiwan relations and pursue a comprehensive enhanced partnership with Taiwan. Work on an impact assessment, a public consultation and a scoping exercise on a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) with the Taiwanese authorities in preparation for negotiations to deepen our economic ties must begin before the end of this year”, said rapporteur Charlie Weimers (ECR, Sweden) after the vote.
Foreign Minister Joseph Wu on rare visit in Europe
Foreign Minister Joseph Wu is visiting this week the Slovak Republic and Czech Republic, countries with which Taiwan has no official diplomatic relations. Minister Wu will deliver a
keynote address at a conference hosted by Bratislava-based think tank GLOBSEC and will bestowed a medal from Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrčil and meet with Prague Mayor Zdeněk Hřib.
Wu will also speak virtually at a conference organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China in Rome, Italy, on Oct. 29.
"We similarly aspire to freedom, human rights & rule of law. I'm honored to visit & partner for the betterment of the world. Together we're unstoppable forces for good!," Wu said in a tweet prior to his departure.
Wu's visit coincides with the ongoing visit of a Taiwan trade delegation led by National Development Council Minister Kung Ming-hsin.
The 66-person delegation
representing business and research groups and organizations, including biotechnology, green energy, information technology, machinery and tourism, is visiting the Czech Republic and Slovakia as well as Lithuania from Oct. 20-30 as part of the government's strategy to boost trade and economic ties with Central and Eastern European countries.
Taiwan's IC strength could spur Chinese takeover: IC
Taiwan has more semiconductor capacity than any other economy in the world, and that strength could prompt China to take it over amid growing tensions between Beijing and Washington, according to U.S.-based market information advisory firm IC Insights.
In a research paper, IC Insights said Taiwan commanded a 21.4 percent of global installed IC capacity, ahead of South Korea's 20.4 percent, Japan's 15.8 percent and China's 15.3 percent, North America's 12.6 percent, and Europe's 5.7 percent.
In addition, Taiwan held a 62.8 percent share of the world's capacity for producing advanced ICs using the 10 nanometer process or better, ahead of South Korea, which holds the remaining 37.2 percent.
TSMC and smaller Taiwanese contract chipmakers such as United Microelectronics Corp., Power chip Technology Corp. and Vanguard International Semiconductor Corp., are expected to make up almost 80 percent of the global pure-play foundry market in 2021, the report said.
Economy & Society
Taiwan LGBT Pride parade goes virtually on Oct. 30
Taiwan’s LBGT Pride Parade, the largest in Asia, will be held online for the first time on Oct. 30, during which participants can “walk” a virtual route, watch stage performances and floats, as well as engage in interactive activities on the official website.
The theme for this year’s parade, “I (LOVE) Being Out,” is designed to promote everyday LGBT friendliness.
This is a push to improve social perception of the LGBT+ community, as many people have realized things have not changed since same-sex marriage was legalized, other than a more welcoming social atmosphere.
