Headline News
President Tsai: Kim-Moon summit could be good for regional development
President Tsai Ing-wen hopes that the historic summit between North and South Korean leaders will be a step toward more stable regional development. As part of the Asia-Pacific region, Taiwan is closely monitoring the summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean president Moon Jae-in.
Asked by the media whether she would be open to a meeting with her mainland counterpart Xi Jinping, President Tsai responded that she is willing to do what it takes to secure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. As long as there are no political prerequisites, no president of Taiwan would turn down a meeting with the leader from across the Strait, said Tsai.
Taiwan terminates diplomatic ties with Dominican Republic
China has offered huge financial incentives to the Dominican Republic, that led to the end of diplomatic ties between the Caribbean country and Taiwan from May 1, 2018.
The Republic of China (Taiwan) is deeply upset by China’s actions. To uphold both the nation’s dignity and sovereignty, the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) announces the termination of relations with the Dominican Republic, effective immediately.
The Ministry condemns China’s contemptible decision to use dollar diplomacy to wrest away Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, and its heavy-handed methods of suppressing Taiwan’s international participation. “Although Taiwan faces serious diplomatic challenges, the government will not bow to China’s pressure. We will work with friendly nations to fight for and solidify regional peace and stability, and ensure our rightful place in the international community,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Taiwan’s press freedom best in Asia
According to the World Press Freedom Index, compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Taiwan moved up three notches to 42nd place in 2018, the highest of any Asian country.
Criteria used by RSF for measuring media freedom in 180 nations include level of pluralism, media independence, the environment and self-censorship, legal framework, transparency and quality of infrastructure which supports the production of news and information.
The RSF is an independent, non-government organization with consultative status in the United Nations and UNESCO.
NTIO celebrates ties with Taiwan on King’s Day
The Netherlands Trade and Investment Office celebrated strengthening ties with Taiwan in numerous fields on the Netherlands’ national King’s Day on April 27 and vowed to carry out more investments and cultural projects that foster bilateral relations.
Bilateral trade reached US$8.5 billion in 2017 and the Netherlands was also the largest foreign investor in Taiwan. Dutch companies are also showing interest in partnering up with Taiwan. The Netherlands will continue to facilitate cooperation with Taiwan in areas such as energy, robotics and the Internet of Things.
People-to-people exchanges are also up with visitors from Taiwan to the Netherlands up 79 percent from 2016 to 75,000 people in 2017.
Economy & Culture
Taiwan 18th largest exporter of goods in 2017
A report published by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) states that with total exports valued at US$317.2 billion in 2017, Taiwan became the 18th largest exporter in 2017, accounting for 1.8 percent of world exports.
With total imports of US$259.3 billion, Taiwan ranks 19th in the world, accounting for 1.4 percent of world imports.
New gorilla leader in Apenheul for the first time visible to the public
New gorilla leader Bao Bao is now visible to the general public, following his arrival on March 19 in the Apenheul Primate Park in Apeldoorn as part of the Gorilla Breeding Programme of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria.
Bao Bao comes from theTaipei Zoo and is very important for the breeding program for gorillas, because his genes are not found among gorillas in other zoos worldwide. With the company of three female gorillas Bao Bao has recently become acquainted with, Apenheul is expected to be the first zoo with a Bao Bao baby.
Info: www.apenheul.nl
