Your one-stop shop for all of Taiwan’s diplomacy efforts. If there’s been a bilateral meeting, a trade agreement, a cultural exchange or an informal dialogue, this is where you’ll find it
1. U.S.: New Proposals for Trade Deals, Taiwan’s Top Navy Commander Visits the U.S., and an Offer of Earthquake Support
Forty-five years after the U.S. signed the Taiwan Relations Act, Washington has proposed a number of agricultural and labor initiatives to “open or expand opportunities for American agricultural producers to access the Taiwan market, to advance food security, and to promote sustainable agricultural production.” Negotiations are taking place through the Taiwan-U.S. 21st Century Trade Initiative. Taiwan’s Central News Agency reports the next round of talks will be held in Taipei, but there has not yet been confirmation of when this will be.
On April 4, Taiwan Navy Commander Tang Hua (唐華) visited the U.S. as a distinguished guest at the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s change of command ceremony. Between April 8 and 10, he is attending the Sea-Air-Space Conference and Exposition, where he has declined to comment on whether he would be meeting senior U.S. defense officials.
The first Global Cooperation and Training Framework workshop on Innovation and Inclusion in Shipping and Maritime Affairs was held by Taiwan and the U.S. in Greece on March 27. It focused on finding solutions for sustainable sea freight and ocean development.
Following the April 3 earthquake in Taiwan, a U.S. National Security Council statement said “The United States stands ready to provide any necessary assistance.”
2. Japan: A Donation for Earthquake Relief and Condolences Directly From Japan’s Prime Minister
After Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said “Japan stands ready to provide necessary support” following the April 3 earthquake, Japan’s foreign ministry announced it would give $1 million (around 32 million New Taiwan dollars) in aid to Taiwan. The money will be sent through the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, aimed at supporting people in Taiwan who are “facing difficulties.”
In responding to the donation, Presidential Office Spokesperson Olivia Lin (林聿禪) said she hoped Taiwan and Japan could “extend this virtuous cycle in the international community,” with Taiwan having previously supported Japan after an earthquake this January that killed more than 230 people. Individuals in Taiwan donated around $540 million New Taiwan dollars (around $17.2 million).
3. Europe: Condolences Over Earthquake Fatalities From the President of the European Council
President of the European Council Charles Michel sent a message of support to Taiwan following the April 3 earthquake. On top of offering condolences to victims’ families, he said “The EU stands ready to provide any assistance needed.” It has been suggested Taiwan could apply to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which provides disaster response support to any country in the world. Thus far no application has been made public.
In a review of relations with Taiwan, the chief advisor to the Czech foreign minister said Taiwan is a “matter of the heart” for the Czech Republic. The review added that the opening of a TSMC factory in Dresden, Germany, will mean new opportunities for business, research and innovation between Taiwan and the Czech Republic. It also said the opening of a direct flight path between Prague and Taipei means the Czech Republic will become a transport hub for Taiwanese people flying into Central Europe.
4. India: Condolences Direct From the Prime Minister and Direct Government-to-Government Recruitment Scheme for Migrant Workers
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the families of victims of the April 3 earthquake on X. He added “We stand in solidarity with the resilient people of Taiwan as they endure the aftermath and recover from it.”
Taiwan’s proposed invitation to workers from India will include a government-to-government recruitment scheme, according to the now-public memorandum of understanding between Taiwan and India.
5. Diplomatic Allies: A Message of Support From Pope Francis
Pope Francis sent condolences to those affected by the April 3 earthquake.
Paraguayan President Santiago Pena Palacios, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo, Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr., Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew, Belizean Prime Minister John Briceno, Tuvaluan Prime Minister Feleti Teo and Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip Pierre also sent condolences and messages of support.
6. Additional Developments: Pineapple Deal With New Zealand, Turkish Rescue Workers Arriving in Taiwan and a Message of Support From Mexico
Taiwan has begun exporting pineapples to New Zealand, under the Agreement between New Zealand and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan on Economic Cooperation. Pineapples have become a political issue after China banned imports from Taiwan.
Turkish rescue workers arrived in Taiwan on April 6 to contribute toward efforts following the April 3 earthquake. Taiwan supported Turkey in the wake of the Turkey-Syria earthquake last February.
A delegation of Australian parliamentarians arrived in Taiwan April 8.
Mexico’s foreign ministry sent condolences to those affected by the April 3 earthquake in Taiwan on X. Mexico has recently demonstrated strong relations with China.
On April 2, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) met a parliamentary delegation from the U.K. Labour Party, saying she hoped the U.K. will support Taiwan’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, a free trade agreement between Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, New Zealand, Singapore, Vietnam and the U.K.
Leave a Reply