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TAEF BRIEF
March 15, 2024
No. 129 |
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CONTENT
-TAEF Updates
-TAEF Media Gallery
-TAEF Commentaries
-New Southbound Policy News
-Regional Headlines |
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TAEF and the The Habibie celebrated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) |
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May 02, 2024
The Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF) is honored to announce its recent partnership with Indonesia's esteemed think tank, The Habibie Center. Last May 02, 2024, the TAEF and the Habibie Center celebrated signing the Memorandum of Understanding via virtual platforms. The Habibie Center was established in 1999 with the same commitment as TAEF in building democratic societies that respect human rights and effective human resource management.
The partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to enhance relations and collaborative efforts with the New Southbound Policy countries. Furthermore, the MoU signing was co-chaired by TAEF Chairman Hsiao Hsin-Huang, Dr. Mohammad Hasan Ansori from The Habibie Center, and TAEF's Executive Director, Alan Yang.
The Taiwan Asia Exchange Foundation is excited to pave the way for innovative collaborations in education, technology, and culture, fostering peace and development in the region. Lastly, the partnership between the two institutions marks the first Taiwanese organization to formalize its collaboration with the Habibie Center. Furthermore, the MoU symbolizes a promise of friendship and the foundation for multi-cooperation between Taiwan and Indonesia.
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2023 🏔️ Yushan Forum | Luncheon | 2023 玉山論壇 | 午宴 (Day 2) |
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The Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation launched its annual Yushan Forum: Asian Dialogue for Innovation and Progress from October 11 to 12, 2023. The platform served as the Asian regional dialogue and features the achievements of collaboration between the governmental and non-governmental cooperation between Taiwan and its neighboring countries, and its like-minded partners.
In the video, Executive Yuan Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan discussed and reflected on Taiwan's New Southbound Policy (NSP) during the luncheon at the Yushan Forum. The NSP serves as a crucial platform for regional security and challenges. One of the outcomes that the Executive Yuan Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan highlighted is the increase of Taiwanese investment towards the NSP partner countries, including South and Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, and collaborations with over 120 signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and an increase of foreign workers and students residing in Taiwan.
Furthermore, the President of the NATO Defense College Foundation, Alessandro Minuto-Rizzo, highlighted the crucial roles of NATO and the European Union (EU) in areas including global security, addressing the non-state armed groups terrorism, and engaging constructively with China. The luncheon concluded with the progress of Taiwan and EU relations and how Taiwan remains a responsible stakeholder, open to dialogue and cooperation in addressing global challenges.
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The Print
China's revised State secret law shows its insecurity. It solidifies Xi's legacy
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May 08, 2024
By: Sana Hashimi
The article highlights the latest revision of China's law on Guarding State Secrets for the second time, aligning it with the counter-espionage law amended last July 2023. The revisions represent the most significant change since its first amendment in 2010.
The article discusses how the modifications to the Chinese Law on Guarding the State have been used to suppress dissent and silence the critics of the Chinese government, either domestic or foreign entities or nationals residing and working inside China. The author argues that the revisions are a sign of the Chinese government's insecurity and a desire to hold and control the information being sent to the public.
Furthermore, the law also symbolizes how President Xi Jinping uses this to solidify his legacy and allow him to exert greater control over the country's information landscape. For instance, in the 65 articles, the revisions are exhaustive and cover various areas. However, its definition of State secret is ambiguous and contains vague language, allowing the government to act against the public without clear legal justifications. The author further concludes that revisions threaten China's democracy and human rights, which will have far-reaching consequences for China's future.
Read more
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NEW SOUTHBOUND POLICY NEWS |
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Focus Taiwan
Thailand to extend visa waiver for Taiwan nationals, an additional 6 months.
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May 07, 2024
The Thailand government announced last Tuesday, May 07, 2024, that it will extend its free-visa program for Taiwanese travelers for six months, expecting to attract more than 700,000 Taiwanese visitors this 2024.
The initial six-month program started on November 10, 2023, and was set to end on May 10, 2024. The Thai government's new policy towards extending its visa waiver will last until November 11, 2024. The decision is seen as a success for Taiwan's New Southbound Policy, which aims to enhance trade and exchanges between Taiwan and Southeast and South Asian countries. The Thai government's decision is also a result of efforts by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to stimulate the economy by granting visa waivers to foreign travelers. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the extension and will continue to seek more visa waivers or other measures to provide greater convenience for Taiwanese travelers.
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Taiwan News
Invest India CEO names Taiwan as excellent partner.
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May 08, 2024
India needs partners for its development, with Taiwan being a preferred or suitable choice due to similar ideals and interests. The CEO of Invest India, Nivruti Rai, stated during her visit to Taipei last Wednesday, May 08, 2024.
The article highlights how Rai praises Taiwan as an "excellent friend" during the bilateral cooperation and interests, as both countries can benefit from the partnership.
The article highlighted how India became a world-class manufacturing center during the reorganization of the global supply chain. Furthermore, Rai also hoped that Taiwan could export a broader range of products to India and expand its investments. The article suggests that the meeting marked a significant step in deepening economic relations between India and Taiwan. Furthermore, it is good to note that India is also part of the 18 nations in South and Southeast Asia and the Pacific targeted by Taiwan's New Southbound Policy since 2016.
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Taiwan Today
Taiwan, US, UK, Australia stage GCTF energy transition workshop in Malaysia
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May 07, 2024
A workshop under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework by Taiwan, the U.S., U.K, and Australia last May 2, 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to share it's best prace in energy transition to combat climate change, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The article reports on the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) energy transition workshop, which was co-hosted by Taiwan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia in Malaysia. The workshop aimed to facilitate international cooperation and knowledge sharing on energy transition strategies. The event brought together experts and officials from the participating countries to discuss the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. The workshop focused on sharing best practices, identifying common challenges, and exploring potential collaborations to accelerate the global energy transition. The participating countries emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing the pressing issue of climate change and achieving a sustainable energy future.
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Taiwan Today
MOFA thanks Australia, South Korea for joint statement supporting cross-strait peace
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May 02, 2024
A joint statement released by Australian and South Korean foreign and defense ministers voicing support for cross-strait peace and stability is deeply appreciated by the people, the government, according to Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs last May 01, 2024.
The article reports the statement, issued during the Australia-South Korea Foreign Ministers' Meeting, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. MOFA appreciated the countries' recognition of Taiwan's significant contributions to regional peace and stability, as well as their commitment to promoting cross-strait dialogue and cooperation. The statement also highlighted the need for the international community to support Taiwan's participation in international organizations and maintain communication channels with Taiwan. MOFA's appreciation for the joint statement demonstrates Taiwan's continued efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties and promote peace in the region.
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CNA
Singapore's 4G leadership will be tested by other countries, has to stand its ground, says PM Lee.
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May 10, 2024
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong spoke about Minister Lee Hsien Loong spoke about Singapore's foreign policy challenges and relations with its neighbors, ahead of his May 15 handover of the country's leadership.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has emphasized that the country's 4th-generation (4G) leadership will face challenges from other nations, requiring them to stand their ground and demonstrate their capabilities. In a speech, PM Lee highlighted the importance of Singapore's leadership being tested by other countries, stating that this will help to strengthen the nation's position and reputation globally. He emphasized that the 4G leaders must be able to navigate complex international relationships, manage crises effectively, and make tough decisions to ensure the country's continued prosperity.
PM Lee also noted that the 4G leaders will be tested by their ability to adapt to changing circumstances, such as the rise of new technologies and shifting global dynamics. He emphasized the need for Singapore's leaders to be resilient, agile, and able to think critically in the face of uncertainty. The Prime Minister's remarks underscore the high expectations placed on Singapore's 4G leaders to maintain the country's economic and political stability, as well as its reputation as a reliable and capable nation on the international stage.
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BBC
Malaysia offers trade partners 'orangutan diplomacy'
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May 08, 2024
Malaysia has said it plans to start giving orangutans as gifts to major trading partners who buy its palm oil
Malaysia's Commodities Minister, Johari Abdul Ghani, has announced plans to present orangutans as diplomatic gifts to major trading partners who import the country's palm oil. The orangutans, native to Malaysia and Indonesia, are critically endangered due to deforestation and agricultural expansion, particularly for palm oil plantations. The minister hopes that this gesture will demonstrate Malaysia's dedication to biodiversity conservation to the global community and convey the country's economic development ambitions and commitment to preserving the orangutan population.
However, conservation groups have raised concerns about the potential impact on the species and the effectiveness of such a gesture in promoting sustainable palm oil production. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) advocates for in-situ conservation, urging trading partners to support Malaysian initiatives instead of exporting orangutans. The WWF encourages trading partners to visit Malaysia to support wildlife conservation in their natural habitats rather than sending orangutans abroad.
The proposed orangutan diplomacy raises questions about the potential benefits against the ethical considerations. While it may generate goodwill and promote Malaysia's commitment to environmental sustainability, it also risks exacerbating the threats faced by the orangutan population. The debate continues as stakeholders weigh the potential benefits against the ethical implications of this unconventional diplomatic approach.
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Antara
Indonesia, Australia discuss efforts to strengthen cooperation
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May 08, 2024
Indonesia and Australia recently held a meeting in Jakarta to discuss efforts to strengthen their cooperation on various issues. The meeting focused on immigration, border management, and law enforcement. Indonesia's Minister of Law and Human Rights, Laoly, emphasized the importance of increasing the capacity of both countries' immigration institutions and the exchange of information to protect their borders. The two countries are working together to implement the Adelaide Strategy, which covers law enforcement, inter-stakeholder approach, information exchange, border management, victim protection, migration management, and human smuggling.
The meeting also touched on the issue of Rohingya refugees, with Australia expressing its willingness to help resolve the issue. Indonesia's Minister Laoly highlighted the involvement of a human trafficking syndicate in the issue, which has hindered the resolution of the problem. Indonesia has established good cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in handling refugees. Despite not having ratified the 1951 Refugee Convention, Indonesia has been accepting refugees from countries in conflict.
The meeting demonstrated the commitment of both countries to strengthen their cooperation in various areas, including law and security. The discussion on immigration and border management reflects the importance of effective cooperation in protecting their borders and addressing global challenges such as human trafficking and refugee crises.
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