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TAEF BRIEF
August 18th, 2023
No. 117 |
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CONTENT
-TAEF Updates
-TAEF Media Gallery
-TAEF Commentaries
-New Southbound Policy News
-Regional Headlines |
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Indian Retired Generals and Strategic Security Scholars Visiting Delegation |
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August 17, 2023
August 12, 2023
An Indian delegation, featuring eminent military figures including General Manoj Mukund Naravane and Admiral Karambir Singh, recently visited the Taiwan Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF). The visit focused on discussions regarding potential collaborations between India and Taiwan in defense and strategic affairs, with the aim of enhancing bilateral ties and sparking closer relations between the two nations. The delegation also included Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria, Major General Rakesh Pratap Singh Bhadauria, and Captain Kamlesh Kumar Agnihotri, along with Mr. Andy Jian from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC). These discussions hold the promise of fostering cooperation in defense and strategic studies, signifying a significant step forward in strengthening the relationship between India and Taiwan.
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Celebrating TAEF's 4th Anniversary |
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The celebration of the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation's (TAEF) fourth anniversary highlights its significant role as the pioneer policy think tank dedicated to South and Southeast Asian affairs. Established in 2018, TAEF has become instrumental in Taiwan's people-centered approach to engagement and partnerships in Asia.
TAEF's establishment underscores Taiwan's commitment to a people-to-people strategy, with vibrant civil society support enhancing the concept of reciprocal exchanges. Over the past four years, TAEF has achieved notable milestones in advancing Taiwan's New Southbound Policy (NSP). This includes fostering think tank collaborations, youth development, civil society connections, regional resilience, and cultural exchanges.
Among its accomplishments, TAEF has been integral in organising the SEASAT Youth Camp in collaboration with the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT). Additionally, TAEF's reports have surveyed the portrayal of Taiwanese businesses in various NSP countries. Partnerships have been solidified through important collaborations, such as the memorandum of understanding with India's Observer Research Foundation (ORF).
TAEF has also successfully convened crucial events, including the 2022 Asia Disaster Prevention Forum and the Pan-Austro-Nesian Arts Festival, in collaboration with partner organisations. Notably, the annual Yushan Forum has continued to draw global leaders to Taiwan for discussions on Asian collaboration, developmental matters, and Taiwan's role in the region.
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Aljazeera
Why are world leaders racing to the Pacific Islands?
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August 10, 2023
As New Delhi “aspires to become a major global power and a regional leader”, it “seeks to expand its diplomatic footprint and strengthen ties with countries that have traditionally been outside its purview,”
- Dr. Sana Hashmi, Postdoctoral Fellow, Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation
The Pacific Islands are strategically located along maritime routes, and their exclusive economic zones hold potential for deep-sea minerals and resources. The attention from multiple nations offers Pacific Island countries the advantage of having more partners to choose from, allowing them to avoid being caught in a China-US struggle and giving them leverage in international affairs. Sana Hashmi sheds light on the deeper motivations behind India's engagement with the Pacific Islands. While the region has gained attention due to the China-US rivalry, Hashmi emphasises that India's involvement goes beyond this dichotomy. India's interests are centered on becoming a major global power and regional leader. Hashmi explains that India's endeavors in the Pacific aim to expand its diplomatic footprint and strengthen ties with countries that have traditionally been outside its sphere of influence.
Hashmi clarifies that India's interests extend to addressing critical issues such as climate change. India has demonstrated commitment by establishing a $1 billion climate adaptation fund for the region and providing aid and vaccines to Pacific nations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, India's strategic investments, like aiding Fiji in modernising its sugar industry, reflect its multifaceted approach to fostering relations. As these nations seek a foothold in the Pacific, the region's own concerns and agendas remain at the forefront, shaping the dynamics of these interactions.
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NEW SOUTHBOUND POLICY NEWS |
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Focus Taiwan
Hon Hai unit to invest US$500 million in India, Vietnam
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August 12, 2023
A subsidiary of Taiwan's prominent manufacturing conglomerate Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., FIT Hon Teng Ltd., also known as Foxconn, is embarking on a significant expansion in India and Vietnam. The company is injecting $500 million into its unit, Foxconn Interconnect Technology Singapore Pte. Ltd. (FIT Singapore), with strategic aims to bolster production capacity in these markets. In India, FIT Hon Teng is allocating $400 million for investment in Chang Yi Interconnect Technology (India) Private Ltd. The investment is set to materialize in Hyderabad, where the company has acquired land to construct a factory, a research and development center, and dormitories. This factory is slated to commence mass production by the end of 2024, primarily focusing on manufacturing Apple's popular AirPods.
Meanwhile, in Vietnam, FIT Hon Teng's investment of $100 million is directed towards Fu Wing Interconnect Technology (Nghe An) Co. Ltd., situated in the WHA Industrial Zone. The plans encompass the production of diverse electronic products such as wireless headsets, connectors, wireless chargers, and speakers. These ventures underline Hon Hai's commitment to expanding its presence in India and Vietnam, solidifying its role in the global manufacturing landscape.
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Taipei Times
Taiwan unbeaten on day 3 of Jones Cup |
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August 15, 2023
The William Jones Cup, an annual international basketball invitational tournament hosted by Taiwan, has returned this year after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament is a platform for fostering international cooperation and sportsmanship based in Taiwan. Launched in 1977, the event is named after Renato William Jones, the inaugural secretary-general of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), holding the position for 44 years from 1932. It stands as a testament to Taiwan's commitment to global sporting engagement.
In earlier matches, Taiwan's A and B teams each secured their second consecutive victory by overpowering Japan 86-68 and the Philippines 89-79, respectively. The B team's precision long-range shots led to their win against the Philippines. Meanwhile, Gadiaga of Taiwan's A team played a pivotal role with 31 points and four assists in their victory over Japan. Taiwan's men's national basketball A team secured their third consecutive victory in the William Jones Cup by defeating Qatar 88-74 in a closely contested match, causing them to tie at the top of the leaderboard with the US.
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Technode Global
Malaysia's Solarvest eyes further expansion in Taiwan's clean energy market
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August 11, 2023
Malaysia's Solarvest Holdings Berhad has taken a significant step towards expanding in Taiwan's clean energy sector. The firm has established a new wholly-owned subsidiary, Solarvest (Taiwan) Corp Ltd (STCL), in Taipei. This move aims to enhance the company's market presence and explore clean energy project opportunities in Taiwan. Solarvest already maintains an active pipeline of projects in the country, backed by 200.0 MWp of clean energy project prospects. The establishment of STCL follows the firm's prior collaboration with Taiwan-listed solar investor and contractor Hsinjing Holding Corporate Limited, allowing Solarvest to solidify its position in Taiwan and delve into renewable energy sources like wind energy. This expansion aligns with Taiwan's goals of reaching 30.0 GW of solar energy and 20.7 GW of wind energy by 2030 and 2035, respectively.
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Focus Taiwan
Taiwan expected to open farming sector to Indonesian workers in September
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August 10, 2023
Taiwan is gearing up to open its farming and livestock sector to Indonesian migrant workers in September, as announced by the Ministry of Labor (MOL) following bilateral discussions. The move comes after a productive meeting between the two countries held in Bali, Indonesia, resulting in eight agreements, including the expansion of the labor pool to Indonesian workers. While Taiwan has been employing workers from Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines in the sector since 2019 due to labor shortages, Indonesian workers were previously limited to those already working in Taiwan. This shift signifies Taiwan's commitment to addressing its labor needs while strengthening international cooperation in the agricultural domain. The MOL aims to launch this initiative in September, allowing up to 12,000 workers to be hired with improved application procedures and wages in line with the law.
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Nikkei Asia
India and Thailand jockey for spot on Asia's chipmaking map
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August 15, 2023
The semiconductor manufacturing landscape in Asia is undergoing a transformative shift as India and Thailand assert themselves in the race for investments. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted his country's potential during the SemiconIndia 2023 event, touting its status as the world's largest democracy as a trusted partner for the global chip industry. In line with this, India has approved a $9.14 billion program to support domestic semiconductor and display manufacturing, positioning itself to capitalise on supply chain reconfigurations.
Thailand, positioning itself as a neutral ground amid escalating US-China tensions, has expanded corporate tax breaks to attract semiconductor companies. The Thai government is particularly focused on enticing companies engaged in advanced front-end processes like designing and etching. The push is part of Thailand's bid to adjust to the changing semiconductor landscape as tensions between the US and China reshape industry dynamics.
The competition to attract semiconductor manufacturing is gaining momentum across Asia. Singapore and Malaysia have advanced significantly in drawing fabrication facilities, with GlobalFoundries and Infineon Technologies making substantial investments. Vietnam is also emerging as a player, hosting production and research facilities for major players like Samsung Electronics and Intel. The US is actively collaborating with Vietnam in the semiconductor field as part of its "friendshoring" strategy.
Overall, Asia is witnessing a substantial shift in the semiconductor manufacturing landscape, driven by geopolitical tensions, supply chain reconfigurations, and efforts by countries to bolster their industrial prowess in this critical sector.
Read more
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BBC
Myanmar landslide: At least 30 missing at jade mine
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August 14
, 2023
At least 30 individuals are missing after a mudslide struck a jade mine in Hpakant, Kachin state, Myanmar. The remote town is known for hosting the world's largest and most profitable jade mines. The incident occurred on Sunday and was triggered by heavy monsoon rain, a common cause of such landslides in the region between May and October.
The affected area is known for attracting scavengers, often locals, and migrant workers who work hazardous conditions to search for valuable jade fragments amidst the unstable earth and debris. Despite a suspension of mining operations due to the rainy season, independent scavengers, seeking valuable jade fragments, were present when the incident occurred around 3:30 PM local time on Sunday. The landslide, triggered by the loosening of large piles of excavated earth, sent debris plummeting more than 150 meters down a cliff into a lake. The substantial rainfall dislodged substantial piles of earth, remnants of excavation by mining companies, resulting in a cascading torrent of mud and debris that overwhelmed the miners.
Rescue teams have been working to locate survivors, with over 100 workers engaged in the effort. Eight miners who sustained injuries during the incident were taken to a local hospital. The area's history of poor regulation and safety measures in mining operations has made it prone to accidents, with similar accidents occurring in 2020 when a landslide caused the death of 162 people and in 2015 when 113 people died.
The incident also draws attention to the complex ethnic and socio-economic landscape of the region, where various groups engage in this high-stakes pursuit, often amidst perilous conditions. While search and rescue operations are ongoing, this incident highlights the perilous conditions for those working in the region's hazardous mines.
Read more
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Foreign Policy
Ethnic Tensions Simmer Under Malaysia’s Elections
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August 14, 2023
Ethnic tensions are once again surfacing as a significant undercurrent in Malaysia's political sphere, casting a shadow over the recent elections in six states of the country. The rise of the Malay nationalist opposition coalition, Perikatan Nasional (PN), has rekindled concerns regarding the resurgence of nationalist sentiments and the potential deepening of polarisation within the nation. Malaysia's political history has been marked by a delicate balancing act among its ethnic groups, particularly between the majority Malay populace and the minority Chinese and Indian communities.
These ethnic dynamics are closely interwoven with religious affiliations, as only Muslims are recognised as Malays, and Islamic principles often play a significant role in shaping political narratives. These factors further complicate the already intricate web of ethnic and religious sensitivities that define Malaysian politics.
The recent elections have unveiled a noteworthy shift in the Malay demographic's support, traditionally anchored around the dominant Malay party, UMNO. A considerable portion of Malays now seems inclined towards the opposition. The opposition coalition, led by the Islamist Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), has been associated with religious conservatism, with its leader even expressing sympathy for the Taliban.
PAS's emergence as a significant political force, alongside PN's strengthened position, has generated speculation about Malaysia's future trajectory. The tension between ethnic groups, intertwined with religious considerations, is shaping the political narrative in Malaysia. While the short-term implications remain uncertain, the long-term trend seems to favor parties like PAS, especially considering the increasing religious conservatism among younger Malays. The intricate balance of these factors will likely continue to shape Malaysia's political landscape in the coming years.
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