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TAEF BRIEF
March 01, 2024
No. 128 |
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CONTENT
-TAEF Updates
-TAEF Media Gallery
-TAEF Commentaries
-New Southbound Policy News
-Regional Headlines |
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The Second India-Taiwan Dialogue Organized by TAEF and Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi, India proves to be a success.
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February 21, 2024
The Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF), in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation, successfully organized the Second India-Taiwan Dialogue held last February 21, 2024, in New Delhi, India. The event aimed to enhance and foster the bilateral relations of Taiwan and India through their mutual interests. The dialogue tackled two topics significant for the bilateral ties between India and Taiwan.
The dialogue commenced with Chairman Michael Hsiao of the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF) as the moderator of the focused discussion about the
Regional Order in Indo-Pacific: A Perspective from India and Taiwan. During the first session, the importance of the panel highlighted the alignment and shared values between India and Taiwan, the implications of the Indo-Pacific Region, and the rise of the People’s Republic of China and its current position in the international arena. Moreover, Ms. Indrani Bagchi, the CEO of the Ananta Aspen Center, also highlighted the need for Asia to have an organization with a rule-based order.
The second part of the dialogue, called
Right TEC: Technology, Economic, Education, and Culture, tackles the possibility of deepening ties and collaboration between Taiwan and India. The speakers highlighted the likely areas of cooperation between the two countries, including technological startups, increased investments, and the potential partnership between India and Taiwan in the semiconductor and chemical industry. During the discussion, the panels noted many similarities between the foreign policy initiatives of India and Taiwan (i.e., the New Southbound Policy of Taiwan and the India's Act East Policy).
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Australia-Taiwan Think Tank Cooperation | 2022 Yushan Forum Side Chat with Melissa Conley Tyler |
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Can you make space for Taiwan?
Last October 26, 2021, marked the 40th-anniversary celebration of the Australian Office in Taipei. In commemoration of the anniversary, the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation is honored to have Miss Melissa Conley Tyler, the Executive Director of Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy and Defence Dialogue (A4PD), to share how Australia can make space for Taiwan.
Over the past forty years, the government of Australia has shown its strong support for the development of Taiwan through unofficial visits. This includes economic and cultural relations with Taiwan, including two-way visits, local government contacts, trade and investment, and people-to-people links. Furthermore, to strengthen further relations, on their 40th Anniversary, Taiwan and Australia were able to create a book entitled
"Looking at Australia-Taiwan Relations" wherein the countries were able to produce an agenda and critical areas to cooperate, including think tanks, education, climate and all possible collaborations with Taiwan.
As the possibilities expanded further for both countries, Miss Tyler asked the Australian people if they could make space for Taiwan in whatever space they were in. Through this question, the opportunities expand for people-to-people links and strengthen their relations in many ways possible.
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Jakarta Post
Outlook on Indonesia-Taiwan cooperation under new presidencies.
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February 24, 2024
By: Alan. H. Yang, Executive Director, Taiwan Asia Exchange Foundation and Patrick Kurniawan
During the early months of 2024, Indonesia and Taiwan held their presidential elections for their respective countries. As both Indonesia and Taiwan enter a new era of governance in the political arena, it is essential to reflect on the accomplishments of Taiwan and Indonesia’s bilateral relations.
From Taiwan’s perspective, the momentous win of President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016 focused on strengthening Taiwan’s relations with
“like-minded” countries in the Indo-Pacific region through the administration’s flagship policy called the New Southbound Policy.
Following the win of Taiwan’s upcoming president, Lai Ching Te, the former Vice President of Tsai Ing-Wen, is expected to maintain or expand the scope of their New Southbound Policy (NSP), which can lead to closer ties between both countries. Taiwan and Indonesia are expected to further enhance collaboration through their respective agendas and foreign policy.
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NEW SOUTHBOUND POLICY NEWS |
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Taiwan News
Taiwan donates NTD $6.32 million to Philippines following severe floods, landslides
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February 28, 2024
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines held a ceremony on Tuesday (Feb. 27) to mark the donation of US$200,000 (NT$6.32 million) to the Philippines, which has suffered severe flooding and landslides this month.
Taiwan extended a helping hand to the Philippines through NT$6.32 Million worth of donations for the recent devastating floods and islands across the country, which affected several communities in the Philippines. According to the Taiwan Representative to the Philippines, Wallace Chow, Taiwan is the closest neighbor and a long-time friend of the Philippines. The swift response of Taiwan shows the importance and values of regional cooperation and solidarity in a humanitarian crisis. Moreover, the donation signifies Taiwan’s commitment to strengthen its relations with the Philippines through Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy (NSP). The New Southbound Policy aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, through various initiatives, including disaster relief efforts.
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Radio Taiwan International
Taiwan's Tourism Administration Opens Service Office in Indonesia
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February 29, 2024
The Tourism Administration officially established a service office in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, aiming to deepen recognition of Taiwan through tourism promotion activities directly targeting mid-to-high-end consumer groups.
Taiwan's expansion of global presence worldwide, including Indonesia, could enhance tourism cooperation between Taiwan and Indonesia. Through the new office in Jakarta, Indonesia, the Taiwanese government envisions providing support and information to Indonesian tourists, facilitating more accessible travel plans, and promoting Taiwan as their next destination. The Director General Chou Yung-Hui (周永暉) of the Tourism Administration stated that in the New 2024 southbound tourism plan, the resource priority will be given to the Indonesian Market. By fostering closer ties between the two countries, the Tourism Administration aims to boost tourism exchanges, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen bilateral relations. The office's inauguration reflects Taiwan's commitment to fostering international tourism partnerships and further strengthening ties with Indonesia through Taiwan's New Southbound Policy (NSP).
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Focus Taiwan
Taiwan Seeks Green Collaboration with Thailand
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February 28, 2024
Taiwan is seeking to collaborate with Thailand in industries such as clean energy and electric motorcycles, according to Chang Chun-fu (張俊福), Taiwan's representative to the Southeast Asian country.
In the recent interview of Chang Chun Fu by Thairath, Thailand's major newspaper, he expressed his potential collaborations between Taiwan and Thailand in fields including the electronic industry and printed circuit boards. Furthermore, Chang highlighted that Taiwanese businesses envision Thailand as an ideal pivot point for advancing markets toward Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and the United States. The proposed collaboration aims to address shared environmental challenges while fostering economic growth and innovation. The proactive approach underscores Taiwan's commitment to global environmental sustainability and willingness to engage in mutually beneficial partnerships with international counterparts. This initiative signals Taiwan's desire to play a proactive role in addressing pressing global issues and contributing to advancing green technologies and practices regionally and internationally.
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Focus Taiwan
ITRI Opens Southeast Asia Office in Thailand
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February 29, 2024
The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) of Taiwan has announced the opening of its Southeast Asia office in Thailand, marking a significant step in expanding its presence and collaboration in the region. This strategic move aims to strengthen technological cooperation and innovation between Taiwan and Southeast Asian countries, particularly Thailand, in various fields, including advanced manufacturing, competent healthcare, and green energy. The recent move of Taiwan to boost its relations with other Southeast Asian Countries is aligned with its New Southbound Policy.
With the new office in Thailand, ITRI seeks to facilitate collaborations, knowledge exchange, and partnerships with local industries, universities, and research institutions. By establishing a foothold in Thailand, ITRI aims to leverage the country's strategic location and vibrant innovation ecosystem to enhance regional connectivity and promote technological advancement. Furthermore, ITRI seeks to facilitate knowledge exchange, research partnerships, and technology transfer through this initiative, ultimately contributing to the growth and competitiveness of industries in Taiwan and Thailand. The office's inauguration signifies a new chapter of cooperation and mutual benefit between Taiwan's leading research institute and the dynamic business landscape of Southeast Asia.
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The Diplomat
Indonesia and Australia Move Toward “Significant” Security Agreement
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February 26, 2024
On February 23, 2024, Australia and Indonesia marked a pivotal moment in their bilateral relationship by advancing efforts to finalize a far-reaching security pact. This significant move underscores the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations and its profound implications for regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
The defense cooperation agreement aims to bolster cooperation across critical areas, including defense, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism, and maritime security. By collaborating on these fronts, both countries seek to address shared security challenges effectively while fostering regional stability and prosperity. The pact is described as
“the single deepest and most significant defense cooperation agreement in the history of both countries” by the Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles.
The cooperative endeavor reflects a concerted effort by Australia and Indonesia to work together to resolve common security concerns. It underscores their commitment to enhancing regional peace and security through constructive engagement and mutual support. Moreover, the pact signifies that both countries have shared collective security and vision for their bilateral relations and their own countries.
Despite the recent disagreements between Australia and Indonesia due to several issues, including the alleged insult of the Indonesian Ideology and the allegation of wiretapping, the cooperation represents a tangible manifestation of the growing strategic alliance between Australia and Indonesia.
Overall, the advancement of the security pact signifies a significant step forward in strengthening the bilateral ties between Australia and Indonesia. It highlights their mutual determination to forge a more secure and prosperous regional future through collective action and cooperation.
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Vietnam News
Vietnam Leaves Imprints in First Year as UNHRC Member for 2023-2025 Term
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February 29, 2024
After more than a year of serving as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2023-2025 term, Vietnam has made significant strides in its inaugural year as a member of the UNHRC, leaving notable imprints on the global stage. The country's active participation and constructive contributions have underscored its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights worldwide.
On October 11, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly elected Vietnam and 14 other countries as a member of the UNHRC for the 2023-2025 term. Throughout the year, Vietnam has engaged proactively in various UNHRC sessions and initiatives, advocating for pragmatic approaches to address pressing human rights issues. The nation's efforts have promoted dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding among member states, emphasizing the importance of respecting national sovereignty and cultural diversity in human rights discourse.
Vietnam's leadership within the UNHRC has been characterized by its focus on practical solutions and inclusive approaches. The country has prioritized initiatives to advance economic, social, and cultural rights, with a particular emphasis on socio-economic welfare, ensuring livelihoods, and fulfilling their international commitments regarding human rights despite the challenges faced locally and abroad. By facilitating constructive dialogue and cooperation among member states, Vietnam has contributed to the council's effectiveness in addressing complex human rights challenges worldwide. Through this, Vietnam has played a pivotal role in bridging regional perspectives and fostering consensus within the UNHRC.
As Vietnam concludes its first year as a UNHRC member for the 2023-2025 term, the country remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting a balanced and inclusive approach to human rights. Through its proactive engagement and principled leadership, Vietnam continues to make meaningful contributions to advancing human rights on the global stage.
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Xinhua
Vietnam Welcomes 3 Million International Arrivals in First Two Months of 2024
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February 29, 2024
Vietnam welcomed over 3 million international arrivals in the first two months of 2024, an increase of 68.7 percent year on year, according to data released by the General Statistics Office (GSO). This remarkable achievement reflects the country's growing popularity as a travel destination and underscores its resilience in global challenges.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic's lingering effects, Vietnam has made impressive strides toward revitalizing its tourism sector. The increase in foreign immigration is evidence of the nation's successful containment strategies, strong health regulations, and aggressive marketing campaigns.
Travelers worldwide are drawn to Vietnam by its varied attractions, which include rich cultural heritage, dynamic cities, immaculate beaches, and lush landscapes. Furthermore, Vietnam News Agencies pointed out that the country's welcoming visa laws and tourism initiatives, which aim to attract tourists, also contribute to the favorable figures.
The flood of foreign immigrants is anticipated to significantly strengthen Vietnam's economy by bringing in money, opening up job possibilities, and spurring expansion in several industries. It also emphasizes that tourism is a significant force behind economic growth and a catalyst for promoting cross-cultural dialogue and international cooperation.
As Vietnam celebrates this milestone in its tourism sector, authorities remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of visitors while promoting sustainable tourism practices. With its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Vietnam is poised to continue attracting visitors and solidifying its position as a premier travel destination in the Asia-Pacific region.
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