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- China Trying to Isolate Taiwan: Report (2018-10-21)
(Taipei Times/CNA) According to the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, China is stepping up its efforts to convince countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to cut diplomatic relations with Taiwan and adhere to the "one China" principle. Despite reaching a truce with Taiwan in 2008 to stop using economic gains to compete with each other for diplomatic allies, China has resumed its "yuan diplomacy" tactics to isolate Taiwan in the international space. <Accessed 2018-10-22> - Election: DPP Stages China-Focused Rally, March in Kaohsiung (2018-10-21)
(Taipei Times, By Ko Yo-hao) As many as 10,000 participants rallied in front of Kaohsiung's National Stadium to voice against China's annexation of Taiwan. Kaohsiung City Council Speaker Kang Yu-cheng urged the public to be extra vigilant in light of those fake news over social media, which is China's tactic to create civil unrest among Taiwanese. Meanwhile, Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) spokesman Hung Meng-kai remarked that the rally was part of DPP's plan to attack KMT and the Chinese Communist Party, and that the people will not be tricked again by the DPP. <Accessed 2018-10-22> - KMT Wants Justice Body Merged into 228 Institute (2018-10-21)
(Taipei Times, By Peng Wan-hsin) Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Lai Shyh-bao proposed to abolish the Transitional Justice Commission because the three existing laws and an older agency negate the need for a Transitional Justice Commission. Lai instead proposed for a state-funded Memorial Foundation of 228 instead that would incorporate all the functions and responsibilities of the commission into a single agency. <Accessed 2018-10-22> - Referendum Outcomes Can be Sidestepped, Experts Say (2018-10-21)
(Taipei Times/CNA) According to legal experts, although Taiwanese are set to vote in nine referendums alongside the November 24 elections, this does not imply that the referendum results will be implemented. National Chengchi University associate professor of Law Bruce Liao explained that since the law requires the legislature to act and does not empower the elctorate to directly enact legislation, nothing can be done if the government agencies cannot see a measure through. <Accessed 2018-10-22> - U.S. Military New Warship Passage Through Taiwan Strait: WSJ (2018-10-21)
(CNA, By Ozzy Yin and Evelyn Kao) Citing two U.S. officials, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) recently reported that the U.S. will consider sending its two naval ships through the Taiwan Strait. The WSJ report also said that a U.S. Navy passage through the Taiwan Strait would send a signal to Taiwan that the U.S. supports Taiwan. During the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Singapore, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis remarked that since the U.S. can fly and sail in places where international law permits, other countries have the rights to do the same. <Accessed 2018-10-22> - Ministry to Keep Seeking Visit by Pope to Taiwan (2018-10-20)
(Taipei Times, By Stacy Hsu)
Following the Vatican’s declining of Vice President Chen Chien-jen’s invitation for Pope Francis to visit Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said in a press release that it would continue to seek a visit by the pope. There are currently concerns in Taiwan that the Vatican, Taiwan’s only European diplomatic ally, may switch to an alliance with China after the recent deal between the Vatican and China. <Accessed 2018-10-20> - Taiwan’s Referendums Binding, but May Not be Enforceable: Experts (2018-10-20)
(CNA, By Shih Hsiu-chuan)
There a record number of referendums to be voted on during the upcoming local elections. There will be nine referendums regarding a wide range of issues, such as marriage, food imports, and sporting events. The Referendum Act was recently amended, meaning that there is now a lower threshold of votes needed to pass a referendum. However, speculation remains over whether a passed referendum will necessarily induce change. <Accessed 2018-10-20> - Rally Held in Taipei to Demand Independence Referendum (2018-10-20)
(CNA, By Lee Hsin-yin)
A protest of organized by the Formosa Alliance took place in Taipei Saturday. The protest of over 50,000 demonstrators was to demand an independence referendum amid growing threats from China. Formosa Alliance spokesman Yang Tsung-li spoke about China’s increased aggression against Taiwan and said that Taiwan needs to declare independence in order to stop China’s bullying. He also criticized the DPP and President Tsai Ing-wen’s administration for its lack of action on this issue. <Accessed 2018-10-20> - Taiwan Calls on China to End Hostility, Restore Peace: MAC Chief (2018-10-19)
(CNA, By Miao Zong-han and Ko Lin) Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Chen Ming-tong has urged China to stop suppressing Taiwan. The Minister expressed hope that China will work with Taiwan to bring back peace and stability in the region. The Minister also hoped that Chinese leaders can reform China's politics and learn from Taiwan's democratic success. <Accessed 2018-10-20> - Premier Blames Interpol Rejection on China (2018-10-19)
(CNA, By Wen Kuei-hsiang and Elizabeth Hsu) Premier Lai Ching-te announced that Interpol has rejected Taiwan's request to attend Interpol's General Assembly meeting at Dubai in November. Lai stated that China was behind Interpol's decision in rejecting Taiwan's application. Lai remarked that it is unreasonable for China to prevent Taiwan from making contributions to combat international crimes. <Accessed 2018-10-20> - No Proof of Chinese Microchips in Devices, NCC Says (2018-10-19)
(Taipei Times, By Shelley Shan) According to the National Communications Commission (NCC), there is no evidence of Chinese microchips in devices. The NCC also stated that the government has set up an Internet of Things (IoT) laboratory to increase inspections on devices. NCC Chairwoman Nicole Chan remarked that while experts did not fully dismiss the fact that it could be possible for such a chip to be implanted in devices, however there is no test currently available that could prove that such a microchip could contact attackers' computers for further commands. <Accessed 2018-10-20> - Pope Francis Has No Plans to Visit Taiwan: Vatican (2018-10-19)
(Taipei Times/AP, Vatican City) According to the Vatican, Pope Francis will not be making any plans to visit Taiwan. There is growing concern that China's ties with the Vatican, in light of the September 22 agreement, could hurt Taiwan's diplomatic relations with the Vatican. However, the Vatican remarked that the agreement with China will not affect Vatican's relations with Taiwan. <Accessed 2018-10-20> - President Tsai Discusses Fake Information with U.S. Official (2018-10-19)
(CNA, By Yeh Su-ping and William Yen) Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen exchanged experiences and views with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Scott Busby on issues of combating fake information, the promotion of human rights, and strengthening democracy. The president remarked that both Taiwan and the U.S. seek to uphold the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights. The president also commented on the positive Taiwan-U.S. relations in recent years and expressed hope for greater cooperation between the two nations in the future. <Accessed 2018-10-20> - U.S. Vessel Docked in Kaohsiung Delays Departure for Australia (2018-10-19)
(CNA, By Cheng Chi-feng and Chi Jo-yao) The Taiwan International Ports Corp announced that the American Navy research vessel Thomas G. Thompson that docked in Kaohsiung will be delaying its departure schedule for Australia. Although the corporation reported that the cause for the delay is unknown, there has been rumors that this could be the United States' plan to show its force to China. Meanwhile, Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu stated that the vessel's arrival has nothing to do with the military cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S. <Accessed 2018-10-20> - EU Disappointed Over Execution of Death Row Inmate in Taiwan (2018-10-19)
(CNA, By Joseph Yeh) Madeleine Majorenko, the head of the European Economic and Trade Office (EETO), expressed her disappointment with the execution of a death row inmate that took place in late August. Majorenko criticized Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen administration's excuse that the execution was carried out because Taiwan has not abolish capital punishment. However, Majorenko remarked that the execution will not affect Taiwan's relations with the European Union. <Accessed 2018-10-20> - Government ‘Obliged to Counter Disinformation’: Foreign Minister (2018-10-18)
(CNA, By Joseph Yeh)
Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said Thursday that Taiwan’s government has come under fire recently for its fight against the spread of disinformation but that despite critics’ claims, the government is committed to defending freedom of speech and is not trying to silence critics of the government. Rather, he said, the government is trying to ensure that criticism against it is not based on false information, which has been spread frequently lately. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - Taiwan’s Democracy Serves as Model for Region: U.S. Official (2018-10-18)
(CNA, By Joseph Yeh)
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Scott Busby addressed a workshop in Taipei Thursday, where he praised Taiwan’s democracy. Busby said Taiwan’s democratic achievements and commitment to human rights make it a good example for other countries in the Indo-Pacific region to learn from. He also acknowledged Taiwan’s fight against the spread of disinformation, highlighting the importance of the freedom of true information in the promotion of democracy and freedom. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - China’s ‘Re-education Camps’ Likely Counterproductive: U.S. Official (2018-10-18)
(CNA, By Joseph Yeh)
While speaking in Taipei Thursday, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Scott Busby spoke on China’s political education centers in Xinjiang, which were created to counter terrorism in the region. Busby asserted that he and other U.S. officials see the camps as counterproductive and as a horrible human rights abuse and said that the world needs to be more educated on the situation in Xinjiang. The camps have also come under fire from international human rights group, as well as the U.N. human rights chief. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - MOFA Expresses ‘Strong Dissatisfaction’ at Interpol Rejection (2018-10-18)
(CNA, By Elaine Hou and Flor Wang)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its dissatisfaction Thursday with Interpol’s refusal to invite Taiwan to attend the upcoming Interpol general assembly. MOFA spokesman Andrew Lee called attention to the allies of Taiwan that supported Taiwan’s participation and said that Taiwan will continue to work with these countries while attempting to attend a meeting in November. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - China’s Engagement in Latin America Aimed at Isolating Taiwan: Report (2018-10-18)
(CNA, By Chiang Chin-yeh and Ko Lin)
The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission released a report Wednesday titled “China’s Engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean”. The report suggested that China’s increased diplomatic, political, security, and economic cooperation in Latin America is an effort by Beijing to both reduce the U.S.’s involvement in the region and poach Taiwan’s diplomatic allies. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - China Should Not Block Taiwan's Interpol Bid: Interior Minister (2018-10-17)
(CNA, By Claudia Liu and Elizabeth Hsu) China is the only country preventing Taiwan from participating in the International Criminal Police Organization's (Interpol) General Assembly in November this year according to Interior Minister Hsu-Kuo-yung. Hsu remarked that this could greatly hamper the international community's fight against drug because international cooperation is imperative to tackle drug smuggling. Meanwhile, National Police Agency Director-General Chen Ja-chin said that although Taiwan and China have cooperated on cracking down drug crimes previously, interactions have slowed down and stopped since President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - U.S. Supports Taiwan's Meaningful Participation in Interpol (2018-10-17)
(CNA, By Chiang Chin-yeh and Joseph Yeh) The U.S. announced its support of Taiwan's participation in Interpol and other international organizations after Taiwan urged friendly nations to support Taiwan's participation at Interpol's General Assembly in November. A U.S. State Department spokesperson stated that regardless of whether Taiwan's participation in international organizations requires the status of statehood for membership or not, the U.S. will continue to support Taiwan's membership in international organizations. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - Friendly Nations Urged to Support Taiwan at Interpol (2018-10-17)
(Taipei Times/CNA) A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official stated that Taiwan is seeking friendly nations to support Taiwan's participation at the Interpol's General Assembly next month in Dubai. Taiwan has previously applied to be an observer at the Interpol's general assembly but China stood in the way of Taiwan's admission. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - WTO 'developed' Status to Help Taiwan CPTPP Push: Vice Minister (2018-10-17)
(CNA, By Joseph Yeh) Taiwan's Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua announced that Taiwan has decided to change its WTO status from a "developing" member to "developed" member. Wang stated that this decision will provide Taiwan with greater opportunities to connect to free trade economies globally and also open the door for Taiwan to join regional economic blocs. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - WEF Competitiveness Report Reflects Taiwan Policy Success: Lai (2018-10-17)
(CNA, By Ku Chuan, Pan Tzu-yu, Chen Chun-hua and Evelyn Kao) Taiwan's Premier Lai Cheng-te announced on Wednesday that Taiwan ranks 13th in this year's World Economic Forum's (WEF's) Global Competitiveness Report. Lai applauded the government's hard work in driving economic transformation and upgrading Taiwan's investment environment, which led to Taiwan's achievement and recognition. Lai further added that the Report showed that Taiwan's economy is doing well and that Taiwan's stable economic environment is conducive for investments. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - Trump's China Battles Boost Taiwan's Supporters (2018-10-17)
(Taipei Times/Bloomberg) Nicholas Eberstadt of the American Enterprise Institute opined that the growing tension between the US and China could boost support for Taiwan. Despite the US's adherence to the "one China policy", we are witnessing an increased presence of US warships through the Taiwan Strait and the continuation of weapons sales to Taiwan by the US. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - New Southbound Policy: Minister Confident on Policy Progress (2018-10-17)
(Taipei Times, By Han Cheung) Minister Without Portfolio John Deng announced that the unveiling of the United States' Indo-Pacific strategy and South Korea's "New Southern Policy" this year, demonstrate that Taiwan's New Southbound Policy is on the right track. Deng remarked that the Policy seeks to build a strong base for development in Southeast Asia. Deng also stated that the increasing business opportunities provide clear evidence of the Policy's efforts and success. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - Public Backs Registering PRC permit Holders (2018-10-17)
(Taipei Times, By Sean Lin) A recent council survey showed that more than 75% of Taiwanese agree that Taiwanese who are Chinese residency permit holders should not run for public office in Taiwan, Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Chen Ming-tung announced to Taiwan's lawmakers yesterday. According to Chen, it is not possible to work in China and at the same time be a public servant in Taiwan. Chen further added that the council was drafting a policy requiring Taiwanese holding the Chinese residency permits to register with the council. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - U.S. Vessel Docking in Kaohsiung Unrelated to Military Cooperation (2018-10-17)
(CNA, By Joseph Yeh) Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said that the American Navy research vessel docking in Kaohsiung is not related to Taiwan-U.S. military cooperation and should not anger China. According to Taiwan International Ports Corp., the U.S. Navy research vessel docked at the port to refuel and to change the crew's arrangements. Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) explained that the vessel's visit is to collect maritime information data due to the American Navy research's cooperation with National Taiwan University (NTU). <Accessed 2018-10-18> - KMT Stalwarts See Taiwan as Pawn (2018-10-17)
(Taipei Times, By Shelley Shan) During a Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) National Policy Foundation seminar in Taipei, foreign affairs experts warned that the ongoing tension between the U.S. and China should not be seen as benefitting Taiwan. Former KMT legislator Lin Yu-fang remarked that Taiwan's closer ties with the U.S. in light of the declining U.S.-China relations is not beneficial to Taiwan's foreign policy. On the other hand, National Security Council adviser Chiu Kun-shuan stated that Taiwan should not fight with one side while entirely depending on the other. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - Taiwan Wants to Invite China's Top Cross-Strait Negotiator to Visit (2018-10-17)
(CNA, By Miao Zong-han and Elizabeth Hsu) A spokeswoman for the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) announced that the SEF is planning to invite the head of China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) to visit Taiwan this year. SEF Deputy Secretary-General Kuan An-lu expressed hope that China will not allow political matters to affect cross-strait exchanges and stated that SEF continues to welcome exchanges with ARATS despite dialogues between both nations came to a standstill since May 2016. <Accessed 2018-10-18>
- Jim Mattis, Meeting His Chinese Counterpart, Tries to Ease Tensions (2018-10-18)
(New York Times, By Helene Cooper) The defense secretary moved to sand down sharp edges of the relationship after Vice President Mike Pence gave a pointed critique of Beijing. <RSS, Accessed 2018-10-18> - U.S. Bars American Aid Groups From Traveling to North Korea (2018-10-17)
(New York Times, By Edward Wong) The move comes as the Trump administration seeks to tighten sanctions as part of its maximum-pressure campaign during nuclear negotiations. <RSS, Accessed 2018-10-18> - Trump Embraces Foreign Aid to Counter China’s Global Influence (2018-10-14)
(New York Times, By Glenn Thrush) The move is a significant reversal for the president. A new agency will provide $60 billion in financing aimed at blocking Beijing’s ambitions. <RSS, Accessed 2018-10-18> - US Bomber Mission over South China Sea Risks Inflaming Tensions Ahead of Asean Defence Summit (2018-10-18)
(South China Morning Post, By Sarah Zheng) Two US B-52 bombers have flown over the disputed South China Sea, in a move that could inflame tensions ahead of a key regional defence summit in Singapore where the US and Chinese defence ministers are slated to meet. The two US Air Force bombers departed from the Anderson Air Force Base in Guam as part of a “routine training mission in the vicinity of the South China Sea”, the Pacific Air Forces said in a statement on Thursday. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - South Korea and China Relations Warming but Chilly Restrictions Remain (2018-10-18)
(South China Morning Post, By Laura Zhou) South Korean businesses in China are still feeling the chill of restrictions imposed by Beijing nearly a year after a diplomatic thaw in relations between the two Asian neighbours. While official exchanges between China and South Korea have steadily resumed, deep suspicions remain after last year’s diplomatic row over a US-backed anti-missile system deployed by Seoul, according to South Korean diplomatic sources. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - China, US Defence Chiefs Meet on Sidelines of Asean Meeting in Singapore (2018-10-18)
(South China Morning Post, By Sarah Zheng) China’s Defence Minister Wei Fenghe held talks with his US counterpart James Mattis at a key regional security summit on Thursday, after a meeting between the two men scheduled for earlier in the month was cancelled due to growing tensions between the two countries. The officials talked for almost 90 minutes on the sidelines of the annual Association for Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) defence ministers’ meeting in Singapore, the main focus of which was the disputed South China Sea. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - Donald Trump to Appoint Air Force Veteran David Stilwell to Senior Asian Diplomatic Role, Vital to Overseeing Relations with China (2018-10-18)
(South China Morning Post, By Zhenhua Lu) US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced his intention to nominate a US Air Force veteran to fill the top East Asia diplomat at the Department of State. According to a statement issued by the White House, the US president intended to nominate David Stilwell of Hawaii to be an assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, a crucial role overseeing diplomatic relations with 31 Asian countries and areas, including China. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - Beijing Expresses ‘Solemn Concerns’ after US Navy Research Ship Docks in Taiwan (2018-10-17)
(South China Morning Post, By Lawrence Chung) Beijing has expressed “solemn concerns” to Washington over a US navy research ship docking in Taiwan’s southern port city of Kaohsiung, as tensions rise over the trade war and China’s military expansion in the Indo-Pacific. The research vessel has been docked at the Kaohsiung port since Monday for refuelling and crew changes, and it comes at a sensitive time, with ties between China and the US deteriorating over trade, security and strategic issues. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - Taiwan Sees Opportunity in US-China Trade War but Don’t Expect a Windfall, Economists Warn (2018-10-16)
(South China Morning Post, By Lawrence Chung) Taipei was upbeat earlier this month, announcing that at least 40 businesses based on the mainland were planning to relocate to the island, and 30 more could be looking to Southeast Asia as they try to avoid getting caught in the crossfire of the escalating trade conflict. But economists and analysts have questioned how much Taiwan could really gain from any relocations, given the long-term operations of Taiwanese companies on the mainland. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - The US Weapons Taiwan Wants to Bolster Its Defences (2018-10-15)
(South China Morning Post, By Kristin Huang) A senior official Pentagon official’s comments last week that the United States is moving towards a “more normal foreign military sales relationship” with Taiwan could signal that the self-ruled island will be able to boost its defence capabilities with US military hardware. Randall Schriver, the assistant secretary of defence for Asian and Pacific security affairs, said the Trump administration would push for more arms sales to Taiwan, a move that would be bitterly opposed by the Chinese government. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - EU’s Rival Infrastructure Fund Could Lead to Better Deals for Asia but China's Belt and Road Still Leads the Way (2018-10-13)
(South China Morning Post, By Keegan Elmer) The European Union is poised to become a stronger player in Asia with the unveiling next week of its alternative to China’s belt and road investment strategy. The Euro-Asian connectivity strategy is expected to be agreed by the member states on Monday and formally unveiled at Thursday’s Asia-Europe Meeting in Brussels. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - China Says Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Will Visit Beijing This Month (2018-10-12)
(South China Morning Post, By Laura Zhou) Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will this month make the first visit to China by a Japanese leader in seven years, Beijing said on Friday, in a sign of the two countries efforts to improve relations amid rising global uncertainty. Abe, who was re-elected leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party last month, will visit from October 25 to 27, foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - As US-China Trade War Intensifies, Philippines Seeks to Balance Ties and Even Benefit from Mounting Tensions (2018-10-12)
(South China Morning Post, By John R. Carter) The US-China trade war has sent a ripple of uncertainty through the global economy but there may be a silver lining for the Philippines, even as it seeks to balance its ties and chart a middle path between its two most powerful partners. The upshot, according to government officials, is that increased infrastructure spending will eventually allow the Philippines to become “the workforce for the entire world”. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - Will Trump Jilt Taiwan? (2018-10-17)
(IPP Review, By John F. Copper) The short answer to this question is yes. But why and the details are likely different from what many may think. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - What Taiwan Can Take from Mike Pence’s Speech on China (2018-10-12)
(Brookings, By Richard C. Bush) At least some observers in East Asia, not just Taiwan, will conclude that U.S.-China relations will take on a zero-sum, “you live, I die” character, with implications for everyone in the region. China would have a lot to lose from all-out competition with America, but U.S. allies and partners in the region also might be at risk from both the current trade war and from wider Washington-Beijing rivalry. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - Forum on China–Africa Cooperation Meets the Belt and Road (2018-10-18)
(East Asia Forum, By David H Shinn) The BRI seems to be China’s guiding policy for the FOCAC, but at this stage this is little more than China putting old wine in new bottles. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - Chinese Mercenaries Are Tightening Security on the Belt and Road (2018-10-16)
(East Asia Forum, By Helena Legarda) Chinese private security companies (PSCs) are increasingly going global. Not so long ago they focussed mostly on providing bodyguard services for China’s rich and famous, and guarding facilities in China. But now, China’s growing global footprint has driven this sector to start operating beyond China’s borders. <Accessed 2018-10-18> - Japan’s High Stakes Diplomacy with the US and China (2018-10-14)
(East Asia Forum, By Shiro Armstrong) Having opened up bilateral negotiations with the United States, there could now be more room for bilateral negotiations between China and Japan. These two unlikely partners in Asia might yet be the best hope of holding the line against Trump’s assault on the global trading system. <Accessed 2018-10-18>
