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- Philippines Envisions Itself as Gateway for New Southbound Policy, MECO Says (2018-06-18)
(Taipei Times, with CNA)
Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei director for commercial affairs Michael Alfred Ignacio said the Philippines would like to become Taiwan’s gateway to Southeast Asia through the new southbound policy. He cited many reasons the Philippines should take on this role, in addition to laying out future goals to advance Taiwan-Philippines relations. <Accessed 2018-06-18> - EPA Echoes Tang Prize Winners’ Call to Cut Greenhouse Gases (2018-06-18)
(CNA, By Chen Chih-chung, Yu Hsiao-han, and Lee Hsin-Yin)
Following remarks made by 2018 Tang Prize in sustainable development winners James Hansen and Veerabhadran Ramanathan on Monday regarding the reduction of greenhouse emissions, Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Administration reiterated the need to reduce emissions. The EPA deputy chief also stated Taiwan’s intention of cutting emissions by 2050 to be half the level of 2005. <Accessed 2018-06-18> - Philippines Repositioning Itself in Ties with Taiwan: MECO Official (2018-06-17)
(CNA, By Shih Hsiu-chuan) The Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei said that they hoped the Philippines could become Taiwan's gateway to Southeast Asia through increased economic and educational exchanges. The Philippines is a key interest in Taiwan's New Southbound Policy, and Taiwan has become the second largest foreign direct investor in the Philippines over the last year. <Accessed 2018-06-18> - EU Urged to Confront China at Summit (2018-06-17)
(Taipei Times, By Peng Wan-hsin) An open letter written by the Taiwan Association for Human Rights and the US-based Human Rights Watch asks the European Union to raise public awareness regarding China's human rights abuses. This comes ahead of a joint EU-China summit coming up next month. At the summit last year, China faced international pressure to release political prisoner Liu Xiaobo, who died last July. <Accessed 2018-06-18> - China Encroaching on Taiwan: USCC (2018-06-16)
(Taipei Times, with CNA)
A report by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission released Thursday said that China has been steadily increasing involvement in the Pacific islands region through its Belt and Road Initiative. The report sates that China is using this initiative and increased involvement to move in on Taiwan’s six diplomatic allies in the region. <Accessed 2018-06-16> - Time to Review US, China Ties: Ex-AIT Chair (2018-06-16)
(Taipei Times, By Stacy Hsu)
Former American Institute in Taiwan chairman Richard Bush said in an interview that amid growing cross-Strait tensions and Chinese pressure, Taiwan should consider reevaluating both its policies towards Beijing and its market access to Washington. He also suggested Taiwan attempt to create more harmony within its domestic political parties’ polarized ideas. <Accessed 2018-06-16> - Experts Suggest a ‘Northbound Policy’ to Include N Korea (2018-06-16)
(Taipei Times, BY Lu Yi-hsuan and Sherry Hsiao)
Following the US-North Korea summit, foreign affairs experts Kuo Yu-jen, Liu Shih-chung, Alexander Huang, and Tien Hung-mao discussed how the changing conditions between the US and North Korea open an opportunity for Taiwan to develop relations with Pyongyang. They outlined the benefits a “new northbound policy” could have for Taiwan. <Accessed 2018-06-16> - Alliance Holds First Meeting, Calls for Independence Referendum (2018-06-16)
(CNA, By Su Mu-chun and Ko Lin)
The Formosa Alliance held its first full meeting on Saturday. The Formosa Alliance asserted is goal is to have a referendum on a formal declaration of independence held next April. Ultimately, Kuo Bei-hong, leader of the alliance, hopes Taiwan can become a “normal” nation. <Accessed 2018-06-16> - Defense Ministry Mum on Missile Technology Transfer (2018-06-16)
(CNA, By Liu Lee-jung and Ko Lin)
A report stated on Saturday that American company Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control will be transferring missile technologies that would help Taiwan’s defense capabilities to Taiwan. Ministry of National Defense spokesman Chen Chung-chi said the ministry would deny to comment on the story as it was a private business matter. <Accessed 2018-06-16> - Taiwan Finds Chinese Steel Exporters Threaten Local Sector (2018-06-16)
(CNA, By Liao Yu-yang and Frances Huang)
After launching an investigation into Chinese exporters of steel products in April, Taiwan’s International Trade Commission has come to a preliminary conclusion that Chinese steel products have not yet caused material injury but have the potential to cause injury to Taiwan’s local steel industry. The concern is that China may dump its export steel into Taiwan at unfairly low prices. <Accessed 2018-06-16> - U.S.-China Trade War Not Expected to Hurt Taiwan Machinery Makers (2018-06-16)
(CNA, By Chung Jung-feng, Elaine Hou, and Frances Huang)
Following new U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods and China’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products, representatives of Taiwan’s machinery sector have come out to say that they don’t believe the tariffs will be harmful to Taiwanese machinery makers in China. Taiwan is hopeful that it can remain uninvolved in the U.S.-China trade war but will continue to monitor the situation. <Accessed 2018-06-16> - Taiwan Urged to Make Policy Adjustments in Ties with China, US (2018-06-15)
(CNA, By Elaine Hou and Flor Wang) Former AIT Chairman Richard Bush said that Taiwan must adjust several aspects of policy if it wants a better relationship with the United States and if it wants to handle China. He said that while Washington's current policies favor Taiwan over China, he wish the United States would not be so tough on Taiwan. He also said that the danger of President Trump using Taiwan as a bargaining chip has declined. <Accessed 2018-06-17> - Foreign Media Interested in Taiwan's Role in International Politics (2018-06-15)
(CNA, By Lee Hsin-Yin) A foreign media delegation consisting of members from several countries has shown interest in Taiwan's role in East Asian politics, specifically its relationship with China as well as how the recent North Korean - American summit in Singapore will affect the tensions in the region. The journalists were also interested in local politics and views on cross-strait issues. <Accessed 2018-06-17> - China Squeezes Taiwan's International Space: US Congress Report (2018-06-15)
(CNA, By Chiang Chin-yeh and Frances Huang) A report from the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission showed that China is squeezing Taiwan's participation on the international stage through its increasing interactions with Pacific Island nations. Through the Belt and Road Initiative, China has showed its interest in expanding diplomatic relations throughout the Pacific as well as the strategic importance of Pacific Island countries. <Accessed 2018-06-17> - Premier Lai Unveils Development Plan for Financial Sector (2018-06-14)
(CNA, By Ku Chuan and Evelyn Kao)
Premier Lai Ching-te announced Thursday the government’s action plan aimed at boosting the competitiveness of Taiwan’s financial market. The plan involves both moving towards the international market and promoting technology and product innovation. <Accessed 2018-06-15> - Taiwan ‘Wont’t Sit Idly By’ While China Flexes Muscles: Ex-Minister (2018-06-14)
(CNA, By Yu Kai-hsiang and Flor Wang)
Former Minister of National Defense Andrew Yang said Thursday that while China has been flaunting its military vessels and aircrafts around Taiwan lately, Taiwan is also developing its self-defense capabilities. He also stressed that China will not attack Taiwan in a reunification attempt at this time because China cannot be completely positive it would win. <Accessed 2018-06-15> - Taiwan, Japan Market Cooperation Committee Meets for First Time (2018-06-14)
(CNA, By Yang Ming-chu and Ko Lin)
The first meeting of a committee to promote joint international economic ventures between Taiwan and Japan was held Thursday in Tokyo. The meeting was also intended to increase Japan and Taiwan’s economic and trade relations. <Accessed 2018-06-15> - TAO Says Hopes of Cross-Strait Summit ‘Wishful Thinking’ (2018-06-14)
(Taipei Times, by Chung Li-hua and William Hetherington)
Following the US-North Korea summit, many speculated a Taiwan-China summit might occur to ease cross-Strait tensions. Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman of China’s Tawain Affairs Office, shut down those hopes, calling them “wishful thinking” and “mysterious logic”. <Accessed 2018-06-15> - Groups Ask for Reform Interpretation (2018-06-14)
(Taipei Times, By Ann Maxon)
Taiwan’s new upcoming pension system, which is making unfavorable changes for civil servants and public-school teachers, is being opposed by a veterans’ group and other organizations, who on Wednesday applied to the Council of Grand Justices for a constitutional interpretation on the legality of the cuts. Their actions were accompanied by a rally outside of Judicial Yuan Wednesday of pensioners and KMT lawmakers. <Accessed 2018-06-15> - Paraguay to Cut Tariffs on 14 Taiwanese Products (2018-06-13)
(CNA, By Liao Yu-yang and Hsu Hsiao-ling) Following up on a bilateral trade agreement from last year, Paraguay has agreed to cut tariffs on 14 different Taiwanese products throughout the year. These will now be subject to lower tariffs than the ones imposed on products from Mercosur. Taiwan has also agreed to lower tariffs on 31 different kinds of Paraguayan products. <Accessed 2018-06-15> - Outgoing AIT Head Makes Light-Hearted Speech at Medal Ceremony (2018-06-13)
(CNA, By Joseph Yeh) Foreign Minister Joseph Wu awarded the departing AIT director Kin Moy the Grand Medal of Diplomacy at a ceremony for his departure. Moy is the first Chinese-American to hold the position of AIT Director and presided over the dedication ceremony for the new AIT complex set to open shortly. <Accessed 2018-06-15> - President Tsai Meets Visiting US Official (2018-06-13)
(CNA, By Yeh Su-ping and Flor Wang) President Tsai Ing-wen met with Marie Royce, the assistant secretary of state for educational and cultural affairs at the US Department of State. Tsai commented on her close friendship with Taiwan as well as her husband's friendship with Taiwan, Congressman Ed Royce. Royce was in Taiwan to attend the dedication ceremony of the new AIT compound. <Accessed 2018-06-15> - President Tsai Praises Trump-Kim Summit (2018-06-13)
(CNA, By Lu Hsin-hui and Flor Wang) President Tsai Ing-wen said that the joint summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un would help ease tensions in East Asia. A spokesperson of the DPP cited the dialogue as helping resolve difference and lead to greater stability in the region. <Accessed 2018-06-15> - AIT Head Blames Cross-Strait Impasse on China (2018-06-13)
(CNA, By Joseph Yeh) AIT Chairman James Moriarty said that Beijing is at fault for the lack of cross-strait communication and discussions and that Washington does not blame Taiwan for the stopping of dialogue. He reiterated the need for dialogue, but he also said that Washington would not intervene as a negotiator as outlined in the Six Assurances. He further said that Beijing's efforts to exclude Taiwan from participation in international affairs would further hinder cross-strait development. <Accessed 2018-06-15> - Taiwan Thankful for US Support Amid Chinese Pressure: President (2018-06-13)
(CNA, By Yeh Su-ping and Shih Hsiu-chuan) While speaking with AIT Chairman James Moriarty, President Tsai Ing-wen thanked the United States for its continued commitment and support for Taiwan, especially in light of greater pressure from Beijing. She cited the US's response to China pressuring US-based airlines to change the designation for Taiwan as an example of its commitment. She said that the cornerstone of the bilateral relationship is the two countries' shared commitment to democracy. <Accessed 2018-06-15>
- Trump’s Promises to Kim Jong-un Leave U.S. and Allies Scrambling (2018-06-15)
(New York Times, By Helene Cooper and Mark Landler) President Trump praised the strongman tactics of North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, and dismissed American military exercises with South Korea as a waste of money on Friday, as his administration and allies scrambled to accommodate the president’s promises to Mr. Kim after their historic summit meeting this week. <Accessed 2018-06-18> - Hong Kong Gives Mainland Police Sway in New Train Station (2018-06-15)
(New York Times, By Austin Ramzy) To the Hong Kong government, the West Kowloon station is important economically, accelerating access to mainland China and its growing high-speed rail network. But to many legal scholars and democracy supporters, it is a trap that will rob Hong Kong of a measure of autonomy, and set the stage for it to lose much more in the future. <Accessed 2018-06-18> - Trump Saluted a North Korean General, Setting Off a Debate (2018-06-14)
(New York Times, By Megan Specia) Footage of President Trump saluting a top North Korean general during this week’s summit meeting with the North’s leader, Kim Jong-un, set off debate on Thursday over military and diplomatic protocol. <Accessed 2018-06-18> - South Pacific Nation Shrugs Off Worries on China’s Influence (2018-06-13)
(New York Times, By Ben Bohane) Australian officials have become increasingly concerned about China’s influence in the small island countries of the South Pacific, especially around infrastructure like a gleaming new wharf in Vanuatu that was built by a Chinese construction company and financed by the Chinese government. The wharf, Australian officials said, could lead to China’s seizing strategic property and becoming a more direct military threat, within striking distance of Australia’s east coast. <Accessed 2018-06-18> - Trump-Kim Summit Creates New Anxieties for Asian Allies (2018-06-13)
(New York Times, By Motoko Rich) But the widely anticipated Trump-Kim meeting on Tuesday left them with new anxieties. Mr. Trump’s concessions to North Korea exacerbated their fears about the United States’ long-term commitment to safeguarding the region. <Accessed 2018-06-18> - Taiwan’s Critical Battle to Keep its Diplomatic Allies from Switching Sides (2018-06-18)
(South China Morning Post, By Sarah Zheng) In the diplomatic battle between Beijing and Taipei, Honduras is one of Taiwan’s last remaining friends. The central American country is one of Taiwan’s 18 diplomatic allies, but after more than five decades of close relations, it faces constant daily pressure to recognise Beijing as its ally instead. <Accessed 2018-06-18> - Beijing Looks for Clues on US-Taiwan Ties as Washington Set to Name New ‘Ambassador’ to Taipei (2018-06-17)
(South China Morning Post, By Sarah Zheng) Beijing will be looking for clues to any possible changes in Washington’s policy on Taiwan – one of the most sensitive issues in their bilateral relationship – when the US appoints a new head of its de facto embassy in Taipei, analysts said. <Accessed 2018-06-18> - China-US ZTE Deal – the Calm before the Storm (2018-06-15)
(South China Morning Post, By Cary Huang) Nevertheless, the implications of the saga go far beyond the company. It will have a profound impact not only on the development of China’s hi-tech manufacturing industry, but on China-US trade relations and even the global trading system. <Accessed 2018-06-18> - Beijing Strikes Back! China Puts Tariffs on US$50 Billion of US Goods after Donald Trump Kicked Off Trade War (2018-06-15)
(South China Morning Post, By Robert Delaney and Zhenhua Lu) China has hit back at US President Donald Trump after he slapped punitive tariffs on Chinese goods on Friday, announcing that it would place its own additional 25 per cent tariffs on 659 US imports worth a total of US$50 billion. <Accessed 2018-06-18> - Chinese Navy Deploys Drones in South China Sea Missile Drills (2018-06-15)
(South China Morning Post, By Laura Zhou) China has carried out drills in the South China Sea to simulate fending off an aerial attack, state media said on Friday, in the latest show of military muscle amid rising tensions between Beijing and Washington over the strategic waterway. The drills, which involved three target drones making flyovers of a ship formation at varying heights and directions, are part of ongoing efforts by China’s navy to improve its real-life combat ability, the official PLA Daily said in a report. <Accessed 2018-06-18> - China's Huawei Rebuts Australian Security Concerns amid Sino-Canberra Tensions (2018-06-17)
(Reuters, By Colin Packham) Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei Technologies refuted Australian claims it poses a security risk, calling the criticism “ill-informed” in an open letter on Monday that threatens to inflame already heightened Sino-Canberra tensions. <Accessed 2018-06-18> - Fraying Australia and China Relations Face Testing Times in Canberra (2018-06-17)
(Reuters, By Colin Packham) Australia’s relationship with top trading partner China faces a testing two weeks as Canberra prepares to pass laws designed to limit Beijing’s influence in domestic affairs amid pressure on some of its fastest growing exports. <Accessed 2018-06-18> - Vatican, China in New Round of Talks on Appointment of Bishops (2018-06-15)
(Reuters, By Philip Pullella) The Vatican and China have held new talks on the naming of bishops and the Holy See raised concerns over a tightening of restrictions on religious practice, Vatican and diplomatic sources said on Friday. <Accessed 2018-06-18> - Chinese Cyber Attacks on Taiwan Government Becoming Harder to Detect: Source (2018-06-15)
(Reuters, By Jess Macy Yu) Cyber attacks from China on Taiwan’s government computers are becoming more difficult to detect, a source close to government discussions said, as hackers increasingly use online platforms such as search engines to break into systems. <Accessed 2018-06-18> - As Trade War with China Looms, U.S. Readies Second Wave of Duties (2018-06-15)
(Reuters, By Michael Martina and David Lawder) The United States has nearly completed a second list of tariffs on $100 billion in Chinese goods, as President Donald Trump prepares to enact an initial round of duties that is expected to trigger an in-kind response from Beijing, several sources said. <Accessed 2018-06-18> - Taiwan Charges Pro-China Party Spokesman and Others with Breaching National Security (2018-06-14)
(Reuters) Taiwan prosecutors indicted the spokesman for a pro-China political party and two other members for allegedly seeking to recruit Taiwan military officers on behalf of China and violating the National Security Act, a court statement said. <Accessed 2018-06-18> - Can the United States Abandon Taiwan? (2018-06-15)
(East Asia Forum, By Jansen Tham) The looming question is whether Taipei can continue to rely on Washington for support or, when push comes to shove, will the United States abandon Taiwan for its own strategic interests vis-a-vis China? Three considerations suggest that Washington cannot — under present circumstances — abandon Taipei. <Accessed 2018-06-18> - Trump–Kim Summit Puts Trust before the Process (2018-06-18)
(East Asia Forum, By the Editorial Board) The joint statement reversed the normal order of things, putting trust before the process. Trump and Kim committed to ‘join their efforts to build a lasting and stable peace regime on the Korean Peninsula’. <Accessed 2018-06-18> - The Trump-Kim Summit: Good News for China (2018-06-13)
(The Diplomat, By Shannon Tiezzi) The question of China was evident throughout the summit between Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump in Singapore as the two leaders discussed the future of their relationship. Trump also clarified that he would be working with China to iron out the finer details of any agreements with North Korea. China has plenty to be pleased with, but the question remains as to what China's role moving forward will be. <RSS, Accessed 2018-06-12> - Security Spillover: Regional Implications of Evolving Deterrence on the Korean Peninsula (2018-06-13)
(Carnegie Endowment For International Peace, By Toby Dalton) Despite the prospect of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the United States and South Korea are expected to keep deterring North Korea's coercive behavior by strengthening their capabilities. However, their efforts can have broad spillover effects, potentially creating new tensions with China and complicating alliance relations with Japan. <Accessed 2018-6-13>
- 'Party Dealignment' is Happening in Taiwan: Poll (2018-06-17)
Taiwan Public Opinion Survey today published its new public opinion. It shows that the approval ratings of Taiwan’s two main political parties, DPP and KMT, have no significant difference, at both approximately 23%. By contrast, 34.9% of respondents have no specific party preference, and this indicates Taiwan is now faced with ‘party dealignment’. In addition, It is worth noticing that the percentage of respondents who have good impression on China (48.8%) is higher than that of people who have bad impression on the country (43.3%). - China Has Higher Favorable than Unfavorable Rating in Taiwan: Poll (2018-06-17)
(CNA, By Yeh Su-ping and Evelyn Kao) Nearly 80 percent of the Taiwanese pubic disapprove of China's recent actions, including the convincing of Burkina Faso to cut diplomatic relations with Taiwan over the last month. However, more Taiwanese hold a favorable view of China over an unfavorable view. The poll, conducted by the Taiwanese Public Opinion Foundation, is the first time that a majority of respondents saw China favorably. <Accessed 2018-06-18> - 80 Percent of Taiwanese Disapprove of China's Pressure (2018-06-17)
(CNA, By Shih Hsiu-chuan) A new survey conducted by Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation shows that about 80 percent of Taiwanese citizens disapproved of China's attempts to squeeze Taiwan out of international affairs. These include both the aviation authority of China asking North American airlines to list Taiwan as a province of China as well as the convincing of Burkina Faso to cut ties with Taiwan. <Accessed 2018-06-18>
