Taipei - Central News Hub

Taipei denies diplomatic staff destroying Nauru’s flag

Following an inquiry, the ministry criticised the misleading claim and those who sought to manipulate the situation through modified information….reports Asian Lite News

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan has strongly denounced a video allegedly showcasing the diplomatic staff destroying the flag of the Pacific island nation Nauru while withdrawing from the country, according to Taiwan News.

According to MOFA, Solomon Business Magazine released a video online claiming that Taiwanese embassy workers purposely damaged what seemed to be Nauru’s national flag, as well as other papers.

Following an inquiry, the ministry criticised the misleading claim and those who sought to manipulate the situation through modified information.

MOFA stated that upon the termination of diplomatic relations with Nauru, all cooperative projects were terminated, and Taiwanese staff began evacuation processes in accordance with bilateral agreements, according to Taiwan News.

This includes the centralised destruction of company papers and goods that do not need to be preserved in order to protect Taiwan’s interests.

The Ministry advised Taiwan and Nauru to prevent hostile manipulation through misleading reporting and to evacuate people as soon as possible, reported Taiwan News.

With the loss of Nauru, Taiwan now has just three Pacific Island allies: Tuvalu, Palau, and the Marshall Islands, all of which have renewed their relations. However, speculations suggest that Tuvalu may reassess relations following its general election that took place on January 26 recently.

The island nation of Nauru, which is situated in the Pacific had announced severing ties with Taiwan, and will be moving to the “One-China Principle”, in early weeks of January.

In the official release which was posted on Facebook, the Government of the Republic of Nauru announced that in the best interest of its people, the island nation will be moving to the One-China Principle that is in line with UN Resolution 2758 which recognises the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legal Government.

It said, “We will be moving to the One-China Principle that is in line with UN Resolution 2758 which recognises the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legal Government representing the whole of China and seeking resumption of full diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC).”

Nauru has decided to sever “diplomatic relations” with Taiwan and will have no official exchanges with the country. (ANI)

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UK strengthens Taiwan trade ties as Minister visits Taipei

Minister of State for Trade Policy Greg Hands said, ““I first visited Taiwan 31 years ago in 1991 and it’s been fantastic to see the growth of this dynamic, vibrant economy…reports Asian Lite News

Trade Minister Greg Hands will co-host the UK-Taiwan 25th annual Trade Talks in Taipei to boost trade and future-proof our economy through collaboration on green trade and supply chains.

With its advanced, high-tech economy, a GDP of over $770 billion, and strong economic growth – averaging 4% over the last 30 years – Taiwan is an important trading partner for the UK.

Visiting Taiwan in person is a clear signal of the UK’s commitment to boosting UK-Taiwan trade ties. Like the UK, Taiwan is a champion of free and fair trade underpinned by a rules-based global trading system.

The talks with Minister Chern-Chyi Chen will look at tackling barriers to trade in sectors like fintech, food and drink and pharma, aimed at helping more UK firms export and invest in Taiwan. The Minister will also promote UK expertise in offshore wind, hydrogen and electric vehicles in discussions on areas of mutual interest such as renewables and science and innovation.

Minister of State for Trade Policy Greg Hands said, ““I first visited Taiwan 31 years ago in 1991 and it’s been fantastic to see the growth of this dynamic, vibrant economy. I’m thrilled to be the first Trade Minister here post-pandemic and to be celebrating the 25th anniversary of trade talks. Boosting trade with this vital partner is part of the UK’s post-Brexit tilt towards the Indo-Pacific and closer collaboration will help us future-proof our economy in the decades to come. Our thriving £8bn trade partnership has gone up 14% in the last two years, with UK exports to Taiwan also increasing in that time. The Government’s most recent annual business survey showed the overwhelming majority of UK companies operating in Taiwan are optimistic about its economy and prospects.”

During the Trade Talks, Innovate UK will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Taiwan, pledging to increase collaboration on technology and innovation. This includes a £5m funding commitment through to 2025 and support to UK businesses via a bespoke Innovation Programme in Taiwan.

As a leading manufacturer of semiconductors – the chips used in electronic devices like iPhones and electric vehicles – Taiwan is a key player in global supply chains. The Minister will use meetings with President Tsai Ing-wen, Vice Premier Shen Jong-chin, Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-Hua, Minister of Digital Affairs Audrey Tang, Minister Kung Ming-Hsin and Minister John Deng – to promote diversified, resilient supply chains and greater economic cooperation.

Thanks to the UK’s unmatched offshore wind experience and expertise, the UK is already a major partner in Taiwan’s green transition, with more than 38 British companies already having set up offices in Taiwan. The Minister will visit the Formosa 2 offshore wind site – the first international offshore wind project supported by UK Export Finance – which more than 10 British companies are involved in.

Luxfer Gas Cylinders, a British company based in Nottingham (UK), has just signed a contract to supply cylinders for Taiwan’s first pilot hydrogen bus project.

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