Photo : Open Taiwan
Photo : Open Taiwan
Taiwan Reader | 27 February | Vol.1 No. 261
Taiwan detains Chinese cargo ship after undersea cable gets damaged
On 25 February, Taiwan’s coast guard detained a Chinese cargo ship after an undersea cable was damaged in the Taiwan Strait. The act was ruled as a grey-zone intrusion, which refers to an act of hostile interference but not crossing the threshold of war. The coast guard was alerted after Taiwan’s Chunghwa Telecom company reported a communication cable connecting Taiwan’s main island with Penghu was damaged. The detained cargo ship had been under close surveillance of the Coast Guard and was seen near the incident site. The ship was registered under a Togolese Flag but its other identification numbers were fake and the crew were all Chinese nationals, and the coastguard said the ship was “China-funded.” The coastguard is currently surveilling more than 50 ships under suspicion of being Chinese-funded. This is the latest cable to be damaged with prior incidents in January 2025 and February 2023. (Helen Davidson, “Taiwan detains Chinese-crewed cargo ship after undersea cable damaged,” The Guardian, 25 February 2025)
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister calls to strengthen defense ties with Lithuania
On 27 February, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung met the Lithuanian parliament’s defense committee head to deepen defense ties with European nations. Lin met with a member of the Lithuanian Parliament Giedrimas Jeglinskas and discussed the Russia-Ukraine war, Taiwan-Lituania defense industry cooperation, and countering authoritarianism. Lin agreed to help Lithuania in Ukraine’s reconstruction. They also promised to exchange drones and cooperate in other fields. Jeglinskas also announced that European countries were committed to boosting transatlantic ties supporting Ukraine and boosting defense via asymmetric warfare capabilities. Recent remarks of Lithuania and their unofficial ties with Taiwan had drawn condemnation from China. (Jono Thomson, “Taiwan willing to deepen defense ties with Lithuania,” Taiwan News, 27 February 2025)
US Secretary of State announces support for Taiwan in face of coercive challenge by China
On 27 February, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the US would defend Taiwan in any case of a forceable or coercive change by China. According to Rubio, to defend against the growing threat of China, the US should develop its domestic production capacity, which is what Trump’s tariff policies aim to do by regaining rare earth minerals and pharmaceutical industries from China. He highlighted the need to improve the US military capabilities and manufacturing of the defense sector to respond decisively at any given time against China. Rubio also mentioned that in his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, he reminded them about each other's position and the capacity of the US to respond to any threat, but wanted to avoid conflict if possible. Trump had refused to comment on The US policy to defend Taiwan instead replying that he had a “great relationship” with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. (Keoni Everington, “Rubio says the US opposes Chinese force or coercion to change Taiwan's status,” Taiwan News, 27 February 2025)
Taiwan Reader | 25 February | Vol.1 No. 260
European lawmakers visit Taiwan to discuss trade prospects
On 25 February, five-member European parliamentary delegation visited Taiwan for a five-day visit for talks on trade and cooperation. The group was led by the vice chair of Latvia’s Renew Europe Group Ivar Ijabs and plans to meet with Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Wu Chih-chung, and other officials and NGOs. The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee had approved the annual Common Foreign and Security Policy and Common Security and Defense Policy reports. This report dealt with the misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 by China and called upon the support of the EU for Taiwan. (Kelvin Chen, “European lawmakers seek deeper cooperation with Taiwan,” Taiwan News, 25 February 2025)
Taiwan’s DPP party calls to repeal the Strong Generation Policy and Industry Development Promotion Act
On 25 February, Taiwan’s DPP legislative caucus called for repealing the Strong Generation Policy and Industry Development Promotion Act. DPP Legislator Kuo Yu-ching alleged a conflict of interest with TPP Legislator Wu Chun-cheng over the bill. Kuo accused Wu of freezing a USD 6.62 million budget for departments not adopting the term “strong generation,” during the 2025 budget audit. Kuo further questioned Wu’s family business contracts, criticizing that he favored them during his tenure to get government contracts. Wu denied these accusations, stating the contracts his businesses won were just extensions of existing ones and that he had stopped accepting government contracts when he was a legislator. He and his party said that these accusations were aimed at him personally instead of the bill, which was “cabinet approved”. They suggested that the timing of the attacks was politically motivated rather than based on substance. The Control Yuan Committee on Anti-Corruption and the Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office will examine allegations of misuse of power and conflicts of interest against Wu. (Medwin Hsu, “DPP proposes repeal of law promoting employment for people over 55,” Taiwan News, 25 February 2025)
Taiwan Reader | 24 February | Vol.1 No. 259
Japan amends family registry policy, now inclusive of Taiwanese nationals
On 18 February, The Taiwanese government thanked Japan for changing the family registry allowing Taiwanese nationals who married Japanese nationals to list their home country as Taiwan. The change is to be in effect from May. The Minister of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan Lin Chia-lung appreciated the new rule which correctly identified Taiwanese in Japan and helped in protecting their rights. Before the change, from 1964 onwards, the Taiwanese had to list their home country as China, which caused issues linking with their residence ID cards. The Ministry in 2012 brought a similar change in the residence identification cards for long-term residents in Japan. These changes are due to the efforts and support of the Japan-ROC Diet Members Consultative Council. According to data, 67,000 Taiwanese nationals have lived in Japan since last year, and around 800-1000 married Japanese every year. Although the Japanese government does not recognize Taiwan as a nation, it justifies these changes risking the wrath of China; by alluding it could better understand which foreign laws apply to these nationals. China released a statement regarding the change indicating they weren't happy with Japan and mentioned it would hamper Japan-China relations. (“Taiwan thanks Japan for family registry change,” Taipei Times, 18 February 2025)
Ukrainians in Taiwan protest “Russia is the aggressor”
On 23 February, Ukrainians and their supporters protested outside the Representative Office in Taipei for the Moscow-Taipei Coordination Commission to remind the world that “Russia is the aggressor.” These protests come ahead of the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, and the sudden change of US support from Ukraine to Russia. US President Donald Trump had released statements that Ukraine started the war and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was a dictator. The US also had conducted peace talks in Saudi Arabia with Russia without including Ukraine. Trump's statements and actions were criticized by the protestors who supported the legitimacy of Zelenskyy and his role in protecting his country by implementing martial law. The protestors aimed to raise awareness of the war and remind people that Ukraine and Taiwan had many similarities and that a victory for Ukraine was a victory for Taiwan. The Taiwanese government had allocated more than USD 130 million for infrastructure projects in Ukraine and private donations exceeded USD 32 million. (Joseph Yeh, “'Russia is the aggressor': Ukrainians in Taiwan tell the world at the protest,” Focus Taiwan, 23 February 2025)
Taiwan Reader | 22 February | Vol.1 No. 258
Taiwan chip industry faces water problems
On 22 February, the Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology and Environmental Rights Foundation reported that Taiwan’s semiconductor industry faces water supply challenges. The report noted that growing technology and worsening climate change, with chips needing water worth a city, threatened the industry. According to the report, innovative strategies and solutions were being implemented but still risks persisted. Threats like droughts, slow water recycling facilities, and inability of the government to expand sewer systems, and resistance from locals along with climate change hamper the process of getting water. The report advised the authorities to invest, and regulate from corporate and government-led sectors to address these issues. The report noted that leading chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is moving some manufacturing sectors out of Taiwan to reduce the burden. The report also advised tariff systems to be implemented to incentivize private investment and to build on-site energy storage systems to ensure a stable power supply. The report also mentioned prioritizing transitioning high-polluting industries to low-carbon alternatives. (Jono Thomson, “Report warns of Taiwan chip industry's growing resource challenges,” Taiwan News, 22 February 2025)
Taiwan Reader | 21 February | Vol.1 No. 257
Taiwan invests USD 22.59 billion in public infrastructure
On 21 February, Taiwan's National Development Council (NDC) announced it invested NTD 739.2 billion in public infrastructure. The NDC Chair Liu Chin-ching presented a list of major projects that had been completed at a committee meeting. These projects include transportation and recreational centers in different parts of the city. Other projects to be completed are Taoyuan’s Datan Power Plant Unit 7 and a section of Provincial Highway 76. The budget for this year has been significantly reduced by the legislature hampering the government's ability to continue the projects, but Liu has been urging ministers to reconsider resource allocation. (Michael Nakhiengchanh, “Taiwan public infrastructure spending hits NT$739.2 billion,” Taiwan News, 21 February 2025)
German business concerned about Taiwan’s cross-strait relations
On 21 February, The German Trade Office in Taipei reported that 55.8 per cent of German businesses in Taiwan worry about cross-strait relations. Where 63 per cent of firms are concerned about Taiwan’s economic growth. While 58 per cent are concerned about a stable energy supply. Concerns were also raised about domestic challenges of import restrictions and tender processes. According to these figures, 46 per cent of companies did not want to invest in Taiwan for the next two years, while 40 per cent planned to keep their investments. Despite this negative review, 50 per cent of the companies are optimistic about Taiwan’s strong economic growth and key industry sectors, like the chip and auto sectors. German Trade Office representative Eva Langerbeck said Taiwan remains an important market for German businesses in Asia. Taiwan also defied expectations with a 4.3 per cent economic growth last year, with German companies also seeing performance improvement. (Lily LaMattina, “Half of German businesses in Taiwan worry about cross-strait relations,” Taiwan News, 21 February 2025)
Taiwan Reader | 20 February | Vol.1 No. 256
Taiwan reiterates its commitment to ensure national security
On 19 February, president Lai Ching-te reaffirmed his commitment to strengthen the country's defence through increased spending and reforms. He said, “Taiwan is a chess player, not a chess piece in the shifting geopolitical climate.” He reiterated his pledge to raise defence spending to more than 3 per cent of Taiwan's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Taiwan’s annual defence spending had hovered between 2 and 2.5 per cent of GDP since the previous president took office in 2016. He also committed to push for military reforms and safeguard the country. He also promised more proactive measures to protect Taiwan and Sea communication cables, in light of previous incidents. (Yeh Su-ping and Teng Pei-ju, “Taiwan 'a chess player, not a chess piece': Lai, Focus Taiwan, 19 February 2025)
Taiwan blacklists two Chinese universities
On 20 February, Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao blacklisted two Chinese universities from conducting academic exchange programmes after reports, confirming they are part of Beijing’s United Front Work Department. The two universities are China’s Huaqiao University in Xiamen and Quanzhou, and Jinan University in Guangzhou. These universities are under the direct control of the Chinese government, political water branch, which have 600 and 1500 Taiwanese students. This prohibition would apply to all public and private high school colleges and universities, and their vocational equivalents nationwide. This prohibition was taken to prevent China from targeting students and threaten its national security. Cheng reiterated that Taiwanese colleges are forbidden from collaborating with education providers run by the Chinese Ministry of National Defence. These institutions were accused of teaching “Xi Jinping thought”, criticising the US, and had low standards for accepting Taiwanese applicants. Cheng reminded that although the authority of the Ministry applied to the administration of the Universities, the students were free to choose the universities they wanted. (Rachel Lin and Jonathan Chin, “Taiwan blacklists two Chinese schools ,” Taipei Times, 20 February 2025)
Taiwan Reader | 19 February| Vol.1 No. 255
Taiwan and the Philippines sign cooperation agreements
On 19 February, The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) signed multiple agreements to increase bilateral cooperation and increase the security of Taiwanese nationals in Southeast Asian countries. Under the agreement, both sides agreed to conduct regular meetings, establish direct communication channels, and provide training to enhance technological capabilities of the PNP. (Kelvin Chen, “Taiwan, Philippines sign police cooperation agreements,” Taiwan News, 19 February 2025)
