19 June 2020

President Tsai addresses Copenhagen Democracy Summit via video n June 19, President Tsai Ing-wen addressed the Copenhagen De- Omocracy Summit by video at the invitation of the Alliance of Democracies. In addition to sharing Taiwan’s epidem- ic prevention experience, President Tsai pointed out that as COVID-19 triggers a shakeup in global supply chains and economic strategies, like-minded de- mocracies from around the world should cooperate more closely. An investment agreement between Tai- wan and the European Union, for ex- ample, would be a great first step, the President remarked, before adding that democratic countries around the world. tics before health and failed to invite Tai- countries should use the power of eco- President Tsai said, ”our democracy has wan to share our experience at this year’s nomics to strengthen their democracies. been a critical asset in Taiwan’s fight World Health Assembly. Nevertheless, The president also mentioned that in against COVID-19. It has given everyone we stand ready to support any country her second term as president, Taiwan a stake in stopping this pandemic... It was that needs our help.” will continue to stand for democracy at therefore all the more disappointing that For the full text: https://english.president. home, and will also deepen our ties with the World Health Organization put poli- gov.tw/News/6010 MAC unveils action plan to support Hong Kongers t a press conference in Taipei The action plan includes the opening of CECC announces new City, June 18, The Mainland Af- a dedicated office set to offer humani- quarantine rules for foreign Afairs Council (MAC) Minister tarian assistance to Hong Kongers, in- business visitors Chen Ming-tong announced the launch cluding those who wish to relocate to he Central Epidemic Command of an action plan designed to support Taiwan. The office will be located in Tai- Center (CECC) of Taiwan an- Hong Kongers’ pursuit of freedom and pei and is set to open on July 1. Tnounced an easing of quaran- democracy. Set to be operated by the Taiwan-Hong tine restrictions on business travellers Minister Chen described the move as Kong Economic and Cultural Coopera- entering Taiwan from June 22, as the a response to the planned Chinese na- tion Council, the assistance offered by country prepares to reopen its bor- tional security law set to be imposed the new office is authorised by the Laws ders to international trade activities. on Hong Kong. He added that it un- and Regulations Regarding Hong Kong Under the new rules, foreign nationals derscores the Taiwanese government’s and Macao Affairs. visiting Taiwan for short-term busi- commitment to human rights and un- Plans for the assistance began following ness purposes can apply to reduce wavering care for the people of Hong a directive issued by President Tsai Ing- their mandatory quarantine period Kong. wen to the MAC last month. from the current 14 days. The new restrictions will only apply, however, World Organization for Animal Health designates Taiwan FMD-free to travellers visiting from countries aiwan, along with its offshore that no effort is being spared in main- deemed medium or low risk. Penghu and Matsu islands, taining heightened vigilance given the To be eligible for the reduced quar- has been designated as a foot ever-present threat posed by FMD and antine, visitors are also required not and mouth disease (FMD) free other diseases like African swine fever. to stay in Taiwan for more than three Tcountry, in which vaccination need not The decision, and subsequent OIE months and must not have travelled to be practiced, by the Paris-headquar- designation, will likely open the door other countries or territories in the 14 tered World Organization for Animal for pork exports, a practice previously days prior to boarding their inbound Health (OIE), June 16. banned since a FMD outbreak in 1997. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wel- The Cabinet-level Council of Agricul- Editorial: Taipei Representative Office in the EU and Belgium comed the new status, describing it as ture will take the lead on raising the in- Website: http://www.roc-taiwan.org/be_en/index.html E-mail: [email protected] a testament to the commitment and ternational profile of Taiwanese’s pork Tel: +32(0)2/287.28.16 or +32(0)2/287.28.11 hard work of the government and peo- products and developing market op- ple of Taiwan. The Ministry emphasised portunities.