Issue No. 9 Friday, 2 July, 2021

Taiwan Newsletter It’s no dice when it comes to , following similar decisions tolerate truth," could’t be more signing letters of commitment to made by other European countries timely, as Apple Daily shuts its one China! in recent weeks. doors in Hong Kong for the final The moves to try or force The Swedish government said time. Taiwanese officials to sign letters of Wednesday that people who reside You can see a clip from the commitment to one China and in Taiwan are allowed to visit interview here: accept Beijing’s sovereignty over Sweden without proving the trip is https://cnn.it/3h7ahb4 Taiwan are in violation of the 2011 for essential or urgent reasons, agreement and are not acceptable! effective immediately. Taiwan – US ties as TIFA talks As President Tsai Ing-wen stated in Finland, meanwhile, announced on draw to successful close her response, Taiwan will not give Tuesday that starting July 1, people The 11th Taiwan-US Trade and in to pressure and China should who reside in Taiwan will be Investment Framework Agreement avoid any undue strain on Taiwan- granted entry to Finland without talks took place online on 30 June. Hong Kong relations or tension in having to present a negative Both Minister without Portfolio cross-Strait ties. Taiwan will COVID-19 test result or proof of John Deng and Ambassador Bi- continue to observe the situation in vaccination. In the past two weeks, khim Hsiao gave opening addresses Hong Kong and support the people Germany, the Netherlands, France before the event, while Deputy there in their struggle for democracy and Belgium have also eased Trade Representative Jen-ni Yang and freedom, including the restrictions on travelers from was negotiating on Taiwan’s part. continuation of humanitarian aid Taiwan, following an EU Minister Deng stated that the TIFA and other initiatives. announcement on June 18 that talks pave the way for the prosperity included Taiwan on its list of safe of both nations, creating more job countries. opportunities, adding that he hopes According to a press release issued ties can deepen further through the by the European Council that day, it platform, paving the way for the is recommended that EU member establishment of a free trade states gradually lift the EU-wide agreement. ban on non-essential travel for Ambassador Hsiao stated Taiwan’s countries or territories named on the determination to align itself with safe list. international values and standards and made reference to the support Minister ’s CNN Taiwan has enjoyed from both sides Interview of the aisle in the United States. She MOFA Minister Joseph Wu said that TIFA is an important Countries that uphold the values of discussed Taiwan’s capabilities in foundation in terms of friendship freedom and democracy around the dealing with the threats posed by and trust in moving towards the world must look to Hong Kong and cyberattacks, Cognitive Warfare, negotiation of a BTA. support the people there in their disinformation campaigns and Deputy Trade Representative Yang eager pursuit of these same values. military intimidation originating in praised the efforts from both sides As the same time, Macau China, in an interview with CNN’s that allowed the talks to happen, government had refused to grant a Will Ripley. adding that the framework is an visa extension to the acting head of Minister Wu expressed concerns at important platform for issues of Taiwan's representative office, he China’s attempts to expand beyond common concern, such as the was forced to return home. the first island chain and the threat environment, labor issues, and the this poses not just to the peace and digital economy. Sweden, Finland relax restrictions stability of the region, but also to on travelers from Taiwan the larger global community. Sweden and Finland have lifted Minister Wu's statement that the entry restrictions and quarantine Chinese government "cannot requirements for travelers from

Taipei Representative Office in Greece Website: http://www.roc-taiwan.org/gr Email: [email protected]