SA-TAIWAN Enews OCTOBER 25TH 2019 PUBLISHER: MATTHEW CHOU ISSUE 10
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Taipei Liaison Office in the RSA SA-TAIWAN eNews OCTOBER 25TH 2019 PUBLISHER: MATTHEW CHOU ISSUE 10 I, and the South African Government, have enormous appreciation for the contribution that the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has made to the commitment of the Govern- ment sector in the economic development in Africa. The ROC (Taiwan) further, made a gener- ous and much appreciated contribution to South Africa's transition to democracy . Statement by President Nelson Mandela—27 November 1996 Tsai Praises Taiwan’s Human Rights Progress at 40th FIDH Congress President Tsai Ing-wen said that the into local laws so as to further en- government is leaving no stone un- trench associated core concepts into turned in promoting human rights the fabric of society. and making Taiwan a more fair and just country. Tsai said the government will not budge an inch in ensuring human Safeguarding human rights remains a rights progress remains on the fast top priority for the government, Tsai track, and has set up a unique volun- said. Real progress has been achieved tary assessment process involving in removing job restrictions and President Tsai Ing-wen delivers her academics from around the globe eliminating discrimination against conducting reviews and communicat- opening address at the 40th FIDH women in the workplace, as well as ing with civic groups and government initiating judicial reform to create a Congress in Taipei City. (Courtesy of agencies. legal system better reflecting the Presidential Office) wishes of the people, she added. Taiwan’s nongovernmental organisa- tions also play a central role in this Tsai made the remarks while opening outstanding venue for Taiwan to process, Tsai said, citing invaluable the 40th Congress of the Interna- share its democratic journey while contributions in assisting the govern- tional Federation for Human Rights learning from other countries’ experi- ment improve protection of the peo- (FIDH) in Taipei City—the first time ences. The country’s hosting of the ples’ rights and public communica- the triennial event has been staged in congress is particularly meaningful as tion. Asia. Co-organised by Taiwan Associa- Taiwan became the first in Asia to tion for Human Rights, the five-day legalise same-sex marriage in May, Established in 1922 and headquar- congress involves 450 participants she said. tered in Paris, FIDH is an international discussing responses and strategies NGO federating 184 member organi- to emerging challenges in related Although Taiwan is not a member of sations from 112 countries and aims areas. the U.N., Tsai said, the government at defending civil, culture, economic, has incorporated many of the world political and social rights as set out in According to Tsai, the event is an body’s major human rights treaties the Universal Declaration of Human Left: Celebrated Taiwan-born director Ang Lee (right) keeps a close eye on U.S. actor Will Smith as he demonstrates his calligraphy skills during a news conference for the duo’s new film “Gemini Man” in Taipei City. (CNA) Centre: Chen Forng-shean, one of Taiwan’s top miniature sculptors, shows off his handiwork during an open workshop session in New Taipei City. (LTN) Right: Presi- dent Tsai Ing-wen (right) pays tribute to ROC (Taiwan) military personnel killed during the Battle of Guningtou 70 years ago during a ceremony in outlying Kinmen County. (Courtesy of Presiden- tial Office) ISSUE 9 SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Headline News Page 2 VP Chen Returns From Holy See Visit At a news conference following his return Chen also attended the canonisation of to Taiwan, Chen said bilateral coopera- late British Cardinal John Henry Newman tion between the allies in recent years and four other holy figures at St. Peter’s has yielded significant results in areas Basilica. He was accompanied by senior such as combating human trafficking and government officials including Deputy delivering humanitarian assistance. Tai- Minister of Foreign Affairs Kelly Wu-chiao wan will continue to support Pope Fran- Hsieh. cis in his efforts to promote religious freedom, democracy and human rights The ROC (Taiwan) and Holy See have had worldwide, he added. formal diplomatic relations for 77 years, Vice President Chen Chien-jen (right), with the two sides enjoying close ties and his wife Lo Fong-ping (left) and Dep- Serving as the special envoy of President cooperation in many areas. Recent high- uty Foreign Minister Kelly Wu-chiao Tsai Ing-wen, Chen presented the pontiff lights include staging the World Congress Hsieh (second row, centre) attend a with two gifts: a documentary on Matteo of the Apostleship of the Sea in October canonization ceremony in St. Peter’s Ricci, one of the leading figures of the 2017 in southern Taiwan’s Kaohsiung Square, Vatican City. (Courtesy of Jesuit China missions, and a Taiwan City, as well agreeing a memorandum of Presidential Office) magazine spotlighting Catholic priests understanding on strengthening coopera- and nuns working in the country’s re- tion in combating money laundering, mote areas. terrorism financing and associated of- Vice President Chen Chien-jen has fenses in May the same year. (Source: wrapped up a successful four-day visit to Pope Francis in turn asked Chen to con- Taiwan Today) the Holy See designed to foster ex- vey his greetings to Tsai, adding that he changes across a variety of fields. would pray for Taiwan. Taiwan’s Interpol Bid Wins Global Support The staunch backing of allies and like- wan Can Help build a safer and more minded partners for Taiwan’s meaning- secure world by Huang Ming-chao, com- ful participation in Interpol is sincerely missioner of the Criminal Investigation appreciated by the government and peo- Bureau Commissioner under the Minis- ple, according to the Ministry of Foreign try of the Interior, has been carried by 49 Affairs (MOFA). international media outlets, the ministry said. Allies Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Kingdom of Eswatini, Marshall Islands, As an important stakeholder in the Nauru, Paraguay, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. global community, Taiwan is willing and Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grena- able to make greater contributions, the The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is dines sent letters to Interpol President MOFA said, adding that it is imperative Kim Jong-yang urging Taiwan’s participa- grateful for allies and like-minded Interpol upholds its constitution and tion in the international police organisa- partners backing Taiwan’s bid for makes proper and swift arrangements tion as an observer, the MOFA said. meaningful participation in Interpol. for Taiwan to take part in its activities, mechanisms and meetings. During Interpol’s general assembly in network on the grounds of politics. Santiago, Chile, representatives from Established in 1923 and headquartered Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Kingdom Support for Taiwan was received from in France, Interpol is the world’s second of Eswatini, Paraguay and St. Kitts and officials, lawmakers and legislative bod- largest intergovernmental organisation Nevis also voiced support for Taiwan, the ies from 14 countries. These include a after the U.N. with 194 member states. It ministry added. statement by Patrick Murphy, then act- facilitates borderless police cooperation ing deputy assistant secretary for South- to enhance public safety and battles This strong backing underscores the le- east Asia with the Bureau of East Asian such criminal activities as corruption, gitimacy of Taiwan’s Interpol participa- and Pacific Affairs under the U.S. Depart- human trafficking and money launder- tion, the MOFA said, adding that it fur- ment of State, and the passage of the ing. (Source: Taiwan Today) ther reflects the discontent of the inter- Taiwan Assurance Act of 2019 in May by national community with the exclusion the U.S. House of Representatives. of the country from the global security In addition, an op-ed outlining how Tai- ISSUE 9 SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Headline News Page 3 The ROC Celebrates Its 108th Birthday The 108th birthday reception of the Re- cover Taiwan’s political, economic, cul- public of China (Taiwan) was held at the tural and diplomatic achievements. Centurion Golf Estate Clubhouse on the 7th of October 2019. Hundreds of distin- According to the MOFA, the film show- guished local guests and members of the cases Taiwan’s liberal, democratic and Diplomatic Corps joined Taiwanese ex- multicultural society. Highlights include pats in the vibrant celebrations to com- scenes of the country’s religious festivals memorate the National Day of the ROC. and indigenous culture, as well as its sporting and technological achieve- Representative Matthew Chou Representative Matthew W. Chou of the (centre), Mrs Chou (third from right) ments. This includes the government’s Taipei Liaison Office, said that while Tai- and other distinguished guests cut- landmark five-plus-two innovative indus- wan had achieved many accomplish- ting the cake at the 108th birthday tries program, the ministry said. ments and suffered many setbacks in its celebrations of the Republic of China 108 years of existence, the values of de- (Taiwan). The farsighted initiative targets the other mocracy and freedom had always high-growth sectors of green energy, grounded the Taiwanese people and who combined traditional Taiwanese folk national defence, smart machinery and been the guiding force behind the coun- dances with modern pop music and tra- Internet of Things, as well as the promo- try. ditional outfits with up-to-the-minute tion of a circular economy and a new components . (Dominique Spalovsky) paradigm for agricultural development. "The country and our people have never sacrificed or deviated from the democ- Taiwan’s diplomatic efforts are also ratic ideals people had 108 years ago," showcased, the ministry said, including Representative Chou said. President Tsai Ing-wen’s Journey of Free- dom, Democracy, Sustainability state "No matter what kind of trials the world visit to the country’s Caribbean allies will throw at us in the future, the people Haiti, St.