Taipei Liaison Office in the RSA SA-TAIWAN eNews FEBRUARY 26TH 2020 PUBLISHER: MATTHEW CHOU ISSUE 1

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 President Tsai thanks allies for supporting Taiwan’s international participation President Tsai Ing-wen thanked Central American Health should come be- allies Belize and Guatemala fore politics, Tsai said, as well as Caribbean ally Haiti adding that the country’s Feb. 18 for backing Taiwan’s world-leading health participation in the activities, care system and experi- mechanisms and meetings of ence with the 2003 out- international organizations. break of severe acute Saint-Hilaire from Belize, Guatemala respiratory syndrome mean it can Faced with China’s campaign of and Haiti, respectively, at the Presi- make a real contribution to ensur- coercion, Taiwan sincerely appreci- dential Office in Taipei City. The ing a seamless global pandemic pre- ates the firm backing of its diplo- delegation is in Taiwan on a five-day vention network. matic allies and like-minded part- political, economic and cultural fact- ners for the country’s attendance at finding visit. Tsai also vowed to strengthen the events such as the U.N. General country’s ties with its allies by con- Assembly last year. According to Tsai, Taiwan is a front- tinuing steadfast diplomacy under line state against the spread of the principle of mutual assistance Tsai made the remarks while receiv- COVID-19. The country deserves a for mutual benefits, citing coopera- ing permanent representatives to seat at the table in the World tion projects involving agriculture, the U.N. Lois Michele Young, Luis Health Organization and other U.N. commerce and tourism in Guate- Antonio Lam Padilla and Patrick specialized agencies, she added. mala, Haiti and Belize, respectively.

February Snapshots of Taiwan

Left,Members of U-Theater perform during the closing ceremony of Taiwan Lantern Festival Feb. 23 in Taichung City. The annual event attracted more than 10 million visitors during its 16-day run in central Tai- wan. (Courtesy of Taichung City Government);Middle,President Tsai Ing-wen (left) shares a smile with Medi- gen Vaccine Biologics Corp. Vice Chairman Charles Chen Feb. 20 during a tour of the company’s facility in Hsinchu County, northern Taiwan. MVC is cooperating with the U.S. National Institutes of Health to develop a vaccine for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. (Courtesy of Presidential Office);Right,The most popular entries to Taitung International Balloon Festival from the past 20 years are revealed by the southeastern county’s local government Feb. 20. (Courtesy of Taitung County Government) ISSUE 2

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Headline News Page 2 MOFA thanks allies, partners for supporting Taiwan’s WHA participation

The staunch support of the country’s gression that harms the international Taylor. “We believe that Taiwan’s role as diplomatic allies and like-minded part- public health community’s ability to co- an observer in WHA meetings is in the ners for Taiwan’s participation in the ordinate effectively,” he said, adding that best interest of the international health World Health Assembly, the decision- the time has come for the country to be community, and also it is an important making body of the World Health Organi- allowed to lend its considerable exper- partner in the fight against this epi- zation, is greatly appreciated, according tise toward prevention and containment demic,” he said. to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. efforts. Other leaders, representatives and Following an outbreak of pneumonia Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also groups speaking in support of Taiwan caused by the Wuhan coronavirus, diplo- spoke up for Taiwan’s participation. Pre- include St. Lucia Prime Minister Allen matic allies Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, venting further spread of the new coro- Chastanet; St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Min- Paraguay, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lu- navirus will be exponentially harder if ister Timothy Harris and Minister of For- cia, as well as like-minded partners in Taiwan is excluded for political reasons, eign Affairs Mark Brantley; Belize Minis- Canada, Japan, the EU and the U.S., reit- he said. ter of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington; erated the importance of Taiwan’s con- Haiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Bocchit tributions and engagement to global On behalf of the EU, European External Edmond; the Ministries of Foreign Affairs health and disease combatting networks. Action Service spokeswoman Virginie of Guatemala and Paraguay; the Central Battu-Henriksson said the organization American Integration System; and the U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner urged WHO Di- will continue to seek practical solutions Central American Parliament. rector-General Tedros Adhanom Ghe- for including Taiwan whenever its techni- breyesus in a joint letter cosigned by cal prowess and capacity can provide Taiwan participated in the annual WHA Sens. Marco Rubio, James Inhofe, John additional value. as an observer from 2009 to 2016. The Cornyn, Mitt Romney, Ted Cruz and Tom country is excluded from the 73rd edi- Cotton Jan. 31 to grant Taiwan observer Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tion running May 17-21 in Geneva at the status in the activities, mechanisms and also expressed support after statements request of the Chinese authorities. meetings of the global body. “Taiwan’s by Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland and exclusion from the WHO is an act of ag- former health minister Ginette Petitpas President Tsai meets with former senior US official President Tsai Ing-wen met with Randall again proved the people’s determination Schriver, chairman of Project 2049 Insti- to uphold democratic values, Tsai said. tute and former U.S. Department of De- She reiterated her hope to work closely fense assistant secretary for Indo-Pacific with like-minded countries such as the security affairs, Feb. 20 at the Presiden- U.S. to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific tial Office, emphasizing the two sides’ region. long-standing commitment to regional peace and freedom. Tsai stressed that excluding Taiwan from the World Health Organization creates a Schriver was joined during his visit by for IPSA, particularly for his role in facili- gap in international efforts to combat Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu tating an agreement to sell the country F the spread of COVID-19. She extended and National Security Council Secretary- -16V fighter jets in 2019. She also ex- thanks to the U.S. Congress and people General David Lee. pressed her appreciation for Schriver’s for their long-term support of Taiwan’s continued support of Taiwan’s democ- participation in the WHO as well as their Tsai thanked Schriver for strengthening racy and security. recognition of the right to health for all the Taiwan-U.S. security relationship global citizens. during his tenure as assistant secretary Last month’s presidential election once ISSUE 2

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Business and Economics Page 3 Taiwan treats tickle taste buds in Dubai Taiwan food companies are showcas- The Agriculture Bureau of Kaohsiung ing their finest wares at Gulfood City Government is on hand to pro- 2020, the largest annual food and mote fresh dragon fruits, guavas and beverage trade exhibition in the Mid- jujubes from southern Taiwan. Other dle East and North Africa running choice items on display include cof- Feb. 16-20 in Dubai, United Arab fee, edamame, and mochi. Emirates. Among eminent visitors cheering on The dedicated pavilion showcasing staffers at Taiwan’s booths was Jerry top food products from 18 home- Yang, director-general of the Com- Abdul Kareem was invited by the grown vendors is organized by the mercial Office of Taipei, Dubai, UAE. Ministry of Foreign Affairs to visit Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Bureau He was joined in touring Taiwan’s Taiwan in 2018. He helped publicize of Foreign Trade and Taiwan External offerings Feb. 16 by Abdul Kareem Al Taiwan’s commitment to fulfilling the Trade Development Council (TAITRA) -Hendal, a Kuwaiti social media ce- U.N. Sustainable Development Goals with the goal of expanding the coun- lebrity with 2.4 million followers on with a short film shot during his tour try’s reach into promising markets of Instagram. and posted to his Instagram page. the Middle East. GDP growth hits 3.31 percent in Q4 for Taiwan

Exports of goods and services gained grow 1.58 percent, with CPI increases 2.64 percent on the back of a double- capped at 0.62 percent. digit increase in information and communication technology ship- The numbers confirm Taiwan’s eco- ments, while imports picked up 4.44 nomic fundamentals are in good percent as local semiconductor firms shape. London-based IHS Markit Ltd., continued to ramp up production. a leading source of information and insight in critical areas shaping the Taiwan’s gross domestic product The DGBAS also adjusted Taiwan’s international business landscape, grew 3.31 percent in the fourth quar- 2019 economic growth estimate to predicts growth of 2.5 percent for ter of 2019, according to the Direc- 2.71 percent, with per capita GDP the global economy in 2020. torate-General of Budget, Accounting reaching US$25,909 and the con- and Statistics Feb. 12. sumer price index rising 0.56 per- Major countries such as the U.S., cent. South Korea, Singapore and Japan Domestic demand remained the expected to gain 2.1 percent, 1.6 per- main growth driver, with private con- Although the global outbreak of the cent, 1.2 percent and 0.6 percent, sumption up 2.63 percent bolstered new coronavirus crisis remains a ma- respectively over the year, according by strong sales of automobiles and jor factor impacting economic activ- to IHS. electric motorcycles, as well as ity, the DGBAS forecasts Taiwan’s booming retail and food and bever- exports to gain an additional 2.85 age sectors during the holiday shop- percent in 2020. At the same time, ping season. private consumption is tipped to ISSUE 2

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Science & Technology Page 4 Tsai pledges to advance Taiwan’s smart technology development the urban-rural divide, she added. Launched in 2016, the ASVDP has two primary objectives: promoting innova- Tsai made the remarks during the tion and R&D for devices and Internet opening ceremony of the 2020 Intelli- of Things applications as well as up- gent Community Forum Top7 Global grading Taiwan’s startup and entrepre- Cities Announcement/Conference in neurship ecosystem. Taoyuan. President Tsai Ing-wen said Feb. 10 Tsai also praised the use of technology that the government is progressing According to Tsai, the northern city is a by Taiwan’s health agencies following well in its plans to transform Taiwan shining example of progress made in the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak, in- into a digital nation and smart island, the past few years. An executive center cluding an official LINE account provid- with preparations for industrial up- of the government’s flagship Asian Sili- ing citizens with access to accurate and grades and economic restructuring in con Valley Development Plan, Taoyuan up-to-date disease information, spot- full swing as the country prepares for was awarded New York-based ICF’s lighting the government’s technical the coming 5G wireless era. 2019 Intelligent Community of the Year prowess and rapid response capability for its outstanding application of smart in the face of an emergency. Efficient transportation, smart health technology to local governance, Tsai care and a thriving digital economy are said, praising its use of augmented and First-round bidding for Taiwan’s 5G key to fast-tracking Taiwan’s techno- virtual reality devices for startups, tele- spectrum wrapped up last month. The logical development, Tsai said. The medicine for residents in remote areas technology is expected to further se- government is also overseeing the in- and video translation for new immi- cure the country’s status as a global stallation of comprehensive broadband grants. leader in innovation, Tsai said. infrastructure countrywide to narrow NCDR inks disaster management pacts with Nepal municipalities

Taiwan’s National Science and Technol- the New Southbound Policy. NCDR ogy Center for Disaster Reduction successfully provided Nepalese munici- (NCDR) signed a cooperation agree- palities Baijanath Rural and Kohalpur ment on disaster prevention with Nep- with similar training and equipment in alese municipalities Ghorahi and Tha- 2019. kurbaba Feb. 10 in New Taipei City. NCDR Director Chen Hongey said years Under the pact, NCDR will assist the of continued support from the MOST paredness and response capabilities municipalities through organizing train- have enabled the center to develop would play a critical role in addressing ing programs and transferring modern and effectively implement state-of-the- his municipality’s pressing need for equipment. Technologies covered in- art technology into its disaster man- better disaster management systems. clude monitoring systems for precipita- agement strategy. The monitoring sys- tion and seismic activity, as well as tems for the two cities will be installed A key plank in the government’s na- online platforms for public information by the beginning of Nepal’s monsoon tional development policy, the NSP is updates. season, three months from the date of enhancing Taiwan’s agricultural, busi- signing, he added. ness, cultural, education, tourism and The agreement is the latest step taken trade relations with the 10 Association by the Ministry of Science and Technol- Ghorahi Mayor Narulal Chaudhary of Southeast Asian Nations member ogy in implementing its Smart Disaster thanked NCDR for sharing its expertise. states, six South Asian countries, Aus- Risk Management program in line with He said the country’s world-class pre- tralia and New Zealand. ISSUE 2

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Art and Culture Page 5 President Tsai attends 2020 International Mother Language Day: Indigenous Languages Development Conference

On the afternoon of February 22, Presi- duced into school curriculums, and the dent Tsai Ing-wen delivered remarks at Ministry of Education is actively training the 2020 International Mother Language qualified teachers. Day: the Indigenous Languages Develop- ment Conference. She said that since we I believe that in addition to learning passed the Indigenous Languages Devel- mother languages at home, students opment Act in 2017, all indigenous lan- should also be able to learn them in guages have been designated as school. Even more important, it is the "national languages," and the budget government's responsibility to create a devoted to those languages is now five For the past few years, our schools have diverse and positive environment so that times larger, a significant increase. Last had full-time indigenous language teach- Taiwan's young generation will be willing year we passed the National Languages ers. In tribal communities, these lan- to learn and speak their mother tongue Development Act, and the government guages are being taught using indige- without inhibitions. will devote even more effort to ensuring nous language promoters and a mentor- that the mother languages of all ethnic ing system. Even in government agen- In the past, people who spoke their groups can be passed on to future gen- cies, we have made our first attempts to mother tongue could be punished. But erations, revitalized, and developed. We use indigenous languages in official gov- today, the government encourages peo- will use languages to connect with the ernment documents and simultaneous ple to speak their mother tongue, and world, which can give Taiwan more interpretation. use those languages to let the world see room to develop. another side of Taiwan. This reflects We have indigenous peoples from all democratic values, achieved through the Upon her arrival, President Tsai toured over the country here today who are efforts of many people. We will cherish the display booths at the event and then studying and promoting indigenous lan- our mother tongues even more, and delivered remarks. A translation of those guages together. I want to thank all of continue to promote their importance. remarks follows: you, because your persistence and hard Yesterday was International Mother work will make our efforts to pass on The theme for this year's International Language Day. Taiwan has not only re- indigenous languages even more suc- Mother Language Day is "Languages sponded to this global day, but has also cessful in the future. Without Borders." And I believe that adopted concrete measures to ensure acknowledging the importance of that mother languages are given room And our efforts will extend beyond the mother languages can not only help us to develop. languages of indigenous peoples. Last appreciate diverse cultures, but also year we passed the National Languages help us use languages to connect with Over the past three years, the govern- Development Act, and the government the world. Links to New Southbound ment and private sector have been will devote even more effort to ensuring Policy countries, Austronesian ethnic working together every single day to that the mother languages of all ethnic groups, and ethnic Chinese around the promote the transmission of mother groups can be passed on to future gen- world can give Taiwan more room to tongues to future generations. erations, revitalized, and developed. develop. So let's continue our efforts, and continue to enjoy the beauty of The languages of Taiwan's indigenous We have established a national Hakka learning and speaking our mother tribes are some of our most unique radio station and a Taiwanese-language tongues. mother tongues, and a source of pride. channel under our Public Television Ser- After we passed the Indigenous Lan- vice. The new 12-Year Basic Education In closing, I would like to congratulate guages Development Act in 2017, all curriculum also has added flexibility to the Foundation for the Research and indigenous languages have been desig- allow for the study of mother tongues. Development of Indigenous Languages nated as "national languages," and the on its formal establishment, and hope budget devoted to those languages is Although the mother languages of re- that the next two days of meetings will now five times larger, a significant in- cent immigrants are not "national lan- be a great success. crease. guages," they are gradually being intro- ISSUE 2

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Medical & health care Page 6

Starting February 10, 14-day home quarantine to be required for travelers transiting through China, Hong Kong and Macau and granted entry into Tai- wan; restrictions on direct flights to and from China, Hong Kong and Macau to be implemented and flights from certain airports to be suspended

As the recent cumulative total of under home quarantine for 14 April 29. Except for the flights to confirmed cases of 2019 novel days. and from Beijing Capital Interna- coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection tional Airport, Shanghai Pudong in China is rapidly growing, the Cen- Pursuant to the request proposed International Airport, Shanghai tral Epidemic Command Center by the Ministry of Health and Wel- Hongqiao International Airport, Xia- (CECC) announced the following fare, Taiwan for disease prevention, men Gaoqi International Airport instruction: the Ministry of Transportation and and Chengdu Shuangliu Interna- Starting from 0:00 am of February Communications will impose a tem- tional Airport, cross-strait flights to 10, 2020, travelers who transit porary ban on cross-strait passen- and from the remaining airports in through China, Hong Kong and ger flights between Taiwan and cer- China will be suspended. Macau and are granted entry into tain airports in China starting 0:00 (Source:Bureau Of Consular Affairs Counter) Taiwan and will be required to be am of February 10 to 11:59 pm of

Czech lawmakers urge WHA observer status for Taiwan

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs ings of the WHO. ban all thanked the Czech Republic parlia- flights ment Feb. 15 for two letters urging The letters follow other similar sub- from Tai- Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, missions to Ghebreyesus by law- wan, the director-general of the World makers from Austria, Estonia, ministry Health Organization, to grant Tai- France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, said. wan observer status in the World Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Health Assembly. Slovakia, Spain and the Nether- The government will continue lands, the European parliament and working with its like-minded part- One letter was sent by Petr Fiala the U.K. ners in the region to prevent the and Vojtech Pikal, vice presidents spread of disease while ensuring a of the lower house, with another According to the MOFA, there is a seamless global public health net- sent by Pavel Fischer, chairman of growing cross-party chorus ema- work, the MOFA added. the upper house’s Committee on nating from Europe calling for the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Secu- global body to rectify its incorrect Taiwan participated in the annual rity. In total, 71 parliamentarians listing of Taiwan under China’s ju- WHA as an observer from 2009 to signed the missives calling on Ghe- risdiction. The mistake has contrib- 2016. The government is seeking a breyesus to recognize the impor- uted to significant misunderstand- seat at the table for the 73rd edi- tance of including Taiwan in the ing around the world, as seen in the tion running May 17-21 in Geneva. activities, mechanisms and meet- Italian government’s decision to ISSUE 2

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Entertainment Page 7 Hsieh Su-wei wins doubles gold again at Dubai Tennis Championships

Defending champions Taiwan’s serve after a back-and-forth rally. Hsieh Su-wei and her doubles The pair held serve in the next partner Barbora Strycova of the game, converting on their fifth set Czech Republic triumphed at the point. Dubai Tennis Championships Feb. 22, keeping their cool in the de- Momentum remained with the sert heat in the face of deter- Taiwan-Czech combination to be- mined opposition. gin the second set as they raced and win 10-5 in the decider fol- out to a 3-1 lead, but their chal- lowing a double fault from their Battling to a hard-fought 7-5, 3-6, lengers were unwilling to give up Chinese opponent. 10-5 victory, the top-seeded pair without a fight, roaring back to defeated Barbora Krejcikova of take the next five games and Hsieh’s run marks her third con- the Czech Republic and Zheng force a tiebreak set. secutive year reaching the Saisai of China in the final. women’s doubles final in Dubai. Despite digging themselves into a She finished as runner-up with Splitting the opening 10 games of 0-3 deficit, Hsieh and Strycova re- partner Peng Shuai of China in the first set, Hsieh and Strycova discovered their touch at the net 2018, before pairing up with Stry- took control by breaking Zheng’s to reel off eight straight points cova last year.

Team Taiwan triumphs at world tug of war championships Team Taiwan claimed five gold - and 540-kilogram weight classes, medals and one silver at the as well as the under-23 500-kg Taipei Representative Office in World Indoor Tug of War Champi- class, with all three wins at the Ireland said it passed on congratu- onships organized by Netherlands expense of tug of war power- latory messages to all the coun- -based Tug of War International house the Basque Country from try’s participating athletes from Federation Feb. 20-23 in Letterk- Spain. President Tsai Ing-wen, Vice Presi- enny, Ireland. dent Chen Chien-jen, Premier Su Success in the senior 540-kg and Tseng-chang, and Sports Admini- Women’s teams led the way under-23 500-kg categories saw stration Director-General Kao through victories in the senior 500 Taiwan defend its crowns won at Chin-hsung. the 2018 edition of the biennial competition in Xuzhou, China. More than 500 competitors from 11 countries and territories in- For the men, victory came in the cluding Germany, Ireland, Italy, senior 560-kg and under-23 600- Japan, Russia, the Netherlands kg classes, rounded out by second and the U.K. took part in this place in the senior mixed division. year’s event. ISSUE 2

SA-TAIWAN ENEWS Tourism Page 8

Starting February 7, 2020, the Republic of China (Taiwan) will imple- ment a temporary measure prohibiting foreign nationals who in the previous 14 days have visited or resided in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including Hong Kong and Macao, from entering Taiwan

1.In view of the fact that the Tai- such foreign nationals, including under home quarantine for a pe- wan government on February 5 those submitted for special rea- riod of 14 days. designated all areas of the PRC sons, will not be accepted by Tai- (including Hong Kong and Macao) wan’s overseas missions while this as being severely affected by the temporary measure is in effect. 3.The aforementioned measures novel coronavirus outbreak (areas will officially take effect on Febru- of level 2 or higher), foreign nation- 2.Foreign nationals possessing a ary 7, and may be adjusted based als who have visited or resided any- valid Taiwan Resident Certificate on the development of the novel where in the PRC, including Hong who have visited or resided any- coronavirus outbreak. (Source:Public Kong and Macao, in the previous 14 where in the PRC, including Hong Diplomacy Coordination Council) days will be temporarily prohibited Kong and Macao, in the previous 14 from entering Taiwan starting Feb- days shall self-isolate at their home ruary 7. Entry visa applications by after returning to Taiwan and be

MOFA welcomes Philippines’ decision to lift Taiwan travel ban

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Feb. with the government’s disease- 14 welcomed the decision by the fighting measures and information This error has caused several coun- government of the Philippines ear- transparency commended by the tries to unilaterally issue travel re- lier the same day to immediately international community. strictions on visitors or direct flights lift travel restrictions on visitors from Taiwan, resulting in great in- from Taiwan. In a tweet on the MOFA’s official convenience for thousands of peo- Twitter account, Foreign Minister ple and disrupting the global avia- This positive development reflects Jaushieh Joseph Wu praised the tion network, the ministry said. the Southeast Asian country’s rec- friendship between the two coun- ognition of the effective and strict tries and celebrated the result as a The WHO must invite Taiwan to protocols implemented by Taiwan triumph for diplomatic efforts. take part in all its related activities, to prevent the spread of a new mechanisms and meetings, includ- coronavirus first discovered in the The MOFA also urged the World ing the upcoming World Health As- Chinese city of Wuhan late last Health Organization to correct its sembly, so as to ensure the integ- year, the MOFA said. misleading designation of Taiwan rity of the global disease-fighting as part of China, adding that politics network, the MOFA added. According to the ministry, the situa- should have no place in the global tion in Taiwan is well under control, fight against disease.