Headline News

 

Temporarily entry ban on nonresidents from May 19

 

Effective from May 19 to June 18, Taiwan will close its borders to all arrivals, except citizens and legal residents, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced on Monday, as the number of domestic COVID-19 infections is climbing.

 

Exceptions will only be made in cases of emergency or for humanitarian reasons, but in such circumstances, the persons will be required to apply in advance for special permission to enter the country, the CECC said.

 

The entry ban on all travelers except for citizens and residency holders also applies to transit travelers, the CECC said.

 

To date, a total of 2,017 COVID-19 cases have been reported in Taiwan, with 12 fatalities.

 

G7 issues statement backing Taiwan's entry into WHO

 

The G7 foreign ministers issued a joint statement following their meeting on Wednesday (May 5), calling for Taiwan's participation in both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Health Assembly (WHA).

 

In the statement, the G7 foreign ministers stressed the importance of improving global cooperation on important matters by ensuring "inclusive processes" in global organizations and declared: "We support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in World Health Organization forums and the World Health Assembly."

 

Saying that the worldwide community should be allowed to draw on the experience of all partners, the ministers lauded Taiwan for its "successful contribution to the tackling of the COVID-19 pandemic."

 

Defending Taiwan is defending universal values

 

“Taiwan is really on the frontline of the democracy worldwide, so to help defending Taiwan is to help defending universal values,” said Representative Chen Hsin Hsin in an interview in current affairs program EenVandaag aired on Dutch national television NPO1 on May 8.

 

Commenting further on the deployment of the Dutch frigate Evertsen to accompany British aircraft carrier the Queen Elizabeth in the South China Sea later this month, Chen said that the growing European concern about the security in the region will make Taiwanese feel that they are not alone.

 

MOP Ruben Brekelmans (VVD) considers it as an important signal to China that we adhere to international law and that we sail through international waters. Tension between Taiwan and China are strongly increasing. It's good to show to China that if necessary, we are able to be militarily active there and that European allies will not let the Americans to stand alone in the region, Brekelmans said.

 

Dutch Navy commander Kramer said to be proud of the Dutch participation, although it is not without sensitivities. The shortest route to Japan and S-Korea is via de S-China Sea, so we will pass through it, Kramer said.

 

Responding to the description of Taiwan as “the most dangerous place on earth” by The Economist, Chen pointed out that “Taiwan is also the safest place on earth in terms of its successful combatting the coronavirus and that Taiwan is one of the happiest nations in the world according to a recent UN survey.”

 

Economy & Society

 

Taiwan’s Foxconn teams up with Yageo to launch semiconductor venture

 

Foxconn Technology Group and passive component maker Yageo Corporation signed an agreement on Wednesday (May 5) for the establishment of a joint venture named XSemi Corp, to "create a complete semiconductor supply chain and provide customers total solution services with high-quality products and stable supplies."

 

Hon Hai, known as Foxconn globally, is the world's largest contract electronics maker, while Yageo is the world's third-largest multi-layer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) supplier.

 

For Hon Hai, the semiconductor joint venture fits into its overall plans for electric vehicles, digital health, and robotics, while Yageo has already taken steps related to electric vehicle components and 5G technology.

 

Formosa Club Europe

 

Addressing the inaugural virtual meeting of the Formosa Club Europe on May 17, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu thanked its members, legislators from European parliaments, for backing Taiwan and its participation in international organizations including the WHO.

 

Wu also reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to promoting freedom, democracy and shared values worldwide.

 

The club sent a letter to WHO on May 12, expressing grave concern over the exclusion of Taiwan. Signed by co-chairs and over 1,000 legislators from European parliaments, the letter highlights how Taiwan Can Help realize the WHO’s goal of Health for All by boosting the global response to the pandemic.