<?xml version="1.0"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Taiwan Today - Top News]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://taiwantoday.tw/]]></link><description><![CDATA[RSS]]></description><language><![CDATA[English]]></language><image><title><![CDATA[Taiwan Today - Top News]]></title><url><![CDATA[https://taiwantoday.tw/images/logo.jpg]]></url><link><![CDATA[https://taiwantoday.tw/]]></link></image><item><title><![CDATA[International review of Taiwan’s 4th national report on UN human rights covenants underway in Taipei]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://taiwantoday.tw/Society/Top-News/283861/International-review-of-Taiwan%E2%80%99s-4th-national-report-on-UN-human-rights-covenants-underway-in-Taipei]]></link><guid>283861</guid><pubDate>2026/05/13</pubDate><description><![CDATA[<div class="article-content-part">An international review of Taiwan&rsquo;s fourth national report on the implementation of the U.N. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as well as International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights started May 11 in Taipei City, underscoring the government&rsquo;s commitment to safeguarding human rights.<br />
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According to the Ministry of Justice, the five-day event involves experts, officials and representatives of civil organizations from home and abroad, including global leaders on the subject from Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, New Zealand, South Korea and the U.S.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Premier Cho Jung-tai said that the government has undertaken human rights protection during the covenants&rsquo; reporting periods from 2020 to 2024, adding that the Control Yuan established the National Human Rights Commission in 2020 and the Executive Yuan set up the Department of Human Rights and Transitional Justice in 2022.<br />
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The government has continued initiatives like the National Human Rights Action Plan and the Action Plan for Fisheries and Human Rights, completed the amendments to four laws related to sexual violence, including the Criminal Code and the Sexual Assault Crime Prevention Act, and passed the Indigenous Peoples&rsquo; Health Act and the New Immigrants Basic Act during the period, Cho said. He added that after President Lai Ching-te took office in May, 2024, the EY further proposed the Youth Basic Act and the amendment to the People with Disabilities Rights Protection Act to further extend human rights protections.<br />
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The EY established the Ministry of Sports last year, while the Ministry of Health and Welfare is planning a child and family support administration and a long-term care and social development administration to ensure the rights and welfare of all demographics, the premier said. He noted that the EY proposed a 2025-2027 national action plan for preventing gender-based violence last year, demonstrating Taiwan&rsquo;s determination to align with international human rights standards.<br />
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Citing Taiwan&rsquo;s ranking as the second most free country in Asia, in the report released by the U.S.-based nongovernmental organization Freedom House in March, Cho said Taiwan is committed to steadily moving forward on human rights protection and will work with countries from around the world to build a free, democratic, diverse and resilient society. (YCH-E)<br />
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&nbsp;</div>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[President Lai addresses Copenhagen Democracy Summit]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://taiwantoday.tw/Politics/Top-News/283873/President-Lai-addresses-Copenhagen-Democracy-Summit]]></link><guid>283873</guid><pubDate>2026/05/13</pubDate><description><![CDATA[<div class="article-content-part">President Lai Ching-te delivered a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Exl_CW5M8hY&amp;time_continue=3&amp;source_ve_path=NzY3NTg&amp;embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2F">recorded speech</a> at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit 2026 held May 12 in the Danish capital to reaffirm Taiwan&rsquo;s commitment to engaging with the world as a force for good.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Lai said authoritarian regimes continue to challenge global peace and stability with military intimidation, economic coercion, cyberattacks and gray-zone operations, citing as an example China&rsquo;s recent coercive blocking of normal flight routes, which resulted in the decision to postpone his visit to Eswatini last month.<br />
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Standing on the front lines defending democracy, Taiwan is willing and able to share its experience with the rest of the world in developing technologies that support democratic systems, safeguarding free trade and strengthening defense resilience, the president said.<br />
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In particular, Lai said Taiwan will continue to leverage its strengths in semiconductors and artificial intelligence while working with its partners to build a trusted and more resilient democratic supply chain and contribute to the security and prosperity of the global economy.<br />
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The president also took the opportunity to thank the U.S. for its commitment to Taiwan&rsquo;s security; the EU and other European countries for reaffirming the importance of cross-strait peace; and Japan, the Philippines, Australia and other Indo-Pacific partners for supporting regional stability.<br />
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Lai said that since Taiwan&rsquo;s first direct presidential election was held 30 years ago, the people have continued to deepen democracy, advance transitional justice and uphold human rights and diverse values, solidifying the country&rsquo;s place as a beacon of democracy in Asia.<br />
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The president said that no attempt to isolate Taiwan will alter the people&rsquo;s right and determination to engage with the international community. He called on countries to unite to defend democracy and ensure that the next generation can enjoy a free, open, peaceful and prosperous world.<br />
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According to the Presidential Office, the summit involved political figures and civil society representatives from around the world, including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Greenland PM Jens-Frederik Nielsen and former Canadian Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland. (SFC-E)<br />
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Write to Taiwan Today at <a href="mailto:ttonline@mofa.gov.tw">ttonline@mofa.gov.tw</a></div>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[MOFA short films promote Taiwan’s WHO bid]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://taiwantoday.tw/Society/Top-News/283877/MOFA-short-films-promote-Taiwan%E2%80%99s-WHO-bid]]></link><guid>283877</guid><pubDate>2026/05/13</pubDate><description><![CDATA[<div class="article-content-part"><p>In the run-up to the World Health Assembly scheduled for May 18-23, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched two promotional videos to call on the international community to support Taiwan&rsquo;s meaningful participation in the World Health Organization, according to the ministry.<br />
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Echoing the WHO&rsquo;s emphasis on healthy aging, the three-minute short entitled &ldquo;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbmHFV4LmeA" target="_blank" title="Taiwan Cares Beyond Borders (Open New Window)">Taiwan Cares Beyond Borders</a>&rdquo; centers on society&rsquo;s growing demand for long-term care and dignity in later life. The piece also spotlights the country&rsquo;s expertise in incorporating artificial intelligence, information and communications technology and semiconductors into medical care, the MOFA said.<br />
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The short ends with the slogans &ldquo;Chip in with Taiwan&rdquo; and &ldquo;WHO Cares? Taiwan Cares!&rdquo; to underscore the country&rsquo;s commitment to advancing health by leveraging its innovative technologies.<br />
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The 30-second <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKcqGRN6Wg4" target="_blank" title="film (Open New Window)">film</a>, which promotes the MOFA-organized Taiwan Smart Medical &amp; HealthTech Expo set to be held May 17-19 in Geneva, Switzerland, showcases Taiwan&rsquo;s precision and real-time medical solutions, as well as the country&rsquo;s strong capacity for international healthcare collaboration, the ministry added.<br />
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The two videos highlighting Taiwan&rsquo;s substantial contributions to global health and welfare are available on the MOFA&rsquo;s Trending Taiwan YouTube channel as well as the ministry&rsquo;s official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and X. (POC-E)<br />
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Write to Taiwan Today at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ttonline@mofa.gov.tw">ttonline@mofa.gov.tw</a><br />
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</div>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[MOFA hosts international forum on countering transnational repression]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://taiwantoday.tw/Politics/Top-News/283846/MOFA-hosts-international-forum-on-countering-transnational-repression]]></link><guid>283846</guid><pubDate>2026/05/12</pubDate><description><![CDATA[<div class="article-content-part">The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the International Forum on Countering Transnational Repression May 8 at its Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs in Taipei City, highlighting government commitment to working with like-minded partners to strengthen democratic resilience and build defense networks.<br />
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According to the MOFA, Minister without Portfolio Lin Ming-hsin and the ministry&rsquo;s Secretary General Daniel Kuo-ching Chen delivered opening remarks, while the institute&rsquo;s president, Jessica Chien-yi Lee, hosted the closing ceremony. Comprising three panels on emerging challenges, legal protection and international collaboration, the event was attended by representatives from the Mainland Affairs Council and drew legislators, academics and experts from Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S., it said.<br />
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Lin said that no country can deal with the challenge of transnational repression alone, adding that the Executive Yuan is facilitating interministerial coordination and implementing laws and administrative procedures to expose authoritarian actors and local collaborators so that citizens and foreign nationals within the country can enjoy the protection of the Constitution and freedom from fear. He added that Taiwan is willing to share its experience with allies and partners to counter authoritarian threats and safeguard democracy.<br />
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Speaking on behalf of Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, Chen said that authoritarian regimes systematically threaten the democratic system and undermine the sovereignty and civil freedoms of other countries by leveraging disinformation and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to extend surveillance and intimidation across national borders. The MOFA is adopting prevention, protection and response strategies to enhance public awareness and alertness, as well as mobilizing overseas offices to provide emergency assistance to victims, he added.<br />
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The secretary general went on to say that Taiwan will harness its democratic and technological advantages to create a collective defense network with like-minded countries to jointly counter transnational repression and ensure the security and human rights of its people.<br />
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Following the forum, Vice Foreign Minister Ger Bau-shuan received overseas guests at a banquet on behalf of the foreign minister. During the event he said that the MOFA will continue to implement its integrated diplomacy initiative to pool resources from the government, industries and academic institutions to advance international cooperation and jointly defend the values of democracy and freedom together with fellow democracies. (YCH-E)<br />
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&nbsp;</div>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Smart Medical HealthTech Expo to be held in Geneva]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://taiwantoday.tw/Society/Top-News/283839/Smart-Medical-HealthTech-Expo-to-be-held-in-Geneva]]></link><guid>283839</guid><pubDate>2026/05/12</pubDate><description><![CDATA[<div class="article-content-part">Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang hosted a news conference May 11 in Taipei City on plans for the 2026 World Health Assembly to be held in Geneva, Switzerland including a Taiwan Smart Medical &amp; Health Tech Expo, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.<br />
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Despite not being invited to join the 79th edition of WHA, the MOFA will hold an expo on smart medicine and health technology on WHA sidelines showcasing artificial intelligence-powered telemedicine, big data application in health insurance, and smart medicine. Over 30 domestic medical institutions and businesses will take part in the exhibition, the ministry said.<br />
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Lin noted that a medical and health diplomacy advisory group&nbsp;was jointly organized by the MOFA and the MOHW and cited President Lai Ching-te&rsquo;s recent visit to Eswatini, where medical professionals from Taipei Medical University trained 80 Eswatini doctors. Taiwanese hospitals have long provided support to South Pacific allies like Palau, the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu, the FM added.<br />
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Shih stated that Taiwan has organized a delegation to travel to the WHA both to convey to the international community the necessity of participation in the world health system and to strengthen cooperation with international health agencies and medical associations.<br />
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Shih thanked like-minded countries for their support for Taiwan&rsquo;s bid to join the WHA. He noted that this year&rsquo;s WHA is themed &ldquo;Reshaping Global Health: A Shared Responsibility,&rdquo; and thus urged the World Health Organization not to jeopardize the health of Taiwan&rsquo;s 23.5 million citizens for political reasons.<br />
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The MOFA undertook to implement integrated diplomacy and to spotlight Taiwan&rsquo;s indispensable and irreplaceable role in the medical sector. (POC-E)<br />
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Write to Taiwan Today at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ttonline@mofa.gov.tw">ttonline@mofa.gov.tw</a><br />
&nbsp;</div>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Taiwan stages GCTF AI workshops in Europe]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://taiwantoday.tw/Politics/Top-News/283838/Taiwan-stages-GCTF-AI-workshops-in-Europe]]></link><guid>283838</guid><pubDate>2026/05/12</pubDate><description><![CDATA[<div class="article-content-part">Two workshops related to artificial intelligence were held under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework by Taiwan earlier this month in the Holy See and Switzerland, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.<br />
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Organized by the ROC (Taiwan) and U.S. embassies to the Holy See, the &ldquo;AI and the Future of Work&rdquo; workshop took place May 4-5 at Pontifical Gregorian University. It was the first GCTF event held in the ally, and had over 200 participants, including those from OpenAI, Microsoft, Google DeepMind and the U.N. Development Program.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
According to the MOFA, the event was in response to concerns expressed by Pope Leo XIV on the ethics of AI, and underscored President Lai Ching-te&rsquo;s vision for AI development based on an ethical framework with international collaboration. The workshop also demonstrated Taiwan&rsquo;s engagement in values-based diplomacy through expert and professional contributions, the ministry said.<br />
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Amb. Ho Chung-yi said Taiwan actively promotes multi-lateral dialogue among parties in interest on AI development and technological innovations within an ethical framework. U.S. Amb. Brian Burch emphasized that the challenges and opportunities concomitant with AI behoove cross-disciplinary dialogue and international cooperation. In her keynote speech, Sister Raffaella Petrini, president of the Governorate of Vatican City State, called for the creation of a human-machine partnership based on accountability and education.<br />
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A similar workshop was organized May 7-8 in Bern by Taiwan&rsquo;s representative office and the U.S. Embassy in Switzerland to discuss AI development trends and opportunities, as well as seek consensus regarding risk management.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Rep. Wang Szu-wei said AI is reshaping the way people learn, work and govern, calling for countries around the world to strengthen capacity building and promote cross-disciplinary cooperation in a people-centered approach. Taiwan is willing to work with the international community to advance prosperity and stability in the digital era, he added.<br />
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The MOFA said the Bern event focused on supply chain resilience, cybersecurity and AI applications in medical care. It involved more than 80 experts and officials from Taiwan, Australia, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, the U.K. and the U.S. (SFC-E)<br />
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Write to Taiwan Today at <a href="mailto:ttonline@mofa.gov.tw">ttonline@mofa.gov.tw</a></div>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[President Lai meets with Paraguayan president]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://taiwantoday.tw/Politics/Top-News/283802/President-Lai-meets-with-Paraguayan-president]]></link><guid>283802</guid><pubDate>2026/05/11</pubDate><description><![CDATA[<div class="article-content-part">President Lai Ching-te said May 8 that Taiwan is committed to deepening cooperation with Paraguay as they take democracy, peace and prosperity as pathways to engage with the world and that together contribute more to the international community.<br />
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Lai made the remarks while meeting with Paraguayan President Santiago Pe&ntilde;a Palacios at the Presidential Office in Taipei City. Accompanied by Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, he thanked Pe&ntilde;a for attending their inauguration two years ago.<br />
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Taiwan and Paraguay enjoy more than 60 years of diplomatic ties, Lai said, adding that both jointly defend the values of freedom and democracy, and closely cooperate in areas spanning smart healthcare, industrial transformation and women&rsquo;s empowerment.<br />
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The two countries have especially deep connections in economics and trade, the president said, citing that Paraguay ranked second among sources of Taiwan beef imports and first for Paraguay pork last year. He further announced that Taiwan will formally open its market to Paraguay poultry imports.<br />
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According to Lai, the two presidents will witness the signing of a treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, a memorandum of understanding on cyber security cooperation and an MOU on the Paraguay-Taiwan sovereign AI and computing infrastructure investment project. As the two countries both face authoritarian expansion and are indispensable in the global democratic value chain, it is ever more important that they strengthen collaboration and move forward together, he added.<br />
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In response, Pe&ntilde;a emphasized Paraguay&rsquo;s staunch support for Taiwan&rsquo;s participation in international multilateral systems. He called on the international community to recognize Taiwanese people&rsquo;s right to self-determination and reasserted that excluding Taiwan from important platforms and systems such as the U.N. is an injustice and undermines the legitimacy of these organizations.<br />
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The Paraguayan president further condemned China&rsquo;s military exercises around Taiwan and its escalation of economic pressure, and also reaffirmed that Taiwan has the right to engage freely with other nations and should not be subject to any improper interference intended to isolate it. He concluded by thanking Lai for opening Taiwan&rsquo;s market to Paraguayan poultry products and expressed hope for continued expansion and diversification of bilateral trade.<br />
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Following the talk, Lai hosted a state banquet and conferred Pe&ntilde;a on the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon for his contributions to deepening Taiwan-Paraguay relations. (YCH-E)<br />
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Write to Taiwan Today at <a href="mailto:ttonline@mofa.gov.tw">ttonline@mofa.gov.tw</a><br />
&nbsp;</div>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Third meeting on medical diplomacy convened in Taipei]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://taiwantoday.tw/Society/Top-News/283803/Third-meeting-on-medical-diplomacy-convened-in-Taipei]]></link><guid>283803</guid><pubDate>2026/05/11</pubDate><description><![CDATA[<div class="article-content-part">The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health and Welfare jointly staged the third medical and health diplomacy advisory group meeting May 6 in Taipei City, according to the MOFA.<br />
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Cohosted by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and Deputy Health Minister Lin Ching-yi, the event centered on the Taiwan Smart Medical and Health Tech Expo set to be held on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly, the MOFA said.<br />
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During the meeting, Yeh Chih-cheng, director general of MOFA&rsquo;s Department of International Cooperation and Economic Affairs, made a briefing on the expo set to take place May 17-19 in Geneva. Themed &ldquo;Chip in With Taiwan,&rdquo; the exhibit will emphasize Taiwan&rsquo;s contributions to artificial intelligence-powered medicine and semiconductors, Yeh said, adding that a total of 31 domestic medical institutions and businesses will take part in the event.<br />
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Lin Chia-lung said that despite being excluded from the WHA, Taiwan has been actively expanding its international engagement. He added that the exhibition will spotlight Taiwan&rsquo;s prowess in integrating information and communications technologies into the health industry in order to demonstrate how Taiwan will bring innovative solutions to the global health system if the country is allowed to participate in the World Health Organization and its affiliated meetings, mechanisms and activities, the MOFA added.<br />
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Additionally, meeting attendees reached a consensus on sending medical task forces to allied nations in Central America and the Caribbean, including Belize, Guatemala, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. They also discussed the possibility of employing retired health professionals and experts with experience in nongovernmental organizations to join the medical teams or remotely teach smart medicine to strengthen the training of allies&rsquo; medical personnel.<br />
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Lin anticipated that long-term medical diplomacy will facilitate expanded ties with allied nations by improving the well-being of their citizens. (POC-E)<br />
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Write to Taiwan Today at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ttonline@mofa.gov.tw">ttonline@mofa.gov.tw</a><br />
&nbsp;</div>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Taiwan, Paraguay sign MOU on AI, cybersecurity, judicial cooperation]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://taiwantoday.tw/Politics/Top-News/283801/Taiwan%2C-Paraguay-sign-MOU-on-AI%2C-cybersecurity%2C-judicial-cooperation]]></link><guid>283801</guid><pubDate>2026/05/11</pubDate><description><![CDATA[<div class="article-content-part">Taiwan and Paraguay concluded three pacts May 8 in Taipei City to expand partnership in information security and smart technology, digital governance, and judicial cooperation.<br />
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According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the event was witnessed by President Lai Ching-te and Paraguayan President Santiago Pe&ntilde;a.<br />
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The memorandum of understanding on investment in a sovereign artificial intelligence computing center was signed by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rub&eacute;n Ram&iacute;rez.<br />
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The pact marks a milestone in two-way efforts to promote AI cooperation by leveraging Taiwan&rsquo;s high-tech strengths and the South American ally&rsquo;s green energy resources. It is the world&rsquo;s first bilateral initiative aimed at developing sovereign AI infrastructure, the ministry said.<br />
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Under the agreement, the two sides will create a binational digital entity to promote technological development that is mutually beneficial, transparent, clean, trusted and free from authoritarian interference, the MOFA added.<br />
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The MOU on cybersecurity cooperation was concluded by Minister of Digital Affairs Lin Yi-jing and Ram&iacute;rez to promote policy exchanges, share cybersecurity threat intelligence and foster talent cultivation in order to enhance the two allies&rsquo; digital resilience and capacities to respond to emerging security attacks.<br />
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Signed by Minister of Justice Cheng Ming-chien and Ram&iacute;rez, the agreement on judicial cooperation will see both sides team up to crack down on transnational crime and uphold democracy and the rule of law to ensure the security of both societies, the MOFA added.<br />
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The MOFA said that Taiwan and Paraguay have been trusted partners since their diplomatic relations began 69 years ago, and that the two sides have continued to expand cooperation in recent years under the government&rsquo;s Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project. The three MOUs further demonstrate their shared commitment to promoting technological development and strengthening governance, the ministry added. (SFC-E)<br />
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Write to Taiwan Today at <a href="mailto:ttonline@mofa.gov.tw">ttonline@mofa.gov.tw</a></div>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Deputy FM Chen warns of risks posed by China in Bloomberg interview]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://taiwantoday.tw/Politics/Top-News/283766/Deputy-FM-Chen-warns-of-risks-posed-by-China-in-Bloomberg-interview]]></link><guid>283766</guid><pubDate>2026/05/08</pubDate><description><![CDATA[<div class="article-content-part">Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi said that no country should bear the burden of international security challenges alone and urged the global community to pay attention to the risks posed by China&rsquo;s potential moves against Taiwan.<br />
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Chen made the remarks during an interview for the article &ldquo;Hormuz Crisis Shows Gaps in Taiwan&rsquo;s High-Tech &lsquo;Silicon Shield&rsquo;&rdquo; published May 5 by Bloomberg News.&nbsp;<br />
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According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the article states that Taiwan plays a key role in the global high-end semiconductor supply chain. The country&rsquo;s stable energy supply and resilience of key infrastructure are directly connected to Taiwan&rsquo;s economic security, the international technology industry and the global economy.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Taiwan&rsquo;s energy is highly dependent on imports, and the stable supply of liquefied natural gas and power grid resilience are crucial to the operation of high-tech industries, the article said. As regional security tensions and gray zone challenges intensify, energy diversification, protection of critical infrastructure, civil defense preparations and enhancement of industrial resilience are increasingly important to advancing Taiwan&rsquo;s overall resilience, it added.<br />
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The MOFA emphasized that maintaining cross-strait peace and stability not only is key to Taiwan&rsquo;s security, but also directly impacts the global high-tech supply chain, energy security and economic stability. Taiwan will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities, energy resilience and protection of critical infrastructure while deepening cooperation with like-minded countries to jointly safeguard peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, the ministry added. (YCH-E)<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Write to Taiwan Today at <a href="mailto:ttonline@mofa.gov.tw">ttonline@mofa.gov.tw</a><br />
&nbsp;</div>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Deputy FM Wu addresses EP committee, Formosa Club Europe]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://taiwantoday.tw/Politics/Top-News/283780/Deputy-FM-Wu-addresses-EP-committee%2C-Formosa-Club-Europe]]></link><guid>283780</guid><pubDate>2026/05/08</pubDate><description><![CDATA[<div class="article-content-part">Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Fran&ccedil;ois Chih-chung Wu called for expanded cooperation between Taiwan and Europe, as well as support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, May 6 in Brussels.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wu presented a briefing titled &ldquo;Defending the Rules-Based Order Against Strategic Revisionism&rdquo; to the European Parliament&rsquo;s Committee on Security and Defense (SEDE) and discussed issues of mutual interest with lawmakers in attendance.<br />
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The ministry said that the invitation of a prominent MOFA official to speak to an EP standing committee reflects the robust and steadily growing ties between Taiwan and the EP. SEDE Chair Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann called Wu&rsquo;s presence representative of a new chapter of bilateral relations.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The deputy minister attended the Spring Gathering of the Formosa Club Europe Chapter hosted by Co-Chair Michael Gahler at the EP later the same day. He delivered a speech titled &ldquo;A Future Defined by Choice: Taiwan, Democracy and Partnership with Europe.&rdquo;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Wu said Taiwan&rsquo;s central position in semiconductors, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing make it an indispensable partner to Europe in promoting economic security and industrial upgrades, especially in light of authoritarian expansionism and the rising risk of economic dependence being weaponized. He said the EU and Taiwan should expand cooperation on security, economic resilience and democratic unity.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Following the gathering, the Formosa Club Europe Chapter issued a statement reaffirming the importance of expanded cooperation with Taiwan and cross-strait peace and stability.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The statement also stressed that the U.N. Resolution 2758 does not take a position on Taiwan, and that Taiwan&rsquo;s meaningful participation in international organizations and their meetings and mechanisms, including the upcoming World Health Assembly, would benefit the global community. (SFC-E)<br />
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Write to Taiwan Today at <a href="mailto:ttonline@mofa.gov.tw">ttonline@mofa.gov.tw</a></div>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Paraguay President Peña receives Taiwan honorary doctoral degree]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://taiwantoday.tw/Politics/Top-News/283762/Paraguay-President-Pe%C3%B1a-receives-Taiwan-honorary-doctoral-degree]]></link><guid>283762</guid><pubDate>2026/05/08</pubDate><description><![CDATA[<div class="article-content-part">President Santiago Pe&ntilde;a Palacios of Paraguay received an honorary doctoral degree from the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology May 7 in Taipei City for his role in advancing Taiwan-Paraguay education ties.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
In remarks at the ceremony, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim extended warm welcome to the president and his delegation, adding that the honor is a recognition of his leadership and vision, and underscores the robust and long-standing partnership between the two allies.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
According to the VP, President Pe&ntilde;a possesses a strong background in business and economy. He firmly believes that a country&rsquo;s power depends on the education of its people and that a good education lays a solid foundation for the next generation, a viewpoint that aligns perfectly with Taiwan, Hsiao said.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Hsiao thanked the NTUST for its support of the government&rsquo;s initiative by offering programs in civil, electrical, industrial and information engineering to Paraguayan students.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
She anticipated that the two sides would create further opportunities for the youth of both countries through the strong foundation of education, as evidenced by the Taiwan-Paraguay Polytechnic University students present at the ceremony. Such deepened cooperation in higher education drives national development, she said, adding that she hoped to see the partnership extend to digital transition, innovation and key technologies.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the president was welcomed by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung upon his arrival May 7, &nbsp;on his fourth trip to Taiwan and the first state visit since taking office in August 2023. His delegation comprises around 40 members, including Foreign Minister Rub&eacute;n Ram&iacute;rez, Industry and Commerce Minister Marco Riquelme and key business representatives, the ministry said. (SFC-E)<br />
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Write to Taiwan Today at <a href="mailto:ttonline@mofa.gov.tw">ttonline@mofa.gov.tw</a></div>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[President Lai welcomes chair of Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://taiwantoday.tw/Politics/Top-News/283725/President-Lai-welcomes-chair-of-Japan-Taiwan-Exchange-Association]]></link><guid>283725</guid><pubDate>2026/05/07</pubDate><description><![CDATA[<div class="article-content-part">President Lai Ching-te looked forward to further deepening the partnership with Japan in economy, trade and regional peace.<br />
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Lai made the remarks while receiving a delegation led by Shuzo Sumi, chair of the Tokyo-based Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, May 6 at the Presidential Office in Taipei City. The PO said that Kazuyuki Katayama, head of the JTEA&rsquo;s Taipei office, was also in attendance.<br />
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The president noted that the JTEA and the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association have long played major roles in facilitating bilateral exchange as evidenced by more than 100 memorandums of understanding signed in the areas of culture, economy, education, sports and trade. Lai added that Sumi led a contingent to Taiwan to attend the Taiwan-Japan Economic and Trade Conference and ink trade cooperation agreements in last December.<br />
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Lai thanked the Japanese government for reiterating the importance of cross-strait peace in various international contexts, citing a fact sheet issued following the March 19 meeting between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan and U.S. President Donald Trump. He also applauded Japan&rsquo;s strong support for international aviation safety in response to China&rsquo;s interference in a planned visit to Eswatini in April.<br />
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The PO said that Lai expressed an admiration for Takaichi&rsquo;s vision of an updated Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy that would advance artificial intelligence research and development, security cooperation, and supply chain resilience.<br />
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Sumi responded by citing Takaichi&rsquo;s February meeting with C.C. Wei, chair of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, as a concrete example of such collaboration. They announced that the Kumamoto-based Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing will launch 3-nanometer chips in 2028. (POC-E)<br />
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Write to Taiwan Today at <a href="mailto:ttonline@mofa.gov.tw">ttonline@mofa.gov.tw</a><br />
&nbsp;</div>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[MOFA official highlights Taiwan’s drone prowess]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://taiwantoday.tw/Economics/Top-News/283727/MOFA-official-highlights-Taiwan%E2%80%99s-drone-prowess]]></link><guid>283727</guid><pubDate>2026/05/07</pubDate><description><![CDATA[<div class="article-content-part">Chiang Zhen-wei, chief executive director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs&rsquo; drone diplomacy task force, delivered a speech titled &ldquo;Drone Taiwan&rdquo; at the Taiwanese-German Aerospace Conference May 5 in Taipei City.<br />
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At the invitation of the German Trade Office Taipei, the event&rsquo;s organizer, Chiang stressed the importance of the task force and brought participants up to speed on the local drone sector&rsquo;s development and planned cooperation between Taiwan and global partners.<br />
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According to the MOFA, Chiang said Taiwan&rsquo;s manufacturing capabilities give the country a great advantage in the global drone sector. Amidst the changing geopolitical landscape, drones have become a strategic resource to safeguard national security and industrial resilience, he added.<br />
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The MOFA task force will be in charge of facilitating related cooperation with Taiwan&rsquo;s allies and like-minded partners while building on the success of the ministry&rsquo;s integrated circuit diplomacy to transform the country into a regional hub in the democratic drone supply chain, Chiang said.<br />
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Chiang also analyzed the impact of the ongoing wars, global developments and changes in regional security, as well as Taiwan&rsquo;s pivotal location in the first island chain and the Asia UAV Artificial Intelligence Innovation Application R&amp;D Center.<br />
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Citing the local sector&rsquo;s output and export figures, he discussed how Taiwan can connect with the rest of the world and play a critical role in the global democratic supply chain, among other key issues, the ministry said. (SFC-E)<br />
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Write to Taiwan Today at <a href="mailto:ttonline@mofa.gov.tw">ttonline@mofa.gov.tw</a></div>]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[FM Lin hosts Nigerian press delegation]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://taiwantoday.tw/Politics/Top-News/283726/FM-Lin-hosts-Nigerian-press-delegation]]></link><guid>283726</guid><pubDate>2026/05/07</pubDate><description><![CDATA[<div class="article-content-part">Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung recently hosted a sit-down session with a media group from Nigeria to discuss bilateral energy cooperation and democratic resilience.<br />
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Lin said Taiwan is willing to expand cooperation with Nigeria and assist with its development through the government&rsquo;s Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project under the integrated diplomacy strategy.<br />
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The minister said that Taiwan&rsquo;s rich experience in technology, industrial development and governance is highly complementary to Nigeria&rsquo;s market size and development needs. He added that the two sides can steadily expand economic and industrial cooperation to develop a long-term, stable and sustainable partnership.<br />
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Lin expects the bilateral relationship to move toward institutional exchanges and strengthened mechanisms for policy dialogue and substantive cooperation to boost efficiency.<br />
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He also stressed that countries should engage in international cooperation to prioritize their own national interests and development needs and that this should not be impeded by foreign political interference.<br />
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In response, the delegates expressed strong interest in a project under which Taiwanese firms are set to invest billions of U.S. dollars in solar power in their country. The believe that, in addition to providing funding and expertise from Taiwan, the project will also improve Nigeria&rsquo;s energy supply and assist in its energy transition.<br />
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According to the MOFA, the group also attended a luncheon hosted by Deputy Minister Fran&ccedil;ois Chih-chung Wu; called on CHT Security Co. to better understand Taiwan&rsquo;s experience in security protection, threat surveillance and digital resilience building; and visited several other organizations and entities for exchanges on combating disinformation, press freedom and democratic resilience.<br />
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The group has since published several articles to highlight the potential of bilateral cooperation, as well as Taiwan&rsquo;s open society and success in technological development and democratic governance, the ministry said. (SFC-E)<br />
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Write to Taiwan Today at <a href="mailto:ttonline@mofa.gov.tw">ttonline@mofa.gov.tw</a></div>]]></description></item></channel></rss>