On Friday, a four-member delegation invited to attend the UN-affiliated Global Summit of Women was denied entry at Marrakech airport in Morocco, even though they held valid visas issued by the Moroccan consulate in Hong Kong. After an investigation by Taiwan's diplomatic corps, it turned out that the Chinese embassy in Morocco was behind the incident. While we deplore the Moroccan government's buckling under Chinese pressure, we are also puzzled by Beijing's hysterical diplomatic attacks. Such behavior can only raise Taiwan's profile in the international community, attracting more attention to Taiwan's plight as well as to the vast differences between Taiwan and China.
After they were forced to return to Amsterdam, a member of the delegation, Rosa Yang (
Beijing's obstructionism has repeatedly created diplomatic trouble for the host country at international conferences. This has highlighted the differences between China and Taiwan, while at the same time has generated friction between China and other countries. Taiwan's representatives at international events should not give up opportunities such as this to present their position, despite harassment from China.
What's even more ludicrous, according to Center for Disease Control Director Su Ih-jen (
In a way, Beijing's habit of making enemies wherever it goes is a blessing for Taiwan. As long as the Chinese authorities cling to the idea that they are a "dynasty anointed by the heavens" and therefore must be obeyed by everyone under the sun, they will only generate repulsion in the international community, while also helping Taiwan to win over more friends and international support. This will only increase the guarantees for Taiwan's security. Sooner or later, the myths fabricated by Beijing will be viewed as a joke in the international community.
China once promised that Hong Kong would remain unchanged for 50 years. Now, six years after Hong Kong's handover to Chinese rule, Beijing is pushing for an anti-subversion law in Hong Kong that will take away people's freedoms. Beijing's purpose is simply to build an authoritarian system in Hong Kong that tramples on human rights -- a system just like the one in China. No wonder tens of thousands of Hong Kong people protested against the law yesterday. Beijing has not only lost credibility in the eyes of Hong Kong's citizens by destroying the spirit of "one country, two systems," but has also thuggishly and unreasonably suppressed Taiwan in the international community. Looking at this mad, arrogant, authoritarian regime, how could any Taiwanese -- unless they are also mad -- want to live under the same roof as China?
Recently, China launched another diplomatic offensive against Taiwan, improperly linking its “one China principle” with UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 to constrain Taiwan’s diplomatic space. After Taiwan’s presidential election on Jan. 13, China persuaded Nauru to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Nauru cited Resolution 2758 in its declaration of the diplomatic break. Subsequently, during the WHO Executive Board meeting that month, Beijing rallied countries including Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Belarus, Egypt, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, Laos, Russia, Syria and Pakistan to reiterate the “one China principle” in their statements, and assert that “Resolution 2758 has settled the status of Taiwan” to hinder Taiwan’s
The past few months have seen tremendous strides in India’s journey to develop a vibrant semiconductor and electronics ecosystem. The nation’s established prowess in information technology (IT) has earned it much-needed revenue and prestige across the globe. Now, through the convergence of engineering talent, supportive government policies, an expanding market and technologically adaptive entrepreneurship, India is striving to become part of global electronics and semiconductor supply chains. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vision of “Make in India” and “Design in India” has been the guiding force behind the government’s incentive schemes that span skilling, design, fabrication, assembly, testing and packaging, and
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s (李顯龍) decision to step down after 19 years and hand power to his deputy, Lawrence Wong (黃循財), on May 15 was expected — though, perhaps, not so soon. Most political analysts had been eyeing an end-of-year handover, to ensure more time for Wong to study and shadow the role, ahead of general elections that must be called by November next year. Wong — who is currently both deputy prime minister and minister of finance — would need a combination of fresh ideas, wisdom and experience as he writes the nation’s next chapter. The world that
As former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) wrapped up his visit to the People’s Republic of China, he received his share of attention. Certainly, the trip must be seen within the full context of Ma’s life, that is, his eight-year presidency, the Sunflower movement and his failed Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, as well as his eight years as Taipei mayor with its posturing, accusations of money laundering, and ups and downs. Through all that, basic questions stand out: “What drives Ma? What is his end game?” Having observed and commented on Ma for decades, it is all ironically reminiscent of former US president Harry