President Chen Shui-bian (
At a luncheon organized by the US government, dozens of Florida-based political figures as well as representatives of the private sector attended to show their friendliness to Chen.
Florida State Representative Rene Garcia, who lived in Taipei for years as a representative of the US government, said a clear message had to be delivered to the world.
"Taiwan is an independent country, which should be recognized as a whole," Garcia said.
Being born to Cuban parents in Miami, Garcia said he understood Taiwan's struggle for freedom in the face of China's interference in the international community. He said that Taiwan deserves more recognition because it has promoted universal values, such as human rights and freedom.
Chen called for increased support internationally.
"Showing support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations is showing support to both freedom and democracy," he said to the guests.
Former high-ranking US officials, including former US deputy secretary of state Richard Armitage and former deputy assistant secretary of state Randall Schriver, also attended the luncheon. Both now work for Armitage International, formed in March by Armitage and four partners with extensive experience in government and business.
After lunch, Chen received Armitage and Schriver privately, in the company of Democratic Progressive Party Chairman Su Tseng-chang (
Asked by the media whether Taiwan's legislature should pass the arms-procurement bill as soon as possible, Armitage said, "I hope they would."
The government's proposed arms procurement budget, which would buy weapons from the US, is stalled at the legislature, where it has been blocked by the opposition 29 times.
Schriver spoke about the defense issue as well.
"If Taiwan doesn't make certain investments for its national defense, it would be harder for the US," Schriver said.
The US has said that the weapons transferred to Taiwan are only for defense. The US' Taiwan Relations Act requires that Washington provide Taiwan with equipment to ensure its defense needs.
Greenpeace yesterday said that it is to appeal a decision last month by the Taipei High Administrative Court to dismiss its 2021 lawsuit against the Ministry of Economic Affairs over “loose” regulations governing major corporate electricity consumers. The climate-related lawsuit — the first of its kind in Taiwan — sought to require the government to enforce higher green energy thresholds on major corporations to reduce emissions in light of climate change and an uptick in extreme weather. The suit, filed by Greenpeace East Asia, the Environmental Jurists Association and four individual plaintiffs, was dismissed on May 8 following four years of litigation. The
STAY AWAY: An official said people should avoid disturbing snakes, as most do not actively attack humans, but would react defensively if threatened Taitung County authorities yesterday urged the public to stay vigilant and avoid disturbing snakes in the wild, following five reported snakebite cases in the county so far this year. Taitung County Fire Department secretary Lin Chien-cheng (林建誠) said two of the cases were in Donghe Township (東河) and involved the Taiwan habus, one person was bit by a Chinese pit viper near the South Link Railway and the remaining two were caused by unidentified snakes. He advised residents near fields to be cautious of snakes hiding in shady indoor areas, especially when entering or leaving their homes at night. In case of a
A tropical disturbance off the southeastern coast of the Philippines might become the first typhoon of the western Pacific typhoon season, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said. The system lacks a visible center and how it would develop is only likely to become clear on Sunday or Monday, the CWA said, adding that it was not yet possible to forecast the potential typhoon's effect on Taiwan. The American Meteorological Society defines a tropical disturbance as a system made up of showers and thunderstorms that lasts for at least 24 hours and does not have closed wind circulation.
DIPLOMACY: It is Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo’s first visit to Taiwan since he took office last year, while Eswatini’s foreign minister is also paying a visit A delegation led by Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo arrived in Taiwan yesterday afternoon and is to visit President William Lai (賴清德) today. The delegation arrived at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport at 4:55pm, and was greeted by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍). It is Arevalo’s first trip to Taiwan since he took office last year, and following the visit, he is to travel to Japan to celebrate the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Arevalo said at the airport that he is very glad to make the visit to Taiwan, adding that he brings an important message of responsibility
RSS