Four legislative groups were formed yesterday dedicated to semiconductors, clean energy and cooperation with legislatures in East Asia and Palau.
The concept of “a Taiwan contingency is a Japan contingency” is prevalent in Japan, but how the idea would be implemented from a strategic point of view has yet to be determined, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Kuo Kuo-wen (郭國文) told a gathering in Taipei to inaugurate the groups.
Kuo said he plans to propose a draft measure similar to the US’ Taiwan Travel Act to provide legislative backing for official visits between the two nations.
Photo: CNA
He backed the creation of the East Asia Parliamentary Friendship Group and the Taiwan Parliamentary Semiconductor Strategic Alliance to further secure Taiwan-Japan economic security, Kuo said.
Plans by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (台積電) to establish fabs in Japan, the US and Germany should not only consider industrial factors, but should incorporate measures to secure economic ties between Taiwan and other countries, he said.
DPP Legislator Chung Chia-pin (鍾佳濱) created the Taiwan and Palau Congressional Association and the Taiwan Trans-Pacific Clean Energy Parliamentary Alliance.
The groups would help Taiwan, Japan and Palau rid themselves of dependence on fossil fuels by fostering renewable energy sources and embracing hydrogen technologies, Chung said.
Taiwan has helped its three allies in the Pacific region build solar farms, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tien Chung-kwang (田中光) said, adding that Palau, which formed official diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1999, is a staunch ally.
Taiwan has worked with Palau closely on tourism, including a “tourism bubble” during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tien said.
Palauan Ambassador to Taiwan David Adams Orrukem relayed Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr’s thanks to the Legislative Yuan for establishing the friendship group.
Four members of the Palau government are expected to visit Taiwan soon, Orrukem added.
Taiwan and Palau are “like brothers,” and the foreign ministries of both countries maintain a close working relationship, he said.
Environmental issues are important for an island nation like Palau, as they significantly affect its environment, economy and food security, he said, urging Taiwan and Palau to work closely to address climate issues.
Tropical Storm Gaemi strengthened into a typhoon at 2pm yesterday, and could make landfall in Yilan County tomorrow, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said yesterday. The agency was scheduled to issue a sea warning at 11:30pm yesterday, and could issue a land warning later today. Gaemi was moving north-northwest at 4kph, carrying maximum sustained winds near its center of up to 118.8kph and gusts of 154.8kph. The circumference is forecast to reach eastern Taiwan tomorrow morning, with the center making landfall in Yilan County later that night before departing from the north coast, CWA weather forecaster Kuan Shin-ping (官欣平) said yesterday. Uncertainty remains and
SEA WARNING LIKELY: The storm, named Gaemi, could become a moderate typhoon on Wednesday or Thursday, with the Taipei City Government preparing for flooding A tropical depression east of the Philippines developed into a tropical storm named Gaemi at 2pm yesterday, and was moving toward eastern Taiwan, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said. Gaemi could begin to affect Taiwan proper on Tuesday, lasting until Friday, and could develop into a moderate typhoon on Wednesday or Thursday, it said. A sea warning for Gaemi could be issued as early as Tuesday morning, it added. Gaemi, the third tropical storm in the Pacific Ocean this typhoon season, is projected to begin moving northwest today, and be closest to Taiwan on Wednesday or Thursday, the agency said. Today, there would likely
DISRUPTIONS: The high-speed rail is to operate as normal, while several airlines either canceled flights or announced early departures or late arrivals Schools and offices in 15 cities and counties are to be closed today due to Typhoon Gaemi, local governments announced last night. The 15 are: Taipei, New Taipei City, Taoyuan, Tainan, Keelung, Hsinchu and Kaohsiung, as well as Yilan, Hualien, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Chiayi, Pingtung, Penghu and Lienchiang counties. People should brace for torrential rainfall brought by the storm, with its center forecast to make landfall on the east coast between tonight and tomorrow morning, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said. The agency issued a sea warning for the typhoon at 11:30pm on Monday, followed by a land warning at 11:30am yesterday. As of
CASUALTY: A 70-year-old woman was killed by a falling tree in Kaohsiung as the premier warned all government agencies to remain on high alert for the next 24 hours Schools and offices nationwide are to be closed for a second day today as Typhoon Gaemi crosses over the nation, bringing torrential rain and whipping winds. Gaemi was forecast to make landfall late last night. From Tuesday night, its outer band brought substantial rainfall and strong winds to the nation. As of 6:15pm last night, the typhoon’s center was 20km southeast of Hualien County, Central Weather Administration (CWA) data showed. It was moving at 19kph and had a radius of 250km. As of 3pm yesterday, one woman had died, while 58 people were injured, the Central Emergency Operation Center said. The 70-year-old