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.
A magnitude 6.4 earthquake and several aftershocks battered southern Taiwan early this morning, causing houses and roads to collapse and leaving dozens injured and 50 people isolated in their village. A total of 26 people were reported injured and sent to hospitals due to the earthquake as of late this morning, according to the latest Ministry of Health and Welfare figures. In Sising Village (西興) of Chiayi County's Dapu Township (大埔), the location of the quake's epicenter, severe damage was seen and roads entering the village were blocked, isolating about 50 villagers. Another eight people who were originally trapped inside buildings in Tainan
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