trade and diplomacy

Australia Kowtows to China: Scraps Taiwan FTA Plan

Wang-yi and Julie Bishop
Business and Economy 
Phillip Charlier 0 Comment ,

Australia has abandoned plans for a free trade agreement with Taiwan after China warned the deal would harm relations with Beijing, according to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned former Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop that China opposed any boosting of ties between Australia and the independence-leaning government of Tsai Ing-wen at a series of meetings in 2017 and 2018, according to the October 24 report. “The Chinese government made it clear to

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Tearful Goodbyes after Burkino Faso Severs Diplomatic Relations

Student from Burkino Faso interacts with Taiwanese students at junior high school in Keelung City
Society 
Phillip Charlier 0 Comment , , ,

A post-graduate student of Taiwan’s Central Police University met junior high school students in Keelung to say an emotional goodbye, after his country caved into pressure from the People’s Republic of China, and broke diplomatic relations with Taiwan last week. Zhou De-si (Hanyu Pinyin transliteration of: 周德思), went to Keelung’s Cheng Gong Junior High School today to farewell students and staff with whom he had shared the culture and customs of Burkino Faso during his stay in Taiwan. The multi-lingual

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US Congress Passes Taiwan Travel Act

US congress
Politics 
Phillip Charlier 0 Comment , ,

A bill calling for high-level visits between American and Taiwanese officials was passed by the US House of Representatives yesterday, January 9. HR 535, The Taiwan Travel Act, calls for an end to the self-imposed restrictions on high-level visits between the two countries that have been in place since Washington recognized the People’s Republic of China in 1979. The USA has maintained unofficial relations with the Republic of China, the nominal ruler of Taiwan, in the ensuing 39 years, using

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UK Minister Visits Taiwan to Foster Closer Ties

UK Minister of State for Trade, Greg Hand speaks in Taiwan
Business and Economy 
Phillip Charlier 0 Comment , ,

UK Minister of State of the Department for International Trade, Greg Hands MP met President Tsai Ing-wen during a 2-day visit, and spoke to government, business leaders, and students. In a speech delivered at National Chengchi University, Mr Hands spoke about the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union, and assured Taiwan that Britain will remain a strong ally and trusted partner. Transcript of speech: “Good morning.Thank you for the warm welcome – It is great to be back

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