Taiwan Tati Cultural and Educational Foundation

Political Maneuvering: Kiribati severs diplomatic relations

Taipei Times

The national flag of Kiribati, fifth right, is pictured yesterday alongside the Republic of China flag, right, and the flags of Taiwan’s other diplomatic allies in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Taipei yesterday.
Photo: CNA

Taiwan yesterday lost a second diplomatic ally in a week after Kiribati decided to switch recognition to China.

No room for prejudice, ignorance

Pasu’epoiconx

In any ethnic group, there will always be those who are worse off, but who work hard to overcome adversity. For some it is easy going, while others encounter difficulties; some cultivate their moral character and are careful with what they do and say, while others are confident and active, ignoring minor details; some are worn out with work, while others are born with a silver spoon in their mouth; some die young, others live to a ripe old age; some are rich, others poor. This is life.

However, reliance on a single outlook means to jump to conclusions, criticize and even discriminate against other groups: This is prejudice and bigotry.

Getting other allies off the bench

Taipei Times Editorial

The loss of the Solomon Islands as a diplomatic ally on Monday was clearly a blow to Taiwan’s foreign affairs and the nation’s campaign to enlarge its international presence. China’s move was aimed at hurting Taiwan and its timing was significant. However, the move is also part of a larger chess game for regional supremacy that includes Taiwan’s natural allies, such as the US, Australia and Japan.

Announcing its decision to pre-emptively break off ties with the Solomon Islands, the government criticized Beijing for using dollar diplomacy as it continues to suppress Taiwan’s international space.

COA imposes fines on pork from S Korea

Taipei Times

Passengers go through a baggage checkpoint at Taipei International Airport (Songshan airport) yesterday as a precaution against the spread of African swine fever.
Photo: Chien Hui-ju, Taipei Times

With South Korea confirming an outbreak of African swine fever, the Council of Agriculture (COA) yesterday said that travelers caught bringing in pork products from that country would be fined a minimum of NT$200,000 (US$6,444).

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