“[The United States acting] alone cannot reach the essential goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. We have to work together.” – AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk in April 22 remarks at the American Innovation Center. Notable in our era of profound polarization, partnership was the refrain across Taiwan and the globe on Earth Day 2022….
Given an exponential rise in locally transmitted COVID-19 case numbers (the vast majority of which have been mild or asymptomatic), Taiwan’s leaders have quickly begun working to develop a policy of “coexisting with the virus.” As during the initial outbreak of the pandemic in 2020, some fumbles have occurred as that policy coalesces, but once…
The crisis in Ukraine has sparked discussions among policymakers in Taiwan on how to enhance the island’s defense capabilities, including through a recently intensified reservist training program and proposals to lengthen the conscription period. A key takeaway for many is that training, motivation, leadership, mobility, and flexibility are just as much key factors in defending…
Only the Taipei Dome could hold all members and readers interested in attending the Hsieh Nien Fan, so here’s a recap of an eventful March 30 evening for those of you we missed. The Thanks: To Taiwan and Taipei City, for providing safe, “uniquely normal” conditions that allowed almost 550 vaccinated and masked people to…
In a recent online panel hosted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and joined by AmCham Taiwan President Andrew Wylegala, former Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Barbara Weisel put Taiwan’s chances of concluding a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with the U.S. at “zero,” at least in the near term. Weisel noted that the appetite in…
At the end of February, as Taiwan observed its annual Peace Memorial Day and much of the world was reeling from the crisis in Ukraine, it cheered me to learn that a new NGO is working to help minimize global shocks. The Reform for Resilience (R4R) Commission was launched globally two years ago to tackle…
As Taiwan’s authorities rush to handle a growing number of imported COVID-19 cases and local cluster infections, speculation is increasing among individuals and businesses about the possible return of a Level 3 “soft lockdown” and what reviving such restrictions might mean for the island’s economy. Some businesses are beginning to prepare for another potentially long…
In December’s “President’s View,” I flagged two member challenges: business travel and climate action. With apologies for breaking the spell of the seasonally appropriate Wine & Dine coverage, I would like to outline two more: supply chains and geoeconomic competition. These are global stories in which Taiwan figures prominently. Concerns about supply chains – their…
The U.S.-Taiwan relationship is stronger than ever. Taiwan is a reliable partner, a vibrant democracy, and a force for good in the world. And the United States’ commitment to Taiwan remains rock solid. AmCham Taiwan is a key partner to the American Institute in Taiwan, and we are appreciative of AmCham’s work in promoting U.S.-Taiwan…
A climate change report published in November by a consortium of German NGOs placed Taiwan near the bottom of a list that ranked 63 countries based on such metrics as carbon emissions, renewable energy, and energy use. Overall, Taiwan received a “very low” performance rating. Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Administration has disputed the report’s findings, pointing…
