VP Chen reiterates government’s commitment to nuclear-free Taiwan

From Taiwan Today

2019-09-24

New Southbound Policy。Vice President Chen Chien-jen (front, center) is all smiles alongside No Nukes Asia Forum Executive Office Director Daisuke Sato (front, fourth left), Australian Conservation Foundation nuclear-free campaigner Dave Sweeney (front, second left), Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons inspector Erdenetsogt Dorjpalam (left) and other officials Sept. 23 at the Presidential Office in Taipei City. (Courtesy of PO)

Vice President Chen Chien-jen (front, center) is all smiles alongside No Nukes Asia Forum Executive Office Director Daisuke Sato (front, fourth left), Australian Conservation Foundation nuclear-free campaigner Dave Sweeney (front, second left), Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons inspector Erdenetsogt Dorjpalam (left) and other officials Sept. 23 at the Presidential Office in Taipei City. (Courtesy of PO)

Vice President Chen Chien-jen said Sept. 23 that the government remains committed to phasing out the use of nuclear power by 2025.

At the reception held at the Presidential Office for delegates who had attended the No Nukes Asia Forum, Chen said that the government has launched numerous energy transformation policies in recent years, such as promoting renewables and allowing existing nuclear power plants to come to the end of their lifetimes. This progress makes the country an ideal location for the NNAF, he added.

Chen’s remarks came while receiving representatives and academic scholars from Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, the Philippines, Turkey, Vietnam and the U.S.

According to Chen, the government recognizes the importance of listening to different voices in society given the strong opinions on both sides of the nuclear power debate. To achieve sustainable development and ensure the people’s safety, however, the use of atomic energy must be phased out, he said.

Founded in 1993, the NNAF is an annual gathering that brings together experts and academics from various groups across Asia to discuss and share their visions on how to end the use of nuclear energy. (RAY-E)

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