An earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale occurred off the coast of Hualien in eastern Taiwan at 11:50 pm on February 6, causing severe damage. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its appreciation to governments and politicians of Belize, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Japan, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Saint Lucia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States for having conveyed concern and condolences as of midday on February 7.

A delegation led by Lord Faulkner, deputy speaker of the U.K. House of Lords, recently wrapped up an eight-day trip to Taiwan aimed at advancing railway and green energy collaboration between the two sides, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Beijing should cease all negative actions exacerbating the psychological gap between the people on both sides and pursue communication with Taiwan so as to promote beneficial cross-strait relations, the Mainland Affairs Council said Feb. 2.

Beijing’s recent unilateral launch of the M503 northbound flight and extension routes in the Taiwan Strait jeopardizes aviation safety as well as cross-strait peace and stability, according to the Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council Jan. 29.

Under the banner “Power of Reading,” the 2018 Taipei International Book Exhibition will offer five international forums, ten themed pavilions, and over 500 sessions of book signings, workshops, and promotional events this February. New additions to the annual book-centric festivities include AR products and a deeper emphasis on independent publications and original materials from Taiwan.

Premier Lai Ching-te today applauded the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) for actively promoting a circular economy through regulatory, technological and control mechanisms. President Tsai Ing-wen has included the circular economy in her “five plus two” innovative industries policy, and nations worldwide are also seeking ways of raising efficiency in resource use.

Following a presentation by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) on progress and results of the Smart Machinery Development Program, Premier Lai Ching-te instructed the MOEA, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Labor to continue coordinating and guiding the efforts of industry, academia and researchers to produce innovative capabilities.

The staunch support of Republic of China (Taiwan) diplomatic allies and like-minded countries for the nation’s participation in the World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization, is greatly appreciated and underscores Taiwan’s major contributions to international medical development, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jan. 29.

The Republic of China (Taiwan) government anticipates enhanced exchanges with the Holy See in ensuring religious freedom and harmony while establishing the nation as a regional model in this regard, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jan. 25.

Father Bruno Ciceri, International Director of the Apostleship of the Sea at the Holy See’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, received the Friend of Foreign Service Medal from David Tawei Lee, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), during a noontime award ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs January 24.