A memorandum of understanding on expanding cooperative cultural heritage preservation efforts and technical exchanges was inked Jan. 18 in Taichung City, central Taiwan, by the Ministry of Culture’s Bureau of Cultural Heritage and Malaysia-headquartered George Town World Heritage Inc.

The New Southbound Policy is a key government initiative supporting the development of civil society in Taiwan. Since its launch, cultural, education and economic exchanges between Taiwan and the 18 NSP target countries has been increasing.

Beijing must put aviation safety ahead of controversial cross-strait political issues and promptly consult with Taipei over its recent unilateral opening of the M503 northbound flight and extension routes, according to the Mainland Affairs Council.

The passage of two bills by the U.S. House of Representatives aimed at encouraging high-level visits between the two sides and promoting Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization, respectively, were welcomed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jan. 10.

The establishment of an artificial intelligence R&D center in Taipei City by Microsoft Taiwan Corp. is welcomed by the government and represents a resounding vote of confidence in the country’s human capital, Premier Lai Ching-te said Jan. 10.

Mosaic Taiwan, a fellowship program for aspiring leaders from North America organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will run June 10-23 in Taipei City as part of government efforts to help young professionals from around the world better understand the Republic of China (Taiwan).

On Jan. 4, the ROC government protested mainland China’s unilateral launch the same day of the northbound M503 flight route in the Taiwan Strait and the W121, W122, and W123 east-west extension routes.

President Tsai Ing-wen convened Jan. 7 a national security meeting in response to dramatic changes in East Asia and the recent unilateral launch of four air routes by mainland China, issuing several directives and calling for the matter to be resolved through fast-tracked cross-strait negotiations.

A Vietnamese language version of the New Southbound Policy Portal operated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was unveiled Jan. 5 as part of ongoing government efforts to raise regional awareness of the NSP.

The people of Taiwan will find it easier to exercise their direct civil rights following the Jan. 3 promulgation of amendments to the Referendum Act, according to the Central Election Commission.