The Republic of China has terminated diplomatic relations with the Republic of Panama with immediate effect June 13, in order to uphold the sovereignty and dignity of the nation. The ROC will close its embassy in Panama, recall its technical mission, and end all bilateral cooperation and aid programs. The ROC government expresses indignation and deep regret over Panama's unilateral decision to sever diplomatic relations with the ROC and establish ties with the authorities in Beijing.

Efforts by the Republic of China (Taiwan) in assisting its diplomatic allies through medical aid reflect the country’s soft power and commitment to advancing global health, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs June 13.

Nearly 90 percent of people in Taiwan support the government’s stance that both sides of the Taiwan Strait should respect each other, set aside differences through communication and dialogue, and maintain the status quo of cross-strait peace and stability, according to poll results released June 8 by the Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council.

Two Taiwan-made public health videos reached the finals of a clip award competition taking place as part of the fourth International Conference on Prevention and Infection Control June 20-23 in Geneva.

Taiwan’s exports grew for the eighth consecutive month in May, increasing 8.4 percent year on year to US$25.52 billion, according to the Bureau of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Economic Affairs June 7.

Health Minister Emais Roberts of Republic of China (Taiwan) diplomatic ally Palau said June 6 his nation will continue to support Taiwan’s bid to participate in the World Health Assembly—the decision-making body of the World Health Organization— during a visit to Shin Kong Memorial Wu Ho-Su Hospital in Taipei City.

The water resources development plan under the Forward-looking Infrastructure Program is key to mitigating the effects of climate change in Taiwan, Premier Lin Chuan said June 5 while inspecting areas affected by recent nationwide torrential rainfall in the southern port city of Kaohsiung.

Premier Lin Chuan visited the Central Emergency Operations Center for the third time today to monitor disaster losses and reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of the recent torrential rains. The center had already announced aid measures the previous day (Saturday), and the premier requested that government authorities streamline administrative procedures, and make it a priority to deliver prompt, practical post-disaster aid.

The Cabinet approved June 1 a four-year wind power promotion plan that aims to increase Taiwan’s installed turbine capacity to 1.334 gigawatts by 2020.

Taiwan’s exports to the 18 countries covered by the government’s New Southbound Policy picked up more steam during the first four months of the year, reflecting the effectiveness of the initiative in driving the local economy, according to the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics June 2.