A fire broke out at the Plumpang fuel storage depot, operated by Indonesian state-owned energy company Pertamina, in North Jakarta on the evening of March 3. The fire caused an explosion and spread to nearby residential areas, claiming the lives of at least 17 people and injuring over 50 more.

The 67th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67) will be held in New York from March 6 to 17, marking the first in-person CSW session since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has arranged for Taiwan Gender Equality Week (TGEW) to be held in New York at the same time as CSW67.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has received official notification from the US government that its executive branch has informed Congress of a US$619 million sale of two types of missiles—the AGM-88B and AIM-120C—to Taiwan. MOFA warmly welcomes this news and thanks the US government for continuing to honor its security commitments to Taiwan as outlined in the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances.

At Thursday's Cabinet meeting, Premier Chen Chien-jen received a briefing from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) on an initiative to promote use of public transport, and another plan to accelerate the return of foreign tourists to Taiwan.

Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu said the people of Taiwan are committed to defending their democratic way of life, urging the global community to support Taiwan as the military threat from China increases.

New Zealand’s North Island was recently hit by powerful Cyclone Gabrielle, causing major devastation, including widespread flooding, storm surges, and casualties, as well as flight disruptions at Auckland Airport. The government of New Zealand declared a national state of emergency on February 14.

The recent statement calling for cross-strait peace and stability jointly issued by the foreign ministers of Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states is sincerely appreciated by the government and people of Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

A joint statement released by Australian and British foreign and defense ministers voicing support for Taiwan is deeply appreciated by the government and people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Feb. 3.

Taiwan ranks seventh globally and first in Asia based on data used to compile the latest U.N. Gender Inequality Index, according to Taiwan’s Department of Gender Equality.

A joint statement released by French and Australian foreign and defense ministers voicing support for Taiwan is deeply appreciated by the government and people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jan. 31.