The Republic of China (Taiwan) government is deeply grateful for the care shown by ROC diplomatic allies, like-minded countries and supporters from around the world in the wake of the magnitude 6 temblor centered on Hualien County in eastern Taiwan, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Feb. 11.
 
Messages of condolences and offers of relief supplies and search and rescue personnel sent by governments, international and nongovernmental organizations, and politicians are letting the people of Taiwan feel the sincere friendship and goodwill of the global community, the MOFA said.
 
The earthquake caused severe damage after it struck at 11:50 p.m., Feb. 6, off the coast of Hualien. Current statistics from the Central Emergency Operation Center confirm 16 dead, one missing and 291 injured.
 
A total of 63 countries and territories, as well as the Central American Integration System, Central American Parliament, EU, Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, Dalai Lama and Pope Francis have conveyed concerns, the MOFA said.
 
These are Australia, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, France, Germany, Guatemala, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Nauru, New Zealand, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Tuvalu, U.K., U.S., Venezuela and Vietnam.
 
President Tsai Ing-wen, who toured Hualien and met with first responders, officials and victims several times following the quake, sent letters Feb. 10 thanking the leaders and people of Japan and Singapore for messages of condolences and providing assistance.
 
According to the Office of the President, Tsai said the concern shown by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, especially his “Taiwan, Go” calligraphy, and the dispatch of a seven-member team equipped with advanced equipment for detecting victims trapped in rubble underscore the genuine friendship and shared values between the two sides.
 
Equally heartwarming was Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore’s support and rapid provision of relief supplies in one of the city-state’s C-130 military transport aircraft. This symbolizes friendly relations between Taiwan and Singapore, the president said, adding that she looks forward to expanded bilateral exchanges going forward. (JSM)