April 15, 2022
No. 086
On April 14, Chang Tzi-chin, Minister of the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan), led a delegation to the Seventh Our Ocean Conference (OOC). Minister Chang delivered a keynote speech at the OOC and held a meeting with Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, and Ambassador Amatlain Elizabeth Kabua, Permanent Representative of the Marshall Islands to the United Nations, to exchange views on such issues as ocean conservation and sustainable fisheries. At this meeting, Minister Chang was accompanied by Tien Chung-kwang, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Jessica Chien-yi Lee, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Palau; and Julia Hsiang-wen Huang, Director-General of the Ocean Conservation Administration.
President Whipps and Ambassador Kabua stated that Taiwan, with its advanced technology used in the research and development of food, as well as its knowledge of the atmospheric environment, is able to work with its diplomatic allies and other friendly Pacific island countries in addressing climate change-related issues such as food security, sustainable fisheries, and the threat of rising sea levels. Deputy Foreign Minister Tien reiterated that Taiwan, in the spirit of cooperation and mutual assistance, remains committed to collaborating with other countries on the sustainable development of oceans by leveraging its experience and technological capabilities.
In his keynote speech at the OOC session entitled “Tackling Marine Pollution,” Minister Chang stressed Taiwan’s efforts in aligning its environmental protection policies with international standards so as to better protect the planet. He also highlighted the fact that Taiwan boasts a waste recycling rate of over 60 percent, as well as a recycling rate of over 90 percent for PET bottles, demonstrating Taiwan’s determination to achieve environmental sustainability. In addition, Minister Chang explained Taiwan’s Salute to the Seas policy, which comprises proactive measures aimed at cleaning up coastal areas, recycling fishing nets and gear, and intercepting river trash. Minister Chang also displayed the official OOC shirts, which were manufactured using recycled ocean plastic from Palau by Shinkong Synthetic Fibers Corporation (SSFC), a Taiwanese company. The representatives of countries and NGOs in attendance recognized and praised Taiwan’s achievements in environmental protection.
During the OOC plenary session entitled “Achieving a Safe, Just and Secure Ocean,” Tsai Ching-piao, Deputy Minister of Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council, was invited to introduce Taiwan’s commitments to the ocean, including the implementation of an intelligent navigation safety service and development plan, which helps ensure navigation safety in the waters surrounding Taiwan. In addition, Deputy Minister Tsai stated that Taiwan would continue to strengthen its capacity to conduct search and rescue operations at sea and further cooperate with other countries in providing humanitarian aid. He also said that Taiwan supported international efforts to crack down on cross-border crime, especially drug smuggling. These statements attested to Taiwan’s firm commitment to ensuring a safe ocean.
In addition, during the OOC side event “Nature-based Solutions—Austronesian Perspectives,” Tong Chun-fa, Emeritus Professor of Taiwan’s National Dong Hwa University, talked about Taiwanese indigenous peoples’ traditional knowledge, skills, and ideals with respect to coexisting with the ocean and nature.
Minister Chang, Deputy Foreign Minister Tien, and the other members of the delegation were invited to the closing reception of the OOC. President Whipps delivered remarks at the reception, in which he thanked Taiwan again for its contributions to the OOC and its assistance in organizing the event, which underscored the long-standing and close diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Palau. (E)