To expand the Ocean Affairs Council ''s (OAC) efforts in marine regional revitalization, industry activation, and sustainable management to the grassroots level through the cooperation of schools, local civic organiza tions, and public sector resources, the OAC is officially launching the Call for Proposals for the "Accessible Ocean and Marine Revitalization " Action Plan. Eligible schools and civic groups are invited to submit their applications during the designated period in accordance with the regulations outlined in this announcem ent. Basis: Ocean Affairs Council Handling Principles for Subsidies and Donations to Schools and Civic Groups. Application Period: From now until April 29, 2026. Eligibility: Schools at all levels (including colleges and universities). Legally registered foundations, associations, and other civic organizations. Cooperatives registered under the "Cooperative Act, " limited to those engaging in production, marketing, supply, labor, and consumption businesses as stipulated in Paragraph 1, Article 3 of the Cooperative Act. Proposal Themes: I. Local Revitalization and Mutual Prosperity: (1) Discover local specialty industries and ecological landscapes to establish business models. (2) Integrate innovative design to guide and add value to existing industries. (3) Introduce the concept of zero-waste resources to promote the circular economy. II. Expanding Diverse Marine Experiences: (1) Integrate various forms of marine recreation to organize suitable experiential activities, encouraging the public to get close to and engage with the ocean. (2) Organize suitable experiential activities tailored for relatively disadvantaged groups, such as people with disabilities and seniors. (3) Develop diverse assistive devices to enrich water recreation experiences and improve water safety. III. "Blue Flag Beach " Demonstration Promotion: Collaborate with water recreation site management agencies (units), refer to the international "Blue Flag " standards (see Appendix), and introduce their concepts and operational requirements for promotion and execution. (1) Develop environmental education courses or eco-tourism itineraries that match the characteristics of the site. (2) Conduct an inventory of information regarding local ecosystems, environmental elements, and cultural heritage sites, and design informational displays. (3) Design distribution maps of various facilities (including maps of recreation area boundaries and locations of main facilities and services). IV. Promotion and Deepening of Marine Sustainable Management Awareness: Through workshops, seminars, forums, and symposiums on topics such as climate change adaptation, marine spatial planning, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 "Life Below Water, " and marine industry development, promote the concepts of rational utilization of marine resources, joint protection of the marine environment, and awareness of sustainable manage ment. Application Instructions and Notes: Submission Method: Eligible applicants should prepare the application form and project proposal (see attachments) and submit them to the Department of Marine Resources, Ocean Affa irs Council (Address: 4F., No. 25, Chenggong 2nd Rd., Cianjhen Dist., Kaohsiung City 806614) by mail or via personal delivery before 5:00 PM on April 29, 2026. Please mark the enve lope with: "Call for Proposals: ''Accessible Ocean and Marine Revitalization '' Action Plan ". Postmarks will serve as proof of date. Late submissions will not be accepted. The implementation period of the subsidized (donated) project must not cross calendar years, and the implementation site must be within the jurisdiction of the Republic of China ( Taiwan). If application documents are incomplete, the OAC will notify the applicant to make corrections within a specified time limit. Applications that are not corrected by the deadline, incompletely corrected, or cannot be corrected may be rejected. Applicants submitting the same or similar projects to two or more government agencies for subsidies must list the complete budget details, as well as the items and amounts request ed from each respective agency. Project Closure: Projects must be completed within the current year. Within one month after completion, the applicant must submit the receipt, fund disbursement form, execution re port, statement of income and expenditure, and fund apportionment form to the OAC for closure and write-off, no later than December 15, 2026 (postmark serves as proof). Fund Disbursement Principles: Subsidies (donations) will be disbursed in three installments: 1st Installment: 20% of the funds will be disbursed after project approval and when execution progress reaches 20% or more. 2nd Installment: 50% of the funds will be disbursed when execution progress reaches 50% or more. 3rd Installment: The remaining balance will be disbursed upon project completion. Review Process: The project adopts a competitive, merit-based subsidy (donation) mechanism. The OAC will form a review committee to evaluate and score the submitted written materi als, including project content and requested amounts. Based on the scoring results, the priority order, approved amounts, and reserve projects will be determined and officially com municated to the applicants after approval. Estimated Total Budget: NT$27,000,000. As the budget has not yet passed, only NT$12,000,000 is initially approved. The remaining balance will be approved once the legal budget pro cess is complete. If the annual budget is reduced during the legislative process, the total project budget will be adjusted to the legally approved amount. Funding Limits per Applicant: Applicants can be subsidized (donated) for a maximum of one project per year based on the proposal themes. The general subsidy cap is NT$500,000 per project. For projects involving accessible oceans, Blue Flag coasts, or large-scale international events, the maximum subsidy is NT$1,500,000 per project. Exceptions apply if a spe cial project quota is approved. Administrative Neutrality: Subsidized units must maintain neutrality while executing the project. During events, it is strictly prohibited to hang, post, wear, or display flags, b adges, or clothing of specific political parties, other political groups, or candidates for public office, to avoid blurring the event ''s purpose. Any media advertising must strictly comply with Article 62-1 of the Budget Act. If there are remaining funds from this call for proposals, applications and reviews will continue in accordance with the "Ocean Affairs Council Handling Principles for Subsidies and Donations to Schools and Civic Groups " until October 30, 2026, or until the budget is exhausted. Applicants must fill out the "Affidavit of No Violation of the Act on Recusal of Public Servants Due to Conflicts of Interest " upon application and comply with the provisions of said Act. One copy each of the "Ocean Affairs Council Handling Principles for Subsidies and Donations to Schools and Civic Groups, " "Ocean Affairs Council Guidelines for Budget Execution and Control of Subsidies and Donations to Civic Groups and Individuals, " the Action Plan call for proposals document, and related attachments are included. Any unmentioned matters shall be handled in accordance with the "Ocean Affairs Council Handling Principles for Subsidies and Donations to Schools and Civic Groups " and relevant laws and regulations. Contact Information: For any questions regarding project application during the submission period, please contact the case officer: Mr. Wang, Department of Marine Resources, Ocean Affairs Council. Phone: 07-3381810 ext. 261416.

   The Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) of Taiwan and the Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies (YCAPS), a leading international think tank, have officially announced the launch of the 3rd Maritime Governance Innovation and Education Network Initiative (3rd Maritime GENIE Cohort).    For the first time, the program ’s flagship in-person workshop will be held in Taiwan. Starting today, the program is open to global recruitment of 12 emerging leaders in maritime governance, who will participate in a series of online and in-person training activities. The application deadline is March 1.    Minister of the Ocean Affairs Council, Kuan Bi-ling, stated that the program plays a critical role in strengthening a Taiwan-centered maritime narrative on the international stage . She emphasized that Taiwan occupies a strategic position at the heart of the Indo-Pacific, with extensive experience and strong capacity in maritime governance and law enforcemen t.    Through strategic collaboration with YCAPS, Taiwan is not only able to share its valuable governance experience with the world, but also to enable future international leaders to gain an in-depth understanding of Taiwan early in their careers. These participants are expected to become key “Taiwan-literate ” stakeholders who recognize Taiwan ’s role in maintaining regional peace, combating maritime crime, and advancing sustainable development. Open to All Nationalities: Attracting Global Talent   Distinct from previous cohorts, the 3rd Maritime GENIE Program adopts a global recruitment strategy (Applicants of all nationalities). Professionals from all countries —including Taiwan —with at least three years of relevant work experience are eligible to apply. The Ocean Affairs Council particularly encourages applicants to integrate Taiwan-related issues into their proposals and to present practical and actionable policy innovations add ressing national, regional, or global maritime governance challenges. Participation in Major Maritime Events in Taiwan: A High-Standard Capacity-Building Program    The selected 12 fellows will participate in a series of online seminars and mentorship sessions led by internationally renowned experts from April to October. In addition, fellows will travel to Taiwan to take part in flagship activities, including a three-day intensive workshop and field visits.All travel expenses, including round-trip airfare, accommodati on, and meals, will be fully covered by the program. Policy Outputs with Global Impact    Under the guidance of assigned mentors, fellows are required to produce a high-quality policy brief and a short video. These outputs will be published through YCAPS and its intern ational partner networks, providing valuable policy insights for governments, think tanks, academia, and industry worldwide —putting the concept of “think tank diplomacy ” into practice. Applications Now Open     The 3rd Taiwan Maritime GENIE Program is now open for applications, with a deadline of March 1, 2026. For detailed application guidelines and forms, please refer to the official YCAPS announcement

This year, the "Hand in Hand with the World, Sailing Toward the Azure — Optimist Junior Sailor: Ocean Taiwan Dream 3.0 " project was organized, inviting international students from France currently in Taiwan. By using the ocean as a bridge to connect with the international community and make friend s with the world, participants sailed together on a grand voyage to protect Mother Ocean, while conducting tests on surface microplastics, seawater pH levels, and dissolved oxygen. On the morning of May 19, the "Hand in Hand with the World, Sailing Toward the Azure " launch ceremony was held at the Tamsui Coast Guard Administration. The event gathered 62 teachers and students from six schools across five countries —Taiwan, Japan, France, Belgium, and Switzerland. Over a six-day voyage, they engaged in maritime cultural exchange, stopping at Taoyuan, Taichung, Penghu, and Anping before finall y arriving at the Port of Kaohsiung. Premier Cho Jung-tai stated that this activity carries three significant meanings: encouraging children and teenagers to engage more in outdoor activities, promoting marine environmental education, and advancing maritime cultural diplomacy. He also encouraged the children by saying, "Go out as much as you can; the world is waiting for you, " urging them to explore the ocean, make international friends, and chase their dreams around the world, truly making Taiwan a maritime nation. The entire voyage covered approximately 257 nautical miles. Across two sailing vessels, microplastic testing was conducted eight times, and scientists from the National Academy of Marine Research tested the salinity and temperature of seawater at various depths along the route. The content above has been translated and refined by AI.

   The delegation led by Representative Bas Pulles and Mr. Ulco Gartner, Director of Administration & Consular Affairs, from The Netherlands Office Taipei visited the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) yesterday afternoon (11th), where they were received by Deputy Minister Huang Hsiang- wen. Both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on the long-standing maritime cooperation between Taiwan and the Netherlands, as well as topics including energy transition, marine spatial planning, maritime security, and pollution prevention. They also expressed hopes to further strengthen collaboration in marine sustainability and the blue economy.    Deputy Minister Huang noted that the Netherlands possesses world-leading expertise in water governance, port management, marine spatial planning, and green energy deployment. As m aritime nations, Taiwan and the Netherlands share a strong commitment to a rules-based international order and sustainable development. In the face of cross-border challenges such as climate change, energy transition, and maritime security, both sides agreed on the importance of enhancing institutional and technical exchanges to bolster overall governance re silience.    Huang further emphasized that the OAC plays a key role in integrating Taiwan ’s marine industries, energy development, and marine spatial planning efforts. With the Netherlands ’ advanced experience in water governance, offshore wind energy, hydrogen development, and carbon capture and storage (CCS), the two countries hold highly complementary strengths i n advancing the green transition. Representative Bas Pulles stated that this visit aims to strengthen engagement with Taiwan ’s energy, environmental, and semiconductor sectors, with the hope of fostering broader cross-sector cooperation.    Representative Pulles also highlighted marine spatial planning as one of the most promising areas for cooperation between Taiwan and the Netherlands. With the rapid expansion of o ffshore wind energy, the reality of limited marine space has become increasingly apparent. The Netherlands is proactively promoting “multi-use ” policies to address spatial competition with existing industries such as fisheries, ecological conservation, shipping, and national defense. Demonstration projects include aquacu lture and seaweed cultivation within wind farm areas, ecological restoration initiatives, and the integration of floating solar systems —all designed to balance energy production, ecological needs, and industrial activities within shared marine spaces. He also noted nature-based solutions and Taiwan –Netherlands exchanges on sandbar development as potential future areas of collaboration.    Both sides also discussed marine pollution management and maritime emergency response. The Dutch delegation shared its capabilities in efficient maritime salvage operations and ex perience with international pollution-prevention efforts. The OAC expressed its willingness to work with the Netherlands on advancing marine debris management initiatives, jointly contributing to a cleaner and healthier ocean.    The OAC stated that it looks forward to further deepening Taiwan –Netherlands cooperation in marine governance, marine spatial planning, and sustainable development. Together, both sides seek to address challenges related to climate change, ener gy transition, and maritime security, and to build a more resilient and sustainable ocean future.

— Changbin Navigation Group 2025 Sailing Records: Setting Sail from Changbin, Living by the Sea Over the past year, the Changbin Navigation Group, aboard handmade sailing rafts, followed the wind paths of the East Coast and the South China Sea, returning step by step to the a ncient voyaging routes of the Pacific. May 17th, Peinan River Mouth We set sail on the red-sailed catamaran "Makani, " chasing the Palauan voyaging canoe "Alingano Maisu. " That wooden vessel, designed by the master navigator Mau Piailug, arrived in Taitung after seventeen days of non-powered navigation. June 23rd, Changbin to Shihyusan (Stone Umbrella) This marked the first autonomous long-distance voyage for the group members. Yi-li and Wei-sheng piloted Tāwāhi, while A-tsai and Guan-yu commanded Kalingko. The northeast monsoon shifted to the south, died down, and rose again as we traversed the doldrums. When the wind picked up, we tacked in a Z-shape aga inst the wind, learning through the breeze and patience. July 12th, Shihyusan to Wushibi With strong winds and heavy swells, our catamarans surfed forward at speeds exceeding ten knots. We reached the northern beach with the hulls semi- submerged —though we could not continue the voyage, every "failure " brought us closer to the language of the sea. October 13th, Fongbitou to Xiaoliuqiu We sailed alongside Master Tua Pittman from the Cook Islands. The wind speed was about five knots, the mainsail full on the port side like a drawn bowstring. Tua pointed to the moon in the sky and said: "Remember the angles of the wind and waves; when everything is going well, take note of all the signs. " It was a teaching of celestial navigation. With four people working together to tack against the wind, we finally hugged the coast and headed north, landing on Zhongao Beach. From Peinan River to Jinzun, from Changbin to Xiaoliuqiu, we learned to repair boats, read the wind, and revere the waves. We also learned how to find the direction "home " amidst the unknown. The wind remains; the Kuroshio remains. With our own vessels, we have stepped back onto that ancient maritime path. And that path is precisely the direction leading us toward the future. Changbin Navigation Group Sailing Log: https://wvoc.ghost.io The content above has been translated and refined by AI.

The primary goal of this project, "Inheriting the Bamboo Sailing Raft Culture of the Torik Tribe, " is to reconstruct bamboo sailing rafts and train tribal youth under the guidance of elders. Through this process, the project aims to preserve and practice the traditional mariti me culture of the Amis people, while also serving as an important opportunity to promote ocean culture. First, regarding the construction of the bamboo rafts, tribal elders guided the youth in material selection and processing. Local bamboo was used as the primary material, paired w ith traditional lashing techniques. Under the guidance of traditional processes and the apprenticeship system, the overall construction was completed before October. The assembly o f the raft body and sails reached a completion rate of over 95%, and technical skills were further refined. The sails were crafted by weaving the inner bark of the Sea Hibiscus, an d the finished products have been integrated with the hulls, successfully completing the assembly. In terms of cultural inheritance, the project also organized crew training, where elders and experienced navigators taught maritime operations. This nurtured a team of young and m iddle-aged tribal members who have mastered raft-handling skills, laying a foundation for the future revival of fishing, hunting, and maritime transport cultures. In addition to pr actical training, the project held a launching ceremony to gather tribal residents together, strengthening their sense of cultural identity. Overall, this project achieved three core outcomes: "reconstructing bamboo sailing rafts, inheriting construction techniques, and training maritime talent. " Specific benefits include: preserving the craftsmanship and oral knowledge of elders, cultivating the practical abilities of the youth, building community consensus, and improvin g the sailing performance and durability of the bamboo rafts. Furthermore, the project increased public awareness of traditional maritime culture through news media. Although some progress was delayed due to funding and labor constraints, the primary objectives were successfully met within limited resources, demonstrating the value of both cultural revitaliz ation and innovation. The content above has been translated and refined by AI.

The Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) held the inaugural “Corporate Ocean Sustainability Contribution Awards ” ceremony on the 12th at Taipei 101, honoring companies that have fulfilled corporate social responsibility and actively advanced marine sustainability. A total of 17 companies received awards, showcasing Taiwan ’s strong corporate commitment and leadership in sustainable development. The ceremony was personally officiated by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, who presented the awards and joine d business leaders and distinguished guests in celebrating this milestone symbolizing the united efforts of government and industry to protect the ocean. The event opened with a performance by the Laicu Cute Kids Choir, whose singing in Taiwanese (mother tongue) expressed local identity, cultural beauty, and deep emotional connecti ons —perfectly reflecting the award ’s emphasis on community engagement and local care. In her remarks, Vice President Hsiao stated that this year ’s award recipients exemplify the highest standards of corporate social responsibility and marine sustainability. Whether through beach cleanups, ocean cleanups, marine waste recyc ling, coral restoration, or blue carbon ecosystem rehabilitation, these companies have demonstrated real action and genuine commitment. She further highlighted that many small and micro enterprises, despite limited resources, have persisted in marine sustainability efforts —showing resilience and responsibility that represent the true spirit of Taiwan ’s industries. She added that the government will continue to strengthen marine policies, marine governance, and international cooperation, integrating the strengths of all sectors to build a na tion that coexists and prospers with the ocean. The Vice President then presented plaques to the award-winning companies. The 17 awarded companies are: CTBC Financial Holding, Delta Electronics, Taiwan Chemical Fiber, Land Bank of Taiwan, Mega International Commercial Bank, Swire Coca-Cola Taiwan, Nan Shan Life Insurance, First C ommercial Bank, Yang Ming Marine Transport, Shin Kong Life Insurance, Hon Hai Precision Industry (Foxconn), POYA International, Yokohama Hakkeijima Taiwan, Dolormen Ocean Entertain ment, Hong Yue International, Heping Industrial Zone Dedicated Port, and Hui-You-Bar. These companies, representing diverse industries, have achieved various forms of ocean sustainability —from financing ocean-friendly industries, promoting marine circular economy, and conserving marine biodiversity, to promoting marine education and culture, researching and restori ng blue carbon ecosystems, and removing marine debris. Each has woven ocean protection into its corporate sustainability strategy through concrete action. OAC Chairperson Pi-Ling Kuan emphasized that developing Ocean ESG represents a new path for Taiwanese enterprises to contribute to the world. To help more companies embark on this journey, she expressed deep gratitude to Financial Supervisory Commission Chairperson Peng Jin-long and Taiwan Stock Exchange Chairman Lin Hsiu-ming for their support, which enabl ed marine conservation practices to be formally incorporated into the Corporate Governance Evaluation Indicators —a major milestone for Ocean ESG development. She added that the establishment of the “Corporate Ocean Sustainability Contribution Awards ” aims not only to set standards but also to encourage companies to proactively uphold honor and responsibility in promoting marine sustainability. By recognizing leaders in marine conservation, the awards help ensure that corporate contributions are visible to society and affirmed by the nation. The OAC expressed its heartfelt appreciation to all companies supporting marine sustainability. Every contribution to the ocean, big or small, deserves recognition. Moving forward , the OAC will continue partnering with businesses, civic groups, and stakeholders to promote a wide range of ocean sustainability actions. The “Corporate Ocean Sustainability Contribution Awards ” aims to inspire more companies to make ocean protection a core element of sustainable development —and an integral part of corporate culture. When corporate action aligns with social responsibility, our oceans become cleaner, and marine ecosystems flourish.

To express our gratitude and recognition to enterprises that have made significant contributions to promoting ocean sustainability, this selection event has been organized. The aim is to encourage corporations to fulfill their social responsibilities, establish exemplary models in advancing marine sustainability, and work together in solidarity toward the su stainable development of Taiwan ’s oceans. The list of award recipients for this year is attached.

   On September 26, the Canadian National Security Affairs Delegation visited the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC), where Minister Kuan Bi-ling received them in person. This marks the fir st visit to Taiwan by former Canadian Chief of the General Staff, Thomas J. Lawson, who led senior members of the delegation, demonstrating Canada ’s strong commitment to deepening security and maritime cooperation with Taiwan. Both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, regiona l security dynamics, and visions for cooperation, while reaffirming their shared commitment to safeguarding regional prosperity.    Minister Kuan emphasized that, given the rapidly changing international situation, maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region is a critical issue. In recent years, Canada has st ood alongside democratic partners, stressing the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. In September this year (2025), Canada ’s naval frigate HMCS Ville de Qu ébec and Australia ’s missile destroyer HMAS Brisbane jointly transited the Taiwan Strait. Through concrete actions, they supported freedom of navigation and upheld international principles, demonstr ating their position that the Taiwan Strait is international waters. This fully reflected Canada ’s firm stance in safeguarding freedom, peace, and openness in the Strait, while also allowing Taiwanese people to feel the support of the international community.    Minister Kuan pointed out that China has not renounced the use of force to threaten Taiwan and continues to conduct large and small-scale intrusions in Taiwan ’s surrounding waters and offshore islands, attempting to change the status quo of the Taiwan Strait and exhaust Taiwan ’s defense capacity. She stressed that the international community must strengthen cooperation and deliver a clear and powerful message externally, collectively forming a deterrent to respond to “gray-zone ” harassment. At the same time, Taiwan has increased its defense budget, demonstrating firm resolve and actively responding to the current challenges.    Minister Kuan emphasized that due to China ’s obstruction, Taiwan faces significant challenges in becoming a member of international organizations. While the government has sought to strengthen national security through clo ser cooperation with international allies, these efforts remain insufficient. In light of the limitations of the existing models, Taiwan urgently needs the assistance of internatio nal partners to put forward innovative approaches and concrete initiatives that will enable Taiwan to achieve truly meaningful participation in international organizations.    Minister Kuan underscored that Taiwan and Canada share the values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Canada has long been a staunch advocate for Taiwan, and this high-level delegation visit underscores both sides ’ determination to deepen regional security and maritime cooperation. Taiwan and Canada will continue to pursue closer cooperation, join hands in confronting threats, and work toge ther to safeguard peace in the Indo-Pacific, thereby contributing as key forces for global prosperity and security.  

   Taiwan has made its debut on Japan ’s premier circular economy stage, presenting achievements in marine debris management and circular industry development. The Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) announced that from now un til September 19, it is leading nine representative enterprises at the 2025 Circular Economy EXPO in Chiba Prefecture under the banner of the “Taiwan Ocean Circular Hub. ” The participation highlights Taiwan ’s innovative capabilities in marine waste recycling and circular transformation, bringing its achievements to the attention of the international community.   Taiwan Showcases New Value of Marine Circular Economy at Japan ’s Largest Circular Economy Exhibition    The Circular Economy EXPO, one of Japan ’s leading professional exhibitions, focuses on solutions such as resource recycling, sustainable materials, and circular design, attracting more than 500 participating companies. At this year ’s event, Taiwan made its debut with the “Taiwan Ocean Circular Hub, ” uniting nine leading enterprises to highlight progress in marine debris management and cross-border collaboration. The pavilion underscores Taiwan ’s innovation and growing strengths in the emerging field of the blue circular economy. Nine Enterprises Debut Together with Innovative Ocean Circular Products    This year ’s delegation brings together nine enterprises from the textile, biotechnology, recycled plastics, and low-carbon design industries: Far Eastern New Century, Sun Jen Textile, Uni-P aragon Enterprise, Formosa Taffeta, Ecomax Textile, Yong Li Biotechnology, Zhongjie Biotechnology, Fengyi Green Energy Materials, and Hightrend Merchandise Corp. (Tzulai Branch). C ollectively, they are showcasing innovations that range from apparel made with recycled marine fibers to diverse applications of regenerated materials. For the first time at a majo r international exhibition in Japan, Taiwan is demonstrating how “waste ” can be transformed into “sustainable resources, ” driving forward industrial innovation and sustainable development.   Taiwan –Japan Partnership to Deepen Blue Circular Cooperation    In addition to presenting marine debris solutions and product innovations, the OAC is hosting the Taiwan Circular Focus Forum and the Taiwan –Japan Blue Circular Industry Matchmaking Session during the exhibition. These events bring together international experts and Japanese industry leaders to foster cross-border coll aboration and expand the blue circular industry value chain. According to the OAC, this initiative not only extends Taiwan ’s domestic Marine Debris Recycling Alliance but also advances the Indo-Pacific Region Marine Debris Collaboration Platform —an initiative strongly championed by Minister Kuan Bi-ling.   Minister Kuan Encourages the Delegation: Turning Challenges into Opportunities, Making Oceans a Shared Asset    On the eve of the exhibition ’s opening, OAC Minister Kuan Bi-ling addressed the delegation and international partners via live video, offering words of encouragement and support. She highlighted that Taiwan ’s ocean partners have already made concrete progress in promoting marine sustainability and, more importantly, have embedded sustainability into everyday life —embodying the spirit of being “small but beautiful, technologically strong. ” Kuan underscored Taiwan ’s determination to transform the challenge of marine debris into opportunities for the global circular economy. Looking ahead, the OAC will continue to advance the Indo-Pacific Re gion Marine Debris Collaboration Platform, working with Japan and other international partners to build a new paradigm for the ocean circular economy and ensure the ocean becomes a sustainable asset shared across generations.   From Marine Debris to Sustainable Lifestyle: Circular Design Sparks a New Wave    Waste once discarded into the sea through human neglect is now being reborn through creative design. No longer mere refuse, these materials are transformed into practical, everyda y products —from fabrics to household goods —that serve as constant reminders of environmental responsibility. This transformation highlights the power of circular design and signals that sustainability has evolved into an u nstoppable lifestyle trend.  

  As part of the initiative of Taiwan ’s “Indo-Pacific Regional Marine Debris Collaboration Platform, ” the Ocean Affairs Council and Japan Clean Ocean Material Alliance (CLOMA) co-hosted the “Taiwan-Japan Marine Debris Governance × Circular Industry Exchange ” today (July 31). Nearly 40 major multinational companies from Taiwan and Japan joined the online exchange, reaching a record high in both number and scale of participants. Taiwan ''s delegation is also set to head to the “2025 Tokyo Circular Economy Expo ” in September, demonstrating a new phase of international cooperation.   CLOMA affirms Taiwan: Looks forward to deeper cooperation and blue value creation     CLOMA is a cross-industry collaborative platform in Japan, integrating government, industry, academia, and civil sectors to promote sustainability and circular economy. Chairman of CLOMA ’s International Cooperation Committee, Masaaki Fujiwara, emphasized in his remarks that since the signing of the Letter of Intent in 2024, Taiwan and Japan have engaged in close c ooperation on marine debris management and plastic reuse. CLOMA looks forward to deepening bilateral business interactions through this in-depth exchange and building a more resili ent regional partnership. Chairman Fujiwara also highly praised the technological capabilities of Taiwanese enterprises and expressed hope for more concrete collaborations in the f uture.    Kuan Bi-ling: Advancing Taiwan as the Core Hub for Indo-Pacific Marine Debris Governance     Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling pointed out that in response to the increasingly severe global marine debris problem, she has actively advocated for and promoted the “Indo-Pacific Regional Marine Debris Collaboration Platform ” since assuming office. Through resource sharing and technological complementarity, the platform deepens regional cooperation and unites value alliances to construct an internatio nal network for addressing marine waste. She emphasized that there are no bystanders when it comes to marine debris — Taiwan must rise to the global stage and become a leader in marine debris governance across the Indo-Pacific region.   Nearly 40 Industry Representatives from Taiwan and Japan Gather to Showcase Full Chain Linkage     The Ocean Affairs Council invited members of the “Indo-Pacific Regional Marine Debris Collaboration Platform. ” This year, Taiwan ’s participating members expanded to nearly 20 companies, including Far Eastern New Century, Pontex Polyblend, Ecomax Textile, Horng-En Group, Sun Jen Textile, Uni-Paragon Enterpri se, Creative Tech Textile, Reborn Plas, Wynist Retail Solutions, Formosa Taffeta, Unicare Biotechnology Corporation, Zhongjie Biotechnology, Huabao Carbon Cycle Materials, Global G reen Material, Dot Design, Hightrend Merchandise corp. Tzulai Branch.     Japanese participants included leading corporations such as Daikin, Toyobo, Suntory, Oji Holdings, Chori, Kaneka, Unilever Japan, Fukuvi Chemical Industry, Green Science Alliance , and Dai Nippon Printing, forming a comprehensive industry network from technology provision and materials application to the development of recycled products.     The OAC noted that this marks an important milestone in Taiwan-Japan technical exchanges on marine debris and lays a solid foundation for future cooperation. Through ongoing in-d epth dialogue and demand matching, companies from both sides have reached initial consensus, creating an excellent opportunity for Taiwan to enter the global circular economy marke t. Three Strategic Pillars of the Marine Debris Industry: Bridging Technology and Branding     To advance Taiwan ’s presence in international marine debris governance and the circular economy, the Ocean Affairs Council ’s “Indo-Pacific Regional Marine Debris Collaboration Platform ” promotes three strategies to connect resources across government, industry, and academia and build a resilient blue economy partnership network.     First strategy: “Outbound ” — With strong R &D capabilities and technological innovation, Taiwan aims to project its domestic blue supply chain onto the international stage.     Second strategy: “Alliance-building ” — The Ocean Affairs Council actively facilitates inter-ministerial collaboration and regional platform development, deepening policy and industrial linkages with Indo-Pacific count ries, promoting regional circular economy diffusion and policy consensus, and expanding the breadth and depth of cooperation.     Third strategy: “Coherence ” — The Council will bridge regional supply and demand, integrate resource endowments and technical strengths under the platform framework, and build a complementary and resilient re gional circular economy network through capacity building and technology transfer.   Taiwan-Japan Join Hands to Open a New Chapter in Indo-Pacific Marine Debris Governance: Extending to the Tokyo Circular Economy Expo     The OAC noted that the exchange would continue its momentum abroad. Building on the fruitful outcomes of this forum, Taiwan ’s delegation of approximately 15 companies will participate in the “2025 Tokyo Circular Economy Expo ” this September. In addition to a dedicated forum, one-on-one matchmaking sessions between Taiwanese and Japanese enterprises will be arranged to deepen the cooperative foundation built today.   A “Taiwan Ocean Circular Hub ” exhibition zone will also be set up to systematically showcase Taiwan ’s comprehensive strengths from policy initiatives to industrial innovation — offering Taiwan ’s solutions to global marine debris challenges and presenting a tangible vision of a sustainable blue economy to the international community.

 For the first time, the Ocean Affairs Council held a “High-Level Dialogue ” at the 2025 Taiwan International Ocean Forum (2025 TIOF), where Minister Kuan Bi-ling, Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council Lin Fei-fan, former British Secre tary of State for Defense Gavin Williamson, and Japanese Congressman Lord Aoyama were on hand to share a wealth of perspectives.       Moderator Thomas P. McDevitt, Chairman of The Washington Times, asked Minister Kuan, "If you could call President Trump today, what would you talk about? " Minister Kuan replied that Gavin Williamson, a member of the British Parliament, once said that “Taiwan is too polite! ” She added, “I would be very rude and bring up a very big issue on this phone call, ” and the audience was instantly focused.       Minister Kuan further indicated, “I ''m going to tell President Trump: Over the past 22 years, Taiwan has joined four major international organizations — the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the World Trade Organization (WTO) — and in dealing with complex sovereignty disputes with China, international leaders have used negotiation and creativity to make different arrangements. All of them have been able to make arrangements in the form of formal membership and mutual non-affiliation with China. However, there has not been a fifth creative negotiation result since. ”         “Taiwan needs to join international organizations, and we will be a very contributing member of the international community. ” Taiwan has the willingness and ability to contribute to global governance and the public interest. Minister Kuan said that if she had the opportunity to call President Trump, she would look forward to a breakthrough from a negotiating expert like President Trump to create a new situation in international negotiations.       Minister Kuan stressed that Taiwan ''s participation in international organizations has been blocked by China for many years due to China ''s distortion of history and international rules, such as its improper interpretation of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 (hereafter UNGA Resolution 2758), which has interfered with international perceptions and deliberately confused Taiwan ''s international status and the legitimacy of its participation. International Community Counteracts China ’s False Narrative, Global Democracies Speak Out in Support of Taiwan       Many democracies around the world have taken concrete actions against China ''s misinterpretation of UNGA Resolution 2758. For example, on May 5, 2025, the U.S. Congress passed two important bills — the Taiwan Guarantee Implementation Act and the Taiwan International Solidarity Act — which clearly state that UNGA Resolution 2758 does not address Taiwan ''s sovereignty or representation, and that China does not have the right to use this as an excuse to block Taiwan ''s participation in the United Nations and its specialized agencies.       Another example is the “Motion on the International Status of Taiwan ” passed without dissent by the House of Commons of the United Kingdom on November 28, 2024. The motion clearly stated that UNGA Resolution 2758 did not deal with Taiwan ''s sovereignty or right to participate in the United Nations, and that it should not serve as a basis for suppressing Taiwan ''s participation in international organizations. In addition, the European Parliament and the Parliament of Canada also passed relevant resolutions in 2024 to oppose China ’s misinterpretation of UNGA Resolution 2758 and to support Taiwan ’s meaningful participation in international organizations. Taiwan ''s Active Participation in International Maritime Affairs Demonstrates Its Role as a Responsible Partner       As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan has continued to actively participate in various international maritime affairs in recent years through multilatera l mechanisms and bilateral relationships. These include participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Oceans and Fisheries Working Group (OFWG) and the Our Ocean Co nference (OOC), as well as practical cooperation with the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA), and India ''s National Institute of Oceanography and Technology (NIOT).       In addition, through the Taiwan International Ocean Forum, which serves as an important window for external advocacy, Taiwan has continued to deepen its cooperation with countrie s with similar philosophies — such as the European Union, Israel, Japan, and the Philippines — to jointly promote the blue economy, marine waste management, and digital resilience. Through these pragmatic actions, Taiwan has actively participated in the global governance p rocess, demonstrating its key role and potential to contribute to peace and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific region.   Taiwan ’s Democratic and Transparent Approach Counters Fictitious Narratives and Calls for International Action       Speaking at the forum, Minister Kuan said that Taiwan has chosen to demonstrate its sincerity and ability as a responsible maritime nation through an open, transparent, and coope rative approach. She emphasized that only by exposing and resisting China ''s false narratives can the rule-based international order be preserved.       Gavin Williamson, Member of Parliament (and former Secretary of State for Defense), echoed Minister Kuan ’s words: “We cannot let dictators win. Democracies must show their resolve through action, ” he said. “Freedom in Taiwan is not a matter for Taiwan alone; it is the responsibility of the entire democratic world. ”       The Ocean Affairs Council thanked the experts for their active participation in the International Ocean Forum and called on the international community to support Taiwan ''s meaningful participation in international organizations, and to work together to uphold the rule-based international order. As a member of a democratic, free, and open society, Taiwan is willing to join hands with global partners who share similar ideals and continue working for the sustainability of the oceans, regional peace, and the well-being of human ity. Together, we will build a more just, transparent, and resilient global governance system.  

   On July 3, 2025, the second day of the 2025 Taiwan International Ocean Forum (2025 TIOF), organized by the Ocean Affairs Council, commenced at the International Conference Center of National Taiwan University Hospital. The forum featured four keynote speeches centered on three major themes: “Blue Economy Dynamics, ” “ESG and Ocean Governance, ” and “Youth Generation Action. ” Key speakers from Japan, Korea, India, Indonesia, Israel, the Philippines, the U.S., and Taiwan —representing the fields of ocean policy and practice —gathered to present concrete, innovative solutions and cross-domain cooperation strategies to promote a global blue future..   2025 Taiwan International Ocean Forum Keynote Speech       Ms. Cynthia Barzuna, Director of the Ocean Action Coalition 2030 at the World Resources Institute (WRI), pointed out that the world faces challenges such as funding shortages, fr agmented governance, and increasing security risks. She advocated for “sustainable ocean planning ” to integrate defense, fisheries, and financial policies, thereby reducing investment risk and promoting blue jobs. She also called on nations to support the “100% Alliance ” initiative launched by France and Chile, and recognized Taiwan ’s electronic surveillance and IUU monitoring as strong examples of investment in maritime security.       Ms. Diane Faith Figueroa, Director for Innovative Finance, Asia-Pacific at RARE, highlighted that the global funding gap for marine conservation exceeds hundreds of billions of U .S. dollars annually. She shared innovative finance cases, including Indonesia ’s Small-Scale Fisheries Impact Bond and the Philippine Coral Reef Insurance Mechanism, showcasing how cross-border collaboration can create scalable conservation funding models.       Professor Lu Jin-Shan of National Taiwan Ocean University illustrated the transformative role of education through cooperation between the university and Keelung City. He introdu ced the “Blue Ocean Learning Companion ” program, Smart Harbor technologies, and academia-industry alliances to enhance Keelung ’s position as a hub of marine innovation.       Ms.Huang Chia-Lin, author of Ocean Taiwan: A Documentary of the Big Blue Nation, advocated for fostering emotional connections between people and the sea through citizen science and local patrols. He emphasized the power of narrative in rooting conservation efforts in communities.   The Blue Economy: Building Industrial Dynamism and Strategic Resilience      Moderated by Dr. Yao-Chi Lu, President of the Taipei National University of Marine Science and Technology (TNUMT), this panel featured speakers from Korea, Israel, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, and India who explored the blue economy through the lenses of industrial innovation, policy security, and inclusive governance.      Dr.Jungchul Bae, President of the Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute, and Hila Ehrenreich, CEO of Israel ’s National Center for the Blue Economy, shared developments in eco-ships, ammonia fuel testing, and algal carbon sequestration. They emphasized that technological innovation must be aligned with regulatory and policy frameworks to effectively drive low-carbon industry transformation.      In the area of finance and strategic security, Ms. Orina Chang, Vice Dean of the School of Banking and Finance at National Sun Yat-sen University, proposed the creation of soverei gn funds and blue ETFs. She also called for addressing emerging security concerns such as submarine cables, cybersecurity, and drones —turning finance into a “resilient lever ” for the blue economy.      Dr. Murakami Masatoshi, professor at Japan ’s Kogakkan University and former House of Representatives member, suggested Taiwan and Japan form a maritime security community to jointly develop rare resources and strengthen In do-Pacific and Arctic strategic planning.      On institutional design and governance, Dr.Anusha Kesarkar Gavankar of the Observer Research Foundation (India) and Andrew Kam Jia Yi, associate professor at the National Universi ty of Malaysia, proposed inclusive governance frameworks: a five-pillar model emphasizing the rule of law, knowledge creation, and community participation, and an 8i ×8R governance matrix linking ecological and financial instruments such as blue bonds.      Dr. Michael Huang, Senior Research Fellow at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation ’s Ocean Policy Research Institute, Japan, called for “ocean symbiosis ” as a core governance principle and emphasized high-value aquaculture, women ''s participation, and local economy-oriented models. He advocated for applying tools such as the Ocean Impact Navigator to assess social impact. Advancing Sustainability through ESG: Finance, Policy and Nature Solutions      Moderated by Professor Liu Ta-Kangof National Cheng Kung University and member of the Ocean Affairs Council, this session featured speakers from Israel, Indonesia, the Philippines , Taiwan, and international organizations. They outlined multi-pronged ESG strategies spanning finance, corporate governance, and nature-based solutions.      Ms.Diane Faith Figueroa, emphasized the need for cross-border tools such as outcome-based bonds and parametric climate insurance to achieve SDG 14 and the “30 ×30 ” global conservation goals. She shared practical cases in Indonesia and the Philippines, highlighting the essential roles of community engagement and risk transfer.      Mr. Hsu Pin-Kuan, Project Manager at Bureau Veritas, shared corporate experience in supporting the fisheries sector with carbon inventory and electronic audit systems. He urged co rporations to align with international standards such as GRI, ISO, and MSC.     In nature-based approaches, Efrat Lev, CEO of SEAKURA (Israel), and Alita Sangalang, senior expert at the Philippines ’ Department of Natural Environment and Resources, presented seaweed farming, mangrove restoration, and coral reef regeneration as cost-effective solutions. They advocated integrat ing such practices into coastal governance and ESG indicator frameworks.     Mr. M. Hasan Ansori, Executive Director of the Habibie Center (Indonesia), stressed the importance of the “triple helix ” of government, industry, and civil society in driving blue ESG governance. Ms. Iue Minako, President of Sailors for the Sea Japan, called for expanding the WTO Fisheries Subsidie s Agreement and strengthening the Blue Seafood Guide to support marine sustainability.      Mr. Yang Yanko, Co-founder of Y-Studio, and Mr. Yu Wan-Ju, General Manager of ID Water, introduced a design-oriented circular economy model that turns marine debris into high-end products. They also shared a multinational carbon credit platform for recycled materials to foster supply chain sustainability and local economic resilience. Youth in Action: Digital Diplomacy and Generational Innovation       Moderated by Ms. Lee Jasmine, Co-Founder of US Taiwan Watch, this session featured young leaders from Taiwan, the U.S., Japan, and India, who showcased their contributions to oce an advocacy through science, technology, diplomacy, and entrepreneurship.      Chen Szu-Ying, , Director of Azure Alliance, emphasized combining AI with local knowledge systems to improve ocean policy applicability. She shared her experiences at COP28 and th e UN Human Rights Council.      Huang Chia-Lin, writer and advocate for sustainable ocean travel, highlighted the power of emotional storytelling in mobilizing communities for ocean conservation and citizen scie nce.      On maritime security, Yang Hsin-Tzu, Youth Democracy Network Advisory Board Member, and Kuo Chia-You, Chair of the Digital Diplomacy Association, raised concerns about gray zone t hreats and submarine cable sabotage. They called for stronger legal frameworks, infrastructure protection, and digital diplomacy.      Mr. Wu Dee, a Ph.D. candidate at Japan ’s National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, warned of China ’s increasing use of civil-military integration in the blue economy. He called for strengthening transnational information-sharing and reducing reliance on Chinese-led shipbuilding supply chains.      Mr.Peter Tozzi, researcher at the U.S. Commission on Women, Peace and Security, advocated exposing IUU fishing and forced labor. He urged global cooperation on maritime patrols.      Ms.Matsuda Aya, International Affairs Advisor to the Japan Whaling Association, proposed “marine animal husbandry ” as a sustainable alternative to energy-intensive agriculture, highlighting its value for food security on outlying islands.      Mr.Bhavesh Jain, winner of India ’s National Youth Challenge, presented his entrepreneurial project to repurpose glass bottles, showing how youth-led initiatives can drive environmental and social change at the co mmunity level.   Conclusion: Intergenerational Connections for a Blue Future       The 2025 Taiwan International Ocean Forum, through its four keynote speeches and three thematic sessions, showcased Taiwan ’s leadership in ocean transformation, sustainable governance, and youth engagement. The Ocean Affairs Council emphasized that moving forward, Taiwan will deepen cross-national coo peration, cross-border innovation, and intergenerational partnerships to build a new vision of a people-centered blue economy and a resilient oceanic future.    

   On July 2, 2025 – The 2025 Taiwan International Ocean Forum (2025 TIOF), organized by the Ocean Affairs Council, was held from July 2 to July 3 in Hall 401 of the International Conference Center o f National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH). With “maritime security ” and “blue economy ” as the two core axes, the forum aims to explore the increasingly complex global geopolitical situation and emerging security challenges, and to promote regional and global cooper ation in ocean governance.       Kuan Bi-Ling, Minister of the Ocean Affairs Council, said in her speech at the opening ceremony of the forum that ocean issues have long surpassed the traditional scope of resour ce protection and have become the strategic centerpiece of regional security, economic resilience, and international order. As a global maritime transportation hub, Taiwan is also an indispensable technological node in the global supply chain and possesses world-leading semiconductor industries and technological capabilities. In the face of cross-cutting cha llenges such as China ''s ongoing gray zone operations and cognitive warfare, this is not only a security issue for Taiwan but has also risen to the level of a common security concern in the region and a round the world. Therefore, Taiwan needs to work together with like-minded countries to build a secure, sustainable, and prosperous maritime order. Kuan emphasized that Taiwan will continue to actively respond to the challenges of global ocean governance through transparent actions, deepening international participation, and promoting scientific and technolo gical innovation, demonstrating its firm stance and concrete power of action as a responsible maritime partner in the Indo-Pacific region.       Lin Fei-fan, Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council, pointed out that gray zone intrusion has become a common maritime security issue for the world, not only i n the vicinity of Taiwan but also in the Baltic Sea and other democracies where such incidents frequently occur. In the face of increasingly frequent non-traditional threats from c ountries such as China and Russia, countries should think about using legal tools and regional cooperation to strengthen their detection capabilities and response readiness. He emp hasized that in addition to maritime security, the forum also covered the blue economy and transnational resilience, which respond to the key policy areas of climate change, social resilience, and democratic defense covered by the three commissions established by the president. The oceans connect Taiwan with the rest of the world, and we look forward to deep ening international cooperation through the dialogue platform and demonstrating Taiwan ''s substantial contribution as a reliable partner to the world.       Legislator Chen Kuan-Ting said that, as President Lai stated, Taiwan is a citizen of the ocean and must face various challenges from the ocean. Whether it is in the area of ocean sustainability or maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region, the Ocean Affairs Council and the Coast Guard have long been on the front lines of gray zone intrusion and have mad e great efforts. The Legislative Yuan is also working closely with the Ministry of Information and Development, the Ocean Affairs Council, and other relevant organizations to promo te institutional construction and information transparency on issues such as submarine cable safety and emerging technology applications, and to strengthen the ability to grasp the situation and governance of the oceans.       This year ''s forum brings together over 100 ocean policymakers, government representatives, renowned think tank researchers, and industry leaders from more than 15 countries in the Indo-Paci fic region to contribute their wisdom and vision for a new Indo-Pacific ocean governance landscape.       The forum was attended by a strong lineup of VIPs, including Thomas P. McDevitt, Chairman of the Washington Times; Gavin Williamson, former Secretary of State for Defense of the United Kingdom; and a number of members of the Diet, including members of the Japanese House of Representatives Mr. Hitoshi Kikawada, Mr. Kentaro Genma, and Mr. Yamato Aoyama, who were in attendance to exchange views and ideas with high-level officials such as Minister Kuan and Deputy Secretary General Lin. The exchange of views demonstrated the high interna tional concern and policy importance of the forum.       The first day of the forum focused on security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, including non-traditional threats such as gray zone operations, maritime militias, submarine cable protection, and blockade-like operations, and explored regional cooperation mechanisms based on the experience of the South China Sea. The afternoon session centered on the Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy (FOIP), focusing on transnational joint law enforcement, humanitarian assistance, and maritime domain awareness sharing, as well as high-level d ialogues to explore the vision of regional maritime cooperation.       The second day of the conference was centered on “Blue Economy and ESG Transformation, ” with in-depth discussions on the blue carbon market, ocean green finance, smart monitoring, and sustainable fisheries from the perspective of supply chain restructuring and net-z ero transformation. Participants from The Economist, Israel, Korea, Japan, and other think tanks and experts will explore the strategies of convergence between Asia-Pacific blue in novation and Taiwan ''s blue economy practice. In addition, a special “Young Generation Session ” was held, inviting youth representatives from Taiwan, Japan, the United States, and India to share their views on ocean entrepreneurship, sustainable tourism, climate advocacy, a nd international digital voices, emphasizing the key role of youth participation in promoting the future governance of the oceans.       According to the Ocean Affairs Council, the forum deepened the connection between Taiwan and the international community through two days of high-level dialogues and cross-domain exchanges, and continued to build consensus and transform the fruits of cooperation. Taiwan will continue to make its voice heard and work together with countries with similar ide as to promote maritime security and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific and around the world.  

   On July 2, 2025, the 2025 Taiwan International Ocean Forum (TIOF), organized by the Ocean Affairs Council, was held at the International Conference Center of National Taiwan Unive rsity Hospital. Centered on the themes of “maritime security ” and “blue economy, ” the forum brought together dignitaries and experts from over 15 countries to Taipei for in-depth discussions on security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and the future dire ction of global ocean governance.      The highlight of the opening day, the “High-Level Dialogue ”, was moderated by Thomas P. McDevitt, Chairman of The Washington Times. Featured speakers included Minister Kuan Bi-ling (Ocean Affairs Council), Deputy Secretary General Lin Fei -fan (National Security Council), Gavin Williamson (Former UK Secretary of State for Defense), and Yamato Aoyama (Member of the House of Representatives, Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan). Discussions focused on strategic ocean governance, gray zone threats, and transnational cooperation —demonstrating Taiwan ’s increasing visibility and responsibility in global maritime affairs. Responding to China ''s Provocations: Gray Zone Actions and Information Warfare       Minister Kuan Bi-ling emphasized that the Council, as Taiwan ’s highest authority on maritime policy, is tasked with the mission of “Three Securities ” and “Four Ocean Policy Goals ”: territorial security, maritime law and order, public peace of mind, and environmental sustainability. These mandates span efforts from crime prevention and maritime rescue to co nservation, marine waste management, pollution control, and sustainable development.       She noted that Taiwan ’s wide-ranging and diversified role has fostered long-term partnerships with international allies —resilient against political shifts. She cited scientific cooperation with India as an example of effective interdisciplinary and cross-border collaboration.       On maritime security, Minister Kuan stressed Taiwan ’s frontline position in the First Island Chain, long subject to China ’s military exercises and gray zone provocations. She noted that Marine Patrol officers continue their duties daily, even at that moment repelling China Coast Guard ships from Dong sha Islands in accordance with law.       Minister Kuan described how China employs “narrative warfare ” —a form of disinformation aimed at distorting maritime order through fabricated historical claims. In response, Taiwan remains committed to peace, rule of law, and transparent enfo rcement. She underscored that Taiwan must resolutely uphold law enforcement by seizing vessels and prosecuting offenses such as illegal dredging, smuggling, and unauthorized fishin g, thereby affirming its maritime sovereignty.    She concluded that Taiwan ’s frontline experience equips it to share best practices with other nations facing similar gray zone threats, and called for establishing an international cooperation framework to address such hybrid challenges. NSC Deputy Secretary General Lin: Taiwan is not the only target, democratic camps should work together       Deputy Secretary General of National Security Council Lin Fei-fan stated that the military pressure Taiwan now faces far exceeds previous levels, with record-breaking incursions by Chinese aircraft across the median line, increasing PLA naval drills encircling Taiwan, and exercises reaching as far as the South China Sea, East China Sea, and even the Third Island Chain —all indicative of China ’s active implementation of its Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2AD) strategy. Deputy Secretary General Lin asserted:     “Taiwan is not the only target. This is a contest between democracy and authoritarianism. The global democratic partnership must stand united. ”     To enhance its capacity to respond, he outlined three key priorities: 1.Strengthening technological defense – accelerating drone and air defense system development to counter hybrid threats. 2.Reinstating the military court system – to uphold rule of law in wartime scenarios and deter infiltration. 3.Building defense resilience – drawing lessons from Ukraine, by increasing civil defense awareness and resource deployment capacity.      Gavin Williamson, former UK Secretary of State for Defense and current member of parliament, voiced strong support for Taiwan. He argued that Taiwan has been too modest on the int ernational stage and urged it to speak boldly to gain global backing:         “Freedom in Taiwan is not an issue for Taiwan alone —it is the shared responsibility of the democratic world. ”He shared how the UK ’s naval presence in the Taiwan Strait, despite Chinese objections, inspired similar actions by France and Australia, adding: “We must show resolve through action and not allow dictators to believe they can act without consequence. ”       Aoyama Yamato, MP from Japan ’s Constitutional Democratic Party, stressed that democratic values must extend beyond diplomacy and parliaments to local governments and civil society. He highlighted the sister c ity relationship between Tainan and Tsuchiura as a successful example of local-level diplomacy that strengthens democratic networks.Ahead of Japan ’s election season, he reassured attendees:         “Even if there is a change in ruling parties, Japan ’s commitment to Indo-Pacific peace, its alliance with the U.S., and its friendship with Taiwan will remain steadfast. ” Gaining International Support through Soft Power Diplomacy       As the session concluded, moderator Thomas P. McDevitt asked playfully, “If you could talk to President Trump today, what would you say? ” Minister Kuan responded with humor and candor:       “Over the past two decades, Taiwan has joined four major international organizations —IOC, APEC, ADB, and WTO —but the fifth has yet to happen. We are willing and able. I would ask President Trump, a master negotiator, to help make it possible. ”      The room burst into applause and laughter —highlighting the affability and diplomatic acumen of Taiwan ’s leadership on the international stage. Democracies Exchange Experiences to Find Solutions to Maritime Security      In addition to high-level dialogues, this year ''s forum also invited a number of international speakers to share their observations and strategies on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. Mr. Jay Tarriela, a maritime security expert from the Philippines, said that the Chinese Communist Party ''s provocative behavior in the South China Sea has seriously violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and undermined regional stability and the principle of fre edom of navigation. He called on the international community to work together to safeguard the order of the sea. KiKawada Hitoshi, a member of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan , pointed out that China ''s export restriction on rare earths poses an economic and defense threat to Japan, and advocated that Japan and Taiwan cooperate to set up a platform for maritime democracy, and d eepen Indo-Pacific cooperation on the basis of freedom of navigation and maritime security. Ms. Ilona Drozdov of Israel ''s Dvorah Forum shared her country ''s experience in dealing with grey operations such as drone and satellite jamming, and emphasized the need to strengthen investment in digital resilience, maritime infrastructure, and private sector innovations, as well as the establishment of a multilateral cybersecurity cooperation mechanism. Many experts at today ''s forum noted that Taiwan ''s experience on the front lines of gray zone threats and geopolitical conflicts is not only of high strategic value, but also critical for the global democratic community to estab lish cooperative mechanisms to deal with China ''s expansion.