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.  

On May 30, 2025, a Mexican national was reported missing while snorkeling in the waters off Dabaisha, Green Island. The Eastern Branch of the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) immed iately dispatched rescue units and mobilized the “Green Island Coast Guard Volunteer Team, ” established in 2024, to assist in the search. Volunteer Yang Kuo-sheng piloted a jet ski with Shen Cheng-hung, team leader at the Green Island Inspection Office, as they carried out coordinated search operations at sea. Yang, who also serves as president of the Taitung Chapter of the Chinese Taipei Water Life Saving Association (CTWLSA), highlighted how th e rescue effort demonstrated the complementary strengths and resource-sharing potential between Coast Guard officers and volunteers. He praised the Ocean Affairs Council ’s policy of expanding volunteer engagement as both timely and meaningful. As of June 2, the CGA had deployed 10 vehicles and 31 personnel along the coastline, five patrol boats with 37 officers at sea, and conducted six helicopter sorties in coordinatio n with the National Airborne Service Corps. A total of 23 Green Island volunteers have participated in the search. While the missing individual has not yet been located, efforts ar e ongoing, with local fishermen and civil groups continuing to support the operation. Minister Kuan of the Ocean Affairs Council stated that the rise in marine recreational activity contributes to tourism revitalization but also increases pressure on maritime patro l and ecological conservation. To meet this challenge, the Council is actively expanding the Coast Guard volunteer structure and enhancing safety measures. Timely response remains critical for both rescue operations and conservation efforts. Plans are underway to establish a structured training and mission framework for volunteers, aimed at creating a safer marine environment for all.

   The 10th Our Ocean Conference (OOC 10) took place from April 28 to 30 in Busan, South Korea. Taiwan demonstrated its unwavering commitment to global ocean sustainability by sendin g a delegation led by the National Academy of Marine Research (NAMR) under the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC), joined by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Inte rnational Cooperation and Development Fund, and other institutions —11 members in total.    This year, Taiwan made seven new commitments to sustainable oceans, held 14 bilateral meetings, and was invited to speak at six official side events. Notably, NAMR successfully ho sted its own side event themed “Smart Ocean Data Applications, ” which received widespread acclaim both at home and abroad. Minister Kuan Bi-ling, Chairperson of the OAC, expressed strong support for NAMR ’s continued innovation and engagement in international ocean affairs.    Established in 2014, the Our Ocean Conference has grown into one of the most influential global platforms for dialogue on ocean governance. This year ’s conference garnered 277 new commitments totaling USD 9.1 billion, and brought together ocean policy leaders, international organizations, NGOs, and private sector representative s from over 100 countries. Taiwan ’s delegation actively participated in policy dialogues, technical exchanges, and advocacy, showcasing the nation ’s strengths and initiatives in digital governance, marine technology, and regional cooperation.    Minister Kuan, a vocal advocate for Taiwan ’s ocean diplomacy, promotes a threefold strategy: active international engagement, hosting global conferences domestically, and creating international cooperation platforms. She e mphasized that as an island nation, Taiwan must not be absent from global ocean governance discussions. Instead, Taiwan should leverage its technological expertise, sound policy fr amework, and international partnerships to make institutional contributions toward sustainable development. She also praised NAMR ’s successful side event, which drew enthusiastic responses and highlighted Taiwan ’s capabilities in smart oceans and data governance.    With support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Cooperation and Development Fund, Taiwan ’s delegation conducted 14 bilateral meetings with allies and like-minded nations such as Palau and Saint Kitts and Nevis, strengthening bilateral cooperation and policy exchange. Through these efforts, Taiwan demonstrated its concrete contributions to regional development cooperation. NAMR has evolved beyond a research institution into a key platform for in ternational collaboration and engagement, playing a more active role on the global stage of ocean governance.    NAMR ’s side event, “Smart Ocean Data Applications: Advancing Toward a Sustainable Future, ” brought together experts from Japan, South Korea, the Marshall Islands, and Taiwan. Discussions focused on innovative uses of digital tools for sustainable management, including ocean information platforms, data sharing mechanisms, cost-effective operations, and policy applications. The session drew a full house of youth leaders, researchers, and represent atives from international organizations. The vibrant exchange underscored Taiwan ’s depth of expertise and openness as a knowledge-driven maritime nation.    The Ocean Affairs Council reaffirmed its commitment to advancing international engagement and regional connectivity through professionalism and pragmatism. In collaboration with d iplomatic and development partners, Taiwan will continue to contribute to global ocean sustainability and work hand-in-hand toward a resilient and inclusive blue future.  

   The 5th APEC Ocean-Related Ministerial Meeting (AOMM5) was convened in Busan from April 30 to May 1, 2025, marking the first such ministerial gathering in over a decade since 2014 . As the first APEC ministerial meeting attended by Taiwan ’s Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) since its establishment in 2018, the event brought together senior ocean-related policymakers from 19 APEC economies to address the future of oceans in the face of climate change. The meeting reflected a global shift in governance — from land-based approaches to ocean-centered strategies for sustainable development.    Dr. Kuan Bi-Ling, Minister of the OAC, led Taiwan ’s delegation and delivered all her speeches in English, demonstrating the country ’s firm commitment and professionalism in international ocean affairs. Taiwan Champions Ocean Dialogue and Regional Collaboration    Minister Kuan ’s debut appearance at AOMM5 underscored Taiwan ’s growing leadership in ocean governance and its readiness to engage in shaping global norms. In critical issues, including net-zero transition, sustainability, and smart ocean pr actices, Taiwan shared its concrete plans with APEC member economies on legislative and policy approaches, reinforcing its capacity to contribute to regional resilience through coo peration and mutual support.    Despite the tightly packed schedule, Minister Kuan held seven bilateral meetings and engaged in over a dozen sidelines during the two-day meeting. Her “marathon diplomacy ” focused on key topics, including blue economy development, marine debris management, ocean conservation, and youth participation, enhancing mutual trust and joint action plans wi th APEC partners. Notably, she made significant diplomatic headway with the United States and other like-minded economies in reviving stalled collaborations through candid, in-pers on exchanges. Bridging Global Trends with Local Innovation    Minister Kuan also used the forum to better understand global trends and measures in ecosystem protection. She highlighted Canada ’s progress in expanding Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), with 15.54% of its marine and coastal zones now under protection and a goal of 25% by the end of the year — a step toward the UN ’s “30x30 ” conservation target. In response, she showcased Taiwan ’s inclusive MPA model, which integrates Indigenous communities and fishers into the decision-making mechanisms, affirming their resource rights and embodying the principles of co- governance and shared stewardship. Supporting the Chair ’s Statement and the Proposal for the APEC Ocean Resilience Enhancement Roadmap    Echoing the meeting ’s theme — “Navigating Our Blue Future: Connection, Innovation and Prosperity ” — Minister Kuan emphasized Taiwan ’s initiatives and actions to boost ocean resilience through AI-powered forecasting and digital disaster management systems. These technologies, implemented under Taiwan ’s New Southbound Policy, have already helped Southeast Asian nations establish over 100 smart early warning stations, significantly improving regional disaster response capacity.    Taiwan voiced strong support for the Chair ’s Statement proposed by the host economy, the Republic of Korea, and its proposal for the “APEC Ocean Resilience Enhancement Roadmap ” as a milestone to enhance regional environmental governance and promote shared prosperity under the APEC 2040 Putrajaya Vision.    Minister Kuan also raised concerns over threats of compound disasters arising from both natural and human factors, such as suspicious foreign vessels operating near Taiwan ’s waters, potentially conducting reconnaissance, or engaging in the deliberate sabotage of undersea cables. In response, she outlined Taiwan ’s integrated strategy, combining technology-based surveillance, pattern analytics, and cross-ministerial coordination to strengthen situational awareness and ensure maritime secur ity.   “We are resilient — and we must be, ” Minister Kuan declared in her plenary address, reaffirming Taiwan ’s resolve to face ocean crises. She also called on all APEC member economies to jointly respond to global oceanic challenges, moving towards a resilient and sustainable blue futur e.

Youth Around the World, Act Now! The Ocean Challenge 2025 is officially launching! Young people aged 12 to 35 are invited to propose innovative solutions to address the pressing challenges facing the ocean and to protect the planet ''s blue future. Co-hosted by the Ocean Affairs Council and the American Institute in Taiwan, Kaohsiung Branch (AIT/K), this event offers significant rewards and international expos ure to empower youth-driven initiatives for global impact. Join Global Youth to Address Ocean Challenges This year ''s event focuses on three critical issues concerning our oceans, encouraging young minds to create innovative solutions. The first topic, Clean Ocean, invites participants to use t echnology to reduce ocean pollution. This includes developing advanced methods to remove marine debris and promoting eco-friendly tourism to protect and preserve our invaluable oce an resources. The second thematic area, Safe Ocean, emphasizes the enhancement of maritime safety through the utilization of artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and collaborative inter national efforts. Participants shall engage in the development of advanced early warning and rescue systems to ensure that ocean explorers and enthusiasts can enjoy maritime activi ties with greater security. Finally, Smart Utilization of the Ocean aims to promote a sustainable marine economy by merging scientific research with industry practices. Innovators will explore new, environme ntally friendly methods to utilize ocean resources while ensuring a vital balance between environmental protection and economic development. The event encourages innovative solutio ns to protect and sustainably manage our oceans for future generations through these themes. Participants are required to submit a 6-page proposal and a 3-minute creative video. Individuals from all academic disciplines are encouraged to participate, fostering collaborati on among interdisciplinary teams to innovate towards a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable oceanic future. Ocean Wishes: Make Dreams Reality This year, the event introduces the "Ocean Wishes " initiative, offering participants a unique opportunity to turn their ocean-related dreams into reality. Teams can propose a wish —whether it involves joining the Coast Guard ''s patrol missions, exploring the deep sea with marine scientists, or representing Taiwan at international ocean conferences. Selected wishes will receive support from the organize rs, helping participants transform their ideas into real-life experiences and gain a deeper understanding of ocean conservation. Exciting Prizes and Worldwide Recognition This event is more than a competition; it serves as a launchpad for the future. Winning teams will receive substantial cash prizes to help turn their ideas into reality. The Gold Award will grant NT$120,000, the Silver Award will offer NT$80,000, and the Bronze Award will provide NT$50,000. In addition to the top prizes, 12 finalist teams will receive NT$10 ,000 in seed funding, allowing them to refine and implement their proposals. This support ensures that their ideas progress beyond the conceptual stage and make a tangible impact o n ocean sustainability. Registration Now Open! Submit Your Proposal by May 25! Registration for the Ocean Challenge 2025 is now open! The deadline for submitting proposals is May 25, 2025. The list of finalists will be announced on July 31, and the final pre sentation event will take place in early September. This event offers a unique opportunity for global youth to connect, collaborate, and innovate for ocean sustainability. Whether you are a technology innovator, environmental advoc ate, or creative problem-solver, this is your chance to showcase your talents on an international stage. Come together with your team, let your creativity shine, and join us in mak ing a difference for the future of our oceans! Event Details & Registration Official Website Proposal Submission Email: oceanchallenge01@gmail.com

Three-quarters of the Earth is covered by oceans, which play a crucial role in sustaining human society and economic activities, as well as regulating the Earth ''s climate. Therefore, the sustainable development of the oceans has become a global focal point. Given that government resources are limited, while private sector power is limitle ss, the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) has established the "Corporate Marine Sustainability Contribution Award " this year. This award aims to publicly recognize companies that have made outstanding contributions in promoting marine sustainability, encouraging more businesses to engage in m arine sustainability efforts, and fostering greater social attention and support for the cause. The OAC explained that the "Corporate Marine Sustainability Contribution Award " will be categorized based on business size, with a division between Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and general enterprises. The selection process will focus on the specific contributions made by companies between 2024 and 2025 in areas such as reducing marine pollution, conserving marine biodiversity, restoring blue carbon ecosystems, promoting marine circular economies, and embedding marine education. The evaluation criteria will cover three main indicators: the company ''s plans and vision for marine sustainability, the extent of their contributions to marine sustainability, and whether their execution methods or results are exemplary. Companies t hat score 85 points or higher will be publicly recognized and awarded a certificate and trophy. The OAC emphasized that with growing global environmental awareness, promoting marine sustainability will become a key way for businesses to fulfill their social responsibilities. It represents not just a moral obligation, but also an investment in the future of the company. By promoting marine sustainability, businesses can not only enhance their brand val ue and international competitiveness but also bring positive impacts to society and the environment. The "Corporate Marine Sustainability Contribution Award " provides a platform for companies to showcase and share their social contributions, further encouraging more companies to participate in marine sustainability efforts and collabo rate to protect our blue planet. The OAC encourages all businesses to actively participate in this selection process. Registration is open now and will close on June 30th. For more information about the selection process, please visit the OAC ''s official website at [https://www.oac.gov.tw/ch/home.jsp?id=67 &parentpath=0,6 &mcustomize=bulletin_view.jsp &dataserno=202503310001].

The Coast Guard Administration ''s (CGA) Hsinchu patrol vessel, completed its first high seas fisheries patrol mission of 2024. Upon returning safely to Taipei Port on July 2nd, they were warmly welcomed by Kuan Bi-ling, Minister of the Ocean Affairs Council, who recognized their efforts and commitment to completing the voyage of over 17,000 km. Kuan highlighted the fact that out of the 10 members of the Hsinchu patrol vessel ''s crew, nearly 30% were women responsible for a variety of duties aboard the 4,000-ton vessel. They worked alongside male crew members as sub-lieutenants , also in kitchen, engine department and navigation duties. Therefore, this mission has served to showcase not only the CGA ’s determination to protect Taiwan ’s fisheries rights, but also women ’s empowerment in the CGA. Kuan stated that she placed great importance on the Hsinchu patrol vessel ’s long-term fisheries patrol mission. When the Hsinchu patrol vessel embarked on its voyage on May 29th, Kuan had personally attended their send-off, where she promised to welcome them personally when they come back. Despite feeling not well yesterday, Kuan was determined to keep her promise to the crew. Kuan noted that the Hsinchu patrol vessel had sailed over 17,000 km in 35 days. During these days, they transmitted words of support from Taiwan for Taiwan ’s fishing vessels, demonstrating the government stands firmly behind the fishermen. The Hsinchu patrol vessel also boarded several fishing vessels that were operating in internati onals waters to enforce control and supervision, thereby carrying out a compassionate but firm hand in its duties. Kuan commended the 10 female crew members of the Hsinchu patrol vessel, praising them for their exceptional skills and dedication to their duties aboard the ship. Their roles incl uded sub-lieutenants, team members, and chefs, with their duties from spanning deck duties, board and search missions, translation, engine room duties, to ensuring that meals were properly delivered to the entire crew. Every female crew performed their duties exceptionally great as well as the male crew members. For example, the Sub-Lieutenant Lin Hsiao-jung , who works in navigation department. After graduating from Taiwan Police College, Lin successfully passed ‘ ’Civil Service Special Examination Officers –Maritime Police ’ ’ and devoted her career to long-range maritime patrols. This is Lin ’s third mission, which accumulates distance to a complete cycle around the earth ! Another example is Sub-Lieutenant Liu Yi-pei, who was responsible for the engine room. Liu also graduated from the Taiwan Police College and is extremely fluent in foreign languag es, which helped facilitate diplomatic missions. Last, the chef Chiu Ya-ling, with another chef ensured that over 40 crew members had healthy and varied meals every meal These wome n brought much diversity and inclusion for the mission, providing them an opportunity to explore their potential in new domains, they also set an example for other crews. Kuan expressed that the administration and agency work together as one, the Hsinchu patrol vessel and other long-range patrol vessels were also assigned the task of obtaining samp les of seawater ,that helps the ‘ ’Fisheries Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture ’ ’. During their voyage, the Hsinchu patrol vessel obtained seawater samples from three locations to test radioactivity in the ocean. These samples serve as important references for the government in the establishment of a radioactivity database. Thanks to this research, both Taiwan and the international community can be assured that such matters are being we ll monitored. Kuan thanked the crew for their efforts during the mission and reminded them to rest well, be prepared for the next mission. She also urged them to seek excellence in their future endeavors and to live up to the public ’s expectations.

A program named “Their Oceans — Women ’s Power for Deep Cultivation of Local Maritime Culture ” was sponsored by the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) today, June 5, with the goal of promoting mutual exchange between the cultures of new immigrants and maritime culture and raising public awareness of the significance of gender issues in ocean affairs. Twenty female new immigrants from Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia as well as members of the second generat ion of immigrants were invited to the activity. The attendees discussed their personal ocean-related experiences in addition to learning about Taiwan ’s culture of seafood consumption. They visited landscapes as well as buildings of gender significance in the Cijin District of Kaohsiung. Taking advantage of this chance, the new immigrants experienced with the OAC the role played by women of Taiwan ’s maritime culture. Furthermore, the OAC invited our people, including the new immigrants, to participate in the National Oceans Day celebrations on June 15. Bi-Ling Kuan, Minister of the OAC, described herself as a member of the new immigrant community in addition to being the mother-in-law of a new immigrant. The sound of the ocean w aves is a common language that is felt throughout Taiwan and many other Southeast Asian nations. By hosting the activity, she looks forward to expanding understanding and cooperati on between people of all genders and cultural backgrounds, as well as inclusivity and variety among genders and oceans, thereby enhancing Taiwan ’s maritime culture. The event was held in Cijin, the birthplace of the Port of Kaohsiung. New immigrants from Cianjhen District as well as Cijin were invited to immerse themselves in Taiwan ’s rich and diverse maritime culture. For the “A Taste of Their Oceans ” program, Ms. Mei-E Guo, a Cijin businesswoman, planned a traditional Taiwanese banquet where the new immigrants could enjoy local seafood that had just been captured. The new imm igrants engaged in Taiwan ’s seafood-eating customs by savoring a variety of dishes caught nearby. What ’s more, profound awareness of sustainable fisheries and marine ecology is thereby cultivated. At the banquet with the theme “Women and the Oceans, ” three second-generation Indonesian immigrants, Ms. Chiu-E Wu, Ms. Li-Na Liu, and Ms. Shu-Ling Hong, exchanged personal experiences regarding their gender and the oceans. Ms. Wu p resently serves as an interpreter for migrant fishermen in the Cianjhen District. She teaches Southeast Asian languages and culinary studies as well. Ms. Liu is an independent host for the Fisheries Radio Station of the Fisheries Agency of Taiwan ’s Ministry of Agriculture. She is dedicated to promoting the mental health of migrant fishermen. They were both delighted to be engaged in the event and were impressed by how much Taiwan values gender issues and the oceans. Acknowledging the importance of migrant fishermen as a vital labor force in the fishing sector and national economy, they serves as int erpreters between Indonesian fisherman and the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) and the OAC, demonstrating their willingness to apply their gendered communication skills. As the daughter of a new Indonesian immigrant, Ms. Hong struggled with self-doubt while growing up in a transnational married family. Working in the social welfare field and engag ing in self-reflection and introspection helped her find who she was. She noted that the activity held particular significance for her, as it broadened her perspective on the diver sity and inclusivity of genders and oceans from the perspective of women. She is willing to utilize what she had learned in her career as a helpful professional to support marine d evelopment. The OAC organized a visit to locations of both marine and gender significance during the afternoon program “A Visit to Their Oceans ” in cooperation with the Takao Renaissance Association and tour guides specializing in landscapes of gender significance in Cijin. After leaving Jhongjhou, the participants went t o the Cijin Church of Stella Maris, the Cijin Tianhou Temple, and the Cijin Memorial Park for Women Laborers. They were astonished by the veneration of female deities from diverse cultures in Cijin as well as the contributions made by women to   Taiwan ’s advancement through these landscapes. Under the guidance of competent tour guides, the new immigrants gained further understanding about Kaohsiung and recognized the contributio ns made by women to the progress of society and maritime culture. Minister Kuan also underlined the significance of the oceans as valuable natural resources on earth. Likewise, Taiwan views her new immigrants as priceless assets. Women are vital and essential in all fields concerning marine life, including marine research, marine conservation, maritime security, and preservation of maritime culture. It is anticipated that the event today will raise public awareness of gender equality. Meanwhile, she emphasized that oceans should not serve as barriers that prevent people from accessing them or as bo undaries that limit our range. By connecting with the rest of the earth and exploring the oceans, we might be able to transcend both mental and physical obstacles. This will unite people of different cultures, genders, and backgrounds to exchange ideals and cooperate in defending our blue territory. Minister Kuan highlighted that it is the National Oceans Day this June 8th. The OAC will celebrate the fifth National Oceans Day with the theme “Set Sail in the Wind to Explore the Oceans ” on June 15 at Piers 16 and 17 of the Port of Kaohsiung. Minister Kuan would like to extend an invitation to our people to come together in support of the oceans and to gain stren gth in unity.

The workshop, organized by the Ocean Affairs Council, continued on May 7th at the Chaojin Intelligent Ocean (iOCEAN) within the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology (NM MST) in Keelung City. Dr. Su-Fen Chen, Director-General of the NMMST, welcomed the delegates, shedding light on the unique contributions of women in Taiwan ’s marine science, ocean professionals, and educational sectors while also discussing the challenges and opportunities faced by women in marine conservation around the world. The morning session commenced with presentations by three experts. First, Dr. Hsiang-Wen Huang, Director-General of the Ocean Conservation Administration, Ocean Affairs Council fr om Taiwan, shared her career journey and research endeavors in marine conservation. Through scientific research, she demonstrated how modifications in fishing gear and methods, suc h as using round-shaped fish hooks and implementing mitigation measures in longline fishery, could reduce the bycatch of turtles and seabirds, respectively. Additionally, Director- General Huang highlighted her efforts to analyze fundamental data to gradually develop and promote national policies on marine debris governance. These experiences underscored how women can leverage collaboration to fully release their potential and contribute to marine conservation. The following speaker, Mrs. Nurmila Anwar from Indonesia ’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, shared Indonesia ’s strategies for sustainable trade and marine resource protection through strict quota controls. The last speaker, Ms. Nicola MacDonald, Co-Chair of New Zealand ’s Hauraki Gulf Forum, shared her journey as an indigenous female leader advocating for marine conservation. As a leader in her coastal indigenous community, she observed the gradu al environmental changes and led the community to execute the largest-ever mussels release (1.5 million tonnes). This action aimed to purify local water quality, increase dissolved oxygen levels, and improve marine ecosystems. She also replaced traditional plastic mussel attachment ropes with natural materials. These efforts earned Ms. MacDonald the honor of receiving the 2024 New Zealand Environmental Hero Award. Following the short talks, participants engaged in group discussions on women ’s roles in marine conservation, emphasizing gender diversity and the importance of technological innovation in overcoming barriers to women ’s participation. They also discussed the integration of traditional knowledge into conservation efforts to promote gender equality and sustainable development. After a lively exchange of ideas, the locally renowned ‘Badauyao ’ boxed lunches were promptly served, representing the unique flavors of Badouzi, one of the largest fishing ports in Northern Taiwan. The ‘Badauyao ’ is an eco-conscious restaurant with the idea of minimizing additives and plastic usage, which echoes the vision of this workshop. The taste of the lunchbox also provided particip ants with a sample of the wisdom and culture of the coastal community. In the afternoon, participants visited the Chaojin Coral Conservation Center, a joint initiative between the NMMST and the Delta Electronics Foundation, the first zero-carbon cora l conservation center in Asia. It also aims to restore ten thousand endangered corals through innovative technologies over the next three years. Through an immersive experience, participants were guided by experts to plant corals step by step to contribute to marine conservation. Participants also experienced Virtual Reali ty technology, gaining insights into sustainable marine ecosystems from a relaxed and enjoyable tech approach. It was worth noting that all participants, both domestic and international, showed great interest in Taiwan ’s marine protected areas, particularly the “Wanghaixiang Bay Conservation Area. ” This area, a collaborative effort between the Ocean Affairs Council, Keelung City Government, and the NMMST, embodies the essence of public-private cooperation with active partic ipation from residents, promoting community revitalization and sustainable development. Through this collaborative effort, the conservation area has become a prime advocate for Tai wan ’s marine conservation spirit. With the enthusiastic participation of all attendees, the workshop concluded with joy. Participants expressed amazement, inspiration, and support for the in-depth discussions and interactive learning opportunities. They pledged to promote gender equality and women ’s empowerment in the marine industry, advocate for sustainable marine conservation, and create a more resilient and inclusive future for the Asia-Pacific region.

Hosted by the Ocean Affairs Council, the APEC Workshop on Fostering Women ’s Economic Empowerment for a Resilient Marine Industry kicked off today (May 6) at the Fulong Visitor Center in New Taipei City. Over two days, government officials, experts, scho lars, and representatives from non-profit organizations from nine APEC member economies, including Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand , Viet Nam, and Taiwan, gathered for discussions. The workshop, held in a “learning by walking ” format, encouraged participants to engage in practical experiences to explore the role of women in the marine industry and discuss ways to enhance female participation through ca pacity building and the importance of establishing networks and connections among women. The first day of the workshop commenced in Magang Fishing Village, the easternmost point of Taiwan ’s main island. On behalf of the host, Dr. Hsiang-Wen Huang, Director-General of the Ocean Conservation Administration, Ocean Affairs Council, delivered the welcome remarks, and pa rticipants enjoyed the “seaweed jelly drinks ” together before experiencing Sea Women gatherings in the intertidal zone. They learned about the traditional wisdom of Sea Women in marine activities. For lunch, Sea Women used l ocal networks and cooperative sharing methods to prepare dishes using locally harvested ingredients. This allowed guests to immerse themselves in the authentic culinary experience of Magang. During the afternoon session, Dr. Wen-Ling Hong, Deputy Minister of the Ocean Affairs Council, emphasized the shared vision of APEC member economies in promoting women ’s empowerment and achieving gender equality in the ocean-related sector. This workshop marked the second initiative by the Ocean Affairs Council to promote female participation in the ocean-related sector within the APEC framework. Through exchanges, participants aimed to facilitate dialogues across sectors and explore how women in marine cultures can creat e inclusive environments through capacity building and network building. The theme of the first day ’s workshop was “Women in Marine Culture, ” featuring presentations by researchers from South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan on Sea Women culture. Assistant Professor Sa-Na Ho from Soochow University in Taiwan explained how Taiw anese Sea Women construct community resilience through female networks. Professor Chul-In Yoo from Jeju National University in Korea shared the experience of inscribing Jeju Island ’s Haenyeo (Sea Women) culture as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. Dr. Mai Yoshimura from Nagoya University in Japan provided insights into the current state of Ama ( Sea Women) in Japan, including the declining number of Sea Women and their collaborative work practices. This session, witnessed by domestic and international participants, marked a historic moment of exchange among researchers from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan regarding Sea Women ’s culture. In addition to expert short talks, participants engaged in group discussions to explore forward-looking issues, including the protection and innovation of Sea Women ’s culture and the establishment of women ’s communities and networks in marine culture and fisheries. Domestic and international guests recognized Sea Women as a profession and an integral part of a way of life deeply con nected to the ocean. Despite cultural differences, Sea Women communities share a common wisdom of mutual assistance and coexistence with the ocean. With their unique diving abiliti es, Sea Women serve as frontline observers of changes in the marine environment, advocating for marine conservation. The first day of the workshop concluded with an intertidal zone dinner, emphasizing the importance of environmental friendliness and sustainable development through the selection of seasonal ingredients and the reduction of food carbon footprint.

The Chairperson of the Ocean Affairs Council, Pi-ling Kuan, attended the launch event of the GoOcean App (Marine Recreation Risk Information App), developed in accordance with the "Respect the Sea " policy, at the National Academy of Marine Research on December 26th.In her opening speech, Minister Bi-ling Kuan highlighted the contributions of the Ocean Affairs Council and it s assistance to the Executive Yuan in promoting the "Salute to the Sea " policy since 2020. The council has actively supported local governments in enhancing communication with private organizations and improving risk notifications, safety measures, a nd rescue capabilities in recreational areas, following the principles of "openness and effective management " in marine safety. Minister Kuan emphasized her commitment to the "Three Safeties and Four (Comprehensive) Maritime " policy, particularly focusing on the "pre-disaster risk disclosure " and "post-disaster immediate rescue " aspects of the "safety " strategy. In 2024, she plans to allocate a budget of up to NTD 35 million to collaborate with local governments in enhancing the marine safety networks. Furthermore, what particularly impressed her was the contribution of the National Academy of Marine Research to technology-assisted governance and technology benefits for the peop le. In 4 demonstration areas, namely the North Coast, Northeast Corner, Pengnan, and Hengchun Peninsula, the academy strengthens marine environmental monitoring and assesses recrea tional risks using new technologies. Researchers, through innovative thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration, transform initially complex marine information into easily unders tandable real-time risk information, represented by a "traffic light " system, thus making marine recreation safer. This holds significant and indicative value for realizing the principles of "information transparency, " "clear risk assessment, " and "accountability " in the "Salute to the Sea " strategy. Minister Kuan also mentioned that, upon assuming office, she instructed the National Academy of Marine Research to internationalize the GoOcean and provide a user-friendly mobile app. This initiative aims to enable Taiwanese citizens and foreign tourists to enjoy Taiwan ''s beautiful marine islands for recreation and sports, ensuring a joyful marine experience and a safe return home. The National Academy of Marine Research has collaborated with use rs from various fields to develop an English version and a mobile app. The launch event specifically invited several marine enthusiasts who actively participated in optimizing the GoOcean app. Transitioning from users to contributors, they collective ly witnessed the birth of this marine app. All participants unanimously acknowledged that GoOcean, developed independently by the Taiwanese, offers more accurate, comprehensive, an d user-friendly information than other foreign software. It is considered an excellent tool for individuals new to marine activities and those eager to explore the ocean. In line with these user endorsements, the National Academy of Marine Research hopes to continue promoting the GoOcean app ''s marine recreation risk information services to the Taiwanese public. This effort is seen as significantly contributing to the country ''s goal of opening up the ocean under the premise of safety. Minister Bi-ling Kuan also encourages the public to download and use the app extensively, emphasizing the importance of protecting one ''s safety while fostering love and closeness to the ocean.