Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) minister will attend the upcoming Our Ocean Conference in Palau under the name “Taiwan”. That’s the word from Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Joanne Ou on Tuesday. This is the first time Taiwan is sending a top official to the conference as opposed to NGO representatives or scholars in the past.
Palau is Taiwan’s ally in the Pacific. The conference is a key event for countries, civil societies, and industries to commit to concrete actions to protect the ocean.
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. sent an invitation to President Tsai Ing-wen for the conference. Tsai is sending EPA Minister Chang Tzi-chin to attend on her behalf.
Ou said that Taiwan sees itself as a responsible member of the Pacific region and it hopes to contribute to the marine environment and sustainable development in the global community. Taiwan’s contribution to the conference has included a marine ecological environment protection project in 2021 to promote marine conservation law legislation, sustainable blue economy, and maintenance of maritime safety.
Due to pressure from China, Taiwan often is unable to attend international events in an official capacity under the name “Taiwan”. The 7th Our Ocean Conference will take place from April 13-14.