February 9, 2018
No. 018
Following the earthquake that occurred off the coast of Hualien in eastern Taiwan at 23:50 February 6, the international community has continued to show its concern and offer assistance. This fully demonstrates the world community's strong friendship toward Taiwan. On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its heartfelt appreciation.
As of 17:00 on February 9, a total of 55 countries, as well as the Central American Integration System, Central American Parliament, European Union, and Organization of Eastern Caribbean States have conveyed concern and expressed willingness to provide relief supplies or send rescue teams to Taiwan. The 55 countries include Australia, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, the Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Germany, Guatemala, Haiti, the Holy See, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Russia, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, Slovakia, Swaziland, Switzerland, Turkey, Tuvalu, the United Kingdom, the United States, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
In addition, the Japanese government immediately sent a team of seven experts, which arrived in Taiwan at noon on February 8 and brought two high-end life detectors. The Singaporean government dispatched a C-130 cargo plane carrying such relief items as medical supplies, tents, and flashlights to Taiwan on February 9. (E)