Taiwan has been active in providing nations struck by natural disaster with medical aid and relief supplies, and helping them rebuild, since the 1980s. This commitment was redoubled following the overwhelming international response to the major earthquake that struck Taiwan on September 21, 1999. Accumulated government and private donations provided by Taiwan now total over US$1 billion. The results of Taiwan’s efforts in this vein can be seen the world over.
Two instances when Taiwan lent a helping hand are of special note as they highlight the compassion and magnanimity of Taiwan’s people. In 2008, when southwestern China suffered a massive earthquake, the government and people of Taiwan donated a collective US$230 million, a figure second only to Hong Kong’s. In 2011, when Japan also suffered a devastating earthquake, Taiwan’s donations exceeded US$200 million, and were the greatest cash donation provided by any nation. These totals do not extend to include the cost of donations in kind, and of personnel dispatched to lend a helping hand. Taiwan’s efforts were met with a wellspring of gratitude among the Japanese people.
Taiwan has been active in providing nations struck by natural disaster with medical aid and relief supplies, and helping them rebuild, since the 1980s. This commitment was redoubled following the overwhelming international response to the major earthquake that struck Taiwan on September 21, 1999. Accumulated government and private donations provided by Taiwan now total over US$1 billion. The results of Taiwan’s efforts in this vein can be seen the world over.
Two instances when Taiwan lent a helping hand are of special note as they highlight the compassion and magnanimity of Taiwan’s people. In 2008, when southwestern China suffered a massive earthquake, the government and people of Taiwan donated a collective US$230 million, a figure second only to Hong Kong’s. In 2011, when Japan also suffered a devastating earthquake, Taiwan’s donations exceeded US$200 million, and were the greatest cash donation provided by any nation. These totals do not extend to include the cost of donations in kind, and of personnel dispatched to lend a helping hand. Taiwan’s efforts were met with a wellspring of gratitude among the Japanese people. ( Read More... )
