In recent years, as international political circumstances have undergone rapid changes, Taiwan has become a part of the “global village? This has inevitable had an impact on our country, and made it all the more important for us to increase our relationships with other countries. On January 1, 2002, Taiwan officially joined the World Trade Organization. Of key importance became the question of how to become more international and competitive.
     On September 21, 1999, a tremendous earthquake occurred in Taiwan, and the Dong-Xing building in Taipei collapsed. Some Taipei residents were trapped inside the rubble, and were in urgent need of rescuing. During this time, many countries offered us assistance, and promptly sent rescue teams here. Many cities all over the world, including our sister cities, telephoned to express their sympathy, or even visited in person to offer financial relief. This council, and the people of Taipei, were very grateful for these sincere expressions of friendship from other countries. In 2001, the September 11 Incident took place, in which terrorists drove hijacked passenger airplanes into New York’s World Trade Center. This received worldwide condemnation, and the impact of this act of terrorism could be felt everywhere. A few days later, on September 17, Taiwan experienced its worst flooding in history, as a result of Typhoon Nari. Both the city government and Taipei city residents experienced great financial losses. Our sister cities, and other cities around the world, all telephoned to offer their condolences. This city and its city council will long remember the encouragement and warm expressions of friendship shown at that time.
     Taipei City Council places great importance on international relationships, and has a policy of international diplomatic expansion. Through visits abroad, and through receiving international visitors, we are able to see the fruits of our hard work in cultivating international relationships. Our council continues to strive for the friendship and understanding of international personages, and to increase international exchanges.
     So far, Taipei has established the relationship of sister city with 45 cities of 32 countries in the world, that of friendship city with 2 cities and partner city with one city. These affiliated cities are as follows.