Modelo®, Takis® Snacks and Spice Adams Invite Fans to Go ‘All In’ This Summer with the “Hands on a Hot Drop” Competition

As one of many limited-edition #ModeloTime collaborations dropping this summer, fans will compete for a branded Modelo and Takis® Snacks vending machine and a year’s worth of beer and snacks*.

Modelo / Takis Vending Machine

Modelo / Takis Vending Machine

CHICAGO, July 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Summer is in full swing and to help fans maximize everything this season has to offer, Modelo is inviting consumers to have an “All In Summer” by partnering with some of the hottest brands to unlock weekly #ModeloTime collaborations. As part of the weekly #ModeloTime drops, Modelo has teamed up with Takis® Snacks to create a limited-edition, temperature-controlled vending machine, combining two of the best tastes of the summer – beer brewed for those with the Fighting Spirit paired with the iconic spicy snack brand.

To put Fighting Spirits to the test, Modelo has an exciting way for fans to get their hands – or hand – on a Modelo and Takis® Snacks Vending Machine. On Sunday, July 10, Modelo and Takis® Snacks will host its “Hands on a Hot Drop” Competition, where one lucky winner will receive the limited-edition vending machine along with help to buy a year’s worth* of Modelo and Takis® Snacks to fuel the summer vibes for the next year.

“Modelo is committed to helping our fans unleash their inner Fighting Spirit and maximize their summer,” said Greg Gallagher, Vice President Brand Marketing, Modelo. “Just like us, Takis Snacks has never been afraid to be bold, so it was a great fit to work with them on this unique experience.”

Pre-selected “Hands on a Hot Drop” contestants will be required to place one hand on the vending machine at the start of the competition and if they take their hand off for any reason— even if it’s to grab an ice-cold Modelo or wipe Takis® Snacks crumbs off their face – it will result in elimination. To keep things interesting, Modelo has tapped former professional football star and TV personality Spice Adams to host the competition, during which he will present challenges to see who has the most Fighting Spirit.

Modelo / Takis “Hands on a Hot Drop”

Modelo / Takis “Hands on a Hot Drop”

“I am thrilled to join Modelo and Takis Snacks at the iHeartRadio Block Party to host the ‘Hands on a Hot Drop’ competition and bring some extra spice,” said Adams. “I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve to keep participants on their toes and make sure everyone is having a great time. I’m ready to see which of these contestants has what it takes to bring the grand prize home.”

The competition will be held at the iHeartRadio Block Party presented by Modelo on Sunday, July 10 from 2 to 6 pm EST at Pier 76 in New York City. Modelo is welcoming those 21+ to watch the “Hands on a Hot Drop” competition live in New York City or on Instagram channels @ModeloUSA and @SpiceAdams.

Outside of the competition, two fans will be selected to win a Modelo and Takis® Snacks Vending Machine and help to buy a six-month supply* of Modelo beer and Takis® Snacks by entering the sweepstakes. The Modelo and Takis® Snacks collaboration is just one in a series of #ModeloTime drops taking place this summer to help consumers go all in. Every Friday at 3 p.m. ET, there is a fresh #ModeloTime drop, so fans won’t want to miss out. In order to get in on all the action, those interested can visit https://www.modelousa.com/pages/summer to enter the #ModeloTime drops and learn more.

Whether it’s a classic like Modelo Especial, the #1 import beer in the U.S.,1 or the full-flavored Chelada lineup – Modelo is here to help consumers go all in and make the most out of the precious summer months.

ABOUT MODELO®
Born in 1925 in the small town of Tacuba, Mexico, Modelo has been bringing distinctive high-quality beer to people ever since, including Modelo Especial®, Modelo Negra®, and a flavorful lineup of Modelo Cheladas. Modelo Especial is a golden, full-flavored Pilsner-style Lager with a clean, crisp finish. As the #1 imported beer in the U.S., Modelo Especial recently surpassed 150MM cases sold in 2021. The Modelo family of beers are exclusively brewed, imported and marketed for the U.S. by Constellation Brands.

ABOUT TAKIS®
Takis®️ is the most well-known brand of Barcel USA, the U.S. snack division of Grupo Bimbo, the world’s largest baking company with operations in 33 countries. Barcel USA is an exciting, young and fast-growing consumer packaged goods company headquartered in Coppell, Texas, with a strong presence in the largest markets nationwide. Takis are no ordinary snacks; they are the most intense snacks in the world. With different varieties: Takis®️ Rolled Tortilla Chips, Takis®️ Stix, Takis®️ Waves, Takis®️ Pop! and Takis®️ Hot Nuts. Takis snacks are for the strong, brave and daring. Visit us at www.barcel-usa.com/Takis

Media Contact:
Stephanie McGuane
Stephanie.mcguane@cbrands.com

1 Source: IQ 12LM ending November 2020
*Awarded in the form of a gift card

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1520de04-6c47-40c9-8e82-bee41e96320e

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f5659a23-5730-4c64-a651-8fbe61112cd8

Cellebrite to Release Second Quarter 2022 Financial Results on August 11, 2022

PETAH TIKVAH, Israel and TYSONS CORNER, Va., July 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cellebrite (NASDAQ: CLBT) (the “Company”), a global leader in Digital Intelligence (DI) solutions for the public and private sectors, today announced that it will report its second quarter 2022 financial results before market open on Thursday, August 11, 2022.

On that day, management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the Company’s financial results at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Telephone participants are advised to register in advance at: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI90711c1a1a8c4d6d8d7487d0eec649e8.

Upon registration, participants will receive a confirmation email detailing how to join the conference call, including the dial-in number and a unique registrant ID.

The live conference call will be webcast in listen-only mode at: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/smmox4u4.

The webcast will remain available after the call at: https://investors.cellebrite.com/events-presentations.

About Cellebrite 

Cellebrite’s (NASDAQ: CLBT) mission is to enable its customers to protect and save lives, accelerate justice, and preserve privacy in communities around the world. We are a global leader in Digital Intelligence solutions for the public and private sectors, empowering organizations in mastering the complexities of legally sanctioned digital investigations by streamlining intelligence processes. Trusted by thousands of leading agencies and companies worldwide, Cellebrite’s Digital Intelligence platform and solutions transform how customers collect, review, analyze and manage data in legally sanctioned investigations. To learn more, visit us at www.cellebrite.com and https://investors.cellebrite.com.

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This document includes “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “forecast,” “intend,” “seek,” “target,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “continue,” “expect,” “estimate,” “may,” “plan,” “outlook,” “future” and “project” and other similar expressions that predict, project or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Such forward looking statements include estimated financial information. Such forward looking statements with respect to revenues, earnings, performance, strategies, prospects, and other aspects of the business of Cellebrite are based on current expectations that are subject to risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those indicated by such forward looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: Cellebrite’s ability to develop technologically advanced solutions and successfully integrate with the software solutions used by customers; acceptance of solutions by customers; errors, failures, defects or bugs in solutions; a failure to maintain sales and marketing personnel productivity or hire, integrate and retain additional sales and marketing personnel; the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic; the impact of competition on pricing and on Cellebrite’s market share; sub-optimal results from products due to misuse by customers; Cellebrite’s failure to maintain and enhance its reputation and brand; inaccuracy of the estimates of Cellebrite’s market opportunity and forecasts of market growth; changes to packaging and licensing models that adversely affect the ability to attract or retain customers; failure to manage future growth effectively; failure to introduce new solutions and add-ons; issues in the use of artificial intelligence resulting in reputational harm or liability; the need for additional capital to support the growth of Cellebrite’s business; a failure to maintain the security of operations and the integrity of software solutions; the impact of government budgeting cycles and appropriations, early termination, audits, investigations, sanctions and penalties; a decline in government budgets, changes in spending or budgetary priorities, or delays in contract awards; a failure to adequately obtain, maintain, protect and enforce Cellebrite’s intellectual property or infringement of the intellectual property rights of others; perceptions or court or regulatory decisions that Cellebrite’s solutions violate privacy rights; the use of solutions by customers in a way that is, or that is perceived to be, incompatible with human rights; failure to comply with laws regarding privacy, data protection and security, technology protection, sanctions, export controls and other matters; and other factors, risks and uncertainties set forth in the sections titled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in our Annual Report on form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 29, 2022 and in other documents filed by Cellebrite with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are available free of charge at www.sec.gov. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, in this communication or elsewhere. Cellebrite undertakes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws.

Investors
Anat Earon-Heilborn
VP Investor Relations
+972 73 394 8440
investors@cellebrite.com

Media
Victor Cooper
Public Relations and Corporate Communications Director
+1 404 804 5910
Victor.cooper@cellebrite.com

Gordon Brothers Acquires Unused Accommodation Barge Robyn S from Vanguard Shipping Limited for Immediate Sale

London, July 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gordon Brothers, the global advisory, restructuring and investment firm, has acquired the Robyn S accommodation barge from Vanguard Shipping Limited.

The firm is managing the disposition of Robyn S, which is available for immediate sale to the international marine, shipping and offshore markets.

The barge was previously used to transport bridge sections and components during the construction of the Queensferry Crossing over the Firth of Forth. Robyn S was built in 2010 at Nanjing Yonghua Shipbuilding Industry Company Limited to standard North Sea specifications, and the topside was fabricated in 2012 by Consafe to DNV standards. In 2021, Vanguard Shipping Limited acquired a 120-personnel accommodation topside with helideck and combined both units. For additional vessel specifications, please visit www.gordonbrothers.com/robyn-s.

“We’re excited to build on our market-leading disposition and appraisal capabilities in the maritime sector with our acquisition of the Robyn S barge and to continue to support companies in the marine, shipping and offshore industries through strategic change,” said Oliver Veart, Director, Marine & Valuations at Gordon Brothers.

“Gordon Brothers has a proven track record in supporting companies within multiple industries and sectors and has shown an enthusiasm for the Robyn S barge,” said John Sumner, Managing Director of Vanguard Shipping Limited. “We are pleased to partner with them as they have the resources, expertise and market knowledge to sell the vessel and its associated assets.”

Gordon Brothers has established a dedicated marine services and valuations practice that leverages decades of experience buying, selling, operating and valuing assets in the commercial and industrial economy across Australia, Brazil, Canada, the U.K., Europe, Japan and the U.S., and the firm looks forward to developing additional strategic opportunities as it increases activity in the Middle East and Asia Pacific. Gordon Brothers provides clients with advisory services including fleet and vessel renewal analysis, disposition and investment strategies.

About Gordon Brothers
Since 1903, Gordon Brothers (www.gordonbrothers.com) has helped lenders, management teams, advisors and investors move forward through change. The firm brings a powerful combination of expertise and capital to clients, developing customized solutions on an integrated or standalone basis across four services areas: valuations, dispositions, financing and investment. Whether to fuel growth or facilitate strategic consolidation, Gordon Brothers partners with companies in the retail, commercial and industrial sectors to provide maximum liquidity, put assets to their highest and best use and mitigate liabilities. The firm conducts more than $100 billion worth of dispositions and appraisals annually and provides both short- and long-term capital to clients undergoing transformation. Gordon Brothers lends against and invests in brands, real estate, inventory, receivables, machinery, equipment and other assets, both together and individually, to provide clients liquidity solutions beyond its market-leading disposition and appraisal services. The firm is headquartered in Boston, with over 30 offices across five continents.

About Vanguard Shipping Limited
Vanguard Shipping Limited is a British maritime company and sister company of Vanguard Packing Ltd, specialists in the export packing of large components and bespoke consignments operating from numerous locations throughout the U.K. Both companies sit within the Alkron Industrial group.

Lauren Nadeau
Gordon Brothers
+1.617.422.6599
lnadeau@gordonbrothers.com

ข้อมูลระยะยาวของทารกให้ความมั่นใจในการผสมกับไข่ด้วยวิธีใหม่ – วิธีเจริญพันธุ์ในหลอดทดลอง (CAPA-IVM)

วิลมิงตัน, รัฐเดลาแวร์, July 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — การศึกษาติดตามผลกับทารกอายุ 2 ปีใหม่ได้รายงานว่าไม่พบความแตกต่างในผลลัพธ์ของพัฒนาการในเด็กที่เกิดหลังจากการเจริญเติบโตเต็มที่ในหลอดทดลอง (CAPA-IVM) เมื่อเทียบกับเด็กที่เกิดด้วยวิธีการปฏิสนธิภายนอกร่างกายแบบเดิม (IVF) หลังการกระตุ้นรังไข่ การศึกษานี้ถูกออกแบบมาเพื่อตรวจสอบพัฒนาการที่ล่าช้าของเด็กในด้านการสื่อสาร การใช้กล้ามเนื้อมัดใหญ่ การใช้กล้ามเนื้อมัดเล็ก การแก้ปัญหา และพฤติกรรมส่วนตัวและพฤติกรรมทางสังคม โดยมีเด็กทั้งหมด 231 คนที่ได้รับการประเมินเมื่ออายุ 6 เดือน 12 เดือน และ 24 เดือนหลังคลอด

ผลการศึกษาได้รับการนำเสนอโดย Prof. Dr. Tuong M Ho ในการประชุมประจำปีครั้งที่ 38 ของ European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) เมื่อวันที่ 6 กรกฎาคม 2022 ที่เมืองมิลาโน (อิตาลี) และได้รับการตีพิมพ์ลงใน Human Reproduction1 วารสารเวชศาสตร์การเจริญพันธุ์ชั้นนำ

Prof. Dr. Lan Vuong จากโรงพยาบาล MyDuc, HCMC, เวียดนาม ซึ่งเป็นผู้นำในการศึกษากล่าวว่า “ผลการค้นคว้าที่สำคัญอย่างหนึ่งในการศึกษาครั้งนี้คือ ดูเหมือนจะไม่มีข้อกังวลอย่างมีนัยสำคัญใด ๆ เกี่ยวกับความปลอดภัยของ CAPA-IVM ต่อพัฒนาการของเด็ก” ผลลัพธ์ในปัจจุบันช่วยยืนยันการค้นพบล่าสุดที่ว่า CAPA-IVM ไม่ก่อให้เกิดการเปลี่ยนแปลงของอีพิเจเนติกที่สำคัญ หรือทำให้เกิดข้อบกพร่องในโอโอไซต์2ที่เจริญเติบโตเต็มที่ในหลอดทดลอง Dr. Vuong เชื่อว่าการหาหลักฐานอย่างต่อเนื่องเกี่ยวกับ CAPA-IVM มีความสำคัญสำหรับแพทย์ที่กำลังพิจารณาวิธีการทางเลือกในการรักษาเกี่ยวกับภาวะเจริญพันธุ์ในปัจจุบัน

เกี่ยวกับ CAPA-IVM

CAPA-IVM เป็นวิธีการใหม่ในการทำให้เซลล์ไข่เจริญเติบโตเต็มที่ในหลอดทดลอง โดยทำการเก็บไข่หลังจากที่มีการกระตุ้นรังไข่เพียงเล็กน้อยหรือไม่กระตุ้นเลย โดยรวมเอาขั้นตอนการผสมกับไข่ที่เจริญเติบโตเต็มที่ในหลอดทดลอง ซึ่งจะช่วยส่งเสริมพัฒนาการของเซลล์ไข่ CAPA-IVM เป็นวิธีการทางเทคโนโลยีเพื่อช่วยในเรื่องภาวะเจริญพันธุ์ที่เป็นมิตรต่อผู้ป่วย ซึ่งอาจเป็นทางเลือกแทนการกระตุ้นรังไข่แบบเดิมและ IVF โดยลดภาระของการรักษาสำหรับผู้ป่วย สิทธิ์ทั่วโลกสำหรับเทคโนโลยี CAPA-IVM เป็นของ Lavima Fertility, Inc.

แหล่งอ้างอิง

1. Vuong LN, Nguyen MHN, Nguyen NA, Ly TT, Tran VTT, Nguyen NT, Hoang HLT, Le XTH, Pham TD, Smitz JEJ, Mol BW, Norman RJ, Ho TM. พัฒนาการของเด็กที่เกิดจาก IVM เทียบกับ IVF: ติดตามผลเป็นเวลา 2 ปีในการทดลองแบบสุ่มโดยมีกลุ่มควบคุม Human Reproduction 2022, หน้า 1–9, deac115,

2. Saenz-de-Juano MD, Ivanova E, Romero S, Lolicato F, Sánchez F, Van Ranst H, Krueger F, Segonds-Pichon A, De Vos M, Andrews S, Smitz J, Kelsey G, Anckaert E. การแสดงออกของ DNA methylation และ mRNA ของยีนที่ปลูกถ่ายใน blastocyst ซึ่งได้จากวิธีการที่ได้รับการพัฒนาให้ดีขึ้นโดยการทำให้ไข่เจริญเติบโตเต็มที่ในหลอดทดลองจาก antral follicle ในผู้ป่วยกลุ่มอาการรังไข่มีถุงน้ำหลายใบ Human Reproduction 2019 กันยายน 29;34(9):1640-1649

ติดต่อ
andre.rosenthal@lavimafertility.com

Waves | MaxxAudio® Powers SKYWORTH TV’s S100 Skybar

Waves Has Teamed Up with SKYWORTH for the S100 Soundbar

Featured Image for Waves Audio

Featured Image for Waves Audio

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., July 06, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Waves Audio, the preeminent provider of adaptive audio technologies in consumer electronics and recipient of a Technical GRAMMY® Award, and SKYWORTH TV, a leading global television manufacturer and a pioneer in big-screen Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT), have teamed up to include Waves MaxxAudio® sound enhancement technology in the new SKYWORTH S100 Soundbar.

By using the Waves’ MaxxAudio embedded on the Nuvoton NPCP215 DSP, the S100 provides unique sonic qualities and a complete suite of advanced sound enhancement algorithms. The S100 features Waves’ renowned MaxxBass – a virtual subwoofer that extends bass response beyond the physical capabilities of the hardware.

Eitan David, Waves GM Consumer Division, comments, “We are pleased to cooperate with SKYWORTH TV on enhancing the sonic quality of their home theater systems, and we are delighted to offer the S100 end user a richer and purer sound, immersing the listener with a powerful and authentic sound experience.”

With Waves’ proven experience in professional audio, acoustic device tuning is at the core of Waves’ expertise. The suite of MaxxAudio device-tuning tools, provides intuitive and highly precise solutions to deliver the best possible tuning presets for the unique characteristics of a sound device.

On the S100, SKYWORTH engineers have created three unique sound profiles to satisfy all listeners and cover every use case and a vast variety of content: A video preset, which significantly enhances sound for movies; a music preset, which offers a pristine and authentic sound quality that will please any demanding audiophile; and a voice preset, which presents clear and well-defined voice clarity for dialogue-heavy applications.

ShuangHua Tao, Skyworth Overseas Sales & Marketing HQ Chief Management of Marketing Planning, comments, “We are delighted to collaborate with Waves. Their contribution of high-end technology and experience in sound enhancing algorithm software has transformed the sound quality of the S100. The advanced, cutting edge and versatile Waves tuning console has resulted in a highly impressive and unique ‘true to sound’ quality. The S100 delivers an immersive sound experience with deep, powerful bass and crystal clear, open high frequencies.”

Discover more about MaxxAudio here.

About Waves Audio

Waves, recipient of a technical GRAMMY Award®, is a global leader and pioneer in audio technology for the music, entertainment, broadcasting, and consumer electronics industries. Top music producers, sound engineers, and live show engineers rely on Waves to create hit songs, blockbuster movies, top-selling games, and sold-out shows. The Waves Maxx® suite of audio and voice modules with Waves Nx® 3D audio enhances the sound experience on millions of laptops, tablets, smartphones, smart speakers, headphones, and is available on SoCs from the world’s foremost chip makers. Learn more about Waves technologies for consumer electronics at maxx.com.

About SKYWORTH TV
SKYWORTH TV is a leading global television manufacturer and a pioneer in big-screen Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT). Founded in 1988, SKYWORTH TV has more than 30 years of experience providing advanced home entertainment solutions and is one of the top global providers of Android TVs. Under its brand proposition “Lead the future”, SKYWORTH TV continues to invest heavily in R&D and innovative technology solutions and is dedicated to leading the transformation of the TV industry to revolutionize smart home experiences. For more information, please visit: http://global.skyworth.com/

Waves Audio PR Contact:

Dalia Migdal: dalia@waves.com

Related Images

Image 1


Image 2: SKYWORTH TV S100 Skybar

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com.

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CORONAVIRUS/Taiwan raises weekly arrivals cap, loosens pre-entry PCR requirement

The current weekly cap of 25,000 visitor arrivals has been raised to 40,000 with immediate effect and pre-entry COVID-19 PCR test requirements for certain groups of people will soon be removed, according to the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) on Thursday.

The relaxation of border controls comes amid an increase in overseas Taiwanese nationals returning to the country for summer vacation and business travelers, said Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung (???), who also heads the CECC.

Starting from July 14, arrivals who hold passports of the Republic of China, the official name of Taiwan, or Taiwan resident certificates, and those who arrive in Taiwan for transit will be exempted from having to present PCR test results within two days before their scheduled flights to Taiwan, Chen said.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel

Police officer indicted over controversial arrest of woman in Taoyuan

Taoyuan prosecutors have indicted a Zhongli District police officer over a controversial incident last year in which he threw a female music teacher to the ground and then handcuffed her after she refused to submit to questioning.

The Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office had initially declined to press charges in the case, but the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office ordered local authorities last December to conduct a second review after the music teacher, Chan Hui-ling (???), filed an appeal.

During the incident, which took place on April 22 last year, a police officer, surnamed Yeh (?), approached Chan as she walked near Zhongli train station and attempted to question her, asking her name, if she lived nearby, and whether she was carrying identification.

When Chan asked why she had come under suspicion, the officer explained he was worried “someone reported you missing” — apparently having assumed she was an unaccounted-for migrant worker, according to a partial video of the encounter released by the police.

In the police video, a dispute breaks out after Chan refuses to answer Yeh, with Chan appearing to use the words “really stupid.” When the officer asks if she was calling him stupid, Chan replies “what you did violated …”

The officer then interjects with “okay, well you’ve just called me stupid” before the video clip stops a few seconds later.

However, videos of the subsequent moments taken by bystanders show Yeh throwing Chan to the ground and handcuffing her as she screams in panic. He then places her under arrest for “obstructing a public official.”

In Facebook posts after the incident, Chan argued that Yeh did not have grounds to question her, and accused him of abusing his power by slamming her to the ground, handcuffing her, and holding her at a police station for questioning.

In a press release Thursday, prosecutors said they had charged Yeh with offenses against personal freedom by a public official after conducting a second review of evidence in the case.

In a statement following Thursday’s indictment, the Taoyuan Police Department’s Zhongli Precinct vowed to respect the judicial process and to step up training to ensure officers carry out their duties legally and with a sense of proportionality.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel

Taiwan officials attend Vilnius event marking 100 years of U.S.-Lithuania ties

Taiwan’s top envoy to the United States Hsiao Bi-khim (???), and Deputy Foreign Minister Harry Tseng (???) are in Vilnius to attend a conference marking the centenary of Lithuania’s establishment of diplomatic relations with the U.S., the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced Thursday.

MOFA spokeswoman Joanne Ou (???) said Hsiao and Tseng would be joined at the conference by ruling-Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmakers Chiu Chih-wei (???) and Lin Ching-yi (???), both members of the Legislative Yuan’s Baltic State parliamentary friendship group.

Taiwan’s government sent a delegation to the conference, following an invite from the Seimas, Lithuania’s parliament, to highlight the fact that Taiwan, the U.S., and Lithuania are like-minded, freedom-loving partners, Ou said.

Ou said Taiwan and the U.S. had been actively supporting Lithuania in the face of “bullying” by China, which has been accused of imposing economic sanctions on Vilnius after it allowed the opening of a representative’s office with the word “Taiwanese” in its name.

Aside from congratulating Lithuania and the U.S. on the 100-year anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, Hsiao, as the head of Taiwan’s delegation, will also be speaking at the one-day conference, Ou added.

The conference aims to build a “solid foundation of freedom to further advocate for peace and democratic values worldwide, standing in opposition to the autocratic regimes,” according to a press release issued on Wednesday by the Seimas.

Parliamentary representatives from Ukraine, the U.K., France, the U.S., and Canada are scheduled to attend the forum, which is set to be closed out with concluding marks from exiled Belurssian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, according to the press release.

Following the establishment of diplomatic relations on July 28, 1922, the United States maintained ties with Lithuania’s government in exile between 1940 and 1991 after the Soviet Union’s annexation of the Baltic States during the Second World War.

Relations between Taiwan and Lithuania have warmed over the past two years, with both sides signing an agreement in July 2021 to open reciprocal representative offices.

Taiwan opened its office in Vilnius on Nov. 18, 2021, with Lithuanian’s office expected to open in Taipei sometime in September this year.

As Lithuania’s ties with Taiwan have improved, the Baltic state has come under heavy political and economic pressure from Beijing over the naming of Taiwan’s office there — the Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania.

Taiwan typically names its overseas representative offices “Taipei Economic and Cultural Office” or “Taipei Representative Office,” in keeping with the host countries’ preference to avoid any references that would imply Taiwan is a separate country from China.

Beijing has sought to impose a political cost on Lithuania for its decision to allow the use of “Taiwanese” in the name of Taiwan’s office, viewing the name as encouraging formal independence.

Recent punitive measures have included recalling its ambassador to Lithuania, downgrading diplomatic relations, expelling the Lithuanian ambassador to China, as well as suspending direct freight rail services, and blocking Lithuanian products from entering the Chinese market.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel

CORONAVIRUS/Taiwan reports 31,462 new COVID-19 cases, 105 deaths

Taiwan reported 31,462 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, all but 98 of which were domestic infections, and 105 deaths from the disease, according to the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC).

The deceased ranged in age from the 30s to over 90. Forty-five of those who died were not inoculated with any doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 101 had chronic illnesses or other severe diseases, the CECC said.

Severe, moderate infections

Among the four deceased who had no chronic illnesses or severe diseases, three did not get any doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, while one had gotten one shot, the CECC said.

Also on Thursday, the CECC said that 91 previously reported COVID-19 cases had become severe, while 152 other individuals had developed moderate symptoms.

Among the new severe cases were two children who had been diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), and one child who developed pneumonia, it said.

Of the 3,934,355 domestic cases reported in Taiwan this year, 7,536 have been classified as severe infections and 9,809 as moderate, accounting for 0.19 percent and 0.25 percent of the total, respectively, according to CECC data as of July 6.

In all other cases, the infected individuals were either asymptomatic or had mild symptoms, the CECC said.

Regional breakdown

On Thursday, New Taipei recorded the highest number of domestic cases with 5,121, followed by Taichung with 4,081, and Kaohsiung with 3,442. Taoyuan reported 3,141 new cases, Taipei 2,948, Tainan 2,507, Changhua County 1,823, Pingtung County 1,224, Yunlin County 813, Miaoli County 798, and Hsinchu County 748.

Yilan County reported 700 cases, Chiayi County 650, Nantou County 624, Hualien County 591, Hsinchu City 576, Keelung 453, Taitung County 387, Chiayi City 337, Penghu County 201, Kinmen County 181, and the Matsu islands 18.

To date, Taiwan has recorded 3,995,621 COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began in early 2020, including 3,980,293 domestic infections.

With the 105 deaths reported Thursday, the number of confirmed COVID-19 fatalities in the country rose to 7,328.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel

Appointments no longer needed for S. Korea tourism visa applications

Visitors traveling to South Korea from Taiwan will be able to file their tourist visa applications at the Korean Mission in Taipei without an appointment, starting Friday, according to the office.

The new tourist visa rule applies to all visitors departing from Taiwan, but the application must be filed by the traveler and not a proxy, the mission said in a press release Thursday.

Applicants may go directly to the Korean Mission in Taipei without making an appointment, and they will need to show a round-trip ticket between Taiwan and South Korea, the mission said, adding that the tourist visas usually take about 10 days to process.

If the application is approved, the multiple-entry tourist visa will be issued for a one-year period, with each visit limited to 90 days, said the mission, which serves as the de facto South Korean embassy in Taiwan in the absence of diplomatic ties.

Meanwhile, holders of Republic of China (Taiwan) passports will no longer be required to present a bank statement as proof of sufficient financial means when applying for a C-3-9 tourist visa, the mission said.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel