Gov. Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy are making an unannounced visit to Taiwan today as part of a nine-day economic mission to East Asia.
Murphy announced the trip after leaving South Korea on Thursday evening.
Due to security concerns, Taiwan had been kept off the public schedule. But the trip there had been part of the original plan.
“Taiwan has long been one of New Jersey’s most vital economic, academic, and cultural partners,” said Murphy. “New Jersey is a global leader in life sciences, fintech, and infrastructure, which are key areas of investments for East Asia. Our state is also home to the fourth highest percentage of Asian Americans of any state in the nation, with nearly one million Asian American residents living in New Jersey. By deepening our economic and cultural ties, we can grow our economies and generate good-paying jobs for families on both sides of the Pacific. I am proud to highlight New Jersey as the best place for Taiwanese innovators and entrepreneurs to expand, grow, and reach new consumers.”
On Wednesday evening, the Taiwan Defense Ministry said it spotted thirteen Chinese Air Force planes entering their airspace. Those included fighter jets and drones escorting Chinese warships patrolling the area. China claims Taiwan as its own territory.
Newsweek reported this week that China had increased its production of ships that could be used in an attack on Taiwan.
Murphy has scheduled meetings with business leaders, trade organizations, higher education and government officials. His office said the agenda includes infrastructure, clean energy, financial services, life sciences, technology, logistics, manufacturing, and food and beverage.
New Jersey Globe Publisher and General Manager Kevin Sanders is traveling with the governor and the New Jersey delegation.
Murphy became the first governor to make an official visit to Korea and the second to go to Japan on a trade mission; Gov. Thomas Kean went to Japan in 1987.
The Murphy’s had visited the War Memorial of Korea and the LG Science Park on Thursday before departing for the airport for an evening flight to Taiwan. Korea is twelve hours ahead of New Jersey, and Taiwan is thirteen hours ahead.
The New Jersey arrived in Japan last Saturday and will return to New Jersey on Sunday.
