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TPP suspends Huang Shan-shan amid finance scandal
Discover the latest on the Taiwan People’s Party as it suspends Legislator Huang Shan-shan for three years and expels key finance members over campaign finance irregularities. Read on for full details.
2024/08/21 10:06
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New Taipei deputy mayor Liu undecided on election candidacy
New Taipei City Deputy Mayor Liu Ho-jan remains noncommittal on potential 2026 election candidacy, focusing on current municipal duties. Liu’s career trajectory from science teacher to deputy mayor discussed in interview with journalist Huang Wei-han. Liu refrains from commenting on potential rivals and emphasizes importance of grassroots discussions in all 29 districts. No decisions made yet on future political plans.
2024/03/25 12:52
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KMT Chairman Eric Chu warns against early election talks
KMT Chairman Eric Chu warns against premature discussions on local elections and presidential elections, emphasizing unity and public sentiment. Collaboration with the TPP and legislative operations are highlighted as priorities.
2024/02/27 15:30
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Eric Chu focuses on party unity ahead of KMT elections
KMT Chairman Eric Chu dismisses rumors of successors as attempts to sow discord within the party and speculations on his re-election. Fu Kun-chi and Lu Shiow-yen are rumored to have leadership ambitions. Chu emphasizes party effectiveness in the legislature and addressing citizen concerns.
2024/02/26 16:44
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Huang Kuo-chang backs Huang Shan-shan for Taipei mayor race
Legislator Huang Kuo-chang reveals his considerations for Taipei mayor in an exclusive radio interview, hinting at potential mayoral roles in New Taipei City, Taoyuan, or Hsinchu. Party chairman Ko Wen-je’s plans for the 2026 local elections and Huang’s "responsible district" in New Taipei City are also discussed.
2024/02/26 14:15
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Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an wishes Kao Chia-yu election luck
Incumbent Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an wishes former DPP legislator Kao Chia-yu luck in securing a nomination from the DPP. Kao openly reveals her aspirations to compete for the Taipei mayorship in the 2026 elections after failing to secure a legislative seat in 2024.
2024/02/22 12:47
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TPP Chairman Ko Wen-je calls 2026 election talk premature
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) chairman Ko Wen-je dismisses talk of a blue-white coalition for the 2026 local elections as premature. Speculation suggests that TPP may field eight legislators at-large in the 2026 local government elections. There are rumblings within political circles that TPP’s legislator Huang Shan-shan may run for Taipei mayor, Legislator Huang Kuo-chang for the New Taipei City chief, Legislator Chang Chi-kai for Chiayi City mayor, and Legislator Lin Kuo-cheng for the Pingtung County magistrate race. Ko emphasizes that discussing matters for 2026 is premature in 2024, as there are 22 counties and cities in Taiwan, and the scenario is subject to potential changes. When asked about a possible blue-white collaboration in 2026, Ko deems it too early to discuss.
2024/02/15 12:13
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Taipei official rebukes China’s election meddling in letter
Taiwan’s Director-General in Boston, Charles Liao, responds to China’s interference in Taiwan’s elections with military threats and economic bullying. Liao highlights Taiwan’s commitment to democracy and refusal to bow to Chinese pressure. The U.S. State Department, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the European Union’s European External Action Service congratulate elected officials Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim. Despite China’s attempts at interference through disinformation, military intimidation, and economic threats, Taiwanese voters remain resilient in their pursuit of democracy and freedom. Liao’s response is prompted by a Boston Globe article suggesting that the U.S. should prioritize Taiwan as a democratic partner.
2024/01/30 16:36
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Global Times warns Lai of Taiwan’s diplomatic isolation
Taipei (TVBS News) reports that Taiwan’s diplomatic allies are gradually decreasing, as stated by a Chinese official media outlet. Nauru recently announced its decision to sever ties with the Republic of China and Taiwan, bringing the number of diplomatic allies down to 12. This marks the tenth nation to break ties during President Tsai Ing-wen’s term. The Global Times report highlights the more restrained approach of Taiwan’s President-elect Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim towards cross-strait policies, urging them to fully understand the reality and trend of the Taiwan Strait and completely abandon any path towards Taiwan independence. Lai, elected as a "double minority," faces the challenge that 60 percent of the Taiwanese population does not recognize the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). In response to Taiwan’s elections, the U.S. clarified its stance by stating that they do not support Taiwan’s independence, aiming to dissuade Lai from becoming a disruptive force like former President Chen Shui-bian, which could affect the U.S.’s strategic plans.
2024/01/24 12:38
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Eric Chu unveils youth-focused political growth plans
The Kuomintang (KMT) held a post-election gratitude tea ceremony in Yunlin County, where Chairman Eric Chu emphasized the party’s reform strategies and plans to nurture young members for political roles. Chu, along with New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih and Yunlin County Commissioner Chang Li-shan, announced the party’s commitment to increasing engagement with social and web media to appeal to younger voters. Chu highlighted the success of young KMT candidates in the recent legislative elections, with 10 out of 15 securing victory. Mayor Hou emphasized the need for unity and collaboration within the KMT caucus in the Legislative Yuan, particularly with proportional representation legislators from the south. He also urged the party to present facts, rectify misconceptions, and attract new voters while strengthening support from existing ones. The KMT has been actively nurturing young talent in its key structure in recent years.
2024/01/22 11:28
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DPP win may prompt escalated activities from Beijing
Following the victory of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Taiwan’s presidential election, a report by the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) suggests that Beijing might escalate activities in gray zone areas. The report highlights Taiwan’s increased geopolitical prominence and its pivotal role in semiconductor manufacturing, making the stability of the Taiwan Strait a key concern for the U.S. and other Western nations. The report also notes that Vice President Lai Ching-te won the election by over 40% of votes, breaking the trend of switching ruling parties every eight years since direct presidential elections were implemented in 1996. The victorious DPP aims to strengthen Taiwan’s defenses and relations with like-minded nations while resisting negotiations with Beijing. Additionally, the party seeks to reduce Taiwan’s trade dependency on China and strengthen ties with significant partners such as Australia, Europe, and Japan. With no party securing a majority in the legislative assembly, the DPP faces a "minority government and majority opposition" scenario, which could hinder the government’s legislative and budgeting process and impact Taiwan-U.S. ties. Despite the election, cross-strait relations and regional tensions are unlikely to undergo fundamental changes. Taiwan’s vital position in semiconductor manufacturing and geopolitics ensures its continued rise in importance, with the U.S. and Western nations playing a crucial role in maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait. The upcoming U.S. presidential election in November is expected to significantly impact the U.S.-China-Taiwan triangle, and a potential return of former President Trump to the White House might please Beijing, according to the report.
2024/01/18 10:27
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Surgeon-turned-politician vies for presidency in Taiwan
In a significant moment for Taiwan’s democracy, TPP candidate Ko Wen-je rallied supporters in Taipei on the eve of the general elections, aiming to alter the long-standing political landscape dominated by KMT and DPP. His campaign, focusing on pragmatic reforms and targeting the youth vote, signifies a potential shift in Taiwan’s political dynamics.
2024/01/12 15:15
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Anticipation rises in Taipei as DPP rally gathers momentum
Taipei’s Ketagalan Boulevard hosts a critical DPP rally amid high-stakes elections, China tensions, and domestic issues. Can the DPP maintain its momentum? Get updates on TVBS.
2024/01/11 16:22
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Ketagalan Boulevard: prime venue for mass elections rallies
In the heated run-up to Taiwan’s presidential elections, political parties, notably the Taiwan People’s Party, are competing for the symbolic Ketagalan Boulevard for their final rallies, with historical implications for the election’s outcome.
2024/01/04 19:06
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DPP candidate warns against China-backed election win
Taipei (TVBS News) - Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te warns against allowing a China-backed candidate to win the elections. Lai emphasizes that interference from Beijing through the Kuomintang (KMT) is evident and should not be tolerated. He believes that the best way to counter China’s intervention is to not elect the candidate whom China supports, as it could jeopardize Taiwan’s democracy. The Washington Post recently published an opinion piece suggesting that China is influencing Taiwan’s 2024 elections by feeding voters pro-KMT content through social media. The DPP’s director of international affairs interprets the report as indicating that the KMT is leaning towards China and receiving secret backing from Beijing.
2024/01/03 19:16
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Overseas community emphasizes voting’s role in democracy
The San Francisco overseas Chinese community hosted a New Year flag-raising ceremony, with Fremont Mayor Lily Mei encouraging the next generation to run for office and speak out for Asians. Mei also urged the community to vote robustly in the upcoming T U.S.-Taiwan relations and reminded them not to underestimate individual power. Director-General Scott Lai of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco reviewed Taiwan’s accomplishments last year, highlighting its rise in various indices, ranking second in freedom in Asia and sixth in global competitiveness. Lai also noted the meeting between Morris Chang, founder of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), and key U.S. officials at the 2023 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, praising it as a symbol of U.S. executive branch support for Taiwan. However, Lai acknowledged challenges lie ahead for Taiwan, particularly in its tourism, sightseeing, and restaurant industries’ recovery, as well as social issues such as declining birthrates and wealth disparity. Lai assured that the government would take a more proactive and responsible stance to make positive changes felt by the public.
2024/01/02 16:00
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Taiwan elections grapple with poll worker recruitment
As Taiwan’s 2024 National Elections near, challenges in recruiting sufficient poll workers arise despite salary increases and legal changes. New Taipei City has filled its needs, but workload disparities and concerns over pay equity persist.
2024/01/02 15:54
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MOEA counters Jaw’s remarks amidst Taiwan’s investment surge
KMT vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong claimed that he invited Taylor Swift to perform in Taiwan in 2023, but she declined due to concerns over the island’s geopolitical risks. Jaw warned that without a peaceful environment, investors would be discouraged from investing in Taiwan, potentially hindering the modernization and progress of businesses. He criticized the DPP for escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait and believed that the U.S.’s harsh rhetoric and threats could deter potential investors. However, Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs disputed these claims, stating that foreign investment in Taiwan reached US$10.7 billion by November 2023, the second-highest rate in 15 years. The MOEA emphasized that "war risk" did not deter foreign capital, citing major semiconductor companies and AI companies that have recently invested significantly in Taiwan. With the general elections approaching, the MOEA urged Jaw not to damage Taiwan’s reputation for political gain.
2024/01/02 12:32
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President Tsai stresses Taiwan’s economic significance
President Tsai Ing-wen asserts that Taiwan is globally significant economically and does not rely on China as a conduit to the world. Tsai emphasizes the importance of Taichung in the upcoming elections, stating that over 50 percent of presidential and vice presidential votes will come from the city. She acknowledges that inadequate infrastructure has hindered economic growth during her presidency, leading to an investment of NT$4 trillion in public infrastructure. Tsai also highlights her significant investments in social welfare, including elderly care aids, subsidies for children, and income tax exemptions for 47 percent of the Taiwanese population. She urges support for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te in the 2024 election to continue her approach of incorporating economics, defense, and democracy to protect Taiwan.
2023/12/30 20:50
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Ko’s new political move sparks debate ahead of elections
Ahead of Taiwan’s 2024 presidential election, TPP candidate Ko Wen-je’s addition of a national flag to his badge and his deep-green ideology spark debates about his political consistency and appeal to youth voters.
2023/12/30 18:47
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KMT and DPP fined for billboard breaches in Taipei
The Taipei City Construction Management Office has fined the campaign headquarters of Kuomintang (KMT) legislative candidate Wang Hung-wei NT$10,000 for a billboard violation. The office has also requested rectifications. Additionally, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te has been found to be in violation of size regulations for two campaign materials, and a notice for a fine will be issued to Lai’s campaign soon. These actions come after Taipei updated regulations for managing campaign material in preparation for the 2024 presidential and legislative elections. This is the first enforcement of the revised regulations. So far, the office has received 34 reports of campaign advertisement violations, with 11 cases from the KMT and 19 from the DPP. The office is urging all candidates to adhere to the regulations to ensure a clean election in the city.
2023/12/30 18:44
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Taipei Mayor continues campaign work on birthday
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an celebrated his birthday by supporting legislative candidate Lai Shyh-bao in a campaign in Wenshan District, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming elections. Attendees and the public sang the Happy Birthday song for the mayor, creating a festive atmosphere. Surprisingly, Chiang’s birthday wish was unrelated to politics; he simply wanted to share a bowl of instant noodles with his family and fall asleep with his two youngest children. Balancing political duties and familial obligations is a challenge for Chiang, and he admits struggling to find enough time for his family. In line with his political mission, Chiang also expressed a hopeful desire for a strong electoral victory for himself and his team, as well as a successful election outcome for all Kuomintang (KMT) legislative candidates in Taipei City.
2023/12/27 13:21
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KMT Chairman Chu eyes majority in 2024 legislative race
KMT chairman Eric Chu expresses optimism about the upcoming legislative elections and suggests that the KMT could potentially secure a majority if things go smoothly. He is joined by legislators-at-large candidates Ko Chih-en and Hsieh Lung-chieh, as they declare their commitment to victory in the 2024 elections. The KMT acknowledges that about 15 electoral districts are currently in tight races and plans to mobilize a strong team including former Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu, presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih, vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, and Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen to bolster support in these critical areas. Chairman Chu expresses confidence in the quality of the KMT’s legislative nominees and emphasizes the party’s careful and cautious approach to the election battle. With high-profile party members rallying to support candidates nationwide, the KMT is gearing up for a significant push ahead of the 2024 legislative elections.
2023/12/18 21:25
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DPP adjusts tactics as internal polls show volatility
Former Minister of Health and Welfare and campaign manager for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Taipei, Chen Shih-chung, has revealed that internal polling indicates fluctuations in voter sentiment during the tightly contested presidential race. Despite the challenging overall race in Taipei, DPP’s presidential candidate, Lai Ching-te, maintains stable support across various demographic groups. The DPP has been conducting internal polls to assist in devising election strategies. Chen countered claims by Kuomintang’s (KMT) Taipei party branch director Huang Lu Ching-ju, stating that the DPP’s findings contradict the approval rating figures of KMT presidential candidates Hou Yu-ih and Jaw Shaw-kong. Chen noted that the KMT has higher support among older voters but struggles to appeal to the younger demographic. While acknowledging the volatility of party-led poll figures, Chen stated that campaign tactics would be adjusted based on these outcomes. DPP legislative candidate Wu Pei-yi remains optimistic about the election in Taipei, suggesting the possibility of a turn of events in both the presidential and legislative elections. The DPP continues to work tirelessly to improve its standing in the challenging district of Taipei.
2023/12/18 21:03
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Jaw Shaw-kon slams DPP for vaccine bias during pandemic peak
KMT Vice Presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong criticizes the DPP government for prioritizing COVID-19 vaccines for certain cities during the peak of the pandemic three years ago. He accuses the DPP of favoritism and urges New Taipei residents to remember the government’s actions and support the incumbent mayor, regardless of party affiliation. Jaw’s remarks aim to hold the DPP accountable in the upcoming elections and solidify the KMT’s base in Taiwan’s political landscape.
2023/12/18 19:57