Taiwanese citizens 結果共34筆

President-elect Lai Ching-te appoints Chiu Chui-cheng and Cheng Wen-tsan to key cross-strait relations positions, signaling a cautious yet hopeful approach towards maintaining stability with China while supporting Taiwanese businesses and citizens. The strategic move aims to extend goodwill and manage economic interdependence, with the true impact dependent on Lai’s inaugural speech on May 20.

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu says 20 naturalized Taiwanese in Iran and 200 family members and students in Israel are safe amid Iran’s attack on Israel. Taiwan condemns the attack and urges restraint to prevent escalation.

Jaw Shaw-Kong highlights former President Ma Ying-jeou’s meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping as a crucial moment in Ma’s visit to China, emphasizing its potential to enhance cross-strait communication for the Kuomintang. The Democratic Progressive Party, Taiwanese citizens, and the U.S. closely monitor Ma’s visit for its implications on peace and stability in the region. Jaw stresses the significance of face-to-face exchanges to prevent conflict and advocates for peaceful cross-strait relations. Ma’s trip is framed as a peace mission, with hopes of easing tensions and fostering friendship between Taiwan and the mainland.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses gratitude to friendly nations for evacuating Taiwanese citizens from Haiti amidst escalating gang violence. Five individuals have been safely evacuated to the Dominican Republic, coordinated by Ambassador Ku Wen-jiann. The Embassy of Taiwan in Haiti remains operational, with 18 individuals still in the country. MOFA pledges to monitor the situation and take diplomatic actions to ensure the safety of Taiwanese citizens.

As tensions in the Taiwan Strait escalate, Taiwanese citizens and the government are focusing on disaster preparedness, including self-rescue courses and the establishment of community emergency response teams, to build a resilient society ready to face any challenge.

The Taiwan Affairs Office urges Taiwan to reveal the truth behind a capsized Chinese fishing boat incident, demanding severe punishment for those involved. The boat breached Taiwan’s maritime boundaries, resulting in a pursuit by Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration. Beijing accused Taiwan of using ＂brutal＂ force, leading to the deaths of two on board. The TAO called for Taiwan to promptly publish the truth, reprimand personnel, and explain to the victims’ families and citizens on both sides of the Strait. Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council Chairman stated there is no intention to conceal any aspect of the incident and emphasized that third-party liability insurance has covered the incident.

A citizens’ preference poll conducted by the Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation (TPOF) revealed that 47.3% of respondents were generally pleased with the outcome of the elections, in which the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) candidate won the presidency but failed to secure a majority in the legislature. The poll results, announced by TPOF on Jan. 23, showed a mixed outlook, with 15.3% very pleased, 32% somewhat pleased, 23.4% slightly displeased, and 9.1% not pleased. Additionally, nearly 60% of respondents agreed with the idea of forming a coalition government in the absence of a single party gaining a majority. The survey, conducted from Jan. 15-17 by Focus Survey Research on behalf of TPOF, utilized a dual-frame random sampling design, targeting Taiwanese residents aged 20 and above through 70% landline and 30% mobile calls. The margin of error is 2.98 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.

A barber in Changhua has gone viral after posting a video on Facebook of him shaving an image of Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je into a client’s hair. The detailed design, complete with Ko’s face, nose, eyes, glasses, suit, and tie, has sparked lively online discussions. The client had requested the unique haircut in preparation for attending an election rally for Ko Wen-je, but he has been advised by the Changhua County Election Commission to cover his hairdo, possibly with a cap, while voting due to rules prohibiting the display of candidate-related items within polling stations. This unconventional show of support for a presidential candidate has prompted discussions about the extreme measures other supporters are taking for their preferred candidates, such as a female enthusiast of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te surprising him with a sudden kiss during a photo, and supporters of Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih waving the national flag at his events. The hairstyle news is another example of the enthusiastic participation of Taiwanese citizens in the elections, showcasing their support in diverse and creative ways.

Taiwanese presidential candidate Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has called on the Taiwanese people to use their votes as a defense against what he considers the most serious Chinese interference in the upcoming elections. Lai emphasized that while China has interfered in Taiwan’s elections before, the current situation is the worst. He believes that the best way to counter this interference is to ensure that the candidate supported by China does not win. Lai urged citizens to stand up against this interference by using their ballots to continue Taiwan’s progress and guarantee societal stability, economic growth, and the well-being of its people. He positioned the DPP’s battle not only against opposition parties but also against the Chinese Communist Party, underscoring the importance of maintaining a majority in the legislative yuan to prevent potential government functioning disputes. Lai kicked off his election campaign across 22 counties and cities, stating that this election is crucial for Taiwan’s future and Indo-Pacific peace stability. He encouraged the people to maintain the spirit of the past, choose the right person, and follow the right path.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has reported that 547 Taiwanese people are currently stranded in Japan following a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture. All Taiwanese tour group members have been confirmed safe. Tourists from four travel agencies, including Colatour, Lion Travel, Richmond Tours, and Star Travel, were affected by the disaster. Additionally, 20 individual travelers are stuck at Niigata Airport due to its closure. The earthquake has resulted in at least six fatalities, dozens of injuries, and severe damage, including house fires, collapses, road fractures, and airport closures. More than 30,000 homes in Ishikawa and 1,100 homes in Niigata are without power, with disruption to water supplies. Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior is preparing an international rescue team to dispatch to Japan, and the Japanese government has been informed of Taiwan’s readiness to help. MOFA advises Taiwanese citizens to contact the consulate in Osaka for assistance.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has stated that Taiwanese citizens are allowed to enter Cuba with a passport valid for more than six months and a Cuban Tourist Card, according to Central News Agency (CNA). However, MOFA has urged the public to suspend travel to Cuba or check the official Cuban government website or airlines before departure due to unclear information. This response comes after a Taiwanese-Canadian and his family were denied entry into Cuba because ＂China doesn’t recognize Taiwan as a country.＂ The family’s passports were confiscated, and they were sent back to Canada after ten hours at the airport. MOFA has instructed the Taiwanese representative office in Bogota, Colombia, to investigate the issue and protect the travel rights of Taiwanese citizens.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) accuses the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of manipulating and inducing Taiwanese grassroots through hospitable receptions, while distorting the goodwill of cross-strait exchanges. The MAC’s statement was in response to the claim by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) that ＂the momentum of cross-strait exchanges is unstoppable.＂ The MAC harshly criticizes the CCP for creating artificial obstacles to cross-strait exchanges, fabricating charges, unlawfully detaining people, and practicing autocratic rule. The controversy revolves around allegations that 41 village chiefs from Taipei accepted travel to China at preferential prices and then returned to Taiwan to promote specific candidates. The TAO spokeswoman did not address whether the TAO provided funding for the travels, but claimed that frustrations among Taiwanese citizens have been fueled by the policies of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government. This exchange reflects the ongoing tension in cross-strait relations, with Taiwan expressing concern over the CCP’s influence operations and China promoting closer ties.

The VisaGuide World Passport Index has revealed the most powerful passports in the world for December, with Taiwan ranked 70th overall. Spain tops the list, followed by Germany in third place, and the United States in 40th place. The ranking is based on the Destination Significance Score (DSS), which considers various factors. The Spanish passport allows visa-free entry to 43 countries and visa-free access to an additional 106 countries. Singapore holds the second spot and is considered the strongest passport in Asia, granting its citizens visa-free entry to 156 destinations. In comparison, the Taiwanese passport allows visa-free entry to 100 countries and regions, placing it lower than some other countries. China ranks 117th, offering its citizens visa-free access to 46 countries.

According to a recent poll, the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) ＂Lai-Hsiao ticket＂ has a support rate of 32.7%, placing them ahead in the presidential race. The Kuomintang’s (KMT) ＂Hou-Kong ticket＂ closely trails behind with 29% support. If strategic voting occurs, the Taiwan People’s Party’s (TPP) ＂Ko-Ying ticket＂ could lose 7.3% of their current support, potentially resulting in a tie between Hou-Kong and Lai-Xiao at 32.7%. Compared to the previous poll in November, the Lai-Xiao ticket has gained 4.4% support, while the Hou-Kong duo has seen a modest increase of 0.8%. Conversely, support for the Ko-Ying pair has decreased by 4.6%. The survey, conducted through landline and mobile phone interviews on December 13 and 14, involved 1,088 Taiwanese citizens aged 20 and above.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim reassures citizens that the Republic of China (ROC) will continue to exist and be maintained, dismissing concerns that a DPP victory would lead to its disappearance. In an exclusive online interview, Hsiao emphasizes the importance of the ROC’s constitutional system as the fundamental basis of Taiwan’s democracy. She commits to upholding democratic values and public opinion in Taiwan, addressing national identity issues by asserting that maintaining the status quo is the most acceptable stance for the international community and the Taiwanese people. Hsiao declares that the ROC will continue to exist and be defended, presenting this commitment to the Taiwanese people and the international community. As the vice-presidential nominee, Hsiao’s campaign is based on the ROC’s constitutional system, highlighting her respect for this structure and the importance of Taiwan’s democracy and public sentiment.

President Tsai Ing-wen hosted the winners of the 25th National Golden Award for Architecture and the 20th National Brand Yushan Award, commending their contributions to Taiwan’s architectural and business communities. She expressed gratitude towards the National Enterprise Competitiveness Development Association for their rigorous evaluations that have motivated industry advancement and boosted Taiwan’s competitiveness. Tsai emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in construction and building to achieve energy conservation and reduced carbon emissions. She also addressed concerns about urban renewal and pledged to intensify collaboration with private sector players to enhance architectural safety and improve citizens’ quality of life. The winners of the 20th National Brand Yushan Award, which includes CSBC Corporation, were recognized for their contributions to finance, biotech, manufacturing, and service sectors. Tsai urged the awardees to continue offering valuable advice to the government and elevate the prominence of Taiwanese brands on the international stage.

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen expresses support for enhancing the morals of Taiwanese nationals and promoting traditional virtues of propriety, righteousness, integrity, and a sense of shame. This goal is seen as beneficial for the nation’s development and transcends political leadership and time. City Councilor Lin Pi-hsiu highlights the removal of an essay on ’integrity and shame’ by Gu Yanwu from the 108 Curriculum Guidelines, sparking widespread discussion. Lin endorses the adoption of the school motto ’propriety, righteousness, integrity, and shame’ and expresses concern about the distortion of moral values among many people. Mayor Lu emphasizes the importance of character and integrity in children, stating that schools should impart character education alongside regular subjects. Promoting the common school motto is seen as pivotal in elevating the quality of citizens.

Taiwanese writer Lo Sen has been missing in China since November last year and is suspected to be detained by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stated that neither Lo Sen nor his family have sought assistance from any Taiwanese authorities, including the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF). Lo Sen, known for his adult novels, was recently reported to have been sentenced to 12 years on charges of profiting from privately publishing pornography. The MAC highlighted the CCP’s intensified internal security management, which has resulted in disruptions and restrictions on personal freedom for Taiwanese citizens and foreign enterprises in China. The MAC urged Taiwanese citizens to register with the ＂Mainland Travel Dynamic Registration＂ system before traveling to China to facilitate assistance in emergencies. The SEF has received reports of Taiwanese citizens being interrogated upon entry into China, with various reasons for the scrutiny, including the possession of religious-related books, posing challenges to cross-strait exchanges.

Taiwan is among the potential beneficiaries of Indonesia’s contemplation to offer visa-free entry for tourists from 20 major source countries, following the example set by Thailand. Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, disclosed in an interview that the government is discussing the launch of a visa exemption policy to attract more tourists and boost local economic development. Currently, travelers, including short-term tourists, need to secure a visa to visit Indonesia, including the option of Visa on Arrival (VOA) at designated entry points. Taiwanese passport holders can apply for VOA at 15 airports across Indonesia, such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, and Bali, allowing them to stay up to 30 days with a one-time extension option. Given Taiwan’s place within the top 20 sources of foreign tourists to Indonesia, there is a significant chance that it will be included in the visa exemption program. This move could simplify travel for Taiwanese citizens and deepen tourism-based interactions between the two nations.

A new poll conducted by Formosa Magazine shows that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) ticket of Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim is leading with 40.1% support, followed by the Kuomintang (KMT) duo Hou Yu-ih and Jaw Shaw-kong with 31.6%. The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) pair Ko Wen-je and Cynthia Wu received the lowest support at 14.8%. The survey also revealed that 3.3% of respondents would not vote or cast an invalid vote, and 10.2% were undecided. The poll shows a slight increase of 1.8 percentage points for the Lai-Hsiao alliance, a 0.2 percentage point rise for the Hou-Jaw ticket, and no change for the Ko-Wu ticket compared to the previous poll. In terms of party governance preferences, 35.3% favored the DPP staying in power, while 29.1% supported a handover to the KMT, and 13.3% were in favor of the TPP. Additionally, 47% disagreed with the idea of voting for the opposition party with the highest level of support to remove the ruling party, while 41.1% agreed. The poll interviewed 1,201 Taiwanese citizens aged 20 and above across 22 counties and cities using computer-assisted telephone interviewing from Dec. 4 to Dec. 6. The confidence level was at 95% with a maximum sampling error of ±2.8%.

Taipei City Councilor Chen Yi-chun has expressed concerns about stealthy trips organized by local community leaders to China, questioning whether they could be instances of ＂red infiltration.＂ Chen highlighted a heavily subsidized trip advertised as a ＂Wuxi Community Exchange Study,＂ which cost participants just NT＄15,000 and included flights, hospitality, and lodging. She suggested that the trip seemed imbued with Chinese propaganda, as it included visits to historical towns, canal boat tours, and a Belt and Road Initiative silk factory, with a guide from the National People’s Congress Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party. Chen raised concerns about potential organized red infiltration, as local leaders covertly rallied groups and secretly canvassed like-minded community members to join the trip. She also questioned whether the Chinese Communist Party could be using these excursions to influence the votes of Taiwanese local residents in anticipation of Taiwan’s 2024 Presidential Election. Chen argued that the CCP could be engaging in a multifaceted campaign, including cognitive warfare and expansive propaganda, with the latest strategy involving ground-level infiltration to sway Taiwan’s electorate. She called for Taiwan’s national security agencies to remain vigilant and advised citizens to foster security awareness to guard against possible election meddling strategies by the CCP.

The Taiwanese government plans to prioritize repaying public debt by using tax revenue that exceeds budget projections, according to Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun. The total budget for debt repayment in 2023, amounting to NT＄111 billion, was fully executed by June, with an additional NT＄15 billion paid in November. Chuang emphasized that if there is a surplus in the year-end financial outcome, the nation’s resources should be allocated for optimal use. The surplus in tax revenue will be apportioned first to debt repayment in accordance with the regulations of the Public Debt Act. Tax revenue for the first ten months of the year reached NT＄3.0223 trillion, setting a record high for the same period compared to previous years, with a 6.9% increase. It is expected that full-year tax revenue will surpass budget estimates by NT＄300 billion to NT＄370 billion. The opposition party has called for a redistribution of the tax benefits back to the citizens.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is currently verifying reports that Myanmar has handed over six Taiwanese telecom fraudsters to China. The MOFA is working with the Ministry of Justice, National Police Agency, and National Immigration Agency to bring these stranded citizens back to Taiwan. Myanmar’s Wa State, known for its independent judicial system and close ties with China, is where the transfer took place. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Myanmar is actively assisting Taiwanese citizens in their return. This is the first public announcement by Myanmar of transferring Taiwanese individuals involved in telecom fraud.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) minister has stated that multiple channels have been used to raise awareness of the ＂Online Registration System for Taiwanese Citizens Visiting Mainland China.＂ The system was implemented in January 2023 to improve emergency assistance services for travelers. However, out of over one million Taiwanese nationals who visited China from January to September, only around 2,000 registered with the system, resulting in a usage rate of just 0.19%. MAC Minister Chiu Tai-san acknowledged the low uptake and stated that efforts have been made to promote the system, including engaging travel agencies. Legislator Chuang Jui-hsiung highlighted that in August alone, over 200,000 people traveled from Taiwan to China, but only 554 registrations were made. Minister Chiu explained that registration is voluntary, and if citizens do not anticipate encountering problems in mainland China, it is challenging for the ministry to enforce it. In response to calls for increased promotion, Chiu promised that MAC colleagues would intensify efforts to raise awareness about the registration system.

Taiwanese citizens express their dissatisfaction with the new road regulations implemented on July 1 through social media, sharing stories of the consequences of violating the rules. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) amended Section 43 of the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, imposing fines and driving bans for drivers exceeding the speed limit by more than 40 kilometers per hour. Offenders also face a six-month license suspension. Despite Taiwan’s reputation for bad traffic behavior, some argue that the previous threshold of exceeding the speed limit by 60 kilometers per hour should be reinstated. The MOTC asserts that managing speed is crucial for road safety worldwide and considers excessive speeding a serious offense. They emphasize that higher speeds limit a driver’s field of vision and reaction time, urging citizens to comply with traffic rules without presuming luck.