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Chen Chu backs Control Yuan abolition amid reform talks
Explore the latest on Taiwan’s constitutional reforms as Control Yuan President Chen Chu supports the separation of powers and backs the abolition of the Control Yuan, amid calls for constitutional amendments.
2024/06/05 17:14
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Taiwan’s premier seeks legislative review over concerns
Discover how Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai is taking steps to protect the constitution by challenging recent legislative amendments. Read about the government’s efforts to maintain democratic integrity.
2024/05/29 10:53
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Ker Chien-ming emphasizes respect for president’s decision
Discover the latest on Taiwan’s political scene: DPP caucus whip Ker Chien-ming discusses President Lai Ching-te’s potential state of the nation address and emphasizes respect for the president’s decision, highlighting the constitutional process.
2024/05/23 15:25
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Hsiao Bi-khim sworn in as Republic of China’s vice president
Hsiao Bi-khim was inaugurated as Taiwan’s vice president, pledging to protect the Constitution and Taiwanese interests. Her experience as a legislator and diplomat will shape her tenure.
2024/05/20 18:27
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Historic challenge against death penalty unfolds in Taiwan
Taiwan’s Constitutional Court hears arguments on the constitutionality of the death penalty, with 37 inmates appealing. The Ministry of Justice defends its fair trial procedures, while inmates argue the penalty violates the constitution. A decision could come by July.
2024/04/24 13:54
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Ma Ying-jeou’s China visit sparks sovereignty debate
Learn about the political tensions in Taiwan as Ma Ying-jeou faces pressure to assert Taiwan’s sovereignty during his upcoming delegation to China. Discover how Premier Chen Chien-jen’s call for Ma to declare Taiwan as an independent country challenges the ROC Constitution, as tensions rise over the DPP’s pro-independence stance. Stay updated on the uncertain prospects of a second meeting between Ma and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
2024/03/28 17:52
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Hsiao Hsu-tsen accuses Premier of pro-independence talk
Hsiao Hsu-tsen, director of the Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, criticized former Vice President Chen Chien-jen for advocating Taiwan’s independence, citing violations of the Constitution of the Republic of China. This story highlights the ongoing debate surrounding Taiwan’s sovereignty and the implications of pro-independence rhetoric on the nation’s constitutional framework.
2024/03/27 15:45
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TPP cautiously backs KMT’s contempt of legislature bill
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) caucus whip Huang Kuo-Chang cautiously supports Kuomintang’s proposed law to criminalize contempt of the legislative body, emphasizing the need for further discussion. The KMT’s legislation aims to penalize false statements by executive officials, drawing opposition from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). While aligned with the TPP’s oversight goals, Huang raises concerns about the law’s wording and its compatibility with Taiwan’s constitution. He references similar regulations in the U.S., Germany, and Britain but stresses the importance of thorough deliberation on the proposed law’s specifics.
2024/03/05 18:08
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Taiwan faces potential shift in legislative power dynamics
Taipei Premier Chen Chien-jen stresses the importance of adhering to constitutional regulations in response to the Kuomintang’s (KMT) plans to expand its personnel power. KMT legislator Weng Hsiao-ling suggests that the Legislative Yuan should have the authority to approve personnel and dismiss unqualified leaders. The KMT also proposes the creation of a Special Investigation Division within Parliament. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislators argue that constitutional amendments must be implemented first. Premier Chen emphasizes that Taiwan is a country governed by the constitution, democracy, and the rule of law, and all agencies should follow constitutional guidelines. The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) expresses its willingness to collaborate with other parties in reforming the parliament, potentially bringing significant changes to Taiwan’s legal landscape and political power dynamics.
2024/02/07 18:04
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Presidential debate ignites over R.O.C. Constitution
The sole televised debate for Taiwan’s 2024 presidential candidates featured heated exchanges among Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), and Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT) regarding the representation of the Republic of China (R.O.C.). The candidates were questioned about their recognition of the inherent territory in mainland China and Taiwan, whether both are part of the R.O.C., and their stance on the principle of "one country, two systems." Lai expressed skepticism about recognizing the R.O.C. as a "guardian deity" of both sides, while Hou emphasized his adherence to the Constitution and opposition to the one-country-two-systems principle. Ko argued that following the constitution is crucial for presidential candidates and emphasized maintaining the status quo.
2023/12/30 18:56
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Hou Yu-ih reiterates Taiwan independence opposition
Kuomintang’s presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih expressed his opposition to Taiwan’s independence and support for democratic freedom, rejecting "one country, two systems." During a debate, he criticized Democratic Progressive Party’s candidate Lai Ching-te for his vague policy toward China and questioned his remarks about sharing bubble tea with China’s president Xi Jinping. Hou emphasized that any consensus between Taiwan and China should be based on Taiwan’s Constitution and the basic cross-strait framework, clarifying that the 1992 Consensus does not imply recognition of "one country, two systems." He emphasized that the future of Taiwan should be decided by its 23 million citizens, engaging in dialogue under the constitutional framework to reduce risks. Hou also advocated for the development of Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities to maintain peace and suggested that cross-strait exchanges should start from the civil sector before moving to official government interactions to minimize risks.
2023/12/30 16:38
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Hou Yu-ih challenges Tsai’s foreign policy effectiveness
Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih challenges the effectiveness of President Tsai Ing-wen’s foreign policy, questioning its impact on Taiwan-China communication, severed relations with former allies, extended military service, and increased risk of Chinese fighter jets breaching Taiwan’s airspace. The three presidential contenders, including Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je, discuss U.S.-Taiwan relations and their stance on President Tsai’s policy. Hou questions DPP’s handling of tainted politics during their time in power and highlights his support for the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA). He also addresses concerns over cross-strait flight operations and employment difficulties for Chinese students in Taiwan. Hou pledges to follow the Constitution of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and maintain administrative neutrality without relying on any side.
2023/12/30 15:51
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KMT’s Hou slams DPP’s ECFA ’poison pill’ claims
Kuomintang (KMT) presidential contender Hou Yu-ih criticizes the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP’s) past claims about the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) and cross-strait communication. He questions the DPP candidate’s analogy of "three links" and direct flights to a "Trojan horse leading to a massacre" and challenges the Agriculture Minister’s role in Chinese approvals for Taiwan’s grouper fish export. Hou argues that unresolved quarantine issues could harm Taiwanese farmers and suggests direct negotiations with China. He also criticizes Lai’s "Taiwan independence" stance, claiming it lacks practical understanding of cross-strait relations. If elected, Hou promises to continue ECFA negotiations to reduce China’s tariffs on Taiwan’s industries. He believes that adhering to the Constitution and the Act Governing Relations between Taiwan and China will maintain peace between the straits.
2023/12/26 16:44
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KMT VP Jaw vows to expand Taiwan’s diplomacy
KMT vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong pledges to expand Taiwan’s diplomatic relations if the KMT wins the upcoming elections. He criticizes the ruling DPP for losing nine diplomatic allies during their eight-year tenure. Jaw’s remarks were made during a Constitution Day event organized by the KMT’s Department of International Affairs, attended by KMT Chairman Eric Chu and KMT Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia. Chu defends Hsia, stating that he is a valuable asset to the party and urges media outlets to avoid spreading misinformation. Hsia expresses regret that young people overlook the significance of Dec. 25 as Constitution Day in Taiwan and promises to restore the value of the Republic of China if the KMT wins the elections next year.
2023/12/26 10:11
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Hou Yu-ih pledges to reinstate Constitution Day if elected
Presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih pledges to reinstate Constitution Day as a public holiday in Taiwan if elected. He argues that the Constitution carries the founding spirit of the Republic of China (ROC) and forms the foundation of the rule of law. Hou criticizes his rival, Lai Ching-te, for suggesting that the ROC constitution hinders Taiwan’s unity, calling it a myth. He also accuses Lai of attempting to erase the spirit of the nation’s founding and the rule of law by cutting Constitution Day and other public holidays. Hou promises to protect the spirit of the country and uphold workers’ rights by restoring Constitution Day as a public holiday.
2023/12/25 18:54
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Hou Yu-ih proposes balanced U.S.-China diplomatic ties
Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih proposes a pro-US and China diplomatic stance, diverging from incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen’s approach. Hou criticizes Tsai’s foreign affairs and cross-strait policies, blaming the Tsai administration for Taiwan’s diplomatic isolation, failure to join regional economic bodies, and lack of communication with China. Hou emphasizes adhering to the Constitution of the Republic of China, affirming the nation’s sovereignty, and proposing a balanced stance between fostering solid ties with the United States and engaging with Mainland China. He also highlights the importance of Taiwan being prepared and realistic about its defense, suggesting that the island’s security should not rely solely on promises from the US but on its efforts and pragmatic relations with democratic allies. Political commentator Jaw Shau-kong fiercely criticizes the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for being pro-US and anti-China, deeming Tsai’s policies on cross-strait relations and international diplomacy a complete failure. Jaw points out that despite Taiwan’s willingness to import American pork, the support has yet to translate into the U.S. helping with Taiwan’s entry into international organizations.
2023/12/07 19:13
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Lai urges China to value Taiwan firms’ contributions
DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te has called on Mainland China to appreciate the contributions of Taiwanese business people to its economy. This appeal comes as Foxconn Group, a major Taiwanese tech firm, faces investigations by China’s tax and natural resources departments. Lai emphasized that Taiwanese business people are an important asset to China, fostering economic growth and creating opportunities. He urged China not to pressure Taiwanese business people during the upcoming election, warning that it would harm both sides and undermine confidence in the Chinese market. Lai also called on China to respect Taiwan’s democratic constitution and lifestyle and to accept that the civil war between the Kuomintang and the Communists is over. He encouraged China to engage in equitable and dignified dialogue exchange.
2023/10/24 13:40