Taiwan’s people 結果共148筆

The latest public opinion poll in Taiwan shows a decline in support for all presidential hopeful pairings in the 2024 election. The Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Lai-Hsiao ticket maintains a lead with 35.1% support, despite a drop of 2.7 percentage points. The Kuomintang’s (KMT) Hou-Jaw pairing saw a marginal decline to 32.5%, indicating a close race. The Taiwan People Party’s (TPP) Ko-Wu team also experienced a dip in support, sliding to an even 17%. In terms of party rotation, 32.2% of respondents believe it would be better for Taiwan’s development if the DPP continues to hold the presidency, while 29% prefer a KMT takeover and 15% support the TPP. The poll included 1,201 participants over the age of 20 and was conducted on December 7, 8, and 11.

Taiwan’s manufacturing sector shows signs of recovery with increased overtime hours in October, according to the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS). Manufacturers’ overtime climbed to 15.4 hours, a 1.6-hour increase from the previous year, marking continuous growth over four months and a return to 2021 levels. The average regular wage from January to October 2022 was NT$45,441, a 2.49% year-over-year increase. The total average salary within the same period was NT$59,270, up by 1.53%. However, when adjusted for inflation, the real average regular earnings only inched up 0.06%, and the real total earnings witnessed a slip of 0.87% year-over-year, the first negative growth in nearly seven years. This decline in total real wages is attributed to tepid exports and the rising cost of living. Employment in the industrial and service sectors stood at 8.19 million people as of October, with a slight increase compared to September 2021 and largely unchanged from October 2021. The service sector gained 41,000 employees in October, offsetting the decrease in the industrial sector. Throughout the first ten months of 2022, the average number of employed workers was 8.175 million, with the accommodation and food services and arts, entertainment, and recreational services sectors seeing new hires while the manufacturing sector lost jobs. In October 2022 alone, the average regular salary for employed workers was NT$45,564, a 2.31% annual rise, and the average total wage for the month was NT$51,143, a 1.35% increase from the previous year.

LINE TODAY, an information site by LY Corporation, reveals the top 10 news topics in 2023. Entertainment news, mainly linked to #MeToo movement sexual harassment incidents involving Taiwanese celebrities, tops the list. Coco Lee’s passing, a Hong Kong-American Mandarin pop singer-songwriter, ranks second. Relaxed pandemic policies causing a resurgence of viruses takes the third spot. Taiwanese people show high sensitivity to international affairs, reflected in comments and shares on the ＂TODAY Sees the World＂ channel. Popular polls and quizzes cover leisure, entertainment, livelihood, and policy topics, including Apple products, the president’s salary, and the ＂Slam Dunk＂ manga quiz.

The recent debate over the removal of classical Chinese literature from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education’s 108 Curriculum has sparked diverse opinions among students at National Taiwan University (NTU). In a student-led poll on Dcard, 38% of participants supported a teacher’s criticism of the curriculum reform, arguing that classical literature is an essential part of Mandarin education. On the other hand, 24% of students opposed the importance of classical texts, viewing them as pedantic Confucian brainwashing. Interestingly, 39% of students abstained from taking a strong stance, humorously identifying themselves as ＂engineering majors too busy with homework to have an opinion.＂ Student comments highlighted the complexity of the issue, with some emphasizing the importance of classical Chinese in enhancing writing skills and its philosophical value, while others expressed concerns about a potential lack of cultural depth in young people if literary content is reduced.

A sheep farm in Pingtung County, Taiwan experiences its first outbreak of Brucellosis in 30 years, with three sheep testing positive for the disease. The infected sheep have been culled and the entire facility disinfected. Brucellosis is a zoonotic infectious disease that can spread between people and animals, causing placentitis, infertility, miscarriage, and orchitis. The Pingtung County Animal Disease Control Center routinely monitors dairy cattle and sheep farms, with all dairy cattle farms testing negative in 2023. Further confirmation analysis and biweekly blood tests are mandated for the remaining sheep on the affected farm. Taiwan’s Council of Agriculture claims to have eradicated Brucellosis in dairy cows by 1989, and this is the first positive case identified on a sheep farm since surveillance began in 1986. Livestock farms are urged to avoid introducing animals from unknown sources and to enhance biosecurity measures, using proper personal protective equipment and reporting unexplained symptoms to animal health authorities.

KMT Chairman Eric Chu urges veteran legislators to support KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih in the upcoming elections to fight for Taiwan’s future. Chu emphasizes the party’s efforts in nominating young candidates, particularly highlighting Chan Wan-chen’s run for the legislative seat in Chiayi County’s first district. Despite a late start in her campaign, Chan is doubling down on efforts to meet and seek support from constituents. Chu expresses confidence in Chan due to her deep-rooted service in Chiayi and believes that the people of Chiayi will support her.

During her tenure as Taiwan’s representative to the U.S., DPP vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim emphasized that Taiwanese people were treated with dignity and respect, rejecting any notion of subservience. She acknowledged the need for a flexible approach to diplomacy given Taiwan’s unique situation, which can range from soft to firm. Hsiao candidly admitted to setbacks and grievances, but highlighted her team’s tireless efforts to overcome obstacles and gain widespread support and respect. Despite the challenges, the confidence, encouragement, and backing from Taiwanese people made her role worthwhile. Hsiao also emphasized the importance of Taiwan’s foreign policy objectives, such as garnering international support and promoting democratic and economic achievements.

DPP Vice Presidential Candidate Hsiao Bi-khim has stated that her diplomatic efforts in the United States have enhanced Taiwanese dignity. Responding to criticism from KMT legislator candidate Hsu Chiao-hsin, Hsiao defended her ＂battle cat diplomacy＂ approach, emphasizing the need for flexibility in Taiwan’s unique diplomatic situation. Despite setbacks, Hsiao believes Taiwan has gained increased support, trust, and respect from the international community. She also emphasized the importance of leveraging Taiwan’s democratic values, the kindness of its people, and its economic achievements to garner international support.

DPP vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim refutes criticisms made by TPP candidate Ko Wen-je regarding the government’s handling of challenges faced by youths. Hsiao emphasizes the DPP’s efforts in tackling issues such as educational expenses, employment, and housing costs. She argues that these problems are not unique to Taiwan and require multifaceted solutions. Hsiao highlights that the current subsidy programs are a result of Taiwan’s robust national fiscal system and the outstanding international performance of domestic industries. She further asserts the need to distribute wealth effectively through policy measures and affirms the government’s commitment to alleviating financial pressures on young people.

DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te emphasized the importance of kindness among Taiwanese people and his vision for Taiwan’s future during his speech at the inaugural meeting of his campaign headquarters in Taoyuan. The event was attended by prominent DPP figures, including President Tsai Ing-wen. Lai’s pairing with his vice-presidential running mate Hsiao Bi-khim, dubbed the ＂Virtue Team,＂ has garnered attention online. Lai advocated for democracy over dictatorship and called for support of Taiwan’s international industry without relying too heavily on China. He outlined policies to boost industries such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and green energy technology. Lai also criticized the ＂Blue-White Alliance＂ between the KMT and TPP as a merger focused on party interests and personal power. He emphasized the need for the DPP to secure a legislative majority to smoothly implement these policies.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim expresses confidence in the trust the U.S. places in President Tsai Ing-wen and assures that her running mate, presidential candidate Lai Ching-te, will continue Tsai’s diplomatic policies if elected. Hsiao addresses concerns about the perception of the ＂Lai-Hsiao ticket＂ as strongly pro-Taiwan independence, emphasizing the focus should be on actions rather than political labels. She believes Taiwan’s consensus is to maintain the status quo and desires sustainable and healthy exchanges with China. Hsiao describes herself as a ＂cat warrior＂ and emphasizes the need for diplomacy to strike a balance that maximizes Taiwan’s international support and participation. She expresses a desire to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping face-to-face, urging him to empathize with the aspirations of the Taiwanese people. Hsiao also mentions her intention to recommend Taiwan’s delicious agricultural products, such as Taiwanese mangoes, to Xi. This interview reaffirms the DPP’s commitment to Taiwan’s autonomy and the desire for friendly and reciprocal relations with neighboring countries, including China, based on compassion and mutual respect.

Foxconn founder Terry Gou has withdrawn from the race for the 2024 Taiwan presidential election, surprising his supporters. Gou had previously secured enough signatures to make a bid for the presidency. The announcement came just as the registration for the presidential and legislative elections closed. Despite expressing disappointment, supporters respected Gou’s decision for the greater good. Gou’s withdrawal followed a request from Taiwan People’s Party candidate Ko Wen-je, which caused discontent among his supporters. Gou had campaigned in Chiayi City, where he had support from the ＂Friends of A-Ming＂ group. The group had successfully reached the petition threshold, but were not forewarned about Gou’s decision. In his withdrawal statement, Gou emphasized his unwavering spirit on the global business stage and his love for Taiwan’s people. He highlighted the importance of victory and regime change for Taiwan, stating that an unwillingness to compromise is unacceptable for those seeking political turnover.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim expresses concerns about Taiwan’s political climate and her hesitation to return to the country for public office. She describes a ＂dark political vortex＂ and emphasizes the need to defend democracy, freedom, and basic rights. Despite the challenges, Hsiao pledges steadfast efforts alongside presidential candidate Lai Ching-te to guide Taiwan and offer its people more opportunities. She aims to concentrate on state affairs and constructive national debates, avoiding distractions and external disturbances. Hsiao’s commitment reflects the underlying tensions in Taiwan’s political landscape and her determination to maintain stability and progress for the country.

Hsiao Bi-khim, the Democratic Progressive Party’s vice-presidential candidate, expressed concern about the dark ＂vortex＂ of Taiwanese politics but remains focused on serving the nation without distraction. During a media session, Hsiao acknowledged her role in promoting the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade and negotiations for the ＂Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement.＂ She highlighted bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress and efforts to propose legislative drafts. Hsiao also discussed tackling unanticipated issues such as supply chain resilience and securing vaccines during her time in the U.S. She emphasized the challenges stemming from Taiwan’s unique international status and the unfair treatment of Taiwanese in the global arena. Hsiao sees the resilience of the Taiwanese people as a strength, allowing them to pragmatically seek paths to their goals. She believes her life experiences have fortified her to face challenges with greater strength.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential and vice-presidential candidates Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim registered for Taiwan’s 2024 national election with the Central Election Commission. They wore badges featuring cartoon depictions of a cat and a dog, symbolizing their representative animals. Lai’s campaign design incorporates a baseball theme and an animation series featuring his dog, while Hsiao, a well-known ＂cat person,＂ often compares her diplomatic skills to a cat’s charm. The slogan ＂pick the right people, follow the right path＂ emphasizes their commitment to jointly shaping Taiwan’s future.

Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan’s former representative to the U.S., has accepted the role of running mate to Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te. In her acceptance speech, Hsiao emphasized her responsibility to stand for Taiwan and her commitment to maintaining and improving the Taiwan-U.S. relationship. She highlighted the importance of Taiwan’s democratic values and its international participation. Hsiao has resigned from her U.S. representative role to run for the elections, bringing her political credentials and experience to serve Taiwan and its people.

Learn about Taiwan’s pig farming industry, which involves over 3 million people and has an annual value exceeding NT$150 billion. Acting Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih emphasizes the importance of quarantine stations to protect the industry and prevent the spread of African swine fever. With over 5,000 pig farms operating in Taiwan, the industry contributes significantly to the economy. Chen’s comments came after the implementation of manual inspection stations at Taoyuan International Airport caused a decline in its Skytrax ranking.

Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan reveals his oversight of the planning and construction of 23 libraries during his tenure as Taoyuan mayor, with 15 libraries costing approximately NT＄8 billion. The announcement comes ahead of the Taiwan Reading Festival, seen as a symbol of civilization and a mark of a nation’s progress. Education Ministry reports show a rise in library visits, card applications, and book borrowing by Taiwanese residents. The festival, now in its 11th year, has gained international recognition and is expected to further promote Taiwan’s literary and cultural richness.

The Bahwan Tribe of Taiwan’s Bunun people are demanding that National Taiwan University (NTU) return ancestral remains taken without permission from a Bahwan public cemetery 63 years ago. NTU has been accused of shirking its historical responsibilities, leading to disagreements with the tribe. The issue dates back to the 1960s when the NTU College of Medicine Physical Anthropology Research Team took remains from the Bahwan Tribe’s cemetery, ’Lilieq,’ for academic research. The ’Return Bahwan Bunun Ancestors’ Remains Committee’ has approached the Executive Yuan, urging the government and NTU to return the remains and cease depriving indigenous people. NTU claims to have 43 boxes of the remains stored in its research room and has been participating in discussions with the government and legislature since the tribe’s request in 2017. However, indigenous legislator candidate Savungaz Valincinan expressed disappointment with NTU’s lack of effort to establish a relationship with the tribe and refusal to cover transportation and accommodation costs for their trips to Taipei. NTU has recently expressed willingness to return the remains, erect a memorial, honor the deceased as ＂Great Body Teachers,＂ and provide medical, educational, and sanitary services to the tribe. However, as a public school, NTU argues that it cannot establish a foundation or provide compensation of NT＄1.49 billion, citing Ministry of Education regulations. This issue has sparked discussion in Taiwan about addressing historical wounds and the journey toward transitional justice for indigenous tribes, who constitute 2.5% of the population and have historically faced exploitation and discrimination.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesperson, Zhu Fenglian, has called on the people of Taiwan and China to support the 1992 Consensus and oppose Taiwanese independence in order to restore peaceful development in cross-Strait relations. This statement was made during a regular press conference on Wednesday morning. Zhu also mentioned the potential Blue-White Coalition in the upcoming Taiwanese presidential election, emphasizing that peace, development, and cooperation represent the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan. Zhu further stated that mainland residents will only be able to travel to Taiwan when cross-Strait relations are on the correct track of peaceful development. This communication reflects China’s consistent stance on Taiwan, reaffirming its commitment to the 1992 Consensus and strong opposition to Taiwan’s independence. It is evident that China is closely monitoring Taiwan’s political dynamics in light of the upcoming election.

Independent presidential candidate Terry Gou’s campaign office spokesperson, Chen Chia-yi, confirmed that the election coalition between the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan’s People Party (TPP) does not prevent the TPP from forming an alliance with Gou. Chen emphasized that Gou’s commitment to a political turnover in 2024 remains unwavering and stated that discussions can take place between Gou and TPP’s presidential contender Ko Wen-je, as the two are not mutually exclusive. Gou’s campaign team aims to bring all parties to the table to communicate their goals without any preconditions, highlighting that unity is the key to winning the presidential election. Chen mentioned that Gou’s direction aligns with the 65% mainstream public opinion, which desires the removal of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Cooperation among opposition presidential candidates is seen as the ongoing effort leading up to candidate registration at the Central Election Commission from November 20 to November 24.

The collaborative ＂Hou-Ko＂ candidate ticket in the Taiwan presidential election has received significant support in an online poll conducted by United Daily News. As of Thursday morning, around 320,000 people had voted, with 70% favoring Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih over Taiwan People’s Party’s (TPP) Ko Wen-je. The poll, which lasted 15 days, allowed daily voting and resulted in a coalition between the KMT and the TPP. The collaboration aims to consolidate opposition strength under the presidential candidate with the highest support, as determined by polls and announced by the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation. The results will be publicized on Nov. 18, and both parties will form a campaign committee to endorse their candidates. Under the watch of Ma Ying-jeou, the KMT and TPP pledged to establish a joint government to lead Taiwan’s third wave of democratic reform.

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.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has stated that there is currently no timetable for a decision on whether heavy motorcycles should be allowed on the highway, due to the lack of consensus on the matter. A local motorcycle organization plans to protest outside the MOTC on November 26, with over 5,000 heavy motorcycles and tens of thousands of people participating. MTOC Minister Wang Kwo-tsai has expressed that the current situation is not yet suitable for heavy motorcycles on highways, as the behavior of riders could cause disturbances. Additionally, a poll shows that around 60% of the population is opposed to the idea, further highlighting the lack of consensus.

President Tsai Ing-wen attributes the DPP’s rule in Taiwan since 2016 to the support of the Taiwanese people. She emphasizes the robust democratic elections and system of checks and balances in Taiwan. Tsai states that the DPP and presidential candidate Lai Ching-te are the right choice for Taiwan. Under the DPP’s administration, Taiwan’s national power has enhanced, with GDP growth from NT＄17.5 trillion in 2016 to a potential NT＄23 trillion in 2023. President Tsai encourages Taiwanese to be proud of their achievements.