Tsai administration 結果共23筆

Explore the latest on former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian’s confidence in the people’s support for the government, amid speculation of a pardon before Tsai Ing-wen’s term ends. Learn about the challenges facing the new administration with a divided legislature.

Explore the ongoing seismic activity in Taiwan, where residents face continuous earthquakes without prior national-level warnings on their phones, unless specific criteria are met. The Central Weather Administration clarifies the conditions for alerts and cautions against misinformation, amidst concerns of more tremors and adverse weather. President Tsai Ing-wen calls for caution, particularly in mountainous regions, and shares crucial safety advice for earthquake preparedness.

In a significant political reshuffle, President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan confirmed new appointments within her administration, introducing Lin Chia-lung as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs and transitioning Joseph Wu to the Secretary-General of the National Security Council. This announcement came during a meeting with a visiting delegation from the New Zealand Parliament, marking their first visit to Taiwan. President Tsai emphasized the importance of democratic collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region and expressed gratitude towards the support for peace and security in the Taiwan Strait, highlighted in recent Australia-New Zealand consultations.

The latest poll by My-formosa.com reveals high dissatisfaction rates towards Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua, Minister of Digital Affairs Audrey Tang, and NCC Chairman Chen Yaw-shyang. Criticism is directed at the Tsai administration’s handling of inflation, fraud prevention, and green energy policies. Conducted through telephone interviews across Taiwan, the survey highlights public discontent with specific government departments and policies.

Taiwan’s Minister of Transportation and Communications, Wang Kuo-tsai, expresses regret after China unilaterally adjusts flight routes, raising aviation safety concerns. The decision to cancel the ＂offset measure＂ for the M503 flight route and start east to west operations near Taiwan without bilateral negotiation has led to potential conflicts between civilian and military aircraft. The proximity of Route M503 to the Taipei Flight Information Region poses a risk, with the nearest point just 4.2 nautical miles away. Take-off and landing in Matsu and Kinmen without prior consultation could also raise safety issues. The national security units are now handling the situation and consulting with the Civil Aviation Administration and the military to develop responsive measures.

Chinese media personality Wang Zhian’s derogatory comments about a disabled person have sparked controversy. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) expresses regret that Wang has yet to admit his error and announces they will no longer respond to his remarks. Despite apologizing, Wang’s attempt to politicize and mask his derogatory comments is criticized by DPP spokesperson Justin Wu. The DPP emphasizes their zero-tolerance policy against discrimination and warns against shifting focus away from the issue. Despite writing a letter to the DPP, Wang still fails to admit his mistake, leading to the DPP’s decision to refrain from responding further. The DPP highlights that the disabled legislator-at-large candidate, Chen Chun-han, is highly regarded within the Tsai Ing-wen administration for his expertise in human rights law. The DPP remains committed to advocating for marginalized groups and people with disabilities, and calls for society’s joint effort in upholding dignity and equality for all.

President Tsai Ing-wen highlights Taiwan’s growing global relevance and indispensability, as she reflects on the substantial changes during her seven-year presidency. Taiwan’s GDP has risen from NT＄17.5 trillion to an impressive NT＄23 trillion under her administration, thanks to initiatives aimed at investment and infrastructure development. Advanced semiconductor chip production has thrived, contributing to Taiwan’s economic stability and rapid advancement, surpassing the progress of the Four Asian Tigers. Tsai attributes this success to the unity and resilience of the Taiwanese people. She hopes that her administration’s efforts will have a lasting impact, sustaining Taiwan’s forward momentum for future leaders.

Taiwan’s Minister of Transportation and Communications, Wang Kwo-tsai, announced that worker rights and disputes in Taiwan Railway will be handled by a board of directors once it becomes a company on Jan. 1, 2024. This marks a departure from the current practice where the Minister has jurisdiction over such matters. The transition will be commemorated with a plaque unveiling ceremony at Taipei Station, signifying Taiwan Railway’s separation from the administrative agency Taiwan Railways Administration. Wang expressed optimism for a fresh start, including the resolution of debt, enhanced safety protocols, and more flexible systems. In response to concerns raised by the Taiwan Railway Labor Union regarding employee vacation rights and driver treatment, Wang stated that decisions will be made by Taiwan Railway as a company. Wang also addressed worries about a potential retirement wave among senior maintenance staff, emphasizing that retirement is a normal occurrence in all workplaces and that the inclusion of younger employees could lead to improved performance.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te criticizes Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih for spreading disinformation about social housing developments. Lai responds to accusations made during the second Central Election Committee (CEC) policy presentation by stating that his administration had plans for over 200 social housing units, currently under construction in Tainan. Lai also highlights his establishment of the National Housing and Urban Regeneration Center (HURC) during his time as Premier, which has aided in social housing development. He credits President Tsai Ing-wen for surpassing local governments in the construction of social housing, thanks to the HURC’s establishment.

President Tsai Ing-wen expresses gratitude to lawmakers for passing the central government’s record-high budget for 2024, highlighting achievements in salary increases, tax cuts, and welfare improvements. The budget prioritizes social welfare, with a significant increase in long-term care funding. Education, science, and culture spending also receive attention, including a plan to reduce private university tuition fees. The national defense budget reaches a historic high, and efforts towards achieving ’net-zero emissions by 2050’ are emphasized. The administration has successfully reduced debt and improved fiscal discipline, with the debt repayment next year reaching a 23-year high. Taiwan’s overall economic scale has grown under President Tsai’s leadership, with GDP expected to exceed NT＄23 trillion this year.

The Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) is considering a potential fare increase, with a plan to review the proposal in the first quarter of next year and a possible implementation in the latter half of the year if approved. The decision on fare adjustments will be made by the board of directors of the newly formed TRA company, which will be established on January 1. The board will determine the necessity, method, and extent of any price changes before submitting their proposal to the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC). Despite submitting several versions of fare increase proposals to the MOTC earlier this year, substantive discussions have not yet taken place. MOTC Minister Wang Kwo-tsai supports respecting the independent decisions of the company’s board of directors regarding fare adjustments. The transition to a company structure will decrease the direct impact of fare adjustments on TRA’s operations, and any losses incurred due to policy factors will be subsidized by the government under the provisions of corporatization. Former MOTC Minister Tan Ho-chen also supports increasing TRA’s ticket prices, arguing that it will help the railway understand its genuine operational costs and develop effective pricing strategies.

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen addressed criticism about her government’s spending and accusations of burdening future generations with debt. She claimed to be the best debt-repaying president and announced that her administration had repaid over NT$800 billion of debt. Tsai highlighted the increases in national spending under her leadership, including a significant hike in the national defense budget to NT$600 billion and a raise in the budget for elderly care from NT$5 billion to NT$80 billion. She also mentioned the expansion of the national child-rearing policy and the progress of the indigenous defense aircraft program. Tsai viewed the construction of a prototype submarine as a milestone that strengthens the island’s defensive capabilities.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim emphasized the importance of the DPP holding a majority in the legislature to ensure continuous progress for Taiwan. Speaking at a women’s support group event in Tucheng District, Hsiao highlighted her past achievements, including signing the inaugural agreements of the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade. She also mentioned that talks to prevent double taxation with the U.S. are nearing completion, which will enhance bilateral trade relations. Hsiao stressed the DPP government’s commitment to establishing friendly and commercial ties with the international community, urging a broader perspective beyond the focus on the 1992 Consensus. She expressed confidence in the foreign policy direction under President Tsai Ing-wen’s administration and the potential for a Lai-Hsiao team to continue this diplomatic route. Hsiao emphasized the symbolic significance of drawing number two in the election draw, representing integrity and steady advancement, and portraying the elections as a testament to Taiwan’s democratic strength. She reiterated the importance of a legislative majority for the DPP to implement stable and progressive policies, reducing resource drain from cross-party conflicts.

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.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications has announced that the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) will implement an online system for train drivers to apply for leave by the end of this year. This decision comes after reports of drivers sleeping on the office floor or ＂fighting for time off＂ due to the current in-person system for leave applications. Currently, the Taipei Rolling Stock Branch of the TRA uses an in-person queuing system for leave scheduling, which often leads to disputes during extended holidays. MOTC head Wang Kwo-tsai explained that the demand for drivers exceeds the available staff, making it impossible to accept all leave requests. Wang also mentioned that recruitment examinations for railway staff will take place after the corporatization of the TRA in 2024, with some specialized railway examinations already causing disruptions in June.

The Taiwanese government plans to allocate at least NT＄20 billion next year to raise the salaries of healthcare workers in response to recent protests by medical professionals. Premier Chen Chien-jen advocates for increased respect, appreciation, and compensation for frontline staff, stating that a health insurance system should not be built on the ＂sweat and tears＂ of healthcare professionals. Discussions are underway with President Tsai Ing-wen, National Health Insurance Administration Director-General Shih Chung-liang, and Health Minister Hsueh Jui-yuan on methods to enhance salaries through health insurance and public budget funds. The financial assistance will be directed at healthcare personnel excluding doctors, with specific details of the plan still under discussion. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has highlighted the global shortage of healthcare workers as a significant concern, and with COVID-19 still a threat, the government aims to increase healthcare investment and address the welfare of those on the medical frontline.

The Taiwanese government plans to allocate at least NT$20 billion in 2024 to subsidize healthcare workers’ salaries, according to Premier Chen Chien-jen. The aim is to ensure that the health insurance system is not built on the sweat and tears of medical staff. Chen emphasized the need for healthcare workers to be respected, appreciated, and adequately compensated within the healthcare system. President Tsai Ing-wen, Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan, and National Health Insurance Administration Director Shi Chong-liang have held discussions on enhancing medical personnel’s salaries through health insurance and public budget. The proposed funds will be budgeted from public expenditures, although the details are still being planned. The budget for fiscal year 2024 has been submitted to the Legislative Yuan, and if approved, the new subsidies will officially roll out the following year. The specific manner and target of the subsidies are still being formulated.

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.

The Travel Agents Association Chairman, Hsiao Po-jen, has announced that the Taiwanese government may lift travel group bans to China before Chinese New Year in 2024. Minister Wang Kwo-tsai of Transportation and Communications and Mainland Affairs Council revealed that the MOTC Tourist Administration Director General, Chou Yung-Hui, confirmed plans to lift restrictions on Taiwanese travel groups just before the holiday next year. The ban on private arrangement of group tours to China has been in place since the Covid-19 pandemic, making this decision a significant move to enhance diplomatic relations between the two states. The MAC has also announced plans to restore cross-strait group tours, initially allowing 2,000 visitors per day from China. The lift on travel restrictions may come earlier than expected if China expresses goodwill to welcome tourists from across the Strait.

Prominent Facebook influencer and critic of the Tsai Ing-wen administration, Lin Yu-hung, has been revealed to have fabricated threats against his life after denouncing import egg policies. The Taoyuan District Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the fabrication, sparking unrest on social media.

Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss’ visit to Taiwan in May for a speaking engagement has ignited controversy, with the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party criticizing President Tsai Ing-wen’s administration for using Taiwanese taxpayers’ money for domestic propaganda.

Foxconn founder Terry Gou alludes that the Tsai administration was unwilling to import the Pfizer-BNT vaccine on Monday (Dec. 19)

The world was on watch for Taiwan’s 9-in-1 elections on Saturday (Nov. 26). Foreign media, however, focused their attention on cross-strait relations, as many viewed this election as a ＂mid-term＂ test for President Tsai Ing-wen, a test to see if the people of Taiwan are satisfied with the current Democratic Progressive Party administration.