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MOA says impact of China’s tariff policy change manageable
Discover how Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture responds to China’s decision to end tariff exemptions for 34 Taiwanese agricultural products, aiming to mitigate impact and diversify export markets.
2024/09/19 10:18
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Fang Jen-yu represents Taiwan in Paralympics for second time
Discover how Fang Jen-yu, Taiwan’s first Paralympic badminton player, aims for a medal at the Paralympics in Paris, overcoming challenges and focusing on victory.
2024/08/26 10:53
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Taipei 101 lights up for Lin Yu-ting’s Olympic gold win
Discover how Taipei 101 celebrated Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting’s Olympic gold with a dazzling display and the nation’s reaction to her victory amid challenges.
2024/08/12 15:03
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Canoeist Wu Shao-hsuan misses Olympic slalom semifinals
Discover how Taiwan’s canoe slalom athlete Wu Shao-hsuan faced challenges at the Olympic Games, failing to advance to the semifinals despite a strong effort and improvement in his times. Learn about his journey and what’s next for him and his teammates.
2024/07/31 15:28
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President Lai urges dialogue after legislative amendments
Discover the latest on Taiwan’s legislative reforms as the Presidential Office voices concerns over the passage of controversial bills, highlighting a call for dialogue and potential constitutional challenges.
2024/05/29 13:47
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Former Taiwan president confident in public support for Lai
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.
2024/05/07 13:30
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President Tsai promises support for Taiwan’s industry growth
President Tsai Ing-wen commits to supporting Taiwan’s industry development, highlighting the country’s export success and plans for post-pandemic recovery. Tsai vows to deepen global economic ties, recognizing the National Importers & Exporters Chamber of Commerce’s role in driving economic growth amidst challenges. Taiwan aims to enhance international competitiveness through agreements with the U.S., U.K., Canada, and others, promoting a prosperous future for Taiwanese industries.
2024/05/06 17:18
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Taiwanese fisherman detained in China for over a month
Explore the ongoing situation of a Taiwanese fisherman and active-duty soldier detained in mainland China for over a month, as China’s Taiwan Affairs Office navigates the complexities of cross-strait relations and promises to facilitate exchanges and cooperation despite existing challenges.
2024/04/24 14:52
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Taiwan businesses prioritize swift action for profitability
Read about the latest insights from the 2024 Taiwan Business Leadership Survey by PwC Taiwan. Discover how Taiwanese business leaders are navigating challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing economic landscape, with a focus on sustainability, competition, and transformation. Gain valuable perspectives on the future outlook and industry-specific trends shaping Taiwan’s business environment.
2024/03/27 16:52
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Taiwan VP affirms commitment to peace amid China challenges
Taiwanese Vice President Lai Ching-te emphasizes Taiwan’s commitment to peace, equality, democracy, and dialogue in the face of challenges from China. Lai meets with a U.S. delegation led by Representative Mike Gallagher to strengthen Taiwan’s national defense and security. Gallagher expresses continuous support for a deeper Taiwan-U.S. relationship, highlighting the integral bond between the two countries amid China’s ambitions. The meeting underscores Taiwan’s resolve to engage in peaceful, equal, democratic dialogue and protect its sovereignty.
2024/02/22 15:58
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Taiwanese unaware of carbon reduction policies: survey
Eugene Chien, president of the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy, discusses the challenges and opportunities of Taiwan’s planned carbon fee by 2025, aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Insights from a recent survey show public unawareness and dissatisfaction with current climate change efforts, stressing the need for alignment with global carbon taxation trends and the integration of AI with ESG initiatives.
2024/02/01 15:52
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Taiwan and Lithuania strengthen ties in defense of democracy
Legislative Speaker You Si-kun met with a Lithuanian delegation led by Matas Maldeikis, chairman of the Lithuania-Taiwan parliamentary friendship group. The meeting highlighted Taiwan’s recent election, which had a voter turnout of over 70%, as a clear message from the Taiwanese people to defend democratic freedom and national sovereignty. The delegation included three deputy speakers of the Lithuanian parliament and eight other cross-party lawmakers. Speaker You noted that 2024 is a "super election year" globally, with Taiwan being the second country to hold elections this year. He also expressed his wishes for Lithuania’s upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in May and October 2024. The speaker emphasized that elections represent the "possibility of choice," "freedom to participate in politics," and "protection of speech," which are rights unfathomable under authoritarian rule. He called on global democratic allies to unite in facing authoritarian challenges and safeguarding democracy and prosperity worldwide. Speaker You expressed gratitude for Lithuania’s support and highlighted the countries’ cooperation on humanitarian aid, particularly in helping Ukrainian students return to school.
2024/01/26 18:06
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Taiwan voters prefer stability over unification: Commentator
Taiwan’s 2024 general elections resulted in a third term for the DPP, reflecting a preference for stability and resistance to Beijing’s unification plans amidst significant domestic challenges and a shift in public opinion.
2024/01/14 18:21
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Report unveils misconceptions on Taiwan’s political stance
A report by the German think-tank Friedrich-Naumann-Foundation for Freedom (FNF) argues that the issue between Taiwan and China is "not unification but forced unification." The report, written by National Taiwan University’s sociology Ph.D. candidate, Sie Da-wun, and FNF Global Innovation Hub’s Program Officer, Lai Yu-fen, challenges the common misinterpretation of Taiwanese political parties. They assert that assuming the Kuomintang (KMT) supports unification because it is pro-China and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supports independence because it is anti-China is an oversimplification. The report highlights that since Taiwan’s democratization, the Taiwanese people have consistently opposed "annexation" or "unification" imposed by the Beijing government.
2024/01/04 14:54
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MOFA counters criticism on Taiwan’s stalled FTAs
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has stated that Beijing is working to isolate Taiwan globally in response to criticisms made by Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih regarding Taiwan’s stagnant free trade agreements (FTA). During a presidential policy presentation, Hou criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for its unsatisfactory economic performance and the lack of progress in bilateral and multilateral trade agreements. MOFA emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to global economic integration and bilateral economic cooperation, but highlighted the interference from China. MOFA believes that Taiwan’s ability to participate effectively in economic integration depends on its strength and global connections, especially as countries like the U.S. and European nations reassess their economic risks with China. MOFA urges all Taiwanese, regardless of political affiliation, to unite and enhance cooperation with like-minded nations in the face of external challenges.
2023/12/30 17:19
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Ko envisions Taiwan as bridge, not pawn, in global politics
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je discusses his core policy on cross-strait relations, emphasizing preparedness for war but not seeking it. He advocates for autonomy and peaceful cross-strait relations. Ko expresses concern over Taiwanese unease with the Taiwan Strait status quo and questions if Taiwan desires secrecy, division, and animosity. He envisions Taiwan as a beautiful island and desires it to be a bridge for Sino-American communication. Ko acknowledges challenges such as the necessity of TSMC and cautiously approaches nuclear energy, considering the international trend towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. He aims to transcend traditional ideological division and promises fairness, inclusivity, and effective governance.
2023/12/30 17:19
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S.H.E. Selina’s food brand to cease operations in 2024
Rensingeatshot, a lifestyle food brand founded by Selina of Taiwanese girl band S.H.E, will cease operations on Jan. 21, 2024, citing inflation and economic challenges. The company expressed reluctance but emphasized that it is not a farewell, but rather a move towards better choices. The decision was influenced by the impact of COVID-19 on the global economy in 2023 and hyperinflation, which raised materials and manufacturing costs. The company struggled to find a balance between production costs and market-acceptable prices due to the increasingly competitive advertising market. Initially known for its instant porridge products, Rensingeatshot expanded to include instant drinks, tea bags, and waffles. The brand officially launched on Jan. 11, 2021. While the product line will end on Jan. 21, 2024, collaborations with other brands will not be affected.
2023/12/26 17:09
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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’s Jaw answers students’ ’1992 Consensus’ questions
KMT vice presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong challenges the narrative of the "1992 Consensus," stating it was not used during cross-strait negotiations. He explains that the parties involved articulated their positions orally with no unified expression, and it was later that Su Chi introduced the term. Jaw also addresses the DPP’s stance on the "One China" policy, stating that the DPP urges Beijing to acknowledge "One China" as the Republic of China, a recognition unlikely from Beijing. He critiques the DPP’s performance over their 8-year tenure and suggests that the electorate could express dissatisfaction by transferring power to the KMT. Jaw acknowledges the contributions of Taiwanese businesses to China’s economic development and asserts that Taiwan could demand economic concessions from China. He questions the need for increased defense spending and extended conscription in Taiwan in the absence of an immediate threat, stating that conflict between the two sides should and must not occur.
2023/12/20 11:05
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DPP’s Lai criticizes KMT, TPP at new support group launch
DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te criticized the KMT and TPP, stating that neither party reflects mainstream public opinion in Taiwan and lacks the ability to promote stable development. Lai outlined the challenges Taiwan faces, including its future in the Indo-Pacific region, the global struggle between autocracy and democracy, the challenge posed by China, digital transformation, and transitioning to net-zero emissions. He emphasized that the upcoming presidential election will determine Taiwan’s fate and the future of the Indo-Pacific region. Lai aims to ensure Taiwan’s sovereignty and long-term stability, continuing the path toward democracy initiated by President Tsai Ing-wen. He criticized the KMT and TPP for their dependency on China, aligning with the "One China principle." Lai warned that a DPP defeat could hinder policy implementation, cause societal unrest, and cast doubts within the international community. Support for DPP-nominated candidates in the elections is crucial for continuing democratic progress.
2023/12/20 11:01
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AUO to close Singapore display production in December
AU Optronics Corp. (AUO) plans to close its display production line in Singapore by the end of December, affecting around 500 employees. The company is moving its manufacturing equipment back to Taiwan and offering Taiwanese staff in Singapore the choice to relocate to Taiwan or transfer to Vietnam. AUO aims to expand its display module capacities in Vietnam. The company confirmed that its Singapore base will transform into a hub for providing smart solutions and will serve as its operations center in Southeast Asia. This move is in response to the growing preference for Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) technology in smartphones, tablets, and laptops, posing challenges to the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) industry. Most of the equipment will be relocated to AUO’s Longtan plant, which is actively developing microLED displays in line with Apple’s strategy.
2023/12/20 10:47
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Jaw Shaw-kong challenges Lai to demolish Wanli property
Kuomintang (KMT) vice presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong has pledged to resign as chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of China (BCC) if his rival, Vice President Lai Ching-te, demolishes the allegedly illegal property owned by his family in Wanli District. Jaw criticized Lai during a live stream, questioning why Lai has not addressed his own property allegations. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has criticized Jaw for not stepping down from his BCC position after being named the KMT’s vice-presidential nominee. Jaw also expressed support for lowering the voting age to 18 and clarified his position on Taiwan’s sovereignty, stating that he opposes Taiwanese independence due to the potential risk of war, but does not advocate for unification with mainland China.
2023/12/15 16:03
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’Lack of’ wins Taiwan 2023 character of the year poll
The "Taiwan 2023 Character of the Year" poll announced that the character "缺" (lack) received the most votes, representing the multifaceted social issues faced by Taiwan. The character symbolizes challenges such as shortages of water, electricity, masks, vaccines, rapid test kits, labor, and notably, eggs. "蛋" (egg) secured the second position, forming the term "缺蛋" (lack eggs), highlighting the egg scarcity in Taiwan. "詐" (fraud) came in third place, reflecting the persistent fraud cases in Taiwanese society. The nominations for these characters were made by Taoyuan Mayor Simon Chang, former Control Yuan President Wang Chien-shien, and Taiwan Mobile President Jamie Lin, who emphasized growing insecurity, political quality, and fraud issues, respectively. The "Taiwan 2023 Character of the Year" election, organized by the CTBC Foundation for Arts and Culture and the United Daily News, received a total of 65,043 votes from the public over a 25-day period. This annual character selection has been conducted for 16 consecutive years, reflecting the pulse of Taiwanese society and its people’s thoughts.
2023/12/07 20:08
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Taiwan’s math scores rise, but equity gaps widen
Junyi Academy has pointed out the growing disparity in mathematics achievement among students in Taiwan. While Taiwanese students ranked third internationally in mathematics, with an average score of 547, there is a significant gap between the top and bottom performers. The top 10 percent scored an average of 623 points, while the bottom 10 percent scored an average of 434 points. This "M-shaped" divergence in proficiency is attributed to the unequal access to digital learning. Children from higher socioeconomic status households have benefited more from digital devices for educational purposes, widening the gap. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital teaching methods, but there has been a decline in platform usage recently. Junyi Academy emphasizes the need for guided learning in technology and equitable teaching to address urban-rural and learning disparities. The chairman, Lu Kuan-wei, also highlighted the potential of generative AI, such as ChatGPT, as an educational tool but raised concerns about students misusing AI for homework completion. Lu urged presidential candidates to develop comprehensive educational policies that address the challenges and opportunities brought by technological advances.
2023/12/07 18:47
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Ko Wen-je pledges AI revolution in Taiwan agriculture
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je has unveiled a series of policy proposals to revolutionize Taiwan’s agricultural sector. These proposals include employing artificial intelligence (AI) to create a comprehensive agricultural database. Ko’s five-pronged approach aims to address challenges faced by Taiwanese farmers, such as fragmented landholdings and an oversaturated domestic market. He also highlights the need to modernize traditional poultry houses and the agricultural marketing system. One focal point of Ko’s agricultural policy is the establishment of a strategic food security plan with AI, aiming to enhance planning in agricultural production and ensure transparency in the sale of farm products through data analytics. Ko also emphasizes the importance of resilient infrastructure to protect the farming sector from extreme weather events and the formation of an agricultural carbon sink platform to promote sustainable and low-carbon development. By drawing on international models, Ko aims to transform rural architecture and farming practices for a more sustainable future in Taiwanese agriculture.
2023/12/07 16:59