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Taiwan premier dismisses skepticism toward U.S. ties
Premier Cho Jung-tai dismisses skepticism toward the U.S., emphasizing trust and strengthening Taiwan-U.S. relations. He supports cross-strait communication and Taiwan’s global role.
2024/11/19 14:38
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Taiwan-U.S. ties to evolve post-U.S. election, says official
Taiwan’s National Security Bureau Chief Tsai Ming-yen discusses evolving Taiwan-U.S. relations amid the U.S. presidential election, emphasizing strategic cooperation in defense, trade, and supply chains.
2024/11/06 17:29
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China investigates Taiwanese man for alleged fraud
China investigates a 22-year-old Taiwanese man for alleged fraud. Authorities pledge legal adherence but did not notify Taiwan, sparking dissatisfaction from Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council.
2024/09/25 18:22
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Mayor compares Taiwan’s democracy to spicy hotpot in US talk
Discover insights from Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an’s speech at Harvard University on deepening democratic resilience and the importance of communication with China. Learn about his views on cross-strait relations and the challenges Taiwan faces.
2024/09/10 10:06
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Taipei mayor: Twin City Forum after U.S. visit
Discover the latest on the Shanghai-Taipei City Forum set for late September, as Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an emphasizes communication amid rising cross-strait tensions.
2024/08/22 20:00
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Shanghai delegation lands in Taipei amid tensions
Discover how Taipei and Shanghai maintain dialogue amid tensions, as a Shanghai delegation arrives in Taipei for a familiarization trip ahead of the annual Twin-City Forum.
2024/05/27 16:04
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Taiwan’s SEF awaits China’s ARATS response on capsized boat
The Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) has not received a response from the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) about a speedboat capsizing near Kinmen. SEF Chair David Lee calls for pragmatic dialogue between both sides of the strait, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the people’s safety. The incident involved an unidentified Chinese vessel and has resulted in a soldier from Kinmen being stranded in China, with efforts ongoing to facilitate his return.
2024/04/19 14:20
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Chiu Tai-san remains neutral about Ma’s visit to China
Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Tai-san comments on former President Ma Ying-jeou’s visit to China, noting the potential benefits of cross-strait communication and expressing hope for the safety of all Taiwanese in China. Chiu refrains from commenting on questions of national dignity regarding Ma’s visit, highlighting its private nature and the varied forms of address used for Ma in China.
2024/04/08 16:10
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Jaw Shaw-Kong sees Ma Ying-jeou as bridge for peace
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.
2024/04/02 14:47
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Sean Lien backs Ma Ying-jeou’s China visit amid tensions
Sean Lien, Vice Chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT), praises former President Ma Ying-jeou’s visit to China for the sake of Taiwan’s future and security. The potential second "Ma-Xi" meeting is seen as crucial for cross-strait communication amid strained relations. Concerns over impact on KMT’s electoral prospects are raised, but Lien stresses the importance of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect based on the 1992 Consensus.
2024/04/02 14:23
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Diplomatic efforts aim to ease U.S.-China-Taiwan tensions
Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang emphasizes the need for "cooling down" U.S.-China-Taiwan relations, advocating for open communication to prevent misunderstandings and misjudgments. Laura Rosenberger’s visit to Taiwan and Ma Ying-jeou’s trip to China are seen as efforts to maintain stability rather than escalate tensions, with an emphasis on dialogue and reducing regional geopolitical risks. Chiang underscores the importance of peaceful cross-strait relations for the benefit of Taiwan’s people and businesses.
2024/04/01 18:32
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Former president Ma’s China visit stirs mixed reactions
Former President Ma Ying-jeou’s visit to China draws mixed reactions from Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih, with the DPP criticizing Ma’s role in cross-strait relations. Chiang and Hou emphasize the importance of exchanges under conditions of equality, dignity, and mutual benefit, highlighting the need for communication and mutual understanding in reducing conflict.
2024/04/01 15:57
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Taiwan boosts internet resilience with new satellite network
Minister of Digital Affairs Audrey Tang announces the launch of medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite network on Taiping Island by SES in April, with OneWeb’s low-orbit satellite to follow. The move aims to enhance Taiwan’s communication network resilience amid potential threats, such as cross-strait conflicts and natural disasters.
2024/03/28 18:03
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Taiwan Premier advocates for peaceful cross-strait dialogue
Premier Chen Chien-jen of Taiwan expresses willingness for peaceful democratic talks on equal terms in cross-strait exchanges during the Legislative Yuan’s general policy interpellation. Lawmaker Lin Te-fu from the Kuomintang (KMT) highlights tensions in cross-strait relations and calls for dialogue, citing the lack of official communication and progress in the Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) since 2015. Premier Chen emphasizes Taiwan’s economic growth potential and expanding market reach in New Southbound, Western, and East Asian countries.
2024/03/15 18:49
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Taiwan leaders embrace dialogue for national unity
Taiwan People’s Party Chairman Ko Wen-je accepts President Tsai Ing-wen’s invitation for dialogue on critical national issues, emphasizing support for partisan reconciliation and cross-strait peace. Their meeting, the first since 2018, sparks public interest and discussions on political communication platforms and key national issues.
2024/03/15 17:56
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Taiwan vows swift probe in Chinese fishing boat incident
A recent fishing boat incident involving a Chinese fishing boat illegally crossing boundaries and subsequently capsizing due to the Taiwanese coast guard’s expulsion efforts has caused tension between Taiwan and China. Two individuals tragically drowned in the incident. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council has assured prompt communication of investigation results with Chinese authorities, aiming to maintain solid cross-strait ties. China has accused Taiwan of precipitating such events, blaming aggressive boat seizures and assertive treatment of mainland fishermen. The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) has strongly condemned the incident, laying blame on the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration. Former Global Times Editor-in-Chief Hu Xijin has criticized Taiwan’s law enforcement, suggesting it may constitute involuntary manslaughter. In 2023 alone, there were 1,191 registered cases of Chinese fishing boats crossing the maritime boundary, consistently surpassing a thousand annually. Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration, in accordance with the "Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area," retains the right to expel, detain, hold in custody, fine, confiscate fishing equipment, and seize hauls and boats.
2024/02/15 17:17
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Businesses urge President-elect to boost cross-strait ties
The Third Wednesday Club Chairman Lin Por-fong expresses hope for improved cross-strait relations and economic cooperation under the ECFA with President-elect Lai Ching-te. Lin emphasizes the importance of handling international relations well, resolving cross-strait issues through communication and exchange, and establishing communication mechanisms with China. He believes that cross-strait relations impact economic development and calls for the loosening of restrictions on the economy, tourism, and culture. Lin advocates for the active maintenance of the ECFA, highlighting that international economic agreements like the CPTPP and RCEP require mainland China’s consent. Concerns are raised about the potential impacts on industries if China terminates the ECFA. Compal Electronics Chairman Hsu Sheng-hsiung warns of global unrest due to constant change and challenges across industries, technologies, economies, politics, and conflicts among nations. He also highlights the need for industries to monitor potential escalations of conflicts as nations vie for resources.
2024/01/18 10:25
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China sets 1992 Consensus as prerequisite for Taiwan talks
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesperson, Chen Binhua, insists that cross-strait communication can only proceed based on the 1992 Consensus, which upholds the principle of one China. President-elect Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has called for dialogue instead of confrontation, emphasizing that cross-strait exchanges can minimize risks and achieve peace. However, TAO argues that the DPP’s insistence on Taiwanese independence hinders interactions with China. Professor Kuo Yu-jen of National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) criticizes the KMT candidate’s acceptance of the 1992 Consensus but rejection of "one country, two systems" as naive and dangerous. Kuo highlights that the One China principle places Taiwan at a disadvantage in negotiations.
2024/01/17 16:42
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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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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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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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Nikkei tags Taiwan vote as ’2024’s key election in Asia’
The upcoming Taiwanese presidential election on January 13, 2024, has been dubbed "2024’s most influential election in Asia" by Nikkei Asia. Three tickets are vying for the presidency and vice-presidency: the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) with Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim, the Kuomintang (KMT) with Hou Yu-ih and Jaw Shaw-kong, and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) with Ko Wen-je and Cynthia Wu. The election takes place amidst heightened global tensions and increasing cross-strait strains. The DPP advocates for fortified self-defense, the KMT promotes benign communication and economic ties with China, and the TPP leans towards dialogue with China. The KMT’s cross-strait policy stance has been criticized as less convincing compared to that of the DPP. The election will test whether Taiwanese voters will stand firm in defending their sovereignty against China’s growing influence.
2023/12/07 16:36
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Ko Wen-je vows to continue Tsai’s ’Taiwan Strait policy’
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je expresses his commitment to maintaining President Tsai Ing-wen’s foreign policy trajectory in an exclusive interview. Ko advocates for friendly communication across the Taiwan Strait and emphasizes Taiwan’s opportunity to normalize its country status on the world stage. While Ko criticizes the Democratic Progressive Party’s mindset towards China, he believes Taiwan should not consider China an enemy. He emphasizes the need for Taiwan to maintain its self-defense capabilities and proposes a pragmatic approach to military strategy and international challenges. Ko compares his neutrality to his experience in emergency medicine and prioritizes care over political affiliations. He asserts the necessity for balance among the outcomes acceptable to the U.S. and China in navigating Taiwan’s international relations.
2023/12/07 16:15
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DPP spokesperson slams KMT, TPP stance on CSSTA
The story discusses the criticism of the revival of the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement (CSSTA) by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) spokesperson Chang Chih-hao. Chang argues that the CSSTA, an outdated agreement from a decade ago, could harm Taiwan’s interests. This statement was in response to calls from Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je to reopen the service trade pact with China. Chang criticizes the China-centric economic and trade policies of former President Ma Ying-jeou, which he believes led to an unbalanced cross-strait economic environment. He highlights the negative impact the CSSTA could have on Taiwan’s industries, jobs, and salary levels. Chang also points out Taiwan’s recent economic achievements, such as the stock market’s performance, while noting China’s high youth unemployment rate. The DPP supports healthy and fair cross-strait exchanges but emphasizes the importance of avoiding political motives and unfair trade. Chang calls for a balanced approach to cross-strait economic and trade agreements and stresses the need for open communication with society when dealing with China’s economic coercion.
2023/11/29 21:28