media reports 結果共15筆

Taipei (TVBS News) reports that Taiwan’s diplomatic allies are gradually decreasing, as stated by a Chinese official media outlet. Nauru recently announced its decision to sever ties with the Republic of China and Taiwan, bringing the number of diplomatic allies down to 12. This marks the tenth nation to break ties during President Tsai Ing-wen’s term. The Global Times report highlights the more restrained approach of Taiwan’s President-elect Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim towards cross-strait policies, urging them to fully understand the reality and trend of the Taiwan Strait and completely abandon any path towards Taiwan independence. Lai, elected as a ＂double minority,＂ faces the challenge that 60 percent of the Taiwanese population does not recognize the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). In response to Taiwan’s elections, the U.S. clarified its stance by stating that they do not support Taiwan’s independence, aiming to dissuade Lai from becoming a disruptive force like former President Chen Shui-bian, which could affect the U.S.’s strategic plans.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) has emphasized that Taiwan is its primary base and is considering various locations for potential semiconductor factories. TSMC has expressed interest in collaborating with the Southern Taiwan Science Park for potential spots. Media reports suggested that TSMC planned to build a one-nanometer factory in the Science Park in Taibao City, Chiayi County. These reports cited anonymous sources and stated that TSMC proposed the need for a 100-hectare plot, with 40 hectares dedicated to an advanced packaging factory and 60 hectares for the proposed one-nanometer factory. TSMC has also disclosed its evaluation for expanding the two-nanometer production infrastructure and planning to establish three factories in Kaohsiung to meet the growing demand for their two-nanometer process.

Chinese authorities are allegedly pressuring Taiwanese rock band Mayday to make pro-China statements ahead of Taiwan’s major election in January 2024, according to foreign media reports. China’s National Radio and Television Administration has reportedly asked Mayday to endorse Beijing’s claim that ＂Taiwan is part of China＂ and align with China’s media propaganda on Taiwan. The aim is believed to be influencing the votes of young people in Taiwan. Mayday’s management company, B’in Music, has not responded to inquiries, and higher authorities from the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council have also not commented on the matter.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) has denied media reports questioning the past nationality of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim. The CEC requested verification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior regarding the nationality status of presidential candidates, and found no records of nationality restoration or naturalization for Hsiao. The CEC emphasized that all candidates met the legal requirements without holding foreign nationality, as determined by the Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act. The doubts raised about Hsiao’s nationality were deemed beyond the CEC’s legal mandate, preventing further investigation.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je asserts that while 65% of people in Taiwan desire a political party turnover, there is also a 70% majority that opposes the Kuomintang (KMT) being in power. Ko highlights that around 70% of Taiwanese do not want the KMT to assume office, countering media reports on potential strategic voting effects. He suggests conducting further polls to determine the number of people who want the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to step down and those who do not wish for the KMT to take power. Ko cites Vivian Huang’s victory in the 2022 Taipei mayoral election as evidence of a true third force in Taiwanese politics. During his visit to Kaohsiung, Ko is campaigning for Tseng Yin-li, the party’s sole legislative candidate in southern Taiwan.

Chinese companies are increasingly establishing supply chains in Vietnam as U.S. companies like Apple move production there, according to Japanese media reports. Export restrictions on advanced semiconductors and semiconductor production equipment to China by the Biden Administration have led to difficulties for Chinese manufacturers, prompting a shift in investment towards alternative manufacturing bases like Vietnam. Approved foreign direct investment in Vietnam increased by 15% from January to November 2023, with Chinese investment, including from Hong Kong and Macao, doubling from the previous year. Chinese investment in Vietnam is even higher when routed through subsidiaries based in Singapore and Thailand. Notable investments include Shandong Haohua Tire Co. Ltd.’s US$500 million investment and Trina Solar Co., Ltd.’s US$420 million decision. BYD Company also announced an expansion investment of US$144 million, bringing its total investment in Vietnam to over US$400 million. Japanese experts believe that Chinese enterprises must engage in joint advancements in cutting-edge technology with local entities to be seen as partners by the Vietnamese.

The spokesperson for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te’s campaign office expressed regret over inaccurate and malicious media reports about the upcoming presidential debates. The spokesperson demanded corrections from outlets that claimed certain media were favored during the debates and alleged a coalition aiming to gang up on fellow candidates Hou Yu-ih and Ko Wen-je. It was emphasized that the decision for 11 media organizations to jointly host the debates is a longstanding practice resulting from two rounds of negotiations without interference from any campaign offices. The spokesperson also highlighted misinformation circulated by China Times, one of the debate co-hosts, despite its involvement in the meetings. The 2024 presidential election debates are scheduled to be held at Public Television Service (PTS) on December 30 at 2 p.m., with the vice presidential debates tentatively scheduled for January 1, 2024, also at 2 p.m. The 11 media entities collaboratively organizing the debates include Central News Agency (CNA), China Times, Liberty Times, United Daily News, SET News, Taiwan Television, Formosa Television, Chinese Television System (CTS), Mirror Media, TVBS News, and Public Television Service. PTS will produce and broadcast the debates, including comprehensive sign language services for the hearing impaired.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare has addressed reports of an extramarital affair involving Secretary General Hsu Chao-cheng, expressing hopes that he will handle the matter appropriately. Hsu himself acknowledged the affair on Facebook, apologizing to his wife, family, and colleagues. The affair was brought to light by Mirror Media, which revealed frequent interactions between Hsu and a female subordinate, identified as Chen. Colleagues reported seeing them together watching movies and shopping. Deputy Minister Jih-Haw Chou of the Ministry of Health and Welfare stated that if any aspect of the affair relates to official duties, it will be further investigated.

Arizona-based popsicle shop, AZ Pops, has received its largest order to date - a purchase order of over 6,500 popsicles. Local media reports that the shop’s owner, Pam Raphael, credits the boost in business to large local corporations becoming their customers. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) is the most recent company to place a bulk order. AZ Pops takes pride in offering popsicles that are free from artificial colors, fillers, flavors, and sweeteners. Raphael believes that their popsicles not only make people happy but also boost morale, making them a popular choice among large company employees.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) reassures that Taiwan has sufficient land for the semiconductor industry, despite concerns over shortages in land, water, energy, labor, and talent. Media reports claimed that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (TSMC) had abandoned its Longtan plant, highlighting potential issues in the semiconductor industry. However, the MOEA states that it is actively working on land allocation and expansion plans in science parks and industrial parks. The government aims to meet all land requirements for industry expansion and new factories, while providing full services to manufacturing businesses. The MOEA is fully committed to assisting semiconductor companies in developing in Taiwan, with the goal of maintaining Taiwan’s dominant role in global semiconductor manufacturing.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has confirmed ongoing discussions for the establishment of a representative office in Estonia. While the move is significant for strengthening ties between the two nations, a shared consensus has not yet been reached. MOFA expressed gratitude towards the Estonian Government for engaging in continued negotiations and displaying an open approach. They emphasized the shared values of freedom and democracy that unite Taiwan and Estonia. Estonia’s government has reportedly agreed to allow Taiwan to establish an economic or cultural representative office in Tallinn under the name ’Taipei.’ MOFA stated that they will respond to foreign media reports of Taiwan’s Foreign Minister visiting Estonia at an appropriate time. The ministry highlighted the stable development of the bilateral relationship, citing the Estonian health minister’s support for Taiwan at this year’s World Health Assembly. Estonia is seen as a valued partner with common principles, highlighting the potential for deepening ties in future diplomatic endeavors.

Recent media reports claiming a tripling growth in emigration businesses in Taiwan due to war fears have raised public concerns. However, statistics from emigration companies show no increase in approved applications over the past five years, with annual numbers ranging from 1,077 to 704. The National Immigration Agency (NIA) states that the overall migration level, currently around 20,000 people, may fluctuate significantly in the event of major events such as pandemics or wars. The NIA also notes that the pandemic has caused an increase in citizens unable to return to Taiwan, rising from 180,000 to 220,000 between 2021 and 2022. The agency emphasizes that immigration consultancy firms represent only one channel of advisory services and do not reflect the total number of emigrants. They request that the public avoid generalizations that could lead to societal instability. The NIA further highlights that exaggerated media portrayals of war-evading migration risk can cause unnecessary social anxiety and emphasizes that population mobility is part of the freedom of migration.

Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan refuted accusations from media reports on Friday (Sept. 1) regarding the egg import program, which implied the government only subsidized specific importers. 

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) Chairman Ko Wen-je firmly refuted media reports regarding his recent comments on the contentious rights over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands during the inauguration ceremony of his presidential election preparatory office in Tokyo on Thursday (June 8). 

Many Taiwanese seniors enjoy visiting hot springs during the winter season to get warm and cozy, according to media reports.