public opinion 結果共53筆

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Beijing to cease threats against Taiwan, respect public opinion, and restart cross-strait dialogue following Ma-Xi meeting, while emphasizing the importance of the U.S. ＂Taiwan Relations Act＂ in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait on its 45th anniversary.

Former President Ma Ying-jeou stresses the importance of peaceful cross-strait relations during a meeting with Song Tao, Director of the Taiwan Affairs Office in China. Ma emphasizes the benefits for both sides and the shared history and culture of the Chinese nation. He highlights the significance of the ＂1992 Consensus＂ and opposition to ＂Taiwan independence＂ as key elements for cross-strait progress. Ma underscores the mainstream support in Taiwanese society for peaceful relations, as evidenced by recent election results and public opinion polls.

DPP Caucus Whip Wu Szu-yao urges former President Ma Ying-jeou to assert Taiwan’s sovereignty during his upcoming visit to China. Criticizing the KMT for scheduling the visit during a sensitive period, Wu emphasizes the importance of aligning with Taiwan’s mainstream public opinion. She warns against sending the wrong message and calls for the assertion of Taiwan’s sovereignty, particularly regarding Taiping Island.

Vice President Lai Ching-te’s failed digital ID card policy during his tenure as Premier resulted in a NT$280 million payout to suppliers, to be absorbed by taxpayers. Despite efforts to replace traditional ID cards with digital ones in 2021, security concerns halted implementation, leading to supplier compensation demands exceeding NT$1 billion. After six rounds of mediation, an agreement was reached to limit the payout. The incident has raised questions about accountability as Lai transitions to the presidency.

HeySong Corporation, a Taiwanese company, has announced price adjustments for some of its products after 10-20 years of unchanged prices. The adjustments, set to take effect in March, will see prices increase by 10-20%. The most notable increase will be for the popular 330-milliliter HeySong Sarsaparilla, which will surge by up to 25%. The company attributes the price adjustments to rising costs of raw materials, packaging, transportation, and personnel. The recommended retail price adjustments will mainly affect packages less than one liter, with some increasing by NT$4 and others by NT$5-6. Other beverage brands, such as Taisun Enterprise, have also indicated rising drink prices due to increased international raw material costs. The King Car Group had already adjusted the price of its Pocari Sweat drink in November 2020, marking the first price adjustment in 17 years. Public opinion on the price changes seems to be accepting, with many stating that they understand most products are experiencing price increases as long as the surge isn’t too high.

A recent survey by the Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation reveals that 52% of respondents have confidence in President-elect Lai Ching-te’s leadership. The survey, conducted from Jan. 15-17, 2024, among adults aged 20 and above nationwide, shows that 21% have high confidence in Lai’s ability to lead, while 30.9% are somewhat confident. On the other hand, 19.5% are not very confident, 18.7% are not at all confident, and 7.3% held no opinion. The survey, which had a total valid sample of 1083 respondents, also found that 51.9% expressed confidence in Lai, while 38.2% reported having no confidence in him. The survey was funded by TPOF and had a margin of error of approximately 2.98 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

China’s Ministry of National Defense spokesperson, Wu Qian, dismisses the record number of balloons released into Taiwan’s airspace as meaningless hype and denies military involvement. Wu lambasts the actions of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities as a tactic to provoke cross-strait confrontation, claiming it is destined to fail. He reiterates that Taiwan’s election is China’s local affairs and that the DPP cannot represent the mainstream public opinion on the island. Wu firmly asserts that Taiwan is a part of China and that the international community adheres to the one-China principle. He declares that the sovereignty and territory of China have never been divided and that Taiwan’s legal status as part of China’s territory has never changed. Wu emphasizes that Taiwan will never be a country, Taiwan independence is not possible, and external forces’ plot to split China will never succeed. He pledges that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) will defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity as a ＂Great Wall of Steel.＂

Taipei’s Executive Yuan Spokesperson, Lin Tze-luen, announced a budget surplus for the 2023 fiscal year, attributing the achievement to the combined efforts of civil society and the government. The surplus will be allocated responsibly to maintain fiscal discipline, primarily focusing on debt reduction and infrastructure investment. Taiwan’s economy has experienced consistent growth, resulting in a budget surplus for seven consecutive years. In 2022, the surplus reached an impressive NT$500 billion, leading to a proposed special budget of NT$380 billion. This special budget aims to enhance economic and social resilience, with provisions such as a cash payment of NT$6,000 per citizen, support for labor and health insurance programs, and assistance for Taiwan Power Company. Additionally, the special budget includes programs to aid residential loan holders from the middle class and below. Lin emphasized the government’s commitment to considering public opinion and promoting national affairs to facilitate Taiwan’s sustainable development.

Taiwan’s government confirms budget surplus, prioritizes debt repayment and infrastructure investments. Cabinet spokesman Lin Tze-luen expresses gratitude for joint efforts leading to economic growth. Taiwan’s annual tax revenue exceeds target, reaching NT$367.1 billion in fiscal year 2023, marking the third-highest record. Speculation arises on possible cash rebate as government distributed NT$6,000 to citizens in 2022 surplus. Lin Tze-luen declares government will consider public opinion on surplus utilization. Surplus will be applied with fiscal discipline, focusing on debt repayment and infrastructure investments. Efforts will be made to meet national and individual needs for sustainable development.

Kuomintang (KMT) lawmaker Johnny Chiang announces plans for parliamentary reform, aiming to create a more representative legislature. Chiang criticizes the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for reducing the legislative yuan to an executive department during their eight-year term. He proposes amendments to ensure substantive responses from officials and full access to concealed data. Chiang emphasizes the importance of protecting parliamentary dignity, maintaining oversight balance, and preventing administrative abuses. He welcomes the end of single-party dominance and hopes for a more diverse democratic practice in the new legislative yuan. Chiang calls for extensive discussions on legislative amendments and collective effort to establish a new parliament that honors fresh public opinion.

Taipei People’s Party (TPP) Chairman Ko Wen-je has expressed his intention to establish an internal public opinion center in order to improve the accuracy of future polls. This decision follows the TPP’s defeat in the presidential election and the subsequent launch of a post-defeat review. Ko believes that implementing out-of-district voting is a key change that needs to be made. He also highlighted the need for voting methods to adapt to the changing times, which he sees as a contributing factor to the election loss. In the meantime, concerns have been raised about legislator-at-large-elect Huang Shan-shan’s alleged dual party membership. Huang has responded by threatening legal action against those spreading false information, as the TPP prepares to establish a legal department. Additionally, TPP Taipei party headquarters chairman Lin Kuo-cheng has offered to resign due to disappointing post-election results. The TPP has clarified that staff turnovers are a result of job positions and organizational adjustments, as current legislative workloads are burdensome. The party plans to release a defeat review report to identify the main causes of the election loss.

A citizens’ preference poll conducted by the Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation (TPOF) revealed that 47.3% of respondents were generally pleased with the outcome of the elections, in which the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) candidate won the presidency but failed to secure a majority in the legislature. The poll results, announced by TPOF on Jan. 23, showed a mixed outlook, with 15.3% very pleased, 32% somewhat pleased, 23.4% slightly displeased, and 9.1% not pleased. Additionally, nearly 60% of respondents agreed with the idea of forming a coalition government in the absence of a single party gaining a majority. The survey, conducted from Jan. 15-17 by Focus Survey Research on behalf of TPOF, utilized a dual-frame random sampling design, targeting Taiwanese residents aged 20 and above through 70% landline and 30% mobile calls. The margin of error is 2.98 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.

Premier Chen Chien-jen’s planned mass resignation was averted by President Tsai Ing-wen, leading to concerns of potential government paralysis as the old cabinet faces a new legislature. Kuomintang (KMT) legislator Lee De-wei warned of a standstill, while DPP legislator Chung Chia-pin argued for the president’s right to choose cabinet members. The government’s decision to stay in office until May 20 could have significant consequences with the new legislature commencing on Feb. 1.

In a recent TAO briefing, spokesperson Chen Binhua addressed foreign media queries on Taiwan’s unification with China and the impact of the island’s local elections on cross-strait relations. The session reiterated China’s steadfast stance on unification as a core interest, despite changing political dynamics in Taiwan.

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.

The Taipei City Department of Transportation will announce the implementation date of the free 30-minute YouBike rental policy after the 2024 budget is passed. The policy aims to reduce carbon emissions by 40% and increase the use of green transportation to 70% by 2030. It was previously implemented in 2012 but ended in 2015. A public opinion poll in 2023 showed support for the policy among motorcyclists and the YouBike community, with over 60% of motorcyclists willing to switch to using YouBike for short trips. To address potential bike shortages, the department has added 1,780 bikes in May and 1,500 bikes in December 2023, increasing the availability of bikes citywide from 80% to 90%. In 2024, the department plans to add another 6,000 YouBikes and improve scheduling and personnel to meet the increased demand.

In the heat of Taiwan’s presidential election, DPP candidate Lai Ching-te avoids commenting on the contentious issue of death penalty abolition, further ignited by a recent high school tragedy in New Taipei and a revealing public opinion survey.

Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu accuses the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of smearing and attacking the presidential election through nationwide advertising campaigns. The KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih and vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong are losing swing voters, according to a public opinion poll published by the United Daily News. Chu criticizes the DPP for targeting Hou by drawing attention to the dormitory at Taipei’s Chinese Culture University (CCU), owned by Hou’s wife. He warns that if such smear tactics go unchecked, Taiwan risks becoming a society dominated by smear campaigns. Internal party polls show that the KMT’s support rates are within the margin of error compared to the DPP’s, leading by one percentage point in landline-based surveys. Taiwan’s 2024 presidential and legislative elections are due to take place next Saturday, and Chu emphasizes that the KMT will work harder despite alleged underhanded tactics and continuous smearing efforts by the DPP.

Taiwanese actor George Chang and his wife of six years, Hsu Yun-le, have announced their divorce due to a difference of opinion on having children. Hsu expressed her emotional turmoil over the topic and thanked Chang for his care and support throughout their ten-year relationship. The couple decided to part ways after six months of discussions, emphasizing their decision to give each other the freedom to choose. Hsu admitted to questioning her responsibility for the breakdown of their marriage due to her persistence in wanting children. Both Chang and Hsu expressed their belief in fate and their commitment to pursuing their individual paths. Hsu concluded her statement by stating that she would not seek answers regarding Chang’s stance on children and would not justify her own desire for childbearing to the public. She thanked herself for marrying Chang and acknowledged his high moral standards.

Taipei is gearing up for the first official televised presidential policy presentation forums ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Candidates from the Kuomintang (KMT), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) will have 30 minutes each to present their platforms in three rounds of 10 minutes. The forums, scheduled on December 20, 26, and 28, with an additional event for vice-presidential candidates on December 22, aim to provide a critical opportunity for the candidates to connect with voters and influence public opinion in the final weeks of the campaign. The presentations will be broadcast live on television and streamed on the Central Election Commission (CEC) website.

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.

The latest poll released by United Daily News shows a neck-and-neck race unfolding in Taiwan’s upcoming 2024 presidential election. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidates, Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim, known as ＂Lai-Hsiao,＂ have a support rate of 31%, matching the popularity of the Kuomintang (KMT) duo Hou Yu-ih and Jaw Shaw-kong, dubbed ＂Hou-Jaw,＂ who also have a 31% approval rating. Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je and his vice-presidential partner, Cynthia Wu, referred to as ＂Ko-Wu,＂ currently stand at 21% in the polls. In terms of in-party support, ＂Lai-Hsiao＂ leads with an 86% approval rate among DPP supporters, ＂Hou-Jaw＂ has an 83% approval from KMT adherents, and ＂Ko-Wu＂ secured an 85% backing from TPP followers. Among neutral voters, ＂Hou-Jaw＂ leads with 25%, followed by ＂Ko-Wu＂ at 23%, and ＂Lai-Hsiao＂ at 19%. However, 45% of all polled voters believe ＂Lai-Hsiao＂ are most likely to win the election, compared to 23% for ＂Hou-Jaw＂ and 13% for ＂Ko-Wu,＂ with 19% feeling the outcome is too close to call. The survey also indicates a collective yearning among 48% of respondents for political change, with 31% expressing a strong desire to see the DPP unseated. The poll, conducted from Dec. 13 to Dec. 17, involved 1,250 adult respondents with an additional 368 refusals. The methodology employed dual-frame sampling of both landline and mobile phones, accounting for mobile-only households, and the results were weighted according to age, gender, and population distribution across various municipalities for those aged over 20. The survey has a margin of error of ±2.8 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim reassures citizens that the Republic of China (ROC) will continue to exist and be maintained, dismissing concerns that a DPP victory would lead to its disappearance. In an exclusive online interview, Hsiao emphasizes the importance of the ROC’s constitutional system as the fundamental basis of Taiwan’s democracy. She commits to upholding democratic values and public opinion in Taiwan, addressing national identity issues by asserting that maintaining the status quo is the most acceptable stance for the international community and the Taiwanese people. Hsiao declares that the ROC will continue to exist and be defended, presenting this commitment to the Taiwanese people and the international community. As the vice-presidential nominee, Hsiao’s campaign is based on the ROC’s constitutional system, highlighting her respect for this structure and the importance of Taiwan’s democracy and public sentiment.

As Taiwan prepares for its 2024 presidential and legislative elections, political parties escalate their efforts. Key issues discussed include polling credibility, cross-strait relations, and the global impact of the election. Journalist Fan Chifei provides insights on voter priorities and the role of media in shaping public opinion.

Presidential candidate Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party has shifted his stance on allowing heavy motorcycles on national freeways. Previously, he promised to open the freeways to heavy motorcycles if elected, but now suggests that if the majority opposes it, the government should amend the law accordingly. This change comes in response to public opinion polls showing that 60% of people are against the policy change. Ko cited discussions with the Drivers Union, which strongly opposes the idea, due to safety concerns such as an increase in accidents and fatalities. Additionally, Ko proposes eliminating the two-stage left turn system for motorcycles and having motorcyclists line up behind cars at traffic signals. He believes that the decision on left turns should be based on the number of lanes on the road, taking into account the specificities of different roadways.