rule of law 結果共10筆

Former President Ma Ying-jeou’s upcoming visit to China from April 1 to 11, including stops in Guangdong, Shaanxi, and Beijing, is closely monitored by both sides amid heightened cross-strait tensions. Premier Chen Chien-jen emphasizes the importance of Ma upholding Taiwanese values during his trip, including sovereignty, democracy, and rule of law. Chen’s cautious approach underscores the delicate balance between cross-strait relations and Taiwan’s democratic principles.

Taipei (TVBS News) reports Taiwan People’s Party Chairman Ko Wen-je’s criticism of the government’s amendments to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act as ＂lazy solutions to lazy problems.＂ Ko emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law and expresses concern over potential law-breaking consequences. The Executive Yuan’s recent approval of amendments to the Act, removing demerit points for minor traffic offenses, has sparked controversy.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, descendant of Chiang Kai-shek, announces intention to engage with democratic society at 228 Incident commemoration events, advocating for human rights and education. The 228 Incident, a bloody conflict in 1947 under the Chinese Nationalist Government’s rule, led to Taiwan’s 38-year martial law period. Mayor Chiang’s involvement signifies a significant step towards transitional justice in Taiwan.

Taipei Premier Chen Chien-jen stresses the importance of adhering to constitutional regulations in response to the Kuomintang’s (KMT) plans to expand its personnel power. KMT legislator Weng Hsiao-ling suggests that the Legislative Yuan should have the authority to approve personnel and dismiss unqualified leaders. The KMT also proposes the creation of a Special Investigation Division within Parliament. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislators argue that constitutional amendments must be implemented first. Premier Chen emphasizes that Taiwan is a country governed by the constitution, democracy, and the rule of law, and all agencies should follow constitutional guidelines. The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) expresses its willingness to collaborate with other parties in reforming the parliament, potentially bringing significant changes to Taiwan’s legal landscape and political power dynamics.

Presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih pledges to reinstate Constitution Day as a public holiday in Taiwan if elected. He argues that the Constitution carries the founding spirit of the Republic of China (ROC) and forms the foundation of the rule of law. Hou criticizes his rival, Lai Ching-te, for suggesting that the ROC constitution hinders Taiwan’s unity, calling it a myth. He also accuses Lai of attempting to erase the spirit of the nation’s founding and the rule of law by cutting Constitution Day and other public holidays. Hou promises to protect the spirit of the country and uphold workers’ rights by restoring Constitution Day as a public holiday.

The Cato Institute and the Fraser Institute have co-published the 2023 Human Freedom Index, revealing that Switzerland maintains its position as the country with the highest levels of human freedom. Taiwan, on the other hand, ranks 12th globally and claims the top spot for human freedom in Asia. The report highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic has generally led to a decline in human freedom, particularly in areas such as the rule of law, action, speech, assembly, association, and trade. Taiwan performs well in individual freedom, securing the 12th spot with a score of 8.98 out of 10, and ranks 11th in economic freedom with a score of 7.79, resulting in an overall score of 8.56. The Human Freedom Index is a comprehensive assessment of personal, civil, and economic freedoms worldwide, based on data from 2021 encompassing 165 jurisdictions.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has highlighted the increase in foreign media presence in the country due to its freedom in the media environment. Currently, there are 82 international media organizations and 174 journalists stationed in Taiwan. MOFA spokesman Jeff Liu emphasized that Taiwan’s open and free society, ranked sixth in internet freedom by Freedom House, is the main attraction for journalists. Taiwan’s freedom of the press, transparent flow of information, rule of law, respect for diverse opinions, and strategic location in the Indo-Pacific region contribute to its appeal as a hub for international media. MOFA is committed to assisting foreign media personnel with entry, residency, settling in, and work-related matters.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) spokesperson, Jeff Liu, urged Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to oppose any changes to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait to China. Taiwan hopes that Australia will defend its shared interests and values with Taiwan while maintaining stable relations with China. This comes after Albanese’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who claimed that China does not engage in exclusivist blocs or confrontational politics. MOFA disagreed with this statement, citing China’s behavior in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. Liu emphasized the shared interests of Taiwan and Australia in upholding freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and ensuring peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. He also highlighted the common Trans-Pacific Partnership interests between the two nations. Liu further noted the steady development of relations between Taiwan and Australia, with Taiwan becoming Australia’s fifth-largest trading partner and fourth-largest export market, while Australia is Taiwan’s leading supplier of energy and mineral resources.

Premier Chen Chien-jen reaffirms Taiwan’s commitment to freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, emphasizing that any citizen who abides by legal requirements can run for public office. He made these remarks in response to inquiries about the Taiwan People’s Party potentially nominating Xu Chunying, the president of Taiwan New Immigrant Development Association and a mainland spouse, for at-large legislative elections. Chen clarified that political parties have the right to nominate suitable candidates for government positions but urged them to provide transparent information about their nominees’ background and proposals to enable informed choices by the public.

Amid controversy over legislative nominations, Taiwan People’s Party Chairman Ko Wen-je assures contentious legislators won’t join the Foreign and National Defense Committee. Concerns center on Xu Chunying, alleged TPP nominee and CCP member. Ko emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law in Taiwan’s political participation.