Taiwanese government 結果共89筆

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.

The 2024 Taiwan Lantern Festival is returning to Tainan for the first time since 2008, taking place from Feb. 24 to March 10. The main lantern, ＂Dragon Comes to Taiwan,＂ was unveiled by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Tourism Administration. Inspired by the dragons on the stone columns at the Tainan Grand Mazu Temple, the 18-meter-tall dragon lantern is accompanied by a 22-meter main lantern. This year’s lantern design transforms the dragon into a small round lantern with the same pronunciation as the Taiwanese snack ＂xiaolongbao,＂ adding a touch of tradition and children’s anticipation. The festival will illuminate the ＂High-Speed Rail Lantern Area＂ and ＂Anping Lantern Area＂ in Tainan. In celebration of Tainan’s 400th anniversary, the city government will light up the ＂Anping Lantern Area＂ in advance on Feb. 3, allowing residents and tourists to enjoy the spectacle during the Lunar New Year holiday. Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che expressed high hopes for the festival, praising the main lantern design for its unique representation of Tainan and Taiwan’s lantern festival through a blend of culture, nostalgia, and playful creativity.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has begun distributing COVID-19 rapid test kits to travelers at Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei. The kits are available in the reception areas and exit halls of both terminals, and each traveler is eligible to receive one kit regardless of age. The decision was made in response to the increasing rates of respiratory diseases worldwide. The CDC Deputy Director-General, Philip Lo, stated that the peak of the COVID-19 surge in Taiwan is expected to be in mid-to-late January, with a possible rise after the Lunar New Year holidays. Travelers have expressed appreciation for the policy, with many noting how thoughtful and helpful the Taiwanese government is. The distribution of test kits may continue after the Lunar New Year holidays, depending on the international and domestic pandemic conditions.

Taiwanese presidential candidate Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has called on the Taiwanese people to use their votes as a defense against what he considers the most serious Chinese interference in the upcoming elections. Lai emphasized that while China has interfered in Taiwan’s elections before, the current situation is the worst. He believes that the best way to counter this interference is to ensure that the candidate supported by China does not win. Lai urged citizens to stand up against this interference by using their ballots to continue Taiwan’s progress and guarantee societal stability, economic growth, and the well-being of its people. He positioned the DPP’s battle not only against opposition parties but also against the Chinese Communist Party, underscoring the importance of maintaining a majority in the legislative yuan to prevent potential government functioning disputes. Lai kicked off his election campaign across 22 counties and cities, stating that this election is crucial for Taiwan’s future and Indo-Pacific peace stability. He encouraged the people to maintain the spirit of the past, choose the right person, and follow the right path.

A survey conducted by ETtoday revealed that 73.5% of respondents oppose the abolition of the death penalty, while 21.8% support its abolition. Among those opposing, 52.1% were vehemently against the notion, with 21.4% somewhat against it. Among advocates for abolition, 14.1% were strong supporters, and 7.7% moderately so. The survey also found that 85.0% of interviewees believe current laws excessively protect offenders, with 47.2% considering the protection extremely excessive and 36.8% believing it is merely excessive. Only 3.1% thought the protection was insufficient. The recent fatal slashing of a junior high school student in New Taipei has brought the issue of capital punishment back into the spotlight. In response to the tragedy, 41.4% of respondents primarily blame parents or guardians, 25.1% the central government, 17.4% school management, and 12.0% the local government. The survey was conducted from Dec. 31 to Jan. 1, with a valid sample size of 1,557 targeting Taiwanese aged 20 and above. The margin of error was plus or minus 2.48%. The survey was delivered via a mobile text message link to an online questionnaire and sample weighting was done using population statistics provided by the Ministry of the Interior.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has reported that 547 Taiwanese people are currently stranded in Japan following a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture. All Taiwanese tour group members have been confirmed safe. Tourists from four travel agencies, including Colatour, Lion Travel, Richmond Tours, and Star Travel, were affected by the disaster. Additionally, 20 individual travelers are stuck at Niigata Airport due to its closure. The earthquake has resulted in at least six fatalities, dozens of injuries, and severe damage, including house fires, collapses, road fractures, and airport closures. More than 30,000 homes in Ishikawa and 1,100 homes in Niigata are without power, with disruption to water supplies. Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior is preparing an international rescue team to dispatch to Japan, and the Japanese government has been informed of Taiwan’s readiness to help. MOFA advises Taiwanese citizens to contact the consulate in Osaka for assistance.

Kuomintang’s (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih criticizes the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for alleged autocracy, incompetence, and widespread corruption. He singles out DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te as a complicit beneficiary of the party’s corrupt structure. Hou proposes a ＂New Taiwan Political Reform Movement＂ focused on governing with peace, dignity, fairness, integrity, and diligence. He suggests that Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je could play a key role in this movement. Hou highlights the issues faced by the Taiwanese in the past eight years, such as fraud, corruption, democratic regression, and cross-strait tensions. He criticizes Lai for distancing himself from Taiwan’s independence and condemns the DPP over allegations of sexual harassment, corruption, and the new movement faction. Hou argues that the DPP’s disarray has eroded its trustworthiness among the Taiwanese. He outlines his aim of leading a clean governance team with capacity, courage, and fiscal propriety, in contrast to the DPP’s alleged autocracy. Hou asserts his capability and strength to form a coalition government, fulfilling the aspiration for an alternate ruling party.

Taipei mayoral candidate Ko Wen-je criticized the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) governance in Taiwan, pointing out various shortcomings such as shortages of land, water, electricity, talent, and labor during Lai Ching-te’s tenure as premier. Ko also claimed that Taiwan is currently lacking eggs, pork, vaccines, health screening resources, and even toilet paper. He further highlighted present issues including low birthrates, national security risks from an aging population, wage stagnation, inflation, slow industrial transformation, and high housing costs. Ko accused the government of not allocating special budgets for expenditures, resulting in an alleged surplus of NT＄900 billion, and criticized their lack of transparency. He expressed disappointment with the DPP’s failure to address issues left by the Kuomintang (KMT) after eight years in power. Additionally, Ko mentioned that Taiwanese people generally feel insecure about the current status of the Taiwan Strait, which has caused societal discord, political factions, and cross-strait unrest.

Popular Taiwanese band Mayday received encouragement from Executive Yuan Premier Chen Chien-jen to continue giving strength, despite pressure from China to endorse the ＂One China＂ stance. Chen criticized China’s use of false information to attack the world. Mayday is feeling pressure from the Chinese government ahead of the presidential election. Chen praised Mayday for their creative contributions under Taiwan’s culture of freedom, democracy, diversity, and openness. Legislator-at-large candidate Puma Shen of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) also highlighted China’s interference in nations worldwide, including luring artists to develop in China and gradually dictating their speech. Shen explained that these tactics typically last from three to six years, causing victims to fall prey to China’s united front tactics.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for their mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic during a live presidential debate. Hou specifically targeted DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te, accusing him of neglect during the outbreak. Hou further claimed that Lai focused on issues surrounding his family home’s illegal expansion claim instead of caring for the public. As the former mayor of New Taipei City, Hou stated that any pandemic-related advice proposed to the central government was denied. He also criticized the DPP government for shortages of anti-epidemic supplies and food safety issues. Hou emphasized the need to establish a special investigation team to probe malpractices in the DPP’s pandemic approach. Additionally, he questioned Lai’s advocacy for Taiwanese independence, suggesting that it could escalate cross-strait tensions. Hou criticized Lai’s tactics as underestimating the intelligence of the Taiwanese people and disrespecting the Republic of China (Taiwan). He portrayed Lai as ungrateful and not trustworthy for Taiwan.

Taipei mayoral candidate Ko Wen-je criticizes the lack of long-term vision and planning in economic policy by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Kuomintang (KMT). Despite a 120% increase in Taiwan’s GDP since 2000, real wages have only increased by 4% and the country ranks sixth in total working hours globally. Ko believes that low wages and poor living conditions are not the fault of Taiwanese people but rather the result of the government’s lack of global strategic planning. He questions what keyword might define 2024 if the DPP and KMT continue to be in power, and asserts that a change in leadership is needed. Ko suggests that he should be elected president in 2024 to address these ongoing issues, emphasizing the absence of comprehensive strategic planning as the underlying reason behind the problems.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has stated that Taiwanese citizens are allowed to enter Cuba with a passport valid for more than six months and a Cuban Tourist Card, according to Central News Agency (CNA). However, MOFA has urged the public to suspend travel to Cuba or check the official Cuban government website or airlines before departure due to unclear information. This response comes after a Taiwanese-Canadian and his family were denied entry into Cuba because ＂China doesn’t recognize Taiwan as a country.＂ The family’s passports were confiscated, and they were sent back to Canada after ten hours at the airport. MOFA has instructed the Taiwanese representative office in Bogota, Colombia, to investigate the issue and protect the travel rights of Taiwanese citizens.

The ’2023 Tainan Christmas Rock Concert’ in Tainan, Taiwan, will feature performances from popular artists such as Wheein from the South Korean girl group MAMAMOO, Taiwanese singers Yoga Lin, OSN, and Kasiwa, bands Accusefive and Mixer, Singaporean singer-songwriter Boon Hui Lu, and Dutch singers Martin Hurkens and Marjolein. Wheein, known for her powerful vocals and contributions to television drama soundtracks, expressed her excitement for the concert and even asked fans to recommend local Tainan delicacies for her to try during her visit. The concert took place at the western plaza of the Tainan City Government Yonghua Civic Center, inviting fans and local residents to join in the festive Christmas celebration.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) accuses the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of manipulating and inducing Taiwanese grassroots through hospitable receptions, while distorting the goodwill of cross-strait exchanges. The MAC’s statement was in response to the claim by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) that ＂the momentum of cross-strait exchanges is unstoppable.＂ The MAC harshly criticizes the CCP for creating artificial obstacles to cross-strait exchanges, fabricating charges, unlawfully detaining people, and practicing autocratic rule. The controversy revolves around allegations that 41 village chiefs from Taipei accepted travel to China at preferential prices and then returned to Taiwan to promote specific candidates. The TAO spokeswoman did not address whether the TAO provided funding for the travels, but claimed that frustrations among Taiwanese citizens have been fueled by the policies of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government. This exchange reflects the ongoing tension in cross-strait relations, with Taiwan expressing concern over the CCP’s influence operations and China promoting closer ties.

President Tsai Ing-wen met with Justin Wu, the 2023 World Baker of the Year, to recognize his contribution in promoting Taiwan’s baking industry globally. The government is actively supporting the industry’s growth and international engagement. Wu, who won the group competition at the Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie last year, was honored with the World Baker of the Year title by the Unibread Bread Baking Championships this year. He has showcased his creativity by creating an art bread piece inspired by the Seediq tribe and coaching the Taiwanese team to victory at the UIBC Junior World Championship. President Tsai highlighted the value of Taiwan’s baking industry, which exceeds NT$100 billion, and praised the diverse and exquisite styles of Taiwanese bakers at global competitions. She also expressed gratitude to the Taipei Bakery Association for their efforts in passing down experience and hosting international contests in Taiwan. President Tsai expects the bakery sector to continue delivering high quality and innovative products as it expands its market and introduces Taiwan’s delicious baked goods to the world.

The TVBS Charity Foundation organized a fundraising dinner in Taipei, inviting social welfare agencies and disadvantaged households to participate. The event is part of a series of fundraising dinners in collaboration with municipal government teams, churches, and social welfare charities. Over 12,000 disadvantaged families have already been assisted through these events. New Taipei Acting Mayor Liu Ho-jan emphasized the beauty of Taiwanese society and the contributions made by individuals in improving the land. Through public-private partnerships, vulnerable families are receiving warmth and care before Christmas.

Nearly 60% of Taiwanese people support increasing the national defense budget to 3% of GDP, according to a survey released by the Institute for National Defense and Security Research (INDSR). The survey, conducted by the National Chengchi University Election Study Center, gathered 1,214 complete responses from November 12 to November 13. Around 9% of respondents believe the current defense budget is very insufficient, while 46% consider it to be insufficient, totaling approximately 55% who think the defense spending needs a boost. Additionally, nearly 60% of the full sample expressed approval for cutting other government expenditures to raise the defense budget, while around 41% would favor paying more taxes to achieve a defense budget constituting 3% of GDP.

President Tsai Ing-wen hosted the winners of the 25th National Golden Award for Architecture and the 20th National Brand Yushan Award, commending their contributions to Taiwan’s architectural and business communities. She expressed gratitude towards the National Enterprise Competitiveness Development Association for their rigorous evaluations that have motivated industry advancement and boosted Taiwan’s competitiveness. Tsai emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in construction and building to achieve energy conservation and reduced carbon emissions. She also addressed concerns about urban renewal and pledged to intensify collaboration with private sector players to enhance architectural safety and improve citizens’ quality of life. The winners of the 20th National Brand Yushan Award, which includes CSBC Corporation, were recognized for their contributions to finance, biotech, manufacturing, and service sectors. Tsai urged the awardees to continue offering valuable advice to the government and elevate the prominence of Taiwanese brands on the international stage.

Chairman Mitsuo Ohashi of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association visited the Kaohsiung City government to discuss enhancing industry, education, and tourism cooperation exchanges with Mayor Chen Chi-Mai. Ohashi emphasized the significance of Kaohsiung in Japan’s relations with Taiwan. Mayor Chen expressed enthusiasm for deeper interactions between Taiwan and Japan, highlighting the crucial role of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry in global supply chain security. He cited the collaboration between Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) in Kaohsiung and Kumamoto, Japan, as an example of potential economic cooperation. Chen described the Taiwan-Japan relationship as a deepening bond, referencing their long-standing friendship and mutual support during crises. Ohashi, who visited Kaohsiung 40 years ago and has maintained connections with past Mayor Chen Chu and Taiwan’s representative to Japan, Frank Hsieh, expressed admiration for Kaohsiung’s recent development. He believes that Japan-Kaohsiung cooperation should extend to the private enterprise level and is hopeful for the future of Japanese-Taiwanese relations. Ohashi frequently speaks at the annual National Day reception at the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, advocating for promoting friendly Japan-Taiwan relations as an example for the international community.

Taiwan is among the potential beneficiaries of Indonesia’s contemplation to offer visa-free entry for tourists from 20 major source countries, following the example set by Thailand. Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, disclosed in an interview that the government is discussing the launch of a visa exemption policy to attract more tourists and boost local economic development. Currently, travelers, including short-term tourists, need to secure a visa to visit Indonesia, including the option of Visa on Arrival (VOA) at designated entry points. Taiwanese passport holders can apply for VOA at 15 airports across Indonesia, such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, and Bali, allowing them to stay up to 30 days with a one-time extension option. Given Taiwan’s place within the top 20 sources of foreign tourists to Indonesia, there is a significant chance that it will be included in the visa exemption program. This move could simplify travel for Taiwanese citizens and deepen tourism-based interactions between the two nations.

The Examination Yuan donates 6,600 books in Chinese and English to support library services in Taiwanese schools abroad, including the Surabaya Taipei School in Indonesia. The Ministry’s International and Cross-strait Education Department emphasizes the competitiveness of overseas students in Taiwanese schools, and hopes the book donation will foster closer ties between international Taiwanese institutions and domestic government bodies. The books cover a wide range of subjects and are expected to expand students’ imaginations and nurture global talent.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) may face obstacles in establishing a factory in Germany due to a shift in German subsidies. Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua has confirmed that the German government is actively addressing the budget issues involved. The recent ruling by Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court, which deemed the diversion of pandemic funds for the ＂Climate and Transformation Fund＂ unconstitutional, has raised concerns about the fulfillment of financial promises to TSMC and other tech giants like Intel Corporation. If Germany decreases its subsidies, TSMC may need to renegotiate or even abandon its plans for the factory. The Taiwanese government is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to provide support if necessary. This investment dispute has significant implications for the global supply chains and the semiconductor industry, as TSMC’s advanced semiconductors are in high demand worldwide.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and Vice President Lai Ching-te welcomed the 2023 Taiwan Centers from North America delegation at the Presidential Office. They expressed gratitude for the expatriates’ support of Taiwan, particularly in its efforts to join international organizations and promote Taiwanese culture abroad. The delegation has played a vital role in fostering exchanges between Taiwan and countries like the United States and Canada. Despite challenges from the pandemic and international tensions, Tsai remarked that Taiwan’s steady policies have fortified its strength, with the island ranking sixth in global competitiveness and third for its entrepreneurial environment. The government remains committed to propelling industrial transformation and pursuing a net-zero transition. The visiting group’s agenda includes tours in Taipei, Changhua, Tainan, and Kaohsiung, with hopes that they will share Taiwan’s progress and achievements with their communities overseas. Notable invitees include Simon Lin, President of the Taiwan Center Foundation/Greater Los Angeles, Su Chun-hwai, President of the Taiwan Center NY, and Huang Mei-hsing, chief of staff of the Taiwanese American Center of Northern California.

Minister of the Interior Lin Yu-chang visited the Taoyuan Police Department, urging officers to crack down on bribery and maintain order ahead of the 2024 elections. The Taiwanese government has actively promoted nationwide anti-fraud measures in preparation for the general elections. Minister Lin emphasized the potential for foreign forces to disrupt societal order through false information and called for increased vigilance in intelligence gathering by the police. He praised the Taoyuan Police Department for successfully preventing 1,176 fraud cases this year, ranking them first among the six special municipalities in Taiwan. With the elections approaching, Lin highlighted the police’s role in deterring election bribery, online gambling, and fake news. The central government is committed to reinforcing the national police force and enhancing police welfare, with the National Police Agency compiling the needs of various police stations to ensure they are adequately met.

Taipei City has been crowned the champion of happiness in Taiwan, according to the ＂2023 County and City Happiness Index Survey＂ conducted by the Economic Daily News and Cathay Life Insurance. Chiayi City secured the runner-up position, followed closely by Taichung City, Hsinchu City, and Taitung County. Taichung City also received the ＂Most Improved Award＂ for achieving the highest government satisfaction rating in Taiwan. The survey, which questioned over 15,260 Taiwanese aged 20 and up, was conducted from Aug. 24 to Oct. 16, 2023.