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Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has announced that individuals can now book appointments for up to four passport applications at once online, an increase from the previous limit of one. This change, effective since December 17, is in response to a surge in passport applications following the reopening of international borders after the pandemic. The ministry’s Bureau of Consular Affairs encourages the public to take advantage of the enhanced ’Individual Passport Application Form Filling and Appointment System’ to schedule appointments in advance and reduce waiting times. The bureau’s official website also offers a real-time feature to check the current number being served and the number of people waiting, helping applicants avoid long queues. For further assistance, the Bureau of Consular Affairs provides information through their website and a dedicated passport inquiry hotline. These efforts reflect the ministry’s commitment to adapting public services to meet the evolving needs of citizens in the post-pandemic era.

Taiwan’s Premier Chen Chien-jen expresses condolences and sympathies to the victims and bereaved families of the recent devastating earthquake in Gansu Province, mainland China. He also hopes for a speedy recovery for those injured. Taiwan is ready to provide assistance through relevant agencies if needed. Executive Yuan spokesman Lin Tzu-lun also voices concern for the human and material losses inflicted by the earthquake. The Executive Yuan expects smooth and effective rescue operations and restoration efforts in Gansu Province. This show of solidarity from Taiwan highlights the shared understanding of the challenges posed by natural disasters in the region and the willingness to aid neighbors in times of crisis.

Taiwanese entertainer Tina Chou, also known as ＂Da Ya,＂ has been acquitted of defamation charges by the Taipei District Court. Chou had accused her former boss, Chen Chien-chou, of attempting to assault her years ago, leading to Chen filing a defamation suit against her. The court sessions involved testimonies from both parties, ultimately resulting in the prosecutor’s decision not to pursue charges against Chou. Chou expressed gratitude to the judiciary and hoped her experience would encourage other victims of sexual harassment or assault to come forward. Witnesses, including actress Julie Tsai, supported Chou’s claims. Chen, seeking to clear his name, stated his desire to reveal the truth and prove his innocence through legal means. This case highlights the ongoing conversation about sexual misconduct in Taiwan’s entertainment industry and the challenges faced by those who speak out.

The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) has announced the addition of extra trains from Dec. 29 to Jan. 1, 2024, in anticipation of the New Year’s holiday rush. Travelers can book the additional train services through various channels, including the TRA website, e訂通 app, convenience stores, and telephone reservation systems. A total of 18 extra train services will be deployed, with six additional services on the Eastern Line, including one northbound and one southbound train operating on the cross-island route. The South-Link Line will see an increase of four Puyuma Express and Tzu-Chiang trains, while six more EMU900 commuter express trains will be added to the Western Line. Additionally, 24 overnight train services will be added across different regions to cater to New Year’s Eve celebrations. Travelers can check timings and schedule details on the official TRA website and e訂通 app.

Evergreen Marine Corp, a Taiwanese shipping company, has temporarily suspended its shipping services through the Red Sea due to security threats posed by Houthi militants. This decision comes after a series of attacks on commercial ships by the Yemen-based group, which has escalated tensions in the region. Evergreen joins other global shipping giants, including Orient Overseas Container Line, CMA CGM, Maersk Group, Hapag-Lloyd, and Mediterranean Shipping Company, in halting passage through the Red Sea. The attacks by the Houthis, aimed at blocking ships en route to Israel, have led to the interception of drones and missiles by the U.S. Navy, British Navy, and French Navy. In response to the exacerbating security situation, Evergreen has rerouted its ships from Asia to the Mediterranean and the U.S. East Coast to avoid the Red Sea. British Petroleum (BP) has also suspended its oil transit through the Red Sea due to increased risks.

The Ministry of Labor in Taiwan has announced significant revisions to the regulations governing work permits for foreign professionals in arts and performing arts. The new regulations, which will take effect on December 20, aim to attract more foreign artistic talent to Taiwan’s cultural scene. One major change is the acceptance of documents from important international organizations, such as the United Nations, for residents of Hong Kong and Macau who are unable to obtain official recommendation or certification documents. The framework for foreign artistic professionals’ work is divided into four main types: performance and visual arts, publishing, film and broadcasting, and popular music and crafts. The qualifications for the publishing industry have been relaxed to recognize individuals with over five years of publishing experience who demonstrate originality and special performance in their field. Similarly, the qualifications for crafts-related work have been broadened to accept assistant professors or individuals with equivalent qualifications. Prior to these revisions, the application process for foreigners undertaking artistic work in Taiwan was stringent, requiring an application through an employer or by the professionals themselves if they met the necessary qualifications. As of October 2023, Taiwan had 245 self-employed foreign artists holding valid working permits, highlighting the country’s growing reputation as a hub for international art professionals.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Education’s ’108 curriculum’ has brought about new educational outcomes, as noted by Premier Chen Chien-jen. The 2022 International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS 2022) by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) reveals that Taiwanese students have achieved top global rankings in civic knowledge, gender equality, and ethnic group equality. The government’s efforts to strengthen education through the new curriculum have also been recognized by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Among 81 countries assessed, Taiwanese students ranked third in mathematics literacy, fourth in science, and fifth in reading. Premier Chen emphasized that these achievements highlight Taiwan’s exceptional students and demonstrate the nation’s commitment to investing in education. The OECD evaluation further solidifies Taiwan’s position on the world stage for educational accomplishments, showcasing the effectiveness of its educational policies and curriculum advancements. Premier Chen expressed confidence in Taiwan’s youth and the government’s education approach, stating that these high rankings represent a valuable investment in the future generations of Taiwan.

Taipei actor Greg Hsu’s appearance in a music video by Mandopop legend Jay Chou at the age of 13 has shocked fans online. In a throwback clip from Chou’s ＂Class 3-2＂ music video, a young Hsu can be seen playing table tennis while wearing black-rimmed glasses. Despite his rounder face, his distinctive features are already evident. The discovery of this footage has sparked surprise and admiration for Hsu’s transformation from a young table tennis player to a heartthrob. Now 32 years old, Hsu gained fame through his breakout role in the Taiwanese drama ＂Someday or One Day＂ and has become immensely popular across Asia, particularly in China and South Korea. Hsu has revealed that he took up sports, including table tennis, to manage his childhood asthma. His talent in the sport earned him a spot on the elementary school team and eventually led to his cameo in Chou’s music video. ＂Someday or One Day,＂ which co-stars Alice Ko, is considered a landmark Taiwanese television series and has garnered such acclaim that South Korea produced its own remake titled ＂A Time Called You.＂

Taiwanese singer Yoga Lin surprises fans with a flash mob performance after his last ＂idol＂ world tour concert at Taipei Arena. Wearing a paper bag mask branded with ＂yy,＂ Lin serenades fans through a megaphone at the arena’s service counter. Accommodating live song requests, he performs hits such as ＂Linger On,＂ ＂You Are What You Eat,＂ and ＂Flight＂ before bidding farewell. Lin’s playful and unexpected stunt adds a perfect and memorable end to his tour.

The Transportation Bureau of the Kaohsiung City Government has announced that left turns will be permitted at 10 intersections along the route of the Kaohsiung Circular Light Rail. In order to maintain traffic flow and address concerns from drivers, the bureau has reviewed and assessed traffic regulations. To minimize the impact on through traffic, vehicles will be directed to stay to the right about 50 meters upstream from the intersections. Additionally, changes to signal timing and settings on main roads surrounding the light rail, including Dashun Road, Jiangong Road, Dafeng Road, and Dachang Road, will be implemented. These adjustments aim to respond to actual traffic flow and will be fine-tuned as needed.

The CPC Corporation, under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, has announced a reduction of NT$0.3 in gasoline prices and an increase of NT$0.3 in diesel prices starting midnight on Monday. This adjustment is part of the ongoing implementation of the dual stabilization mechanism for oil pricing. The pricing measures absorbed NT$0.2 for both gasoline and diesel this week, following a decline in the 7D3B weekly average price. The floating oil pricing mechanism originally predicted a decrease of NT$0.1 in gasoline prices and an increase of NT$0.5 in diesel prices. However, due to currency appreciation in neighboring Asian countries, Taiwan’s price adjustments fell below those of its neighbors, resulting in a net absorption of NT$0 for both types of fuel. CPC has stated that it will continue to adjust domestic fuel prices in accordance with the oil pricing formula and government tax reductions to maintain the lowest possible prices in Asia and stabilize domestic oil prices through its stabilization measures.

The Taoyuan Union of Pilots (TUP) has announced that EVA Air pilots will hold a strike vote in response to the airline’s handling of end-of-year bonuses and salary raises. The TUP claims that EVA Air’s cost-cutting measures and talent loss have resulted in frequent safety incidents. The union plans to hold a press conference in front of the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) to voice their demands. EVA Air has been accused of aggressively reducing costs, leading to a significant loss of national pilots and the hiring of foreign pilots through illegal brokers. The TUP believes the MOTC should take responsibility and has set a deadline for EVA Air to improve the situation, suggesting that flight rights be reduced if conditions are not met.

Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant JN.1 has been sporadically detected in Taiwan’s local cases. JN.1 is an offspring of the BA.2.86 variant and was first detected in Taiwan on Oct. 20 through a traveler from Japan. The local proportion of the JN.1 strain is below 5 percent, indicating that it has not become the dominant strain. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the continued use of the XBB.1.5 vaccine strain, which has been shown to be effective against JN.1 and other emerging variants.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih emphasizes a ＂middle-of-the-road＂ approach for Taiwan, distancing himself from the ＂localized Blue＂ faction and asserting his own identity. In an interview with Chinese Television Service (CTS), Hou advocates for the ＂1992 Consensus＂ that opposes Taiwan’s independence and supports the ＂One-China policy,＂ while upholding democracy and freedom. He emphasizes a middle way for Taiwan, seeking shared prosperity and unity. Hou emphasizes that Taiwan’s future should be determined by its 23 million inhabitants. He expresses satisfaction with Jaw Shaw-kong as his running mate, praising Jaw’s more confrontational approach. Although a potential collaboration with Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je fell through, Hou remains optimistic about a potential alliance with Jaw.

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.

The Taoyuan Union of Pilots (TUP) has taken their concerns to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), demanding increased oversight of EVA Air due to dissatisfaction over wages and annual bonuses despite rising revenues. The union has threatened to limit the airline’s rights if conditions are not improved by a specified deadline and plans to hold a strike vote on December 22. EVA Air has faced scrutiny for various issues, including understaffing that has led to several safety incidents. Pilots accuse the airline of excessive cost-cutting measures, such as hiring foreign pilots through illegal brokers, resulting in a workforce where foreign pilots outnumber national pilots. Over the past year, EVA Air has experienced a significant decline in national pilots, with approximately 10% of the total pilot workforce leaving. The union also claims that EVA Air’s response to the manpower shortage, including mandatory overtime and inadequate training, has resulted in frequent safety incidents. The union is calling for a comprehensive labor inspection and continuous penalties for workplace safety incidents. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications has received a petition from the union and emphasizes the priority of flight safety and public well-being, urging EVA Air to engage in dialogue. The Ministry of Labor is also involved in labor-capital negotiations. The strike vote result, due on January 5, will determine whether a strike will be launched, contingent on EVA Air’s willingness to negotiate improvement measures sincerely.

A pivotal study reveals that dengue fever can rapidly spread through a transmission method similar to needle-sharing in infectious diseases like HBV, HCB, and HIV. The study, conducted by Taiwan’s National Health Research Institutes in collaboration with the Department of Health and Kaohsiung City Government, analyzed the timing of infections during the 2015 outbreak. They found that in 85% of household cases, symptoms occurred within three days of each other, contradicting the previously believed incubation period for virus transmission. Using animal models, researchers confirmed that when mosquitoes bite an infected animal and then promptly bite another, the virus can transfer via the mosquito’s proboscis, bypassing the once-considered essential eight-day extrinsic incubation period. This finding explains the rapid spread of the 2015 dengue epidemic in Taiwan and raises concerns for the recent spike in cases. The study, published in the esteemed journal eBiomedicine, a Lancet subsidiary, in August 2023, also involved international researchers from the University of California, Nagoya University, Tsinghua University, and National Taiwan University.

According to a recent poll, the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) ＂Lai-Hsiao ticket＂ has a support rate of 32.7%, placing them ahead in the presidential race. The Kuomintang’s (KMT) ＂Hou-Kong ticket＂ closely trails behind with 29% support. If strategic voting occurs, the Taiwan People’s Party’s (TPP) ＂Ko-Ying ticket＂ could lose 7.3% of their current support, potentially resulting in a tie between Hou-Kong and Lai-Xiao at 32.7%. Compared to the previous poll in November, the Lai-Xiao ticket has gained 4.4% support, while the Hou-Kong duo has seen a modest increase of 0.8%. Conversely, support for the Ko-Ying pair has decreased by 4.6%. The survey, conducted through landline and mobile phone interviews on December 13 and 14, involved 1,088 Taiwanese citizens aged 20 and above.

Discover the captivating exhibit ＂Once Upon a Tainan Charm: Treasures from the National Palace Museum＂ at Tainan Art Museum, featuring rare artifacts from Taiwan’s esteemed collection. Premier Chen Chien-jen emphasizes the dynamic nature of the exhibition, which coincides with Tainan City’s 400-year anniversary. Experience a journey through time as the exhibition unveils 15 precious items, including the Jadeite Cabbage, Vase with lotus and dragon decoration, and Jade Plate with Dragon Pattern. Don’t miss this unique cultural experience from Dec. 16, 2023, to Mar. 10, 2024, offering a winter of enriched historical engagement for locals and visitors alike.

The Central Weather Administration (CWA) has forecasted sunny to partly cloudy skies across Taiwan and its outlying islands on Friday (Dec. 15), with a front bringing brief rain showers to the north, northeast, and Matsu in the evening. A continental polar air mass will move in the next day, resulting in a drop in temperatures and damp, cold weather that will persist through Monday. Independent meteorologist Daniel Wu predicts that a stronger wave of cold air will arrive on Tuesday (Dec. 19), potentially marking the season’s first cold wave. Brief showers are expected in the northern and eastern parts of Taiwan from Saturday, with lows around 12 degrees Celsius in some metropolitan areas. Rain will pause on Monday until Tuesday afternoon, followed by another wave of cold air from Tuesday evening to Friday (Dec. 22). Weather models suggest that this wave might reach the strength of a strong continental cold air mass, with the potential for it to be upgraded to a cold wave. The cold is expected to gradually weaken by Saturday, Dec. 23.

The Kaohsiung Harbor Police Department held a blessing ceremony for its new police boat, the ＂Kao P65,＂ to enhance maritime security at Kaohsiung Harbor. The NT$5.52 million vessel was designed to patrol harbor waters more effectively and deter criminal activities. Equipped with two 250-horsepower engines, a four-in-one GPS navigation system, and European inverter air conditioners, the Kao P65 boasts a fresh and optimized interior design and can reach a top speed of 42 knots. The department’s General Commander, Liang Tung-shan, emphasized the need for increased security with the opening of the Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal and the operation of nearly 4,000 hazardous material ship voyages through the port area this year. To meet the growing demand for law enforcement services, the department aims to replace older police vessels annually.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je’s campaign director, Huang Shan-shan, released the party’s latest internal poll on Tuesday, December 12. The poll showed that Ko’s support has remained above 20% and expressed their determination to continue working hard. According to the poll, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidates, Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim, lead with a support rate of 34.3%. Ko Wen-je and his running mate, Cynthia Wu, have garnered 24.5% support, while the Kuomintang (KMT) candidates, Hou Yu-ih and Jaw Shaw-kong, are slightly behind with 22.9%. The poll also revealed that undecided voters and other candidates make up 18.3% of potential voter sentiment. Huang criticized some polls as tools of political manipulation and emphasized the authenticity of the TPP’s internal polling data. The survey, conducted on December 9 and 10, interviewed 1,217 respondents, with 857 respondents contacted via landlines and 360 respondents polled through mobile phones.

The New Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau plans to add 197 sanitation workers to its workforce in response to the heavy workload caused by the city’s vast jurisdiction. Currently, the sanitation team in New Taipei City consists of 5,298 staff members. City council member Huang Shu-chun emphasizes the need for increased staffing and highlights the improved work efficiency achieved through the use of GORE-TEX breathable raincoats in 2019. Director-General Cheng Ta-wei confirms plans to update the raincoats and increase staff numbers. The Ministry of Environment has also announced an increase in cleanliness and safety bonuses for sanitation workers employed by local governments. The cleanliness bonus cap will be raised from NT＄8,000 to NT＄10,000, and the safety bonus maximum will increase from NT＄600 to NT＄1,500, funded by local government budgets. These measures aim to improve the wellbeing of sanitation workers and maintain the cleanliness of the city.

The campaign office of Lai Ching-te, Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) presidential candidate, has released a new video titled ＂Taiwan in the world,＂ highlighting Taiwan’s reduced dependence on China and its increasing global recognition. Pan Men-an, head of the DPP’s campaign headquarters, expressed concern over opposition parties’ attempts to marginalize Taiwan and emphasized the significance of the 2024 election in determining Taiwan’s alignment with either the world or China. The video emphasizes Taiwan’s democratic development through international engagement and value-based diplomacy, while also strengthening ties with other nations. Lai’s campaign office spokesperson, Tai Wei-shan, pointed out that Taiwan’s trade dependence on China decreased from 40 percent during former President Ma Ying-jeou’s presidency to 34 percent. Additionally, a report by The Economist in August stated that under President Tsai Ing-wen’s seven-year rule, Taiwan has become the 21st largest economy globally, surpassing South Korea in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. Lai’s campaign office underscores the importance of the 2024 election in shaping Taiwan’s future trajectory and urges the public to make the right choice.

The Taipei City Government is urging YouBike users to sign up for coverage to obtain additional protection, following a report stating that 812 YouBike accidents have occurred from last year to the end of November this year. Transportation Management Division Chief Chu Chen-tso indicated that most accidents involved riders cycling too fast or being unable to brake in time while going downhill, leading to falls and injuries. With injury insurance, compensation for fractures or serious accidents can reach up to NT$1 million, and hospitalization claims amount to NT$1,000 per day. However, minor scrapes and bruises are generally not covered. Since the initiation of a free public bicycle injury insurance policy in 2018, the insurance rate has risen from 49.4% to 63.5%. Despite this improvement, surveys reveal that 37% of individuals are unaware of public bicycle injury insurance, 30% believe they do not need the insurance, and 20% are reluctant to go through the insurance application process. Additionally, about 60% of users do not understand that each YouBike card requires separate insurance coverage. Taipei boasts 1,325 YouBike 2.0 stations and 15,047 bicycles.