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Harris may shift Taiwan policy if elected, experts say
Experts at a CSIS event suggest Vice President Kamala Harris might adjust Taiwan policy if elected in 2024. Harris leads in polls with Biden’s endorsement.
2024/09/30 17:04
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President Lai’s family home becomes miners’ memorial museum
Discover how Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te transforms his family home into a miners’ memorial museum on his 100th day in office, amid ongoing political challenges.
2024/08/27 16:18
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Taiwan strategizes amid looming Trump-Biden election battle
Explore the potential repercussions of the Biden vs. Trump rematch in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, focusing on global dynamics, Taiwan’s strategic positioning, and the contrasting policies of both candidates.
2024/05/08 17:11
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Experts warn of potential Taiwan Strait crisis in 2024: CSIS
Experts from the U.S. and Taiwan predict a high likelihood of a Taiwan Strait crisis in 2024, emphasizing the new government and U.S. presidential election as crucial factors. Military capabilities and international relations play key roles in shaping the future of the region.
2024/01/30 18:03
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Over half of Taiwan backs President-elect Lai Ching-te: TPOF
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.
2024/01/30 14:23
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Taiwan and Lithuania strengthen ties in defense of democracy
Legislative Speaker You Si-kun met with a Lithuanian delegation led by Matas Maldeikis, chairman of the Lithuania-Taiwan parliamentary friendship group. The meeting highlighted Taiwan’s recent election, which had a voter turnout of over 70%, as a clear message from the Taiwanese people to defend democratic freedom and national sovereignty. The delegation included three deputy speakers of the Lithuanian parliament and eight other cross-party lawmakers. Speaker You noted that 2024 is a "super election year" globally, with Taiwan being the second country to hold elections this year. He also expressed his wishes for Lithuania’s upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in May and October 2024. The speaker emphasized that elections represent the "possibility of choice," "freedom to participate in politics," and "protection of speech," which are rights unfathomable under authoritarian rule. He called on global democratic allies to unite in facing authoritarian challenges and safeguarding democracy and prosperity worldwide. Speaker You expressed gratitude for Lithuania’s support and highlighted the countries’ cooperation on humanitarian aid, particularly in helping Ukrainian students return to school.
2024/01/26 18:06
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US congressional leaders show Taiwan bipartisan support
The U.S. Congressional Taiwan Caucus co-chairs, Republican Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart and Democratic Representative Ami Bera, are visiting Taiwan from Jan. 24 to Jan. 26, 2024. This marks their first visit to Taiwan in recent years, symbolizing their bipartisan commitment to Taiwan’s democracy. Their visit comes after Taiwan’s presidential election, celebrating the victory of Taiwan’s democracy. Diaz-Balart and Bera will meet with President Tsai Ing-wen, Vice President and President-elect Lai Ching-te, and Foreign Minister Joseph Wu. Talks are scheduled with Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim and other Taiwanese political leaders. Both Diaz-Balart and Bera have been long-standing friends of Taiwan, often leading or proposing initiatives and bills supportive of Taiwan. The Congressional Taiwan Caucus is the largest secondary body in U.S. Congress relating to foreign affairs. Their visit reemphasizes the U.S. Congress’ support for Taiwan, following the 2024 presidential election and marking the 45th legislative anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to deepen Taiwan-U.S. relations based on shared values and the U.S. Congress’s support.
2024/01/25 13:52
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Han Kuo-yu joins forces with Johnny Chiang in legislature
Former Kaohsiung mayor Han Kuo-yu and Kuomintang legislator Johnny Chiang have announced their joint bid for the positions of President and Vice President of the Legislative Yuan. The Kuomintang made a triumphant return to the legislature in the 2024 election, becoming the largest party after eight years. Han, who received considerable attention as a potential presidential nominee within the legislature, aims to revitalize the Legislative body’s supervisory and balancing responsibilities. Han and Chiang, in their partnership called "Han-Chiang," seek to restore oversight and balance of power roles in the legislature. Chiang has agreed to collaborate in order to fulfill promises made to over 8 million voters and achieve unity within the opposition. However, Chiang hopes to prioritize the vice-president candidacy for a nominee put forth by the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP). Han remains committed to tirelessly working for the welfare and benefits of the Taiwanese people, regardless of the outcome.
2024/01/18 15:58
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President-elect Lai Ching-te exits New Tide faction
President Lai Ching-te has announced his departure from the New Tide faction of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) following the conclusion of the 2024 presidential race. The decision was supported by the New Tide office, recognizing the president’s role in leading the government and symbolizing party unity. Discussions about Lai’s withdrawal began prior to the election, making it unnecessary to explore who initiated the departure. Former legislator Tuan Yi-kang expressed that it is better for the country if President Lai, as the head of state, is no longer a member of New Tide. The New Tide faction, established in 1983, is one of the main factions within the DPP and consists of editors and writers from "The Movement" magazine. Known for its firm beliefs and strict discipline, the faction is considered the most combat-ready within the DPP. The decision of President Lai is further emphasized by frequent public criticisms from Ko Wen-je, chairman of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), who has targeted issues of corruption and fraud within the New Tide faction.
2024/01/17 14:15
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Ko Wen-je gains ground among young voters
Taiwan’s 2024 presidential election reveals shifts in voter preferences, with Lai Ching-te winning despite reduced DPP support. Ko Wen-je gains ground among young voters, altering the political landscape.
2024/01/16 18:00
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Foreign media shares insights on Taiwan’s election
The 2024 presidential election in Taiwan marks a significant victory for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, drawing global attention to the island’s unique election practices and domestic concerns, and reaffirming its crucial role in international discussions on democracy and governance.
2024/01/14 20:31
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Lai Ching-te’s victory in election signals new DPP term
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) secures victory in Taiwan’s 2024 presidential election, with Lai Ching-te as president. Amid celebrations, the focus shifts to challenges in cross-strait relations and global political implications.
2024/01/13 21:21
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Southern Taiwan emerges as key battleground in elections
The 2024 presidential election in Taiwan intensifies as political parties target southern regions. KMT’s Hou Yu-ih challenges DPP strongholds while the Taiwan People’s Party gains momentum. Stay updated on this historic election.
2024/01/08 17:25
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Jaw Shaw-kong urges China for peace ahead of elections
Kuomintang (KMT) vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong has called on China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to demonstrate goodwill ahead of Taiwan’s elections. He urged them to refrain from sending military aircraft across the median line of the Taiwan Strait, advocating for peace in the region. Jaw’s plea comes after a Newsweek report revealed that 1,709 Chinese military aircraft entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zone in 2023, representing a 76% increase from the previous year. Although the number decreased to 80 in December, military aircraft continued to intrude in 2024. Jaw specifically named the TAO in his message, asking them to relay it to the PLA. The persistent disruptions by China with military aircraft, ships, and floating balloons have heightened tensions as Taiwan’s final presidential election of 2024 approaches, affecting both the electorate and candidates and reflecting the complex dynamics of cross-strait relations and the election.
2024/01/07 15:59
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Taiwan’s election frenzy: Final weekend rallies in Kaohsiung
The final weekend of the 2024 election race in Taiwan sees presidential candidates from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), and the Kuomintang (KMT) rallying in Kaohsiung. Lai Ching-te, the DPP’s candidate, and his running mate, Hsiao Bi-khim, focus on the Fengshan District for their ’Golden Week Eve’ rally, with notable attendees such as President Tsai Ing-wen and Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai. The KMT and TPP both choose the popular Ruifeng Night Market for their night rallies, with candidates Hou Yu-ih and Ko Wen-je staggering their appearances by an hour. The KMT hosts a unity victory rally at Dream Mall, while the TPP candidate and his wife make appearances in Kaohsiung, boosting support and holding a rally at Aozidi Forest Park. Crowd control and traffic management become important considerations for the rallies at Ruifeng Night Market. As the race intensifies in the final week of campaigning, the candidates are leaving no stone unturned.
2024/01/07 14:36
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Natixis: Taiwan’s economy set for growth amid 2024 election
The upcoming Taiwan presidential election is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s economic growth, according to a research report by France’s Natixis Corporate and Investment Banking company. The report suggests that regardless of the election outcome, Taiwan is poised for economic growth, with the consumer and tech industries leading the way. The research predicts that economic growth could increase from 1.2% in 2023 to 2.9% in 2024. While candidates share similar social and labor policies, the report highlights the major differences in their positions on industrial and energy areas, as well as Taiwan’s economic relationship with China. The report also mentions the potential role of Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je in triggering legislative instability. The incumbent Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), leading in polls, is expected to continue pushing for diversified trade and investment policies, shifting focus from China to the U.S. and other Asian regions. However, achieving these targets may be challenging as Taiwan has missed out on regional trade and economic agreements such as RCEP, CPTTP, and the U.S.-led IPEF. If the Kuomintang (KMT) wins the election, they might seek closer trade and investment links with China by expanding the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), according to Natixis.
2024/01/06 17:16
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China’s tactics to sway Taiwan votes exposed by envoy
China’s alleged interference in Taiwan’s 2024 presidential election has been highlighted by Taiwan’s Representative to Australia, Douglas Hsu. In an article published in the Australian Financial Review (AFR), Hsu cited instances where China’s Central Propaganda Department ordered Taiwanese band Mayday and South Korean singer Tzuyu to publicly endorse Beijing’s view on Taiwan’s status. The AFR report emphasizes that China has been interfering in Taiwan’s elections since 1996, using tactics such as military exercises, economic threats, and disinformation campaigns. Hsu noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent New Year’s address, asserting the "inevitable historical trend" of reunification, only strengthens Taiwanese people’s desire for self-determination. Hsu expressed confidence in the Taiwanese people’s ability to discern harmful influences and make their own choices. The AFR, a prominent Australian newspaper specializing in international economics, finance, and politics, published the article.
2024/01/04 14:39
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DPP’s Lai-Hsiao lead KMT rivals in latest Taiwan polls
The United Daily News pre-closure poll shows that Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim, the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) presidential and vice-presidential candidates, maintain a 5-percentage-point lead over their Kuomintang (KMT) rivals, Hou Yu-ih and Jaw Shaw-kong. The Lai-Hsiao ticket received 32% support, while the Hou-Jaw ticket received 27%, a decrease of four percentage points from previous polls. Ko Wen-je and Cynthia Wu, the Taiwan People’s Party’s (TPP) presidential and vice-presidential candidates, trailed with 21% support. Among different age groups, the Ko-Wu ticket led among voters aged 20 to 39 with a 42% support rate. Among 40-59 year-olds, the Hou-Jaw ticket led by 1%, and among voters over 60, the Hou-Jaw ticket polled at 37%, while the Lai-Hsiao ticket polled at 35%. The survey was conducted from Dec. 26-30, 2023, with a sample size of 1,215 adults. The sampling error is within plus or minus 2.8 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. The survey used a dual telephone register for random sampling, including landline and mobile phones, with weighting by gender, age, and population structure. The funding for the survey came from United Daily News.
2024/01/02 15:45
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Eric Chu accuses DPP of smear tactics in Taiwan elections
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.
2024/01/02 09:55
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President Tsai stresses Taiwan’s economic significance
President Tsai Ing-wen asserts that Taiwan is globally significant economically and does not rely on China as a conduit to the world. Tsai emphasizes the importance of Taichung in the upcoming elections, stating that over 50 percent of presidential and vice presidential votes will come from the city. She acknowledges that inadequate infrastructure has hindered economic growth during her presidency, leading to an investment of NT$4 trillion in public infrastructure. Tsai also highlights her significant investments in social welfare, including elderly care aids, subsidies for children, and income tax exemptions for 47 percent of the Taiwanese population. She urges support for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te in the 2024 election to continue her approach of incorporating economics, defense, and democracy to protect Taiwan.
2023/12/30 20:50
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Lai Ching-te slams KMT’s outdated policies in 2024 debate
In this story, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential nominee Lai Ching-te criticizes the outdated policy views of Kuomintang’s (KMT) presidential candidate, Hou Yu-ih, during a presidential debate. Lai emphasizes the need for abandoning outdated policies and upgrading past efforts to comprehend and master the rapidly changing world. He outlines his policy principles, including boosting national projects, enhancing defense, economic and democratic ties, and maintaining dignified, equal cooperation with China. Lai believes that the 2024 presidential election will determine whether Taiwan aligns with democracies or authoritarian entities, and he highlights that voting for him and his running mate Hsiao Bi-khim is the only option to continue collaborating with democratic allies.
2023/12/30 19:17
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KMT unites behind Hou Yu-ih in final push for election
As Taiwan’s 2024 presidential election approaches, the Kuomintang (KMT) unites under a group strategy to support Hou Yu-ih. Prominent KMT figures, including Ma Ying-jeou and Eric Chu, back Hou in a significant shift from past conflicts, highlighting the party’s unified front in the critical election.
2023/12/30 17:51
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Lai, Hou, and Ko to face off in election debate today
The 2024 presidential election in Taiwan will feature a live televised debate among the candidates, including Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party, Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang, and Ko Wen-je of Taiwan’s People Party. The debate will consist of four rounds, including candidate speeches, media inquiries, inter-candidate questioning, and conclusions. Lai has criticized the KMT-TPP joint ticket and urged viewers to support him, while Hou has been preparing intensively for the debate to communicate his election concepts and political views. Ko has expressed his intention to question Lai on promoting Taiwan’s independence without U.S. government support. The debate will be co-hosted by Liberty Times Net and other media outlets and will be aired on Public Television Service, with Hu Yuan-hui serving as the host.
2023/12/30 16:06
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Ko Wen-je’s unconventional approach in presidential race
In the closely contested 2024 presidential election in Taiwan, TPP candidate Ko Wen-je adopts unconventional strategies, focusing on online campaigns and youth participation, challenging the traditional approaches of the KMT and DPP.
2023/12/27 18:23
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Lai-Hsiao ticket leads in latest 2024 presidential polls
According to a recent poll conducted by ETtoday, the "Lai-Hsiao" (Lai Ching-te, Hsiao Bi-khim) ticket of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is leading in Taiwan’s presidential election in 2024 with 38.1% of voter support. The "Hou-Jaw" (Hou Yu-ih) ticket of the Kuomintang (KMT) follows closely behind with 34.8%, while the "Ko-Wu" (Ko Wen-je, Cynthia Wu) ticket of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) stands at 19.2%. The approval rating for the Lai-Hsiao ticket has increased by 1.9 percentage points since the last poll, while the Hou-Jaw ticket has remained constant, and the Ko-Wu ticket has experienced a slight decrease of 1.5 points. As a result, the gap between Lai and Hou has grown from 1.4 to 3.3 points. In terms of demographics, Lai is leading in Taiwan’s southern regions and among people aged 40-49, with respective approval ratings of 49.7% and 38.1%. Hou, on the other hand, is leading in the north, outlying eastern islands, and among those aged 60 and older, with approval ratings at 38.6%, 42.5%, and 52.7%, respectively. Ko is leading among younger voters aged 20-39. Lai’s support has seen a significant increase of 15.9 points among voters aged 50-59, indicating improvement in a previously weaker demographic. However, Lai’s support has decreased by 20 points among DPP supporters. In contrast, Hou’s support has remained steady, and Ko’s approval has surged by 10.6 points among pan-DPP supporters. The poll was conducted on December 25-26, surveying Taiwanese aged 20 and older about the 2024 presidential elections. The sample size was 1,618, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.44% and a confidence level of 95%.
2023/12/27 14:33