A-TEAM 結果共107筆

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.

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.

The Environmental Protection Department of the New Taipei City Government is taking action to address ongoing oil pollution on the North Coast. Citizens have reported crude oil contamination in coastal areas since December 4, possibly linked to unidentified crude oil pollution on Green Island in Taitung. The department has swiftly implemented cleanup operations, but sporadic incidents caused by ocean currents require continued efforts. Upon receiving pollution reports, the department collaborated with local fishery associations, the Inspection Office, and the Coast Guard Administration’s Coastal Patrol Squad. They transported necessary resources, such as oil-absorbent cotton pads and ropes, to polluted sites. Non-governmental units, including local business owners and volunteer groups like the Azure Alliance in Taiwan, actively participated in preventing the spread of oil pollution. A total of 58 response team members, 32 coastal patrol personnel, and numerous volunteers have been involved in the cleanup efforts.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an celebrated his birthday by supporting legislative candidate Lai Shyh-bao in a campaign in Wenshan District, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming elections. Attendees and the public sang the Happy Birthday song for the mayor, creating a festive atmosphere. Surprisingly, Chiang’s birthday wish was unrelated to politics; he simply wanted to share a bowl of instant noodles with his family and fall asleep with his two youngest children. Balancing political duties and familial obligations is a challenge for Chiang, and he admits struggling to find enough time for his family. In line with his political mission, Chiang also expressed a hopeful desire for a strong electoral victory for himself and his team, as well as a successful election outcome for all Kuomintang (KMT) legislative candidates in Taipei City.

A Formosan black bear accidentally trapped in Taichung was rescued and transported to a medical care station in Nantou’s Jiji Township by Taiwan’s Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency. The bear’s right forelimb was caught in a trap, and it was unable to free itself. A team of forest rangers hiked uphill for an hour to reach the bear, and with the assistance of a veterinarian, they successfully released it from the trap and treated its wounds. The incident may be related to the bears moving to lower altitudes due to sudden temperature drops. The agency encourages residents to report any bear intrusions or trapped bears and offers assistance with hunting tools for those in mountain villages facing threats to their crops from wild animals.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an’s approval rating has jumped from 39% to 65%, according to data from Taipei City Government’s Research, Development, and Evaluation Commission. On his first anniversary in office, Chiang held a press conference at the Taipei Dome, discussing his visions for Taipei’s future. Notable achievements include the successful response to the collapse of a residential building in Dazhi and the highest number of births in 28 months in October 2023. Chiang sees the completion and operation of the Taipei Dome as a shared triumph for citizens, allowing for large-scale events. When asked about his performance rating, Chiang deferred to the judgment of the citizens. He expressed his hope to lead the ’Taipei Team’ for the next three years, aiming to give residents a chance to experience a different city.

Vice Presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vows to review and reflect on corruption allegations within the DPP government. This comes after her opponent, Kuomintang’s (KMT) Jaw Shaw-kong, accused the DPP of corruption during a policy presentation. Jaw raised concerns about the DPP obstructing Terry Gou’s acquisition of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines and questioned the increase in the market value of Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corp. He advocated for the reinstatement of the Special Investigation Division to tackle corruption. Hsiao acknowledges mistakes within the party and emphasizes the need for self-review. She highlights the DPP’s commitment to reform and progressive policies, citing examples of marriage equality and energy transformation. Hsiao compares the government to a team in an international competition, emphasizing the importance of guidance and support for a unified nation.

Discover a unique tourist attraction in Thailand’s Chiang Rai province - paddy field art featuring intricately cultivated cat figures made from different rice varieties. Farmer Tanyapong Jaikham and his team have creatively brought the Thai proverb ＂There is fish in the water and rice in the fields＂ to life through these artistic depictions. With GPS precision, the rice seedlings are strategically placed to form the charming feline poses. This innovative endeavor is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors, inspiring the younger generation to explore the intersection of art, technology, and agriculture.

Ukrainian students at Tzu Chi University have formed a volunteer team to teach English and music as a way to give back to Taiwan for its support during the Russia-Ukraine War. The group, consisting of nine Master’s students studying media and communications, will be conducting classes at a local elementary school two to three times per week. The initiative was prompted by a desire expressed by several students last semester, and TCU facilitated school partnerships to make it happen. The Ukrainian student-teachers offer a fresh perspective that inspires their pupils and makes learning a language more dynamic and engaging.

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen and Premier Chen Chien-jen have been alerted and instructed to prepare for emergency relief efforts following a magnitude 5.9 earthquake in Gansu Province, mainland China. The earthquake resulted in the deaths of 105 people and damage to 4,782 homes. Taiwan’s Minister of Interior, Lin Yu-chang, announced that a 160-member search and rescue team, including a structural engineer, doctors, nurses, and search dogs certified in International Search and Rescue Dog Organisation (IRO) rubble search, is ready to provide assistance. Communication has been established with mainland China through the Mainland Affairs Council to coordinate rescue needs. If requested, Taiwan’s National Fire Agency will collaborate with the Disaster Relief Foundation to activate a special charter flight mechanism for humanitarian rescue missions. Additionally, an earthquake in Qinghai Province resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals, bringing the total earthquake death toll in mainland China to 118. Taiwan’s quick mobilization demonstrates its readiness to provide humanitarian assistance despite the complex political relationship with Beijing.

KMT chairman Eric Chu expresses optimism about the upcoming legislative elections and suggests that the KMT could potentially secure a majority if things go smoothly. He is joined by legislators-at-large candidates Ko Chih-en and Hsieh Lung-chieh, as they declare their commitment to victory in the 2024 elections. The KMT acknowledges that about 15 electoral districts are currently in tight races and plans to mobilize a strong team including former Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu, presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih, vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, and Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen to bolster support in these critical areas. Chairman Chu expresses confidence in the quality of the KMT’s legislative nominees and emphasizes the party’s careful and cautious approach to the election battle. With high-profile party members rallying to support candidates nationwide, the KMT is gearing up for a significant push ahead of the 2024 legislative elections.

Beloved South Korean actor and variety show personality, Jee Seok-jin, has announced a sudden hiatus from all entertainment activities due to health concerns. Effective from December 18, Jee will be suspending all work commitments, including his regular appearances on the popular variety show ＂Running Man.＂ Known for his humor and affable nature, Jee has been a key member of the show since 2010, amassing a significant fan base over the years. This marks the first break Jee is taking from the show since he joined its original cast 13 years ago. With the departure of another cast member in October, the ＂Running Man＂ team is now left with only five members, raising questions about how the show will adapt and what impact it will have on its future.

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.＂

Former NBA star DeMarcus Cousins has signed a one-month contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards, according to the club’s CEO Johnny Chang. This signing marks a significant boost to Taiwanese basketball, and the team is open to adding more NBA talents in the future. Cousins, known for his versatility as a center and his gold medal with Team USA, is set to arrive in Taiwan in mid-January and will make his debut in home games at the Taoyuan Arena on January 20, 21, 27, and 28. While the details of Cousins’ salary remain undisclosed, Chang hinted that it would be similar to the structure of NBA short-term contracts. Addressing concerns about Cousins’ temperament, Chang emphasized that his intensity on the court reflects his respect for professional basketball and will bring a passionate atmosphere to the games. Chang also expressed surprise at Cousins’ professionalism during the negotiation process.

Taiwanese badminton star Tai Tzu-ying reflects on her disappointing performance in the second half of 2023 but expresses gratitude towards her team and fans. Despite her struggles, Tai triumphed at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Finals, claiming the women’s singles title. This victory marked her fourth World Tour Finals title and served as a beautiful conclusion to a challenging year. Prior to the year-end event, Tai had only secured two titles out of the 18 matches she played in 2023. Concerns about her form were raised, but her win on Sunday dispelled any doubts. Tai also mentions the challenges she faced leading up to the championship, including injury and limited training.

The Yomiuri Giants, a Japanese professional baseball team, will be playing two exhibition games in Taiwan next March. They will face off against two Taiwanese teams, the CTBC Brothers on March 2 and the Rakuten Monkeys on March 3, at the Taipei Dome. Tsukasa Imamura, the president of the Giants, emphasized the importance of promoting baseball culture in Asia and expressed his hope for more Taiwanese players to join the team in the future. He mentioned that the Giants’ scouts have a high regard for Taiwanese high school players but have noticed a perceived stagnation in their skills after reaching college. Imamura hopes that Taiwan can produce more legendary players like Kuo Tai-yuan and Kuo Yuen-chih, who have already made a name for themselves in Japanese baseball. Throughout the years, 10 Taiwanese players, excluding the iconic Sadaharu Oh, have played for the Giants in Japan’s professional leagues, highlighting the ongoing baseball exchange between the two neighboring countries.

Taipei’s military, national defense, and aerospace stocks experienced notable performances in early trading as Taiwan’s presidential election approaches. AirAsia, Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC), and Thunder Tiger stood out, attracting investor attention. With the United States reporting a slowdown in inflation growth, the market anticipates a lower probability of further interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve (Fed). AirAsia reported a net zero profit for the first ten months of the year, with optimism in the commercial maintenance market. AIDC exceeded last year’s total revenue in the first ten months, aiming for its highest annual profit since listing. AIDC Chairman Hu Kai-hung is working towards enhancing Taiwan’s aerospace industry through the A-Team 4.0 alliance. Thunder Tiger is planning collaborations with domestic electric vehicle supply chains and aiming to introduce innovative solutions in the defense sector.

The Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) has apprehended 20 suspects and seized 15 illegal operations involved in a smartphone SMS phishing scam in Taiwan. The ＂Info Thunder Project＂ was deployed to combat the scam, which sent out an average of 4,000 to 5,000 fraudulent text messages per day. The criminal syndicate posed as representatives from legitimate entities, such as the Taiwan Water Corporation and telecom companies, to deceive recipients with misleading alerts. The fraudsters enticed victims to click on malicious links and enter their credit card and bank account details. The CIB’s intelligence analysis team conducted comprehensive studies of phishing cases, leading to the arrests. Evidence seized in two operations includes modem pools, mobile phones, SIM cards, computers, Wi-Fi routers, and application forms for phone numbers. Director-General Chou Yu-wei urged the public to remain vigilant against suspicious text messages and to refrain from clicking on dubious links. The police will continue to dismantle these fraudulent networks and protect citizens from cyber threats.

The latest public opinion poll in Taiwan shows a decline in support for all presidential hopeful pairings in the 2024 election. The Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Lai-Hsiao ticket maintains a lead with 35.1% support, despite a drop of 2.7 percentage points. The Kuomintang’s (KMT) Hou-Jaw pairing saw a marginal decline to 32.5%, indicating a close race. The Taiwan People Party’s (TPP) Ko-Wu team also experienced a dip in support, sliding to an even 17%. In terms of party rotation, 32.2% of respondents believe it would be better for Taiwan’s development if the DPP continues to hold the presidency, while 29% prefer a KMT takeover and 15% support the TPP. The poll included 1,201 participants over the age of 20 and was conducted on December 7, 8, and 11.

Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) has successfully delivered four Brave Eagle advanced jet trainer aircraft to the Air Force base in Taitung, completing their annual contract goal of 17 aircraft. Despite media skepticism, AIDC managed to deliver five aircraft within the remaining month, overcoming challenges caused by the global pandemic. The quartet of Brave Eagles underwent rigorous testing and validation by the Air Force before leaving AIDC’s factory. AIDC’s procurement team negotiated with international suppliers to secure critical parts, ensuring the aircraft’s timely delivery. AIDC’s commitment to national defense missions and emphasis on safety and quality were highlighted by Chairman Hu and General Manager Ma. The Brave Eagle is a significant achievement in Taiwan’s defense autonomy, and AIDC plans to continue delivering aircraft on schedule next year to enhance the nation’s defensive capabilities.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim emphasized the importance of the DPP holding a majority in the legislature to ensure continuous progress for Taiwan. Speaking at a women’s support group event in Tucheng District, Hsiao highlighted her past achievements, including signing the inaugural agreements of the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade. She also mentioned that talks to prevent double taxation with the U.S. are nearing completion, which will enhance bilateral trade relations. Hsiao stressed the DPP government’s commitment to establishing friendly and commercial ties with the international community, urging a broader perspective beyond the focus on the 1992 Consensus. She expressed confidence in the foreign policy direction under President Tsai Ing-wen’s administration and the potential for a Lai-Hsiao team to continue this diplomatic route. Hsiao emphasized the symbolic significance of drawing number two in the election draw, representing integrity and steady advancement, and portraying the elections as a testament to Taiwan’s democratic strength. She reiterated the importance of a legislative majority for the DPP to implement stable and progressive policies, reducing resource drain from cross-party conflicts.

The Taipei City Fire Department and Taipei City Hospital have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration between firefighters and medical personnel. The MOU includes joint training exercises, combined rescue efforts during major disasters, emergency medical response for mass casualty events, and the development of shared educational programs. Taipei City Hospital sees this partnership as an opportunity to improve rescue success rates and ensure the safety of search-and-rescue teams, as well as enhance overall operational effectiveness. The integration of real-world disaster response with training aims to enhance team coordination and achieve mutual benefits.

Kuomintang presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih criticizes Taiwan’s anti-fraud efforts, claiming that fraud cases are increasing despite an investment of NT$2.7 billion into the national anti-scam team. Hou attributes the problem to lenient penalties for fraud, leading to high recidivism rates. He proposes a three-pronged policy approach, including steeper penalties reflective of the amount scammed, interdepartmental cooperation, and stronger cross-strait and international cooperation. Hou also blames existing anti-fraud agencies for a lack of coordinated strategy and vows to improve collaboration if elected. Hou’s running mate, Jaw Shau-kong, compares the treatment of fraudsters in Taiwan and mainland China, stating that Taiwan’s sentences are lenient compared to the death penalty in the mainland. Jaw highlights that modern con artists often target the elderly, posing as utility bill collectors.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je expressed disappointment in the failure to establish an alliance with the Kuomintang (KMT), citing his medical background and trust in others as a disadvantage in politics. He believes that the mishandling of the breakup with the KMT has led to his declining support. Despite the acrimony, Ko hinted at potential future cooperation with Foxconn’s founder Terry Gou, acknowledging their maintained contact for policy collaboration. Ko praised Gou’s think tank on finance and economics for its excellent work, revealing that his team has consulted and adopted numerous economic policy suggestions from Gou’s proposals. The focus at this stage is on policy partnership, with paths toward collaborative governance remaining open between the two camps.