ACT 結果共273筆

A bipartisan U.S. delegation led by Chairman Mike Gallagher expresses strong support for Taiwan during meetings with President Tsai Ing-wen and President-elect Lai Ching-te. Discussions center on bolstering defense capabilities and managing cross-strait relations amidst geopolitical challenges. #Taiwan #USsupport

The U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee reaffirms bipartisan commitment to deepening U.S.-Taiwan relations, emphasizing support for Taiwan’s defense against potential Chinese Communist Party aggression. Chairman Mike Gallagher and Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi lead the delegation in advocating for sustained development of ties under the Taiwan Relations Act, expressing confidence in President Lai Ching-te’s leadership abilities.

The Executive Yuan of Taiwan has approved a draft bill for referendum absentee voting, allowing eligible voters to apply for absentee voting through a transfer voting system to protect their voting rights. The new law, in accordance with Article 25 of the amended Referendum Act, aims to facilitate voting for those unable to return to their place of registration due to various reasons. The Central Election Commission will implement the absentee voting method to ensure secrecy and fairness, with an application system open to all eligible voters until 60 days before the voting day. Additionally, an online application system will be established for voter convenience, including options for residents in remote areas to apply for transfer voting within the same county or city.

Pingtung County Council Speaker Chou Dian-lun charged with election law violations for allegedly buying signatures to support Terry Gou’s presidential bid. Daughter also under investigation. Mayor of Chaojhou and others admit guilt, pay fines. TVBS reminds audience of presumption of innocence.

你滑過抖音嗎？截至2023年，TikTok的全球用戶數約有16.77億，但背後也衍生不少問題。近期歐盟不斷對各大社交平台展開調查，歐盟官員表示，將針對TikTok在保護未成年人方面的措施完整性及是否違反《數碼服務法》（Digital Services Act，DSA）規定，一旦證實違反，TikTok恐面臨巨額罰款。

Efforts to recall New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih gain momentum as group collects over 20,000 signatures, halfway to required 40,000. Stay updated on the ongoing recall campaign and upcoming signature drive at Taipei Metro’s Haishan Station on Feb. 24. Learn about the two-phase process under the Public Officials Election and Recall Act.

A civic group in New Taipei City has gathered over 20,000 signatures in the first stage of the recall campaign against Mayor Hou Yu-ih. The effort, aiming for 40,000 signatures, follows the Public Officials Election And Recall Act, with the second stage requiring 10% of electors to endorse the recall. Hou, who served as mayor and later ran for president, faces potential recall pending a vote.

The Executive Yuan unveils plans for the Taiwan Community Emergency Response Team (T-CERT) in a recent policy report, aiming to establish 320 teams with 8,000 members within five years. Training will involve various sectors, drawing parallels to the civilian defense concept of the Kuma Academy. Despite opposition from Kuomintang legislators, the initiative focuses on disaster response, not military operations, in line with Taiwan’s Disaster Prevention and Protection Act. The teams, inspired by FEMA recommendations, are supported by the Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of National Defense.

The story discusses the Taiwan Tourism Administration’s ban on travel agencies organizing group trips to China, citing national security concerns. Hsiao Po-jen, President of the Taiwan’s Travel Agent Association, seeks to address industry concerns with President-elect Lai Ching-te. The directive has sparked protests from the travel industry, with potential penalties for violators. The Tourism Administration cites the ＂Act for the Development of Tourism＂ to support the ban, threatening license termination for those jeopardizing national interests. Hsiao argues that organizing travel groups should not be deemed harmful to national interests, hinting at possible legal actions in response.

A recent fishing boat incident involving a Chinese fishing boat illegally crossing boundaries and subsequently capsizing due to the Taiwanese coast guard’s expulsion efforts has caused tension between Taiwan and China. Two individuals tragically drowned in the incident. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council has assured prompt communication of investigation results with Chinese authorities, aiming to maintain solid cross-strait ties. China has accused Taiwan of precipitating such events, blaming aggressive boat seizures and assertive treatment of mainland fishermen. The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) has strongly condemned the incident, laying blame on the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration. Former Global Times Editor-in-Chief Hu Xijin has criticized Taiwan’s law enforcement, suggesting it may constitute involuntary manslaughter. In 2023 alone, there were 1,191 registered cases of Chinese fishing boats crossing the maritime boundary, consistently surpassing a thousand annually. Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration, in accordance with the ＂Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area,＂ retains the right to expel, detain, hold in custody, fine, confiscate fishing equipment, and seize hauls and boats.

U.S. military advisers have begun long-term stations in Kinmen and Penghu of Taiwan’s army amphibious camps, carrying out periodic training in the island’s special warfare camps, following the implementation of the U.S. ＂National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023＂ (NDAA 2023). The Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated that the NDAA aims to assist Taiwan in developing comprehensive training and institutional abilities. Since 2023, U.S. military advisers have supported Taiwan’s special forces in learning how to use the ＂Black Hornet Nano＂ miniature drone and have provided assistance in writing guidelines and teaching materials. Taiwan’s Aviation and Special Forces Command has expressed plans to purchase these drones. The NDAA’s provisions concerning Taiwan primarily focus on information exchange and collaboration in military training for ground forces. However, there are currently no plans to station civilian officials in Taiwan.

Don’t miss Ed Sheeran’s first concert in Kaohsiung on February 3rd, with doors opening at 4 p.m. The event will feature an opening act by Calum Scott at 7 p.m., followed by Sheeran taking the stage at 8 p.m. After wrapping up his concert in Japan, Sheeran flew to Kaohsiung to continue his global tour. This historic performance will accommodate over 50,000 fans and required equipment to be shipped from Japan on chartered cargo planes. Sheeran’s record-breaking success in the UK, including the Gold BRIT Billion Award, makes this concert an extraordinary event.

Kuomintang (KMT) legislator Han Kuo-yu has been elected as the speaker of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, with Johnny Chiang as his deputy. As speaker, Han is responsible for maintaining order in the legislative body and overseeing legislative matters. According to the ＂Act Governing the Discipline of Legislators,＂ Han’s monthly salary is equivalent to that of central government department heads, amounting to NT$346,960, with an additional special remuneration of NT$79,100. Johnny Chiang, as deputy speaker, will earn a monthly salary of approximately NT$229,860. Legislators in Taiwan receive an average monthly salary of about NT$190,500, along with an annual bonus equivalent to 1.5 months’ salary. Han’s role grants him decisive power in the event of tied votes or disputes over legislation, giving him a significant role in shaping future policy.

The 11th session of the Legislative Yuan commenced on February 1, with legislators taking their oaths of office under the supervision of Grand Justice Lu Tai-lang. Before the inauguration, the lawmakers gathered for group photos and exchanged congratulations. Following the oath-taking, each legislator signed their pledge, which was then sent to the Judicial Yuan for record-keeping. A group photo was taken to commemorate the occasion. The day’s events also included a vote for the speaker of the Legislative Yuan, with the counting of votes expected to begin at noon. These solemn ceremonies serve as a reminder to legislators of their responsibilities and commitments as representatives of the people.

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.

Vice President and President-elect Lai Ching-te reaffirms commitment to democracy and peace in Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific region during meeting with U.S.-Taiwan Business Council. Lai highlights alignment of Taiwan-U.S. economic cooperation with Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. Expresses gratitude for U.S. support following election, acknowledges solidarity against Chinese authoritarianism. Thanks U.S. for commitment to Taiwan’s security and efforts to address double taxation issue. Anticipates strengthened supply chain partnerships between Taiwan and U.S. through enacted double-tax relief act.

因應歐盟「數位市場法（Digital Markets Act, DMA)」的上路，蘋果被迫將開放iPhone側載功能，近日傳出蘋果會在本週推出iOS 17.4 Beta測試版，而側載功能很可能會同步登場。

The Kuomintang (KMT) has proposed the Absentee Voting Act in response to the need for voting rights for citizens unable to return to their hometowns for elections. The 2021 census revealed that nearly 2 million people work or study outside their home regions, making an absentee voting system necessary. KMT lawmakers argue that this system would increase voter turnout, deepen democracy, protect constitutional voting rights, and is vital for further legislation. The delay in implementing absentee voting in Taiwan has put the country behind other developed nations that have already adopted this global trend.

Recently elected Democratic Progressive Party President Lai Ching-te shares his experiences and expectations with newly inaugurated legislators, urging them to act as a bridge between the government and the people. Lai emphasizes the importance of hard work and teamwork in driving national development, and gives three pieces of advice to first-time lawmakers. He encourages them to become a new force for the nation, stay true to their original intentions, engage in professional questioning, and implement their ideals. Lai draws from his personal experience as a legislator, highlighting the importance of learning from others’ experiences and continuously improving professional expertise.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) has filed 105 complaints with TikTok regarding false or misleading election-related content, with 10 made before the election and 95 following it. As of now, 54 of the posts have been taken down, and the cases are ongoing. TikTok has been circulating a substantial amount of inaccurate or untruthful audio-visual information related to the election. The CEC Vice Chairman, Chen Chao-chien, explained that candidates have the right to request the removal of deepfake videos under the Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act, as well as the Public Officials Election and Recall Act. Online social platforms have also established contact channels with the CEC to prevent false or misleading election-related content, in line with their community principles and for the sake of fair elections. The CEC has declined to comment or respond on specific online platforms on a case-by-case basis.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare has announced updates to its Rules of Medical Diagnosis and Treatment by Telecommunications, expanding telemedicine services to a larger population under certain conditions, effective July 1. Approximately 2.47 million individuals are expected to benefit from these changes. The updates aim to adapt to the post-COVID-19 healthcare landscape and extend the scope of telemedicine to five special situations, including chronic disease care, end-stage disease care, custody care in correctional facilities, care for the mobility challenged, and care during disasters, communicable diseases, or other significant changes. Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan clarified that not all patients can avail of telemedicine services, as evaluation by healthcare units is mandatory, and physicians who violate the rules may face a maximum fine of NT＄100,000. The new process combines physical outpatient services with telemedicine to reduce costs and time for patients requiring post-acute care, offering a convenient and seamless healthcare experience. The updated rules broaden the range of medical services that physicians can provide through telecommunication. Additionally, the Ministry has stated that doctors, after evaluating the patient’s stable condition, can now electronically prescribe medication for patients with chronic mental illnesses or in end-stage care, including regulated drugs like morphine.

Taiwan expresses strong regret and denounces the Republic of Nauru’s decision to sever diplomatic relations and establish ties with China as misguided and not beneficial for its people or regional stability. The Taiwanese Presidential Office highlights that Beijing’s diplomatic suppression is seen as retaliation against democratic values and a challenge to international stability. This move by Nauru reduces Taiwan’s diplomatic allies to twelve, marking the loss of its tenth ally since Tsai Ing-wen became president in 2016. Financial shortfalls resulting from the closure of Australia’s Nauru Regional Processing Center and other factors, such as Nauru’s request for economic aid and the closure of the Nauru branch of the Australian Bendigo Bank, have contributed to the strained Taiwan-Nauru relations.

Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) has achieved a satisfaction rate of 91.2% in 2023, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW). This is the first time the satisfaction rate has not decreased despite an increase in insurance costs. Previous reductions in satisfaction were observed in 2002 and 2006 due to premium increases, and in 2013 following the implementation of the second-generation NHI. The highest-rated aspects of the NHI were accessibility to medical treatment and the quality of medical care, with increased insurance costs ranking third. The satisfaction rate reached its peak during times of pandemic, likely due to the introduction of home-based medical care services and improved medical accessibility. Since 2021, the satisfaction rate has consistently remained above 90% and even reached a new all-time high during the pandemic. Taiwan has been ranked number one in the global healthcare index published by NUMBEO for the past five years. The NHI budget has also seen significant growth, increasing by over 48% from NT$590.5 billion in 2015 to NT$875.5 billion in 2024. The survey involved 3,257 participants aged 18 in Taiwan, and while public satisfaction with the NHI is high, physicians generally express lower levels of satisfaction.

Taiwan’s election day has been designated as a day off under the Labor Standards Act to protect workers’ voting rights. On January 13th, the 16th Presidential and Vice Presidential elections, as well as the 11th Legislative Yuan elections, will be held. Employers are required to grant a day off with regular pay to workers who have voting rights and are scheduled to work on election day. The day off is a continuous 24-hour period from midnight to noon and cannot be exchanged for another working day. If workers are needed on election day, employers must obtain their agreement and not impede their right to vote.

Ma Chih-wei, an independent legislative candidate from Taoyuan City, has been detained on suspicion of violating Taiwan’s Anti-Infiltration Act, amid allegations of receiving support from mainland China.