AT-AT 結果共1,408筆

Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. revealed in a letter to U.S. senators that China had tried to convince Palau to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan in exchange for hotel bookings. The letter, made public by Cleo Paskal of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, detailed China’s proposal to fill Palau’s hotels and operate a call center at an annual cost of US$20 million. Whipps Jr. warned that without immediate approval for COFA aid, pro-China factions in Palau could threaten its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan.

A pregnant woman gave birth on an EVA Air flight from Tokyo to Taipei, with both mother and child reported safe. The Civil Aeronautics Administration confirmed the successful landing at Taipei Songshan Airport. EVA Air has specific guidelines for pregnant passengers, including restrictions on flying after 36 weeks for single pregnancies and after 32 weeks for multiple pregnancies. Pregnant women between 28 and 35 weeks must complete a medical information sheet approved by the company’s doctor before flying.

Taiwan’s Executive Yuan has announced that no detection of Cimbuterol, a feed additive used to promote leanness in animals, has been found in domestically-produced pork. This preliminary result dismisses concerns about the domestic pork supply being tainted with the substance. In the past, Taiwan Sugar Corporation’s pork slices were found to contain Cimbuterol, causing public concern. The Ministry of Agriculture has inspected 633 pre-market samples, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare has tested 73 post-market samples, with only one sample in Taichung city detecting Cimbuterol. The Health Ministry will strengthen random inspections for ractopamine in pork products and increase the number of annual inspections. The government will also enhance scrutiny of Cimbuterol imports and establish an expert group to assess the risk source at each link. The administration remains committed to ensuring the sanitary safety of pork products and monitoring related residues in various channels. Relevant authorities are dedicated to meeting Taiwan’s veterinary drug residue limits in foods.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus whip, Ker Chien-ming, has urged the Kuomintang (KMT) to avoid excessive showmanship in response to their request for an extraordinary session at the Legislative Yuan on February 17th. Ker emphasized that extraordinary sessions are typically held during recess periods and that there is no need for an additional meeting since the new session of the Legislative Yuan officially began on February 1st. The KMT caucus had called for an early meeting and invited Premier Chen Chien-jen to give a special report on the issue of ractopamine being detected in Taisugar’s sliced pork. They warned that any delay could obstruct the inaugural policy address. To convene an extraordinary session, the KMT’s Han Kuo-yu must first hold party group consultations, according to Ker. He suggested that once that is done, Premier Chen could be invited to provide a ＂food safety special report＂ on February 20th.

Renowned restaurant Din Tai Fung and the Taipei City Government are partnering for a massive recruitment event, offering 150 vacancies with salaries up to NT$57,000. The job fair will take place on Feb. 24 at the Taipei Youth Salon. Over 90% of the positions are open to applicants without prior work experience, as part of Din Tai Fung’s efforts to invest in talent recruitment, salary welfare, and training. The available positions include catering service specialists, cashiers, restaurant tidying staff, pastry apprentices, chefs, dish quality inspectors, dishwashers, and in-store timing staff. Part-time workers can earn up to NT$240 an hour on weekends. Salaries start at NT$48,000 for waitstaff, with the potential to reach NT$55,000 after assessments. Chefs have the opportunity to make up to NT$57,000. The average monthly salary from previous recruitment drives with Din Tai Fung is NT$40,000, and many companies have increased salaries due to labor shortages caused by the pandemic. The catering industry has seen a rising salary trend, with Din Tai Fung increasing salaries by 3% to 6% in 2023, totaling a 16% increase over three years. This recruitment drive is open to talents in Taipei, New Taipei, Hsinchu, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) chairman Ko Wen-je dismisses talk of a blue-white coalition for the 2026 local elections as premature. Speculation suggests that TPP may field eight legislators at-large in the 2026 local government elections. There are rumblings within political circles that TPP’s legislator Huang Shan-shan may run for Taipei mayor, Legislator Huang Kuo-chang for the New Taipei City chief, Legislator Chang Chi-kai for Chiayi City mayor, and Legislator Lin Kuo-cheng for the Pingtung County magistrate race. Ko emphasizes that discussing matters for 2026 is premature in 2024, as there are 22 counties and cities in Taiwan, and the scenario is subject to potential changes. When asked about a possible blue-white collaboration in 2026, Ko deems it too early to discuss.

Health costs are set to rise at three newly designated medical centers in Taiwan from March 1, with an increase of NT$180 in outpatient fees and NT$350 for emergency services, according to the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA). The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) announced on February 6 the elevation of three hospitals in northern Taiwan to medical center status: The Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Taipei Medical University Shuang-Ho Hospital, and the National Taiwan University Hospital Hsinchu Branch were upgraded following the 2023 medical center hospital evaluation. NHIA Deputy Director General Parng I-ming expressed concern that the increase in basic outpatient and emergency care charges resulting from the upgrade may impact patients’ willingness to seek treatment. He vowed continuous monitoring and evaluation of the impact on the national health insurance scheme. Following the elevation of these three hospitals, it is estimated that outpatient visits will reach around 10,000 per day, and 500 emergency visits. The MOHW will closely observe potential changes in patients’ willingness to seek care and the impact on health insurance resources.

Discover a heartwarming surprise at IKEA! A customer found a QR code on a golden retriever plush toy that leads to the National Animal Shelter Management System. Scan the code to find your perfect furry companion waiting for adoption. IKEA’s thoughtful initiative has touched hearts online.

Amid Taiwan’s Lunar New Year, pet owners face booking difficulties and soaring prices at pet hotels. Tsen Chi-ying, a cat hotel manager, highlights the rising costs and limited capacity, prompting pet owners to seek alternative care solutions.

Feastogether, a popular restaurant in Kaohsiung’s Dream Mall, has been temporarily closed for a thorough cleanliness inspection after reports of food poisoning. Several diners who ate at the restaurant last Saturday experienced vomiting and diarrhea. The Kaohsiung City Government’s Department of Health is investigating the source of the contamination. If food safety regulations have been violated, fines exceeding NT＄60,000 could be imposed. The Feastogether Group has pledged to cooperate fully with government food safety policies and assist affected customers.

Taoyuan Mayor Simon Chang distributed ＂Year of the Dragon＂ lucky bags at the city hall on the final working day before the Lunar New Year. The bags featured a dragon enfolded in peach blossoms, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Each bag contained a one-dollar coin bundled with a red cord, believed to ward off evil and disasters. The lucky bags were labeled ＂Dragon’s Peace＂ and represented gathering wealth, good luck, and auspiciousness. Mayor Chang shared the bags with city hall staff, janitors, security guards, and the public passing by for business.

Explore the vibrant beauty of cherry blossoms at the Yangminshan Flower Festival in Taipei from Feb. 7 to March 17. Taipei’s mayor encourages public transport use due to limited parking.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has announced that its Japan subsidiary, JASM, will construct a second wafer fabrication plant by the end of 2024. The plant is expected to be operational by the end of 2027. With support from the Japanese government, TSMC plans to begin production at its first JASM wafer fabrication plant in 2024, with a total investment exceeding US＄20 billion. The construction of the second plant is driven by increasing customer demand. The expansion aims to optimize JASM’s cost structure and supply chain efficiency, resulting in increased production. Once both plants are operational, JASM’s Kumamoto wafer fabrication plant will have a monthly capacity of over 100,000 12-inch wafers. The Japan fab will offer process technologies ranging from 40nm to 6nm, catering to automotive, industrial, consumer, and high-performance computing applications. TSMC also mentioned that capacity planning can be adjusted based on client requirements. The Kumamoto wafer plant is expected to create more than 3,400 high-tech professional jobs.

Taiwan takes center stage at the 30th Festival International des Cinémas d’Asie (FICA) in Paris as the theme country, showcasing a range of films from the martial law era to the works of new directors. Filmmaker Jean-Robert Thomann, who holds dual citizenship from France and Taiwan, presents his latest documentary, ＂Taiwan, Chronicle of a Threatened Democracy,＂ in FICA’s documentary competition. The film, shot between 2021 and 2023, delves into the challenges faced by Taiwan’s democratic process, examining major referendums and the Taichung legislator election. Thomann believes Taiwan’s global recognition extends beyond seeking a seat in the United Nations, emphasizing the importance of parliamentary links, cultural and economic exchanges, and soft power rooted in creativity. He hopes his documentary will deepen French audiences’ understanding of Taiwan and inspire further exploration of the country. Thomann highlights that threats to Taiwan are not only external but also internal, with social media manipulation and fake news posing challenges to democracies worldwide. Despite these challenges, Thomann regards Taiwan as a remarkable example of democracy, particularly in Asia, and remains optimistic about the island’s democratic system. ＂Taiwan, Chronicle of a Threatened Democracy＂ premiered at FICA and is set to be screened in France, Taiwan, and Sweden.

A Taiwanese fisherman named Su had an extraordinary fishing experience off the coast of Liuqiu, a coral island in the Taiwan Strait. Instead of catching the Spanish mackerel he was targeting, Su managed to reel in a massive 102-kilogram giant grouper. This impressive catch quickly became the center of attention upon Su’s return to port, selling for NT＄50,000 at the Huaqiao Fish Market and earning him a substantial windfall. Tseng Yu-tsung, an official with the Liouciou Fishermen’s Association, explained that local fishers typically use largehead hairtail or Japanese jack mackerel as bait to attract Spanish mackerels. While mangrove red snapper and groupers may also bite, encountering a giant grouper of this size is incredibly rare and comparable to winning the jackpot. Pingtung County is known for cultivating giant groupers, but finding wild giant groupers weighing over 100 kilograms in the sea is extremely scarce.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an announced that ticket prices for Taipei Zoo will increase from April 1. The current standard entrance price is NT$60, with discounted tickets at NT$30. However, starting April 1, non-Taipei residents will pay NT$100 per ticket, while student discounts will be raised to NT$50 regardless of residency. Children under 12 and elderly Taipei residents will still have free admission. Group tickets for organizations purchasing for more than 30 people will have a preferential price of NT$70 per person. The increased prices will contribute to improved animal welfare initiatives, and Taipei Zoo expects the price adjustment to increase the city’s revenue by about NT$41 million. The zoo recently underwent an evaluation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, with funds raised from the revised ticketing primarily going towards enhancing animal welfare and strengthening international relations and exchanges.

Taiwan’s FDA confirms detection of Cimbuterol in pork sample from Taichung, with trace levels at 0.001ppm. Public urged not to worry as only one package tested positive and levels are very low. Further test results to be released after the holiday.

A recent survey reveals that 90% of Taiwanese employees plan to give out red envelopes for the Lunar New Year, with an average amount of NT＄11,292. The survey also shows that workers plan to spend an average of NT＄31,093 during the seven-day holiday, contributing NT＄288.7 billion to the economy. Popular activities include getting together with friends and family, visiting hometown, resting at home, paying visits to friends and relatives’ households, and watching television or DVDs at home. Other activities include praying at temples, making travel arrangements, gaming, job hunting online, and shopping. Compared to the Year of the Rabbit in 2023, 49.7% of respondents said their red envelope budget would remain the same, 26.8% said it would be more, and 23.5% said it would be less. Additionally, 64% of workers plan to give gifts during the New Year, with an average gift budget of NT＄4,977.

Yoko Abe, the mother of the late former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, has passed away. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and Vice President Lai Ching-te expressed their condolences, highlighting Yoko Abe’s friendly relations with Taiwan and her contributions to Taiwan-Japan relations. President Tsai fondly recalled a shared moment during Yoko Abe’s visit to Taiwan in 2016, while Vice President Lai expressed shock at her demise and prayed for strength for the grieving Abe family. Yoko Abe’s approachable demeanor and efforts in fostering Taiwan-Japan relations earned her high regard in Taiwan, and her passing has been met with mourning sentiments.

Hong Kong pop star G.E.M. caused a frenzy at Tatler XFEST in Hong Kong when she converted from performer to superfan, requesting an autograph and a photo with soccer star David Beckham. Clad in a pink jersey, G.E.M. spotted Beckham during her performance and promptly approached him, asking him to sign the back of her jersey. In an impromptu moment, Beckham agreed and signed ＂To G.E.M.,＂ posing for a photo with his arm around her shoulder. The event sparked widespread social media commentary, with fans embracing G.E.M’s fangirl moment and expressing envy. Internet users appeared united in their admiration for G.E.M.’s unabashed fandom.

South Korean star Yoona from the popular K-pop group ＂Girls’ Generation＂ held a fan meet in Taipei, where she impressed the audience with her Mandarin-language performance. The event attracted 3,000 fans, and Yoona delighted them with her fluent Mandarin skills. She also sang the theme song from the popular Taiwanese drama ＂Someday or One Day,＂ receiving enthusiastic applause. Lucky fans had the opportunity to interact with Yoona and take photos with her. During the fan meet, Yoona expressed her desire to try different roles, including playing a ＂beautiful villain.＂ Additionally, she enjoyed trying Taiwanese delicacies such as sausage with sticky rice and sweet potato balls.

During the Lunar New Year holiday from Feb. 5 to Feb. 14, taxi fares in Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung City will increase by an additional NT$30 per ride. Stickers with clear notices about the fare changes will be placed on the back of co-driver’s seats to inform passengers. Cab drivers are prohibited from refusing passengers or taking longer routes, and passengers have the right to inquire about the chosen route. The Taipei City Government Police Department has a hotline for reporting issues at (02) 2311-6409, or residents can dial 110. Other cities and counties, such as Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan, Nantou, Changhua, and Kaohsiung, will also adjust their taxi fares, with an extra NT$50 per ride. In Hsinchu and Miaoli, fares will increase by 30% based on the original pricing scheme.

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu will preside over a multi-partisan negotiation to determine the date for the inaugural meeting of the new legislative term. The Taiwan People’s Party suggests reconvening on Feb. 16, after the Lunar New Year, instead of waiting until the end of February. The Kuomintang is ready to convene at any time, as long as it doesn’t disrupt the holiday period. The Democratic Progressive Party suggests sticking to tradition and reconvening on Feb. 23, considering the need for preparatory time for newly elected legislators. This negotiation follows the election of Han Kuo-yu and Johnny Chiang as the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 11th Legislative Yuan on Feb. 1.

The United States Department of Defense has awarded a contract to Raytheon Company to produce and deliver 50 AGM-154 Block III C Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOW) to Taiwan. The contract, valued at US＄68.4 million, requires completion by March 2028. The AGM-154 Block III C is an air-launched glide cruise missile with a range of 22 kilometers at low altitude and up to 130 kilometers when launched at a higher altitude. It is compatible with Taiwan’s F-16V fighter jets and will enhance Taiwan’s aerial capabilities for land-based attacks. Negotiations for another weapons procurement contract involving AGM-84H/K (SLAM-ER) extended-range standoff land attack missiles are ongoing.

偶像人氣男團「FEniX」昨（2）日起一連兩天，在高雄後台舉辦「Look At Me Now」演唱會，開場嗨唱近14分鐘，展現驚人體力。另外承隆全家到場支持，承隆感謝家人時因為太緊張，竟講成：「爸爸跟我一樣比較呆。」下秒立刻改口「憨厚啦！憨厚！」讓全場爆笑。