-
Cynthia Wu promises tighter security after rally scare
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) vice-presidential candidate Cynthia Wu pledges to reinforce security measures in response to an incident where an individual was caught with an air gun at a TPP rally in Taichung. Wu visits Taichung after TPP presidential candidate Ko Wen-je held rallies there for two consecutive days. Wu’s campaign trail proceeds to Nantou County. When asked about the chants at the previous night’s rally, Wu expresses that election campaigning is tough and everyone should encourage and support each other. Wu’s final stop in Taichung is Wanhe Temple, where she is accompanied by the temple’s chairman for prayers and blessings. During a photo session with supporters, a vehicle carrying KMT legislative candidate Liao Wei-hsiang passes by, and the KMT’s Taichung branch director greets him, emphasizing collaboration between the TPP and KMT in Taichung.
2024/01/07 18:18
-
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
-
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
-
Ketagalan Boulevard: prime venue for mass elections rallies
In the heated run-up to Taiwan’s presidential elections, political parties, notably the Taiwan People’s Party, are competing for the symbolic Ketagalan Boulevard for their final rallies, with historical implications for the election’s outcome.
2024/01/04 19:06
-
Hou Yu-ih vows to create economic cabinet if elected
Kuomintang’s (KMT) presidential candidate, Hou Yu-ih, vows to create an economic cabinet to address people’s livelihood concerns if elected. During a visit to Taipei’s First Fruit and Vegetable Wholesale Market, accompanied by Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, Hou emphasized his commitment to market reforms, modernizing facilities, and improving cooperation between central and local authorities for the preservation and sale of fruits and vegetables. He received a warm reception from stall owners, who took selfies with him and presented him with fruits such as pineapples and cherries. With the presidential election approaching, candidates are making a final push to secure votes.
2024/01/04 14:45
-
Taipei railway dorm redevelopment on TRA agenda
The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) plans to repurpose an old railway dormitory in Taipei’s central area, marking its first land development project. The TRA intends to construct a hotel and residential tower on the 1.2-hectare site, with development expected to begin in the third quarter of 2024. The estimated development scale is NT$6.23 billion, with residential tower prices potentially exceeding NT$2 million per ping. The TRA is considering different development methods, weighing the benefits and drawbacks of lengthy renovation processes for greater volume rewards versus faster construction with commercial developers but less building area. The final decision on the development method will be made by the TRA’s board of directors, while the allocation of renovations or joint construction may be outsourced or managed under a lease agreement.
2023/12/30 20:44
-
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
-
DPP launches viral ’2 Steps in 6 Strides’ challenge
Lai Ching-te, the Democratic Progressive Party’s presidential candidate, and his running mate Hsiao Bi-khim have launched a social media campaign urging supporters to film themselves taking ’2 steps in 6 strides.’ The campaign aims to rally support and votes for the DPP ticket (represented by the number 2) and for the DPP (represented by the number 6) in the upcoming elections. Lai incorporated the lyrics from his new campaign ad in a promotional video, encouraging supporters to respond by recording and posting their own ’2 steps in 6 strides’ walk on social media. Supporters are to tag the official accounts of Lai and Hsiao on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, using the hashtag "#113StandUpTaiwan" for a chance to be re-posted, thus aligning themselves with other supporters. This social media event, titled ’Walking the Right Path,’ aims to attract more supporters in the final stage of their campaign and drive voter turnout.
2023/12/30 16:10
-
AUO shares surge amid Dec. TV panel price dip
This story discusses the fluctuation in shares of AUO Corporation and TV panel prices in late December. The article mentions that the price of 55-inch 4K open-cell panels dropped by US$1 (0.8%) on December 22 due to TV manufacturers ceasing production for year-end demand. However, analysts predict that tier-one TV panel makers may increase their price quotes by US$1 to US$3 in January 2024. Despite this, final transaction prices are expected to remain unchanged due to market demand. The report also suggests a potential decline in quotes for larger panel sizes, while prices for all TV panel sizes are anticipated to stabilize and rebound in February. Furthermore, favorable conditions in the panel market are predicted for 2024, driven by stabilizing industry trends and the launch of AI phones and AI PCs. AUO Chairman Paul Peng expects mild growth in the first quarter of 2024 and a market growth rate between 3% to 5% throughout the year, with higher production capacity utilization compared to 2023. Peng also notes steady demand for automotive and industrial products, which will contribute to a stable production utilization rate, and highlights the increasing use of Human Machine Interface (HMI) technologies for LED and LCD panels.
2023/12/26 11:40
-
Pentagon expedites F-16 sales to Taiwan: Hunter
The U.S. Air Force is actively exploring options to expedite the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan, with 136 upgraded aircraft already delivered and the final three on the way. An additional 66 new jets are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2026. Concerns were raised by over 20 Republican members of Congress that the promised deliveries to Taiwan might be delayed due to commitments to Ukraine, Israel, and global security issues. Taiwan’s existing F-16 upgrade program has already faced significant delays due to a lack of crucial parts, and the delivery of the new jets has been postponed by over 15 months due to software development complexities. Lawmakers are committed to collaborating with the Pentagon to ensure the timely delivery of the jets, especially in light of China’s frequent military drills near Taiwan.
2023/12/22 18:08
-
Lan I-chen appointed as FJU’s new president
Dr. Lan I-chen has been appointed as the new president of Fu Jen Catholic University (FJU), marking a new chapter for the institution. Lan’s appointment was authorized by the Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic Education and is awaiting final approval from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education. As a seasoned scholar and administrator, Lan, 54, is expected to lead the century-old university towards an innovative future. Lan has proposed a five-point development plan for the FJU, known as G.R.A.C.E, which focuses on global positioning, student recruitment, international partnerships, collaboration with hospitals, academics, government, community, and industries, as well as entrepreneurship and charity involvement. These objectives aim to enhance the university’s international reputation, increase enrollment of both domestic and foreign students, and foster collaborations across various sectors for sustainable development. In response to Taiwan’s declining birthrate, Lan plans to establish overseas outposts in collaboration with Catholic universities to expand student intake while ensuring educational quality.
2023/12/22 15:40
-
KMT calls for pre-Christmas rally against DPP government
The Kuomintang (KMT) has called for a public rally in front of Taiwan’s Presidential Office Building on Saturday night, urging citizens to voice their dissatisfaction with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government. This is the KMT’s first large-scale rally organized by the central committee. The KMT Secretary-General, Justin Huang, expressed the intention to rally constituents against corruption and dual-standard governance, striving for Taiwan’s national security, social justice, and economic prosperity. Huang hopes this rally will bring down the incompetent government and emphasized the KMT’s commitment to a final election victory. Among the three sets of presidential and vice-presidential candidates, Huang highlighted the "Hou-Jaw ticket" as the nation’s best option for peace.
2023/12/21 17:23
-
DPP unveils 3-part strategy for Lai’s 2024 presidential bid
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has unveiled a three-part "winning formula" for their presidential candidate Lai Ching-te and running mate Hsiao Bi-khim. The strategy aims to rally support across Taiwan leading up to the 2024 elections through a series of events and initiatives. The first element, "Round-Island Puzzle," involves visits to various counties and cities to discuss future development plans. The campaign will then intensify with the "Stand at Crossroads & Rally Nights," featuring large-scale rallies in multiple locations. The final phase, the "Nationwide Tour," will see Lai and Hsiao taking separate routes across the island to drum up last-minute support.
2023/12/20 20:13
-
Taiwan gears up for first presidential policy forum
Taipei is gearing up for the first official televised presidential policy presentation forums ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Candidates from the Kuomintang (KMT), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) will have 30 minutes each to present their platforms in three rounds of 10 minutes. The forums, scheduled on December 20, 26, and 28, with an additional event for vice-presidential candidates on December 22, aim to provide a critical opportunity for the candidates to connect with voters and influence public opinion in the final weeks of the campaign. The presentations will be broadcast live on television and streamed on the Central Election Commission (CEC) website.
2023/12/20 16:16
-
Eslite Xinyi store sets new visitor record ahead of closure
Eslite Xinyi Store, an iconic cultural institution in Taipei, set a new record with 53,000 visitors in a single day, surpassing New Year’s Eve crowds. The 18-year-old bookstore is closing its doors on December 24th, prompting a "Farewell Tour" exhibition showcasing its most-sold books and precious images. A final celebration on the closing day will feature a dance act by Billy Chang, an outdoor farewell concert with renowned artists, and a countdown with Chairman Wu Min-chieh. The legacy of the 24-hour bookstore will continue at Eslite Songyan Store, tripling its book volume, offering over 100,000 products, and introducing cultural spaces like a record store, cinema, performance hall, art gallery, and wine cellar.
2023/12/19 15:13
-
Tai Tzu-ying clinches 4th BWF title, defeats Carolina Marin
Taiwan’s badminton star, Tai Tzu-ying, secures her fourth BWF World Tour Finals title by triumphing over former world number one, Carolina Marin of Spain. In a thrilling finale, Tai showcases her resilience and talent, overcoming a deficit in a previous match and staging an incredible comeback victory. Despite losing the first set, Tai’s determination remains unwavering, leading to a 21-14 win in the second game. With a final game score of 21-18, Tai emerges as the champion, etching her name in history. This year’s BWF World Tour Finals also featured a record-setting total prize money of approximately NT$79.43 million.
2023/12/18 20:56
-
Tai Tzu-ying stages epic comeback to reach BWF Finals
Taiwanese badminton player Tai Tzu-ying stages an incredible comeback to secure a spot in the finals of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Finals, defeating South Korea’s An Se-young. Despite trailing 10-19 in the deciding game, Tai mounts a remarkable 12-1 run to clinch victory after a grueling 72-minute match. Tai attributes her success to perseverance rather than any special strategies. Despite still recovering from an injury, she is determined to be fully prepared and patient for the final match against Spain’s Carolina Marin. This will be Tai’s fourth career gold if she triumphs, and it promises to be an intense showdown given their balanced record of 11 wins each in their 22 previous encounters.
2023/12/18 20:29
-
Taiwan’s TAIEX hits year high, crosses 17,500 mark
Taiwan’s stock market opened strong on Tuesday, reaching a new high for the year of 17,528 points, surpassing the 17,500 mark. This increase came after a rise in U.S. stocks on Monday. The Taiwan Stock Exchange Weighted Index (TAIEX) climbed by 78.65 points to 17,496.99 points, with a trading volume of NT$36.387 billion as of 9:06 a.m. Leading the gainers in early trading were Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), Largan Precision, and Foxconn. This week, as the market enters a central bank super week, banks in the U.S. and Europe are expected to announce their final rate decisions for the year. Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) chairman Huang Tien-mu expressed the government’s commitment to stabilizing the capital market and highlighted the resilience of Taiwan’s stock market. Huang assured that the FSC is prepared to manage the impact of the Federal Reserve’s decisions on the market.
2023/12/12 10:24
-
MOL urges quick passage of Taiwan minimum wage bill
The Minister of Labor, Hsu Ming-chun, expressed hope that the draft for the national minimum wage bill will soon pass its final hurdle. The Legislative Yuan is set to vote on the bill tomorrow, after failing to reach a consensus on Friday due to issues concerning the review committee’s composition, deliberation indicators, research groups, and the exclusion of law-violating companies from government procurement. Hsu emphasized the importance of a minimum wage law, which aims to elevate the legal status of the minimum wage, enhance the review mechanism, and clarify the indicators for deliberations. Hsu called for joint efforts to pass the legislation by tomorrow, as there is broad agreement on the need for a minimum wage law after years of discussion.
2023/12/11 21:23
-
Mayday wraps up tour in Paris, quashes lip-sync rumors
Mayday, the Taiwanese rock band, concluded their "I Really Want to See You" concert series with a final show in Paris. The concert, which aimed to dispel lip-syncing rumors, received global accolades for its authenticity. Lead vocalist Ashin emotionally shared his sentiments about the band’s journey, while guitarist Stone thanked fans for their support. Bassist Masa attempted to greet Parisian fans in French, eliciting laughter when his pronunciation was off. Monster, another guitarist, expressed appreciation for fans and encouraged their enthusiasm despite the chilly weather. Guan You shared an amusing anecdote about not being recognized in Paris without his glasses. Highlighting the evening, Ashin delivered powerful vocals, exclaiming his reliance on his throat for 24 years. Mayday’s commitment to live performances resonated deeply with their international fan base.
2023/12/08 17:23
-
Ko Wen-je claims KMT hopefuls secretly seek his nod
Taiwan’s People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je has revealed that despite restraints from the Kuomintang (KMT), some of the party’s legislative candidates have sought his endorsement in videos that are expected to be released in the final three days before the election. In an exclusive interview with TVBS, Ko disclosed that KMT candidates have been defying the "Ko prohibition order" and seeking his support through video recordings. While Ko claimed to have assisted these candidates, he did not specify who they were. He suggested that these candidates are unlikely to reveal his endorsement until the last three days of the election campaign.
2023/12/07 19:57
-
Taipei Dome adds seats for Asian Baseball Championship final
The Farglory Group has confirmed the addition of 4,700 second-level infield seats at the Taipei Dome for the final game day of the 30th Asian Baseball Championship. The decision to expand the seating capacity was made due to high demand from fans, allowing more supporters to witness the championship in person. With the new seats, the anticipated total attendance for the game is expected to reach nearly 22,000 people. Farglory has expressed its commitment to upgrading the venue and thanked fans for their support. The group also emphasized its responsibility for maintaining the stadium’s facilities and pledged to provide top-notch services in collaboration with the Taipei City Government and the Chinese Taipei Baseball Association (CTBA). The ongoing 30th Asian Baseball Championship has attracted significant crowds, with the opening game between Taiwan and South Korea teams drawing nearly 17,000 fans. The ongoing appeal for more seats from eager fans has been a major talking point throughout the tournament.
2023/12/07 15:43
-
Former DPP chair entrusts Sisy Chen amid worsened cancer
Former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) chairman Shih Ming-teh, 82, has been revealed to be critically ill with liver cancer. Media personality Sisy Chen disclosed this on "TVBS Situation Room," expressing her agitation at Shih’s request for her to look after his two daughters. Shih, a Catholic, called Chen from the hospital ward to leave his final wishes with her, as he was mindful of the possibility of falling into a coma. Chen retorted, questioning why he would entrust his last words to someone who may die before him. Shih’s battle with recurring cancer led to his admission to Taipei Veterans General Hospital, where he opted for electrocauterization treatment instead of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE), but unfortunately, this approach did not yield positive results. Recently, he suffered a severe hemorrhage and had to return to the intensive care unit for emergency kidney dialysis as his condition became critical.
2023/12/05 21:40
-
DPP’s Lai narrowly leads KMT’s Hou in latest Taiwan poll
In a closely contested presidential race in Taiwan, a recent poll by Formosa Magazine shows that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate, Lai Ching-te, holds a slim lead over his Kuomintang (KMT) rival, Hou Yu-ih. Lai stands at 31.4%, while Hou is close behind at 31.1%, and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) contender, Ko Wen-je, trails at 25.2%. The razor-thin margin of just 0.3 percentage points between Lai and Hou highlights the intense competition as Taiwan enters the final stage of the election. This election also presents the possibility of a shift in political power, with 27.8% supporting the continuation of the DPP government, 26.8% backing the KMT, and 16.5% siding with the TPP. Approximately 2.9% of the population supports an independent candidate. DPP sources claim that recent unusual polling activities are due to vigorous mobilization by the pan-blue and white camps (KMT and TPP), which have anomalously driven declared rates from about 50% to a staggering 90%. The poll was conducted over three days, from Nov. 21-23, using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) and had a valid sample size of 1,331 respondents. The poll paints a picture of a fiercely contested election, with an electorate divided on its future leadership.
2023/11/24 18:18
-
President Tsai Ing-wen reviews conscription training program
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen inspects the new military conscription training program at Taichung’s military center, Cheng Kung Lingg. The Ministry of National Defense confirms the first batch of one-year conscripts will begin service on Jan. 25. The initial training for new recruits has been extended to eight weeks, with a focus on battlefield conditions. The training includes battlefield medical aid, advancing under simulated enemy fire, and rigorous final evaluations. The program also features shooting with night vision goggles and a live grenade-throwing exercise. President Tsai observes machine gun training and notes an increase in rounds fired. After basic training, soldiers will be assigned to units based on their interests and expertise. Approximately 9,127 individuals are expected to be drafted next year. The first group of conscripts can report for duty before the Lunar New Year and spend time with their families.
2023/11/23 17:50