Free！ 結果共199筆

Join the rally against air pollution and global warming in Taichung, central Taiwan on December 24. Environmental organizations are demanding a coal-free central Taiwan and urging Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen to take immediate action to phase out coal at the Taichung Power Plant by 2026. Central Taiwan is responsible for over 60% of the nation’s coal-fired power generation, causing long-term pollution. The International Energy Agency advises developed countries to achieve coal phase-out by 2030 to control temperature rise within 1.5 degrees Celsius. Taiwan’s current energy policy does not align with international trends, with proposed energy-use proportion still including 14 to 20% coal by 2030. However, data from the Ministry of Economic Affairs suggests that increased generation from natural gas and renewable sources can allow for a full coal phase-out at Taichung Power Plant by 2026, a decade earlier than Taipower’s claim. Local governments in central Taiwan are criticized for insufficient efforts to reduce coal use, and residents are urged not to wait another 12 years for a healthier environment.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has received formal notification from the U.S. government about the sale of tactical information systems worth approximately US＄300 million. This arms deal, the twelfth from the Biden administration to Taiwan since 2021, demonstrates the U.S.’s commitment to Taiwan’s defense needs. MOFA expressed gratitude for the U.S.’s continued fulfillment of its security commitments in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. The sale includes equipment, training, and technical support, which will enhance Taiwan’s national defense and deterrence capabilities. MOFA reiterated Taiwan’s determination to strengthen its self-defense capabilities, safeguard its territory, and preserve its democratic and free way of life in the face of China’s military expansion and provocation. The foreign ministry also emphasized the deepening security partnerships with the U.S. to uphold a rules-based international order and ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns urges parties to refrain from interfering in Taiwan’s upcoming elections and emphasizes the U.S.’s desire for a free and fair electoral process. He quotes President Biden in reaffirming unchanged U.S. policy towards Taiwan. Burns describes U.S.-China relations as ＂hopeful＂ and ＂realistic,＂ highlighting Beijing’s commitment to tackling the fentanyl crisis and the eagerness to restore military communication. He advocates for a realistic and hopeful approach to U.S.-China ties, aiming to mitigate risks rather than decoupling.

Keelung Tower and Xiner Air-raid Shelter are opening to visitors, offering panoramic views and a promising tourist destination.

The Taipei City Government is urging YouBike users to sign up for coverage to obtain additional protection, following a report stating that 812 YouBike accidents have occurred from last year to the end of November this year. Transportation Management Division Chief Chu Chen-tso indicated that most accidents involved riders cycling too fast or being unable to brake in time while going downhill, leading to falls and injuries. With injury insurance, compensation for fractures or serious accidents can reach up to NT$1 million, and hospitalization claims amount to NT$1,000 per day. However, minor scrapes and bruises are generally not covered. Since the initiation of a free public bicycle injury insurance policy in 2018, the insurance rate has risen from 49.4% to 63.5%. Despite this improvement, surveys reveal that 37% of individuals are unaware of public bicycle injury insurance, 30% believe they do not need the insurance, and 20% are reluctant to go through the insurance application process. Additionally, about 60% of users do not understand that each YouBike card requires separate insurance coverage. Taipei boasts 1,325 YouBike 2.0 stations and 15,047 bicycles.

Taiwanese job market trends are shifting, with professional certifications carrying more weight than before, according to a report by 104 Human Resource Consulting Services Company. The study found that the number of job openings requiring certifications in 2023 had increased by 8.1% compared to the previous year. Prospective employees with certifications received 35% more interview invitations than those without. English, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Thai are the most sought-after languages by employers, with the rise of the Korean Wave contributing to a significant increase in demand for Korean translation. Similarly, Thai language proficiency has witnessed an 11.9% increase due to businesses expanding into Southeast Asia. The sectors most in need of language capabilities are media, research and development, and senior management. Young professionals under 39 focus on acquiring career-boosting professional and language skills, while those over 40 diversify their learning to prepare for their career’s ＂second curve.＂ Despite the availability of free online resources, working professionals prefer paid learning, with 30.8% setting a learning budget within NT＄5,000. When it comes to investing in certifications, 37.5% are willing to spend over N＄$20,000, reflecting the value placed on formal qualifications in today’s competitive job market.

Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan expresses optimism about trade talks with the United States, citing U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s positive stance on advancing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with key trading partners. The discussions between Taiwan and the United States have made significant progress, with the US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade already reaching five agreements. Second-phase talks, including agriculture, are currently underway. The possibility of addressing tariffs in the negotiations is not ruled out. Additionally, the U.S. House of Representatives has proposed mutual tax exemption to alleviate taxation burdens, a development that could spare corporations and individuals from double taxation issues. Cheng emphasizes the need for diligent and concerted effort in deepening economic ties between Taiwan and the United States.

Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) is set to undergo corporatization on January 1, 2024, with the aim of improving punctuality and reducing delays. The agency believes that this transformation, along with the introduction of new trains next year, will enhance its competitiveness in the transport market. The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) has experienced increased passenger numbers recently, leading to capacity shortages and overcrowding in non-reserved seating. Concerns have been raised about the decline in THSR service quality, with some referring to it as ＂high-speed rail becoming like local trains.＂ Under the new Taiwan Railways Corporation, TRA plans to offer services on the eastern main line and support the western short-to-medium-haul network, creating a cooperative yet competitive relationship with THSR. TRA aims to enhance the passenger experience by updating ticket gates and passenger information systems across all railway stations in Taiwan over the next three years. To address the capacity issue, TRA plans to provide shuttle services at Changhua Station and improve inter-rail transfer services. The establishment of the TRA corporation aims to clarify its market positioning, including strengthening intercity transport service between the eastern and western main lines and improving regional commuting transport on the western line. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has established a debt repayment fund to address TRA’s short-term debt of around NT$170 billion, with the goal of making TRA debt-free by 2025 and profitable by 2028. Post-corporatization, TRA plans to increase revenue and optimize asset management through flexible approaches such as joint development initiatives and land rights establishment.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih has announced an extension of childcare policies, promising free after-school care services for elementary students aged 6 to 12. This initiative aims to double the current capacity of after-school care in public elementary schools from 180,000 to 360,000 children, with a focus on providing specialized care to children in rural areas and from disadvantaged backgrounds. Hou’s plan includes establishing after-school programs in public elementary schools to meet 100% of the demand, increasing student coverage from 15% to 30% and meeting the standard set by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The policy, guided by the ＂Three Safeties＂ principle, aims to ensure parental peace of mind, child safety, and stability for the disadvantaged. Extended care until 7 p.m. will be available during the school term and vacations. Additionally, the initiative seeks to expand private-sector participation in after-school care services by creating a matching platform to add over 20,000 new classes and increasing the proportion of outsourced after-school care to over 20%. The anticipated benefits of this policy include providing services to approximately 300,000 families, including 80,000 disadvantaged families, creating around 30,000 job opportunities, and strengthening the service capacity of private institutions.

The George Washington University Professor Robert Sutter argues that Taiwan’s elections have little impact on U.S. policy towards the island, but the upcoming U.S. presidential election in 2024 could be significant. Both political parties in the U.S. and Congress have prioritized defending American interests and countering China’s actions, with Taiwan playing an increasingly important role. Taiwan’s strategic position, high-tech development, democratic politics, and free market economy have influenced the international order and led to stronger U.S. support. Sutter predicts that if Lai Ching-te, the Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate, wins the election, U.S.-Taiwan cooperation will further deepen. However, Sutter also suggests that the 2024 U.S. election, particularly if a candidate with an ＂America First＂ stance like Donald Trump prevails, could bring a shift in U.S. policy consistency towards Taiwan and pose challenges in countering China’s provocations.

The administration of Kaohsiung Municipal Kaohsiung Girls’ Senior High School spent NT$70,000 on a Christmas tree designed by an alumna, leading to debate over its cost and design. The tree, themed in ＂Kaohsiung Girls’ Red,＂ transitions from burgundy to festive Christmas red and ends in joyful pink, symbolizing the students’ virtues and providing blessings for the school’s centennial next year. The school clarified that the alumna designed the tree for free, and the cost covered only essential materials and decorations. The school also reinforced the tree’s structure due to strong winds in the area. The Christmas tree represents the alumni’s contributions, and the principal hopes students will see beyond the surface of the situation.

Starting September 2024, Taipei’s male junior high school students will receive the 9-valent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for free, as announced by the Taipei City Department of Health. The aim of this initiative is to enhance herd immunity, reduce HPV infections, and lower the incidence of related cancers by vaccinating both male and female students. With a vaccination rate of 91% among junior high school girls in 2021, the Health Commissioner decided to extend the program to boys. Consent from students and parents will be required, and a health assessment will be conducted by a physician. Vaccination sites will be set up in 93 schools, and there are also 115 contracted medical institutions available for students who cannot receive the vaccine at school. The vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing infections and reducing the risk of related cancers is supported by medical studies. The World Health Organization recommends that 90% of girls under 15 receive the HPV vaccine, with boys included as a secondary priority group. The Health Promotion Administration has been providing the vaccine to female junior high students at public expense since 2018, establishing a strong foundation for safeguarding boys against HPV as well.

Taiwan is among the potential beneficiaries of Indonesia’s contemplation to offer visa-free entry for tourists from 20 major source countries, following the example set by Thailand. Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, disclosed in an interview that the government is discussing the launch of a visa exemption policy to attract more tourists and boost local economic development. Currently, travelers, including short-term tourists, need to secure a visa to visit Indonesia, including the option of Visa on Arrival (VOA) at designated entry points. Taiwanese passport holders can apply for VOA at 15 airports across Indonesia, such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, and Bali, allowing them to stay up to 30 days with a one-time extension option. Given Taiwan’s place within the top 20 sources of foreign tourists to Indonesia, there is a significant chance that it will be included in the visa exemption program. This move could simplify travel for Taiwanese citizens and deepen tourism-based interactions between the two nations.

Kansai International Airport in Japan has recently undergone renovations to improve the departure process and accommodate a surge in international passenger traffic. With added verification measures in place, some travelers have reported going through exit immigration and security checks in as little as 30 minutes. The airport’s first terminal is being extensively renovated to meet future demands, with upgrades to domestic facilities and a newly opened central zone for international departures. As part of the expansion, 20 to 30 new duty-free shops and restaurants will be added. The aim of the renovations is to elevate efficiency and provide a more streamlined and pleasurable experience for passengers.

Taiwanese vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim, a member of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has been targeted by Chinese misinformation campaigns, which label her as an ＂American agent.＂ Due to her mixed heritage and former dual citizenship, Hsiao’s loyalty and identity have been questioned on Chinese social media platforms. False claims about her inability to speak Mandarin have been circulated, along with accusations of her ＂appeasing America＂ and ＂betraying Taiwan.＂ Hsiao has refuted these allegations, asserting that she renounced her American citizenship in 2002 and holds only Taiwanese citizenship. Taiwan’s 2024 presidential election has become a prime target for China’s disinformation warfare, with strict state censorship filtering information about the election.

Taiwan is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 complications and deaths, with the CDC reporting the highest weekly count in a month. Authorities are encouraging vaccinations, especially for high-risk groups, as the country braces for a peak in infections.

「2023新北歡樂耶誕城」已於11月17日熱鬧開城，吸引不少國内外旅客朝聖，不過就有一位女網友指出，觀察到今年耶誕城出現了許多年輕人發起「免費抱抱」活動，還導致通道堵塞影響他人，讓她不禁好奇該活動的用意爲何？

The story discusses allegations made by Yao Li-ming, the campaign manager for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te, regarding Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je’s claim of being offered US＄200 million to run for the vice-presidential bid. Yao asserts that this is a clear instance of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) meddling in Taiwan’s elections. The press conference titled ＂The Unclarified US＄200 Million Doubt: Is Ko Wen-je Lying to Voters or Is It Chinese Intervention?＂ highlights the seriousness of the alleged criminal act and characterizes Ko as both a witness and a victim of Chinese interference. Yao suggests that only the CCP has the motive, capability, and suspicion to offer such a large sum, potentially aiming to support a Blue-White alliance. Lai’s spokesperson, Tai Wei-shan, raises suspicions about Ko’s silence on the issue and insinuates pressure from either the CCP or the Kuomintang (KMT). Tai calls on KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih to clarify the KMT’s role in the alleged incidents. Additionally, Tai criticizes Hou’s proposals to reopen Taiwan to Chinese tourists and allow Chinese students to work in Taiwan, arguing that these policies would increase Taiwan’s reliance on China. The story also mentions investigations into the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) inviting Taiwanese village chiefs on free trips to China as an example of election interference. Tai rebukes the KMT’s eagerness to make Taiwan dependent on China, claiming that it would hinder the country’s progress in connecting with the world and the international community.

Taoyuan City has screened over 20,000 residents aged 40 and older for lung cancer through a free low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan program. However, only 18,000 have completed the examination, with 1,036 cases requiring further tracking and 63 confirmed lung cancer diagnoses. Taoyuan City Councilors raised concerns about the limited number of participating hospitals and the budget allocation for the program. The Taoyuan Public Health Department reported that 18 medical institutions currently provide the LDCT service, with plans to add four or five more next year. They assured that the program will continue with the same eligibility criteria and quotas, and aim to integrate smart technology to expedite the screening process. The screening service targets individuals with high-risk factors such as tobacco exposure, relevant medical and family history, occupational exposure, and air pollution. Occupational exposure includes individuals who have worked in environments with asbestos, arsenic, cadmium, nickel, or dust for over ten years.

Taiwan faces a 4.5% increase in domestic flight ticket prices due to a surge in global oil prices, resulting in an average additional cost of NT＄95 per ticket. Kinmen residents, who frequently travel to and from Taiwan, are particularly affected, with Mandarin Airlines’ Taipei to Kinmen route experiencing a one-way fare increase of 7.4%, equivalent to NT＄182. This price rise will also impact tourists planning to fly domestically during the New Year’s holiday, making air travel more expensive. As a result, authorities expect a significant increase in road traffic during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. To alleviate transportation challenges during the festive season, Taiwan will implement toll-free periods on freeways from midnight to 5 a.m. The Taiwan Railways Administration and Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) will also increase service frequencies to accommodate the expected passenger volume. THSR has added 105 services and will continue to offer discounts for college students and early bird promotions. Taiwan Railways has scheduled 116 extra trains, anticipating a potential peak of over 800,000 passengers in a single day. However, ticket sales for child-friendly carriages have been temporarily suspended. Additional train services during the New Year transportation period will be available for purchase starting from midnight on December 1, aiming to alleviate travel congestion during the holidays.

Taiwanese seniors over 65 can now receive free pneumococcal vaccinations amid a respiratory disease outbreak. The CDC encourages vaccinations against adenoviruses, mycoplasma pneumoniae, the COVID-19 XBB variant, and influenza to bolster the country’s defenses.

Taiwan’s first highway autonomous bus conducted its inaugural licensing and passenger-carrying tests. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Highway Bureau commissioned Green Transit Co., Ltd to deploy the self-driving bus, which traveled 16 kilometers autonomously at a set speed of 40 kilometers per hour. The bus, accompanied by an engineering driver during the trial phase, cost NT＄30 million to develop. The full route spans 44 kilometers, with over 70% being autonomous. The service is expected to provide free rides to the public starting in March next year, with seven stops and 7 to 8 daily services. The initiative aims to address the shortage of public transportation personnel and reduce traffic incidents. The Highway Bureau plans to enhance highway maintenance and public transport operations using smart technology.

日本在部分行業推行所謂的「價格雙軌制」後，再傳免稅制度也將推行新規；受到大量轉賣免稅品的歪風影響，光是逃漏消費稅的金額就高達22億日幣（約4.6億新台幣），儘管事後補徵稅，仍因對方已經出境而無法強制執行。對此日本政府考慮將退稅機制改為「先付後退」的方式，換言之，旅客出關前才能辦理退稅手續，而相關的規範最快會在2025年施行。

Taiwan experiences a surge in travel as global restrictions ease, leading to a phenomenon known as ＂vacation vengeance.＂ The Ministry of Finance reports that approximately 8.42 million passengers traveled in the first nine months of 2023. However, strict tax exemption regulations have caused public frustration as returning residents face customs inspections for exceeding the purchase limit. The current tax exemption limit is NTD$20,000, but citizens argue it is insufficient. The Ministry of Finance is considering raising the limit to NTD$30,000 to NTD$40,000. The regulations governing duty-free privileges for inbound personal luggage have remained unchanged for over three decades. The Ministry of Finance is discussing potential changes to address the rising cost of overseas goods and the country’s gross national income compared to Japan and South Korea.

The Taipei Dome plans to hold a public try-out of its capacity, allowing 13 thousand people to attend on November 18. Taipei city councilors raised concerns about the Dome’s readiness to accommodate up to 40 thousand people and requested information on testing. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an assured that phased testing would be completed within a year. The Dome’s construction began in the early 2000s and the main building was completed in April. It is expected to function as an indoor multi-functional gym with a capacity of 40 thousand seats. For safety reasons, the Dome will primarily host competitive sports events, initially opening lower infield seats for 13 thousand people. The city government has requested that Farglory, the construction company, provide free use of its facilities while the Dome’s operating permit is pending approval. The Dome is equipped with a parking lot that can accommodate 969 vehicles and 1116 motorbikes, aiming to meet the public’s needs throughout the year.