General Elections 結果共21筆

Taiwan’s Director-General in Boston, Charles Liao, responds to China’s interference in Taiwan’s elections with military threats and economic bullying. Liao highlights Taiwan’s commitment to democracy and refusal to bow to Chinese pressure. The U.S. State Department, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the European Union’s European External Action Service congratulate elected officials Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim. Despite China’s attempts at interference through disinformation, military intimidation, and economic threats, Taiwanese voters remain resilient in their pursuit of democracy and freedom. Liao’s response is prompted by a Boston Globe article suggesting that the U.S. should prioritize Taiwan as a democratic partner.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Secretary-General Hsu Li-ming expressed concern over the use of TikTok, stating that it is a difficult issue that the party cannot ban or use. He suggested that the party should consider strengthening its presence on alternative new media platforms like YouTube and Instagram for better public engagement. These comments were made during the party’s first central meeting after the recent presidential and legislative elections. Another party member, Hsu Shu-hua, acknowledged the DPP’s lack of engagement with young people and technology, including popular trends on TikTok, but argued against a ban, stating that it would be ineffective and that the issue should be confronted directly. Party member Wang Ting-yu recommended treating TikTok as a matter of national security and studying how Western countries have dealt with the platform. Legislator Hsu Chih-chieh echoed this sentiment, pointing out that democratic nations like the U.S. and the UK have imposed certain restrictions on TikTok. He urged Taiwan to take more precautions and learn from the policies of other democratic countries to safeguard itself against informational warfare. Secretary-General Hsu Li-ming emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation with civil society groups and the effective use of online platforms like Instagram, short videos, and TikTok, urging these actions to be taken now and not just during elections.

Taiwan’s 2024 general elections resulted in a third term for the DPP, reflecting a preference for stability and resistance to Beijing’s unification plans amidst significant domestic challenges and a shift in public opinion.

Taiwan gears up for a pivotal general election on Jan. 13, featuring a three-way presidential race and significant legislative changes, signaling a major shift in the island’s political landscape.

In a significant moment for Taiwan’s democracy, TPP candidate Ko Wen-je rallied supporters in Taipei on the eve of the general elections, aiming to alter the long-standing political landscape dominated by KMT and DPP. His campaign, focusing on pragmatic reforms and targeting the youth vote, signifies a potential shift in Taiwan’s political dynamics.

Taiwan’s KMT presidential and vice presidential candidates outline their election strategy, emphasizing peace, communication, and economic resilience, just days before the general elections.

As Taiwan approaches its general election on January 13, voters are reminded to bring essential items like their ID, chop, and voter notice. Strict rules at polling stations and a ban on electioneering highlight the importance of adherence to procedures for a smooth election process.

The Central Election Commission in Taiwan announces a comprehensive ban on publicizing, discussing, or referring to poll data in the lead-up to the General Election, aiming to ensure fairness and impartiality in the electoral process.

The San Francisco overseas Chinese community hosted a New Year flag-raising ceremony, with Fremont Mayor Lily Mei encouraging the next generation to run for office and speak out for Asians. Mei also urged the community to vote robustly in the upcoming T U.S.-Taiwan relations and reminded them not to underestimate individual power. Director-General Scott Lai of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco reviewed Taiwan’s accomplishments last year, highlighting its rise in various indices, ranking second in freedom in Asia and sixth in global competitiveness. Lai also noted the meeting between Morris Chang, founder of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), and key U.S. officials at the 2023 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, praising it as a symbol of U.S. executive branch support for Taiwan. However, Lai acknowledged challenges lie ahead for Taiwan, particularly in its tourism, sightseeing, and restaurant industries’ recovery, as well as social issues such as declining birthrates and wealth disparity. Lai assured that the government would take a more proactive and responsible stance to make positive changes felt by the public.

KMT vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong claimed that he invited Taylor Swift to perform in Taiwan in 2023, but she declined due to concerns over the island’s geopolitical risks. Jaw warned that without a peaceful environment, investors would be discouraged from investing in Taiwan, potentially hindering the modernization and progress of businesses. He criticized the DPP for escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait and believed that the U.S.’s harsh rhetoric and threats could deter potential investors. However, Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs disputed these claims, stating that foreign investment in Taiwan reached US＄10.7 billion by November 2023, the second-highest rate in 15 years. The MOEA emphasized that ＂war risk＂ did not deter foreign capital, citing major semiconductor companies and AI companies that have recently invested significantly in Taiwan. With the general elections approaching, the MOEA urged Jaw not to damage Taiwan’s reputation for political gain.

Taiwan’s selection of ＂Que＂ (缺), reflecting shortages and challenges in 2023, sets a pivotal backdrop for the upcoming General Elections. Key events like diplomatic shifts, the #MeToo movement, defense upgrades, TSMC’s global expansion, and political alliances define Taiwan’s future.

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) has clarified that the presence of Chinese aerial balloons in Taiwanese airspace this year is not related to any election activities. The MND spokesperson, Major General Sun Li-fang, explained that the frequency of these balloons is due to the prevailing northeast monsoon winds from October through February. The MND views the increasing number of balloons as potential reconnaissance tools and will respond accordingly to their encroachment within 24 nautical miles of Taiwanese airspace. The MND maintains administrative neutrality regarding elections and is coordinating with national security teams to counter Chinese misinformation efforts. Any potentially misleading Chinese activities will be publicized by the MND to safeguard citizen morale.

The Ministry of National Defense in Taiwan is preparing for the upcoming presidential and legislative elections on Jan. 13, 2024, by upgrading its security readiness for 40 hours. This will take place from 5 p.m. on Jan. 12 until 8 a.m. on Jan. 14. Around 5,000 military personnel may not be able to cast their votes, similar to the 2020 general elections. However, the number of naval and air force personnel, 24-hour on-call missile units, and air force operations management on standby is expected to exceed that of 2020. The ministry has ordered its forces to compile rosters for Election Day and implement rotation measures for combat readiness to ensure the voting rights of military personnel. Due to tense military situations caused by periodic crossings of the median line of the strait by People’s Liberation Army vessels and aircraft since August last year, there may be more naval and air force personnel on standby compared to the 2020 presidential election. Typically, soldiers stationed far from their registered residences vote in the morning and then return to their camps before noon to switch with standby soldiers who then go out to vote.

Taiwan’s Armed Forces (ROCA) are planning to increase alertness before and after the 2024 general elections, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND). The military will closely monitor enemy activities in coordination with joint intelligence and reconnaissance. Troop deployments will be adjusted promptly in response to gray zone tactics, while ensuring readiness exercises and communication structures are implemented. The military remains vigilant towards the People’s Liberation Army’s activities, using surveillance and reconnaissance means to monitor the situation in the seas and airspace surrounding Taiwan. The PLA continues combat readiness patrols and the ROCA is tracking and responding appropriately.

Taipei’s Presidential Office Secretary-General, Lin Chia-lung, has accused China of strategically timing the release of its trade barrier investigation results in order to influence Taiwan’s elections. Lin suggests that China’s actions, likened to ＂drawing a bow without releasing the arrow,＂ are aimed at instilling fear in Taiwanese voters and potentially affecting their economy. Lin also points out the coincidence between the recent visit of Kuomintang (KMT) Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia to China and the prompt release of the investigation’s findings. Lin raises concerns about the Chinese Communist Party’s interference in Taiwan’s elections, citing instances of borough wardens being invited on all-expenses-paid trips by China to exert influence. Reports indicate that Wang Huning, Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, convened a meeting in early December specifically to discuss interfering in Taiwan’s elections, suggesting a coordinated strategy from China targeting the electoral process in Taiwan.

Tainan police have arrested six individuals involved in a gambling ring on a Facebook group, which was taking bets on the 2024 General Election outcomes totaling over NT$6.55 million. The case has been handed over to the Tainan District Prosecutors Office for investigation under several acts, including the Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act, the Money Laundering Control Act, and the Anti-Infiltration Act. The ring recruited bettors on Facebook to place wagers on various outcomes related to the forthcoming elections, including potential collaborations between political parties and candidates such as Lai Ching-te, Ko Wen-je, Hou Yu-ih, and Terry Gou. The Tainan City Police Department Criminal Investigation Corps initiated the investigation after spotting the illicit activity online and tracked down suspects across multiple locations. The investigation has revealed that the gambling funds were being converted into Tether (USDT), a popular cryptocurrency stablecoin, by unidentified individuals abroad, and transferred to other gambling organizations, potentially violating election-related gambling laws.

The Legislative Yuan has decided to suspend its plenary and committee meetings from December 20 to December 31 in preparation for the 2024 presidential and legislative elections. This decision follows a proposal by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Caucus and is in line with the parliamentary tradition of pausing meetings during the election period. The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) Caucus and the New Power Party (NPP) Caucus opposed the suspension proposal but their amendment was not accepted. The DPP’s proposal was passed, with Vice President of the Legislative Yuan Tsai Chi-Chang announcing the decision. The Kuomintang (KMT) caucus leader Tseng Ming-chung argued for a consensus through negotiation before arranging a recess, opposing the resolution’s forceful passage. DPP Caucus Director-General Ker Chien-ming cited a 30-year-old tradition of recessing before elections and emphasized that the decision only brings forward the suspension by 11 days.

Minister of the Interior Lin Yu-chang visited the Taoyuan Police Department, urging officers to crack down on bribery and maintain order ahead of the 2024 elections. The Taiwanese government has actively promoted nationwide anti-fraud measures in preparation for the general elections. Minister Lin emphasized the potential for foreign forces to disrupt societal order through false information and called for increased vigilance in intelligence gathering by the police. He praised the Taoyuan Police Department for successfully preventing 1,176 fraud cases this year, ranking them first among the six special municipalities in Taiwan. With the elections approaching, Lin highlighted the police’s role in deterring election bribery, online gambling, and fake news. The central government is committed to reinforcing the national police force and enhancing police welfare, with the National Police Agency compiling the needs of various police stations to ensure they are adequately met.

The National Security Bureau (NSB) of Taiwan is actively investigating polling companies suspected of having strong ties with China and engaging in illicit financial activities. Concerns have been raised about potential Chinese intervention in the upcoming 2024 general elections. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) has been accused of attempting to influence election results by inviting pro-Kuomintang (KMT) commentators and polling officials to China. There are reports of generative AI technologies being used to spread disinformation through edited viral clips, potentially impacting the elections. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislators have called for offensive counter-espionage techniques to combat these opposing forces. The NSB is working to trace the origins of these financial flows and is closely monitoring the situation. The NSB has also warned that legal action will be taken if any manipulative activity or election fraud is detected.

The European News Exchange (ENEX) network hosted its 30th General Assembly at the RTL headquarters in Luxembourg on Oct. 12 and Oct. 13, where international media gathered to share their knowledge and experience in the field. Speaking at the opening of the international event, Adrien Wells, managing director of ENEX, expressed his enthusiasm for this milestone General assembly, stressing how ＂ENEX has become a globally respected and powerful agency over the past 30 years.＂ 

China’s Ministry of Commerce has extended its trade barrier investigation into Taiwan’s trade restrictions towards the mainland. Originally set to conclude on Oct. 12, 2023, the investigation will now end on Jan. 12, 2024, a day before Taiwan’s 2024 general elections. The investigation, authorized under the Foreign Trade Law and the Foreign Trade Barrier Investigation Rules of China, targets 2,455 items blocked by Taiwan from mainland importation, including agricultural products, petrochemicals, and textiles. The extended analysis is expected to heighten tensions between China and Taiwan in the run-up to Taiwan’s crucial elections next year.