Government 結果共524筆

Taiwan’s Premier and Deputy Minister attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Yilan County’s first social housing project. The government aims to build 200,000 social housing units in 8 years, with 107% progress expected by the end of next year. The project, funded by the central government, will incorporate a historical clothing factory. Upon completion in 2027, the housing project will offer 395 units and plans to merge with the factory to create a cultural and tourism corridor.

Taiwan’s Tourism Administration has requested a hotel near Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County to adjust its reservation system. The hotel’s online reservation system was found to be in Simplified Chinese and listed the hotel’s address as ＂China Taiwan＂ instead of Taiwan. The Tourism Administration has instructed the hotel to ban the use of ＂China＂ and provide a Traditional Chinese interface. The hotel management clarified that it is 100% Taiwanese invested and partnered with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to attract more tourists. The appearance of ＂China Taiwan＂ on the reservation system was due to linkages with the Wyndham booking site, which is overseen by China for the Asia Pacific region. The Nantou County Government Tourism Bureau has jurisdiction over the hotel, which began trial operations in August and is set to officially open in January next year.

Hualien County Magistrate welcomes LGBTQ+ couples to mass wedding ceremonies. Concerns raised about gender-specific terms on registration forms. Civil Affairs Department clarifies no refusal to include any group. LGBTQ+ organizations urge government to respect gender diversity.

The Taiwanese government plans to prioritize repaying public debt by using tax revenue that exceeds budget projections, according to Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun. The total budget for debt repayment in 2023, amounting to NT＄111 billion, was fully executed by June, with an additional NT＄15 billion paid in November. Chuang emphasized that if there is a surplus in the year-end financial outcome, the nation’s resources should be allocated for optimal use. The surplus in tax revenue will be apportioned first to debt repayment in accordance with the regulations of the Public Debt Act. Tax revenue for the first ten months of the year reached NT＄3.0223 trillion, setting a record high for the same period compared to previous years, with a 6.9% increase. It is expected that full-year tax revenue will surpass budget estimates by NT＄300 billion to NT＄370 billion. The opposition party has called for a redistribution of the tax benefits back to the citizens.

Premier Chen Chien-jen praises the performance of Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan’s representative to the U.S., emphasizing her recognized contributions by both American and Taiwanese authorities. Chen commends Hsiao’s collaboration with Democratic Progressive Party’s presidential candidate Lai Ching-te, which has led to significant progress in Taiwan-U.S. relations. Former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi publicly praised Hsiao’s outstanding performance. Chen believes Hsiao is a suitable candidate for the upcoming elections and will respect the party’s decision on her successor. In response to the recent protest march by medical personnel, Chen assures that the government deeply cares about the rights and interests of healthcare workers and is willing to engage in dialogue. The establishment of a regular communication channel has been agreed upon, and discussions on the demands of medical personnel are underway to provide better rights protection and a safer working environment.

NPP legislator Chiu Hsien-chih criticized DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te over rental subsidies, suggesting that some landlords prefer reducing rents rather than allowing tenants to apply for subsidies. During a forum, Lai proposed that landlords offering rental subsidies receive reductions in taxes and funds for home maintenance and administrative fees. Chiu argued that some landlords would rather lower rental rates than enable tenants to apply for subsidies, as it could lead to them paying more income tax. Chiu also highlighted that the government expanded the rental subsidy amount to NT$300 billion last year, aiming to support 500,000 households, but only 278,000 households received assistance, achieving an implementation rate of 55.74%.

The Bahwan Tribe of Taiwan’s Bunun people are demanding that National Taiwan University (NTU) return ancestral remains taken without permission from a Bahwan public cemetery 63 years ago. NTU has been accused of shirking its historical responsibilities, leading to disagreements with the tribe. The issue dates back to the 1960s when the NTU College of Medicine Physical Anthropology Research Team took remains from the Bahwan Tribe’s cemetery, ’Lilieq,’ for academic research. The ’Return Bahwan Bunun Ancestors’ Remains Committee’ has approached the Executive Yuan, urging the government and NTU to return the remains and cease depriving indigenous people. NTU claims to have 43 boxes of the remains stored in its research room and has been participating in discussions with the government and legislature since the tribe’s request in 2017. However, indigenous legislator candidate Savungaz Valincinan expressed disappointment with NTU’s lack of effort to establish a relationship with the tribe and refusal to cover transportation and accommodation costs for their trips to Taipei. NTU has recently expressed willingness to return the remains, erect a memorial, honor the deceased as ＂Great Body Teachers,＂ and provide medical, educational, and sanitary services to the tribe. However, as a public school, NTU argues that it cannot establish a foundation or provide compensation of NT＄1.49 billion, citing Ministry of Education regulations. This issue has sparked discussion in Taiwan about addressing historical wounds and the journey toward transitional justice for indigenous tribes, who constitute 2.5% of the population and have historically faced exploitation and discrimination.

Taiwan’s Premier Chen Chien-jen has approved a subsidy plan for university students, providing NT＄5,000 per semester for on-campus students and NT＄7,000 per semester for disadvantaged students. The plan, discussed in a joint meeting between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of the Interior, will be implemented starting in February 2024. Originally, the plan called for monthly payments, but it was decided that a per-semester scheme would be more appropriate. The subsidies will be adjusted to a standard NT＄5,000 per semester, with an additional NT＄2,000 for disadvantaged students, and will become routine remittances. The cost of the plan is projected to be nearly NT＄2.8 billion annually, paid from the Ministry of the Interior’s housing fund. Approximately 275,000 university students are expected to benefit from this plan, pending ratification at the upcoming Executive Yuan meeting. Premier Chen emphasized that the government is strategically committed to enhancing support and well-being for the nation’s university students.

The Taiwanese government is taking preemptive measures to achieve its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Premier Chen Chien-jen highlights the importance of a talented workforce and enhanced research in guiding industries towards a green energy transition. The government is also focused on strengthening strategies and providing better services for domestic industries. The National Development Council is actively removing obstacles to land acquisition for overseas businesses returning to Taiwan. The Ministry of Economic Affairs has proposed a plan to increase water supply capacity and promote the use of reclaimed and desalinated water. Additionally, the MOEA is investing in renewable energy infrastructure, particularly in solar and offshore wind power, with the aim of establishing high-performance offshore wind ports.

The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) and the Kuomintang (KMT) held a ＂party-to-party＂ talk to determine their joint presidential ticket. The Ma Ying-jeou Foundation confirmed that nationwide polling will be used to select the best presidential candidate for the KMT-TPP coalition. Former President Ma Ying-jeou was present at the talk, which included TPP candidate Ko Wen-je, KMT candidate Hou Yu-ih, and KMT chair Eric Chu. The joint party candidate will be chosen based on polling results from both parties and external organizations. The accuracy of the results will be determined by polling experts from both parties. The final results will be announced on Saturday by the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation. The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish a coalition government based on shared national visions and policies.

Chiayi City Councilor Cheng Kuang-hung has raised concerns about the declining birthrate in Chiayi and the city’s residents being the least willing to marry compared to other Taiwanese cities. A survey conducted in 2018 with over 8,000 Taiwanese netizens revealed that the number of newborns in Chiayi has been consistently decreasing over the past decade. In 2014, there were 2,100 newborns, but by September 2023, the figure had dropped to 845. Unmarried individuals aged 25-44 accounted for more than half of the population in Chiayi, with 52.52% being unmarried. Men in this age group had a higher unmarried rate of 58.86% compared to women at 46.37%. Cheng suggested that government policies and budget allocations should be redirected towards encouraging early marriage and childbirth instead of focusing solely on post-marriage childbirth subsidies and childcare. Academia Sinica also recommended promoting marriage and procreation at younger ages to address the declining birth rates. The Executive Yuan established a dedicated office in 2018 to combat the declining birthrate, investing over NT＄40 billion in recent years.

Explore the latest developments in Taiwan’s travel industry as the government implements a cap on group travel to China, sparking concerns among agencies and travelers. Learn how the Mainland Affairs Council is responding to the backlash and the potential impact on cross-strait relations.

The collaborative ＂Hou-Ko＂ candidate ticket in the Taiwan presidential election has received significant support in an online poll conducted by United Daily News. As of Thursday morning, around 320,000 people had voted, with 70% favoring Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih over Taiwan People’s Party’s (TPP) Ko Wen-je. The poll, which lasted 15 days, allowed daily voting and resulted in a coalition between the KMT and the TPP. The collaboration aims to consolidate opposition strength under the presidential candidate with the highest support, as determined by polls and announced by the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation. The results will be publicized on Nov. 18, and both parties will form a campaign committee to endorse their candidates. Under the watch of Ma Ying-jeou, the KMT and TPP pledged to establish a joint government to lead Taiwan’s third wave of democratic reform.

The Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) have formed a historic alliance for the 2024 presidential election, under the guidance of former President Ma Ying-jeou. This coalition, a first in Taiwan’s political history, aims to reshape the future of Taiwanese politics.

Taipei’s National Security Council Secretary-General Wellington Koo has announced plans for a face-to-face meeting between APEC representative Morris Chang and US President Joe Biden. The Taiwanese government aims to secure this meeting, which comes amid ongoing discussions on various issues between Washington and Beijing, including those related to Taiwan. Koo hinted at potential disagreements and counterclaims between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting the sensitive nature of the meeting. However, Koo stated that Chang has not been tasked with delivering greetings or messages from Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen to Xi, emphasizing the importance of natural interactions.

The number of Japanese tourists visiting Taiwan has only recovered to 33% of pre-pandemic levels in the first half of 2023. One reason for this is the depreciation of the Japanese yen, but the major concern is the growing cross-strait tensions. The instability in the Taiwan Strait has created unease among Japanese tourists. Maintaining stability and peace in the Taiwan Strait is a key task for the new line-up of top government leaders. Another contributing factor to Japan’s decreased tourism in Taiwan is the rising interest in South Korea, including its Korean pop culture, local delicacies, casinos, and cosmetic surgery services, despite its more expensive cost to visit after the pandemic.

The National Health Insurance Committee will discuss using non-anticipated risk funds and the insurance reserve fund in Taiwan on November 15, according to the National Health Insurance Administration Director-General. The insurance premium rate is expected to remain unchanged in 2024. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on all sectors, including traditional Chinese medicine, which reported increased medical expenses in the first two quarters of 2023. Western medicine also experienced a drop in the second quarter. The insurance reserve fund is projected to reach 1.97 months by the end of 2023, higher than the previous estimate of 1.5 months, largely due to a government budget allocation of NT＄24 billion.

Taiwan experiences a record 25% increase in foreign relocations, reaching 85,814 in 2022, as government initiatives and a stable economic environment make it an increasingly attractive destination for skilled foreigners.

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.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has called on the Farglory Group to address the lack of signage and safety concerns at the Taipei Dome stadium. The Dome is set to undergo a full-capacity test within a year. Democratic Progressive Party City Councilor Chen Yi-chun raised concerns about missing signage and the narrow underground parking lot, which lacks reflective warning signs. In response, Chiang stated that the city government would request immediate improvements from Farglory. Taipei City Councilors Lin Liang-jyun and Chien Shu-pei also questioned the venue’s ability to handle crowd dispersal and overall safety. Lin cited the recent crowd dispersal speed in Kaohsiung after a Coldplay concert and asked how long it would take to evacuate the expected 13,000 attendees at the Taipei Dome test event. Taipei MRT officials assured the council that they have experience with crowd dispersal during New Year’s Eve events and estimated that it could take approximately half an hour for visitors to evacuate.

The Taiwanese government plans to allocate at least NT＄20 billion next year to raise the salaries of healthcare workers in response to recent protests by medical professionals. Premier Chen Chien-jen advocates for increased respect, appreciation, and compensation for frontline staff, stating that a health insurance system should not be built on the ＂sweat and tears＂ of healthcare professionals. Discussions are underway with President Tsai Ing-wen, National Health Insurance Administration Director-General Shih Chung-liang, and Health Minister Hsueh Jui-yuan on methods to enhance salaries through health insurance and public budget funds. The financial assistance will be directed at healthcare personnel excluding doctors, with specific details of the plan still under discussion. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has highlighted the global shortage of healthcare workers as a significant concern, and with COVID-19 still a threat, the government aims to increase healthcare investment and address the welfare of those on the medical frontline.

Coldplay’s concert in Kaohsiung attracted a record-breaking attendance of nearly 85,000 people, surpassing the previous record set by BLACKPINK in March 2023. Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai announced the unprecedented high of 84,858 individuals in the stadium’s vicinity. After the concert, transportation authorities reduced the Metro frequency to three minutes to disperse the large crowd, taking a total of 82 minutes to completely clear the stadium. The Transportation Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government reported that around 30,000 concertgoers took the city’s metro to the venue, out of a total daily transportation volume of approximately 266,000. The bureau encouraged the use of public transportation due to traffic control near the concert venue.

The Taiwanese government plans to allocate at least NT$20 billion in 2024 to subsidize healthcare workers’ salaries, according to Premier Chen Chien-jen. The aim is to ensure that the health insurance system is not built on the sweat and tears of medical staff. Chen emphasized the need for healthcare workers to be respected, appreciated, and adequately compensated within the healthcare system. President Tsai Ing-wen, Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan, and National Health Insurance Administration Director Shi Chong-liang have held discussions on enhancing medical personnel’s salaries through health insurance and public budget. The proposed funds will be budgeted from public expenditures, although the details are still being planned. The budget for fiscal year 2024 has been submitted to the Legislative Yuan, and if approved, the new subsidies will officially roll out the following year. The specific manner and target of the subsidies are still being formulated.

The Thai government has launched a 30-day visa-free policy for Taiwanese tourists, aiming to increase the number of visitors by 20%. Around 600,000 Taiwanese tourists visited Thailand this year, and Thai officials hope to raise this number to at least 725,000 by the end of 2023. Since the announcement of the new policy, queries about Thailand on travel websites have increased by 30%. Travelers are also pleased with the elimination of visa costs, which can range from NT $1,200 to over $10,000. To further attract tourists, travel agencies and airlines are offering discounted round-trip tickets to Bangkok from Taipei, with prices as low as NT $5,000. Thailand is already among the top overseas travel destinations for Taiwanese, along with Japan, mainland China, South Korea, and Vietnam.

Taipei City Councilor Chen You-cheng criticized the Taipei City Government for its inaction against online ticket scalpers. He discovered that scalpers were selling tickets for the Taipei Dome’s inaugural test match at prices as high as NT$600, despite the tickets being intended to be free. The test match, scheduled for November 18, sold out 13,000 tickets in just 90 seconds. Chen received numerous complaints from the public, questioning the oversight mechanism of the city government and its restraint over Farglory, the Dome’s operator. He speculated whether the authorities were negligently allowing illegal activities to occur. Chen also highlighted that the city government reported 505 cases of ticket scalping incidents from June to October this year, yet no penalties were imposed. He criticized the city government for its laissez-faire approach, describing it as a clear dereliction of duty. Chen further criticized the city government for seemingly indifferent to implementing punitive measures against these infringements, as scalped ticket sales continue to occur for the Dome’s test match.