Government 結果共526筆

As Taiwan’s January elections approach, Democratic Progressive Party nominee Lai Ching-te is determined to secure the nation’s future. With extensive government experience and a focus on peace and prosperity, Lai’s commitment remains unshaken. Learn more about his dedication to Taiwan’s presidency.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je plans to embark on an island-wide tour in late November to visit industries, listen to local residents’ concerns, and hold public speaking sessions. During a press conference, Ko reiterated the principles proposed during his candidacy declaration on May 20, which include advocating for a ＂harmonious society, national governance,＂ the establishment of a ＂united government, a united Taiwan,＂ and ＂Taiwanese autonomy, cross-strait peace.＂

New Taipei Deputy Mayor Liu Ho-jan confirmed that senior cards for the elderly and persons with disabilities will be expanded next year. Starting in January, the cards will cover usage in the Airport MRT, and by July, they will also grant access to other public transportation options like YouBike and cabs. The decision to expand the cards came after receiving feedback from various individuals, including KMT Secretary-General Liao Xianxiang and KMT Councilor Chen Weijie, who expressed concerns about limited card use.

Economic Affairs Minister Wang Mei-hua refutes rumors of the government selling its stake in TSMC, reaffirming strong support for Taiwanese companies and the nation’s commitment to TSMC’s continued success.

Thailand government announces visa-free entry for Indian and Taiwanese travelers from Nov. 2023 to May 2024. This follows the recent decision to scrap visa requirements for Chinese tourists. The move aims to boost tourism revenue, with 22 million tourists already generating NT＄833 billion in revenue between Jan. and Oct. 29, 2023. Visa-free privileges for Taiwanese and Indian tourists will be enacted from Nov. 10, 2023 to May 10, 2024.

The General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) has announced that starting November 1st, mandatory health declarations will no longer be required for those entering or departing China. However, travelers are still obligated to report their health status to customs and cooperate with sanitary inspections. The Tourism Department of the Kinmen County Government has welcomed this policy change, hoping that cross-strait interactions can resume under normal conditions in the post-pandemic era.

Premier Chen Chien-jen reaffirms Taiwan’s commitment to freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, emphasizing that any citizen who abides by legal requirements can run for public office. He made these remarks in response to inquiries about the Taiwan People’s Party potentially nominating Xu Chunying, the president of Taiwan New Immigrant Development Association and a mainland spouse, for at-large legislative elections. Chen clarified that political parties have the right to nominate suitable candidates for government positions but urged them to provide transparent information about their nominees’ background and proposals to enable informed choices by the public.

The Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, has refuted online rumors that the government plans to sell shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC). In fact, the government has been increasing its stake in TSMC, with the National Development Fund of the Executive Yuan owning major shares. The National Development Council (NDC) has also clarified the situation. Minister Wang emphasized the importance of TSMC in Taiwan’s economic development and the government’s continuous support for the tech giant.

KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih unveils a bold plan to attract 18 million foreign tourists if elected as Taiwan’s next president. Hou believes that tourism is a reflection of national strength and aims to counter the economic recession by boosting the industry. His proposed policy includes a 15% increase in the budget to improve infrastructure, such as airports, ports, the High Speed Rail, and the Taiwan Railway. In response to a recent incident involving a Taiwanese tour group in Xinjiang, Hou criticizes the government for not lifting restrictions on group tours to China, leading to privately arranged travel groups.

Eric Chu, chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT), and Ko Wen-je, chairman of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), will engage in inter-party cooperation negotiations on Monday. The discussions will center around forming a coalition government, maximizing legislative seats, and identifying the strongest opposition candidate for the presidency. The talks, initiated by the KMT and TPP, are aimed at Taiwan’s future and cross-strait peace, rather than serving the interests of the parties themselves.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih emphasized his dedication to protecting Taiwan’s homeland and national security at a campaign event in Tainan City. He addressed unresolved cross-strait issues, such as the United States listing Taiwan as a military aid country and the increasing number of Chinese military aircraft entering Taiwan’s air defense identification zone. Hou affirmed that national security is his top priority and that he has committed his life’s work to safeguarding Taiwan, promising not to betray the island nation. He believes Taiwan is at a critical juncture, choosing between war and peace, and stressed the importance of maintaining social order, avoiding collusion between government officials and businesses, and prioritizing economic development.

Three esteemed search and rescue dogs, Iron Xiong (鐵雄), Leggy (雞腿), and Penwan (本丸), retired from the Fire Bureau of Taichung City Government. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen personally presented them with retirement certificates at the ＂Graduation Ceremony for Retired Search and Rescue Dogs.＂ These four-legged heroes played a crucial role in disaster response efforts, including the Hualien and Türkiye earthquakes, tirelessly searching for signs of life amidst the ruins. The event was a heartfelt episode as the dog handlers passed the dogs on to their new adopters. Mayor Lu emphasized the dogs’ relentless efforts to protect the citizens of Taichung, deserving high honors and a fitting send-off. Sun Fu-you, the director-general of the Fire Bureau, expressed gratitude for their service and wished them happiness and peace in retirement.

Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital in Taipei will raise salaries for nursing staff starting in November. Salaries for nurses on the three-shift rotation will increase by NT$1,680, and the monthly salary for new nurses will be raised to NT$43,680. The salary increase is in response to concerns over nurse departures and a shortage of staff, which has led to a reduction in the number of beds in many hospitals. The Taiwan Union of Nurses Association (TUNA) reported a drop in the number of nurses in the country from 187,519 to 185,901 from January through May. As a result, larger hospitals have been forced to close an average of 8% to 10% of beds. Shin Kong Hospital has hired 74 nurses but lost 125 as of September, leading to a decrease in the number of available beds. In addition to the salary increase, the hospital is implementing other incentives such as retention bonuses, team performance bonuses, special allowances, signing bonuses for new hires, and up to four years of free accommodation. The hospital also plans to increase all staff salaries next year in line with a government wage adjustment policy to attract and retain talent.

Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association Chair Cliff Hou has made four key suggestions to the government in a proposal, emphasizing the need to prepare for significant changes in the global semiconductor industry due to the rise of AI.

The Executive Yuan of Taiwan has passed a draft amendment allowing select police, judiciary, and accounting personnel in government agencies to establish unions with the approval of the Ministry of Civil Service. This amendment proposal will be sent to the Examination Yuan for review. The decision to allow union formation follows a tragic fire in Pingtung where four firefighters died, prompting the National Association for Firefighters’ Rights to demand the formation of a union.

Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare, Wang Pi-sheng, criticizes the ban of certain flu vaccine brands in schools, calling it a political move that exploits students. The government has approved a new flu vaccine from Medigen, but rumors of public resistance have led some regions to prohibit its use in schools. Wang argues that the government should help citizens make informed decisions based on scientific evidence.

The labor minister of Taiwan, Hsu Ming-chun, has assured the public that the government-backed labor insurance will not face bankruptcy. Hsu emphasized that the government will continue to allocate supplementary funds to prevent this outcome. Concerns had arisen due to the growing imbalance between the number of pension recipients and payees, with predictions of bankruptcy by 2028. However, Hsu pointed out that the government has been providing supplementary pension funds for the past four years and assured that this plan will be maintained. She also stated that the government’s supplementary labor insurance provisions are considered part of administrative expenditures. While there are currently no provisions in place for additional government funds, Hsu suggested that it could be implemented if approved.

Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan announces audit of land use for high-tech firms in Taiwan. Government is committed to providing options for all high-tech companies, including TSMC.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck off the coast of Taiwan, causing tremors felt in various parts of the country. The quake originated east of the Hualien County Government Office and had a shallow depth of 5.7 kilometers. Some areas reported a seismic intensity of level 3, while others experienced a level 2 intensity. The Taipei Metro Company alerted riders of reduced speeds, but operations continue as usual. So far, there have been no reports of casualties or significant structural damage. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary.

The Taiwanese government maintains communication with Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. amid Chinese tax and land audits. The inspections of Foxconn, a subsidiary of Hon Hai, have caused concern. The government emphasizes its commitment to supporting Taiwanese businesses.

Amidst a worsening nursing shortage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan’s Union of Nurses Association (TUNA) calls on the government for increased financial support and staffing solutions. They propose allowing male nurses to fulfill their military conscription in hospitals and recommend a monthly subsidy for all nursing staff.

The Executive Yuan approved amendments to the Classified National Security Information Protection Act and the Political Archives Act which will put an end to indefinite secrecy of national classified archives. The revisions aim to review the necessity of extending confidentiality through periodic reviews instead of permanent secrecy.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) has revived the ROTC program to enhance its military capabilities amid growing cross-strait tensions. Students receive full government subsidies, with five years of army service upon graduation. This development aims to address the pressing need for more military personnel.

The Yilan County government has passed a proposal to increase the baby bonus in an effort to combat a declining birth rate. The bonus will be increased from NT＄12,000 to NT＄15,000 and is expected to take effect in 2024.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has decided not to proceed with its plans to establish a new chip factory in Taoyuan’s Longtan District due to strong opposition from local residents. The company initially intended to produce chips smaller than 2 nanometers at the site, but the negative public response led to the abandonment of the project. The government’s expropriation of a land area, of which 90% is private property, sparked public dissatisfaction.