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The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has begun distributing COVID-19 rapid test kits to travelers at Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei. The kits are available in the reception areas and exit halls of both terminals, and each traveler is eligible to receive one kit regardless of age. The decision was made in response to the increasing rates of respiratory diseases worldwide. The CDC Deputy Director-General, Philip Lo, stated that the peak of the COVID-19 surge in Taiwan is expected to be in mid-to-late January, with a possible rise after the Lunar New Year holidays. Travelers have expressed appreciation for the policy, with many noting how thoughtful and helpful the Taiwanese government is. The distribution of test kits may continue after the Lunar New Year holidays, depending on the international and domestic pandemic conditions.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticizes President Joe Biden’s soft response to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s threats against Taiwan. Trump questions Biden’s decision to vacation during this tense period. Xi’s New Year’s message emphasized the inevitability of unifying with Taiwan, drawing international attention. Trump’s team accuses Biden of insufficient response while vacationing in St. Croix. Despite the U.S.’s ＂strategic ambiguity＂ on defending Taiwan, Biden has made clear statements indicating support for Taiwan if China invades.

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.

The story is about Lai Ching-te, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate, declaring that Taiwan is aligning with global democratic allies and will not follow the old path of the Kuomintang (KMT). Lai made this statement during a presidential candidate debate when questioned about Taiwan’s ability to remain neutral amid U.S.-China competition. He emphasized President Tsai’s diplomatic strategy and his own role in garnering international support for Taiwan. Lai also responded to criticism from KMT’s presidential candidate, Hou Yu-ih, regarding his assistance during the pandemic. Lai argued that Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je lacks real achievements compared to President Tsai’s performance.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has stated that Beijing is working to isolate Taiwan globally in response to criticisms made by Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih regarding Taiwan’s stagnant free trade agreements (FTA). During a presidential policy presentation, Hou criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for its unsatisfactory economic performance and the lack of progress in bilateral and multilateral trade agreements. MOFA emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to global economic integration and bilateral economic cooperation, but highlighted the interference from China. MOFA believes that Taiwan’s ability to participate effectively in economic integration depends on its strength and global connections, especially as countries like the U.S. and European nations reassess their economic risks with China. MOFA urges all Taiwanese, regardless of political affiliation, to unite and enhance cooperation with like-minded nations in the face of external challenges.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has expressed concern over comments made by Ko Wen-je, Taiwan People’s Party presidential candidate, stating that they could potentially harm Taiwan’s diplomatic relationships and lead to misunderstandings. MOFA spokesperson Liu Yung-chien emphasized that there is no conflict between solidifying relations with allied countries and developing substantial relationships with non-allied nations. The foreign ministry’s approach is to contribute to both areas simultaneously, without prioritizing based on alliance status. Liu highlighted the vital support received from allies over the years, which has helped Taiwan participate in international organizations and advance its causes. He expressed gratitude for the moral courage and vocal support shown by these allies, and stated that any possible misunderstanding sparked by Ko’s remarks is not something the people of Taiwan wish to see. In a podcast interview, Ko remarked that the number of diplomatic allies had been misperceived, suggesting that Taiwan would still fare well even if the number went down to zero. Ko emphasized the importance of substantial relationships, citing Taiwan’s positive relationships with Japan and the U.S., despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.

Taiwan’s Minister of Transportation and Communications, Wang Kwo-tsai, announced that worker rights and disputes in Taiwan Railway will be handled by a board of directors once it becomes a company on Jan. 1, 2024. This marks a departure from the current practice where the Minister has jurisdiction over such matters. The transition will be commemorated with a plaque unveiling ceremony at Taipei Station, signifying Taiwan Railway’s separation from the administrative agency Taiwan Railways Administration. Wang expressed optimism for a fresh start, including the resolution of debt, enhanced safety protocols, and more flexible systems. In response to concerns raised by the Taiwan Railway Labor Union regarding employee vacation rights and driver treatment, Wang stated that decisions will be made by Taiwan Railway as a company. Wang also addressed worries about a potential retirement wave among senior maintenance staff, emphasizing that retirement is a normal occurrence in all workplaces and that the inclusion of younger employees could lead to improved performance.

The National Federation of Education Unions (NEU) has called on Taiwan’s Ministry of Education (MOE) to take full responsibility for incidents like the recent student stabbing in New Taipei City. The NEU insists on changes to improve the current situation and prevent students from bringing prohibited items to school. The NEU believes that amendments made by the MOE have unfairly disempowered teachers, as many schools struggle to address students who bring banned items due to fear of backlash or being accused of bullying. NEU President Lin Shuo-chieh pointed out that teachers are hesitant to correct and punish behavior out of fear of being accused of ＂targeting＂ students or being reported for bullying. In 2022, the MOE amended regulations on the management of dangerous items carried by students. According to Article 28, unless explicitly stated by law or sufficient evidence suggests the student is involved in criminal activity or carries banned items, their bodies and belongings are not to be searched. Article 29 states that for high school inspections, two or more representatives of parents, student council members, or teachers must be present to examine students’ belongings or spaces. Lin claimed that the MOE’s rules are difficult for grassroots teachers to implement and can easily be twisted into accusations of bullying. He urged the MOE and local education departments to redefine regulations for handling protected students in order to prevent further deterioration of campus safety and safeguard the rights of other students.

The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesperson, Chen Binhua, emphasized the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait during a press conference. Chen suggested that if Taiwan adhered to the 1992 Consensus and opposed independence, cross-strait relations could return to a peaceful track. He called for both sides of the Strait to work together to uphold peace and stability for cross-strait prosperity. Chen’s statement aligns with recent remarks by Kuomintang’s (KMT) presidential candidate, Hou Yu-ih, who pledged to improve cross-strait relations through discussions and collaborations. Chen also criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for promoting Taiwan’s independence, refusing to acknowledge the 1992 Consensus, and colluding with foreign forces. He argued that these actions have caused tension and made Taiwan a source of instability in the region.

Taiwan’s R.O.C. Naval Fleet Command continues its search for three missing servicemen who fell overboard from the Hai Hu Submarine on December 21. Despite the 72-hour rescue window passing, the Navy has ordered an additional three-day search. The families of the missing servicemen will be transported to the accident spot on December 27. The wife of one of the missing crew members has made an emotional plea for assistance in the search. Families have suggested moving the search south based on sea current directions. President Tsai Ing-wen visited the recovered crew and comforted the families, vowing to continue the search. The search and rescue effort involves approximately 900 personnel, 80 aircraft, 76 ships, and 319 vehicles, covering an operational area from south of Kaohsiung Port to Hengchun and along the coast of Xiaoliuqiu.

The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) is facing concerns over potential fare hikes as it transitions to a state-owned enterprise on its 137th anniversary. The TRA has not made any fare adjustments in the past 28 years, leading to speculation about its next move. While fare reviews are mandated every two years, public sentiment has prevented changes since 1995. Experts argue that fare scales should reflect the true cost. Hochen Tan, the former Minister of Transportation and Communications, supports the TRA’s corporatization and calls for an overhaul of its financial structure and gradual fare adjustments. Tu Wei, the current TRA Director-General and future chairman of the new corporation, mentioned plans to propose a fare adjustment scheme in Q1 2024. However, a subsequent press statement clarified that these were Tu’s preliminary thoughts, leaving the question of fare adjustments unanswered for now.

Foreign investors are showing renewed interest in Asian stocks, particularly in Taiwan, according to a report released on December 25. In the week of December 18 to 22, foreign funds flowed back into Asian stocks, with the Taiwan Stock Exchange attracting NT＄643 million. South Korea also saw an influx of NT＄602 million. South Korean stocks performed the best, increasing by 1.4%, followed closely by Thailand with a 1.01% increase. Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam also experienced positive growth. However, Taiwan’s stocks unexpectedly fell by 0.44%, despite being favored by foreign investors. India’s stock market also dropped by 0.53% for the week. In terms of overall performance in 2023, Taiwan’s stocks related to the AI supply chain surged 24.47%, surpassing the gains made by India (16.87%) and South Korea (16.24%). Looking ahead, PGIM noted that Taiwan’s industry has already hit bottom, with November’s export orders totaling US＄50.63 billion, driven by emerging technologies such as high-performance computing and artificial intelligence.

During a campaign event in New Taipei City, Kuomintang (KMT) vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong mistakenly referred to the election day on Jan. 13 as ’Jan. 15.’ He quickly corrected himself, stating that they would be a president-elect on Jan. 15 next year, which received enthusiastic applause from supporters. This is not the first verbal gaffe from Jaw, as he has made other slips of the tongue recently. He called out the rival Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te instead of his own party’s presidential hopeful Hou Yu-ih during a policy presentation by the Central Election Committee (CEC). Furthermore, he referred to former KMT chairman Johnny Chiang as a ’terrorist of peace for Taiwan’ instead of DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te during a campaign event in Taichung. Jaw also criticized the DPP’s governance record over the last eight years, arguing that their belief in a change of personnel and party now resonated with the DPP itself.

KMT vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong pledges to expand Taiwan’s diplomatic relations if the KMT wins the upcoming elections. He criticizes the ruling DPP for losing nine diplomatic allies during their eight-year tenure. Jaw’s remarks were made during a Constitution Day event organized by the KMT’s Department of International Affairs, attended by KMT Chairman Eric Chu and KMT Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia. Chu defends Hsia, stating that he is a valuable asset to the party and urges media outlets to avoid spreading misinformation. Hsia expresses regret that young people overlook the significance of Dec. 25 as Constitution Day in Taiwan and promises to restore the value of the Republic of China if the KMT wins the elections next year.

Taipei mayoral candidate Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for their lack of action despite claiming self-reflection during a morning canvassing walk. Ko’s comments were in response to remarks made by DPP vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim during a Central Election Committee (CEC) policy presentation. Hsiao had acknowledged that some DPP members had made errors and forgotten their original intentions, which the DPP government must bear. Ko clarified that while Hsiao suggested that the DPP is already implementing his policies, the crucial difference is that the DPP talks without acting, whereas the TPP takes action. Ko also evaluated his running mate Cynthia Wu’s performance, deeming her steady, and emphasized that the TPP is committed to serious policy discussions rather than treating presentations as mere call-in shows to fill time.

Taiwanese singer Jay Chou surprised fans with the release of his new song, ＂Christmas Star,＂ during the holiday season. Chou revealed details about the song, including its three-character title and the inclusion of firewood crackling sounds, during a livestream. The music video was shot in a European town setting, featuring scenes inside a gingerbread-like house decorated for Christmas. Chou collaborated with Gary Yang on the song, who not only provided vocals but also appeared in the music video. ＂Christmas Star＂ is a unique holiday-themed song in Chou’s extensive repertoire. The song was originally scheduled to be released on Friday Taiwan time but was made available earlier for Taiwanese fans on December 21.

The Hsinchu City Government has confirmed that a farmland owned by Taiwan People’s Party presidential candidate Ko Wen-je in Hsinchu has been rented out as a parking lot for tour buses. The government has given a 30-day deadline for improvements to be made. Ko has stated that he has contacted other landlords and businesses for car relocation and hopes the land can be restored to its original condition. An inspection has revealed that the farmland is being partially used for non-agricultural purposes. The authorities are demanding correction and restoration for agricultural use within 30 days, with potential fines ranging from NT$60,000 to NT$300,000 if not complied with. The Hsinchu City Government is also investigating whether income tax has been paid on the rent collected from the land.

The number of approved overseas Chinese and foreign investments in Taiwan decreased by 8.89% to 2,102 cases in the first 11 months of 2023 compared to the same period last year. However, the investment amount from these sources reached US$10.79 billion (NT$323.7 billion), the second-highest in the past 15 years, with significant contributions from the offshore wind power sector. French company TotalEnergies Renewables SAS and British firm OSW Investments Taiwan JVCO 2 Limited increased their capital in Haiding Two International Investment Co., Ltd. by NT$5.03 billion. New companies established during this period amounted to 1,124 cases, with an investment value of US$680 million (NT$20.37 billion). Investments from Southeast Asian countries increased notably, with 609 cases, a 41.3% year-on-year increase, and a monetary surge of 25.2% to US$2.52 billion (NT$75.68 billion), mainly from Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia. However, Chinese investments in Taiwan declined, with only 24 approved cases, a 45.45% decrease from the previous year, and investment figures dropping by 21.65% to US$27.38 million (NT$820 million). On the other hand, overseas investments from Taiwan increased, with a moderate rise in approved cases by 2.44% to 504 and a substantial annual increase of 145.61% in investment total to US$22.81 billion (NT$684.42 billion). Key overseas investments included TSMC’s US$8 billion capital injection into its Arizona subsidiary and a €3.5 billion investment in Germany’s ESMC GmbH. Foxconn Technology Group also made a significant investment of US$8 billion in its Singapore subsidiary, and Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp. invested a similar amount in Singapore-based Yang Ming (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.

FamilyMart, a leading convenience store chain in Taiwan, has experienced significant growth in its fresh food sales, with an annual increase of at least 10% over the past three years. In 2022 alone, revenue from fresh foods reached NT$25 billion, accounting for over 30% of the company’s total revenue. Huang Cheng-tien, FamilyMart’s Fresh Foods Operations Manager, considers fresh foods a crucial strategic asset and has launched branded products targeting various market segments and trending categories. The focused brands, such as ’uno pasta’ for Italian pasta and ’minimore’ for desserts, have yielded impressive results, with pasta sales growing by 20% annually and dessert sales in 2022 skyrocketing by over 40%. FamilyMart has also made significant efforts to cater to health-conscious consumers, implementing structural reforms since 2016 that encompass ingredients, equipment, packaging, and processes. These reforms have contributed to the success of products like the tuna onigiri, which saw a 19% sales growth in 2022. Additionally, FamilyMart has collaborated with renowned restaurants and chefs, including Din Tai Fung, resulting in the sale of over 20 million co-branded items. These collaborations aim to create differentiated products by incorporating key ingredients from partners, such as a spicy sauce by Din Tai Fung used in unique offerings like grilled rice balls and fried noodles. In the first half of this year, FamilyMart’s fresh food revenue grew by an impressive 20%. The company’s General Manager, Hsueh Tung-tu, strives to attract more customers by offering unique products, following the motto ＂What others don’t have, we have; what others have, we excel in.＂

Taiwan’s Minister of Health and Welfare, Hsueh Jui-yuan, has announced significant increases in subsidies for dedicated pediatricians starting in 2024. The ＂2023 Plan to Optimize Pediatric Medical Care＂ aims to improve the quality of pediatric care and attract more young practitioners to the field. The subsidy for physicians specializing in the care of each young child will double from NT$500 to NT$1,000. The optimization plan, with a total budget of NT$2.8 billion, will run from 2021 to 2024, with NT$2 billion allocated for 2024 alone. The implementation of the dedicated pediatrician system across the nation underscores the investment made in this critical healthcare sector. Currently, 22 counties and municipalities have implemented the dedicated pediatrician system for children aged 0 to 3, and since November, it has expanded to include newborns. There are currently 1,882 dedicated pediatricians serving over 184,000 young children across 1,048 medical institutions, bringing the national coverage rate to 40.5%.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expressed ＂confusion and regret＂ five times in a statement regarding comments made by Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) vice presidential candidate Cynthia Wu. The MOFA highlighted that Wu’s proactive analysis and attendance at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) conferences could jeopardize Taiwan’s interests. Following her participation in the 28th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP28) in Dubai, Wu criticized the event’s low standards, stating it was a disservice to taxpayers. MOFA responded to Wu’s criticism, indicating that her conspicuous announcement to attend COP28 provided China with an opportunity to repress Taiwan’s participation, hindering the entire delegation and damaging Taiwan’s future international engagement, as well as the nation’s dignity. Wu’s office released a statement asserting that MOFA had not informed her of the risks of Chinese suppression. When asked about MOFA’s response, Wu declined to comment further. The MOFA expressed regret over the limitations imposed on Wu’s candidacy due to Chinese pressure, directly countering her doubts. MOFA emphasized that condemnation should be directed at China for obstructing Taiwan’s participation. The MOFA expressed bewilderment and regret that Wu criticized domestic institutions but failed to condemn China, the true suppressor of Taiwan’s international voice.

The Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) is considering a potential fare increase, with a plan to review the proposal in the first quarter of next year and a possible implementation in the latter half of the year if approved. The decision on fare adjustments will be made by the board of directors of the newly formed TRA company, which will be established on January 1. The board will determine the necessity, method, and extent of any price changes before submitting their proposal to the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC). Despite submitting several versions of fare increase proposals to the MOTC earlier this year, substantive discussions have not yet taken place. MOTC Minister Wang Kwo-tsai supports respecting the independent decisions of the company’s board of directors regarding fare adjustments. The transition to a company structure will decrease the direct impact of fare adjustments on TRA’s operations, and any losses incurred due to policy factors will be subsidized by the government under the provisions of corporatization. Former MOTC Minister Tan Ho-chen also supports increasing TRA’s ticket prices, arguing that it will help the railway understand its genuine operational costs and develop effective pricing strategies.

U.S. senators met in an unusual weekend session to amend border security policies, aiming to resolve the deadlock over assistance plans for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Democratic centrist Senator Joe Manchin expressed optimism about the progress being made, stating that bipartisan negotiators and representatives from the White House recognize the seriousness of border issues and the need for repair. Independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema, Democrat Chris Murphy, Republican James Lankford, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and other senior officials engaged in discussions to seek a compromise on border security policy revisions. While progress was reported, details were not disclosed. The crafting of the bill’s comprehensive text requires time for deliberation before the voting process can proceed.

On ＂Super Saturday＂ in Taichung, three groups of candidates rallied to support their respective parties’ legislative contenders ahead of Taiwan’s 2024 presidential and legislative elections. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim campaigned tirelessly for her party’s legislative candidates, while Kuomintang (KMT) vice-presidential hopeful Jaw Shaw-Kong attended back-to-back events supporting Chiang Chi-chen and Yen Kuan-heng. The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) also made a strong showing, with Tsai Pi-ru, TPP’s first district legislative candidate in Taichung, gathering an impressive lineup of supporters including Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-ye, former Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu, and TPP’s presidential candidate Ko Wen-je.

The Yomiuri Giants, a Japanese professional baseball team, will be playing two exhibition games in Taiwan next March. They will face off against two Taiwanese teams, the CTBC Brothers on March 2 and the Rakuten Monkeys on March 3, at the Taipei Dome. Tsukasa Imamura, the president of the Giants, emphasized the importance of promoting baseball culture in Asia and expressed his hope for more Taiwanese players to join the team in the future. He mentioned that the Giants’ scouts have a high regard for Taiwanese high school players but have noticed a perceived stagnation in their skills after reaching college. Imamura hopes that Taiwan can produce more legendary players like Kuo Tai-yuan and Kuo Yuen-chih, who have already made a name for themselves in Japanese baseball. Throughout the years, 10 Taiwanese players, excluding the iconic Sadaharu Oh, have played for the Giants in Japan’s professional leagues, highlighting the ongoing baseball exchange between the two neighboring countries.