Office 結果共338筆

Taiwan’s Ministry of Finance’s National Treasury Administration is reminding parents to claim their remaining NT$6,000 subsidies for newborns before 5 p.m. on Jan. 31. Out of the 35,000 eligible newborns, approximately 33,500 have already received their benefits. Parents need to present identification papers and the birth certificate of their newborn at the post office counter to receive the subsidies. If someone else is collecting on their behalf, they must also provide identification. In cases where the birth mother is not eligible, birth registration and confirmation of the father’s eligibility are required. The government does not send text messages or emails regarding money collection or enrollment, and will not ask for bank transfers over phone calls. If individuals encounter suspicious websites or messages, they should report it immediately by dialing the 165 anti-fraud hotline.

Housing prices in the Science Park in Taibao, Chiai County, have significantly increased due to the possibility of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) establishing a 1-nanometer factory in the area. Although the news is not confirmed, the anticipation has led to a surge in pre-sale housing prices, with pre-sale apartment buildings increasing by 8.8% and townhouses rising by 12.6% between 2019 and 2023. TSMC has expressed its land needs to the Southern Taiwan Science Park Management Office, but the final decision to set up the factory depends on various factors. According to the Ministry of the Interior’s statistics, the price per ping in Chiayi County has soared by 65% from NT$101,500 to NT$167,100 between the first quarter of 2018 and the third quarter of 2023. Analysts believe this trend could continue as Chiayi County actively promotes industrial transformation and has six emerging industrial parks, including the potential site for the TSMC factory, the Chiayi Science Park. With the addition of nearby Tai Sugar Corporation’s land, it may meet TSMC’s requirement for a 100-ping plant. Despite the migration issue in predominantly agricultural Chiayi County, TSMC’s factory has the potential to stimulate the housing market by attracting younger out-of-town individuals and influencing the county’s buying and leasing market.

The Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) China Affairs Department has called on Beijing to realistically confront cross-strait relations. This plea comes in response to a recent statement by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO), which claimed that the Taiwan election results do not represent the majority’s views and reiterated that ＂Taiwan is China’s Taiwan.＂ Following Taiwan’s elections, Nauru, a Pacific island nation, severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The DPP criticized the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for exploiting Nauru’s financial difficulties and coaxing the country into establishing diplomatic relations with China. The DPP’s China Affairs Department reaffirmed that its chairman, Lai Ching-te, has consistently stated his commitment to maintaining the status quo under the constitutional system of the Republic of China (R.O.C.). Lai advocated for dialogue and cooperation with China based on parity and dignity. The DPP’s China Affairs Department condemned the CCP’s suppressive measures against Taiwan and urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to publicly pledge not to unilaterally alter the status quo across the Taiwan Strait using military force. Despite Lai Ching-te’s stance on dialogue and cooperation, Beijing has continued to disregard Taiwan.

Premier Chen Chien-jen’s planned mass resignation was averted by President Tsai Ing-wen, leading to concerns of potential government paralysis as the old cabinet faces a new legislature. Kuomintang (KMT) legislator Lee De-wei warned of a standstill, while DPP legislator Chung Chia-pin argued for the president’s right to choose cabinet members. The government’s decision to stay in office until May 20 could have significant consequences with the new legislature commencing on Feb. 1.

In a recent TAO briefing, spokesperson Chen Binhua addressed foreign media queries on Taiwan’s unification with China and the impact of the island’s local elections on cross-strait relations. The session reiterated China’s steadfast stance on unification as a core interest, despite changing political dynamics in Taiwan.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesperson, Chen Binhua, insists that cross-strait communication can only proceed based on the 1992 Consensus, which upholds the principle of one China. President-elect Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has called for dialogue instead of confrontation, emphasizing that cross-strait exchanges can minimize risks and achieve peace. However, TAO argues that the DPP’s insistence on Taiwanese independence hinders interactions with China. Professor Kuo Yu-jen of National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) criticizes the KMT candidate’s acceptance of the 1992 Consensus but rejection of ＂one country, two systems＂ as naive and dangerous. Kuo highlights that the One China principle places Taiwan at a disadvantage in negotiations.

President Lai Ching-te has announced his departure from the New Tide faction of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) following the conclusion of the 2024 presidential race. The decision was supported by the New Tide office, recognizing the president’s role in leading the government and symbolizing party unity. Discussions about Lai’s withdrawal began prior to the election, making it unnecessary to explore who initiated the departure. Former legislator Tuan Yi-kang expressed that it is better for the country if President Lai, as the head of state, is no longer a member of New Tide. The New Tide faction, established in 1983, is one of the main factions within the DPP and consists of editors and writers from ＂The Movement＂ magazine. Known for its firm beliefs and strict discipline, the faction is considered the most combat-ready within the DPP. The decision of President Lai is further emphasized by frequent public criticisms from Ko Wen-je, chairman of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), who has targeted issues of corruption and fraud within the New Tide faction.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China objected to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s congratulatory message to President-elect Lai Ching-te, citing a violation of the ＂One China＂ principle and the diplomatic tie agreement between China and the Philippines. China’s Foreign Affairs office expressed strong dissatisfaction with Marcos Jr.’s remarks and lodged a vehement protest. An assistant minister of the Agricultural Finance Ministry summoned the Philippine ambassador to China over the matter. China urged the Philippines to refrain from making erroneous statements and actions regarding Taiwan and to respect the ＂One China＂ principle in order to maintain robust and stable China-Philippine relations.

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. breaks tradition by congratulating Taiwan’s president-elect Lai Ching-te on his victory, a rare gesture due to the Philippines’ adherence to the ＂One-China policy＂ since 1975. Marcos Jr., in his social media post, referred to Lai as ＂Taiwan’s president＂ for the first time since taking office. He expressed his hopes for stronger ties between the two nations, emphasizing collaboration, mutual interests, peace, and prosperity in the future.

Taiwan expresses strong regret and denounces the Republic of Nauru’s decision to sever diplomatic relations and establish ties with China as misguided and not beneficial for its people or regional stability. The Taiwanese Presidential Office highlights that Beijing’s diplomatic suppression is seen as retaliation against democratic values and a challenge to international stability. This move by Nauru reduces Taiwan’s diplomatic allies to twelve, marking the loss of its tenth ally since Tsai Ing-wen became president in 2016. Financial shortfalls resulting from the closure of Australia’s Nauru Regional Processing Center and other factors, such as Nauru’s request for economic aid and the closure of the Nauru branch of the Australian Bendigo Bank, have contributed to the strained Taiwan-Nauru relations.

In Taiwan’s latest election, with a turnout expected to rival 2020’s, citizens eagerly await the announcement of their new president. The election’s outcome, especially its impact on Taiwan-China relations, is closely monitored.

Kuomintang (KMT) vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong has called on China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to demonstrate goodwill ahead of Taiwan’s elections. He urged them to refrain from sending military aircraft across the median line of the Taiwan Strait, advocating for peace in the region. Jaw’s plea comes after a Newsweek report revealed that 1,709 Chinese military aircraft entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zone in 2023, representing a 76% increase from the previous year. Although the number decreased to 80 in December, military aircraft continued to intrude in 2024. Jaw specifically named the TAO in his message, asking them to relay it to the PLA. The persistent disruptions by China with military aircraft, ships, and floating balloons have heightened tensions as Taiwan’s final presidential election of 2024 approaches, affecting both the electorate and candidates and reflecting the complex dynamics of cross-strait relations and the election.

In the heated run-up to Taiwan’s presidential elections, political parties, notably the Taiwan People’s Party, are competing for the symbolic Ketagalan Boulevard for their final rallies, with historical implications for the election’s outcome.

The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesman Chen Binhua accused the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of deflecting blame on mainland China to conceal its politicians’ wrongdoings. The controversy arose when DPP legislator Lo Chih-cheng was accused of being involved in a sex tape. Lo suggested that the video was manipulated using deepfake technology and blamed Chinese cyber forces for election intervention. DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te claimed that this incident demonstrates China’s intrusion in the elections and compared it to a similar incident involving Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Lo condemned the defamatory tactics used and warned of legal repercussions. TAO spokesman Chen Binhua argued that the DPP habitually attacks mainland China during Taiwan’s elections and accused the party of resorting to rumormongering to mask its impropriety and corruption.

KMT vice presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong declared during a livestream interview that Lai Ching-te, Taiwanese independence, and war are synonymous, describing them as the ＂trinity.＂ He criticized Beijing’s imprisonment of Hong Kong merchant Jimmy Lai and accused the DPP of advocating for a cabinet system when out of power but refusing to do so in office. Jaw Shaw-kong vowed to implement reforms if elected and reaffirmed the KMT’s stance on abolishing the death penalty. He mentioned former President Chen Shui-bian and firmly stated that even if Lai Ching-te were elected, Chen would not be granted special amnesty. Jaw Shaw-kong accused the DPP of being a ＂democratic dictatorship＂ and warned that Lai Ching-te’s election would bring uncertainty to Taiwan’s future.

Actress Tammy Lai responds to allegations of law violation, reaffirming her commitment to professionalism. Amidst ongoing legal proceedings, she vows to prove her innocence and expresses gratitude for public support.

The Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) campaign office released a campaign video titled ＂Together, On the Road,＂ featuring President Tsai Ing-wen passing the reigns to presidential and vice-presidential candidates Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim. Directed by Lo Ging-zim, the video utilizes advanced virtual studio technology to depict Tsai and Lai driving through Taiwan’s streets and alleys. Symbolically, Tsai hands over the car keys to Lai, signifying the transition of power, while Hsiao Bi-khim joins them in the passenger seat, representing their shared commitment to Taiwan’s democracy and freedom. All three individuals have been members of the DPP’s administrative team during their eight years in power, holding various posts and working tirelessly for Taiwan’s advancement.

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.

President Tsai Ing-wen praises outstanding civil employees from 2023 for their contributions to national progress and societal stability. Accompanied by Premier Chen Chien-jen and Examination Yuan President Huang Jong-tsun, Tsai acknowledges the awardees at the Presidential Office for their exemplary efforts and achievements. She emphasizes the significance of public servants in providing enhanced public services and overall national development. Tsai expresses gratitude for their commitment and encourages them to share their workplace innovation experiences with others.

James Lee, Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, stresses the importance of democracy for Taiwan during a New Year’s celebration. Learn how Taiwan’s democracy plays a crucial global role.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office Director Song Tao urges Taiwan’s people to promote the peaceful unification process and return cross-strait relations to the correct track. This comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the historically inevitable reunification of the motherland in his New Year’s address. The forthcoming presidential and legislative elections in Taiwan make these remarks noteworthy. Song’s message, titled ＂Keep the Direction, Forge Ahead,＂ was published in the ＂Cross-Strait Relations＂ magazine, highlighting mainland China’s strides in establishing its commanding position and initiative in cross-strait affairs in 2023. The bold declarations from China could potentially influence Taiwanese voters’ perceptions and choices at the polls.

The Taipei City Construction Management Office has fined the campaign headquarters of Kuomintang (KMT) legislative candidate Wang Hung-wei NT$10,000 for a billboard violation. The office has also requested rectifications. Additionally, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te has been found to be in violation of size regulations for two campaign materials, and a notice for a fine will be issued to Lai’s campaign soon. These actions come after Taipei updated regulations for managing campaign material in preparation for the 2024 presidential and legislative elections. This is the first enforcement of the revised regulations. So far, the office has received 34 reports of campaign advertisement violations, with 11 cases from the KMT and 19 from the DPP. The office is urging all candidates to adhere to the regulations to ensure a clean election in the city.

Taiwanese Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) plans to open a factory in Japan’s Kumamoto precinct on Feb. 24, 2023, according to Japanese daily newspaper Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun. Construction of the plant began in April 2022, with mass production expected by the end of 2024. The office building at the Kumamoto site has already started operations, and manufacturing equipment installation began in October 2021. TSMC has previously expressed Kumamoto as the preferred location for a second factory in Japan, likely adjacent to the original plant. The factory is expected to employ approximately 1,700 people, and staff recruitment efforts are progressing smoothly.

Chinese authorities are allegedly pressuring Taiwanese rock band Mayday to make pro-China statements ahead of Taiwan’s major election in January 2024, according to foreign media reports. China’s National Radio and Television Administration has reportedly asked Mayday to endorse Beijing’s claim that ＂Taiwan is part of China＂ and align with China’s media propaganda on Taiwan. The aim is believed to be influencing the votes of young people in Taiwan. Mayday’s management company, B’in Music, has not responded to inquiries, and higher authorities from the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council have also not commented on the matter.

The Environmental Protection Department of the New Taipei City Government is taking action to address ongoing oil pollution on the North Coast. Citizens have reported crude oil contamination in coastal areas since December 4, possibly linked to unidentified crude oil pollution on Green Island in Taitung. The department has swiftly implemented cleanup operations, but sporadic incidents caused by ocean currents require continued efforts. Upon receiving pollution reports, the department collaborated with local fishery associations, the Inspection Office, and the Coast Guard Administration’s Coastal Patrol Squad. They transported necessary resources, such as oil-absorbent cotton pads and ropes, to polluted sites. Non-governmental units, including local business owners and volunteer groups like the Azure Alliance in Taiwan, actively participated in preventing the spread of oil pollution. A total of 58 response team members, 32 coastal patrol personnel, and numerous volunteers have been involved in the cleanup efforts.