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Taiwan releases film to boost WHO bid
Discover "My Second Home," a documentary by Taiwan’s MOFA showcasing their advanced medical capabilities through the story of an Indonesian child’s successful liver transplant. This film is part of Taiwan’s bid for WHO inclusion, available in 12 languages and shared globally on social media.
2024/05/07 10:38
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Blinken advocates for Taiwan’s reinstatement as WHA observer
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urges WHO to allow Taiwan to return as an observer to the World Health Assembly, highlighting Taiwan’s vital contribution to global health and the importance of its participation for worldwide health cooperation. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs appreciates the support, emphasizing ongoing efforts to secure Taiwan’s international participation and cooperation with the U.S. and other countries.
2024/05/03 12:12
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US Reps. demand fair treatment for Taiwanese athletes
Three U.S. lawmakers have urged the International Olympic Committee to end the "unfair" treatment of Taiwanese athletes, who must compete as "Chinese Taipei" without their national flag or anthem, challenging the IOC to uphold the Olympic Charter’s principles of equality and political neutrality.
2024/05/03 11:31
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Taiwan delegation to advocate for WHO membership in Geneva
Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang to lead a delegation to Geneva, advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion in the WHO and emphasizing the unanimous domestic support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, despite the challenges posed by UN Resolution 2758. Chiang highlights Taiwan’s effective governance and sovereignty over its territory, calling for meaningful participation in the UN system to enhance global visibility, improve cross-strait relations, and promote regional stability.
2024/05/02 18:10
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Swedish parliamentarians support Taiwan’s WHO bid
Explore the seminar held by the Swedish-Taiwanese Parliamentary Association discussing Taiwan’s participation in the WHO, featuring key speakers and demonstrating support from Swedish parliamentarians for Taiwan amidst political challenges.
2024/04/26 12:04
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Taiwan’s ongoing struggle for WHA participation continues
Taiwan could be excluded from the World Health Assembly for the eighth consecutive year, with no invitation to the 77th WHA in Geneva. Despite this, an action team led by Minister of Health and Welfare Chiu Tai-yuan will still attend for health exchanges. Efforts to regain WHA participation have been ongoing since 1997, but Taiwan has faced barriers since 2017. The exclusion continues despite Taiwan’s previous WHO membership before 1971.
2024/04/24 17:10
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Teen developer’s earthquake alert app hits 320K downloads
Discover the story of Lin Tzu-yu, a high school senior who developed the Taiwan Earthquake Alert app, providing early warnings for earthquakes. With over 320,000 downloads, this self-taught coder’s creation has become essential for residents in seismic-active Taiwan, especially following a 7.2 magnitude quake in Hualien.
2024/04/24 11:14
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Taipower president reverses resignation decision
Explore the story of Wang Yao-ting, President of Taiwan Power Co (Taipower), who retracted his resignation to continue leading the company amidst recent power outages and supply challenges in Taoyuan. Discover his commitment to Taipower, supported by the Minister of Economic Affairs and Taipower’s acting chairman, and learn about the company’s efforts to manage power supply through demand response mechanisms and the call for societal support in power plant construction for a stable power system.
2024/04/22 12:20
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Chen Chien-jen to return to Academia Sinica after May 20
Here is a meta description for the story: Premier Ch’en Chien-jen respects cabinet appointments, believes future cabinet will make Taiwan better. President-elect Lai Ch’ing-te announces Cho Jung-t’ai as Premier, who reveals first wave of cabinet members. Ch’en to return to Academia Sinica after May 20.
2024/04/15 17:39
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Food vendors absorb electricity costs, fearing price hikes
Lukang Old Street Business District chairperson Huang Shih-chieh expresses concern over rising electricity costs and their impact on food vendors, who may absorb cost increases to avoid raising prices due to declining consumer purchasing power, potentially leading to a vicious inflation cycle.
2024/04/15 17:25
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Heroic Rescue Dog Roger makes int’l news after earthquake
Discover the inspiring journey of Roger, a rescue dog from the Kaohsiung Fire Bureau, who became a hero by finding victims in the aftermath of a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Hualien, Taiwan. Initially trained as a drug-sniffing dog, Roger’s boundless energy led him to a career in search and rescue, culminating in international recognition for his bravery. As he approaches retirement, Roger’s story highlights the invaluable contributions of rescue dogs in disaster relief.
2024/04/10 15:53
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Brazilian deputies donate $10K to Taiwan earthquake relief
The Taiwan Friendship Group of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies, with 212 members, donated $10,000 to support Taiwan’s Hualien earthquake relief efforts. Group chairperson Junio Amaral, who recently visited Taiwan, expressed admiration for Taiwan’s hospitality and people. The donation affirms Taiwan’s strong will in facing challenges.
2024/04/10 14:18
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Pig on the loose: Yunlin police’s unusual day herding a sow
In Sihu Township, Yunlin County, a 50 kg sow’s adventurous stroll through the streets was brought to a halt by local police officers Wang An-shun and Ting Hsin-wen, who, with the help of the pig’s owner, safely returned the escapee to its pen after a 20-minute effort involving sticks and tail-pulling. The incident highlighted the importance of secure animal enclosures for safety.
2024/04/10 13:19
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Greek tourist saves 12 in Taiwan earthquake rockslide
Discover the incredible story of Greek tourist Dimitris Belbas, who became a hero in Hualien’s Taroko National Park by saving 12 people during a devastating rockslide triggered by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake. Married to the daughter of a former Taiwanese ambassador, Belbas utilized his boy scout rope skills to navigate the perilous Baiyang Trail, demonstrating humility and a profound connection to Taiwan amidst chaos.
2024/04/08 16:58
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Measles resurgence in Taiwan: Cases spike in 2024
Taipei reports increase in measles cases in Taiwan, including imported cases from Malaysia. CDC urges vaccination to prevent spread.
2024/03/05 15:13
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University of Michigan mourns the loss of Chen Chun-han
The farewell ceremony for human rights lawyer and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislative candidate Chen Chun-han was held in Hsinchu City. Dean Kyle Logue of the University of Michigan Law School paid tribute to Chen’s dedication to human rights issues and his impact on the university community. Prof. Lin Chih-chieh of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University shared Logue’s eulogy, highlighting Chen’s passion for research and commitment to improving the rights of the disabled in Taiwan. The ceremony celebrated Chen’s academic achievements and his warm personality, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.
2024/02/27 13:50
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Taiwan halts chili powder imports amid carcinogen scare
Taipei’s FDA suspends chili powder imports from 21 Chinese suppliers for three months due to health concerns. The powder tested positive for Sudan III, a banned substance, prompting a recall of contaminated products. Sudan III is classified as a possibly carcinogenic substance by the WHO. The FDA warns that adding Sudan III to food violates food safety laws and could lead to severe penalties.
2024/02/21 13:34
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Taiwan reports first domestic measles case of 2024
Taiwan reports its first domestic measles case of 2024, with a man in his 30s testing positive in the Northern part of the country. The Centers for Disease Control are investigating possible sources of infection and monitoring 199 individuals who had contact with the patient. Vaccination is urged, especially for infants older than one year.
2024/02/19 17:25
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Wang Cheng-hsu takes oath as Taiwan’s new legislator
Wang Cheng-hsu, successor to former Legislative Speaker You Si-kun, was sworn in as a legislator in Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, pledging to enhance public health. Wang, a healthcare expert, aims to fulfill President-elect Lai Ching-te’s vision for better health care. His appointment was celebrated by former Legislator Chiu Tai-yuan, who believes Wang’s expertise will benefit Taiwan’s medical community.
2024/02/19 12:33
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Exploring Taiwan’s democratic challenges at FICA
Taiwan takes center stage at the 30th Festival International des Cinémas d’Asie (FICA) in Paris as the theme country, showcasing a range of films from the martial law era to the works of new directors. Filmmaker Jean-Robert Thomann, who holds dual citizenship from France and Taiwan, presents his latest documentary, "Taiwan, Chronicle of a Threatened Democracy," in FICA’s documentary competition. The film, shot between 2021 and 2023, delves into the challenges faced by Taiwan’s democratic process, examining major referendums and the Taichung legislator election. Thomann believes Taiwan’s global recognition extends beyond seeking a seat in the United Nations, emphasizing the importance of parliamentary links, cultural and economic exchanges, and soft power rooted in creativity. He hopes his documentary will deepen French audiences’ understanding of Taiwan and inspire further exploration of the country. Thomann highlights that threats to Taiwan are not only external but also internal, with social media manipulation and fake news posing challenges to democracies worldwide. Despite these challenges, Thomann regards Taiwan as a remarkable example of democracy, particularly in Asia, and remains optimistic about the island’s democratic system. "Taiwan, Chronicle of a Threatened Democracy" premiered at FICA and is set to be screened in France, Taiwan, and Sweden.
2024/02/07 14:32
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Taipei Mayor to ride revamped gondola during LNY
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an plans to take his family on a ride on the newly renovated Maokong Gondola during the Lunar New Year holidays to visit the zoo. The gondola cabins have been redesigned in collaboration with "Animal Rescue Team Taiwan" and the popular "Maji Meow" (cat) to promote animal conservation, rescue efforts, and life education. From Feb. 3 to Feb. 14, customers who purchase three one-day passes will receive a limited edition New Year magnet set. Each one-day pass purchase also includes a single limited edition magnet. The cabins feature images of the gondola’s mascots, including the "Landlord" (a sloth), the Maji Cat, EMMA, and a calf. QR codes inside the cabins provide access to real conservation stories, promoting respect for all life and equality among creatures. Visitors to the Camphor Tree Trail during the New Year period can enjoy blooming lupines, the "Maokong Light Halo" at night, and sporadic God of Wealth blessings at various gondola stations. Limited quantities of sweets and cookies will be given away at the gondola stations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 10 to Feb. 12.
2024/02/02 16:03
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Former speaker You Si-kun resigns, sparks political shuffle
Former Legislative Speaker You Si-kun has resigned from his at-large legislator position, citing personal plans. This decision was reported to President-elect Lai Ching-te on January 19. Former Democratic Progressive Party legislator Julian Kuo disclosed that Lai had selected two departing Taiwan People’s Party legislators for his cabinet and arranged for You to assume another high-level position. The vacant at-large legislator position will be filled by Dr. Wang Cheng-hsu, Chairman of HOPE Foundation for Cancer Care. Additionally, DPP policy head Wang Yi-chuan may potentially take on the at-large legislator role if more vacancies arise. DPP legislator Chuang Jui-hsiung, who is rumored to be appointed as the Minister of Agriculture, has not yet received any official appointment.
2024/02/02 10:33
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Han Kuo-yu wins Taiwan speaker election, immune to recall
Taiwan’s newly elected Legislative Yuan speaker, Han Kuo-yu of the Kuomintang (KMT), cannot be recalled despite public demands due to existing laws. Unlike district-based legislators, Han, as an at-large legislator, is immune to recall. The announcement of Han’s victory in the legislative speaker election on Feb. 1 triggered a surge of interest in the topic of recall. This is a significant turnaround for Han, who was previously recalled as Kaohsiung Mayor in 2019. His brief 528-day term set a record for the shortest in Taiwan’s municipal history, with an unprecedented 939,090 votes of approval. Han’s actions, including his rapid bid for the presidency after being elected mayor in 2018, and perceived ineffective governance, have garnered significant criticism.
2024/02/02 09:10
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Taiwan VP Lai Ching-te’s sympathy letter to Japan published
Taiwanese Vice President Lai Ching-te’s letter expressing sympathy to Japan for the Noto Peninsula earthquake was published in the Hokkoku Newspaper on February 1. Lai’s message, along with a similar one from Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, emphasized Taiwan’s willingness to assist in the relief and recovery efforts. Lai mentioned that the Taiwanese government promptly offered aid, including a contribution of 60 million Japanese yen, while private donations from Taiwan have reached 2.5 billion yen. Lai also paid tribute to Yoichi Hatta, an engineer from Ishikawa Prefecture who worked on infrastructure projects in Taiwan, demonstrating the enduring gratitude of the Taiwanese people. The newspaper also featured a photo of Lai’s visit to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa in 2011 when he was the mayor of Tainan.
2024/02/01 16:50
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New legislators sworn in at Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan
Newly elected legislators, including prominent figures from various parties such as Han Kuo-yu and Hsieh Lung-chieh from the Kuomintang (KMT), Wang Shih-chien from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and Huang Kuo-chang from the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), gathered at the Legislative Yuan to take the oath of office and participate in a group photo. Legislative Speaker You Si-kun, despite only serving one term, was placed in the center of the photo, flanked by the DPP’s caucus convener Ker Chien-ming and the KMT’s Lai Shyh-bao, who has served eight straight terms. The event was filled with a dynamic ambiance due to the presence of these experienced legislators.
2024/02/01 12:17