Taiwanese democracy 結果共21筆

Here is a meta description for the story: Tʻai-chung ＂Born 2 Be Free Festival＂ chʻu-hsing 35 chou-nien chi-nien Teng Nan-jung shih-chieh chi Tʻai-yang-hua Hsüeh-yün 10 chou-nien, tʻui-hsiang yen-lun tzu-yu chia-chih, chʻüan-li min-chung liao-chieh kuo-chʻü jen-chʻüan pei-hai li-shih, cheng-fu yin-chih chih-chʻi huo-tung.

Former President Ma Ying-jeou’s upcoming visit to China from April 1 to 11, including stops in Guangdong, Shaanxi, and Beijing, is closely monitored by both sides amid heightened cross-strait tensions. Premier Chen Chien-jen emphasizes the importance of Ma upholding Taiwanese values during his trip, including sovereignty, democracy, and rule of law. Chen’s cautious approach underscores the delicate balance between cross-strait relations and Taiwan’s democratic principles.

Taiwanese Vice President Lai Ching-te emphasizes Taiwan’s commitment to peace, equality, democracy, and dialogue in the face of challenges from China. Lai meets with a U.S. delegation led by Representative Mike Gallagher to strengthen Taiwan’s national defense and security. Gallagher expresses continuous support for a deeper Taiwan-U.S. relationship, highlighting the integral bond between the two countries amid China’s ambitions. The meeting underscores Taiwan’s resolve to engage in peaceful, equal, democratic dialogue and protect its sovereignty.

President Tsai Ing-wen highlights the success of Taiwan’s investment incentives projects, which have attracted over NT$2.17 trillion in investments and created over 140,000 jobs. Speaking at a Lunar New Year event, Tsai emphasizes the importance of Taiwanese businesses in driving economic development and emphasizes Taiwan’s global reach and reliability as an international partner. She also discusses Taiwan’s efforts to improve infrastructure and expand external relations, including trade cooperation with the U.S. and U.K. Tsai calls for the preservation of the peaceful and stable status quo in the Taiwan Strait and expresses a commitment to upholding democracy and seeking cross-strait dialogues. The event was attended by government officials and over 300 Taiwanese businessmen living and working in China.

Taiwan’s Director-General in Boston, Charles Liao, responds to China’s interference in Taiwan’s elections with military threats and economic bullying. Liao highlights Taiwan’s commitment to democracy and refusal to bow to Chinese pressure. The U.S. State Department, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the European Union’s European External Action Service congratulate elected officials Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim. Despite China’s attempts at interference through disinformation, military intimidation, and economic threats, Taiwanese voters remain resilient in their pursuit of democracy and freedom. Liao’s response is prompted by a Boston Globe article suggesting that the U.S. should prioritize Taiwan as a democratic partner.

Legislative Speaker You Si-kun met with a Lithuanian delegation led by Matas Maldeikis, chairman of the Lithuania-Taiwan parliamentary friendship group. The meeting highlighted Taiwan’s recent election, which had a voter turnout of over 70%, as a clear message from the Taiwanese people to defend democratic freedom and national sovereignty. The delegation included three deputy speakers of the Lithuanian parliament and eight other cross-party lawmakers. Speaker You noted that 2024 is a ＂super election year＂ globally, with Taiwan being the second country to hold elections this year. He also expressed his wishes for Lithuania’s upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in May and October 2024. The speaker emphasized that elections represent the ＂possibility of choice,＂ ＂freedom to participate in politics,＂ and ＂protection of speech,＂ which are rights unfathomable under authoritarian rule. He called on global democratic allies to unite in facing authoritarian challenges and safeguarding democracy and prosperity worldwide. Speaker You expressed gratitude for Lithuania’s support and highlighted the countries’ cooperation on humanitarian aid, particularly in helping Ukrainian students return to school.

The U.S. Congressional Taiwan Caucus co-chairs, Republican Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart and Democratic Representative Ami Bera, are visiting Taiwan from Jan. 24 to Jan. 26, 2024. This marks their first visit to Taiwan in recent years, symbolizing their bipartisan commitment to Taiwan’s democracy. Their visit comes after Taiwan’s presidential election, celebrating the victory of Taiwan’s democracy. Diaz-Balart and Bera will meet with President Tsai Ing-wen, Vice President and President-elect Lai Ching-te, and Foreign Minister Joseph Wu. Talks are scheduled with Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim and other Taiwanese political leaders. Both Diaz-Balart and Bera have been long-standing friends of Taiwan, often leading or proposing initiatives and bills supportive of Taiwan. The Congressional Taiwan Caucus is the largest secondary body in U.S. Congress relating to foreign affairs. Their visit reemphasizes the U.S. Congress’ support for Taiwan, following the 2024 presidential election and marking the 45th legislative anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to deepen Taiwan-U.S. relations based on shared values and the U.S. Congress’s support.

The Taiwanese government, led by Premier Chen Chien-jen, has emphasized its commitment to handling issues with the social media platform TikTok with precision. The government aims to address potential misinformation on social platforms to enhance public literacy and has warned of legal sanctions for spreading false information. The Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau recently established a Cognitive Warfare Research Center, which has raised concerns about potential infringements on freedom of speech. Chen highlighted the use of TikTok in advancing cognitive warfare efforts in some countries and the need for stricter government scrutiny. Taiwan has already banned the use of TikTok in government sectors since 2020. Chen argued that autocratic nations often exploit democratic societies’ free speech to influence elections through social media. He reiterated Taiwan’s status as a free and democratic country ruled by law, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to protect freedom of speech. Chen also highlighted the threats posed by spreading false or misinformation to reputation, health, privacy, societal stability, and national security. He called on democracies worldwide to approach this issue with caution.

Taiwan’s 2024 general elections resulted in a third term for the DPP, reflecting a preference for stability and resistance to Beijing’s unification plans amidst significant domestic challenges and a shift in public opinion.

U.S. National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications, John Kirby, affirms American support for Taiwan’s democracy and urges parties outside Taiwan not to interfere with its democratic process. This comes after Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported detecting three balloons from the Chinese Communist Party crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait. Following the incident, there were multiple incursions by Chinese aircraft and vessels observed in the area. The Taiwanese military will take appropriate measures based on the nature and potential hazard of the balloons. Although Kirby couldn’t verify the balloon reports, he reiterates U.S. support for Taiwan’s democracy and looks forward to free, fair, and transparent elections. He also warns against any external force attempting to interfere with the Taiwanese elections and urges parties outside Taiwan not to meddle with its democratic process.

President Tsai Ing-wen asserts that Taiwan is globally significant economically and does not rely on China as a conduit to the world. Tsai emphasizes the importance of Taichung in the upcoming elections, stating that over 50 percent of presidential and vice presidential votes will come from the city. She acknowledges that inadequate infrastructure has hindered economic growth during her presidency, leading to an investment of NT＄4 trillion in public infrastructure. Tsai also highlights her significant investments in social welfare, including elderly care aids, subsidies for children, and income tax exemptions for 47 percent of the Taiwanese population. She urges support for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te in the 2024 election to continue her approach of incorporating economics, defense, and democracy to protect Taiwan.

Popular Taiwanese band Mayday received encouragement from Executive Yuan Premier Chen Chien-jen to continue giving strength, despite pressure from China to endorse the ＂One China＂ stance. Chen criticized China’s use of false information to attack the world. Mayday is feeling pressure from the Chinese government ahead of the presidential election. Chen praised Mayday for their creative contributions under Taiwan’s culture of freedom, democracy, diversity, and openness. Legislator-at-large candidate Puma Shen of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) also highlighted China’s interference in nations worldwide, including luring artists to develop in China and gradually dictating their speech. Shen explained that these tactics typically last from three to six years, causing victims to fall prey to China’s united front tactics.

The Taiwan Youth Association for Democracy (TYAD) has successfully concluded its fundraiser to help students return home to vote in the upcoming 2024 Elections. The fundraising drive, which started on December 8, aimed to reduce the costs of youth returning home to vote. Nearly 1,200 donors contributed NT＄660,000 to the cause, allowing youth to take buses home to vote for just NT＄113. The plan includes ferry service from Kaohsiung to Penghu and flights to Kinmen. If donations exceed NT＄700,000, three additional routes will be added, and if they surpass NT＄800,000, 10 more routes will be added. The buses will depart from 10 universities and municipalities’ train stations, with 27 pick-up and drop-off points. The fundraiser will conclude on December 29, 2023, and the association encourages continued public interest and support to fulfill the voting needs of more Taiwanese youth. The 2024 presidential and legislative elections, to be held on January 13, have generated significant attention for this fundraising project.

DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te criticized the KMT and TPP, stating that neither party reflects mainstream public opinion in Taiwan and lacks the ability to promote stable development. Lai outlined the challenges Taiwan faces, including its future in the Indo-Pacific region, the global struggle between autocracy and democracy, the challenge posed by China, digital transformation, and transitioning to net-zero emissions. He emphasized that the upcoming presidential election will determine Taiwan’s fate and the future of the Indo-Pacific region. Lai aims to ensure Taiwan’s sovereignty and long-term stability, continuing the path toward democracy initiated by President Tsai Ing-wen. He criticized the KMT and TPP for their dependency on China, aligning with the ＂One China principle.＂ Lai warned that a DPP defeat could hinder policy implementation, cause societal unrest, and cast doubts within the international community. Support for DPP-nominated candidates in the elections is crucial for continuing democratic progress.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim reassures citizens that the Republic of China (ROC) will continue to exist and be maintained, dismissing concerns that a DPP victory would lead to its disappearance. In an exclusive online interview, Hsiao emphasizes the importance of the ROC’s constitutional system as the fundamental basis of Taiwan’s democracy. She commits to upholding democratic values and public opinion in Taiwan, addressing national identity issues by asserting that maintaining the status quo is the most acceptable stance for the international community and the Taiwanese people. Hsiao declares that the ROC will continue to exist and be defended, presenting this commitment to the Taiwanese people and the international community. As the vice-presidential nominee, Hsiao’s campaign is based on the ROC’s constitutional system, highlighting her respect for this structure and the importance of Taiwan’s democracy and public sentiment.

Presidential candidate Lai Ching-te warns against Taiwan becoming the next Hong Kong and emphasizes the need to resist Chinese aggression. He cites Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Agnes Chow as an example of what Taiwan must avoid. Lai criticizes the plans of rival candidates to renegotiate the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement with China, recalling the 2014 Sunflower Student Movement. Vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim highlights Taiwan’s capabilities to construct warships and produce missiles, symbolizing the Taiwanese people’s fearlessness against Chinese pressure.

DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te emphasized the importance of kindness among Taiwanese people and his vision for Taiwan’s future during his speech at the inaugural meeting of his campaign headquarters in Taoyuan. The event was attended by prominent DPP figures, including President Tsai Ing-wen. Lai’s pairing with his vice-presidential running mate Hsiao Bi-khim, dubbed the ＂Virtue Team,＂ has garnered attention online. Lai advocated for democracy over dictatorship and called for support of Taiwan’s international industry without relying too heavily on China. He outlined policies to boost industries such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and green energy technology. Lai also criticized the ＂Blue-White Alliance＂ between the KMT and TPP as a merger focused on party interests and personal power. He emphasized the need for the DPP to secure a legislative majority to smoothly implement these policies.

Hsiao Bi-khim, the vice-presidential candidate for Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party, expressed her opposition to using war as a solution to cross-strait issues. She emphasized the necessity of dialogue as the only viable method for resolution. Hsiao voiced her support for the four pillars of peace proposed by DPP’s presidential candidate, Lai Ching-te. These pillars include strengthening Taiwan’s deterrence capabilities, ensuring economic security, establishing partnerships with global democratic nations, and maintaining a stable, principled cross-strait relationship. Hsiao has been blacklisted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) due to her support for Taiwanese independence, but she highlighted that other international advocates for democracy and human rights have faced similar sanctions from the CCP. Despite this, Hsiao remains committed to protecting Taiwan’s democracy and maintaining an open attitude towards cross-strait dialogue. She emphasized the importance of preserving the status quo and seeking global support to uphold peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

＂Invisible Nation,＂ a documentary portraying Taiwan’s path to democracy and featuring President Tsai Ing-wen, premiered at the International Documentary Festival Amsterdam, drawing acclaim for its unbiased and unique perspective.

A civil alliance of local NGOs in Taiwan has launched a new moral code for reporting on Taiwanese elections. The code emphasizes fairness, accuracy, professional tones, respect for privacy, and media transparency. The initiative aims to enhance public trust in the media as elections approach. The alliance, consisting of Reporters Without Borders, Citizen Media Watch, and the Taiwan Media Watch Foundation, received widespread support from labor unions in the new media industry. The director of RSF Taipei Bureau highlighted the challenges faced by Taiwanese media, including political polarization and excessive commercialization. As the presidential campaigns intensify, more media organizations are expected to participate. The director of the Taiwan Media Watch Foundation emphasized the importance of press freedom in Taiwan’s democracy, warning of the negative impact manipulative activities could have on the democratic environment.

Independent presidential candidate Terry Gou and his running mate, Lai Pei-hsia, submitted a petition to the Taipei City Election Commission on November 1. Gou addressed a crowd outside the administrative center in the Xinyi district, emphasizing the significance of each signature on the petition and promising to press forward courageously in voicing the Taiwanese people’s pursuit of democracy and freedom. The number of signatures submitted was not disclosed at the time, but Gou’s campaign office stated that more details would be provided later.