US 結果共320筆

Chinese children are increasingly experiencing antibiotic resistance when treating Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which poses a global health and economic concern. By 2050, drug-resistant diseases could result in healthcare costs of NT＄31 trillion and economic losses of up to NT＄106 trillion, according to the World Bank. The overuse of antibiotics has led to the rise of superbugs, diminishing the effectiveness of these medicines and compromising treatment outcomes. Azithromycin, a commonly used antibiotic in China for Mycoplasma pneumoniae, now faces an alarming resistance rate of nearly 80% to Macrolides. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns of the dangers of antibiotic overuse and refers to the situation as a ＂silent pandemic.＂ WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expresses concern that antibiotic resistance could bring us back to an era where minor infections are untreatable.

Former Senior Director for Asian Affairs at the National Security Council and CEO of the United States Studies Centre, Michael Jonathan Green, emphasizes that Taiwan’s recent extension of military service to one year is a significant indication of its commitment to defense. Green warns that any reversal of this decision would raise concerns in both the United States and Japan. As tensions rise across the Taiwan Strait, the main concern for the U.S. is Taiwan’s vulnerability to Chinese pressure or military action. By extending military conscription, Taiwan is demonstrating its political will to counter Beijing’s intimidation. The United States, Japan, and Australia believe that Taiwan’s efforts to stabilize the situation and prevent war are commendable. Green highlights that any threat posed by China to Taiwan could jeopardize security across the entire First Island Chain, impacting nations like the US, Canada, Japan, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand. Green, who has served in the Bush Administration and was part of the U.S. bipartisan delegation that visited Taiwan in March, stresses the critical importance of Taiwan’s resolve for self-defense.

The ＂Automotive Cybersecurity Report 2023＂ by VicOne reveals that over 90% of cyberattacks target companies within the automotive supply chain, resulting in a financial toll surpassing US$11 billion in the first half of the year. Hackers are increasingly focusing on less security-conscious firms, posing a significant risk to the interconnected players in the industry. VicOne CEO Max Cheng calls for the automotive industry to prioritize cybersecurity measures, allocating resources and establishing comprehensive security infrastructures for robust protection against cyber threats.

Taiwan’s National Development Council Minister, Kung Ming-hsin, expressed the hope for Taiwan to swiftly sign an Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA) with Australia. In his speech, he emphasized the potential for collaboration in the hydrogen energy sector to boost industrial development between the two countries. Kung, on behalf of Taiwan’s government, accepted the official release of the 2023 White Paper by the Australia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (ANZCHAM). He highlighted the record high trade of US$34.08 billion among Taiwan, New Zealand, and Australia last year. Kung also emphasized Australia’s crucial role as a major supplier of energy and agricultural products for Taiwan, emphasizing the complementarity between their economic industries. He mentioned Taiwan’s involvement in offshore wind financing operations with the Macquarie Group and its target of 10% of its energy mix coming from hydrogen, particularly green hydrogen, illustrating the potential for energy cooperation with New Zealand and Australia.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih proposes a pro-US and China diplomatic stance, diverging from incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen’s approach. Hou criticizes Tsai’s foreign affairs and cross-strait policies, blaming the Tsai administration for Taiwan’s diplomatic isolation, failure to join regional economic bodies, and lack of communication with China. Hou emphasizes adhering to the Constitution of the Republic of China, affirming the nation’s sovereignty, and proposing a balanced stance between fostering solid ties with the United States and engaging with Mainland China. He also highlights the importance of Taiwan being prepared and realistic about its defense, suggesting that the island’s security should not rely solely on promises from the US but on its efforts and pragmatic relations with democratic allies. Political commentator Jaw Shau-kong fiercely criticizes the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for being pro-US and anti-China, deeming Tsai’s policies on cross-strait relations and international diplomacy a complete failure. Jaw points out that despite Taiwan’s willingness to import American pork, the support has yet to translate into the U.S. helping with Taiwan’s entry into international organizations.

Taipei Show Chwan Hospital Director Cheng Cheng-chieh incurred a substantial medical bill and received minimal compensation from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) after suffering two broken ribs in a skiing accident in the US. Despite being treated at the largest emergency room in Anchorage for over six hours, Cheng only had a six-minute conversation with doctors. The most significant charge on his bill, which totaled approximately NTD＄500,000, was NTD＄280,000 for computed tomography (CT) scans. Upon returning to Taiwan, Cheng applied for overseas medical coverage from the NHI and was only reimbursed NTD $3,704, a stark contrast to the estimated cost of emergency care in Taiwan. Cheng’s experience highlights the financial risks of high medical costs abroad that are not fully covered by Taiwan’s health insurance system.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and the Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council (AZBTC) have reached an agreement to resolve a labor dispute at TSMC’s Phoenix semiconductor manufacturing facility. The collaboration includes employee training programs and a commitment to transparency on workplace safety issues. This agreement is seen as a critical step for TSMC, which is expected to benefit from the US$100 billion in subsidies provided by the U.S. Chips Act. TSMC has agreed to prioritize local hiring but can employ foreign workers with ＂specialist experience＂ if needed. TSMC’s investment in Arizona amounts to US$40 billion, with construction starting in 2021. Mass production is now scheduled to begin in the first half of 2025. This resolution not only facilitates smoother progress in the construction of TSMC’s plant but also highlights the company’s role in increasing semiconductor production capabilities in the United States.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) and the Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council (AZBTC) have reached a collaboration agreement to resolve labor disputes and enhance the development of TSMC’s semiconductor manufacturing facility in Phoenix. The deal includes increased workforce training, improved safety transparency, and the formation of a quarterly committee to ensure implementation. TSMC has committed a US＄40 billion investment in its Arizona production site and aims to hire locally while also employing foreign workers with specialized experience. The agreement has been hailed as a victory for Arizona workers and the construction timeline of TSMC Arizona. To address the labor shortage, TSMC has invested US＄15 million in the Arizona Pipe Trades to expand apprenticeship training and establish a semiconductor manufacturing school.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has pledged an additional $2 million over the next five years to support the Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC). The donation aims to enhance the fisheries capabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including Taiwan’s Pacific allies. MOFA has already contributed $2 million since 2017 to establish a foundation that promotes sustainable fishery practices and economic development in these communities. The Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission is currently holding its annual session in the Cook Islands.

Taiwan’s 2024 presidential election countdown has begun, and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim has become the target of disinformation campaigns from China, where she is being portrayed as an ＂American agent.＂ Hsiao, who has a European mother, previously held dual citizenship with both Taiwan and the United States, which has attracted significant attention. Chinese social media platforms are echoing voices questioning Hsiao’s ethnic background and citizenship, aiming to shape the perception of her and the presidential candidate as being too friendly to the U.S. and betraying Taiwan. However, these narratives are based on false information. Hsiao clarified that she does not hold dual citizenship and reaffirmed her commitment to Taiwan, having renounced her American citizenship in 2002 to emphasize her allegiance to the Republic of China, Taiwan.

McDonald’s plans to open 10,000 new restaurants by the end of 2027, aiming to attract 100 million additional members. This expansion includes 900 new outlets in the U.S., 1,900 in International Operated Markets (IOM), and around 7,000 in International Developmental Licensed (IDL) markets. The company expects its membership to increase from 150 million to 250 million, driven by the success of its ＂MyMcDonald’s Rewards＂ program, which generated over US$20 billion in sales last year. Currently, McDonald’s operates 41,198 restaurants worldwide, according to its latest quarterly financial report.

Taipei stock market remains steady around 17,360 points following a downturn in the US stock market. TSMC, the leading semiconductor foundry service provider, sees a rise of NT$3 to reach NT$573. Other semiconductor companies like UMC, PSMC, and VIS also experience modest gains. Additionally, electronic stocks like MediaTek show strength with a 1.4% increase to NT$940. Cable stocks outperform, while other sectors show slight fluctuations.

Taiwan aims to leverage its information and communication technology (ICT) and semiconductor industries to gain a competitive advantage in international markets. The Ministry of Economic Affairs Minister, Wang Mei-hua, witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Taiwan Association of Information and Communication Standards (TAICS) and the 5G Alliance for Connected Industries and Automation (5G-ACIA), signaling a new era of cooperation. With the global smart manufacturing market projected to reach US$140 billion by 2030, Wang believes Taiwan is well-positioned to integrate 5G into smart factories due to its existing experience and infrastructure. Taiwan aims to align its 5G application standards with global benchmarks and contribute its knowledge to international organizations. The Ministry of Economic Affairs is supporting the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in developing new technologies and collaborating with Taiwanese companies to establish a voice within the global 5G community through 5G-ACIA. This strategic partnership is expected to position Taiwan as a leader in next-generation industrial technology and solidify its role in the information and communication technology sector on the global stage.

The story discusses the response of the Kuomintang (KMT) party’s International Affairs Department to the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) allegations regarding the KMT’s cross-strait policy. The KMT defended its stance and accused the DPP of manipulating international opinion to hide its own lack of expertise in national security. The DPP’s allegations were made in an article by Vincent Chao, the head of the DPP’s International Affairs Department, in The Diplomat. Chao questioned the clarity of the KMT’s position on relations with China and claimed that a KMT presidency under Hou Yu-ih would lead to a more isolated Taiwan that is overly reliant on China. The KMT argued that Chao deliberately misconstrued their position on military conscription and reiterated the importance of national defense and conscription reforms for the security of the Republic of China (R.O.C.). They expressed regret over the DPP’s misleading claims and highlighted Hou’s commitment to bolstering national defense during his visit to the United States in September 2023. The KMT also criticized Chao for distorting their stance despite their envoy’s detailed explanation of the party’s defense policies at the US-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference in October. The KMT emphasized the significance of the next president’s term overlapping with Xi Jinping’s third term as the leader of China’s Communist Party and warned against relying on the DPP’s diplomatic strategies or self-proclaimed experts.

The story discusses allegations made by Yao Li-ming, the campaign manager for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te, regarding Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je’s claim of being offered US＄200 million to run for the vice-presidential bid. Yao asserts that this is a clear instance of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) meddling in Taiwan’s elections. The press conference titled ＂The Unclarified US＄200 Million Doubt: Is Ko Wen-je Lying to Voters or Is It Chinese Intervention?＂ highlights the seriousness of the alleged criminal act and characterizes Ko as both a witness and a victim of Chinese interference. Yao suggests that only the CCP has the motive, capability, and suspicion to offer such a large sum, potentially aiming to support a Blue-White alliance. Lai’s spokesperson, Tai Wei-shan, raises suspicions about Ko’s silence on the issue and insinuates pressure from either the CCP or the Kuomintang (KMT). Tai calls on KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih to clarify the KMT’s role in the alleged incidents. Additionally, Tai criticizes Hou’s proposals to reopen Taiwan to Chinese tourists and allow Chinese students to work in Taiwan, arguing that these policies would increase Taiwan’s reliance on China. The story also mentions investigations into the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) inviting Taiwanese village chiefs on free trips to China as an example of election interference. Tai rebukes the KMT’s eagerness to make Taiwan dependent on China, claiming that it would hinder the country’s progress in connecting with the world and the international community.

Taiwan’s exports for 2023 are projected to exceed US＄400 billion, making it the third-highest on record. Minister of Finance Chuang Tsui-yun expressed confidence in the sustained positive trend, with monthly exports in the fourth quarter expected to surpass US＄30 billion each. The country has accumulated US＄355.1 billion in export figures for the first ten months, putting it on track to achieve the forecast. Year-end stockpiling needs, emerging technologies, and opportunities in artificial intelligence contribute to cautious optimism for November and December’s export performance. Taiwan’s full-year exports are anticipated to trail behind the US＄446.4 billion seen in 2021 and the US＄479.4 billion in 2022. Since 2017, Taiwan’s annual exports have consistently surpassed US＄300 billion, a significant increase from the figures prior to 2016. The Directorate General of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics forecasts a 6.3 percent export growth rate for the coming year.

SinoPac Securities Investment Service (SinoPac Inv. Service) has released a report on the Taiwanese stock market, highlighting its impressive growth streak. Taiwan stocks have surged over 44% since 2020 through the end of November, outpacing South Korea’s market and even surpassing the US S&P 500’s gain. The report suggests that Taiwan stocks are poised to set a new high for the year, as the index has successfully breached the critical threshold of 16,800 points. SinoPac Inv. Service also points out that political performance and a thriving stock market are often seen as indicators of the incumbent’s record, with the stock market tending to show an upward trend before the presidential elections. Given the current momentum and what is described as a ＂multi-bottom pattern,＂ investment strategists at SinoPac are suggesting a ＂bullish-bias＂ investment approach. As investors closely monitor economic indicators before making their predictions on the election’s impact, Taiwan’s stock market enters the end-of-year season with robust investor optimism.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim has clarified that she has never renounced her Republic of China (R.O.C., Taiwan) citizenship, addressing speculations about her nationality status. While she once held U.S. citizenship due to her American mother, she renounced it in 2002 and has documentation to prove it. Hsiao, who has served multiple terms as a legislator, believes that her background has been thoroughly vetted. The discussion about her nationality arose from her time working in the Presidential Office in 2000, where confusion arose due to differing regulations under the Nationality Act and the Household Registration Act. Hsiao emphasized the importance of having a household registration in Taiwan, as it affects immigration, employment, and treatment. However, she assured the public that on the day she assumed her position as an ＂overseas compatriot legislator,＂ she obtained her R.O.C. identification card. Hsiao expressed confidence in her and her presidential running mate Lai Ching-te’s candidature, stating that everything has been meticulously checked, instilling great confidence as they head into the election.

Taiwan’s Finance Minister, Chuang Tsui-yun, projects that Taiwan’s total export value for this year will exceed US$400 billion, marking the third-highest record in Taiwan’s history. The nation’s exports for the first ten months of the year have already reached US$355.1 billion. Despite a slight decline in October, Taiwan’s export sector has shown signs of resilience, with positive growth in September. Chuang advises industry leaders and government departments to closely monitor global economic factors, such as inflation and the interest rate hike cycle, which may impact exports. Cautious optimism is emphasized for exports in the fourth quarter and beyond.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) has announced that all presidential and vice presidential candidates in Taiwan’s upcoming elections have submitted consent forms for nationality verification to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. One candidate, Cynthia Wu of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), has come under scrutiny for allegedly retaining her U.S. citizenship. Lawmakers from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the Kuomintang (KMT) have called on Wu to provide proof of her nationality status. The CEC aims to finalize the list of candidates by December 5 and announce the official roster on December 15. The DPP has nominated Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim, while the TPP has put forward Ko Wen-je and Cynthia Wu. The KMT has endorsed Hou Yu-ih and Jaw Shaw-kong. The focus now shifts to transparency and eligibility, with citizenship concerns becoming a central issue in the political discourse. The CEC’s timeline allows for any issues to be resolved before the formal candidate list is published, ensuring a fair and democratic election process.

The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) spokesperson, Tai Yu-wen, revealed that the person who allegedly offered TPP’s Ko Wen-je US＄200 million to be a vice-presidential running mate was introduced through an intermediary and had a name, calling cards, and communication records. The offer is believed to be affiliated with the Kuomintang (KMT). Tai accused the KMT of employing insincere tactics, including making lucrative offers and public coercion, while negotiating to unite opposition parties. Despite these events, the TPP is now focusing on proposing policies, setting goals, and seeking voter approval to establish a third path in Taiwanese politics.

The World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) predicts a 13.1% surge in global semiconductor revenue for 2024, reaching US$588.364 billion. Memory products are expected to be the main driver, with a projected revenue jump of 44.8%. In contrast, current-year revenues are estimated to decline by 9.4% to approximately US$520.126 billion. WSTS has revised its current-year revenue predictions due to better-than-expected performances in certain end markets. Discrete semiconductors are projected to grow by 5.8% in 2023, while optoelectronic products, sensors, and integrated circuits are anticipated to experience declines of 3%, 10.9%, and 8.9% respectively. Europe is the only market expected to expand, with a growth rate of 5.9%, while the American market is predicted to decline by 6.1%, Japan by 2%, and the Asia-Pacific region by 14.4%. In 2024, growth is anticipated across all major markets and semiconductor product categories, including memory, discrete semiconductors, optoelectronics, and sensors. Europe is predicted to grow by 4.3%, Japan by 4.4%, the American market by 22.3%, and the Asia-Pacific region by 12%.

Hsiao Bi-khim, the Democratic Progressive Party’s vice-presidential candidate, expressed concern about the dark ＂vortex＂ of Taiwanese politics but remains focused on serving the nation without distraction. During a media session, Hsiao acknowledged her role in promoting the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade and negotiations for the ＂Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement.＂ She highlighted bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress and efforts to propose legislative drafts. Hsiao also discussed tackling unanticipated issues such as supply chain resilience and securing vaccines during her time in the U.S. She emphasized the challenges stemming from Taiwan’s unique international status and the unfair treatment of Taiwanese in the global arena. Hsiao sees the resilience of the Taiwanese people as a strength, allowing them to pragmatically seek paths to their goals. She believes her life experiences have fortified her to face challenges with greater strength.

Taiwan’s foreign investment landscape has undergone a significant shift, with investments in Southeast Asia surpassing those in mainland China for the first time in 30 years. From January to October this year, Taiwan invested US＄4.96 billion in Southeast Asia compared to US＄2.63 billion in China. The total number of approved foreign investments during the same period decreased by 8.18%, totaling 1,864 investments. The total investment amount was US＄8.39 billion, marking a 27.35% decrease compared to the previous year. Jiangsu Province emerged as the main beneficiary of Taiwan’s investments in mainland China this year. The changes in Taiwanese investment behavior can be attributed to shifts in global supply chains caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the China-U.S. trade war. Notably, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), Foxconn, and Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation played a significant role in foreign investment, with TSMC investing US＄8 billion in U.S. companies and €3.5 billion in German firms, while Foxconn and Yang Ming Marine each injected US＄800 million into Singaporean businesses. This year marks the first time in three decades that investment in Southeast Asia has exceeded that in mainland China.

Taiwan’s Defense Minister, Chiu Kuo-cheng, has announced that the Ministry of National Defense (MND) is preparing to strengthen its military in order to prevent war. This comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed dissatisfaction with U.S. arms sales to Taiwan during his meeting with President Joe Biden. Chiu stated that Taiwanese military officers will continue to visit and learn from their U.S. counterparts, regardless of the circumstances. He downplayed concerns about the sale of ammunition, emphasizing that Taiwan is not intentionally arming itself but rather engaging in normal operations. Despite Xi’s denial of plans for military action against Taiwan in 2027 or 2035, Chiu emphasized that the Taiwanese military will not set a target year solely based on Xi’s statements. The MND will maintain a vigilant stance and be prepared for any situation without anticipating military conflicts in specific years.