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Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has announced enhancements to its online passport application system in response to increased demand as international borders reopen post-pandemic. Individuals can now schedule up to four passport applications in one reservation, a significant increase from the previous limit of one application per booking. MOFA encourages the use of its ＂Online booking appointment for passport application＂ to streamline the process. To avoid long queues, people can monitor the current number of waiting tickets and people in line on the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) website. For inquiries, the public can refer to the passport Q&A section on the BOCA’s global information network site or contact the passport inquiry hotline.

Presidential candidate Lai Ching-te emphasizes the importance of culture in advancing Taiwan’s international identity, stating that without cultural recognition, the world would remain unaware of Taiwan’s existence. Lai urges voters to choose the right path for Taiwan’s future, highlighting that the island cannot afford to backtrack. The rally to support DPP legislator Wu Szu-yao saw more than 150 cultural figures in attendance, showcasing broad support for her exceptional qualities. Wu emphasizes that culture could serve as Taiwan’s strongest form of national defense and foreign relations, drawing a parallel with Ukraine’s use of cultural heritage to garner international protection. She expresses confidence in Lai’s future leadership to enhance Taiwan’s cultural ties globally.

China criticizes a US arms sale to Taiwan worth $300 million, demanding an immediate halt to US military aid. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced the sale includes secure communications systems for Taiwan’s defense. China argues that the sale violates the One-China policy and the three joint communiques, particularly emphasizing the one from 1982. The spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense warns that any attempts to ＂use Taiwan to control China＂ will fail. China’s Foreign Ministry also launches a formal protest with the US and takes punitive measures against the involved companies.

Inventec Group will hold its annual year-end bōnenkai on Jan. 26 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, with rumors suggesting that rock legend Wu Bai may make a surprise appearance. This event marks Chairman Sam Yeh’s first time hosting since the Covid-19 outbreak, signaling a return to in-person festivities. While Wu Bai’s appearance has not been confirmed, Inventec has hinted that the guest will align with the rock genre. Over 6,000 employees are expected to attend, with more than 600 tables set up for the celebration. Executives from Inventec’s subsidiaries, including Inventec Appliances, Besta, and AIMobile, are also scheduled to join. The grand prize for the 2023 bōnenkai is anticipated to be NT＄200,000 in cash, with the possibility of additional top-ups from group executives, potentially exceeding a total prize pool of NT＄10 million.

EVA Air addresses accusations from the Taoyuan Union of Pilots (TUP) regarding pilot turnover and flight safety. The airline clarifies that only 50 national pilots have retired or left in 2023, contradicting TUP’s claim of 100 pilots leaving annually. EVA Air strongly denies the union’s allegations, emphasizing its rigorous selection process and commitment to fair pay. The airline urges the union to cease inappropriate behavior.

A survey conducted by online job bank Yes123 revealed that 88.4 percent of Taiwan’s companies plan to hold year-end parties before the Lunar New Year, with employees most eager to receive cash prizes. The survey also found that 60.3 percent of companies with year-end party plans will host lucky draw events. Among the preferred prizes, cash ranked as the top choice with 66.2 percent of employees, followed by smartphones (43.3 percent), cars (42.5 percent), department store vouchers (34.3 percent), and convenience store coupons (33.2 percent). The survey also showed that 73.6 percent of office workers have previously won a prize at year-end parties, with the average value of the biggest prize being NT＄11,833. The spokesperson for Yes123, Yang Tsung-pin, stated that the willingness of companies to hold year-end events has returned to normal, indicating the recovery and stabilization of the economy following the disruptions caused by Covid-19. The survey was conducted online from Dec. 1 to Dec. 14, with 1,366 valid responses and a confidence level of 95 percent and a margin of error of plus or minus 2.65 percent.

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen and Premier Chen Chien-jen have been alerted and instructed to prepare for emergency relief efforts following a magnitude 5.9 earthquake in Gansu Province, mainland China. The earthquake resulted in the deaths of 105 people and damage to 4,782 homes. Taiwan’s Minister of Interior, Lin Yu-chang, announced that a 160-member search and rescue team, including a structural engineer, doctors, nurses, and search dogs certified in International Search and Rescue Dog Organisation (IRO) rubble search, is ready to provide assistance. Communication has been established with mainland China through the Mainland Affairs Council to coordinate rescue needs. If requested, Taiwan’s National Fire Agency will collaborate with the Disaster Relief Foundation to activate a special charter flight mechanism for humanitarian rescue missions. Additionally, an earthquake in Qinghai Province resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals, bringing the total earthquake death toll in mainland China to 118. Taiwan’s quick mobilization demonstrates its readiness to provide humanitarian assistance despite the complex political relationship with Beijing.

Taipei’s Presidential Office spokesperson, Olivia Lin, conveyed President Tsai Ing-wen’s concerns and condolences following a devastating earthquake in China’s Gansu province on December 18. The magnitude 6.2 earthquake resulted in at least 111 deaths, 236 injuries, and significant property damage. President Tsai expressed sympathies to the victims’ families and tasked the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and the Mainland Affairs Office (MAO) to offer aid. She also posted messages on the social media platform X (previously known as Twitter) in both simplified Chinese and English to convey her condolences. President Tsai hopes for a smooth rescue and recovery process in Gansu, allowing affected individuals to return to normalcy swiftly.

Taoyuan Metro (TYMETRO) will add four extra train services during peak hours on workdays, aiming to reduce commuting time for passengers. The additional trains include two express services and two regular services, bringing the total number of peak-hour trains on workdays to eleven. This is the sixth round of increased services introduced by TYMETRO in 2023. Since April 17, 2023, TYMETRO has been expanding the number of trips to better meet commuter needs, with a focus on providing more frequent services during the morning peak period heading northbound. The express trains have been increased by six additional services, bringing the total to 18 express trips, benefiting Taoyuan commuters traveling southbound toward Taipei.

Delivery Hero, the parent company of Foodpanda, will close its global tech hub in Taipei as part of a major restructuring. This decision comes as Delivery Hero faces reduced investor confidence and aims to achieve efficient profitability and sustained growth. However, Taiwan’s Foodpanda assured that its operations in Taiwan will not be affected by the closure. The company also clarified that the recent organizational adjustments will not impact its operations or organizational structure in Taiwan, and no staff members in Taiwan will be laid off as part of this restructuring.

The VisaGuide World Passport Index has revealed the most powerful passports in the world for December, with Taiwan ranked 70th overall. Spain tops the list, followed by Germany in third place, and the United States in 40th place. The ranking is based on the Destination Significance Score (DSS), which considers various factors. The Spanish passport allows visa-free entry to 43 countries and visa-free access to an additional 106 countries. Singapore holds the second spot and is considered the strongest passport in Asia, granting its citizens visa-free entry to 156 destinations. In comparison, the Taiwanese passport allows visa-free entry to 100 countries and regions, placing it lower than some other countries. China ranks 117th, offering its citizens visa-free access to 46 countries.

The Chinese Embassy in France, FMPRC, criticized a Le Figaro report for its alleged falsehoods and bias against China’s actions in the South China Sea. The report, authored by Nicolas Barotte, highlighted China’s increasing aggression in the region. The FMPRC disputed the report’s claims, particularly regarding the territorial scope of the Philippines and the status of Taiwan. The FMPRC objected to Le Figaro’s portrayal of Taiwan as a separate entity from China. The embassy emphasized that Taiwan is an integral part of China and called for the media to respect China’s sovereignty and journalistic ethics.

The latest poll released by United Daily News shows a neck-and-neck race unfolding in Taiwan’s upcoming 2024 presidential election. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidates, Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim, known as ＂Lai-Hsiao,＂ have a support rate of 31%, matching the popularity of the Kuomintang (KMT) duo Hou Yu-ih and Jaw Shaw-kong, dubbed ＂Hou-Jaw,＂ who also have a 31% approval rating. Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je and his vice-presidential partner, Cynthia Wu, referred to as ＂Ko-Wu,＂ currently stand at 21% in the polls. In terms of in-party support, ＂Lai-Hsiao＂ leads with an 86% approval rate among DPP supporters, ＂Hou-Jaw＂ has an 83% approval from KMT adherents, and ＂Ko-Wu＂ secured an 85% backing from TPP followers. Among neutral voters, ＂Hou-Jaw＂ leads with 25%, followed by ＂Ko-Wu＂ at 23%, and ＂Lai-Hsiao＂ at 19%. However, 45% of all polled voters believe ＂Lai-Hsiao＂ are most likely to win the election, compared to 23% for ＂Hou-Jaw＂ and 13% for ＂Ko-Wu,＂ with 19% feeling the outcome is too close to call. The survey also indicates a collective yearning among 48% of respondents for political change, with 31% expressing a strong desire to see the DPP unseated. The poll, conducted from Dec. 13 to Dec. 17, involved 1,250 adult respondents with an additional 368 refusals. The methodology employed dual-frame sampling of both landline and mobile phones, accounting for mobile-only households, and the results were weighted according to age, gender, and population distribution across various municipalities for those aged over 20. The survey has a margin of error of ±2.8 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

KMT chairman Eric Chu expresses optimism about the upcoming legislative elections and suggests that the KMT could potentially secure a majority if things go smoothly. He is joined by legislators-at-large candidates Ko Chih-en and Hsieh Lung-chieh, as they declare their commitment to victory in the 2024 elections. The KMT acknowledges that about 15 electoral districts are currently in tight races and plans to mobilize a strong team including former Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu, presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih, vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, and Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen to bolster support in these critical areas. Chairman Chu expresses confidence in the quality of the KMT’s legislative nominees and emphasizes the party’s careful and cautious approach to the election battle. With high-profile party members rallying to support candidates nationwide, the KMT is gearing up for a significant push ahead of the 2024 legislative elections.

Taiwan People’s Party presidential candidate Ko Wen-je criticizes the housing loan policies proposed by Kuomintang candidate Hou Yu-ih and Democratic Progressive Party candidate Lai Ching-te, deeming their focuses misplaced. Ko mocks Hou’s no-down-payment plan as a deferred payment scheme and questions Lai’s policy of extending the maximum loan period. He also dismisses Lai’s implications of corruption issues and counters with a list of Democratic Progressive Party corruption cases. Ko takes a dig at Lai over an illegal structure in his hometown, which has become a popular check-in spot online. In response to President Tsai Ing-wen’s sarcastic retort about stability, Ko acknowledges Tsai’s success in maintaining strong Taiwan-U.S. relations but disagrees with her domestic policies on cross-strait relations. Recently, Ko was seen replacing his original KP pin with the flag of the Republic of China, interpreted as an attempt to court the deep-blue vote. Ko clarifies that he simply received a batch of national flag pins and put one on, emphasizing that Taiwan is not owned by the Democratic Progressive Party and the national flag is not exclusive to the Kuomintang.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih criticizes Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) opponent Lai Ching-te for lacking clarity on cross-strait economic and trade policies. Hou emphasizes the importance of maintaining trade with China and accuses the DPP of not participating in major trade agreements. He vows to join these agreements and secure Taiwan’s position in regional economics. KMT vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong also criticizes the DPP for not engaging with mainland China and increasing banned items from China. He argues that the KMT is better equipped to initiate cross-strait dialogues.

DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te emphasizes fairness and justice, addressing criticism of corruption and malpractice from KMT candidate Hou Yu-ih. Lai highlights his consistency and transparency in handling public affairs and calls for support from Tainan, historically a bastion of democracy and strong support for the DPP. Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che urges the populace to choose the Lai-Hsiao ticket in the upcoming elections.

Former Minister of Health and Welfare and campaign manager for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Taipei, Chen Shih-chung, has revealed that internal polling indicates fluctuations in voter sentiment during the tightly contested presidential race. Despite the challenging overall race in Taipei, DPP’s presidential candidate, Lai Ching-te, maintains stable support across various demographic groups. The DPP has been conducting internal polls to assist in devising election strategies. Chen countered claims by Kuomintang’s (KMT) Taipei party branch director Huang Lu Ching-ju, stating that the DPP’s findings contradict the approval rating figures of KMT presidential candidates Hou Yu-ih and Jaw Shaw-kong. Chen noted that the KMT has higher support among older voters but struggles to appeal to the younger demographic. While acknowledging the volatility of party-led poll figures, Chen stated that campaign tactics would be adjusted based on these outcomes. DPP legislative candidate Wu Pei-yi remains optimistic about the election in Taipei, suggesting the possibility of a turn of events in both the presidential and legislative elections. The DPP continues to work tirelessly to improve its standing in the challenging district of Taipei.

The Transportation Bureau of the Kaohsiung City Government has announced that left turns will be permitted at 10 intersections along the route of the Kaohsiung Circular Light Rail. In order to maintain traffic flow and address concerns from drivers, the bureau has reviewed and assessed traffic regulations. To minimize the impact on through traffic, vehicles will be directed to stay to the right about 50 meters upstream from the intersections. Additionally, changes to signal timing and settings on main roads surrounding the light rail, including Dashun Road, Jiangong Road, Dafeng Road, and Dachang Road, will be implemented. These adjustments aim to respond to actual traffic flow and will be fine-tuned as needed.

Taiwan’s badminton star, Tai Tzu-ying, secures her fourth BWF World Tour Finals title by triumphing over former world number one, Carolina Marin of Spain. In a thrilling finale, Tai showcases her resilience and talent, overcoming a deficit in a previous match and staging an incredible comeback victory. Despite losing the first set, Tai’s determination remains unwavering, leading to a 21-14 win in the second game. With a final game score of 21-18, Tai emerges as the champion, etching her name in history. This year’s BWF World Tour Finals also featured a record-setting total prize money of approximately NT＄79.43 million.

Taiwanese badminton player Tai Tzu-ying stages an incredible comeback to secure a spot in the finals of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Finals, defeating South Korea’s An Se-young. Despite trailing 10-19 in the deciding game, Tai mounts a remarkable 12-1 run to clinch victory after a grueling 72-minute match. Tai attributes her success to perseverance rather than any special strategies. Despite still recovering from an injury, she is determined to be fully prepared and patient for the final match against Spain’s Carolina Marin. This will be Tai’s fourth career gold if she triumphs, and it promises to be an intense showdown given their balanced record of 11 wins each in their 22 previous encounters.

The CPC Corporation, under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, has announced a reduction of NT$0.3 in gasoline prices and an increase of NT$0.3 in diesel prices starting midnight on Monday. This adjustment is part of the ongoing implementation of the dual stabilization mechanism for oil pricing. The pricing measures absorbed NT$0.2 for both gasoline and diesel this week, following a decline in the 7D3B weekly average price. The floating oil pricing mechanism originally predicted a decrease of NT$0.1 in gasoline prices and an increase of NT$0.5 in diesel prices. However, due to currency appreciation in neighboring Asian countries, Taiwan’s price adjustments fell below those of its neighbors, resulting in a net absorption of NT$0 for both types of fuel. CPC has stated that it will continue to adjust domestic fuel prices in accordance with the oil pricing formula and government tax reductions to maintain the lowest possible prices in Asia and stabilize domestic oil prices through its stabilization measures.

The Taoyuan Union of Pilots (TUP) has announced that EVA Air pilots will hold a strike vote in response to the airline’s handling of end-of-year bonuses and salary raises. The TUP claims that EVA Air’s cost-cutting measures and talent loss have resulted in frequent safety incidents. The union plans to hold a press conference in front of the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) to voice their demands. EVA Air has been accused of aggressively reducing costs, leading to a significant loss of national pilots and the hiring of foreign pilots through illegal brokers. The TUP believes the MOTC should take responsibility and has set a deadline for EVA Air to improve the situation, suggesting that flight rights be reduced if conditions are not met.

Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant JN.1 has been sporadically detected in Taiwan’s local cases. JN.1 is an offspring of the BA.2.86 variant and was first detected in Taiwan on Oct. 20 through a traveler from Japan. The local proportion of the JN.1 strain is below 5 percent, indicating that it has not become the dominant strain. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the continued use of the XBB.1.5 vaccine strain, which has been shown to be effective against JN.1 and other emerging variants.

The Taipei Marathon took place on a chilly morning with a record-breaking turnout of around 28,000 runners, including an 80-year-old man. Ethiopian runners, Dechasa Alemu Moreda and Obse Abdeta Deme, won the men’s and women’s marathon categories with impressive times of 2:11:56 and 2:27:12, respectively. Taiwanese runners, Chiang Chieh-wen and Chen I-ning, claimed the national titles with finishing times of 2:22:29 and 2:56:37. This year’s marathon set records for the highest number of participating countries, with runners from 62 nations, and the largest ever runner participation, nearing 30,000 entrants. Kenyan athlete, Lani Kiplagat Rutto, who narrowly missed the championship last year, returned but fell short once again.