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Premier urges Ma Ying-jeou to uphold democracy in China tour
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.
2024/03/26 11:10
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Taiwan Premier advocates for peaceful cross-strait dialogue
Premier Chen Chien-jen of Taiwan expresses willingness for peaceful democratic talks on equal terms in cross-strait exchanges during the Legislative Yuan’s general policy interpellation. Lawmaker Lin Te-fu from the Kuomintang (KMT) highlights tensions in cross-strait relations and calls for dialogue, citing the lack of official communication and progress in the Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) since 2015. Premier Chen emphasizes Taiwan’s economic growth potential and expanding market reach in New Southbound, Western, and East Asian countries.
2024/03/15 18:49
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Taiwan seeks to boost LNG storage amid rising tensions
Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, emphasizes the need to boost the nation’s natural gas storage capacity amid escalating cross-strait tensions. The call for expansion includes plans for a fourth liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and extensions in Taichung and Kaohsiung. Wang’s announcement follows an incident at the Legislative Yuan involving questions about Taiwan’s gas reserves, sparking discussions about national security and military readiness.
2024/03/15 17:30
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Taiwan’s Air Force resumes overnight flight training
In response to escalating tensions and a changing geopolitical landscape, Taiwan’s Air Force has resumed overnight training to enhance pilots’ night operation skills, signaling a strategic shift in military preparedness.
2024/03/14 18:25
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18 Chinese PLA aircraft cross Taiwan Strait: MND
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reports 18 aircraft from China’s People’s Liberation Army crossed the Taiwan Strait’s median line, with a total of 26 aircraft and 10 vessels detected in the area. The MND is closely monitoring the situation and expresses serious concerns over the ongoing intrusions, signaling escalating tensions in the region.
2024/03/14 11:36
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Chicago students explore Taiwan’s media with TVBS News visit
University of Chicago students recently explored the TVBS News office, delving into Taiwan’s media landscape and how global issues, especially military affairs and cross-strait tensions, are covered. Highlights include insights into traditional news values and the integration of new technologies.
2024/03/12 17:10
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KMT reaffirms cross-strait dialogue commitment amid tensions
Andrew Hsia, vice chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT) party, emphasizes promoting cross-strait exchanges and dialogue to prevent misunderstandings during a meeting with Song Tao, head of China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO). The discussion at the Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai addresses recent tensions, highlighting the KMT’s stance on the "1992 Consensus" and opposition to "Taiwan Independence." Both parties stress the importance of restraint to maintain peace and mutual trust in cross-strait relations.
2024/03/01 10:51
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KMT leader heads delegation to China amid maritime crisis
Kuomintang (KMT) Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia leads a delegation to China amidst tensions over a maritime incident, emphasizing the party’s advocacy for Taiwan’s interests. The visit sparks discussions on cross-strait relations amid political complexities.
2024/02/26 18:05
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Families of deceased Chinese fishermen arrive in Kinmen
The families of four Chinese fishermen arrive in Kinmen to manage the aftermath of a tragic accident. Accompanied by Red Cross representatives, they prepare for the entombment of their loved ones amid cross-strait tensions. #Kinmen #CrossStraitRelations #RedCross
2024/02/20 16:21
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China’s Coast Guard inspection sparks panic on Taiwan boat
Tensions escalate as China’s Coast Guard inspects "King Xia Cruise" near Kinmen, causing panic on board. Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council Minister, Kuan Bi-ling, condemns the incident, highlighting the strain on cross-strait relations. The recent clash follows a series of events, including a deadly confrontation between Taiwan and Chinese fishermen. China criticizes Taiwan’s response, blaming the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration works to manage the aftermath, coordinating funeral arrangements and supporting survivors.
2024/02/20 10:26
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China ramps up patrols in contested waters near Kinmen
The China Coast Guard increases patrols in waters between Xiamen and Kinmen after a fatal incident involving a Chinese vessel in Taiwan’s restricted waters. Tensions rise as Taiwan and China clash over fishing rights, challenging established boundaries. Taiwan enforces laws to protect its fishermen’s rights while seeking cross-strait cooperation.
2024/02/19 11:40
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Taiwan halts tour solicitations to China amid tensions
The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has abruptly halted the solicitation of tours to China, reversing its previous policy. Originally scheduled to open on March 1, tours from Taiwan to China were limited to a daily reference cap of 2,000 people, with the possibility of adjustments based on the travel industry’s ability to attract customers. The decision to halt the tours immediately was made in response to China’s failure to organize tours to Taiwan and its unilateral change of the M503 flight route without goodwill, which poses a threat to flight safety. The Tourism Administration, a part of the MOTC, believes that given the current circumstances, it is not in the best interest of Taiwanese nationals to travel to China. They continue to appeal to China to demonstrate goodwill and promote cross-strait tourism exchange. Tours that have already been solicited and are due to depart between March 1 and May 31, 2024, will proceed as planned to protect passenger rights, but tours after June 1 are not permitted to depart. Travel companies are urged to refrain from soliciting customers to avoid potential disputes.
2024/02/07 17:06
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Enhanced military readiness during Lunar New Year in Taiwan
Explore how the Republic of China’s armed forces are ramping up their military readiness in Taitung amidst threats from the People’s Liberation Army, focusing on sniper training and urban warfare tactics to ensure peace and stability during the Lunar New Year.
2024/02/01 12:52
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Taiwan’s military vigilant amid rising cross-strait tensions
Amid escalating tensions with China, Taiwan has launched critical military exercises in Pingtung, demonstrating its commitment to national defense. The drills come in response to increased Chinese military activities, including a breach of Taiwan’s defense perimeter by the PLA.
2024/01/26 16:51
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Bonnie Glaser on Taiwan’s elections and security challenges
In an exclusive interview, Bonnie Glaser discusses Taiwan’s security landscape, international media coverage, and the evolving dynamics in U.S.-Taiwan relations.
2024/01/23 20:30
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DPP win may prompt escalated activities from Beijing
Following the victory of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Taiwan’s presidential election, a report by the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) suggests that Beijing might escalate activities in gray zone areas. The report highlights Taiwan’s increased geopolitical prominence and its pivotal role in semiconductor manufacturing, making the stability of the Taiwan Strait a key concern for the U.S. and other Western nations. The report also notes that Vice President Lai Ching-te won the election by over 40% of votes, breaking the trend of switching ruling parties every eight years since direct presidential elections were implemented in 1996. The victorious DPP aims to strengthen Taiwan’s defenses and relations with like-minded nations while resisting negotiations with Beijing. Additionally, the party seeks to reduce Taiwan’s trade dependency on China and strengthen ties with significant partners such as Australia, Europe, and Japan. With no party securing a majority in the legislative assembly, the DPP faces a "minority government and majority opposition" scenario, which could hinder the government’s legislative and budgeting process and impact Taiwan-U.S. ties. Despite the election, cross-strait relations and regional tensions are unlikely to undergo fundamental changes. Taiwan’s vital position in semiconductor manufacturing and geopolitics ensures its continued rise in importance, with the U.S. and Western nations playing a crucial role in maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait. The upcoming U.S. presidential election in November is expected to significantly impact the U.S.-China-Taiwan triangle, and a potential return of former President Trump to the White House might please Beijing, according to the report.
2024/01/18 10:27
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KMT legislator concerned over U.S.-Taiwan-China relations
Kuomintang candidate Wang Hung-wei raises concerns about the impact of Democratic Progressive Party candidate Lai Ching-te’s presidential victory on Taiwan Strait stability and U.S.-China relations, questioning the future of Taiwan under Lai’s leadership.
2024/01/14 17:16
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Taiwan’s new leaders brace for future challenges: Analysts
The 2024 Taiwan elections, marked by a victory for the Democratic Progressive Party, have drawn global attention and sparked discussions on the island’s future relations with China and the United States. Experts analyze the implications of Lai Ching-te’s leadership and the reactions from Washington amidst rising regional tensions.
2024/01/14 16:10
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Taiwan’s voters head to the polls to elect new leaders
Taiwan’s voters head to the polls in a crucial election. Weather conditions and cross-strait tensions add complexity to the choices. President Tsai Ing-wen casts her vote as a third party competes. Stay updated on TVBS World Taiwan.
2024/01/13 10:54
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Jaw Shaw-kong urges China for peace ahead of elections
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.
2024/01/07 15:59
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Report: Hou Yu-ih’s victory could ease Taiwan-China tensions
If Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih wins the election, Taiwan’s political and economic situation could undergo significant changes, potentially easing tensions with China, according to a report by Nikkei Asia. Hou, a former police officer, has risen quickly in the political scene and is seen as a "law and order" poster child. Many Taiwanese voters are tired of President Tsai Ing-wen’s eight-year reign, especially regarding the increasing threat from China and slowing economic growth. Hou frames the election as a choice between peace and war, emphasizing the need to maintain good cross-strait relations. He accepts the 1992 Consensus and promises to restart the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement (CSSTA). Additionally, Hou advocates for a tough stance against crime and opposes the abolition of the death penalty, vowing to execute capital punishment if elected.
2024/01/06 16:09
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KMT’s Hou Yu-ih blasts DPP for autocracy and corruption
Kuomintang’s (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih criticizes the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for alleged autocracy, incompetence, and widespread corruption. He singles out DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te as a complicit beneficiary of the party’s corrupt structure. Hou proposes a "New Taiwan Political Reform Movement" focused on governing with peace, dignity, fairness, integrity, and diligence. He suggests that Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je could play a key role in this movement. Hou highlights the issues faced by the Taiwanese in the past eight years, such as fraud, corruption, democratic regression, and cross-strait tensions. He criticizes Lai for distancing himself from Taiwan’s independence and condemns the DPP over allegations of sexual harassment, corruption, and the new movement faction. Hou argues that the DPP’s disarray has eroded its trustworthiness among the Taiwanese. He outlines his aim of leading a clean governance team with capacity, courage, and fiscal propriety, in contrast to the DPP’s alleged autocracy. Hou asserts his capability and strength to form a coalition government, fulfilling the aspiration for an alternate ruling party.
2023/12/30 17:14
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KMT’s Hou Yu-ih slams DPP’s COVID-19 response in debate
Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for their mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic during a live presidential debate. Hou specifically targeted DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te, accusing him of neglect during the outbreak. Hou further claimed that Lai focused on issues surrounding his family home’s illegal expansion claim instead of caring for the public. As the former mayor of New Taipei City, Hou stated that any pandemic-related advice proposed to the central government was denied. He also criticized the DPP government for shortages of anti-epidemic supplies and food safety issues. Hou emphasized the need to establish a special investigation team to probe malpractices in the DPP’s pandemic approach. Additionally, he questioned Lai’s advocacy for Taiwanese independence, suggesting that it could escalate cross-strait tensions. Hou criticized Lai’s tactics as underestimating the intelligence of the Taiwanese people and disrespecting the Republic of China (Taiwan). He portrayed Lai as ungrateful and not trustworthy for Taiwan.
2023/12/30 15:23
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TAO doubts Lai’s claims of lowering cross-strait war risk
The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesperson, Chen Binhua, expressed doubt over Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te’s claim that his election would reduce the risk of a cross-strait war. Chen highlighted the contradiction in Lai’s stance as a supporter of Taiwanese independence while believing his presidency would mitigate tensions. Chen emphasized the international consensus to uphold the One China principle and maintain peace. Lai dismissed claims that supporting him meant war as Chinese propaganda and argued that his policy aligns with international norms. Chen countered by citing the success of the "One Country, Two Systems" formula in Hong Kong. Chen also addressed investigations into bureau chiefs suspected of violating the Anti-Infiltration Act and concerns over Taiwanese living in China being unable to return to vote due to a recent outbreak. He expressed concern that if the DPP authorities deprived Taiwanese living in China of their voting rights, it would expose their autocratic and non-democratic character to the world.
2023/12/27 16:28
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ICRT, TVBS forum talks Taiwan’s future, China’s influence
As Taiwan’s 2024 election nears, discussions intensify on the island’s future, with a focus on young voters and the impact of China’s actions. A recent forum at NTNU delved into these critical issues, highlighting the role of Taiwan’s youth in shaping a democratic future amid escalating cross-strait tensions.
2023/12/14 19:15