issue 結果共122筆

The story discusses Ker Chien-ming’s support for You Si-Kun’s bid for the role of legislative speaker in Taiwan. Ker, the Democratic Progressive Party’s legislative caucus whip, stated that he is the most supportive of You Si-Kun’s election. However, Ker mentioned that the decision to appoint You now rests on Ko Wen-Je, the chairman of the Taiwan People’s Party. Ko had previously suggested that Ker may not strongly support You Si-Kun’s election. The Democratic Progressive Party caucus had proposed You Si-Kun for the post of legislative speaker and Tsai Chi-Chang as the vice speaker candidate. Ker believes that it is up to You Si-Kun and Tsai Chi-Chang to decide whether they would meet with the Taiwan People’s Party legislative caucus. Ker criticized the Taiwan People’s Party caucus for privately inviting candidates from the Democratic Progressive Party and the Kuomintang for discussions, describing it as sensational and absurd. Ker emphasized that the key issue now is Ko Wen-je’s decision, particularly considering whether to appoint Han Kuo-yu, the Kuomintang candidate who Ker worries may be influenced by the Chinese Communist Party.

Chinese media personality Wang Zhian’s derogatory comments about a disabled person have sparked controversy. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) expresses regret that Wang has yet to admit his error and announces they will no longer respond to his remarks. Despite apologizing, Wang’s attempt to politicize and mask his derogatory comments is criticized by DPP spokesperson Justin Wu. The DPP emphasizes their zero-tolerance policy against discrimination and warns against shifting focus away from the issue. Despite writing a letter to the DPP, Wang still fails to admit his mistake, leading to the DPP’s decision to refrain from responding further. The DPP highlights that the disabled legislator-at-large candidate, Chen Chun-han, is highly regarded within the Tsai Ing-wen administration for his expertise in human rights law. The DPP remains committed to advocating for marginalized groups and people with disabilities, and calls for society’s joint effort in upholding dignity and equality for all.

The Ministry of Culture in Taiwan has identified violations related to the use of Culture Points, distributed to individuals aged 16-22, for promoting youth engagement in the performing arts, exhibitions, and book consumption. Businesses, including beauty and nail salons, have been caught illegally accepting these points. The Ministry has warned these venues and legal action has not been ruled out, as fraudulently claiming benefits is considered a crime under Article 339 of the Criminal Code, carrying a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment. Additionally, some young people have been selling their Culture Points on social platforms and auction sites, potentially exposing their personal data. To address this issue, the Ministry has performed a database comparison and locked emails of accounts with large amounts of Culture Points, urging citizens to reconfirm their identities to reclaim usage rights.

Vice President and President-elect Lai Ching-te reaffirms commitment to democracy and peace in Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific region during meeting with U.S.-Taiwan Business Council. Lai highlights alignment of Taiwan-U.S. economic cooperation with Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. Expresses gratitude for U.S. support following election, acknowledges solidarity against Chinese authoritarianism. Thanks U.S. for commitment to Taiwan’s security and efforts to address double taxation issue. Anticipates strengthened supply chain partnerships between Taiwan and U.S. through enacted double-tax relief act.

Housing prices in the Science Park in Taibao, Chiai County, have significantly increased due to the possibility of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) establishing a 1-nanometer factory in the area. Although the news is not confirmed, the anticipation has led to a surge in pre-sale housing prices, with pre-sale apartment buildings increasing by 8.8% and townhouses rising by 12.6% between 2019 and 2023. TSMC has expressed its land needs to the Southern Taiwan Science Park Management Office, but the final decision to set up the factory depends on various factors. According to the Ministry of the Interior’s statistics, the price per ping in Chiayi County has soared by 65% from NT$101,500 to NT$167,100 between the first quarter of 2018 and the third quarter of 2023. Analysts believe this trend could continue as Chiayi County actively promotes industrial transformation and has six emerging industrial parks, including the potential site for the TSMC factory, the Chiayi Science Park. With the addition of nearby Tai Sugar Corporation’s land, it may meet TSMC’s requirement for a 100-ping plant. Despite the migration issue in predominantly agricultural Chiayi County, TSMC’s factory has the potential to stimulate the housing market by attracting younger out-of-town individuals and influencing the county’s buying and leasing market.

Retailers in Taiwan selling Toblerone chocolate are concerned about food safety after plastic contaminants were found in the brand’s products in Hong Kong. Contact attempts to the chocolate’s import company have been unsuccessful so far. The affected product is the ’Milk Chocolate with Honey and Almond Nougat’ with batch code OOY4233553, weighing 100 grams and best before Dec. 1, 2024. Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety is currently investigating the issue, and importers and distributors in Hong Kong have already stopped selling this batch and initiated a recall.

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.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Secretary-General Hsu Li-ming expressed concern over the use of TikTok, stating that it is a difficult issue that the party cannot ban or use. He suggested that the party should consider strengthening its presence on alternative new media platforms like YouTube and Instagram for better public engagement. These comments were made during the party’s first central meeting after the recent presidential and legislative elections. Another party member, Hsu Shu-hua, acknowledged the DPP’s lack of engagement with young people and technology, including popular trends on TikTok, but argued against a ban, stating that it would be ineffective and that the issue should be confronted directly. Party member Wang Ting-yu recommended treating TikTok as a matter of national security and studying how Western countries have dealt with the platform. Legislator Hsu Chih-chieh echoed this sentiment, pointing out that democratic nations like the U.S. and the UK have imposed certain restrictions on TikTok. He urged Taiwan to take more precautions and learn from the policies of other democratic countries to safeguard itself against informational warfare. Secretary-General Hsu Li-ming emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation with civil society groups and the effective use of online platforms like Instagram, short videos, and TikTok, urging these actions to be taken now and not just during elections.

In the heat of Taiwan’s presidential election, DPP candidate Lai Ching-te avoids commenting on the contentious issue of death penalty abolition, further ignited by a recent high school tragedy in New Taipei and a revealing public opinion survey.

A report by the German think-tank Friedrich-Naumann-Foundation for Freedom (FNF) argues that the issue between Taiwan and China is ＂not unification but forced unification.＂ The report, written by National Taiwan University’s sociology Ph.D. candidate, Sie Da-wun, and FNF Global Innovation Hub’s Program Officer, Lai Yu-fen, challenges the common misinterpretation of Taiwanese political parties. They assert that assuming the Kuomintang (KMT) supports unification because it is pro-China and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supports independence because it is anti-China is an oversimplification. The report highlights that since Taiwan’s democratization, the Taiwanese people have consistently opposed ＂annexation＂ or ＂unification＂ imposed by the Beijing government.

The Environmental Protection Bureau of the Kaohsiung City Government has clarified that the recruitment paths for full-time and part-time cleaning staff are different, which is why they need to consider temporary work applicants before those from previous years. This comes after Kaohsiung City Councilor Lina Chen led a press conference with individuals claiming to be on the waiting list for the city’s cleaning crew, who passed the ＂Kaohsiung City Official Cleaning Staff＂ exam two years ago but have not yet received a position. The Bureau emphasized that the different recruitment avenues do not infringe upon part-time workers’ rights. The recent cleaning staff recruitment attracted over 7,400 applicants for 850 positions, and some candidates on the waiting list are still waiting for an opportunity to work at the Bureau. The bureau recruited 172 official cleaners and drivers, with an additional 678 on the waiting list, of whom only half have been employed so far. The bureau began recruiting part-time staff earlier this year, even though the previous list of alternates has not yet been fully filled. Deputy Director Kao Tsung-yung explained that the previous test was for full-time staff, while the current recruitment is for temporary personnel. The Bureau has announced the eighth round of 100 alternates’ roster and will continue to do so in April, July, and October. Those on the waiting list will still need to wait for their chance.

A survey conducted by ETtoday revealed that 73.5% of respondents oppose the abolition of the death penalty, while 21.8% support its abolition. Among those opposing, 52.1% were vehemently against the notion, with 21.4% somewhat against it. Among advocates for abolition, 14.1% were strong supporters, and 7.7% moderately so. The survey also found that 85.0% of interviewees believe current laws excessively protect offenders, with 47.2% considering the protection extremely excessive and 36.8% believing it is merely excessive. Only 3.1% thought the protection was insufficient. The recent fatal slashing of a junior high school student in New Taipei has brought the issue of capital punishment back into the spotlight. In response to the tragedy, 41.4% of respondents primarily blame parents or guardians, 25.1% the central government, 17.4% school management, and 12.0% the local government. The survey was conducted from Dec. 31 to Jan. 1, with a valid sample size of 1,557 targeting Taiwanese aged 20 and above. The margin of error was plus or minus 2.48%. The survey was delivered via a mobile text message link to an online questionnaire and sample weighting was done using population statistics provided by the Ministry of the Interior.

The Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate, Hou Yu-ih, listed the ten major policy failures of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) during a livestream presidential debate. These failures include ineffective energy policies, food safety violations, deteriorated public security, debt burdening future generations, critical issues in people’s livelihoods, housing injustice, rising cross-strait military threats, plummeting wages, skyrocketing house prices, and ineffective pandemic responses. Hou elaborated on specific examples such as solar power corruption, tainted food black market dealings, overspending on ＂forward-looking＂ infrastructures, a lack of electricity and water, regulatory failure in the National Communications Commission (NCC), failed social housing policies, the threatening potential of military conflict, income inequality at a ten-year high, and around 20,000 deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hou expressed regret over his opponent, DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te’s campaign methods, accusing him of slander and displaying incompetence and unscrupulousness. Hou confirmed his opposition to Taiwanese independence while claiming that Lai advocated for it. He also criticized former Taipei Mayor and current Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je for not responding to this issue. Hou emphasized his lifelong pledge to remain loyal to the Republic of China’s flag and safeguard Taiwan’s democratic freedom.

A Taiwanese staff sergeant is in critical condition after losing signs of life while running during training. The Army Education, Training and Doctrine Development Command has dispatched senior officers to address the issue and has contacted the sergeant’s family. Despite receiving treatment at a hospital, the sergeant remains in a coma. The command is working closely with the hospital to provide the best medical care and will continue to prioritize the safety of other servicemen through winter health education and exercise risk management.

Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun found dead in apparent suicide by charcoal burning. Investigation into drug-related issue connected to him expected to halt. Lee left a letter for his wife before disappearing. Previous drug tests came back negative. Police will entirely halt investigation due to Lee’s death. Public urged to reject drugs and seek help if needed.

Jen Mei-ling, wife of Kuomintang’s (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih, clarified that a building being claimed as their own is actually a legacy from her father and not part of Hou’s property. The building has become a topic of discussion in the upcoming 2024 elections due to its high rent and proximity to Chinese Culture University. Jen stated that the property has over 50 vacant houses, which will be used to provide rent subsidies for low-to-moderate-income families and young students through donations. After the leases expire in June 2026, the plan is to convert the property into social housing for the youth and communal accommodations for rent. Initially, the building was leased and managed by Shin-Kong Life Real Estate Service Co., Ltd., with rental prices determined by Shin Kong Life Insurance. Jen announced that the vacant apartments will be subsidized for young families with an annual income of less than NT$1.33 million and a per capita monthly income below NT$56,000. Existing tenants can also apply for the subsidy, with rates of NT$6,400 for single rooms and NT$7,000 for two-person rooms per month. In her public letter, Jen addressed the accusations, highlighting Hou’s integrity during the election process and apologizing for the family issue.

Taiwan Premier Chen Chien-jen has called on former New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih and the city government to protect the residential rights of mining area residents. This follows criticism from Hou, who is also a Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate, towards former premiers Lai Ching-te and Su Tseng-chang for not resolving the residential rights issue after the abolition of mining rights. Chen addressed these criticisms by assuring that there has been no negligence in responding to issues related to mining area rights. He clarified that Lai’s ancestral home was refurbished from a workers’ dormitory for public trust use. Chen also confirmed that correspondence between the New Taipei City Government and central related departments had been reciprocated by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), refuting claims that messages have been ignored or only recently responded to. Premier Chen expressed the hope that Hou Yu-ih and the New Taipei City Government will actively protect the residential rights of all miners, alleviating concerns and anxieties voiced by mining area residents.

Premier Chen Chien-jen responds to criticism from Kuomintang presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih regarding the government’s handling of mining area management. Chen refutes claims that the Executive Yuan ignored mining rights ownership issues. A disagreement between municipal authorities and the campaign headquarters of DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te over illegal construction in Wanli mining district has emerged. Chen clarifies that Lai has addressed the issue and plans to convert the structure into a charitable trust. The premier emphasizes that there have been extensive written exchanges between the city government and central leadership, including the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Chen expresses concern about recent alarm among mine area residents and calls on both Hou and the New Taipei City Government to defend the rights and interests of miners.

Dr. Chiang Kuan-yu, a prominent figure, criticized the inadequate security measures on campuses following a severe assault on a teenage student in New Taipei City. Dr. Chiang expressed concern that the victim’s life could be permanently altered due to the attack. He emphasized the potential long-term consequences, even if extracorporeal life support successfully saves the victim’s life and restores breathing. Dr. Chiang pointed out that prolonged absence of vital signs can deprive the brain of oxygen, leading to significant cognitive changes during recovery. The incident occurred when a 15-year-old male student scolded a female classmate for entering another classroom, which provoked her to seek help from a male classmate who then physically attacked the victim with a switchblade. Although the victim was revived through extracorporeal life support, his prognosis remains uncertain. Dr. Chiang condemned the incident as a serious campus safety issue and questioned how a juvenile delinquent managed to bring a knife into the school. He called for a ＂zero-tolerance＂ policy towards violence in educational institutions. Dr. Chiang further expressed concerns about the overall safety of students in what he described as a ＂dark campus＂ environment and stated that as a parent, he would not allow his child to continue attending the school.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has stated that Taiwanese citizens are allowed to enter Cuba with a passport valid for more than six months and a Cuban Tourist Card, according to Central News Agency (CNA). However, MOFA has urged the public to suspend travel to Cuba or check the official Cuban government website or airlines before departure due to unclear information. This response comes after a Taiwanese-Canadian and his family were denied entry into Cuba because ＂China doesn’t recognize Taiwan as a country.＂ The family’s passports were confiscated, and they were sent back to Canada after ten hours at the airport. MOFA has instructed the Taiwanese representative office in Bogota, Colombia, to investigate the issue and protect the travel rights of Taiwanese citizens.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je is facing allegations of illegal usage of farmland in Hsinchu, which has sparked controversy. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) spokesman Cho Kuan-ting claimed on Facebook that industrial waste, including bricks, cement, and steel bars, was found during the excavation of the farmland’s parking lot. He called for a legal investigation and urged Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao to take Ko Wen-je into custody. The Hsinchu City Government confirmed that the farmland, owned by Ko, was not being used for farming and demanded modifications within 30 days. Ko admitted that the farmland had been used as a parking lot for tour buses without proper authorization for the past two years. He pledged to pay the income tax owed and donate the parking lot’s earnings. Ko also sought assistance from TPP legislator-at-large nominee Huang Kuo-chang to handle the issue legally. Cho accused Ko of knowingly violating the law and emphasized that he should take responsibility for the damaged farmland. The allegations against Ko may have implications for his presidential campaign.

Exploring the often-overlooked issue of homelessness in Taiwan, this story delves into the challenges faced by the homeless, particularly the elderly, and the efforts of organizations like Homeless Taiwan and Do You a Flavor to provide support and foster a sense of community.

Bookings for additional flights to Taiwan’s outlying islands during the Lunar New Year holiday will open next Tuesday, according to the Civil Aviation Administration. The first wave of extra flights and regularly scheduled flights have been available for booking since December 5. The upcoming Spring Festival rush will see 6,646 seats available for Penghu routes and 4,334 seats for Kinmen routes. The number of additional seats for Matsu has not been disclosed, but the total number of extra seats reaches nearly 11,980. Travelers are reminded to issue their tickets within three days of booking to facilitate airline companies in managing reservations. The CAA also advises that seats are still available for off-peak dates and times across various routes.

DPP vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim emphasized the importance of strength in maintaining Taiwan’s status quo and preventing bullying. She highlighted the current state and prospects of U.S.-Taiwan relations, noting that U.S. policy has consistently supported maintaining the status quo and opposing the use of force. Hsiao mentioned that under Xi Jinping’s leadership, the U.S. has shifted to view China competitively but does not seek a new Cold War. She emphasized critical issues of peace, security, and economic cooperation in Taiwan-U.S. ties, including the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade. Hsiao underscored Taiwan’s determination to defend itself, citing the national defense budget and military modernization reforms. She referred to herself as a ＂cat warrior＂ and advocated for government reform and a balanced international stance. Hsiao urged that Taiwan not become a divisive issue between American political parties and emphasized the need for a proper balance amidst U.S.-China competition to ensure Taiwan’s safe and steady progression.

Kaohsiung City Government’s Finance Bureau has become the first in Taiwan to be granted the qualification to issue green bonds, with a total amount of NT＄2 billion. This move is expected to save on interest payments and enact sustainable environmental practices without increasing the city’s debt. The green bonds will fund green investment projects, encompassing renewable energy development, enhanced energy efficiency, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. These bonds, totaling NT＄2 billion, will utilize their low, fixed interest rates to replace existing higher-interest bank loans, ensuring resources are invested in low-carbon construction. Under Mayor Chen Chi-mai’s leadership, the city has reduced its debt by NT＄10.6 billion by the end of 2022, surpassing the goal of a NT＄10 billion reduction. Kaohsiung aims to continue strengthening its financial and environmental sustainability and implement comprehensive net-zero policies as it works toward a 2050 net-zero goal.