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Taiwan on alert as U.S. national poses safety risk
Taiwan authorities are monitoring a U.S. national, for public safety concerns. Despite his criminal history, legal hurdles prevent immediate deportation.
2024/11/07 16:31
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Taipei court grants limited access to Peng’s case files
The Taipei District Court grants limited access to case files for former Deputy Mayor Peng Chen-sheng amid the Core Pacific City scandal. Detention may extend beyond Nov. 1 due to pending testimonies and concerns of collusion.
2024/10/28 11:43
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TikTok to appoint legal representative in Taiwan by year-end
Discover how Taiwan plans to address TikTok’s cybersecurity concerns by potentially allowing the app to appoint a legal representative by year-end, following new legislation. Learn about the global stance on TikTok and Taiwan’s strategies to combat misinformation.
2024/08/27 16:13
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Taiwan’s premier gears up for Constitutional Court hearings
Discover the latest on Taiwan’s Constitutional Court hearings set for July 10, as Premier Cho Jung-tai prepares for a pivotal legal review. Key legislation and national security concerns are at stake.
2024/07/05 14:00
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Taiwan sees surge in B&Bs, illegal rentals still a worry
Discover the latest on Taiwan’s tourism sector: A surge in legal B&Bs contrasts with a slight drop in hotels for the first half of 2024, amid concerns over illegal rentals. Learn more about the enforcement efforts and regional impacts.
2024/07/04 14:59
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Taiwan’s premier seeks legislative review over concerns
Discover how Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai is taking steps to protect the constitution by challenging recent legislative amendments. Read about the government’s efforts to maintain democratic integrity.
2024/05/29 10:53
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Taiwan faces underground tourism risk amid China travel ban
Explore the impact of a potential ban on Taiwanese travel groups to China starting June 1, as discussed by Chen Yi-hsuan. With 80% of Taiwan’s travel agencies involved with China, the industry faces the risk of unregulated tourism. Efforts to negotiate with China have begun, highlighting the economic significance of Chinese tourists to Taiwan and urging the new government to prioritize cross-strait exchanges. Concerns over legal, safety, and transportation issues are also raised by industry leaders.
2024/05/07 14:42
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Misleading documentary sparks anger among Taiwan’s fishermen
Taiwan’s fishing industry considers legal action against Greenpeace for a documentary allegedly tarnishing its reputation by confusingly linking Taiwanese vessels to labor abuses, despite the incident involving a Chinese ship. The industry urges the Ministry of Agriculture to clarify facts, amid concerns of damaging Taiwan’s image in international trade negotiations.
2024/04/30 17:55
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Taiwan People’s Party to open volunteer-run cafes: Ko Wen-je
TPP Chairman Ko Wen-je clarifies that the planned Taiwan People’s Party cafes will operate on a volunteer basis, addressing concerns over potential violations of the Political Parties Act and emphasizing the importance of legal compliance.
2024/03/01 17:32
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Control Yuan probes construction for Building Act breach
Control Yuan Commissioners Lin Kuo-ming and Chang Chu-fang are investigating the construction site collapse on Qingcheng Street in Taipei’s Songshan District, focusing on potential violations of the Building Act. The incident, which occurred on Feb. 23, resulted in a sinkhole and damage to nearby structures, prompting concerns about construction oversight by the Taipei City Government. The inquiry aims to determine if negligence was involved and if legal consequences may follow.
2024/03/01 16:01
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Taiwan’s travel ban on China tours sparks industry outcry
The story discusses the Taiwan Tourism Administration’s ban on travel agencies organizing group trips to China, citing national security concerns. Hsiao Po-jen, President of the Taiwan’s Travel Agent Association, seeks to address industry concerns with President-elect Lai Ching-te. The directive has sparked protests from the travel industry, with potential penalties for violators. The Tourism Administration cites the "Act for the Development of Tourism" to support the ban, threatening license termination for those jeopardizing national interests. Hsiao argues that organizing travel groups should not be deemed harmful to national interests, hinting at possible legal actions in response.
2024/02/20 11:26
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TPP mulls internal polling system after election loss
Taipei People’s Party (TPP) Chairman Ko Wen-je has expressed his intention to establish an internal public opinion center in order to improve the accuracy of future polls. This decision follows the TPP’s defeat in the presidential election and the subsequent launch of a post-defeat review. Ko believes that implementing out-of-district voting is a key change that needs to be made. He also highlighted the need for voting methods to adapt to the changing times, which he sees as a contributing factor to the election loss. In the meantime, concerns have been raised about legislator-at-large-elect Huang Shan-shan’s alleged dual party membership. Huang has responded by threatening legal action against those spreading false information, as the TPP prepares to establish a legal department. Additionally, TPP Taipei party headquarters chairman Lin Kuo-cheng has offered to resign due to disappointing post-election results. The TPP has clarified that staff turnovers are a result of job positions and organizational adjustments, as current legislative workloads are burdensome. The party plans to release a defeat review report to identify the main causes of the election loss.
2024/01/23 16:15
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Premier vows precision in tackling TikTok misinformation
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.
2024/01/19 16:24
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Taiwan’s CBC hesitant over NFTs as presidential tokens
The Central Bank of the Republic of China (CBC) clarifies that the issuance of inauguration commemorative coins is the authority and wish of the elected president, with the CBC providing assistance. Former Premier Sean Chen suggests issuing a token composed of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) for the incoming president in 2024, which would be a global first. CBC officials express concerns about the risks associated with digital assets, such as NFTs, including transactional challenges, anti-money laundering practices, and legal issues. The CBC is actively studying these risks to protect the public’s rights and interests. Additionally, the CBC is engaged in researching Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) and seeking public input through a consultation process set to conclude in April 2024.
2024/01/03 17:01
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Taiwan elections grapple with poll worker recruitment
As Taiwan’s 2024 National Elections near, challenges in recruiting sufficient poll workers arise despite salary increases and legal changes. New Taipei City has filled its needs, but workload disparities and concerns over pay equity persist.
2024/01/02 15:54
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Lai Ching-te defends ’2025 Non-Nuclear Homeland’
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te defended his party’s energy policy against criticisms from the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) on Tuesday (Dec. 26), reiterating that the ’2025 Non-Nuclear Homeland’ is not forcible termination. The plan, launched by President Tsai Ing-wen, is not meant to abruptly end the operation of existing nuclear power plants. The Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant’s No. 2 Reactor will cease operations by 2025 in accordance with the law. Lai praised Tsai’s initiative in developing the renewable energy industry and questioned the stance of KMT’s presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih and TPP’s presidential candidate Ko Wen-je on nuclear power. Lai also cast doubts on the candidates’ proposals to resurrect the Fourth Nuclear Power Plant, questioning the disregard of the referendum’s legal effects. He announced plans to invest NT$900 billion by 2030 in motivating corporate investment for the goal of ’carbon neutrality by 2050.’ Lai emphasized the importance of aligning with international standards, establishing carbon trading systems, promoting green electricity, reducing carbon emissions from the Taiwan Power Company, and addressing climate change’s impact on industrial development. He dismissed concerns about future green energy supply sufficiency, citing the Taiwan Power Company’s prediction of an electricity demand increase to 7 million kilowatts by 2030, with supply surpassing 9 million kilowatts. Lai predicted an end to power shortages and the advent of a diverse green energy era.
2023/12/26 19:35
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Taipei police: no illegal bot use in baseball ticket sales
Taipei City Police Department reports no cases of illegal ticket-purchasing bots linked to the ongoing Asian Baseball Championship. Concerns raised by fans about "ticket grabbing bots" with instruction manuals. Consumers face challenges competing against automated systems to buy tickets. Legal gap leaves bots unpunishable. Baseball game tickets not protected against scalping. Taipei city officials urge fans not to buy tickets from scalpers.
2023/12/07 18:17
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BCC says news coverage unbiased, despite KMT ties
Taipei-based Broadcasting Corporation of China (BCC) has assured the National Communications Commission (NCC) that its news coverage remains unaffected by upper management, despite concerns raised about potential media bias. BCC’s chairman and general manager, Jaw Shaw-kong, who is also the Kuomintang (KMT) vice-presidential candidate, has taken a leave of absence. Chen Sheng-i has assumed Jaw’s duties, and Jaw has refused to resign, stating that no laws have been breached. The NCC has also instructed BCC, Public Television Service (PTS), and Chinese Television System (CTS) to adhere to regulations related to election reporting, ensuring objectivity and fairness. Hsu Jui-hsi, nominated by the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), has faced similar challenges due to her positions on the PTS and CTS boards. After her resignation, both PTS and CTS have promised to comply with legal standards and guarantee impartial election coverage. The NCC plans to review the companies’ responses and present its findings soon.
2023/12/07 16:40
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Police retain authority to issue traffic citations: Gov’t
The Executive Yuan has responded to concerns raised by Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Chang Liao Wan-chien regarding the reporting of traffic violations. The authority to issue traffic citations still rests with the police, who verify and consider whether to proceed with the report. Chang Liao has expressed concerns about the new point-based traffic violation system, arguing that citizen reports, often captured using dashcams or smartphones, raise accuracy and privacy issues. He warns that without proper legal regulation, these practices could potentially violate constitutional rights. The Executive Yuan maintains that the regulations aim to encourage public assistance in maintaining road traffic order while upholding personal privacy.
2023/12/06 20:27
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TPP defends Cynthia Wu’s asset declarations amid scrutiny
Taipei (TVBS News) - Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je’s campaign chief of staff Vivian Huang has defended TPP vice-presidential candidate Cynthia Wu’s personal asset declarations, stating that they followed legal protocols. Huang emphasized the need for evidence if there are any suspicions regarding Wu’s declarations. This response comes after media personality Huang Yang-ming raised concerns about possible discrepancies in Wu’s asset declarations, suggesting that she neglected to report her spouse’s assets. Huang clarified that Wu’s declarations of assets last year were in strict adherence to legal requirements. The Central Election Commission (CEC) recently approved the qualifications of candidates for the upcoming presidential and vice-presidential elections, including those from the Kuomintang (KMT), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and TPP. The CEC also released the financial disclosures of the candidates, bringing scrutiny to Wu’s declarations. As the election draws near, transparency and integrity have become vital issues for voters.
2023/12/06 14:48
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Legislative Yuan reviews Assisted Reproduction Act
The Legislative Yuan’s Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee reviewed proposed amendments to the Assisted Reproduction Act, including one that would allow a surviving spouse to use embryos for having children after the death of their partner. The Ministry of Health and Welfare is considering expanding the legislation to include same-sex couples, single individuals, and surrogate pregnancies. Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan suggested a public hearing to gather feedback due to the ethical, legal, and child welfare considerations involved. The current law only permits assisted reproduction for married couples, excluding single women and lesbian couples. Taiwan also does not currently recognize surrogacy as legal, creating unresolved issues regarding the parental status of children born through such arrangements. The debate reflects the government’s attempt to address societal changes and demographic challenges, particularly concerns about population decline.
2023/12/04 21:39
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TPP’s Vivian Huang questions need to revive SID
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) legislator-at-large candidate Vivian Huang has expressed concerns about the proposal to reinstate the Special Investigation Division (SID). Huang questions the necessity of reviving the SID when other prosecutors should be capable of handling cases without it. This debate arises from Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih’s recent proposal to revive the disbanded SID. Huang has called on the KMT and Hou to provide specific details and reasoning for restoring the SID before she decides whether to support the initiative. TPP’s presidential candidate Ko Wen-je has also criticized the establishment of new units whenever problems arise, expressing doubts about their effectiveness. Huang, along with other TPP legislator-at-large candidates, has emphasized the need for judicial reforms to combat judicial injustices, unlawful influence-peddling, organized crime, opaque parole processes, and to address challenges faced by prosecutors such as interference, inadequate training, and a rise in fraud cases. These reforms include the introduction of whistle blower protection laws and criminalization of unlawful gifting and influence trading.
2023/12/04 17:29
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MOI confirms all election candidates meet nationality rules
The Ministry of the Interior has confirmed that all six candidates from the three presidential and vice-presidential teams meet the nationality requirements for the upcoming elections. The Central Election Commission is set to review the qualifications of the candidates, which is crucial amidst citizenship disputes involving the vice-presidential candidates of the Democratic Progressive Party and the Taiwan People’s Party. The announcement by the CEC is highly anticipated as it will address the legitimacy concerns and allow the candidates to proceed with their campaigns without legal challenges.
2023/12/04 15:29
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Hualien welcomes LGBTQ+ couples to join mass weddings
Hualien County Magistrate welcomes LGBTQ+ couples to mass wedding ceremonies. Concerns raised about gender-specific terms on registration forms. Civil Affairs Department clarifies no refusal to include any group. LGBTQ+ organizations urge government to respect gender diversity.
2023/11/22 19:01
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NSB tracks illicit money from China ahead of election
The National Security Bureau (NSB) of Taiwan is actively investigating polling companies suspected of having strong ties with China and engaging in illicit financial activities. Concerns have been raised about potential Chinese intervention in the upcoming 2024 general elections. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) has been accused of attempting to influence election results by inviting pro-Kuomintang (KMT) commentators and polling officials to China. There are reports of generative AI technologies being used to spread disinformation through edited viral clips, potentially impacting the elections. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislators have called for offensive counter-espionage techniques to combat these opposing forces. The NSB is working to trace the origins of these financial flows and is closely monitoring the situation. The NSB has also warned that legal action will be taken if any manipulative activity or election fraud is detected.
2023/11/08 19:16