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Taiwan has received 462,800 doses of Novavax’s XBB vaccine, with distribution starting on January 9, 2023, according to the Taiwan Centers for Diseases Control (CDC). In May of this year, Taiwan categorized Covid-19 as a class 4 endemic disease, similar to seasonal flu. The decision was based on clinical trial reports and immunization recommendations from the U.S., the European Union (EU), and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW). Unvaccinated individuals are advised to receive two doses of 0.5mL each, administered at least four weeks apart. Those who have already received a COVID-19 vaccine should receive a single dose of 0.5mL, provided at least three months have passed since their last dose. The domestically available XBB vaccine includes those produced by Moderna and Novavax, and recipients can choose either brand for vaccination.

The Taipei City Construction Management Office has fined the campaign headquarters of Kuomintang (KMT) legislative candidate Wang Hung-wei NT$10,000 for a billboard violation. The office has also requested rectifications. Additionally, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te has been found to be in violation of size regulations for two campaign materials, and a notice for a fine will be issued to Lai’s campaign soon. These actions come after Taipei updated regulations for managing campaign material in preparation for the 2024 presidential and legislative elections. This is the first enforcement of the revised regulations. So far, the office has received 34 reports of campaign advertisement violations, with 11 cases from the KMT and 19 from the DPP. The office is urging all candidates to adhere to the regulations to ensure a clean election in the city.

Chinese authorities are allegedly pressuring Taiwanese rock band Mayday to make pro-China statements ahead of Taiwan’s major election in January 2024, according to foreign media reports. China’s National Radio and Television Administration has reportedly asked Mayday to endorse Beijing’s claim that ＂Taiwan is part of China＂ and align with China’s media propaganda on Taiwan. The aim is believed to be influencing the votes of young people in Taiwan. Mayday’s management company, B’in Music, has not responded to inquiries, and higher authorities from the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council have also not commented on the matter.

The Environmental Protection Department of the New Taipei City Government is taking action to address ongoing oil pollution on the North Coast. Citizens have reported crude oil contamination in coastal areas since December 4, possibly linked to unidentified crude oil pollution on Green Island in Taitung. The department has swiftly implemented cleanup operations, but sporadic incidents caused by ocean currents require continued efforts. Upon receiving pollution reports, the department collaborated with local fishery associations, the Inspection Office, and the Coast Guard Administration’s Coastal Patrol Squad. They transported necessary resources, such as oil-absorbent cotton pads and ropes, to polluted sites. Non-governmental units, including local business owners and volunteer groups like the Azure Alliance in Taiwan, actively participated in preventing the spread of oil pollution. A total of 58 response team members, 32 coastal patrol personnel, and numerous volunteers have been involved in the cleanup efforts.

A male police officer was found dead in his bedroom at the National Police Agency’s Special Police Sixth Headquarters in Taipei’s Zhongzheng district. The Taipei City Fire Department is conducting a primary investigation into the incident, with the possible cause of death believed to be sudden death triggered by cold weather. Paramedics confirmed the officer’s death upon arrival. While initial reports suggest the cold weather may have played a role, the exact cause of death is still under investigation. Further details will be released following a more thorough probe.

Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported 326 new domestic cases of COVID-19 for the week of Dec. 19-25, with 99% of the newly infected individuals not having received the XBB.1.5-adapted vaccine. The CDC also noted a rise in fatalities, with 37 deaths, of which 97% had not been vaccinated with the XBB vaccine. The CDC highlighted that the domestic COVID-19 situation is worsening, with 78% of complications and 90% of deaths affecting people over the age of 65. The global positivity rate for COVID-19 is at its peak, and cases are increasing in neighboring Southeast Asian countries. Since the introduction of the XBB vaccine in Taiwan, almost all domestically reported cases of complications and fatalities have been among unvaccinated individuals. The CDC emphasized the protective role of the vaccine, citing recent Dutch research that found it to be over 70% effective against severe infection in the elderly. The domestic rollout of the XBB vaccine has reached 769,000 doses, with a two-month peak of 68,600 doses administered during the week of Dec. 19-25. The CDC encourages mask-wearing during end-of-year gatherings and New Year’s activities, especially in crowded, poorly ventilated places or when in close contact with vulnerable individuals. Prompt medical attention is advised for those displaying COVID-19 symptoms.

The Ministry of Labor reported a significant increase in the number of furloughed workers, with the manufacturing industry being the most affected. The labor ministry also predicted a high demand for labor in the accommodation and food services industry and the wholesale and retail trade sector. The global labor shortage crisis has led to businesses implementing solutions such as cross-training to boost productivity. The Regent Taipei successfully reduced its labor shortage rate through cross-training and creating a positive work environment. Fair wages and a positive work environment are believed to be key factors in employee retention.

Over the weekend, fire departments in Taipei and New Taipei City received reports of 26 cases allegedly related to the recent cold surge, resulting in 18 deaths. While not all fatalities may be directly linked to the low temperatures, authorities are urging people to keep warm. The Central Weather Administration issued a Cold Surge Advisory on Monday, with temperatures dropping to 10 degrees Celsius in northern Taiwan and 7.5 degrees Celsius in Yunlin. The New Taipei City Fire Department received four reports of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest on Christmas Day, with only one successful resuscitation. The Taipei City Fire Department had received 18 similar reports the previous day, with 13 families choosing not to resuscitate their loved ones. Officials are warning residents about the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from indoor heaters, water heaters, and other electric appliances during cold weather. They advise maintaining ventilation and using such devices cautiously to prevent fire hazards.

Santa Claus flew over Taiwan’s skies on Christmas Eve, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). This tradition, dating back to 1955, began when a local newspaper misprinted a Santa hotline number, leading to NORAD’s predecessor’s number being inundated with calls from curious children. Rather than disappoint, the command started reporting Santa’s location. This year, Santa departed from the North Pole in a sleigh with the call-sign ＂HOHOHO,＂ flying over Japan, Korea, China, and finally Taiwan. NORAD shares Santa’s flight trajectory, destinations, times, and the number of gifts distributed on their official website each Christmas Eve. They also rely on 1,100 to 1,200 volunteers to answer calls from children worldwide, receiving up to 260,000 calls in 2022. Platforms like Google and Flightradar24 also offer trackers to keep up with Santa’s movements.

U.S. President Joe Biden has signed the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (FY2024 NDAA), which includes a comprehensive training program for Taiwan’s military. The program aims to enhance Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities and will be overseen by the U.S. Secretary of Defense. The legislation, which has received approval from both houses of the U.S. Congress, allocates a total of US＄886 billion for this purpose. The training program will focus on layered defense, asymmetric defense strategies, cross-communication between the U.S. and Taiwan’s military, information sharing, and the improvement of professional military education and civilian control over the military. Additionally, the act emphasizes collaboration between the U.S. and Taiwan on military cyber security and requires regular updates on Taiwan arm sales proceedings. It also mandates the Secretary of Defense to submit biannual reports to Congress on the military developments of the People’s Republic of China, particularly in areas such as Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and the South China Sea, covering topics such as weapon upgrades, procurement, and military operations.

The Fire Bureau of Changhua County reported 53 emergency medical cases in the last 24 hours, including five instances of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), possibly linked to a sudden dip in temperatures due to an extreme cold wave in Taiwan. The OHCA victims, aged 65 to 87, had yet to have the exact causes determined. Although the number of emergency cases is consistent with the daily average of 54, the number of non-responsive patients increased from three to five. The CHFD advises older adults, those with cardiovascular diseases, and others susceptible to cold weather to dress warmly. The Changhua County Public Health Bureau urges anyone experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest tightness to seek immediate medical care.

Taipei’s Presidential Office Secretary-General, Lin Chia-lung, has accused China of strategically timing the release of its trade barrier investigation results in order to influence Taiwan’s elections. Lin suggests that China’s actions, likened to ＂drawing a bow without releasing the arrow,＂ are aimed at instilling fear in Taiwanese voters and potentially affecting their economy. Lin also points out the coincidence between the recent visit of Kuomintang (KMT) Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia to China and the prompt release of the investigation’s findings. Lin raises concerns about the Chinese Communist Party’s interference in Taiwan’s elections, citing instances of borough wardens being invited on all-expenses-paid trips by China to exert influence. Reports indicate that Wang Huning, Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, convened a meeting in early December specifically to discuss interfering in Taiwan’s elections, suggesting a coordinated strategy from China targeting the electoral process in Taiwan.

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Get the latest weather update for Taiwan. Temperatures are expected to increase slightly following the weakening of a mainland cold air mass. However, a more potent cold front is predicted to sweep in on Tuesday, with temperatures potentially dropping as low as 8°C on Thursday and Friday in the plains. The Central Weather Administration reports chilly temperatures ranging from 14-17°C in northern regions and Yilan, while central and southern areas are slightly warmer at 16-27°C. Greater Taipei and parts of the eastern half of the country may experience brief local showers, while other areas will remain mostly clear to cloudy. Dress warmly and be prepared for significant diurnal temperature variation in the western half. A frontal system on Tuesday brings a chance of rain to the north, followed by a stronger cold air mass on Wednesday with temperatures potentially falling to 10-11°C. Independent meteorologist Daniel Wu predicts the cold spell to peak between Thursday evening and Friday morning, with temperatures around 8°C, possibly making this cold air mass even more intense and enduring than its predecessor. The effects of the new cold front will continue until Saturday morning, leading to persistent wet and cold conditions in northern Taiwan, with central and southern parts experiencing a mix of clouds and clear skies. Stay vigilant regarding health and warmth due to these significant weather fluctuations.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) has denied media reports questioning the past nationality of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim. The CEC requested verification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior regarding the nationality status of presidential candidates, and found no records of nationality restoration or naturalization for Hsiao. The CEC emphasized that all candidates met the legal requirements without holding foreign nationality, as determined by the Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act. The doubts raised about Hsiao’s nationality were deemed beyond the CEC’s legal mandate, preventing further investigation.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je asserts that while 65% of people in Taiwan desire a political party turnover, there is also a 70% majority that opposes the Kuomintang (KMT) being in power. Ko highlights that around 70% of Taiwanese do not want the KMT to assume office, countering media reports on potential strategic voting effects. He suggests conducting further polls to determine the number of people who want the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to step down and those who do not wish for the KMT to take power. Ko cites Vivian Huang’s victory in the 2022 Taipei mayoral election as evidence of a true third force in Taiwanese politics. During his visit to Kaohsiung, Ko is campaigning for Tseng Yin-li, the party’s sole legislative candidate in southern Taiwan.

The story reports a significant drop in temperatures across Taiwan, with lows of 12 to 13 degrees Celsius in some areas and 14 to 17 degrees in others. Weather specialist Daniel Wu predicts cold conditions throughout Saturday, particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the island. Wu advises the public to take measures to stay warm. The northern parts and eastern half of Taiwan may experience local, brief periods of rain, with more significant rain expected in the north and northeast regions. Temperatures are expected to rebound on Monday but another wave of cold weather is anticipated by Wednesday.

The story discusses the response of Changhua County Chief Wang Hui-mei to rumors that village chiefs from Changhua County were treated to trips to China. Wang questioned the nation’s confidence in itself and challenged the notion that hospitality could sway one’s allegiance. Reports of possible Chinese intervention in the electoral process, including invitations to village chiefs for travel to the mainland, have emerged ahead of the 2024 presidential and vice-presidential elections. The Changhua District Prosecutors Office has detained a suspect allegedly organizing these trips and has summoned 22 individuals for questioning. Wang interpreted the scrutiny her county is under as a ＂swing county＂ and expressed trust in the wisdom of the village chiefs to handle the situation.

Chinese companies are increasingly establishing supply chains in Vietnam as U.S. companies like Apple move production there, according to Japanese media reports. Export restrictions on advanced semiconductors and semiconductor production equipment to China by the Biden Administration have led to difficulties for Chinese manufacturers, prompting a shift in investment towards alternative manufacturing bases like Vietnam. Approved foreign direct investment in Vietnam increased by 15% from January to November 2023, with Chinese investment, including from Hong Kong and Macao, doubling from the previous year. Chinese investment in Vietnam is even higher when routed through subsidiaries based in Singapore and Thailand. Notable investments include Shandong Haohua Tire Co. Ltd.’s US$500 million investment and Trina Solar Co., Ltd.’s US$420 million decision. BYD Company also announced an expansion investment of US$144 million, bringing its total investment in Vietnam to over US$400 million. Japanese experts believe that Chinese enterprises must engage in joint advancements in cutting-edge technology with local entities to be seen as partners by the Vietnamese.

Taiwan experiences a significant temperature drop as reported by the Central Weather Administration (CWA) on December 12th. Northern Taiwan sees a sharp decline in daytime highs, reaching around 18 to 19 degrees Celsius, with a damp and chilly atmosphere worsening at night. The cooler temperatures are attributed to the passing of a cold front and a strengthening northeastern monsoon. Central and southern Taiwan witness pronounced day-to-night temperature variations, with highs ranging from 26 to 29 degrees Celsius and lows falling between 20 and 22 degrees. Eastern Taiwan also experiences a cold snap, with top temperatures around 24 degrees Celsius. Sporadic, short-lived rainfall is expected in certain areas, while others will see mostly clear to cloudy skies. Gusty winds are predicted in open coastal areas, and the air quality may be affected by pollutants carried by northeastern winds. The air quality index rates different regions of Taiwan, with Yilan, Hualien-Taitung, and Penghu having ＂good＂ levels, while other areas are rated ＂moderate＂ or may experience ＂orange alert＂ levels.

Taipei’s top five reports from Monday include the indictment of an army officer on charges of defection and espionage, an investigation into a professor for engaging in technological collaboration with China, the draw for presidential and vice presidential candidate ballots, railway reforms following a train derailment, and intense debate on the Minimum Wage Act in the Legislative Yuan.

Taiwanese writer Lo Sen has been missing in China since November last year and is suspected to be detained by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) stated that neither Lo Sen nor his family have sought assistance from any Taiwanese authorities, including the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF). Lo Sen, known for his adult novels, was recently reported to have been sentenced to 12 years on charges of profiting from privately publishing pornography. The MAC highlighted the CCP’s intensified internal security management, which has resulted in disruptions and restrictions on personal freedom for Taiwanese citizens and foreign enterprises in China. The MAC urged Taiwanese citizens to register with the ＂Mainland Travel Dynamic Registration＂ system before traveling to China to facilitate assistance in emergencies. The SEF has received reports of Taiwanese citizens being interrogated upon entry into China, with various reasons for the scrutiny, including the possession of religious-related books, posing challenges to cross-strait exchanges.

Following the pandemic, Taiwanese travelers have significantly increased their overseas spending, with credit card expenditures reaching new heights. The Financial Supervisory Commission reports a notable surge in tourism consumption, with Taiwanese visitors leading in Japanese spending.

The spokesperson for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te’s campaign office expressed regret over inaccurate and malicious media reports about the upcoming presidential debates. The spokesperson demanded corrections from outlets that claimed certain media were favored during the debates and alleged a coalition aiming to gang up on fellow candidates Hou Yu-ih and Ko Wen-je. It was emphasized that the decision for 11 media organizations to jointly host the debates is a longstanding practice resulting from two rounds of negotiations without interference from any campaign offices. The spokesperson also highlighted misinformation circulated by China Times, one of the debate co-hosts, despite its involvement in the meetings. The 2024 presidential election debates are scheduled to be held at Public Television Service (PTS) on December 30 at 2 p.m., with the vice presidential debates tentatively scheduled for January 1, 2024, also at 2 p.m. The 11 media entities collaboratively organizing the debates include Central News Agency (CNA), China Times, Liberty Times, United Daily News, SET News, Taiwan Television, Formosa Television, Chinese Television System (CTS), Mirror Media, TVBS News, and Public Television Service. PTS will produce and broadcast the debates, including comprehensive sign language services for the hearing impaired.

Taiwanese distributor Hotai Motor, responsible for TOYOTA and LEXUS, reported a backlog of around 23,400 orders during an earnings call on Dec. 8. Despite an expected slight decrease in sales volume, the outlook remains optimistic. Hotai Motor dominates Taiwan’s auto market with a 33.3% share, as TOYOTA and LEXUS sold a combined total of 144,522 vehicles from January to November. The profit for the first three quarters was driven by the company’s core operations, particularly the more profitable LEXUS brand. With 19,000 pending orders for TOYOTA and 4,400 for LEXUS, the current order book suggests business for the next two months. Hotai Motor’s diversified investees, including Carmax, Hotai Finance, and Hotai Leasing, continue to grow. Hotai Insurance also experienced significant growth, except for the investing channel in China, which was affected by competitive pricing from domestic electric vehicle brands like BYD.