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Stay informed about the recent dengue fever cases in Taiwan brought in from countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Learn how to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses while traveling abroad and upon return.

Taiwan’s export performance reached a historic high from 2021 to 2023, but experienced a 9.8% decline in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to the Ministry of Finance. Despite this setback, exports to the U.S. continued to soar with a 49.7% year-on-year increase, while exports to countries covered by Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy also saw significant growth. However, exports to mainland China decreased to 35.2%. Taiwan’s total export tally for 2023 amounted to US$432.48 billion, ranking behind only 2022 and 2021. The demand for communications and electronic products during the pandemic-induced work-from-home trend boosted Taiwan’s exports. The Taiwan Institute of Economic Research predicted significant international trade growth in 2024, which would benefit export-oriented economies like Taiwan. In December 2023, Taiwan’s exports to the U.S. reached $8.49 billion, and exports to southern countries surged by over 50%. However, due to the limited coverage of free trade agreements (FTAs), many traditional Taiwanese industries chose to restructure risks and production in Southeast and South Asia. The return of Taiwanese businesses and the expansion of local factories after the U.S.-China trade war, as well as global economic circumstances, significantly impacted the decline in 2023 exports. The Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS) estimated the first-quarter export volume for 2024 to be around US$106.1 billion, which is an improvement compared to the same period in 2023, but a 10% decrease from 2022.

A Taiwanese fisherman named Su had an extraordinary fishing experience off the coast of Liuqiu, a coral island in the Taiwan Strait. Instead of catching the Spanish mackerel he was targeting, Su managed to reel in a massive 102-kilogram giant grouper. This impressive catch quickly became the center of attention upon Su’s return to port, selling for NT＄50,000 at the Huaqiao Fish Market and earning him a substantial windfall. Tseng Yu-tsung, an official with the Liouciou Fishermen’s Association, explained that local fishers typically use largehead hairtail or Japanese jack mackerel as bait to attract Spanish mackerels. While mangrove red snapper and groupers may also bite, encountering a giant grouper of this size is incredibly rare and comparable to winning the jackpot. Pingtung County is known for cultivating giant groupers, but finding wild giant groupers weighing over 100 kilograms in the sea is extremely scarce.

Weather experts have warned that a weak northeast monsoon will briefly impact Taiwan, resulting in temporary showers in the northern and eastern regions. Coastal winds will increase and central and southern regions will experience slightly cooler temperatures, but the effects are not significant. The weekend weather will return to warm and stable conditions. As the Lunar New Year holiday approaches, scattered early showers may occur in the north and center regions. On Monday, there may be brief showers across Taiwan with a decrease in high temperatures as a front passes. Starting from Tuesday next week, the weather will transition to a northeast monsoon pattern, but the incoming cold air is not strong and will mainly affect daytime temperatures on the windward side. From Wednesday evening to New Year’s Eve on Thursday next week, the South China rain area will move eastward, resulting in widespread rain nationwide and significantly lower temperatures.

Famed Hong Kong singer Jacky Cheung announces a historic run of nine concerts at Taipei Arena starting May 31, sparking excitement among fans. Cheung, one of Hong Kong’s ＂Four Heavenly Kings＂ of Cantopop, last performed in Taiwan in 2018, making his return highly anticipated. The ambitious nine-show stint in Taipei surpasses his previous record of six shows at the same venue. Despite being over 60, Cheung, known for his marathon of 24 consecutive shows in Hong Kong, believes that with adequate preparation, practice, and passion, a demanding performance schedule is manageable. Cheung’s illustrious career dates back to 1992, and he has been named Asia’s most popular singer by Billboard.

Taiwanese actress Amanda Chu, 37, shares her arduous battle with cancer on ＂Super Night＂ and is praised as a ＂life fighter＂ by host Sam Tseng. Diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2021, Chu undergoes 18 rounds of chemotherapy, spending NT＄1.8 million on treatment, including 18 mastectomy and reconstructive surgeries. In September 2023, she triumphantly declares her victory over the disease. Chu’s journey is chronicled in prose, inspiring others with her courage and tenacity, while her return to work and regular check-ups every six months symbolize her heroic fight against cancer.

Premier Chen Chien-jen expresses his desire to return to academic research at Academia Sinica after May 20. He hopes to continue serving humanity through his academic pursuits, which have always been his passion. President-elect Lai Ching-te is confident in his well-thought-out arrangements for cabinet positions, aligning with the people’s expectations. Lai intends to recruit capable individuals for ministerial and agency head positions, regardless of their political affiliation.

The beloved rubber duck by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman has returned to Love River Bay in Kaohsiung after a decade, attracting over 600,000 attendees in the first two days of the exhibition. The event, named ＂2024 Kaohsiung Wonderland,＂ features more than just the two popular inflatable yellow ducks. It includes a bouncy castle, a yellow ball pit, a small train ride, street performances, and a food market. The event will run until Feb. 25. Free park tickets are distributed daily at 2 p.m. at Pier 16-18, with opening hours from 3 to 6 p.m. on Monday to Thursday, and from 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday to Sunday and during the first to fifth day of Chinese New Year. The exhibition has also led to almost record-high single-day light rail usage, with over 137,000 rides in the first two days. Additionally, a duck-themed light show has been created for night-time enjoyment along Love River Bay.

Taiwanese tennis player Hsieh Su-wei and Belgium’s Elise Mertens won the Australian Open women’s doubles championship on Jan. 28. This victory is notable as Hsieh is only the third player in the past 24 years to win both the women’s and mixed doubles titles at the Australian Open. At 38 years and 24 days old, Hsieh is the second-oldest women’s doubles champion in Grand Slam history, just eight days younger than U.S. record holder Lisa Raymond. After an 18-month break due to injury, Hsieh made a triumphant return in 2023, winning the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. Hsieh and Mertens defeated Lyudmyla Kichenok from Ukraine and Jelena Ostapenko from Latvia in the women’s doubles final with a score of 6-1, 7-5. Hsieh has a total of eight Grand Slam trophies, including seven titles in women’s doubles, but is yet to win a title at the U.S. Open.

Get the latest weather forecast for Taiwan from Meteorologist Wu Der-rong. Temperatures will rise throughout the week, reaching 30 degrees Celsius in the south. While the north will see highs of 25 degrees during the day, mornings and evenings will remain cooler. Expect temperatures of 12-22 degrees in the north, 12-25 degrees in central regions, and 13-27 degrees in the south. Starting Tuesday, wind direction will change, bringing stable sunny weather to the west and occasional showers to the east. A small northeast wind on Friday may cause localized rain and a slight drop in temperature in the north. Spring-like temperatures will return on the weekend, with sunny weather in the west and possible showers in the east. Stay tuned for updates on the next cold snap.

Legislative Speaker You Si-kun met with a Lithuanian delegation led by Matas Maldeikis, chairman of the Lithuania-Taiwan parliamentary friendship group. The meeting highlighted Taiwan’s recent election, which had a voter turnout of over 70%, as a clear message from the Taiwanese people to defend democratic freedom and national sovereignty. The delegation included three deputy speakers of the Lithuanian parliament and eight other cross-party lawmakers. Speaker You noted that 2024 is a ＂super election year＂ globally, with Taiwan being the second country to hold elections this year. He also expressed his wishes for Lithuania’s upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in May and October 2024. The speaker emphasized that elections represent the ＂possibility of choice,＂ ＂freedom to participate in politics,＂ and ＂protection of speech,＂ which are rights unfathomable under authoritarian rule. He called on global democratic allies to unite in facing authoritarian challenges and safeguarding democracy and prosperity worldwide. Speaker You expressed gratitude for Lithuania’s support and highlighted the countries’ cooperation on humanitarian aid, particularly in helping Ukrainian students return to school.

The iconic giant rubber duck is set to make its return to Kaohsiung’s Love River Bay, promising a buoyant boost to local businesses and the opportunity for visitors to bask in its whimsical charm. The creation by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, which captivated over 3.9 million people in its 2013 debut, is all set for its comeback tour from Jan. 27 to Feb. 25.

The Taipei Game Show, featuring over 300 games, opened to a crowd of nearly a thousand enthusiastic gamers who braved the cold temperatures and long waits. Despite some complaints about ticket scalpers and system malfunctions, the event was a major success, drawing in over 350,000 visitors over its four-day run. Nintendo’s return to the exhibition was a major highlight, with meet-and-greet sessions featuring beloved characters like Mario and Pikachu, and over a hundred machines available for trial of more than 25 games. With exhibitors given ample time to design their booths, the 2024 edition of the show was the largest in recent years.

The Kuomintang (KMT) has proposed the Absentee Voting Act in response to the need for voting rights for citizens unable to return to their hometowns for elections. The 2021 census revealed that nearly 2 million people work or study outside their home regions, making an absentee voting system necessary. KMT lawmakers argue that this system would increase voter turnout, deepen democracy, protect constitutional voting rights, and is vital for further legislation. The delay in implementing absentee voting in Taiwan has put the country behind other developed nations that have already adopted this global trend.

The Kaohsiung City Government has announced the return of the beloved yellow rubber ducks to the southern Taiwan port city after a decade away. The ＂2024 Kaohsiung Wonderland Winter Fair＂ will take place at Kaohsiung Port Pier 17 from Jan. 27 to Feb. 25. The fair will feature two rubber ducks and various attractions, including inflatable installations, interactive art displays, circus acts, and children’s theater performances. The yellow rubber duck first toured Taiwan in 2013 and attracted almost 3.9 million tourists to visit Kaohsiung.

Former Kaohsiung mayor Han Kuo-yu and Kuomintang legislator Johnny Chiang have announced their joint bid for the positions of President and Vice President of the Legislative Yuan. The Kuomintang made a triumphant return to the legislature in the 2024 election, becoming the largest party after eight years. Han, who received considerable attention as a potential presidential nominee within the legislature, aims to revitalize the Legislative body’s supervisory and balancing responsibilities. Han and Chiang, in their partnership called ＂Han-Chiang,＂ seek to restore oversight and balance of power roles in the legislature. Chiang has agreed to collaborate in order to fulfill promises made to over 8 million voters and achieve unity within the opposition. However, Chiang hopes to prioritize the vice-president candidacy for a nominee put forth by the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP). Han remains committed to tirelessly working for the welfare and benefits of the Taiwanese people, regardless of the outcome.

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.

South Korean star IU, known as the ＂Nation’s Little Sister,＂ has surprised fans by revealing her 2024 world tour schedule on Instagram. The acclaimed singer-songwriter, composer, and actress will be performing at the Taipei Arena on April 6 and 7. This marks IU’s return to Taiwan after four years and her debut performance at the renowned venue. IU is highly popular in Taiwan, thanks to her past visits and engaging activities for her fans. The ＂2024 IU H.E.R. World Tour Concert＂ will take her to various global cities, including Seoul, Yokohama, Singapore, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, London, Berlin, Bangkok, Osaka, Newark, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Rosemont, Oakland, and Los Angeles. IU is not only known for her powerful singing ability but also for her top-notch acting skills, showcased in hit Korean dramas such as ＂My Mister＂ and ＂Hotel del Luna.＂ With the announcement of her Taiwan concerts, a ticket sales frenzy is expected.

A group of 65 Taiwanese tourists stranded in Japan due to the Ishikawa 7.6 magnitude earthquake safely returned to Taiwan on Starlux Airlines. The earthquake forced the closure of Niigata Airport, causing a two-day delay for the group. Taiwanese passengers described the trembling sensation from the Japan quake as much scarier than the earthquakes they experienced in Taiwan. Despite the lack of severe damage, the tour leader led the tourists to pray for safety at a shrine in the Niigata area during the New Year period. The travel agency greeted the returning tourists at the airport with consolation meal boxes, considering their safe return a stroke of luck amidst the unfortunate situation.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office Director Song Tao urges Taiwan’s people to promote the peaceful unification process and return cross-strait relations to the correct track. This comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the historically inevitable reunification of the motherland in his New Year’s address. The forthcoming presidential and legislative elections in Taiwan make these remarks noteworthy. Song’s message, titled ＂Keep the Direction, Forge Ahead,＂ was published in the ＂Cross-Strait Relations＂ magazine, highlighting mainland China’s strides in establishing its commanding position and initiative in cross-strait affairs in 2023. The bold declarations from China could potentially influence Taiwanese voters’ perceptions and choices at the polls.

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.

The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesperson, Chen Binhua, emphasized the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait during a press conference. Chen suggested that if Taiwan adhered to the 1992 Consensus and opposed independence, cross-strait relations could return to a peaceful track. He called for both sides of the Strait to work together to uphold peace and stability for cross-strait prosperity. Chen’s statement aligns with recent remarks by Kuomintang’s (KMT) presidential candidate, Hou Yu-ih, who pledged to improve cross-strait relations through discussions and collaborations. Chen also criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for promoting Taiwan’s independence, refusing to acknowledge the 1992 Consensus, and colluding with foreign forces. He argued that these actions have caused tension and made Taiwan a source of instability in the region.

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai has hinted that the large inflatable artwork ＂Rubber Duck＂ by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman may be exhibited once again in Kaohsiung. The preparations are currently underway, and the exact details will be announced after completion. The Rubber Duck previously attracted over 3.9 million visitors during its 32-day exhibition at the Kaohsiung Glory Pier harbor in 2013, increasing Kaohsiung’s international visibility and sparking a nationwide ＂Rubber Duck＂ fever in Taiwan. The possible re-exhibition is the result of efforts by then-Deputy Mayor Lee Yung-te and Information Bureau Director Lai Jui-lung, among others.

Foreign investors are showing renewed interest in Asian stocks, particularly in Taiwan, according to a report released on December 25. In the week of December 18 to 22, foreign funds flowed back into Asian stocks, with the Taiwan Stock Exchange attracting NT＄643 million. South Korea also saw an influx of NT＄602 million. South Korean stocks performed the best, increasing by 1.4%, followed closely by Thailand with a 1.01% increase. Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam also experienced positive growth. However, Taiwan’s stocks unexpectedly fell by 0.44%, despite being favored by foreign investors. India’s stock market also dropped by 0.53% for the week. In terms of overall performance in 2023, Taiwan’s stocks related to the AI supply chain surged 24.47%, surpassing the gains made by India (16.87%) and South Korea (16.24%). Looking ahead, PGIM noted that Taiwan’s industry has already hit bottom, with November’s export orders totaling US＄50.63 billion, driven by emerging technologies such as high-performance computing and artificial intelligence.

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai announced that the Kaohsiung Music Center and the Eye of Gangshan will be illuminated with therapeutic yellow lights every evening from 6 p.m. to midnight, starting on December 25, 2023, until January 26, 2024. Speculation has arisen online about the return of the yellow rubber duck exhibition to Kaohsiung, as ＂yellow circles＂ have been spotted around the city. The giant floating duck was initially displayed in 2013 and drew approximately 3.9 million visitors in a single month, boosting the city’s economy by generating nearly NT＄1 billion in business opportunities. Mayor Chen has not confirmed the duck’s return but expressed the municipal team’s commitment to bringing progress and joy to the citizens.