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The Ministry of National Defense in Taiwan is preparing for the upcoming presidential and legislative elections on Jan. 13, 2024, by upgrading its security readiness for 40 hours. This will take place from 5 p.m. on Jan. 12 until 8 a.m. on Jan. 14. Around 5,000 military personnel may not be able to cast their votes, similar to the 2020 general elections. However, the number of naval and air force personnel, 24-hour on-call missile units, and air force operations management on standby is expected to exceed that of 2020. The ministry has ordered its forces to compile rosters for Election Day and implement rotation measures for combat readiness to ensure the voting rights of military personnel. Due to tense military situations caused by periodic crossings of the median line of the strait by People’s Liberation Army vessels and aircraft since August last year, there may be more naval and air force personnel on standby compared to the 2020 presidential election. Typically, soldiers stationed far from their registered residences vote in the morning and then return to their camps before noon to switch with standby soldiers who then go out to vote.

The Taiwan Youth Association for Democracy (TYAD) has successfully concluded its fundraiser to help students return home to vote in the upcoming 2024 Elections. The fundraising drive, which started on December 8, aimed to reduce the costs of youth returning home to vote. Nearly 1,200 donors contributed NT＄660,000 to the cause, allowing youth to take buses home to vote for just NT＄113. The plan includes ferry service from Kaohsiung to Penghu and flights to Kinmen. If donations exceed NT＄700,000, three additional routes will be added, and if they surpass NT＄800,000, 10 more routes will be added. The buses will depart from 10 universities and municipalities’ train stations, with 27 pick-up and drop-off points. The fundraiser will conclude on December 29, 2023, and the association encourages continued public interest and support to fulfill the voting needs of more Taiwanese youth. The 2024 presidential and legislative elections, to be held on January 13, have generated significant attention for this fundraising project.

A renowned Taiwanese traditional restaurant in Taipei’s Songshan district has been ordered by the Taipei District Court to vacate its premises due to rent arrears of five and a half months. The establishment, favored by non-partisans in its early years, temporarily closed after the founder’s death in February 2022 but reopened on Renai Road in May of the same year. However, due to structural irregularities in the kitchen, the restaurant relocated to Bade Road in 2021. The landlord claimed that the eatery had been persistently defaulting on rent, accumulating a debt of NT＄760,000. After receiving no response to a notice of lease termination, the landlord filed a lawsuit demanding the return of the premises, compensation for the owed rent, and a monthly rental payment of NT＄140,000 until the property is surrendered. The court ruled in favor of the landlord, terminating the lease agreement and ordering the restaurant to vacate the premises and continue paying rent until it does so.

Inventec Group will hold its annual year-end bōnenkai on Jan. 26 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, with rumors suggesting that rock legend Wu Bai may make a surprise appearance. This event marks Chairman Sam Yeh’s first time hosting since the Covid-19 outbreak, signaling a return to in-person festivities. While Wu Bai’s appearance has not been confirmed, Inventec has hinted that the guest will align with the rock genre. Over 6,000 employees are expected to attend, with more than 600 tables set up for the celebration. Executives from Inventec’s subsidiaries, including Inventec Appliances, Besta, and AIMobile, are also scheduled to join. The grand prize for the 2023 bōnenkai is anticipated to be NT＄200,000 in cash, with the possibility of additional top-ups from group executives, potentially exceeding a total prize pool of NT＄10 million.

Taipei’s Presidential Office spokesperson, Olivia Lin, conveyed President Tsai Ing-wen’s concerns and condolences following a devastating earthquake in China’s Gansu province on December 18. The magnitude 6.2 earthquake resulted in at least 111 deaths, 236 injuries, and significant property damage. President Tsai expressed sympathies to the victims’ families and tasked the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and the Mainland Affairs Office (MAO) to offer aid. She also posted messages on the social media platform X (previously known as Twitter) in both simplified Chinese and English to convey her condolences. President Tsai hopes for a smooth rescue and recovery process in Gansu, allowing affected individuals to return to normalcy swiftly.

President Tsai Ing-wen endorses DPP presidential and vice presidential candidates Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim as implementers of her diplomatic and defense policy, known as the ＂Tsai Ing-wen approach,＂ emphasizing stability, robustness, and trustworthiness. During a campaign event in Hsinchu County, Tsai also supports DPP Legislative Yuan candidates Chan Chi-ti and Tseng Sheng-kai, while hinting at a potential return to teaching after her presidency. Tsai highlights past projects in Hsinchu, such as the NT$2.9 billion investment in a pipeline connecting Shihmen Reservoir to Hsinchu, ensuring the high-tech industry’s resilience during droughts. She played a key role in the infrastructure upgrades, including the groundbreaking ceremony for the pipeline project. Despite opposition obstruction, the ＂Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program,＂ with a budget of NT$840 billion, was passed with DPP’s majority support. The Executive Yuan is expected to approve over NT$100 billion in funding for infrastructure projects, including extending the Wugu-Yangmei Elevated Road to Hsinchu and Toufen, and creating underground railways in Taoyuan. Tsai emphasizes the need for a parliamentary majority and urges public support for DPP’s legislative nominees.

Kuomintang (KMT) vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong publicly appeals for Foxconn founder Terry Gou to return to the party. Gou had initiated a signature campaign for opposition consolidation, but did not register for the 2024 election. Jaw hopes Gou will reconsider and come back to the KMT, emphasizing the party’s need for his support. Gou, who had planned to run as an independent candidate with actress Lai Pei-hsia as his running mate, withdrew from the election before the registration deadline on Nov. 24.

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.

Former Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng, in an effort to strengthen support within the Kuomintang (KMT), highlighted the importance of unity and expressed his desire for the return of Foxconn Founder Terry Gou to the party. Wang also announced his commitment to serve as the national campaign chairman for KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih. These statements were made during a luncheon held in Taipei to gather resources from the pro-Gou faction in support of Hou and his running mate. Former KMT Vice Chairman Hau Lung-bin and former party Secretary-General Lee Chien-lung were also present, showing their support for Wang’s initiative. Wang emphasized that KMT chairpersons are now more united than ever, with all past grievances resolved.

The renowned Kyoto Tachibana Senior High School Band, also known as the ＂Orange Devils,＂ has returned to Taiwan in December after gaining a fervent fan base. Known for their vibrant and smile-filled performance style, the band made a memorable mark during last year’s National Day celebrations. The ’Orange Devils’ have planned flash mob events and are scheduled to hold their premiere concert at the National Concert Hall in Taipei. The band expressed their happiness about visiting Taiwan and their anticipation of meeting with the Taiwanese audience again. The visit aims to fortify cultural exchanges between Taiwan and Japan, as expressed by Huang Chun-chieh, the General Manager of a Taiwanese food brand. To enhance the band members’ experience in Taiwan, arrangements have been made for them to tour distinctive local scenic spots. Upon their arrival on the evening of December 9, the Kyoto Tachibana High School Band immediately showcased their signature enthusiasm and energy. The visit is expected to entertain their Taiwanese fans and continue strengthening the cultural bridges between the two nations.

Taiwan’s manufacturing sector shows signs of recovery with increased overtime hours in October, according to the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS). Manufacturers’ overtime climbed to 15.4 hours, a 1.6-hour increase from the previous year, marking continuous growth over four months and a return to 2021 levels. The average regular wage from January to October 2022 was NT$45,441, a 2.49% year-over-year increase. The total average salary within the same period was NT$59,270, up by 1.53%. However, when adjusted for inflation, the real average regular earnings only inched up 0.06%, and the real total earnings witnessed a slip of 0.87% year-over-year, the first negative growth in nearly seven years. This decline in total real wages is attributed to tepid exports and the rising cost of living. Employment in the industrial and service sectors stood at 8.19 million people as of October, with a slight increase compared to September 2021 and largely unchanged from October 2021. The service sector gained 41,000 employees in October, offsetting the decrease in the industrial sector. Throughout the first ten months of 2022, the average number of employed workers was 8.175 million, with the accommodation and food services and arts, entertainment, and recreational services sectors seeing new hires while the manufacturing sector lost jobs. In October 2022 alone, the average regular salary for employed workers was NT$45,564, a 2.31% annual rise, and the average total wage for the month was NT$51,143, a 1.35% increase from the previous year.

A 71-year-old man from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, accidentally rode his motorbike for 38 hours, covering 350 kilometers, after taking a wrong turn while returning home from visiting his daughter in Taitung. Physically exhausted, he sought help from a local shop in Sanxia, New Taipei City, where the storekeepers contacted the police. Reluctant to trouble his daughter, the man initially withheld her contact information, but eventually provided it after the officers communicated with him. Since his daughter couldn’t reach him quickly, she asked relatives in northern Taiwan to assist. The police took care of the man at the station until his relatives arrived to ensure his safe return home. This incident highlights the compassionate response from the authorities and the community to an elder’s misadventure.

Kaohsiung City is experiencing a rise in acute diarrhea cases, particularly in schools, due to the spread of Norovirus. During the 48th week of the year, the emergency room visit rate reached 4.81%, a significant increase from the previous year’s 2.91%. The city has reported 125 cluster cases of diarrhea, with schools accounting for 80% of the infection sites. The Kaohsiung City Department of Health is urging the public to practice regular handwashing and food safety measures. Norovirus is primarily transmitted through poor hygiene, close contact with infected individuals, and the consumption of contaminated food. With increased school activities, there is a higher risk of cross-infection. Standard alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against Norovirus, so diligent handwashing with soap and disinfecting surfaces with diluted bleach are recommended. Precautionary measures also include thorough washing and cooking of seafood, disinfecting areas after vomiting or diarrhea incidents, and using gloves and masks. It is advised to stay home when sick and return to work or school only 48 hours after symptoms have disappeared.

The Central Weather Administration (CWA) has announced that Taiwan will experience sunny to cloudy conditions with noticeable radiational cooling in the early morning, resulting in a cold start to the day. The temperature difference between day and night in the northern parts of the country is expected to exceed 10 degrees Celsius. The lowest temperature recorded this morning was 11.6 degrees Celsius at Liyu Lake, Hualien. Other regions, including Daxi District in Taoyuan, Guanxi Township in Hsinchu, Xihu Township in Miaoli, and Lunbei Township in Yunlin, also experienced temperatures below 13 degrees Celsius. During the day, temperatures are projected to rebound swiftly, with highs between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius in the northern and eastern parts of Taiwan, and 28 to 29 degrees Celsius in the central and southern parts. From Saturday to Monday, the CWA predicts a shift in winds from easterlies to southerlies, leading to a general increase in temperature across the country. This change will bring mostly sunny to cloudy weather and comfortable warmth. By next Tuesday, a rapidly passing frontal system, along with a strengthened northeast monsoon, will bring a slight dip in temperatures. The northern and northeastern parts of the country will have a cooler day with brief, localized showers, while changes in weather for other regions will be minimal. Starting next Wednesday, clear and sunny skies are expected to return to the entirety of Taiwan.

National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) students are set to enjoy an unprecedented winter break lasting 56 days, from December 25 to February 18, the longest in the institution’s history. This extended vacation period aligns with the academic schedules of several countries, allowing international students to return home for Christmas. Other universities, such as National Taiwan University (NTU) and National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech), also begin their winter breaks on December 25. NTU’s break will last until February 6, while Taiwan Tech has added 10 extra days, ending on February 16. During this winter break, Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation is offering discounted tickets to university students, with discounts of 50%, 75%, and 88% available from January 4 to January 10. Additionally, there are 28 train services providing tickets at 50% off. The upcoming 2024 presidential election in Taiwan, taking place on January 13, is also on students’ minds, as it coincides with their winter break, potentially facilitating greater voter participation among the youth demographic.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je criticizes a return to the clash between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), arguing that it would result in a victory for the DPP. Ko’s comments were made during an agriculture policy press conference, as support for KMT candidates Hou Yu-ih and Jaw Shaw-kong grows in polls. Ko questions whether Taiwan truly desires a return to a polarized political axis and highlights that 60% of the population supports maintaining the status quo. He appeals to the youth demographic to consider moving away from the blue-green divide and towards a new political and cultural era.

President Tsai Ing-wen expresses gratitude to the overseas Chinese community for their unwavering support and efforts in advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations and expanding its global presence. During a reception for the ＂2023 North American Taiwanese Associations Delegation,＂ President Tsai acknowledges the vital role of Taiwanese compatriots in forging connections between Taiwan, the U.S., and Canada. Despite challenges such as the pandemic and shifts in the international landscape, Taiwan has persistently promoted its policies, overcoming obstacles and strengthening the nation. President Tsai encourages the visiting delegation to frequently return to Taiwan, share their experiences with friends and family abroad, and enhance their understanding and support for Taiwan. Vice President Lai Ching-te also attends the event, joining President Tsai in greeting the delegation team members.

Stay informed about the changing weather conditions in Taipei. Wu Der-rong, an adjunct associate professor of atmospheric sciences at National Central University, advises dressing warmly due to significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. Layering clothing is important during this period. From Saturday to Monday, expect mostly sunny to cloudy skies with sporadic rainfall in the eastern half of the island. Temperatures will gradually rise and maintain a larger diurnal range. On Tuesday, the northeast monsoon will bring local showers to areas north of Taoyuan and parts of the eastern region, cooling temperatures in northern Taiwan. However, the cold air mass is weak, indicating a limited decrease in temperatures. By Wednesday, the northeast monsoon is expected to weaken, leading to clear skies in western regions and occasional brief showers in the east. Temperatures will rebound. Stay updated with the latest weather reports and be prepared for the changing conditions.

Former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) chairman Shih Ming-teh, 82, has been revealed to be critically ill with liver cancer. Media personality Sisy Chen disclosed this on ＂TVBS Situation Room,＂ expressing her agitation at Shih’s request for her to look after his two daughters. Shih, a Catholic, called Chen from the hospital ward to leave his final wishes with her, as he was mindful of the possibility of falling into a coma. Chen retorted, questioning why he would entrust his last words to someone who may die before him. Shih’s battle with recurring cancer led to his admission to Taipei Veterans General Hospital, where he opted for electrocauterization treatment instead of Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE), but unfortunately, this approach did not yield positive results. Recently, he suffered a severe hemorrhage and had to return to the intensive care unit for emergency kidney dialysis as his condition became critical.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim returned to Taiwan from New York with her four beloved cats, arriving at Taoyuan International Airport. Accompanied by security officers, Hsiao handled her immigration procedures while waving to reporters and travelers. She then proceeded to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency to take care of the entry quarantine procedures for her cats. As her feline friends meowed from within their carriers, Hsiao comforted them and fed them treats. She personally confirmed the purchase of canned food and dry kibble for her pets before leaving the airport under the escort of security personnel. Hsiao had returned to Taiwan on Nov. 20 to report for duty and submit her resignation, registered for the elections the following day, and rallied support in Hualien. She then returned to the United States on Nov. 26 to finalize her resignation and pack her belongings before making her journey back to Taiwan with her cats.

DPP vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim has launched a YouTube show called ＂Bi-khim Cat Warrior Meow Meow Meow＂ to share stories about President Tsai Ing-wen’s cat, Think Think, and discuss her own experiences with pets and the concept of ＂cat warrior＂ diplomacy. In the first episode, Hsiao recounts finding a stray kitten in Hualien and offering it to Tsai, who accepted and named it Think Think. Hsiao also introduces her four cats at home and expresses her longing for them as they await their return from the U.S. The concept of ＂cat warrior＂ diplomacy represents Hsiao’s strategy in international diplomacy, as she believes cats’ characteristics like balance, agility, and having nine lives are effective in this field. Hsiao recently returned to Taiwan from Washington D.C. to resume her duties as Taiwan’s representative to the U.S.

Taipei City Hospital’s Chiang Kuan-yu commented on Lai Pei-hsia’s decision to give up her U.S. citizenship, stating that Taiwan’s lighter healthcare and tax burdens outweigh the benefits of U.S. citizenship. Lai, an entertainer, relinquished her U.S. citizenship in order to qualify as the running mate for Foxconn founder Terry Gou in Taiwan’s vice-presidential election. However, the Gou-Lai ticket failed to register for the race, leading many online users in Taiwan to describe Lai as the biggest loser in the electoral contest. Chiang highlighted that many elderly Americans choose to return to Taiwan for superior elderly care and more familial support, as incapacitated seniors in the U.S. often do not survive beyond three years. He characterized Taiwan as ＂a paradise for the elderly, a promised land for retirement,＂ promoting the country as an ideal place for a comfortable and supported aging experience. Chiang questioned the significance of retaining U.S. citizenship once one’s children are independent, suggesting that Lai may not have lost much by forfeiting her American nationality.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim expresses concerns about Taiwan’s political climate and her hesitation to return to the country for public office. She describes a ＂dark political vortex＂ and emphasizes the need to defend democracy, freedom, and basic rights. Despite the challenges, Hsiao pledges steadfast efforts alongside presidential candidate Lai Ching-te to guide Taiwan and offer its people more opportunities. She aims to concentrate on state affairs and constructive national debates, avoiding distractions and external disturbances. Hsiao’s commitment reflects the underlying tensions in Taiwan’s political landscape and her determination to maintain stability and progress for the country.

Lai Ching-te, the Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate, officially launched his campaign alongside running mate Hsiao Bi-khim, emphasizing their shared mission to lead Taiwan towards a prosperous future. Lai praised Hsiao’s previous performances in Taipei and Hualien, particularly her handling of Taiwan-U.S. relations during her term as representative to the U.S. With global attention on Taiwan’s election, Lai emphasized the need for an experienced and steady leader to guide the country towards democracy, peace, and prosperity. Lai and Hsiao appealed to voters by promising steadfast guidance and uniting Taiwan on the right path. Hsiao’s return to politics is driven by her deep love for Taiwan and joint efforts towards national prosperity.

The Taiwan Research Institute (TRI) reports a decrease in electricity demand in September, following the end of the summer peak period for consumption. The TRI’s October Taiwan EPI shows a 0.16% growth in high voltage electricity usage across national industries compared to the same period in 2022. However, this growth is smaller than the increase seen in September. TRI President Wu Tsai-yi attributes the deceleration in economic growth to global inflation, interest rate hikes, and ongoing geopolitical crises. Despite these challenges, the domestic electronic technology industry has experienced successful inventory turnover due to the rise of AI applications, the launch of new consumer electronics, and stockpiling for the end-of-year shopping season. With sustained private consumption momentum and negative economic growth factors in the fourth quarter of 2022, a significant increase in economic growth to 4.4% is estimated for October. Wu predicts a gradual return to normalcy for global economic and business activities as the effects of inflation and interest rate increases diminish.