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Premier Cho orders expedited support for Hualien’s systems
Premier Cho Jung-tai inspected Typhoon Krathon preparations at the Central Emergency Operations Center. Heavy rainfall and evacuations are underway in Taiwan.
2024/09/30 16:52
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Interior minister addresses Core Pacific Case concerns
Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang addressed concerns about the Core Pacific Case, emphasizing the central government’s support for projects aligning with volume incentive principles. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an tasked the Department of Urban Development with drafting anti-corruption measures to prevent similar issues.
2024/09/24 11:47
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Minister urges Mid-Autumn Festival visits to Hualien
Discover how Hualien aims to revive tourism with a new hotel discount plan following natural disasters. Officials discuss support measures and challenges facing the industry.
2024/09/11 10:20
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Taiwan to welcome Olympic athletes home with F-16 escort
Discover how Taiwan celebrates its Olympic heroes with F-16V fighter jet escorts and a special parade. President Lai Ching-te honors the athletes’ achievements in Paris 2024.
2024/08/12 17:30
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Subsidies alone won’t fix Taiwan’s birth rate drop: Experts
Explore Taiwan’s challenge in boosting its declining birth rate through subsidies and the call for more sustainable family support measures.
2024/06/25 16:05
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Taiwan rents air conditioners for athletes at Paris Olympics
Discover how Taiwan is preparing its athletes for the 2024 Paris Olympics with water-cooled air conditioners and interdepartmental support for optimal performance.
2024/06/24 16:35
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Statistics show rising domestic violence in Taiwan
Foreign spouses in Taiwan face a tough choice between reporting domestic abuse and fearing deportation. The Garden of Hope Foundation offers support and employment to help rebuild their lives.
2024/05/27 19:10
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Premier seeks legislative support for anti-fraud bills
Discover how Taiwan’s government is taking a strong stance against fraud with Premier Cho Jung-tai’s push for legislative support on four anti-fraud bills aimed at enhancing penalties and security measures.
2024/05/22 15:56
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Expanding childcare aid: Taiwan’s to ease parental burdens
Explore Taiwan’s new approach to supporting families: Premier Chen Chien-jen announces plans for more flexible unpaid parental leave, expanded childcare services, and increased subsidies to ease the childcare burden. With a focus on diverse family roles and improved work-life balance, these measures aim to reduce childcare costs and encourage shared parental responsibilities.
2024/05/09 16:42
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Taiwan’s fertility crisis sparks urgent support measures
Explore how Taiwan is addressing its low fertility rates with new government initiatives, including flexible parental leave, enhanced childcare subsidies, and support for pregnant women.
2024/04/17 14:41
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Taiwan unveils NT$3B plan to revive tourism after quake
Discover how Taiwan’s Minister of Transportation and Communications, Wang Kwo-tsai, unveils three comprehensive revitalization plans for Hualien following a devastating earthquake. These initiatives aim to support the local tourism industry, provide accommodations for victims, and offer subsidies to tourists, with an estimated budget of NT$3 billion. Learn more about the impact of the April 7.2 magnitude quake on Hualien’s tourism, including hotel closures and layoffs, and the government’s efforts to rejuvenate the area in the coming months.
2024/04/17 13:19
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Taiwan plans to expand childcare support for workers
Taipei government considers comprehensive aid for child care, extending to regular revisions. Ministry of Civil Service to add childcare leave for civil servants, with proposed seven days of paid leave for parents of children under six. Various measures implemented to improve childcare environment, including increased allowances and resources.
2024/03/13 12:39
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Cynthia Wu promises tighter security after rally scare
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) vice-presidential candidate Cynthia Wu pledges to reinforce security measures in response to an incident where an individual was caught with an air gun at a TPP rally in Taichung. Wu visits Taichung after TPP presidential candidate Ko Wen-je held rallies there for two consecutive days. Wu’s campaign trail proceeds to Nantou County. When asked about the chants at the previous night’s rally, Wu expresses that election campaigning is tough and everyone should encourage and support each other. Wu’s final stop in Taichung is Wanhe Temple, where she is accompanied by the temple’s chairman for prayers and blessings. During a photo session with supporters, a vehicle carrying KMT legislative candidate Liao Wei-hsiang passes by, and the KMT’s Taichung branch director greets him, emphasizing collaboration between the TPP and KMT in Taichung.
2024/01/07 18:18
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Supporter shaves Ko Wen-je’s face in hair
A barber in Changhua has gone viral after posting a video on Facebook of him shaving an image of Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je into a client’s hair. The detailed design, complete with Ko’s face, nose, eyes, glasses, suit, and tie, has sparked lively online discussions. The client had requested the unique haircut in preparation for attending an election rally for Ko Wen-je, but he has been advised by the Changhua County Election Commission to cover his hairdo, possibly with a cap, while voting due to rules prohibiting the display of candidate-related items within polling stations. This unconventional show of support for a presidential candidate has prompted discussions about the extreme measures other supporters are taking for their preferred candidates, such as a female enthusiast of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te surprising him with a sudden kiss during a photo, and supporters of Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih waving the national flag at his events. The hairstyle news is another example of the enthusiastic participation of Taiwanese citizens in the elections, showcasing their support in diverse and creative ways.
2024/01/07 16:31
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U.S. backs Taiwan amid Chinese balloons incursion
U.S. National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications, John Kirby, affirms American support for Taiwan’s democracy and urges parties outside Taiwan not to interfere with its democratic process. This comes after Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported detecting three balloons from the Chinese Communist Party crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait. Following the incident, there were multiple incursions by Chinese aircraft and vessels observed in the area. The Taiwanese military will take appropriate measures based on the nature and potential hazard of the balloons. Although Kirby couldn’t verify the balloon reports, he reiterates U.S. support for Taiwan’s democracy and looks forward to free, fair, and transparent elections. He also warns against any external force attempting to interfere with the Taiwanese elections and urges parties outside Taiwan not to meddle with its democratic process.
2024/01/05 17:44
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New Taipei confirms one victim in school stabbing incident
New Taipei City confirms a single fatality in a recent junior high school stabbing. Authorities respond with enhanced student support and security measures. Over 340,000 students received counseling in 2023, addressing a range of issues from self-exploration to family challenges.
2023/12/27 18:27
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Education Dept. confirms death of stabbed student
A junior high school student in New Taipei City has tragically died after being stabbed by another student. The victim suffered five knife wounds to his neck and lungs, despite receiving emergency treatment at the hospital. The incident occurred after a female student, who felt rebuked by the victim, recruited a male student to retaliate. The victim was stabbed twice in the lungs and neck, resulting in significant blood loss. Speculation of his death was confirmed by the Education Department. Following this incident, the department has pledged to strengthen measures to ensure student safety, including dispatching counselors and social workers for follow-up guidance and collaboration with police agencies. The Education Department is also providing support to the victim’s family through legal consultation and coordination with relevant departments. Additionally, efforts will be made to enhance teachers’ campus security capabilities.
2023/12/27 10:45
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Dr. Chiang fears long-term effects on stabbing victim
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.
2023/12/26 10:46
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Lai-Hsiao ticket narrowly leads in tight presidential race
A new poll by ETtoday reveals a tight race in the upcoming 2024 presidential election in Taiwan. The Democratic Progressive Party’s Lai-Hsiao ticket, consisting of Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim, leads with 35.9% support, slightly ahead of the Kuomintang’s Hou-Jaw ticket, comprised of Hou Yu-ih and Jaw Shaw-kong, at 34.7%. The Taiwan People’s Party’s Ko-Wu ticket, featuring Ko Wen-je and Cynthia Wu, trails behind with 19.6% support. Despite the close percentages, 44.3% of the public expresses confidence in the Lai-Hsiao ticket’s ability to win, compared to 30.1% for Hou-Jaw and 13.8% for Ko-Wu. Conversely, 40.5% of voters are certain they will not vote for Lai-Hsiao, while 27.3% reject Hou-Jaw and 20.6% turn away from Ko-Wu. In terms of non-constituency legislators, the KMT leads with 35% support, followed by the DPP with 31.3% and the TPP at 14.5%. The poll highlights public concern over Taiwan’s economic ties with China, particularly due to recent trade restrictions viewed as trade barriers and the suspension of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) measures. Additionally, 47.1% of respondents worry that a Lai Ching-te presidency could worsen cross-strait economic and people-to-people exchanges, while 16.4% hold the same concern for Hou Yu-ih and 11.6% for Ko Wen-je. The poll, conducted from December 18 to 19, surveyed 1,224 respondents with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8%. Compared to the previous poll from December 14 to 15, support for the Lai-Hsiao ticket dropped by 2.6 percentage points, while the Hou-Jaw ticket saw a minor decline of 0.4 percentage points, and the Ko-Wu ticket remained unchanged. The number of undecided voters increased to 9.8%, indicating the undecided nature of the electorate ahead of the presidential vote.
2023/12/20 15:35
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MOFCOM ends probe, rules Taiwan’s import ban a trade barrier
The Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (MOFCOM) has concluded its investigation into Taiwan’s ban on importing certain products from the mainland, deeming it a trade barrier. The investigation, conducted under the Foreign Trade Law and Foreign Trade Barrier Investigation Rules, found that the ban hinders cross-strait trade relations. The ban, which covers 2,455 Taiwanese goods including agricultural products, minerals, chemicals, and textiles, was announced by Beijing in April. Originally scheduled to release the findings on October 12, 2023, MOFCOM extended the deadline to January 12, 2024. Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian criticized the ban, stating that it goes against the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), which aims to reduce or eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers between the two sides. Zhu emphasized that such restrictions harm the interests of both sides and pledged support for measures based on the investigation’s results.
2023/12/15 16:11
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Hou and Chao: Taiwan must prepare, not provoke against China
Kuomintang presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih and running mate Chao Shao-kang reaffirmed that Beijing has not renounced the use of force against Taiwan, emphasizing the importance of Taiwan’s democracy in countering Chinese pressure. In an interview with NBC, Hou stated that Taiwan’s future should be determined by its 23 million inhabitants, asserting that Taiwan is an independent sovereign country. Hou advocated for preparedness without provocation and maintaining a deterrence capability amid growing tensions. Chao stressed the necessity of peace for cross-strait development, with strength as a crucial support. He emphasized the importance of U.S. support for Taiwan’s defense measures. Hou also highlighted the critical role of the U.S. in Taiwan’s self-defense efforts and expressed confidence in the deepening of the Taiwan-U.S. relationship. Chao argued that Taiwan’s democracy will inevitably influence mainland China, challenging the Chinese government to explain why democracy cannot thrive in a place with a shared heritage and culture across the Strait.
2023/12/11 20:30
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China takes note of Blue-White coalition: TAO spokesperson
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesperson, Zhu Fenglian, has called on the people of Taiwan and China to support the 1992 Consensus and oppose Taiwanese independence in order to restore peaceful development in cross-Strait relations. This statement was made during a regular press conference on Wednesday morning. Zhu also mentioned the potential Blue-White Coalition in the upcoming Taiwanese presidential election, emphasizing that peace, development, and cooperation represent the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan. Zhu further stated that mainland residents will only be able to travel to Taiwan when cross-Strait relations are on the correct track of peaceful development. This communication reflects China’s consistent stance on Taiwan, reaffirming its commitment to the 1992 Consensus and strong opposition to Taiwan’s independence. It is evident that China is closely monitoring Taiwan’s political dynamics in light of the upcoming election.
2023/11/16 21:06
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MOL pledges plan to help 330K women reentering the workforce
Taiwan’s Minister of Labor, Hsu Ming-chun, has pledged to propose a plan within the next three months to support the 330,000 women in Taiwan who have left the workforce to care for their families. During a legislative interpellation, a Democratic Progressive Party legislator pointed out the government’s oversight of this potential source of manpower, considering the country’s need for more workers. Hsu acknowledged the relatively high number of women who have quit their jobs due to family care duties and stated that the Ministry of Labor is actively promoting measures to help women balance their work and family responsibilities. Suggestions were made to make the parental leave system more flexible and introduce family care leave. Hsu admitted that finding a solution is challenging but expressed her eagerness to address the issue. The Ministry of Labor has commissioned studies to inform their improvement plan, which will be developed in the next three months.
2023/11/16 17:15
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Health minister unsure of nurses’ exam standards gripes
The Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan has decided to lower the entry standards for the national examination for nursing personnel in order to address staff shortages. The Minister of Health and Welfare, Hsueh Jui-yuan, expressed his uncertainty about the reasons for nurses’ dissatisfaction with the announcement. The goal of this policy change is to enhance the pass rate in the national examinations and boost the nursing workforce. However, the National Taiwan University Hospital Union argues that the real issue lies in the lack of conducive workplace environments to retain nurses, rather than the number of nursing licenses. They believe that both ministries have failed to adequately discuss the policy change and provide comprehensive explanations and support measures. The union urges hospital management to improve the workplace environment to better handle staffing predicaments.
2023/11/12 18:02
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Launch Technologies offers NT$300K to firefighters’ families
Launch Technologies, a prominent tech firm, offers condolences and NT$300,000 to support families of four firefighters lost in a Pingtung factory explosion. The company’s chairman, Liu An-hao, expresses sympathy and emphasizes safety measures. #LaunchTech #PingtungFire #CondolenceAid
2023/09/27 18:08