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Taiwan’s military chief makes historic committee appearance
Explore the significance of Chief of the General Staff Mei Chia-shu’s appearance at the Legislative Yuan, a first in 25 years, and the planning of the 40th Han Kuang military exercise.2024/06/26 17:54 -
China warns Taiwan of consequences under DPP’s current path
The story discusses recent statements from officials of China’s Taiwan Affairs Office and the Executive Yuan of Taiwan regarding rising cross-strait tensions, rumors of a "war tax," and accusations against the Democratic Progressive Party. Clarifications were made regarding the alleged plans for a war tax and the nature of military exercises for national security.2024/03/27 15:50 -
Trump vows to reinstate tariffs on China if reelected
Former U.S. President Donald Trump pledges to reapply tariffs on Chinese goods, potentially exceeding 60%, if he wins the November presidential election. He offers no clear answer on whether he would assist Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. Trump plans on imposing a 60% tariff on Chinese goods, a number that may increase. He is leading in the Republican primary and is expected to face incumbent President Joe Biden in November. Trump imposed tariffs amounting to US$250 billion on Chinese imported goods during his term, sparking a trade war. Biden retained Trump’s tariff policy and banned the export of advanced semiconductors and semiconductor production equipment. Trump disputes rumors of another trade war with China, stating that he has handled all matters related to China well. He also criticizes Taiwan for taking semiconductor jobs from the U.S. and suggests imposing tariffs and trade barriers on Taiwan.2024/02/06 17:05 -
Taiwan’s MOEA to aid Taipower’s budget crisis
The Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, plans to help Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) seek budgetary support from the Executive Yuan to alleviate its financial distress. Taipower reached out to the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) for assistance, citing escalating international fuel prices caused by the Russia-Ukraine war. Other global power companies, such as Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), and Électricité de France (EDF), have already experienced significant price hikes. Taipower’s rates are relatively low compared to the cost of power generation, resulting in policy-driven losses. As of 2023, Taipower has accumulated losses of NT$382.6 billion due to absorbing price increases to protect Taiwan from global inflation. The MOEA disclosed that Taipower and the CPC Corporation have discrepancies in predicting natural gas prices, leading Taipower to observe international coal prices for cost estimates in 2024. While mitigating Taipower’s financial woes in the short term poses challenges, Wang aims to prevent further losses. The MOEA will assist Taipower in lobbying the government for budget support once financial situation estimates are finalized. The decision to adjust electricity prices will be made by the Electricity Price Review Committee.2024/01/23 13:09 -
Jaw Shaw-kong vows active role as VP in KMT election bid
KMT vice presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong vows to be a vocal advocate for issues if elected. He emphasizes the critical choice between war and peace in the upcoming 2024 election and urges voters to support the KMT for political integrity and cross-strait peace. Jaw appeals to KMT supporters to concentrate their votes for a hopeful future and peaceful cross-strait relations. He highlights the complementary strengths of his partnership with KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih, with a focus on different regions. Jaw criticizes the DPP for exacerbating cross-strait tensions while promising no war. If elected, he plans to reinstate the Special Investigation Division to probe potential corruption issues related to the procurement of masks, vaccines, eggs, and submarines.2023/11/25 17:10 -
Chiu Kuo-cheng downplays U.S. arms sale concerns
Taiwan’s Defense Minister, Chiu Kuo-cheng, has announced that the Ministry of National Defense (MND) is preparing to strengthen its military in order to prevent war. This comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed dissatisfaction with U.S. arms sales to Taiwan during his meeting with President Joe Biden. Chiu stated that Taiwanese military officers will continue to visit and learn from their U.S. counterparts, regardless of the circumstances. He downplayed concerns about the sale of ammunition, emphasizing that Taiwan is not intentionally arming itself but rather engaging in normal operations. Despite Xi’s denial of plans for military action against Taiwan in 2027 or 2035, Chiu emphasized that the Taiwanese military will not set a target year solely based on Xi’s statements. The MND will maintain a vigilant stance and be prepared for any situation without anticipating military conflicts in specific years.2023/11/20 18:36 -
Ko Wen-je hits back at Lai’s criticisms toward alliance
Taipei was filled with political debate as Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je criticized Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te over his family home’s illegal construction. Ko questioned why Lai’s illegal buildings were not demolished like his mother’s and former legislator Huang Kuo-chang’s. This controversy emerged after the formation of the TPP-KMT alliance, which Lai publicly criticized as a blatant power grab. Lai argued that the alliance does not represent Taiwan’s mainstream public opinion and accused the candidates of lacking national security protection and comprehensive national plans. Ko retaliated by claiming that the DPP’s election strategy relies solely on rallying the Chinese Communist Party. This ongoing dispute between the two parties intensifies as they compete for control of Taiwan’s political future. In response to Lai’s criticisms, Ko admitted that they cannot guarantee being the best choice for Taiwan but questioned why Lai considers himself the better option. As the election approaches, this war of words further strains Taiwan’s domestic politics.2023/11/16 17:03 -
Taiwanese tourists safely return from Israel
Amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, Lion Travel Service successfully transported a group of 29 Taiwanese tourists from Israel. Despite ongoing conflicts between Israel and Palestine, the tourists noted a surprising calmness among the Israeli locals during the war. The Tourism Bureau reported that Artisan Tour and Yung Shin Travel Service still have tourists in Israel, with plans to arrange early returns for customers. Uni Travel Services also adjusted travel plans for one group to avoid entering Israel.2023/10/09 20:56