year-on-year 結果共280筆

Discover how Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an criticizes President-elect Lai Ching-te for not meeting with opposition leaders, breaking a 24-year tradition, and the potential impact on Taiwan’s governance.

Discover the excitement of the 2024 Chinese Professional Baseball League All-Star Games at the Taipei Dome on July 20-21. This year, the event moves indoors, offering fans a rain-free experience and featuring six teams for heightened competition. Learn about the strategic move, fan voting for team members starting May 14, and more.

Explore the impact of geopolitical risks, trade frictions, and inflationary rate hikes on Taiwan’s machine tool exports in April, as reported by the TMBA, with a significant decline in export value compared to the previous year and the preceding month, highlighting the global economic challenges faced by the industry.

A 17-year-old high school student, surnamed Huang (黃), tragically lost his life due to organ failure on April 25 after sustaining severe injuries in a magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit Hualien County on April 3.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is nearing the completion of a five-year agreement with Czechia to establish an advanced chip design center, enhancing semiconductor capabilities. Amidst controversy over funding and accusations from the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), MOFA clarifies the project’s goals and budgeting, emphasizing the initiative’s focus on leveraging Taiwanese technology to bolster Czechia’s semiconductor industry and expand European business opportunities for Taiwanese companies.

Explore the recent seismic surge in Taiwan, where over 1,000 aftershocks followed a major earthquake in Hualien. This unusual activity, highlighted on a global map as a towering ＂skyscraper,＂ signals a period of heightened earthquake risk, with potential aftershocks expected for up to a year.

Iowa House reaffirms support for Taiwan Relations Act, bilateral trade agreement, and Taiwan’s international participation on 45th anniversary of TRA, deepening 35-year sister-state ties.

Taiwan’s DGBAS reports a 4.47% year-on-year increase in medical costs for March, the highest in 18 years, due to the New Health Insurance Co-payment System. The March CPI showed a 2.14% year-on-year increase, with dining-out costs and essential commodity prices decreasing slightly. However, inflationary pressures persist in services like medical costs and rent.

The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for Asian manufacturing in March shows varying recovery rates across the region, with Taiwan’s manufacturing sector on the rise and confidence among Taiwanese businesses reaching a nearly three-year high. Japan also saw improvement, while South Korea and Vietnam experienced contractions. Paul Smith from S&P Global Market Intelligence notes signs of price and supply stabilization supporting a more optimistic outlook for the Asian manufacturing sector.

Taiwan’s Minister of Interior, Lin Yu-chang, underscores the importance of the National Land Planning Project during a legislative interview, addressing concerns raised by lawmakers. The project, set to be implemented next year, requires local governments to submit zoning maps to the Ministry of Interior by June. Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan will hold a meeting to discuss a possible timeline extension. Lin also touches on the ＂Pedestrian Traffic Safety Facilities Act,＂ aiming to enhance pedestrian safety and environment. Central government emphasizes the significance of local government compliance with the bill.

The inaugural Taiwan-France High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue, led by Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, discussed cooperation in semiconductors, AI, and electric vehicles. French officials agreed to integrate industrial and economic cooperation meetings, with a focus on supply chain opportunities in renewable energy and the space industry. Bilateral trade between Taiwan and France reached a record high of $60.9 billion last year, with significant investments from both sides.

The Taipei Social Workers Union protests against the blame placed solely on social worker Chen in the tragic child abuse case involving 1-year-old ＂Kai-kai.＂ The union defends Chen’s cooperation in the investigation and criticizes undue media attention, urging respect for her privacy. Concerns are raised over the Child Welfare League Foundation’s demands and authorities using social workers as scapegoats. The union questions the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s delayed response and law enforcement’s handling of Chen. As the case proceeds judicially, the union calls for discretion in sharing sensitive information and highlights systemic issues in the social work sector.

Deputy Minister Tien Chung-kwang to visit Tuvalu as Taiwan’s special envoy, showcasing support for the newly elected government led by Prime Minister Feleti Teo. Ambassador Andrew Lin conveys congratulations on behalf of Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen, emphasizing the solid friendship and continued diplomatic relations between the two nations. Taiwan and Tuvalu, with a 45-year-old diplomatic relationship, share democratic values and aim to promote peace and development in the Indo-Pacific region.

Taipei (TVBS News) - Taiwan’s Minister of Transportation and Communications, Wang Kuo-tsai, urges China to show goodwill towards resuming tourism and travel between the two countries. The Ministry of Transport and Communications banned local travel agencies from arranging tours to China in early 2024, leading to backlash from the tourism sector. Wang emphasized the government’s commitment to healthy interactions with China and hopes for the return of Chinese tourists to Taiwan. The goal of attracting 12 million international tourists to Taiwan this year remains unchanged, with the potential for two million visits from China, depending on pandemic control. The MOTC will evaluate the impact of the ban on travel agencies and work on solutions. Discussions with airlines will ensure affected travel agencies can refund their clients for booking issues.

Taiwan Power Co. (Taipower) faces a potential financial crisis by year-end without government aid or electricity price hikes, warned Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua. An upcoming electricity price review may see rates for ultra-high-voltage users surge by over 10%. Wang emphasizes the need for discussion in the committee meeting and assures efforts to minimize impacts on the public. Taipower’s efficient management has helped curb price spikes and inflation, with plans in place for financial support and program development. Current electricity costs for major consumers stand at around NT$1.63, while Taipower’s generation cost, pre-tax, is NT$3.93, expected to surpass NT$4 post-tax.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) caucus convener Huang Kuo-chang questions the legal grounds of Taiwan’s ban on group tours to China, suspecting it was a hasty response to the pandemic. The government’s sudden change just before the Lunar New Year holiday raised doubts about the ban’s legal basis, with Huang accusing the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of using vague legal concepts for punishment. Huang warns against resorting to lies and absurd methods, cautioning about the consequences of broken promises and half-truths.

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu plans a multi-party meeting to discuss Premier Chen Chien-jen’s food safety report proposal. Expectations are for the 11th legislative term to begin on Feb. 20, with a focus on food safety issues under the DPP’s eight-year tenure. The KMT and DPP are engaging in discussions, with the TPP expressing support for the report.

The Taipei Lantern Festival’s main lantern will be lit on Feb. 17. No official meeting was arranged between the Shanghai delegation and Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an. Mayor Chiang is expected to visit various lantern areas, potentially encountering the Shanghai representatives. The festival features lanterns from 16 cities, including Shanghai. The level of Shanghai’s representation has reportedly been downgraded this year. The Mainland Affairs Council aims to keep a low profile on the delegation’s visit for their safety.

Taiwan Blood Service Foundation reports critical shortage of O-type blood, with only 3.7 days’ worth in stock. Decreased donations due to Lunar New Year holiday impact blood supply, with Taipei Blood Center urging public to donate after work to alleviate crisis. Blood bank stocks at only 4.5 days, far below optimal level of 7-10 days. A, B, and AB blood types also facing shortages.

Taipei City Egg Merchants Association announces wholesale egg prices will decrease from NT＄52 to NT＄49 per Taiwan catty due to unsold stock from before the Lunar New Year. The egg market was closed during the holiday, resulting in no quotations. To alleviate pressure on sales, the farm-gate price has been reduced by NT＄3, now at NT＄42.5. The association is monitoring demand and potential price adjustments as primary and secondary schools reopen. Current pricing remains unchanged.

The Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) has announced its fourth forecast for the cherry blossom season in 2024, predicting that blossoms in Tokyo will start opening on March 23 and reach full bloom on March 30. The JMC attributes the earlier bloom dates to higher-than-normal temperatures this year. In Kyoto, sakura is expected to start blooming on March 24 and reach peak bloom on April 1, according to the JMC’s estimation. The latest forecast also suggests that Northern Japan will see the blossom a day or two earlier compared to the previous forecast, while there will be a delay of one to two days for many areas in Eastern and Western Japan. The JMC anticipates the earliest blossoms to appear in Kochi on March 20, followed by areas such as Kanto Koushin, Tokai, and Kyushu. Additionally, Weathernews, a private weather information provider, has released its ＂third sakura bloom forecast,＂ which aligns with the JMC’s prediction of an earlier bloom period this year, particularly in the Hokuriku Region and Northern Japan, where it will start over a week ahead of schedule.

Taipei-based WinnER International Travel Co. has ceased services for a Taiwanese tourist group visiting Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam during the Lunar New Year. The company has retained the group’s deposit and continued to charge fees, citing a violation of contract rules by Mega International Travel Service, which had not made the agreed payment. WinnER International signed a contract with Mega International on September 12, 2023, and received a deposit of NT＄700,000 on January 18, 2024. The dispute arose when the two sides could not agree on the service price, leading to WinnER International sending a notice to stop providing service on January 31, which went unanswered. As a result, WinnER International asked each passenger to pay an additional US＄720 to continue the journey. The Kien Giang Provincial Tourism Administration has deemed WinnER International’s actions a violation of regulations and will penalize the company for not adhering to travel contract regulations.

The National Police Agency has denied rumors of cutting year-end bonuses for police officers, clarifying that the bonuses are distributed according to the provisions of the Executive Yuan. Police officers who are employed by Jan. 31 and still on the job by Dec. 1 would receive a year-end working bonus of 1.5 months, with no specific stipulations for police officers. Last July, the Executive Yuan approved a 15% increase in police duty allowances, the first adjustment in 30 years, benefiting nearly 70,000 officers nationwide. The agency reaffirmed its support for police officers and commitment to improving their working conditions and benefits.

This year’s flu season during the Lunar New Year has been relatively mild, potentially due to higher flu vaccination rates and continued mask-wearing, according to Philip Lo, the Deputy Director-General and spokesperson for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Typically, flu cases surge before and after the Lunar New Year, with the second day of the new year being the busiest for emergency rooms. Despite higher numbers in recent years, this year’s figures are considered mild compared to the pre-pandemic period. On the second day of the Lunar New Year, 6,787 individuals sought emergency care for flu-like symptoms. In previous years, the corresponding numbers were 4,313 in 2023, 1,564 in 2022, 2,458 in 2021, 9,240 in 2020, and 7,983 in 2019. Lo emphasized the need to monitor the potential impact of large gatherings as schools reopen and the travel season begins. In terms of vaccine stock, there are still 82,000 doses of the flu vaccine available, along with 226,000 doses of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine and 4.38 million doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Lo urged eligible individuals to get vaccinated promptly to enhance their protection.

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.