POLITICS & NEWS
Minister of Health Suggests Vaccine Delay May be Due to Chinese Interference
New Bloom
Taiwanese Minister of Health stated during a radio interview with Hit FM this afternoon that plans to purchase five million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine had possibly been blocked because of Chinese government interference.
The Biden Administration and Taiwan's Post-COVID Economic Prospect
Taiwan Insight
With 2.98% of growth rate in 2020, Taiwan’s economy has outperformed many countries in the world.
Something, Nothing, or Everything? The Recall Vote of DPP's Taoyuan City Councillor Wang Hao-Yu
Taiwan Insight
On 16 January, Taoyuan city councillor Wang Hao-yu of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was revoked by a whopping 84,582 ‘in-favour’ ballots.
Singing “Kabar Ma Kyay Bu” In 2021: The Myanmar Civil Disobedience Movement In Taiwan
Taiwan Gazette
On February 6, 2021, more than 400 people from the Burmese immigrant community in Taiwan participated in their self-organized “Myanmar Civil Disobedience Movement”
Huang Jie Successfully Avoids Recall, Though Further "Revenge Recalls" Are Likely
New Bloom
Kaohsiung City Councilor Huang Jie successfully defended her seat against recall today in Kaohsiung’s Ninth Electoral District,
Weekend Sees Eight Death in Taiwan from COVID-19 Since Start of the Pandemic
New Bloom
The situation regarding the Taoyuan General Hospital cluster, Taiwan’s first COVID-19 cluster since last April and Taiwan’s largest COVID-19 cluster to date, continues to develop.
Referendum Set to Take Place on Controversial Nuclear Reactor No. 4
New Bloom
In August, the people of Taiwan will decide whether nuclear power as an energy alternative is a clean solution for Taiwan's energy needs or ticking time bomb for a disaster.
Taiwan Policy for Biden Complicated By Last-Minute Nature of Lifting of Restrictions By Pompeo
New Bloom
On January 9, outgoing US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that all restrictions on official contacts with Taiwanese officials were terminated. Applause radiated from Taipei.
Calls for Lenience For Sunflower Movement Charges Likely to Avoid Comparisons to Hong Kong
New Bloom
A supreme court case involving eight Sunflower Movement activists resulted in the case being sent back to the High Court, with a call for more lenient sentences.
Does the Recall of DPP City Councilor Wang Hao-Yu Reflect a Larger Trend?
New Bloom
Taoyuan city councilor Wang Hao-yu (王浩宇) was recalled last week by large margins, raising questions as to whether recalls will be used to target other politicians, particularly younger pan-Green politicians.
Taiwan Reports Two More Cases of Domestic Transmission of COVID-19 This Week
New Bloom
Taiwan recorded another two cases of domestic transmission of COVID-19 earlier this week: a doctor and a nurse who work at the same hospital in northern Taiwan.
Lifting of US-Taiwan Restrictions Latest in Last-Minute Moves by Trump Administration
New Bloom
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the lifting of self-imposed restrictions on contacts between the American and Taiwanese governments earlier today in a move that took many by surprise.
Craft Visit Cheapens Impact of Previous US Diplomatic Visits to Taiwan
New Bloom
With less than two weeks left before the transition of power between Trump and Biden, the Trump administration surprised on Wednesday by announcing that Kelly Craft, America’s ambassador to the UN, will visit Taiwan.
REGIONAL: Over Fifty Arrested in Crackdown Aimed at Eliminating Pan-Democratic Opposition in Hong Kong
New Bloom
Over fifty pro-democracy politicians were arrested today in Hong Kong, in the largest set of arrests in an ongoing crackdown that has taken place across past weeks.
We Must Not Let Our Guards Down
Ketagalan Media
Last week, on Dec. 22, the news of a local infection in Taiwan made the rounds in national and international media outlets.
Global Taipei Dialogue 6, Press Freedom in Asia
Taiwan Next Gen
Taiwan Nextgen Foundation thanks all who joined us for a successful and prescient Global Taipei Dialogue tonight on press freedom in Asia.
Contstation Regarding China Airlines' New Livery Follows Familiar Dynamic
New Bloom
New livery was unveiled for China Airlines cargo planes earlier this week.
REGIONAL: Lausan protests HSBC freezing of Hong Kong activists’ accounts and big bank collusion
Lausan
The HSBC's collusion with the CCP is no anomaly: big banks have long collaborated with governments to oppress activists and working-class communities.
Is the Milk Tea Alliance the Latest Target by Chinese Disinformation Efforts in Taiwan?
New Bloom
A recent case involving the recruitment of three Taiwanese as agents for spreading disinformation by the Chinese government has not led to a great deal of public attention.
What Does the New Biden Administration Mean for Taiwan
Biden promises to restore the proper functioning of the government, which means in part the restoration of deliberative inter-agency processes that Taiwan should rely on to reflect its interests in a coherent fashion.
Biden, Taiwan, and US-China High Technology Competition
Taiwan Insight
Despite official disclaimers, the election of President Joseph Biden has been greeted with considerable angst in Taiwan.
Deterrence & Dialogue: How Washington Can Prevent a US-China War Over Taiwan
Taiwan Insight
Considering recent developments, the Taiwan Straits seems to be the most likely battleground for Sino-American conflict.
Judicial Yuan Completes Draft Bill Lifting Restrictions on Transnational Gay Marriages
New Bloom
The Judicial Yuan has announced that it has completed a draft bill that would lift some of the currently existing limits on transnational same-sex marriages in Taiwan.
Taiwan Policy Under Biden: The First Six Months, The First Year, and Beyond
Taiwan Insight
The new Biden administration will have its hands full from day one. The administration will have to recalibrate its China policy.
Keynote Speech at the Yuanshan Forum (Part I)
Taiwan Insight
The Covid 19 pandemic, of course as the President has just observed, has disrupted the world and inflicted enormous suffering around the world.
Ask the Sheep
New Bloom
Cingjing Farm, known as the “Aspen of Taiwan", has been on the news lately because of a remark from a legislator about a recent petition to end sheep shearing and shepherd dog performances.
Taiwanese Residing in China Most Likely to be Targeted by Proposed List of Taiwanese Independence Advocates
New Bloom
Taiwanese Residing in China Most Likely to be Targeted by Proposed List of Taiwanese Independence Advocates
RCEP Trade Pact Exclusion Debated in Taiwan
New Bloom
Concerns have been raised in Taiwan regarding Taiwan’s exclusion from the recently inked Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a regional multilateral free trade pact linking fifteen economies.
Despite COVID-19 Pandemic, Taiwan Blocked from Participating in WHA
New Bloom
Taiwan failed to secure admission to the World Health Assembly (WHA), the governing body of the World Health Organization (WHO), again this year due to Chinese pressure.
Ractopamine Issue Likely to be Contested Between Central, Local Governments
New Bloom
With the Tsai administration announcing that Taiwan would be open to imports of ractopamine-treated meat, it is unsurprising that this has led to backlash in Taiwan.
Is Taiwan Overly Anxious About the US Election?
Ketagalan Media
Across the Pacific, a sense of anxiety lingers as many Taiwanese worry over how this year’s election of the United States president will affect them.
Taiwan’s College Campus Reacts to US Election
Ketagalan Media
According to a survey by British pollster YouGov, of eight countries in the Asia Pacific surveyed, Taiwan is the only country that prefers President Donald Trump over his rival Joe Biden in the US presidential election.
The Role of Non-State Actors in Forging Closer India-Taiwan Relations
Taiwan Insight
As Taiwan celebrates its National Day on October 10, the Indian media has played a pivotal role in creating an amiable platform for fostering closer relations between the two peoples.
The Implications of US Strategic Ambiguity and China's Growing Military Capabilities for Taiwan
Taiwan Insight
Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan’s brave and calmly inspirational president recently addressed the rising military threat from Communist China. She noted that Beijing’s crackdown on Hong Kong now puts Taiwan “on the front lines of freedom and democracy.”
Few Surprises in Lunar New Year Phone Call Between Biden and Xi, Comments by Tsai
New Bloom
Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with newly inaugurated American president Joe Biden by telephone over the Lunar New Year
The Last Trump: Or, Taiwan as A Potential Pawn on a New Chess Board
Taiwan Insight
The fact that the US has approved recent arms purchase deals with Taiwan may mean no real change in the long history of less-than-best military techniques being sold off to Taiwan as part of the old cold-war alliance.
Despite Acquisition of Five Million Doses, Tsai Administration Will Still Face Questions on Vaccine Strategy
New Bloom
The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), which coordinates Taiwan’s response to COVID-19, has been increasingly questioned on the timeline for vaccine availability in past weeks.
Postal Workers' Protest Reflects Issues Facing Former State-Owned Enterprises
New Bloom
The Taiwan Postal Workers’ Union protested on Monday, demonstrating against what they stated was an unfair system of pay within the company.
Several Hundred Demonstrate in Solidarity for Myanmar in New Taipei
New Bloom
A solidarity rally for Myanmar was held today in Little Myanmar in Zhonghe, which is located in New Taipei.
Plans for Science Parks in Chiayi and Pingtung Debated
New Bloom
Criticisms of plans by the Executive Yuan to set up science parks in Chiayi and Pingtung reflect longstanding issues regarding development in Taiwan.
China's Abuses Offer Opportunity for Taiwan to Play a Greater Role in UK Foreign Policy
Taiwan Insight
The accretion of anti-CCP sentiment among Western governments and their peoples is a chance for Taiwan to expand its international role.
Biden Administration Surprises with Statement, Deployment of Carrier Group After Chinese Flyovers of Taiwan
New Bloom
The Biden Administration issued a statement in response to an incursion of Taiwan’s Air Zone by Chinese warplanes on Saturday, expressing "concern" at Beijing's "attempts to intimidate."
Taoyuan Hospital Cluster Marks Resumption of Domestic Transmission of COVID-19 in Taiwan
New Bloom
Domestic transmission of COVID-19 has evidently returned in Taiwan, with the expansion of a cluster of cases linked to the Taoyuan General Hospital.
KMT to Leverage on Referendum, Control of Local Governments Against the DPP on Pork Issue
New Bloom
KMT efforts to organize a referendum to overturn the DPP’s lifting of US pork import limits likely to include impeding the DPP’s aim of signing a BTA with the US.
Taiwan Loses Little From Craft Visit Cancellation, Potentially Dodges a Bullet
New Bloom
A planned visit to Taiwan by America’s ambassador to the UN, Kelly Craft, was abruptly canceled earlier today.
EU-China Trade Pact Debated in Taiwan
New Bloom
An investment agreement finalized between the European Union (EU) and China has led to a round of self-questioning regarding Taiwan’s economic positioning in the world.
Trump Supporters in Taiwan and Hong Kong Likely to Compare US Capitol Storming to Sunflower Movement, LegCo Occupation
New Bloom
After comments by outgoing president Donald Trump, who lost to Joe Biden in 2020 American presidential elections, a pro-Trump mob stormed the US Capitol earlier today.
Is the Pro-Trump Capitol Riot Like the Sunflower Movement?
Ketagalan Media
On the afternoon of January 6th, supporters of President Trump broke through police barricades and stormed the US Capitol building to block the official electoral process that would award the Presidency to US president-elect Joe Biden.
Chinese Government Cracks Down on Journalists and Dissidents Over the Holidays
New Bloom
The Chinese Government sentenced citizen journalist Zhang Zhan to four years in jail late last month. Zhang has been detained since May.
American Meat: Through the Overton Window Darkly
New Bloom
On Christmas day, after much contention, the lifting of limits on American pork imports was passed by the Legislative Yuan, with KMT lawmakers vowing to continue to oppose pork imports.
Death of Migrant Worker in Factory Fire Should Prompt More Discussion
New Bloom
A factory fire in Taoyuan that broke out on Sunday killed a Filipino factory worker, after the worker sustained third-degree burns over 90% of his body.
Calls for Changes to Abortion Laws Likely to Encounter Resistance from Conservatives
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New Bloom
A draft bill by the Health Promotion Administration aims to remove the current requirement for women to have the consent of their partners before an abortion.
Wistron Riot in India is Another Example of Labor Abuses at Taiwanese-Owned Factories
New Bloom
A riot at a Wistron factory in India that produced iPhones is the latest example of labor abuses at Taiwanese-owned factories worldwide.
Disproportionate Fine Against Migrant Worker For Violating Quarantine Sparks Controversy
New Bloom
Outrage has ensued after a Filipino migrant worker was fined 100,000 NT for breaking quarantine for a total of eight seconds.
Opposition Parties Attempt to Attack DPP Over Internet Memes
New Bloom
Given the DPP's successful use of viral memes and advertising in past election cycles, one notes that pan-Blue parties have been struggling to cope.
Taiwan's 2030 Bilingual Nation Policy is Well Intended, But Reflects Cultural Colonialism
New Bloom
On November 23rd, the Ministry of Education in Taiwan held the inaugural consultation meeting for the “2030 Bilingual Nation” policy, initiating what has been part of the DPP’s stated policy platform since Lai’s premiership in 2018.
A Failure to Address Structural Issues with Death Sentences After Single Mother's Attempted Murder-Suicide Copy
New Bloom
An attempted murder-suicide case that took place in New Taipei earlier this year has resulted in a death sentence for a thirty-year-old woman who killed her six-year-old son and eight-year-old daughter
Where Does Taiwan Fit into China's Next Five-Year Plan?
Taiwan Insight
China’s recently released communique of the fifth plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) drew much attention.
A Failure to Address Structural Issues with Death Sentences After Single Mother's Attempted Murder-Suicide
New Bloom
An attempted murder-suicide case that took place in New Taipei earlier this year has resulted in a death sentence for a thirty-year-old woman who killed her six-year-old son and eight-year-old daughter
Annual Labor Demonstration Protests American Pork, with Controversy Regarding KMT Co-optation Claims
New Bloom
The Autumn Struggle labor demonstration was held yesterday in Taipei
CTITV License Ruling to Prove a Litmus Test for Tsai in Combating Disinformation
New Bloom
After weeks of speculation, the National Communication Commission (NCC) ruled today that it would not be renewing the license of television broadcaster CtiTV.
Moving Toward a BTA with the U.S.
Taiwan Business Topics
Recent progress in tightening the U.S.-Taiwan relationship has been stunning. Developments have included high-profile visits to Taipei by the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, as well as the Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment.
What Comes Next for Taiwan, After a Biden Victory?
New Bloom
Joe Biden has won the 2020 US presidential election, defeating Donald Trump after winning Pennsylvania, and obtaining the needed 270 electoral votes to win the election.
Results of US Presidential Election Unclear Due to Delays, Stakes for Taiwan?
New Bloom
With vote counts delayed because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the question of who will be the next American president still remains opaque.
Annual Taipei Pride Parade Draws 130,000 Participants
New Bloom
Tens of thousands marched in the annual pride parade in Taipei earlier today.
Tackling Grand Corruption in Taiwan
Taiwan Insight
On September 22, 2020, five Legislative Yuan (Taiwan parliament) members were formally indicted by the Taipei Prosecutors Office for bribery charges.
US Presidential Election: The Taiwan Factor
Taiwan Insight
It is likely that legislation favorable to Taiwan will continue in the 117th Congress, regardless of who wins the White House in November. All the Taiwan-related congressional initiatives had bipartisan support.
KMT Attempts to Rebrand Social Media Aesthetic
No Man Is An Island
Over the past two months, one has seen efforts by the KMT to rebrand their social media aesthetic. This would hardly be the first time in memory that the KMT has attempted to rebrand aesthetically.
ROC Framework Impedes Expansion of Transnational Gay Marriage to Cover Chinese Nationals
New Bloom
The Judiical Yuan completed draft revisions on laws legalizing gay marriage in Taiwan that would expand the scope of transnational gay marriages late last month, sending them to the Legislative Yuan for review.
What does Jaw Shaw-Kong Rejoining The KMT Indicate About the Party at Present
New Bloom
Pan-blue media personality Jaw Shaw-kong (趙少康) sparked a wave of speculation after publicly applying to rejoin the KMT, with the possible intention of running for party chair.
Recall Without Reform Risks Compromising Taiwan's Broader Electoral Process
New Bloom
The state of Taiwan’s current recall law provides a strategic opportunity for the KMT to gain secure electoral prospects amidst its own disarray,
Guyana Reverses Course on Representative Office After Chinese Pressure
New Bloom
The Tsai Administration announced earlier this week that Taiwan would be opening up a representative office in Guyana.
Despite Further Arrests, Continued Silence in Taiwan Regarding Hong Kong 12
New Bloom
The Taiwanese government has generally been silent and idle on issues regarding Hong Kong's fleeing pro-democracy advocates, continuing its inadequate treatment of political asylum seekers.
Taiwan NextGen Foundation Signs a Broad-Ranging Partnership with 9DASHLINE
Taiwan Next Gen Foundation
We are delighted to announce a new broad-ranging partnership with 9DASHLINE, a prominent European platform dedicated to offering original comment and analysis on issues affecting the Indo-Pacific — the world's most dynamic region.
KMT Calls for a Lockdown of Taoyuan to Attack the DPP, Disregarding Human Cost
New Bloom
With the outbreak of a cluster of COVID-19 cases at the Taoyuan General Hospital, cases of domestic transmission of COVID-19 have resumed in Taiwan
Taiwan's Opportunities and Risks Under the Biden Administration
Taiwan Insight
As the Biden administration takes office, expectations—and, in many quarters, hopes—are high that much will change in American foreign policy. U.S. policy on Taiwan-related issues, however, is not likely to shift fundamentally.
Recent Incidents Point to Wider Issues of Sexual Abuse in Taiwanese Schools
New Bloom
A number of recent incidents gesture toward unaddressed and systemic issues of sexual abuse in schools in Taiwan, often committed by teachers who continue to teach for decades.
Academic Database Prompts Censorship Concerns
New Bloom
Atiri Library’s, Taiwan’s dominant academic database, avoidance/changes of certain political terms in order to remain in the Chinese market raise concerns of Taiwanese companies’ self-censorship.
State Department Announces New Taiwan Policy in Final Days of Trump Administration
Ketagalan Media
On January 9th, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo announced that the US executive branch will be scrapping previous guidelines and norms on restricting high-level visits between the US and Taiwan.
REGIONAL: Hong Kong’s mass arrests are an assault on grassroots advocacy
Lausan
On 6 January 2021, the Hong Kong Police Force arrested over 50 pro-democracy politicians and activists for running in the Legislative Council (LegCo) democratic primary election under the National Security Law.
Call for Talks in Tsai's New Year's Speech Aimed at Avoiding Perceptions of Taiwan as a "Troublemaker"
New Bloom
With her new year’s address, President Tsai Ing-wen remarked on the past year, dominated as it has been by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Border Closures Announced After Imported Case of New COVID-19 Strain
New Bloom
The CECC announced border closures for non-resident foreigners starting on January 1st following the first reported case of domestic transmission since April and the first imported case of a new strain.
Controversy Regarding Wind Farm Takes Place Along Familiar Lines
New Bloom
Anger from fishermen has broken out after plans by German energy company EnerVest to develop wind farms near the islets of Huaping, Mianhua, and Pengjia.
Taiwan Reports First Case of Local Trasmission of COVID-19 Since April
New Bloom
Taiwan reported its first case of the local transmission of COVID-19 since April today, ending a streak of 253 days without domestic transmission of COVID-19 in Taiwan.
KMT Seeks to Frame Regulations for OTT Providers as an Attack on CTITV
New Bloom
Claims by the KMT that the National Communications Council (NCC) intends to censor the Taiwanese Internet through a new draft bill aimed at regulating over-the-top (OTT) providers are ironic.
Executive Yuan Measures Aimed at Alleviating Housing Prices Unlikely to Achieve Structural Reforms
New Bloom
The Executive Yuan has announced plans for new housing policies in Taiwan aimed at making real estate prices affordable.
UNESCO Becomes the Latest International Organization that Taiwanese Are Excluded From
New Bloom
Yeh Chih-fu, a Taiwanese Ph. D candidate at Stanford University, was denied participation in an ICTP conference for being Taiwanese.
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KMT Likely to Continue to Leverage on Pork Issue Against DPP
New Bloom
The KMT has continued to militate against the DPP on the issue of the Tsai administration’s decision to lift restrictions on imports of American pork into Taiwan.
COVID-19 Prevention Measures Strengthened for Winter Months
New Bloom
Mask-wearing will again be mandated in eight forms of public venues including public transportation, educational facilities, government offices, entertainment establishments, places of worship, and other places.
Shih Sentencing Shows that not Just Independence Advocates Face Threats from China Copy
New Bloom
Retired Taiwanese academic Shih Cheng-ping was sentenced by the Chinese government to four years in prison on espionage charges earlier this week.
Keynote Speech at the Yuanshan Forum (Part II)
Taiwan Insight
Countries that displease China have been threatened with economic consequences. It might be boycotting Japanese retailers; or stopping tourism to South Korea.
Shih Sentencing Shows that not Just Independence Advocates Face Threats from China
New Bloom
Retired Taiwanese academic Shih Cheng-ping was sentenced by the Chinese government to four years in prison on espionage charges earlier this week.
Tsai Administration Strengthens COVID-19 Measures for Winter Season
New Bloom
The Tsai administration has moved to strengthen COVID-19 prevention measures in the past few days.
Reexamining Strategic Ambiguity
Taiwan Business Topics
A discussion currently underway in American foreign policy circles focuses on how best to define the potential U.S. response to a military attack on Taiwan.
Ma Ying-Jou Attempts to Hit Back at Tsai
New Bloom
Ma Ying-jeou has continued to lash out at current president Tsai Ing-wen, accusing Tsai of undoing his efforts aimed at achieving peace across the Taiwan Straits.
Malaysian Student Murder Points to Systematic Issues
New Bloom
The murder of a 24-year-old Malaysian student studying at Chang Jung Christian University (CJCU) in Tainan, whose last name was Chung, has led to a national outcry.
With US Elections on the Horizon, Questions of Next American President Looms for Taiwan
New Bloom
With US Presidential elections set to take place on Tuesday, the question of who will be the next American president has been foregrounded in Taiwan.
Tatung Ownership Struggle Comes to an End, But Much Remains Opaque
New Bloom
The Tatung Company ownership struggle has come to a temporary end, with a group of investors led by Wang Kuang-hsiang (王光祥), claiming seven out of nine seats on Tatung’s board of directors last week.
Taiwan March Calls Release of 12 HongKongers Imprisoned While Attempting to Flee To Taiwan
New Bloom
A solidarity march for Hong Kong took place in Taipei today, calling for the release of twelve Hongkongers currently imprisoned in China.
Eviction of Elderly Tainan Residents, Self-Immolation in Ping-Tung Among Recent Eviction Cases in Taiwan
New Bloom
Forced evictions continue to be a severe issue in Taiwan, as observed in several recent cases. Such cases have taken place in northern, central, and southern Taiwan.