POLITICS & NEWS
Food Delivery Workers Call for Establishment of National Union
New Bloom
Uber eats, Foodpanda, GOGOX, and LalaMove delivery workers demonstrated Tuesday in front of the Ministry of Labor, calling on delivery workers to form a nationwide delivery workers union.
Further Jail Sentences Handed Down to Pro-Democracy Politicians in Hong Kong
New Bloom
The pro-democracy activists were sentenced to jail earlier this week in Hong Kong in the latest action by China as part of a months-long political crackdown.
Biden-Suga Summit Leads to Affirmation of Cooperation Over Taiwan
New Bloom
US President Joe Biden met with Japanese prime minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday last week at the White House.
A Taiwanese Soft Power?
Taiwan Insight
It has been more than three decades since Harvard University Professor Joseph Nye coined the rhetorically invigorating term “soft power.”
DPP Decides Against Campaigning for its Own Version of Referendum Questions
New Bloom
The DPP decided earlier this week that it would not be campaigning for its own set of referendum questions in order to compete with a series of national referendums that the Tsai administration will face next year.
Largest Chinese Airspace Incursion in Past Year Takes Place After Blinken Comments on Taiwan
New Bloom
25 Chinese planes entered Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) yesterday.
Dennis Peng Charged with Libel Over Dissertation Accusations Against Tsai
New Bloom
Media personality Dennis Peng was charged with aggravated libel last week for accusations made by Peng that President Tsai Ing-wen’s Ph. D is illegitimate.
On International Tans Day of Visibility, Calls for Lifting of Restrictions on Legal Gender Changes
New Bloom
Making international Trans Day of Visibility, the Taiwan Alliance to Promote Civil Partnership Rights (TAPCPR) launched a petition yesterday calling for current restrictions on legally changing one’s gender to be removed.
Taiwan People's Party Comes Under Fire Ties to Anti-Gay Group
New Bloom
The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), which was formed by Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je in 2019, has been hit with a round of criticism due to the party’s ties with the Greater Taipei Stability Power Alliance (GTSPA).
Chao Shao-Kang's Return to Taiwan Politics: Will He Replay the Han Kuo-Yu Drama?
Taiwan Insight
After a 25-year absence from the political arena, political commentator and media guru Chao Shao-kang returned to the Kuomintang (KMT), immediately declaring his intention to run for the KMT chairmanship this July and for Taiwan’s presidency in the 2024 election.
“WoMen Can Help”: Feminine Strength in a Post-COVID World
Ketagalan
This year’s chosen theme of “WoMen Can Help” is a callout to Taiwan’s ongoing pandemic support campaign #TaiwanCanHelp, as well as a double entendre that can mean “we” (我們 wǒ-men) in Chinese.
Disinformation in The January 2020 Taiwan Elections
Taiwan Insight
Approaching the January 2020 Taiwan elections, many Taiwanese and international spectators broadly feared PRC-based disinformation operations weakening Taiwan’s democratic institutions.
As Sea Levels Rise and Chinese Pressure Mounts, Taiwan Must Extend NSP To The South-Pacific
Taiwan Insight
A year after losing two of its Pacific Island allies, Taiwan continues to feel the mounting pressure of Chinese influence in the South-Pacific ocean. Within recent years, China has pointedly increased its presence in the Pacific through financial aid, commercial trade, and high-level diplomatic engagement.
Jaw Shaw-Kong Wants to Make the KMT Great Again. Can He?
Taiwan Insight
Media personality Jaw Shaw-kong has taken Taiwanese media by storm with his announcements of returning to the Kuomintang (KMT), possible bid for party chairman, and intent to gun for the 2024 presidency.
Taichung NGO takes inclusive approach to promoting well-being for seniors
Taiwan Today
Hondao Senior Citizen’s Welfare Foundation is setting the benchmark for innovation and professionalism in welfare services for retired individuals through initiatives bolstering engagement in the broader community.
Taiwan-Poland Legal Cooperation Agreement Takes Effect
Taiwan Today
A Taiwan-Poland agreement on legal cooperation in criminal matters came into force on Feb. 23, underscoring the government’s commitment to working with international partners to combat transnational crime.
Prosecution of a Fraudulent Labour Agency in Taichung: An Insight on the Exploitation of Migrant Workers in Taiwan
Taiwan Insight
In January, four individuals were indicted in Taichung on charges of human trafficking, violations of the Employment Services Act, and forgery of documents to exploit Vietnamese migrant workers.
President Tsai reiterates government commitment to green energy development
Taiwan Today
President Tsai Ing-wen said Feb. 23 that the government is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to promote green energy with the goal of strengthening Taiwan’s global competitiveness while achieving sustainable development.
President Tsai lauds 2020 CPBL champions amid COVID-19
Taiwan Today
President Tsai Ing-wen said Feb. 22 that the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions are worthy 2020 CPBL champions, epitomizing Taiwan’s commitment to combating coronavirus and realizing Health For All.
Jaw, KMT Traditionalists Likely To Align Against Chiang in KMT Chair Race
New Bloom
It proved surprising last week when current KMT chair Johnny Chiang was named to the Time 100 Next 2021 list, a list of up-and-coming leaders named by Time Magazine.
DGBAS ups Taiwan’s 2021 economic growth to 4.64 percent
Taiwan Today
The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics raised its projection of Taiwan’s 2021 gross domestic product growth to 4.64 percent on the strength of improving conditions at home and abroad Feb. 20.
Taiwan hospitals, medicos awarded MOFA Friend of Foreign Service Medal
Taiwan Today
Two Taiwan hospitals and five medical experts were honored for outstanding contributions in promoting international medical cooperation Feb. 19 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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.
Corporatization of TRA Will Add To, Not Reduce Rail Safety Issues
New Bloom
The Tsai administration's response to the worst rail disaster in Taiwan in over seventy years has been, unfortunately, to make the root cause of the issues that led to the disaster worse.
Chinese Disinformation About Fukushima Wastewaster Points to Attempts to Alienate Taiwan from Allies
New Bloom
A fake agreement between the Taiwanese and Japanese governments was circulated on social media last week
(Re)breaking the Chains
New Bloom
This is the story of Kalsang and Nurmuhammed: the story of Tibet and Xinjiang.
For Taiwan’s Defense, the Focus is on Asymmetric, Indigenous Capabilities
Taiwan Business Topics
Military planners say asymmetric platforms will boost Taiwan’s overall warfighting capabilities, raising the cost to Beijing of an invasion.
“We Are All Milk Tea”: Interview With Taiwan Alliance For Thai Democracy
Ketagalan Media
#MilkTeaAlliance represented a push for solidarity among protesters from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, and Myanmar, and has since expanded to include other causes in the region
Civil Society Groups Call for Tsai to Pardon Chiou Ho-Shun
New Bloom
Human Rights groups marched to the Presidential Office last Wednesday, calling for death row inmate Chiou Ho-shun to be pardoned by President Tsai Ing-wen.
Political Contention Takes Place in Aftermath of Rail Accident
New Bloom
After a rail accident on Friday that left fifty dead and injured over 200, there has been much political contention between both the DPP and opposition parties such as the KMT.
Causes for Hualien Rail Disaster Are Likely Familiar, Structural Issues
New Bloom
Taiwan saw its worst rail disaster in more than four decades today after a train derailment that left 50 dead.
Cross-Strait Politics and the International Spectre of Climate Change in Taiwan
Taiwan Insight
Taiwan’s international climate conference participation has been subject to the same dynamics applicable to other international organisations. However, Taiwan has often been pushed out because of Chinese pressure.
Railway Workers Consider Strike Over Tomb Sweeping Holiday
New Bloom
Railway workers may strike over the upcoming Tomb Sweeping Holiday in protest of a new work schedule.
62nd Anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day Commemorated in Taipei with March, Prayer Ceremony
New Bloom
Tibetan groups rallied outside of the Zhongxiao Fuxing SOGO on Sunday, March 3rd, beginning at 1 PM.
Why Taiwan Should Pay More Attention to the Futenma Relocation Issue in Okinawa, Japan
Taiwan Insight
Most analyses of Taiwan’s security focus on cross-strait relations and the U.S.-China military balance. Though, Taiwanese and analysts and students of Taiwan’s security should pay more attention to the ongoing developments there, as they have implications for Taiwan’s security.
Drawing Cities Across Time: The Shaping of Nottingham and Taipei: Webinar and Online Art Exhibit
Taiwan Insight
Nottingham Uni Alum Tom Rook is exhibiting his incredible art featuring Taipei and Nottingham in his first Virtual Art Exhibit on this link
Tsai Vows to Honor Indigenous Perspectives of February 28 Incident
Taiwan Today
Ensuring the memories and perspectives of all of the country’s ethnic groups are recognized is key to the successful pursuit of transitional justice, Tsai said.
Mask-making equipment donation underscores strength of Taiwan-Czechia ties
Taiwan Today
The recent donation of mask-making equipment by the government and people to the Czech Republic demonstrates how Taiwan Can Help strengthen the global response to COVID-19, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Feb. 26.
Taiwan Tech Makes Big Moves, With National Security Implications
Ketagalan
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) is targeting capital spending of US$25 to US$28 billion in 2021. According to Bloomberg that is double what analysts were expecting.
Just How Worrisome is President Biden's Taiwan Policy?
Taiwan Insight
"Shortly before Donald Trump left office, a top government leader in Taiwan proclaimed that he was the best U.S. president for Taiwan ever.
Tsai urges deeper understanding of indigenous tattoo culture
Taiwan Today
President Tsai Ing-wen encouraged the people of Taiwan to deepen their understanding of traditional facial tattoo practices adopted by the country’s Atayal, Seediq and Truku tribes, spotlighting government commitment to preserving diverse cultures.
Transgender Influencer Responds to Media Firestorm Over Pregnancy
Ketagalan
Chiang Chia-wen (江嘉文), also known as Wang Yao (罔腰), is an Instagram personality who made headlines in 2017 for successfully changing the “gender” section of her National ID card.
Tsai Vows to Advance Indigenous Languages Development
Taiwan Today
Government funding for the protection and promotion of indigenous languages has increased fivefold in the past few years.
Who’s Next to Lead Taiwan’s KMT, and to Where?
Taiwan Today
Who becomes the next KMT chair is more important that most people realize. It will determine who leads the party into the 2022 local elections–and if the chair survives that–this person will in all likelihood be the KMT’s next presidential candidate.
President Tsai lauds Taiwan’s biomedical prowess
Taiwan Today
President Tsai Ing-wen said Feb. 18 that Taiwan’s biotechnology and medical care industries are playing a critical role in safeguarding global health while spurring the country’s economic development.
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.
Taiwan’s South China Sea Defense Challenge
Taiwan Business Topics
The ROC’s two territories in the region have strategic and political significance, yet both are difficult to defend.
Changing Circumstances Call for Taipei to Lift its Effort in Promoting Democracy on China and Beyond
Taiwan Insight
There are remaining concerns urging the government of democratised Taiwan to support democratic causes and human rights in China.
Fukushima Wastewater Release Opposed by Tsai Administration, Civil Society
New Bloom
Civil Society groups and the Taiwanese government have expressed concern about plans by the Japanese government to release radioactive wastewater into the ocean.
Youth-Led Rally for Cannabis Decriminalization Takes Place
New Bloom
A demonstration was held in front of the Legislative Yuan today by cannabis legalization advocates.
Murder of Pingtung Woman Leads to Calls for Stronger Anti-Stalking Legislation
New Bloom
A murder case in Pingtung last week has led to further calls to strengthen anti-stalking legislation in Taiwan.
What Are the Options for Dissidents in China? Arrest or Exile.
New Bloom
Passing through the crowds in Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, Mou Yanxi felt extremely anxious.
Animal Rebellion Stakes Out A Presence in Taiwan with Ximending Rally
New Bloom
One of the most energetic climate justice movements in the past couple of years has been the Extinction Rebellion, often abbreviated as "XR."
White Wolf Case Tests Legal Limits
New Bloom
"White Wolf" Chang An-le, the leader of the China Unification Promotion Party (CUPP), appeared in court earlier this week to face questioning from authorities.
The Biden Administration and Taiwan: Positive Opening Moves
Taiwan Insight
We are almost two months into the Biden Administration, and—contrary to what was argued in a recent article by Prof. John F. Copper—the new US administration has already shown on several key moments that it is strongly supportive of Taiwan.
Migrant Workers Demonstrate On International Women's Day
New Bloom
Migrant Worker groups demonstrated in front of the Legislative Yuan on International Women’s Day on Monday, calling attention to the plight faced by female migrant workers in Taiwan.
Indigenous activists hold overnight protest before council of grand justice hearing on Tama Talum Case
New Bloom
Indigenous activists held an overnight sleep-in outside of the Judicial Yuan yesterday night, with a hearing by the Council of Grand Justices scheduled to take place on the Tama Talum case today.
Freedom Pineapple Campaign Illustrates Identity Consolidation in Response to Chinese Bullying
New Bloom
The Chinese government surprised last Friday after announcing a ban on imports of Taiwanese pineapples. China is a major market of pineapple exports for Taiwan, constituting 95.2% of pineapple exports at a value of 155.23 million USD between 2018 and 2020.
Plans to Fill Empty Channel 52 Slot Contested
New Bloom
Contestation regarding filling currently empty Channel 52 slot reflects long-standing issues regarding Taiwanese governance, particularly the murky relationship between the private and public sectors.
REGIONAL: China Signals More Direct Intervention in Hong Kong With New Measures
New Bloom
Comments by Xia Baolong, the director of China’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, earlier this week signaled that new measures would be aimed at ensuring that only “patriots” run Hong Kong in the future.
KMT Begins to Call for Tsai Administration to Accept Chinese COVID-19 Vaccines
Taiwan Insight
The latest front on which the KMT has sought to attack the Tsai administration’s response to COVID-19 has been on the issues of vaccines.
CECC eases restrictions on foreign travelers to Taiwan
Taiwan Today
A partial lifting of regulations enabling foreign visitors to enter or transit Taiwan was announced Feb. 24 by the Central Epidemic Command Center.
Datan Gas Terminal Development Proves Another Issue the DPP and KMT Have Traded Places On
New Bloom
Construction plans for the No. 3 liquified gas terminal by the Central Petroleum Company (CPC) near the coast of the Datan Borough has led environmental groups to call for a national referendum on the issue.
KMT Begins to Call for Tsai Administration to Accept Chinese COVID-19 Vaccines
New Bloom
The latest front on which the KMT has sought to attack the Tsai administration’s response to COVID-19 has been on the issues of vaccines.
Taiwan’s fall-winter COVID-19 protocol to remain in force for March
Taiwan Today
Taiwan’s fall-winter COVID-19 protocol will remain in force for March as part of government efforts to safeguard the health and well-being of the people.
Taiwan donates COVID-19 PPE to Eswatini, St. Lucia, Somaliland
Taiwan Today
A large-scale donation of COVID-19 personal protective equipment for Taiwan’s Africa ally Kingdom of Eswatini, Caribbean ally St. Lucia and Horn of Africa partner Somaliland was announced Feb. 20 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
VP Lai reiterates Taiwan's commitment to sustainable development
Taiwan Today
Vice President Lai Ching-te reiterated the government’s commitment to sustainable development Feb. 19, underscoring how Taiwan Can Help combat climate change while cementing the country’s position in the global economy.
Taiwan’s first space development draft act approved by Cabinet
Taiwan Today
Taiwan’s first space development draft act was approved by the Cabinet Feb. 18, spotlighting government efforts to boost related industries in preparation for the country’s upcoming era of spaceflight.
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.