Tsai wins Taiwan’s 2020 presidential election
Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) claimed victory Jan. 11 to earn a second term as president of the ROC (Taiwan). Garnering 8.17 million votes, or 57.13 percent, Tsai defeated Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) of the major opposition party Kuomintang by 2.65 million votes. James Soong (宋楚瑜) of the opposition People First Party collected 4.3 percent of the ballot. Tsai, who held an international news conference outside DPP headquarters in Taipei City, expressed her gratitude for the support of the people and said the result shows Taiwan is heading in the right direction. The people have demonstrated at the ballot box they treasure democracy and expect fair treatment when it comes to Taiwan’s international participation, Tsai said. As an indispensable member of the international community, Taiwan will continue working with the rest of the world to ensure regional peace, stability and prosperity, she added. Tsai and running mate Lai Ching-te (賴清德) will be sworn in as the country’s 15th president and vice president, respectively, during a ceremony set for May 20 in Taipei.
President Tsai vows to raise awareness of Anti-Infiltration Act
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Jan. 15 that the government is working to raise awareness of the Anti-Infiltration Act. In no way does the act hinder regular exchanges between the two sides of the strait, Tsai said. It only prohibits actions instructed or supported by China such as engaging in campaigns and lobbying, interfering with elections, making political donations and sabotaging legal assembly, she added. Passed by the Legislature Dec. 31, 2019, the act forbids intervention through infiltration sources in Taiwan’s democratic political system like presidential, vice presidential and civil servant elections and recalls. These include individuals, institutions or organizations affiliated with or sponsored by a government, political party or other political group of a foreign hostile force, including but not limited to China.
China must face reality, respect Taiwan: Tsai
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Jan. 14 that China must face reality and respect the fact that Taiwan’s sovereignty is not in doubt or up for negotiation. “We’re a successful democracy, we have a pretty decent economy, we deserve respect from China,” Tsai said, adding that the country is already independent and is called the ROC (Taiwan). Tsai made the remarks during an exclusive interview with BBC News at the Presidential Office in Taipei City, the first media sit-down since winning a second term Jan. 11 in Taiwan’s presidential election. According to Tsai, the government has shown restraint and remains committed to maintaining the cross-strait status quo—a gesture she considers “very friendly” to China. “Because [for more than] three years we’re seeing China has been intensifying its threat ... they have their military vessels and aircraft cruising around the island,” she said. “And also, the things happening in Hong Kong, people get a real sense that this threat is real and it’s getting more and more serious.” Tsai said while she is open to dialogue, she is also aware that China may increase its pressure on Taiwan as a result of her election victory. Response measures include strengthening Taiwan’s defense capabilities, diversifying its trade relations and encouraging local firms with manufacturing facilities in China to relocate operations home, Tsai said.
Taiwan makes headway on National Human Rights Commission
Taiwan’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) will be established in the shortest possible time as part of efforts to continue bringing local laws and practices more in line with global standards, the Control Yuan (CY) said Jan. 8. A task force is undertaking all requisite NHRC preparatory work, the CY said. This measure reflects the government’s two-decade commitment to satisfying the Paris Principles adopted in December 1993 by the U.N. General Assembly, the CY added. The move follows promulgation earlier the same day by the Presidential Office of the Organic Law of the Control Yuan National Human Rights Commission and amendments to the Organic Law of the Control Yuan and Organic Act of the Control Yuan Committees. The three bills passed the final reading at the Legislature Dec. 10, 2019, on International Human Rights Day.
President Tsai delivers New Year’s Day address
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Jan. 1, that the government is committed to defending Taiwan’s freedom, democracy and sovereignty while promoting peace, stability and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific. Taiwan will never accept China’s “one country, two systems,” Tsai said. The deteriorating situation in Hong Kong proves such a model is nonviable as democracy and authoritarianism cannot coexist, she added. Tsai made the remarks while delivering her New Year’s Day address. The president reiterated the government’s four musts and four understandings. The former are China must face the reality of the existence of the ROC (Taiwan); must respect the commitment of the 23 million people of Taiwan to freedom and democracy; must handle cross-strait differences peacefully, on a basis of equality; and it must be governments or government-authorized agencies that engage in negotiations. The understandings are China is the one undermining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, not Taiwan; China is using the “1992 consensus” to undermine the ROC (Taiwan); sovereignty cannot be exchanged for short-term economic benefits; and China is infiltrating all facets of Taiwan society to sow division. Tsai said the four understandings are the most crucial foundations in uniting the country, and allow Taiwan to stand tall on the global stage. In addition, the Anti-Infiltration Act passed Dec. 31, 2019, by the Legislature will help safeguard national security and Taiwan’s democracy, she added.
VP Chen lauds 20 years of Taiwan-Palau ties during official visit
Taiwan-Palau ties are at an all-time high as the two countries celebrate 20 years of diplomatic relations, Vice President Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) said Dec. 29 during an official visit to the Indo-Pacific ally. Both sides possess close ties to the sea and rich Austronesian culture, Chen said. This makes them like-minded partners in promoting sustainable development, as well as implementing farsighted marine conservation and management policies, he added. Chen made the remarks while delivering an address at a banquet hosted by Palau Vice President Raynold Oilouch. Other activities on Chen’s three-day itinerary include meetings with President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr., Minister of State Faustina Rehuher-Marugg and inspection tours of Taiwan’s medical and technical missions. According to Chen, ocean-related collaboration between Taiwan and Palau extends over many areas. Some of the highest-profile examples include the agreement on coast guard cooperation signed by Presidents Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and Remengesau in Palau during the former’s Oceans of Democracy state visit in March, and the Aquaculture Project launched in 2010, he said. Other successful bilateral undertakings span agriculture, clean energy, education, fisheries, health care, infrastructure and medicine, Chen said, adding that Taiwan will continue working hand in hand with Palau to promote peace, stability and prosperity throughout the region.
NDC remains bullish on Taiwan economy in 2020
Taiwan’s economy will remain on the growth track in 2020 despite challenging global conditions, according to the Cabinet-level National Development Council (NDC) Jan. 16. Citing forecasts by domestic and foreign research institutions, the NDC said the country’s gross domestic product is set to increase by between 2.23 percent and 2.72 percent this year. During an NDC meeting attended by senior officials, NDC Minister Chen Mei-ling (陳美伶) said a range of factors are contributing to this positive outlook. These include increased home-bound investment by Taiwan firms engaging in smart manufacturing, new R&D and innovation centers set up by global corporate heavyweights such as Google and Microsoft Corp., and ongoing expansion of offshore wind power generation and 5G telecommunication facilities. The government will spare no effort in its goal of delivering prosperity by transforming Taiwan into an advanced manufacturing and R&D hub, the NDC said.
Taiwan receives record number of international visitors in 2019
Taiwan welcomed a record 11.84 million international visitors last year, a 7 percent increase over 2018, spotlighting the effectiveness of government policies to boost arrivals, according to the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications Jan. 6. The figures cap a remarkable year, the bureau said, with the number of Japanese visitors surpassing 2 million for the first time Dec. 9, while the numbers of tourists from South Korea and the 18 countries targeted by the government’s New Southbound Policy also increased. As part of efforts to attract more visitors from abroad, the bureau has set up branch offices in Ho Chi Minh City and London, as well as smaller tour service departments in Moscow, Jakarta, Vancouver, Auckland and Sydney.
Cruise tourism R&D center launched in Kaohsiung
A cruise tourism R&D center was launched Dec. 24 in Kaohsiung City, southern Taiwan, as part of public and private sector efforts to grow the country’s footprint in the potential-laden industry. Based at National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST), the center is supported by the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Kaohsiung City Government and the local branch of state-backed Taiwan International Ports Corp. The center’s primary objectives include coordinating academia, business and government initiatives promoting sector development, policy research and talent cultivation, as well as deepening the involvement of Taiwan in related international networks. NKUST has the cruise tourism industry squarely in its sights. Early last year, it inked a related memorandum of understanding along with the Tourism Bureau, National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, and National Taiwan Ocean University in the northern port city of Keelung. According to the bureau, the pact will foster cooperation among travel operators from Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea and Vietnam, as well as raise the country’s profile as a world-class cruise tourism destination.
AIDC, Lockheed Martin ink F-16 maintenance pact
Taiwan’s Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. (AIDC) and U.S. defense firm Lockheed Martin Corp. concluded a memorandum of understanding on F-16 aircraft maintenance Dec. 17 in Taichung City. The pact was inked by AIDC Chairman Hu Kai-hung (胡開宏) and Randy Howard, director of F-16/F-22 business development for Lockheed Martin, at the headquarters of the state-backed outfit in the central Taiwan metropolis. Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌), on hand for the signing, said the agreement represents a win for both companies and will further advance Taiwan’s indigenous defense capabilities. Echoing Su’s remarks, Hu said AIDC possesses a raft of authorizations and special certifications to produce components and parts for Lockheed Martin. The company also has more than 800 employees qualified to carry out functional upgrades for F-16s, he added.
Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City inaugurated in Tainan
Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City was launched Dec. 16 in southern Taiwan’s Tainan City as part of government efforts to build the country into one of Asia’s leading hubs for advanced renewable power R&D. Operated by the Ministries of Economic Affairs and Science and Technology, the southern branch of Taipei City-based Academia Sinica and Tainan City Government, the 22-hectare site is envisaged as a base for developing solar, biomass and wind power generation equipment, as well as energy storage devices and systems with industry and electric vehicle applications. Other features of the city include demonstration, exhibition and testing facilities, as well as a joint research center and circular economy residential park currently under construction by locally based Taiwan Sugar Corp. Approved by the Cabinet in 2016, the city has attracted the interest of major industry players like Dyna Rechi Co., Formosa Plastics Group, Hanbell Precise Machinery Co., Motech Industries Inc. and SolarEdge Technologies (Taiwan) Co.
Tsai lays out roadmap for Taiwan’s technological development
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Dec. 5 that the government is sparing no effort in promoting the space industry and setting up a dedicated agency to coordinate Taiwan’s digital development. Technological prowess continues to drive Taiwan’s economic growth, with various government initiatives delivering real-world results and making the country one of only four super innovators in the world as per the World Economic Forum, she said. To meet the challenges and opportunities ahead, Tsai said the Cabinet has approved a 10-year, US$823 million space industry development project to support local businesses, fast-track talent cultivation and promote cross-border cooperation. According to Tsai, Taiwan is poised to become a key R&D and production center for satellite components and parts, ground receiving equipment and other supportive systems for the space industry on the back of its competitive advantages in information and communication technology and semiconductors, as well as its comprehensive information security infrastructure. These efforts will help Taiwan remain a center of advanced manufacturing and R&D in Asia, she said.
Taiwan ramps up coronavirus-fighting efforts
All measures are in place to protect the people of Taiwan from a possible outbreak of pneumonia caused by a new coronavirus first reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, according to Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) Jan. 29. The government is closely monitoring the situation, Su said. Hospitals, military bases, public transportation hubs and schools are receiving maximum attention so as to ensure the integrity of Taiwan’s disease management and prevention network, he added. At the same time, the government is taking steps to maintain public supplies of surgical masks, Su said, adding that as a precautionary measure, overseas shipments of two specific types are suspended until Feb. 23. According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, local surgical mask manufacturers are greenlit to boost daily production to around 4.2 million pieces after the Lunar New Year holidays. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has also released 25.7 million surgical masks from its 42 million-strong inventory to various major sales outlets.
Taipei metro’s Circular Line kicks off public trial
Taipei metro’s Circular Line commenced a monthlong public trial Jan. 19, according to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. The 15.4-kilometer, 14-stop line connects New Taipei Industrial Park and Dapinglin stations. It winds through the densely populated districts of Banqiao, Xindian, Xinzhuang and Zhonghe in New Taipei City. The line will ease congestion across the metro network and slash travel time by 20 minutes for passengers commuting between districts in southwestern Greater Taipei as they no longer have to pass through Taipei Main Station. Expected to start regular operations at the end of January, the line will run services of every four to seven minutes and five to 10 minutes during peak and off-peak periods, respectively. Approved by the Cabinet in 2004, the line will expand north and south starting next year, with an east section scheduled for construction in 2023.
Organ donor numbers hit new high in Taiwan
Organ and tissue donations hit a record high in Taiwan last year, indicating greater public acceptance of the practice and recognition of its critical role in saving lives. A total of 139 organ and 236 tissue donations were made in 2019, up from 101 and 226 the year before, respectively, according to Taipei City-based Taiwan Organ Registry and Sharing Center (TORSC) Jan. 9. Dr. Lee Po-chang (李柏璋), chairman of TORSC, said the positive trend is partially due to the effectiveness of related regulations pertaining to kidney donations promulgated in February 2019 and guidelines governing heart transplants issued by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in December 2017. Lee also credited the efforts of health care facilities around Taiwan. These are Changhua Christian Hospital in central Taiwan; Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taoyuan City’s Guishan District, northern Taiwan, and Kaohsiung City, southern Taiwan; China Medical University Hospital in Taichung City, central Taiwan; Far Eastern Memorial Hospital in New Taipei City; and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and Tri-Service General Hospital, all in Taipei.
Small Town Ramble 2.0 campaign launched in Taipei
Small Town Ramble 2.0 promoting 30 classic Taiwan communities was launched Jan. 7 in Taipei City by the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. Organized as part of the bureau’s Light up Taiwan—Let the Small Towns Shine initiative, the campaign comprises 20 communities distinguished by mountain locations and 10 others characterized by unique cultures and lifestyles. It also coincides with the bureau’s Year of Mountain Tourism undertaking. Other government stakeholders include the Ministries of Culture and Economic Affairs, Cabinet-level Councils of Agriculture, Hakka Affairs and Indigenous Peoples, and National Development Council.
Taiwan tops Asia in latest gender equality rankings
Taiwan ranks ninth globally and first in Asia based on data used to compile the latest U.N. Gender Inequality Index (GII), according to the Cabinet-level Gender Equality Commitee (GEC) Jan. 3. Scoring 0.053 out of 1, with a higher value indicating greater inequality, Taiwan trails Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Finland and France, in that order. GEC found female participation in Taiwan’s public sector decision-making is up substantially over the past decade. This is evidenced by the record high 38.7 percent of seats held by women in the 2018 Legislature. By comparison, nearly half of the 194 countries and territories in the GII are under 20 percent. In terms of economic empowerment, the number of small and medium enterprises headed by women hit 534,000, or 36.8 percent, up more than 10 percent from 2012. Regarding education and earnings, women account for 50.65 percent of college enrollment, while the hourly wage gap between the sexes averages 14.6 percent. This is lower than Japan, 32.3 percent; South Korea, 32.2 percent; and the U.S., 18.9 percent. Women in Taiwan are also healthier than men. Average life expectancy at birth is 84 years versus 77.5 years; healthy life expectancy 74 versus 69; and unhealthy life expectancy 9.8 versus 8.3. The findings are contained in the GEC’s 2020 Gender at a Glance study, which adopts the same assessment methodology as the annual GII survey published by the U.N. Development Programme.
Taiwan airlines honored for occupational health and safety excellence
Five Taiwan airlines were recognized for excellence in occupational health and safety at a triannual interministerial awards ceremony Dec. 18 in Taipei City. Organized by Taiwan Centers for Disease Control under the Ministry of Health and Welfare; Civil Aeronautics Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications; and Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Ministry of Labor, the awards spanned 25 areas such as emergency response capability, regular health reporting practices and routine sanitation procedures. Top honors went to EVA Air Corp., headquartered in northern Taiwan’s Taoyuan City, for a health management system ensuring employees and passengers potentially exposed to infectious diseases during in-flight service can be quickly identified and provided with necessary treatment. Other awarded carriers are China Airlines and Tigerair Taiwan, both based in Taoyuan, and Taipei-headquartered Mandarin Airlines and Uni Air.
Local comics set to shine at Angouleme international festival
The ninth Taiwan Pavilion at Europe’s largest comic fair, the three-day Angouleme International Comics Festival in France, gets underway Jan. 30 as part of government efforts to raise local creators’ international profiles, according to the Ministry of Culture (MOC) Jan. 15. The MOC-organized pavilion—titled “Passion of Taiwan Comics”—spotlights the creative energy of a new generation of local graphic novelists. According to the MOC, the display will be split into three sections highlighting the country’s comic artists, publishers and the previous eight years of Taiwan Pavilion. The country’s participation in the festival provides a platform for homegrown artists to show their talent, as well as introduce their works to new audiences, the MOC added. The annual Angouleme International Comics Festival was first held in 1974. It features competitions, exhibitions and trade shows for comic artists and publishers, attracting more than 200,000 visitors each year.
YouTube video promoting Taiwan viewed over 5 million times
A video promoting Taiwan produced by a pair of famous YouTubers has been viewed more than five million times on the online platform after it was released Dec. 21, spotlighting the country’s friendliness and diversity for a global audience. Created by Nuseir Yassin from Israel and Alyne Tamir from the U.S., the clip titled “Asia’s Secret Country” spotlights Taiwan’s democracy, health care system, natural landscapes, technological prowess, and convenience. It also features visits to tourist attractions such as National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Taipei 101. Yassin and Tamir visited Taiwan as winners of a trailblazing sleepover promotion granting 10 groups a chance to stay one night at a 46-square-meter suite in the Presidential Office compound.
Exhibition of imperial curios underway at NPM southern branch
A special exhibition showcasing 619 curios from the royal collection of China’s Qing dynasty (1644-1911) kicked off Dec. 25 at the Southern Branch of National Palace Museum (NPM) in Chiayi County. Running through Dec. 26, 2021, “Curio Boxes of Qianlong Emperor” features various treasures the Qing ruler enjoyed during his reign in the eighteenth century. Among the items on display are six chicken cups painted using the doucai technique. Made during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), the rare wares epitomize the superior porcelain making of the imperial kiln at that time, according to the museum. Also featured are seven curio boxes featuring complex designs with embedded and secret compartments, including two made from sandalwood that are displayed alongside their contents, NPM said. Another highlight is the Monk’s Cap Jug with copper red glaze, also originating from the Ming dynasty. The piece was recently designated a national treasure, with the carving on its wooden base indicating it was a favorite of Qianlong’s father, Emperor Yongzheng, NPM said.
NPM ties up with Louvre, Tate Modern on new media art exhibition
A new media-curated exhibition comprising pieces from institutions in Taiwan, Czech Republic, France, Germany and the U.K. kicked off at National Palace Museum’s (NPM) Southern Branch Dec. 17 in Chiayi County. Running until March 26, the exhibition features popular works from Taipei City-based NPM; Mucha Foundation, Czech Republic; Louvre and Orangerie museums, France; Old National Gallery, Germany; and Tate Modern, the U.K. The four sections are Aesthetic World (AW), NPM Voyage (NPMV), River of Time (RT) and The Louvre Station (TLS). AW showcases world-famous artworks via new media devices; NPMV, calligraphies and traditional ink-wash paintings at virtual reality installations; RT, projections of all exhibition pieces; and TLS, Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” using a VR gallery. The event is expected to build closer ties between NPM and other leading institutions.
Taiwan troupes selected to perform at France’s Festival Off d’Avignon
Four Taiwan troupes have been selected to feature at the 2020 Festival Off d’Avignon running July 3-26. Supported by the Ministry of Culture, the groups are modern dance outfits Hung Dance and Resident Island Dance Theatre, Nanguan opera company La Cie MaxMind and multidisciplinary Hsing Legend Theatre. Hung Dance, founded by Taiwan’s leading choreographer Lai Hung-chung (賴翃中), will present “Boundless,” which won top prize in the Burgos-New York International Choreography Contest in the year of its debut and explores concepts such as isolation and desire to escape from reality. Fellow modern outfit Resident Island Dance Theatre, started by blind choreographer Chang Chung-an (張忠安), will perform “Factory 2.0,” an experimental production examining the insecure nature of capitalist society. Representing Taiwan’s traditional arts, La Cie MaxMind will showcase “The Drought Goddess—Dream of the World,” a performance weaving ancient mythological thematic elements with Nanguan music. The final group, Hsing Legend Theatre, will present “The Youth Party,” telling the story of an underprivileged young man’s struggle through life by combining acrobatics, martial arts, Peking opera, street dance and theater.
Photos: Aerospace Industrial Development Corp., Central News Agency, Control Yuan, Executive Yuan, General Association of Chinese Culture, Ministry of Culture, National Palace Museum, New Taipei City Government, President Tsai Ing-wen’s Facebook, Presidential Office, Tourism Bureau and United Daily News