Reported 7 months ago
The 16th Cross-Strait Forum took place in Xiamen, Fujian Province, with Yunlin County Chief Chang Li-shan and KMT delegates attending to promote cross-strait exchanges. However, Mainland Affairs Council Chairperson Chiu Chui-cheng expressed reservations, stating that the forum serves as a United Front platform disguised as an exchange, cautioning against local government participation. KMT Chairman Johnny Chiang sent Vice Chairman Lien Sheng-wen to participate, emphasizing the benefits of increased interaction and understanding for easing cross-strait tensions. Various politicians shared differing views on the impact of such forums on cross-strait relations, with former Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin expressing skepticism and DPP legislator Ker Chien-ming criticizing KMT's participation as falling into China's United Front tactics.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
On June 14, 2024, Taiwan's Minister of National Defense, Gu Li-xiong, ordered the cancellation of bayonet fighting training in the military, replacing it with more practical 'firearm combat.' Experts, such as former head of the Physical Education Department of the Army's Step Training Unit, Zhang Bo-zhi, expressed concerns that neglecting bayonet skills could result in a decline of martial arts proficiency, emphasizing the importance of combining physical fitness and combat skills. They argue that bayonet fighting is essential in close combat situations and should not be abolished, as adept bayonet skills play a critical role in military readiness and effectiveness.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
With the cooperation of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, Malaysian, and Singaporean authorities, a fraudulent group was busted for using a mobile Trojan horse program to siphon money from people's bank accounts, victimizing 1,899 individuals last year and swindling over NT$780 million. The scam involved deceiving victims into providing their bank account information under the guise of offering cheap goods, allowing the culprits to remotely access their phones, transfer all their savings through online banking to bank accounts in Malaysia, and launder the money through purchasing virtual currency. Six suspects from Taiwan and Malaysia were arrested by the three countries' authorities for their involvement.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
台北市長蔣萬安表示，將依照對等尊嚴善意互惠原則邀請上海方代表參加雙城論壇，強調兩岸間溝通交流的重要性並希望持續辦理雙城論壇。蔣萬安指出，兩城市可從市政議題中互相合作，並歡迎兩岸民間交流在對等、尊嚴、善意和互惠原則下進行。
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
Cyril Ramaphosa has been re-elected as South Africa's president, following a power-sharing deal with opposition parties. His re-election came after the African National Congress appointed him as their candidate for another five-year term and secured support from various parties. Ramaphosa's victory has positively impacted financial markets in South Africa, with the broad alliance government likely to focus on economic growth, job creation, and crime reduction.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
Atlanta's original World of Coca-Cola museum, once a popular attraction, is being demolished by Georgia's state government to make way for a parking lot. The vacant building, purchased in 2005, has been unused since 2007 when Coca-Cola relocated its museum. The demolition, costing nearly $1.3 million, is to accommodate new construction projects and provide additional parking for the Capitol complex.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
President Lai Ching-te in an interview with Time Magazine on June 14, 2024, reiterated the stance that 'the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China do not subordinate to each other,' a statement previously made by former Presidents Ma Ying-jeou and Tsai Ing-wen. Ma Ying-jeou criticized Lai Ching-te's remarks as deceptive and questioned his adherence to the 'One China' principle and the ROC Constitution. Various political figures weighed in on the issue, stressing the need for responsible handling of cross-strait affairs. The Mainland Affairs Council Chairman affirmed Lai's statements align with the objective facts and the current situation in the Taiwan Strait, but Ma Ying-jeou condemned Lai's 'New Two Countries Theory' as unconstitutional and damaging to cross-strait relations.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
Since the post-pandemic travel boom in June 14, 2024, domestic travel prices have been steadily increasing, causing frequent complaints from the public about the high costs. The Minister of Transportation, Meng-Yan Lee, acknowledged in a radio interview that due to the depreciation of the Japanese yen, even 'Taiwanese people are buying houses in Japan because they are cheaper than in Taiwan.' As a response, the Taiwan Tourism Bureau is planning to recommend affordable and quality accommodations to the public to address the issue. Additionally, the Bureau is working on various initiatives such as promoting budget hotels on their website and collaborating with local governments to develop tourist attractions across the country to enhance tourism competitiveness amid the high accommodation prices.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
Taipei, 2024 June 14 - American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Director Sun Xiaoya is set to leave office soon and held her final press conference yesterday. She emphasized that supporting Taiwan's self-defense capabilities is not only one of AIT's goals but also aligns with U.S. priority policies, as peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are crucial for the prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region. Sun stated that Taiwan, with its advanced manufacturing, high-tech, and electronics sectors, would inevitably play a role in the increasingly high-tech defense industry, such as a components supplier. The recent visit of former White House Deputy National Security Advisor Matt Pottinger to Taiwan expressed support for Taiwan's participation in the U.S. defense supply chain.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
On June 14, 2024, Taiwan's Minister of Transportation, Li Meng-yan, requested the Tourism Bureau to provide a list of affordable hotels for the public to consider. Tourism scholars suggest that rather than promoting budget accommodations, the focus should be on developing new domestic attractions to enhance the value perception of domestic tourism. They emphasize the importance of quality over pricing, urging for the creation of unique experiences to make domestic travel more appealing to locals. Industry experts also advocate for highlighting high-quality and legitimate accommodations instead of solely focusing on affordability.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
During an interview with Time on June 14, 2024, President Tsai Ing-wen stated that in her 2020 inaugural speech, she mentioned that 'the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China do not belong to each other.' However, President Tsai's official LINE account simplified the interview content into 'mutual non-alignment across the strait,' which was criticized by Kuomintang lawmakers as switching concepts and playing word games. The lawmakers raised questions on whether President Tsai was aligning more with former President Tsai's 'Four Definitive Noes' or trying to involve former President Ma Ying-jeou to ease tensions.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
The Legislative Yuan will review and vote on the parliamentary reform reconsideration bill proposed by the Executive Yuan next week. Premier Su Tseng-chang expressed confidence that the bill would pass, contrary to the judgment of DPP legislator Kao Chia-Ying who criticized the Premier. Discussions on the tight schedule and strategies for garnering support from opposition parties were also highlighted, with calls for public debates and appeals to the public ahead of the crucial vote.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
On June 14, 2024, at 6:17 pm, Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation Minister Li Meng-yan mentioned in an interview that if mainland China shows goodwill, such as opening group travel through the small three links or allowing independent travel, Taiwan would consider gradually opening up. Currently, there is a significant disparity in the tourism openness between the two sides. Taiwan received 1.76 million independent travelers to China last year, while only 220,000 tourists came from the mainland. Taiwan is prepared to welcome mainland tourists, and if goodwill is reciprocated, a full-scale opening may be considered. There is hope that the situation will improve with upcoming events such as the cross-strait tourism expo in July.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
During a legislative session in Taiwan on June 14, 2024, the Nationalist Party proposed an amendment to the 'Improper Acquisition of Property by Political Parties and Their Affiliated Organizations Act,' aiming to free the Rescue Taiwan League from being considered a Nationalist Party affiliate. After fierce debates between the blue and green camps, the bill was eventually passed to be reviewed by the committee. The Nationalist Party sees this as necessary redemption, while the Democratic Progressive Party emphasizes the return of ill-gotten gains to the state. The Rescue Taiwan League argues against being labeled as a Nationalist Party affiliate, claiming harm to its reputation and interests due to government property transfers.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
As domestic accommodation prices continue to rise with no signs of returning back, many Taiwanese feel that domestic travel is expensive and lack attractive features. While inflation and rising costs contribute to the overall increase in accommodation prices internationally, the root cause of Taiwanese dissatisfaction may lie in the lack of cost-effectiveness and highlights in domestic travel options. Other countries like Japan and Vietnam have taken advantage of the pandemic to enhance their domestic tourism attractions, while Taiwan's Tourism Bureau's efforts in promoting various attractions and discount accommodation packages seem to lack the appeal and value perceived by the public. The push for revenge travel post-pandemic by many countries also poses a challenge for Taiwan's tourism sector, which appears to be slow in deploying strategies to meet the changing demands of travelers.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
During a legislative session, KMT lawmaker Wu Tsung-hsien raised concerns about the recent incident involving a foreign man sailing a boat into the Tamsui River, proposing the mandatory installation of AIS systems for fishing boats under 20 tons through legal amendments. Chairperson of the Ocean Affairs Council Kuan Bi-ling mentioned ongoing research, while Premier Su Tseng-chang assured continuous updates in manpower and equipment. Discussions also focused on the potential benefits of AIS for safety and security in maritime activities.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
民進黨在花蓮舉辦「反濫權、護民主」宣講，祕書長林右昌指控傅崐萁強行表決比403地震對花蓮的災害還嚴重，造成憲政體制震撼。他強調民主應依程序決策，呼籲民眾支持21日在立院表決的覆議案。立委沈伯洋也警告傅崐萁、黃國昌的法案可能導致台灣毀滅，呼籲警惕法案背後政治鬥爭。
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
President Lai Ching-te stated the need to accelerate Taiwan's AI Action Plan 2.0 for the development of Taiwan's generative AI in response to the global AI wave. The DPP launched a propaganda webpage and introduced an AI chatbot, ChatDPP, to respond to netizens' queries. However, after inaccurate responses like 'the National Assembly Reform Act conforms to procedural justice,' the system was hastily shut down within a day due to an influx of users causing operational issues. The DPP spokesperson mentioned the need to improve the system and directed users to their official webpage for further information.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
In an interview with Time magazine on June 14, 2024, President Lai Ching-te stated that his inauguration speech in 520 emphasized that the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, clarifying that it was not meant to provoke. Despite explaining his stance to the Taiwanese and Americans, the Beijing authorities remain unwilling to listen. Lai's efforts to ease tensions and convey goodwill have been met with opposition, intensifying cross-strait relations and causing increased tension in the region.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
Julie Hyman and Josh Lipton discuss the challenges facing the market, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk's $56 billion compensation approved by shareholders amid market concerns. Cruise line stocks (CCL, RCL, NCLH) dipped due to softer prices in June, while airlines struggle with Boeing issues and capacity constraints. Shopify shares rise after an upgrade, while Palo Alto Networks excels in strategic navigation. Meanwhile, PayPal faces scrutiny for lack of strategic vision. Experts highlight Delta Airlines as a standout performer amidst labor issues shaping the travel industry's dynamics.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
In the Olympic qualifying tournament in Paris, the Chinese women's archery team successfully advanced to the top four, securing three full quota places. The team, consisting of athletes Lei Qianying, Qiu Yiqing, and Li Caiqi, performed exceptionally well throughout the competition. Lei, a veteran with Olympic experience, ranked second in the ranking round, contributing to China's fourth-place finish overall. Despite a loss to the Chinese team in the semifinals, the Chinese women displayed strong performances, ultimately earning three full quota places for the upcoming Olympics in Paris.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
The Central Weather Bureau indicated that high temperatures and thunderstorms are expected in several regions across Taiwan, with afternoon thunderstorms likely in northern Taiwan and other mountainous areas. Temperatures are forecasted to range from 32 to 35 degrees Celsius, higher in some areas, necessitating precautions against heat-related illnesses. Tomorrow, the southwesterly winds will shift to southerly winds, reducing rainfall in the central and southern regions but increasing the chances of afternoon thunderstorms in the Taipei and northeastern areas. The article also provides weather forecasts for the upcoming days, emphasizing precautions against hot weather conditions and heat-related risks.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
Hosted by Josh Lipton, this article discusses the success of Cava after going public a year ago, highlighting its outperformance in the Mediterranean food market. Additionally, the article explores market dynamics with journalist Nathaniel Popper, focusing on the influence of 'troll' investors on market participants. Insights on fast food stocks offering value meals like McDonald's and Burger King to attract consumers amid high inflation are also discussed, showcasing the state of the consumer and the implications for margins in the restaurant industry.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
The article compares two solar stocks, Enphase Energy (NASDAQ: ENPH) and First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR), using TipRanks’ Comparison Tool to determine which is better. Enphase Energy offers energy-management solutions for the solar industry, while First Solar designs and manufactures solar power systems. Despite Enphase Energy's higher valuation and First Solar's impressive stock performance, both stocks face challenges from inflation and interest rates affecting the solar industry. Investors are advised to adopt a wait-and-see approach for now to assess better entry points for these companies.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 7 months ago
As the domestic COVID-19 situation enters a pandemic phase with a surge of the highly transmissible KP.2 variant, experts caution on the need for enhanced protective measures and hygiene practices to curb the virus spread. The outbreak, mainly influenced by the KP.2 variant, is expected to be aggravated with the potential influx of overseas students returning to Taiwan, posing a threat of accelerated virus transmission. Despite concerns, the immune debt situation in Taiwan is estimated to alleviate by early next year. Recent data from the health authorities indicate a rise in local COVID-19 cases, with plans to distribute 3 million rapid home test kits from July onwards. Monitoring shows a predominance of the JN.1 variant, with increasing proportions of KP.2 and KP.3 variants, necessitating continued vigilance to track variant trends.
Source: YAHOO