Taiwanese nationals meet French president at Lunar New Year event

2023-01-30

Taiwan’s ties with France seem to be warming. Last Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron presided over a banquet to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Paris, inviting representatives of countries that observe the festival. Among them was the head of Taiwan’s representative office, who was unable to attend the event. In his stead, the head of the Association Formose en France and four other Taiwanese nationals took part in the festivities. The head of the association, who’s been living in France for 20 years, says it’s the first time Taiwanese nationals were formally invited to such an event. Let’s hear from her.

Sandy Hsueh
Association Formose en France
It’s a start. This invitation from the French president is kind of an acknowledgement of the importance of Taiwan. He wanted Taiwan to take part in the event in some way.

Fracois Wu
Taiwanese representative to France
It’s a fantastic show of citizen diplomacy, and an improvement of Taiwan-France relations. The number of times we appear on French media is also increasing at a really fast pace. I recently spoke with a French foreign affairs official, and he said that Taiwan had truly become a hot topic. He said he was asked about Taiwan everywhere he went.

The five invitees had the opportunity to speak with Macron and take pictures together. One of the guests, Taiwanese lawyer Nicolas Chan, says that during his chat with the president, Macron said he hoped Taiwanese firms in the electric vehicle and semiconductor industries could set up shop in France.

法台協會會長受邀進法總統府與馬克宏近距離互動

2023-01-30

新年期間，法國總統府舉辦「農曆新年晚會」，邀請亞洲相關政府官員代表與會。由於我駐法代表處無法與會，改安排5位台灣僑民代表出席，法國台灣協會會長薛雅俶說自己旅法20多年來、是第一次看到台灣人正式受邀，顯示法國對台灣重視。

[[法國台灣協會會長薛雅俶]]
“這只是一個引子，法國總統府這一次的邀請，其實就在在地顯示說，其實他們知道台灣的重要，他也希望我們用不同的形式參與。”

[[我駐法國代表吳志中]]
“非常非常棒的國民外交，也是(代表)台法關係的一個改善。我們出現在法國媒體的次數也增加非常快速。我前陣子跟法國外交部(官員)有聊到，他就說，你們台灣現在真是熱門的話題，他們到哪裡都要談到台灣喔。”

5位旅法台灣人當天和馬克宏總統伉儷相談甚歡。其中一位在法國執業的律師詹文睿提到，和馬克宏寒暄時，馬克宏提到特別希望讓台灣的電動車、半導體產業到法國發展，馬克宏還說，有需要幫忙可以隨時聯繫。

Chen Chien-jen prepares for office as new premier, readies new Cabinet announcement

With Chen Chien-jen set to take office on Tuesday as the new premier, the former vice president says he will announce his full Cabinet on Tuesday. But already opposition party members have voiced criticism about some of the Cabinet members that have been announced so far. The appointee for Executive Yuan spokesperson on Monday rejected allegations that new ministers and deputy ministers reflected factionalism within the DPP. He said the appointments were made based on talent and professionalism.

Premier-to-be Chen Chien-jen early Monday morning attended mass at Taipei’s Holy Family Catholic Church.

Chen Chien-jen
Appointee for premier
I came here today to pray for courage, compassion, wisdom, serenity and humility, to allow me to serve 23 million people.

Chen is set to take office on Tuesday, when he will also announce his new Cabinet.

Cheng Wen-tsan is set to become vice premier, and Lin Yu-chang will be the interior minister. Foreign minister Joseph Wu, defense minister Chiu Kuo-cheng and MAC minister Chiu Tai-san will retain their positions. Senior trade official Lee Chun will be deputy foreign minister. Meanwhile, several fresh faces will take on new roles. They include: former Taipei City Councilor Liang Wen-chieh, who will now serve as deputy Mainland Affairs Council minister; fellow councilor Ruan Jhao-syong, who will serve as deputy overseas council minister; former Presidential Office official Lee Chun-yi, who will be deputy labor minister; and Chou Chiang-chieh, who will be deputy Hakka affairs council minister. Opposition lawmakers have alleged that the appointments reflected factionalism within the DPP.

Chiu Tai-san
Mainland Affairs Council minister
I imagine that the new Cabinet will include talented people of all age groups.

Chen Tsung-yen
Appointee for Executive Yuan spokesperson
Cabinet members are chosen based on their talent and professionalism. It has nothing to do with factions.

The appointee for Executive Yuan spokesperson said the new premier’s appointment was a temporary transfer of power.

Chen Tsung-yen
Cabinet spokesperson
No matter who the president is, there is always this type of transfer in order to meet the nation’s development needs, with people being transferred from education or research institutions.

After Chen Chien-jen takes office, his first task will be the issuance of NT$6,000 tax rebates to the public.

Li Men-yen
Executive Yuan secretary-general
On Tuesday the legislature will hold a session, and a Cabinet representative will meet with each of the party caucuses. There is already a good grasp on the development of a system for issuing money, so there’s a chance it can be issued before April as planned.

Chen Chien-jen is under pressure from the DPP’s poor showing in the local elections, but there’s hope a new Cabinet will change the atmosphere for the administration.

2023-01-30

Premier Su Tseng-chang leads Cabinet to resign en masse ahead of reshuffle

On Monday, Premier Su Tseng-chang led his Cabinet members to resign en masse, ahead of a government reshuffle. During his last session at the Executive Yuan, Su said he was stepping down to take responsibility for the DPP’s poor showing in the local elections last year. The new Cabinet, led by former Vice President Chen Chien-jen, will be sworn in on Tuesday. Many of the cabinet members will remain in the same positions.

On the first day back from the break, Su Tseng-chang led his last session at the Executive Yuan, posing for a group photo with his Cabinet.

Su, who tendered his resignation before the Lunar New Year, is the longest-serving premier under a democratically-elected government in Taiwan. He wrapped up his last four years in office with a thank you to his team.

Su has not given much comment on what his next steps will be. The new Cabinet will be sworn into office on Tuesday, led by former Vice President Chen Chien-jen. Many of the officials will remain in the same positions, including Council of Agriculture Minister Chen Chi-chung, Health and Welfare Minister Hsueh Jui-yuan and Digital Affairs Minister Audrey Tang.

Hsueh Jui-yuan
Minister of health and welfare
We just work hard on getting things done. That’s how it is.

Audrey Tang
Minister of digital affairs
Premier Su gave us teapots and tea, both of which have to withstand the heat.

During his last session, Su said his departure was an act of taking responsibility while asking his Cabinet members to keep up with their work. As a parting gift, he gave each a teapot and tea, symbolizing the high heat and pressure of working in the Executive Yuan. National Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said he would continue working toward the goals set by Su.

Chiu Kuo-cheng
Minister of national defense
We will continue to try to meet the targets we established before during this coming year. Regardless of the management methods, go step by step, focusing every month, every quarter and every half-year. The policies we’ll be implementing are the ones we’ve explained in the regular briefings. That’s what we’re working on.

The new Cabinet will be sworn in at a ceremony on Tuesday, bringing a breath of fresh air into the Executive Yuan.

2023-01-30

Defense ministry reiterates Armed Forces always ready for war after US comments

2023-01-30

NCU calendar shows off scenery of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies through satellite imagery

A new calendar is showing off a satellite view of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies. The Center for Space and Remote Sensing Research at National Central University has produced a satellite calendar annually for 28 years. The detailed images can show objects on the ground as small as 50 centimeters long! Now for the first time, the calendar is themed on Taiwan’s allies, showing off their beautiful scenery as well as joint projects with Taiwan.

A gigantic satellite dish rotates into position. It’s picking up signals from satellites in orbit for NCU Center for Space and Remote Sensing Research.

Tsai Fu-an
NCU Center for Space and Remote Sensing Research
We use this kind of direct reception of satellite messages to get necessary data for surveillance, environmental monitoring, national land use surveys, and so on.

With a diameter of 13 meters and rotation of 180 degrees, the satellite dish stands on the roof of the center, and has been in use for 30 years.

Inside, a satellite tracking map on the wall allows engineers to constantly monitor where their satellites are. They’re busy checking and editing satellite images, and using this equipment to turn them from 2D into 3D.

They wear 3D glasses which make tall trees and buildings leap out from the ground. With a swipe of the cursor, their height is calculated.

Liu Chien-liang
NCU Center for Space and Remote Sensing Research
The satellite is flying through the air. It takes two photos of the same object at two different angles. So that means we have two photos of the location from different angles, so it’s like our two human eyes, and we can see the 3D height of the object.

Of course it’s used to build up data about Taiwan, but it works equally well to take images of outlying islands or other countries. NCU has published an annual calendar with colorful satellite photos for more than 20 years.

Tsai Fu-an
NCU Center for Space and Remote Sensing Research
This satellite image has a resolution of 50 centimeters. That means it can see everything on the ground that is 50 by 50 centimeters. What you’re looking at now is the area around Fo Guang Shan monastery in Kaohsiung. So you can see the whole – not just the buildings, but also nearby here, the Lychee Garden for example.

The latest calendar is themed on Taiwan’s diplomatic allies. Produced in partnership with the ICDF, it’s named “A Bird’s Eye View of Alliance.”

Jou Jing-yang
National Central University president
The Center for Space and Remote Sensing Research has been producing its calendar for 28 years. With this calendar, we’re showcasing the landforms of our allies, the beauty of their landscapes. Of course in the process we’re also exhibiting what we’ve achieved through our collaboration with them.

Taiwan’s satellite technology is being used to record and document the beauty of its allies and to strengthen ties with friendly nations.

2023-01-30

Plum blossoms and early cherry blossoms provide a late winter wonderland

Taiwan’s natural beauty is renowned worldwide. Its coastlines and forests are spectacular, but Taiwan also has many gentler attractions. Not least, its fabulous blossom trees. Right now, plum trees are coming into full bloom at beauty spots like Jiaoban Mountain Park. For fans of the cherry blossoms, mid-February is the perfect time to visit Syakaro Cherry Valley. Let’s take a moment to enjoy some of Taiwan’s sweetest floral vistas.

Pink buds dot branches across this mountainside. Surrounded by pink, visitors feel like they walked into a painting. The Hsinchu County village of Smangus is synonymous with cherry blossom, but there’s a new option: now visitors can also head to Syakaro Cherry Valley. This footage was taken last year, the first time the valley opened its cherry blossom season to the public.

Miss. Lin
Syakaro Cherry Valley worker
The cherry valley is located in the retirement section of Syakaro Historic Trail. At the mountain trailhead and in the entire area we planted more than 100 Fuji cherry trees. This is the second year it’s open to the public.

Gazing down from a drone, you see the blossoms envelop half of the mountainside, almost like a pink carpet, a unique sight. The Fuji cherries are expected to bloom from Feb. 11 to 28. If you plan to visit at a weekend or on 228 Peace Memorial Holiday, don’t forget to reserve your hiking permit, or you won’t get in.

Miss. Lin
Syakaro Cherry Valley worker
There’ll be two ways to get up the mountain, this year. One is to drive your own car up. The other is to take a free shuttle bus, which stops at Hbun-Tunan village.

But that’s still a month away. If you’re longing for flowers now, try out the best plum blossom spot in Northern Taiwan: Jiaoban Mountain Park in Taoyuan.

White petals are strewn across the landscape as far the eye can see. The gentle scent of plum blossom floats on the air. Visitors snap away, as thousands of plum flowers open across this late winter wonderland.

Others stop for a tea party under the trees. It’s a perfect place to enjoy the fresh air of early spring and look ahead to a new year.

2023-01-30

DPP says China’s lifting of illegal barriers to sorghum export is political tactic

China has lifted barriers preventing trade of Kinmen’s kaoliang liquor made from sorghum. The announcement of the lifted ban was made after KMT members met with the head of China’s Taiwan Affairs Office on Saturday. The DPP has said that the trade barriers imposed by China were illegal to begin with, adding that the lifting of the ban was orchestrated to show the KMT in a favorable light.

KMT Legislator for Kinmen Chen Yu-jen posted to Facebook, sharing a photo of her together with China’s Taiwan Affairs Office head Song Tao on Saturday. Shortly after the two met, the office announced that China had lifted a ban on the import of sorghum liquor from Kinmen. Chen was quick to claim credit for the ban being lifted.

Chen Yu-jen
KMT legislator
This issue involved me visiting the Taiwan Affairs Office on Dec. 12, Jan. 7 and Jan. 28. I visited their offices in Xiamen in Fujian Province, their headquarters and China’s customs administration. Through our hard work and coordination, we were able to help some companies resubmit their shipping documents and come to an agreement with Chinese authorities on lifting the ban.

Chen said that during her meeting with Tao she was told that problems preventing the export of sorghum liquor to China were “completely resolved,” and that “Chinese customs is letting the products through.” In her meeting with Song, Chen Yu-jen was joined by Kinmen County Commissioner Chen Fu-hai. A day earlier, former KMT Chairwoman Hung Hsiu-chu also met with Song. Chinese state media highlighted the meetings through a special report, in a bid to highlight the KMT’s involvement in the trade issue. DPP lawmakers criticized the move, saying China was using illegal trade barriers to cause a rift in Taiwanese society.

Chao Tien-lin
DPP legislator
China’s using the false pretense of showing grace to divide the Taiwanese public. The benefits of this will be short term. We implore our friends in the pan-blue camp not to fall into this trap.

Eric Chu
KMT chair
The DPP wasn’t able to solve the problem, and left it to the opposition party. Now the DPP is upset with the opposition party. This is not the way a responsible government talks.

Kuo Kuo-wen
DPP legislator
China’s lifting of the ban on sorghum liquor is having political side effects. China’s using trade to coerce Taiwan’s government. The Chinese Communist Party has already started interfering with the 2024 presidential elections.

The DPP says Beijing is already interfering with local politics in Taiwan, but it remains to be seen whether the public can see through its tactics.

2023-01-30

Taiwan shares soar by 560 on first day of trading of Year of the Rabbit

2023-01-30

Worshippers flock to worship Jade Emperor on ninth day of Rabbit Year

Temples in honor of the Jade Emperor were packed wall-to-wall on Monday, as crowds of worshippers celebrated the deity’s birthday. In Tainan, the Tian Tan Tian Gong Temple was so busy, that the furnace could not keep up, resulting in bags of unburnt paper money piling on the street. Over in Pingtung City’s Jade Emperor Temple, about 20,000 servings of longevity noodles were handed out to visitors, some of whom waited for more than two hours of their fill.

On the ninth day of the Year of the Rabbit, Tian Tan Tian Gong Temple in Tainan was packed with worshippers praying to the Jade Emperor.

The crowds extended from the temple out onto the streets, making for a bustling scene. Paper money offerings can’t be burned fast enough, leaving bags and bags of them piling against a wall. Temple workers try their best to keep everything in order.

Kao Chih-chien
Paper money seller
After COVID restrictions were lifted, there was an increase of 20% to 30% in the number of people coming to pray. We’ve had to double or triple the number of workers. We’re about 20 now.

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che was down to work at the temple, giving out bowls of noodles. A total of 4,000 servings of noodles and tangyuan were handed out, twice the amount of previous years.

Chen Shu-ling
Tian Tan Tian Gong Temple
We estimate there will be between 40,000 to 50,000 people visiting between today and tomorrow morning.

Over in Pingtung City’s Jade Emperor Temple, things were just as busy. On Monday morning, the temple handed out 20,000 servings of longevity noodles. Queues stretched as far as the eye could see.

Member of public
I started lining up at 7:15 a.m. and waited for about two hours. I got mine at 9 a.m. This dish symbolizes peace.

Chen Yi-hui
Pingtung City Jade Emperor Temple
We readied 20,000 bowls of longevity noodles today. They have a lot of ingredients. Although they are vegetarian, they are packed with flavor.

The ninth day of the lunar year is celebrated as the birthday of the Jade Emperor, one of the highest ranking gods. Worshippers flocked to his temples to ask for peace, health and the end of COVID, as well as getting a delicious helping of noodles.

2023-01-30

Lawmakers Hung Mong-kai and Chung Chia-pin face off in a battle of arm strength

2023-01-30

Taiwanese nationals meet French president at Lunar New Year event