Newly-appointed Premier Chen Chien-jen pays first visit to Legislative Yuan

Newly-appointed Premier Chen Chien-jen pays first visit to Legislative Yuan

2023-02-01

On his second day in office, newly-appointed Premier Chen Chien-jen met with ruling and opposition lawmakers, as well as participated in the president’s weekly meeting on national security. He said he would try to gain support for a piece of legislation in order to give out cash handouts from last year’s tax surplus. Chen said he’s also ready to carry out President Tsai’s four main priorities for the new Cabinet.

Chen Chien-jen pays his first visit to the Legislative Yuan as premier, meeting with governing and opposition lawmakers to garner support for a special act that will authorize cash handouts from last year’s tax surplus.

Chen Chien-jen
Premier
There is opposition to communicate with. Our major goal is to promulgate the post-COVID special act as quickly as possible.

The DPP caucus said the NT$6,000 cash handouts may be given out in April at the earliest. Meanwhile, the KMT is seeking to raise the amount to NT$10,000.

Lai Shyh-bao
KMT lawmaker
Since you claim to head a caring cabinet, why not care for the people? Let them know that you’re above Premier Su. He was handing out NT$6,000, but you could make it NT$10,000.

The KMT caucus wants a bigger cash handout. Meanwhile, Taiwan People’s Party lawmakers say they look forward to work with the new Cabinet.

Chiu Chen-yuan
TPP lawmaker
As an opposition party we welcome the new Cabinet before returning to our role of keeping an eye on the ruling party. I look forward to further debates and exchanges on the legislative floor.

The same morning, Premier Chen attended the president’s weekly meeting on national security at her official residence.

Chen Chien-jen
Premier
That’s right. This morning the president invited me to participate in the meeting on national security. Vice President Lai Ching-te was also there. And of course I’m the premier most able to execute President Tsai’s four main tasks for the new cabinet.

The new premier is ready to serve as the president’s right hand man.

陳建仁.鄭文燦赴立院拜會藍黨團再喊普發1萬

2023-02-01

行政院長陳建仁和副院長鄭文燦，上任後第二天，一大早來到立法院拜會朝野黨團，為了普發6千現金，尋求在野黨支持。國民黨團再度喊出普發1萬元，民眾黨則是下馬威直言議場過招。

立院報到第一天，陳建仁拜會朝野黨團，就是為了普發現金案，尋求在野黨支持。
[[行政院長陳建仁]]
“有一些不同意見需要來加以溝通，我們最重要目的也是希望，疫後特別條例能夠盡快通過。”

民進黨團和陳建仁沙盤推演，最快四月民眾才有望領到6千元。國民黨更是喊話要從6千元變1萬。

[[立委(國) 賴士葆]]
“你現在外界號稱你是溫暖內閣，你要不要溫暖一下、給全民溫暖？說你來跟蘇院長不一樣，他6千、你1萬。”

國民黨要求提高普發現金金額，民眾黨則是下馬威。

[[立委(民眾) 邱臣遠]]
“身為在野黨我們還是先禮後兵，後面我們還是會強力監督，希望在議場上面好好過招一下。”

陳建仁週三一早還參加週三的固定國安晨會。

[[行政院長陳建仁]]
“確實今天早上總統邀請我參加國安會議，賴清德副總統也是在那個地方，我當然是最能夠執行蔡總統交付四大任務的行政院長。”

執政團隊全面就定位，英蘇體制，轉換為「英賴陳鐵三角」。

Related News

NATO, Japan and U.S. address security challenges in Indo-Pacific

On Tuesday, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg met with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and released a joint statement on Japan-NATO security cooperation. In the statement, and during the talks, the two sides expressed serious concern over China’s military action in the region, including its coercive behavior over Taiwan. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in the Philippines on Monday night to seek access to another four Philippine military bases, in case a conflict breaks out in the region.

On Jan. 31, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio in Tokyo. After the meeting, the two sides released a joint statement, in which they expressed concern over reports of militarization, coercion and intimidation in the South China Sea. In his remarks, Stoltenberg criticized China’s behavior, agreeing with Japan that it’s a matter of serious concern.

Jens Stoltenberg (Jan. 31)
NATO secretary general
China is substantially building up its military forces, including nuclear weapons, bullying its neighbors and threatening Taiwan. Beijing is watching closely and learning lessons that may influence its future decisions. What is happening in Europe today could happen in East Asia tomorrow.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who arrived in the Philippines on Monday night, is slated to meet Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday to discuss expanding U.S. access to another four military bases in the country, to counter China’s growing military action in the region.

According to U.S. newspaper the Wall Street Journal, two of the four sites could be located on Cagayan Province on the northern island of Luzon, and on the Province of Palawan to the east. With only 321 kilometers between Luzon and Taiwan, the U.S. military would be able to respond quickly should a conflict erupt in the South China Sea or the Taiwan Strait.

Shu Hsiao-huang
Institute for National Defense and Security Research
If the Philippines will allow access to these locations, to these bases, allow the U.S. military to effectively interfere… of course whether it’s the Taiwan Strait or the South China Sea, both are important regions, and the Philippines’ location has a great strategic significance. An important aspect of U.S. deployment in the South China Sea is the surveillance of anti-submarine and underwater activity.

The Indo-Pacific Region’s security is high on the agenda of NATO, the U.S. and their allies.

2023-02-01

Czech politicians fire back at China’s outrage over presidential Taiwan-Czech phone call

High ranking officials in the Czech Republic have responded to China’s protests over a recent phone call between the Czech president-elect and President Tsai Ing-wen. One of them is the Czech prime minister, who said that, as a sovereign country, the Czech Republic could choose whoever it wants to call. Meanwhile, the EU’s spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy has said that the "one China" policies of the EU and its member states do not prohibit interactions with Taiwan.

Czech President-elect Petr Pavel spoke with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on the phone on Monday and said he hoped to visit Taiwan in the future. European news outlet Reuters referred to the move as a “diplomatic coup,” given the lack of formal ties between the two countries. The phone call also ruffled a few feathers in Beijing.

Mao Ning
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson
Even after China’s repeated dissuasion and demarches, the call constitutes a serious interference in China’s internal affairs. China deplores and strongly opposes this and we have made solemn demarche to the Czech side.

China says it tried to stop the call between the two presidents from happening. The Czech Republic is having none of China’s condemnations, however. On Twitter, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala responded saying that “As a sovereign state, we decide for ourselves who we call and who we meet.” Speaker of the Czech Chamber of Deputies Marketa Pekarova Adamova further tweeted that it is important that Czechia supports partners who respect human rights and democracy. She added that she was planning to visit Taiwan in March. Asked on the matter, the EU’s foreign affairs and security policy spokesperson, Nabila Massrali, stated that the EU’s “one China” policy does not mean the union and its member states cannot interact with Taiwan.

Nabila Massrali
EU foreign affairs and security policy spokesperson
The EU and its members states remain committed to its longstanding “one China” policy, which constitutes the framework for the EU’s and its member states engagement with Taiwan. At the same time, the EU and its member states have strong ties with Taiwan and an important economic and high-tech partner in the region.

Chen Ting-fei
DPP lawmaker
Nothing can stand in the way of the friendship between the Czech Republic and Taiwan. The unity among democracies will always show our determination to demonstrate that we are not like authoritarian states.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said that, as a sovereign state, Taiwan’s interactions with other countries are legitimate, adding that China’s attempts to isolate Taiwan internationally were not conducive to the betterment of cross-strait relations. The Year of the Rabbit has only just started, but it seems that for Taiwan it may be a year of more cooperation with the EU.

2023-02-01

NT$6,000 handouts to have a limited effect on GDP growth: expert

2023-02-01

Police weapons repair shop is the only place you can get a gun fixed in Taiwan

2023-02-01

Taiwanese illusionist features on cover of Europe’s top magic magazine

Taiwanese illusionist Hanson Chien has been enchanting the world for 15 years with his magic tricks. He’s even collaborated with big names inside and outside the magic world, including pop singer Jay Chou and magician David Copperfield. Most recently, he’s become the first Taiwanese to be featured on the cover of "Magicseen," Europe’s top magazine on magic.

With just the shadow of his fingers, he turns the phone off. What a marvel. This is 31-year old Hanson Chien, who was recently featured on the cover of Europe’s top magic magazine “Magicseen.” He’s the first Taiwanese illusionist to get the honor.

Hanson Chien
Magician
I was quite surprised. I hadn’t thought that they would interview me. The magazine featured a lot of my works and my work as a consultant for many talented magicians.

But it’s not Chien’s first time on the cover of a magazine. Last year, he was the cover illusionist in three magazines about magic. In July 2022, he was a special performer at a convention held by the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Chien is a self-taught magician, and has been performing for 15 years now. Among his clients are celebrities like Mandopop singer Jay Chou, who previously used Chien’s creations and props.

Hanson Chien
Magician
I taught quite a few people. Jay Chou used what I taught him in a short video. Just yesterday Lu Chen came over to discuss magic with me. Some renowned magicians from abroad I’ve worked with include David Copperfield, who’s used some of my things.

Chien has long been a magic advisor for television shows and movies. Now he’s before the cameras to make the world of magic better known in Taiwan.

Hanson Chien
Magician
I think we can make it better known. A very important issue is that, for a long time, there has been a big gap between magic performances and audiences. I hope to be able to bridge that gap.

Big names in magic have attended Chien’s online seminars. Now, Chien is working so that his magic can enchant even more people.

2023-02-01

Migrating TSMC engineers and their families find Taiwanese support in Arizona

The opening of TSMC’s new U.S. fab means relocation for many Taiwanese silicon engineers and their families. Hundreds of Taiwanese citizens have newly arrived in Arizona to start a new chapter in their lives in a radically different culture. But settling in a foreign country is no easy feat. That’s why some associations are stepping in to provide support and welcome services to new immigrants. For lots of families, the most pressing concern is navigating the very complicated U.S. healthcare system. But even simple tasks can also be challenging in a foreign environment.

The opening of TSMC’s new U.S. fab has seen many Taiwanese families pack up and relocate to Arizona for a new life.

As they find their feet in a new country, the biggest worry for most is healthcare. The U.S. system is totally different to that of Taiwan. When you have a major health issue, you’re liable for potentially catastrophic costs.

Many struggle to describe their health troubles in English, or understand technical terms used by doctors. Now a U.S. healthcare and insurance provider has taken note of the growing population of Mandarin speakers in Arizona. They’re offering healthcare services in Mandarin, to support the many new TSMC expats.

Dru Bhattacharya
US Healthcare Company diversity manager
Making sure we have the interpreter services, translation services – all these kind of go together. There are many hidden costs that many immigrant families aren’t aware of.

Tina Chang
Taiwanese-American Chamber of Commerce
We hold events every now and then, and if our members have any needs, if they need help, then we have all kinds of different professionals.

With support from locals, this Taiwan-American association held a major event for Chinese speakers, with free talks and volunteers on hand to answer questions from the family members of TSMC’s new U.S. workforce. Being a newcomer in a strange land, even knowing where to go grocery shopping can be a problem. But these Taiwanese expats are supporting each other.

Fion Huo
Taiwanese resident in US
It’s very unfamiliar to me too, but I think I can tell the children that “Mommy and you are from the same country, we’re in this together, we all don’t understand, and we’ll solve this together.”

Tiff Wang
Taiwanese resident in US
When I look at how the children have grown up in this environment, with a diverse upbringing, I think it’s a totally different kind of life experience. So at first it’s very hard work and I want to encourage folks a bit.

For these families, stepping out of Taiwan and into a new life across the Pacific is a once-in-a-lifetime challenge, a door into a new world of possibilities.

2023-02-01

Works by award-winning sculptor Kuo Chin-chih on display at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Award-winning sculptor Kuo Chin-chih has created works using a variety of materials throughout his 50-year career as an artist. His works are now on display in a special exhibit at Taipei’s Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall. FTV reporter Stephany Yang spoke to Kuo to find out more about how his works have evolved over the years and his future goals as a sculptor.

Kuo’s works are made using a range of materials including stone, bronze, stainless steel, mixed media and digital prints. This work "Entrance of the Sun" is the work that he is most proud of.

Kuo Chin-chih
Sculptor
For example, the one we see behind us is called "The Entrance of the Sun." The work has been included in an archive of 20th-century sculptors from around the world. My aim with this type of piece is to achieve real creation, and not follow trends. I have established a style of my own, which is also a Taiwanese style. This is what I want to do.

A total of 48 works by Kuo are on display at an exhibition at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall. Kuo originally aspired to be a writer and poet, but later decided to break into the world of visual arts as a sculptor. Throughout his career, he experimented with different types of media including stone, copper, wood, stainless steel, and bronze.

Kuo Chin-chih
Scultpor
I put many different things into my creations, including tradition and new technology, and materials such as stainless steel. I put a lot of effort into the so-called "mixed media." I later saw that internationally, there are not many successful cases of composite-media works. I am quite confident in my works.

In his second year at university, Kuo won three major art competitions: the Provincial Art Exhibition, the National Fine Arts Exhibition, and the Taiyang Art Exhibition. Later in his career, he was elected as the first chair of the Sculpture Association of Taiwan. Despite his early successes, he never lost his passion for creating.

Kuo Chin-chih
Scultpor
Because I am old now, I want to create what I like. In fact, I still have some works that I want to continue working on. The so-called mixed media is a mixture of various media, but there are many new methods that I still haven’t tried yet, but have thought about. For example, aluminum alloy is also a good material. I tried using it but I was not very successful. I hope to continue to work with it.

Kuo hopes to continue mastering the art of sculpting, and to pass on his expertise to younger sculptors in Taiwan. The exhibition will be on display at the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall until Feb. 12.

2023-02-01

New Japan Destinations Airlines add new destinations in Japan as international tourism heats up

2023-02-01

Eat the white bits of an orange for extra fiber: nutritionist

2023-02-01