Taipei named world’s fourth safest city

Taipei named world’s fourth safest city

2023-03-27

Taipei has been named the fourth safest city in the world in a ranking of 424 cities by online rankings website, RankingRoyals. The capital ranked far above the capitals of Japan and South Korea, which stood at No. 33 and 34 respectively. The top spot went to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

Each of the 424 cities picked was given a score between 0 and 100, based on the level of crime, the safety of walking on the street at day and night, and the incident rate of violent crimes and robberies. Taipei had the lowest crime score of all cities, and was praised for being safe even at night. It was also described as a place with some of the “nicest people in the world” who are willing to help out visitors to the country.

國際再度看見台灣 "世界最安全城市"台北高居第4

2023-03-27

知名統計網站最近公布"世界最安全城市"排行榜，評比全球424個城市中，由阿拉伯聯合大公國首都阿布達比奪冠，我國台北市拿下第4名，名次狠甩第33和34名日本東京跟韓國首爾。

網站以10項考量作為指標，包括：犯罪率、日夜行走安全、搶劫被盜機率等數據，其中台北的犯罪率為14.3，為所有評比城市中最低。網站稱台北是不論晝夜都安全的城市，來到台北將會遇到一群友善的民眾，因為大家都很樂意幫助外來者。

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The severing of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Honduras on Sunday has reignited debate on whether Taiwan should change its approach to diplomacy. One DPP lawmaker has suggested that Taiwan begin accepting “dual recognition,” and maintain ties with countries that also recognize Beijing. Meanwhile, one KMT lawmaker says that Taiwan could start a new chapter of international relations if the U.S. and Japan would resume formal relations with Taiwan.

Joseph Wu
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We don’t rule out any possibilities regarding our relations with countries that don’t have diplomatic ties with us. We’re considering the matter very carefully.

On Sunday, Taiwan and Honduras broke off diplomatic relations, leaving Taiwan with 13 diplomatic allies. One day later foreign minister Joseph Wu stated that nothing was off the table when it comes to Taiwan’s international relations. The comment has fueled speculation that Taiwan could switch to an approach of “dual recognition,” allowing countries to have diplomatic ties with both Taiwan and China.

Wang Ting-yu
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We’d be happy to accept any country that is willing to establish official or quasi-official relations with Taiwan. We could abandon the former KMT policy that goes “gentlemen and thieves cannot coexist.” After all, many countries around the world have diplomatic relations with China. Perhaps leaving such a policy would worry China, and put the ball in their court.

Lee De-wei
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The ruling administration, that is, President Tsai Ing-wen and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, should consider which approach is in the R.O.C.’s interests. Everyone would support policies that are beneficial for Taiwan.

Both ruling and opposition lawmakers say they would endorse a shift in Taiwan’s diplomatic approach. The current policy has its roots in Taiwan’s authoritarian past. KMT leader Chiang Kai-shek insisted that the R.O.C. in Taiwan was the “real China,” referring to the communist leadership of the PRC as mere “insurgent groups.” Since then, the official policy in Taiwan has been to terminate ties with any country that established diplomatic relations with Beijing. One KMT lawmaker say that the times have changed, adding that if the U.S. and Japan were to resume official ties with Taiwan, it could be a new beginning for Taiwan’s foreign relations.

Johnny Chiang
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The U.S. should take the lead and consider resuming diplomatic relations with the R.O.C. Otherwise, it’s very hard for them to persuade other countries to establish diplomatic ties with us, or to not break off relations with us. That’s also the case for Japan, which stands with Taiwan. If they stand with Taiwan, they might as well resume official ties with us.

Cheng Wen-tsan
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What we pursue is regional peace and democratic values. Our main approach to international relations is to continue moving forward with friends that share these ideals and values.

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Pictures of former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo’s past exchanges with Taiwan adorn the walls of a memorial exhibition in Taipei. President Tsai Ing-wen attended the exhibition’s opening day Monday to make a speech.

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Former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo was a good friend of Taiwan, and a good friend of mine. Abe once shared a photo of himself holding a Taiwanese pineapple and smiling warmly. He had repeatedly called on the international community to pay attention to the stability of the Taiwan Strait. His friendship and contributions to Taiwan laid an important foundation for the development of Taiwan-Japan relations.

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The reason Taiwanese fondly remember Abe is because he supported us, and he was very considerate and attentive. He is historically the most Taiwan-friendly Japanese prime minister.

Abe was assassinated in July last year. To remember him, Japan held three photo exhibitions, with a fourth one held outside Japan – in Taiwan.

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For such a grand memorial exhibition for a former Japanese prime minister to be held outside of Japan is historically unprecedented. This demonstrates how much love and respect our Taiwanese friends have for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.

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We always support Taiwan, which our good friend. When Taiwan faces problems, we are concerned. Just as when we face problems, Taiwan also is concerned.

His words of support are a comforting reminder for many in Taiwan, who are still reeling from the loss of another diplomatic ally.

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Close the doors and fasten the seatbelts. The husband and wife are both behind a driving wheel and off they go.

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The driver and passenger chat easily like old friends. The Taichung taxi bus goes up into the mountains, and down along the coast, offering free transport to locals. The couple love to provide this service, despite living on a modest income.

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It’s very convenient. The person who needs support is always right by you, always available.

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And now for a spotlight on champion wheelchair ballroom dancer Ho Hsin-ju. After losing her legs at the age of 9, Ho Hsin-ju spent many years coming to terms with life in a wheelchair. When she found ballroom dancing, everything changed. She and her husband now tour Taiwan and abroad, winning championships with their snappy routines. We went with her on a poignant visit to her old school, to share her passion for dance with the next generation.

Children sit in the school hall, enraptured, and clap as they listen to the dancer in front of them. Then it’s time to get up and give ballroom dancing a try.

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Decades later, I have the opportunity to come back and share my experiences with the young students. If feels like a return to glory. I’m grateful to the children for their encouragement.

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My biggest dream back then was to be in the Olympic track and field team. But later I came across this wheelchair, and when I saw it, it was like seeing a pair of legs. I practiced as hard as I possibly could.

Through many ups and downs, Ho learned how to dance in a wheelchair, making it her new legs. Eventually she won an international reputation, and clinched no. 1 at the Asian Para DanceSport Championships. Her husband shares her passion for dance, and together they enjoy extreme sports as well as competing together on the dance floor.

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