Tsai attends donation ceremony for hospital built jointly with Guatemala

Tsai attends donation ceremony for hospital built jointly with Guatemala

2023-04-03

President Tsai Ing-wen has wrapped up her state visit to Guatemala. Before departing for Belize, she made one last public appearance at a donation ceremony for a newly completed hospital. The National Hospital of Chimaltenango was built with support from Taiwan, and it will provide high-quality medical services to more than 2 million people. At Sunday’s donation ceremony, Tsai said the facility was just one example of Taiwan’s diplomatic efforts, which aim to support the long-term and substantive development of partner nations. Guatemala’s president expressed gratitude for Taiwan’s aid and urged China to end the tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

Sunday was Tsai Ing-wen’s last day in Guatemala. She made her final public appearance at a donation ceremony for the National Hospital of Chimaltenango, a project backed by Taiwan.

Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei led locals in thanking Taiwan. Giammattei, a former doctor, once hailed the hospital as one of the “most modern” in Central America.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
We will continue to work with Guatemala in line with the principles of steadfast diplomacy and mutual assistance for mutual benefits, and support the long-term, substantive development of our diplomatic partner, as we also cooperate with our democratic partners in the international community.

The two heads of state toured the medical facility. Giammattei said his country would continue to support Taiwan’s sovereignty unconditionally.

Alejandro Giammattei
Guatemalan president
As the leader of this pacifist country, I hope that the tensions created by mainland China in the Taiwan Strait will end soon. These tensions cast a shadow and steal the happiness and peace of the people of the R.O.C. Taiwan.

As a parting gift, President Tsai gave her host a miniature model of the hospital. She was bid farewell with a heartfelt sentiment.

Alejandro Giammattei
Guatemalan president
President Tsai, you are taking with you a piece of our hearts. Take good care of it. Because Guatemala is also keeping a piece of your heart here.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
In a few weeks, we’ll be receiving President Giammattei in Taipei.

Tsai said her heart would remain in Guatemala, and that she would welcome her host to Taipei in just a few weeks’ time.

蔡總統贈交醫院瓜國總統:儘快終結兩岸緊張

2023-04-03

總統蔡英文出訪瓜地馬拉，三天行程來到尾聲，她出席我國協助興建的齊瑪德南戈醫院贈交儀式，現場離情依依，瓜國總統賈麥岱表示，「蔡總統帶走了我們的心，請好好的照顧它」，蔡總統回應，自己的心也會留下來。賈麥岱也向中國喊話，呼籲盡快結束兩岸緊張情勢。

蔡總統在瓜國最後一個公開行程，出席兩國合作興建的齊瑪德南戈醫院贈交儀式。

賈麥岱帶頭喊口號說謝謝，醫師出身的他曾讚揚，這是中美洲近二十年來最現代化的醫院。

[[總統蔡英文]]
“我們也會秉持踏實外交，互惠互助的目標，支持友邦長期實質的發展，繼續和國際上的民主夥伴相互合作。”

兩國元首一起走訪院區驗收成果。賈麥岱也再度強調，瓜國無條件支持中華民國台灣的主權。

[[瓜地馬拉總統賈麥岱]]
“身為愛好和平的國家執政者，本人在此呼籲中國應該要儘快地結束台灣海峽對抗衝突的緊張情勢，因為它不僅僅散播恐慌，並且奪走了台灣人民的幸福。”

蔡總統送上象徵醫院的模型，這趟瓜國訪問行程來到尾聲，現場離情依依。

[[瓜地馬拉總統賈麥岱]]
“蔡總統閣下，您這次帶走了我們的心，請您好好的照顧它，希望您的心也留在這裡。”

[[總統蔡英文]]
“我們再過幾個禮拜，會在台北接待賈麥岱總統。”

蔡總統回應，她的心也會留下來，過幾週之後也會在台北接待賈麥岱總統。

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MAC pushes back against Ma’s ‘one China’ comments regarding Constitution

The Mainland Affairs Council blasted ex-President Ma Ying-jeou on Monday for controversial remarks he made at Hunan University. Ma claimed that both Taiwan’s and China’s Constitutions consider Taiwan a part of China. The MAC accused Ma of parroting the PRC’s “One China” principle and endorsing the annexation of Taiwan. Critics, including a prominent scholar, said that Ma’s remarks could confuse the international community.

Ma Ying-jeou (April 2)
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Our country is divided into two parts, one is called Taiwan, and the other is called the mainland. The preamble of the mainland’s 1983 Constitution also states that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, so this fact is very clear. Not only do we have the same language and race, but both sides adhere to the “one China” position.

During his visit to Hunan University, former President Ma Ying-jeou spoke about Taiwan’s and China’s Constitutions. The Mainland Affairs Council on Monday responded to his comments.

In a statement, the council stated that Ma was echoing China’s “One China” principle, which the CCP uses to justify its attempts to annex Taiwan. It added that Ma’s statement ran contrary to mainstream opinion in Taiwan.

A DPP lawmaker also protested Ma’s remarks. She said that according to Taiwan’s Law on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone, the Republic of China only comprises Taiwan proper, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu. She said that Ma was out of touch with reality.

Liu Shyh-fang
DPP lawmaker
Mr. Ma’s words yesterday disappointed many Taiwanese people. He’s completely fallen for China’s carrot-and-stick policies on Taiwan. The “1992 Consensus,” “one China with different interpretations” and the R.O.C. Constitution have all been refuted by Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

The lawmaker criticized Ma for endorsing China’s Constitution. She also questioned whether Ma’s visit to China was orchestrated with Xi to pull attention from President Tsai Ing-wen’s Central American tour. Meanwhile, a scholar says Ma’s words could give the world the wrong impression, making it seem as if cross-strait issues were a domestic dispute.

Wang Chih-sheng
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The definition of the inherent territory of the R.O.C. is a political matter. But Ma Ying-jeou has ignored the constitutional interpretation by the justices. All Ma Ying-jeou wants to do is use his so-called “one China Constitution” to ease in Beijing’s “One China” principle. It’s to confuse the international community into believing that Taiwan’s own Constitution states that we are part of China.

With less than a year to go until the next presidential election, Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Tai-san warns that the CCP may use monetary means and other incentives to infiltrate Taiwan’s elections. He urges the public to be on guard and not to fall for China’s cognitive warfare.

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Japan moves 600 troops to remote island near Taiwan

Japan has moved hundreds of troops to a new base on Ishigaki Island, located just 300 kilometers away from Taiwan. This is Japan’s fifth deployment to a remote island, joining forces on Okinawa, Amami Oshima, Miyako Island, and Yonaguni Island. Experts say these bases will enable Japan to collaborate with the U.S. to support Taiwan’s defense.

Japan has set up a Ground Self-Defense Force garrison on Ishigaki Island. It deployed over 600 troops to bolster the defense of its southwestern islands.

Hamada Yasukazu
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To strengthen the line of defense of the southwestern islands, to maintain seamless defense systems on Ishigaki Island and across the southwestern region – it all depends on everyone’s cooperation.

Inoue Yuichiro
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The situation surrounding our country is very serious. In order to plug the defense gap in the southwestern region, we have completed the installation of Ishigaki garrison. We believe that our defense system is now fully in place.

According to experts, Japan’s move is meant to counter Chinese aggression.

Su Tzu-yun
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The anti-ship missile units are mainly armed with Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles. They have a range of 200 kilometers and can cover Taiwan’s northwest waters, near Keelung. This effectively aids in defending Taiwan and blocking China’s amphibious fleets.

Geographic proximity has been a key factor behind Japan’s recent deployments. Yonaguni Island, the island closest to Taiwan, is just over 100 kilometers away. Ishigaki and Miyako islands are just over 300 kilometers, while Okinawa and Amami Oshima are no more than 1,000 kilometers away. These forces would support a joint defense of Taiwan while enhancing U.S. combat efficiency.

Su Tzu-yun
Institute for National Defense and Security Research
These three islands have extended runways or new airports. They would allow U.S. aircraft carriers to launch long-range island-hopping attacks. Aircraft can take off from these carriers, and then after engaging in combat, they can land on these islands, resupply, and return to their carriers.

With its latest military deployments, Japan is speaking volumes about its position in a potential conflict.

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Boom in shopping at Ximen, Yongkang and Taipei’s many commercial districts

The shopping districts of Taipei are recovering the hustle and bustle of their former glory, as Taiwan experiences a post-pandemic consumer boom. From vacant stores now rented out, to crowds at major MRT stations, there’s an explosion of activity. Business leaders are also optimistic about the impact of the government’s NT$6,000 cash handouts, which are coming soon.

These pearl boba have been simmering in hot brown sugar for an hour. Milk is poured in to create a delicious drink. There’s a queue lined up for this distinctively Taiwanese snack: a small sausage wrapped in a big sausage. The stall owner is working flat out.

Snack stall owner
When we saw foreign customers starting to come in, some of the stalls that had been vacant got rented out. You have to grab your chance at a stall.

There’s an influx of crowds at major shopping districts across Taipei. These MRT station crowd statistics show the change: In January and February this year, Ximen and Taipei Main Station saw 33% more footfall than in the same period last year. There was 25% growth at Zhongshan Station, near Nanxi Commercial District, at Jiantan Station, near Shilin Night Market, and at Dongmen Station in the Yongkang Commercial District. Meanwhile, Zhongxiao Fuxing Station in the Eastern District saw 22% more visitors.

Lang Mei-nan
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We’ve started to see real value disclosures of high rental prices in all the big commercial districts. High single month rents of NT$430,000 or NT$280,000 are appearing. There’s obviously an increase in confidence in the overall market situation and there’s proactive expansion into the market.

The post-pandemic recovery is obvious. Here’s Yongkang Commercial District now versus during the pandemic, when metal shutters were pulled down, stores vacant and sidewalks empty. Now the streets are bustling every day of the week, and many stores that have been disused for a year are about to reopen. The head of the local business association is optimistic that the new post-pandemic cash handouts will boost consumption even more.

Liu Hung-hsiang
Yongkang Business Circle Development Association
Another store got let out a week ago. Of course we welcome the NT$6,000 windfall.

These passersby say they’ll be happy to go shopping on the government’s dime. Businesses in Taiwan are glad to see consumerism back on the rise and a familiar hubbub in shopping districts across the capital.

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A farmer in Taoyuan has brisk business renting live chickens to customers. Chung Chih-chung is passionate about chickens as long-term pets and companions. But the recent egg shortage has seen some customers come to him with their minds more on breakfast than on companionship. He hopes that chicken parents will take responsibility for their pets, and appreciate them for more than just production.

Fluffy baby chicks huddle together under a heat lamp, then surge forward to feed on grains and insects.

Yang Ssu-min
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Chicks of this size, just 10 days old, really need to be kept warm, so these heat lamps keep them in an environment of 38 degrees.

Young farmer Chung Chih-chung raises 300 chickens on this farm in Taoyuan’s Longtan District. The fertilized eggs are rented to chicken lovers. After seven weeks they hatch, and the renters can choose to keep them or give them back to the farm.

Chung Chih-chung
Chicken farmer
It’s company, it’s a pet. It can be soothing for the soul. I think that’s why most people want to raise a chicken – it’s not about getting eggs.

Chung’s business was originally catering to those who wanted to raise chickens at home as pets. But with the recent inflation of egg prices, he’s found many new customers are hoping to achieve “egg freedom.”

Chung Chih-chung
Chicken farmer
I’m getting lots of inquiries at the moment. It used to be two or three customers a week, now it’s basically every day.

Here are a few eggs hiding in the corner of the hen house. Chung puts them in the incubator safely. Before the egg shortage, he would hatch one group every two weeks. Now, to keep up with customer demand, he’s hatching one a week.

Chung Chih-chung
Chicken farmer
If you’re raising a chicken, you have to wait six months to get to the stage where there are eggs to hatch. Basically they don’t lay eggs. The idea is they’re a companion, a pet. The eggs are just one of their instincts – it just so happens there are eggs to pick up.

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今天,帶大家去淡水的一座花園,一位迷上鹿角蕨的日式餐廳老闆,花了三年左右的時間,種植了上千株大小不同的鹿角蕨,現在已對外開放給民眾參觀,一起來瞧瞧。
If you are a proud plant parent here’s a story for you. Today, we will take you to a garden hidden in the mountains of Tamsui, built by a Japanese restaurant owner who fell in love with staghorn ferns. In around three years, he has grown over 1,000 staghorn ferns of all varieties and sizes in his garden, which is now open to the public to visit. FTV reporter Stephany Yang takes us in for a look!

At this garden in Tamsui, there are over 1,000 staghorn ferns. Native to Asia and Australia, staghorn ferns got their name due to their resemblance to elk or deer antlers. This one is their biggest fern, the queen staghorn. One specimen takes around 10 years to grow to its full size.

Sabrina Wang
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A queen stagorn fern takes about two years or two and a half years to grow to this size. The largest ones can grow to the size of a two-to-three-story tall building. There are 18 species of staghorn ferns. How do you pick a beautiful one? The main thing is to see whether the bud is healthy. It’s not about the leaves. The lighter green the bud is, and if it pops up, the healthier it is.

Another popular staghorn here is the Ridley’s staghorn fern, which greatly resembles a monkey’s brain. Coming in different sizes and shapes, these staghorn ferns were all planted and cared for by Wang Kuo-hua, a successful restaurant owner with several Japanese restaurant chains under his belt. It’s a team effort with his daughter, who is in charge of social media marketing for the garden. The pandemic had a major impact on his restaurants, which is why he decided to start planting his own staghorn ferns. The fruits of his care are now on view for anyone who wants to visit.

Sabrina Wang
PR
We started in the restaurant industry, but due to some changes during the pandemic, we started planting staghorn ferns. At first, it was my father’s hobby, but under the impact of the pandemic on the restaurant industry, it gradually became a therapeutic activity. It only took us two years from planting the first staghorn fern to now, the 1,000th.

Wang says staghorn ferns can grow both indoors and outdoors in low to medium light and moderate moisture. Outdoor plants should be located in spaces with partial shade or low light conditions, while indoor plants need bright indirect light. To water the staghorns, they submerge them into a bucket of water.

Sabrina Wang
PR
Staghorn ferns originally grow in forests, attached to trees, so they like environments that are partially shady and humid. So, I will suggest that if you want to take one home to grow, the most important thing is the environment. We don’t want it to be too hot. What it likes is filtered light. If it is planted indoors, it must be equipped with growing lights. You don’t have to water it that regularly.

Here in this greenhouse garden, one designer is in charge of decorating the staghorn ferns by putting them on boards.

Sabrina Wang
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In the future, we want to combine our garden with a restaurant. Our greenhouse is 200 ping, and the restaurant, which will be built outside in the future, is still under construction.

The Wang family is currently in the process of building a restaurant next to their garden, serving desserts, drinks and small snacks. Not only will there be staghorn ferns, there will also be a variety of other flowers. The family hopes that their garden restaurant can be a new scenic hotspot in Tamsui.

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