TPP’s Ko Wen-je stirs debate with ‘Vote White, Vote Right’ slogan

TPP’s Ko Wen-je stirs debate with ‘Vote White, Vote Right’ slogan

2023-08-01

The Taiwan People’s Party recently caused quite a stir with its new campaign slogan: “Vote White, Vote Right.” After the slogan went up online, it was criticized for its white supremacist connotations. The party’s presidential candidate, Ko Wen-je, says the controversy stems from a cultural difference. Even so, the TPP has removed the line from its official website.

TPP presidential candidate Ko Wen-je made an appearance in Kaohsiung on Tuesday. The visit came after his English campaign slogan, “Vote White, Vote Right,” raised an outcry over its racist connotations. U.S. media outlet BNN Breaking picked up the story, noting that Ko is a controversial figure known for his contentious remarks.

Ko Wen-je
TPP presidential candidate
This is a cultural difference. In Taiwan, it’s not problematic. But abroad, it is. In the future, we’ll get real foreigners to work on our websites.

A Taipei councilor said Ko underestimates the cultural awareness of Taiwanese people.

Lin Yen-feng
Taipei councilor (DPP)
Just because the TPP themselves don’t get it doesn’t mean all of Taiwan doesn’t get it. They are completely insulting the intelligence of Taiwanese people. Having a presidential candidate like him speaking on issues of global diplomacy would be a disaster for Taiwan.

Miao Po-ya
Taipei councilor (SDP)
Ko urgently needs to find aides who are qualified in international affairs, diplomacy, defense, national security and matters like that. Truly qualified aides with both talent and morals, and not just a PR team that diverts attention away from blunders made throughout the day.

Ko has a long record of gaffes. In 2015, U.K. transport minister Susan Kramer presented Ko with a pocket watch. When a reporter asked about the gift, Ko said he might give it away or to sell it to a scrap metal dealer for cash. In 2019, after returning from Israel, he landed in controversy with another remark.

Ko Wen-je (February 2019)
Taipei mayor
In Israel, they arranged for us to visit the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. The greatest publicity for Jewish people internationally has been that 6 million of them were murdered during Hitler’s time.

More recently, in June, Ko told Japanese media that Taiwanese fishers did not want to claim the Diaoyutai Islands for Taiwan, but only wanted to fish near them. Ko’s campaign slogan is just another blunder on the list.

Vote White踩種族歧視紅線？外媒稱柯文哲「爭議人物」

2023-08-01

民眾黨官網日前出現"Vote White、Vote Right"標語，引發爭議，現在還燒到國外，有外國媒體更以爭議人物形容柯文哲，柯文哲也首度回應認為是文化差異，在台灣看沒問題，綠營議員林延鳳就痛批別貶低台灣人的智慧。

民眾黨總統參選人柯文哲現身高雄，不過前一天官網爆出英文標語"Vote White、Vote Right"出包，種族歧視爭議燒到國外社群平台，外媒《BNN Breaking》特別報導，以爭議人物形容柯文哲，直言他向來以爭議發言聞名。

[[民眾黨總統參選人柯文哲]]
“這個就是文化差異，在台灣看也沒有問題，但拿到外國看有問題，我想以後那個英文網站，要找真正的外國人來寫網頁”

議員質疑，難道是覺得台灣人看不懂嗎。

[[台北市議員(民) 林延鳳]]
“民眾黨自己不懂，不代表所有台灣人都不懂，完全就是在貶低台灣人智慧，這樣的總統候選人，他在國際外交事務的發言上，會成為台灣災難”

[[台北市議員(社民) 苗博雅]]
“現在其實急需要去尋找的是，他國際、外交、國防、國安相關的，真的夠格的，才德兼備的幕僚，而不是整天出了事情，就是用輿情小組要來轉移焦點”

盤點柯文哲國際級失言錄，2015年，英國運輸部副部長克雷默來訪送他懷錶，他說現在沒人在用錶要轉送，還說拿去賣給破銅爛鐵可以賣一些錢。2019年訪問以色列返台，說出這樣的話。

[[時任台北市長柯文哲(2019.2)]]
“到以色列，他們官方都會安排去看大屠殺紀念館，因為對猶太人，國際上最大的宣傳，還是這個希特勒時代，屠殺600萬人的這件事情”

六月接受日媒專訪談釣魚台，柯文哲說台灣漁民不會想要這塊土地，只想要可以去捕魚。這次民眾黨官網的英文口號惹議，從種族、人權到主權，發言頻頻出包。

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The DPP’s Lai Ching-te made headlines last month when he said that when Taiwan’s president can enter the White House, “the political goal that we’re pursuing will have been achieved.” The remarks were a hot topic at the U.S. state department’s latest press conference. When asked to respond to Lai, department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized that the U.S.’ “one China” policy remained unchanged. He also addressed Lai’s upcoming stopovers in the U.S., saying that such transits are, quote, nothing out of the ordinary.

Vice President Lai Ching-te was spotted in Changhua enjoying authentic local flavors. He gave up a smile when locals greeted him as Mr. President.

Lai promised to return as Taiwan’s president. With sights set on continuing DPP rule, Lai will embark on a state visit next week. He will attend Paraguay’s presidential inauguration and transit in the U.S., on his way over and back.

Matthew Miller
US state department spokesperson
And with respect to his transit, such transits have happened numerous times going back decades over multiple administrations, and there’s nothing out of the ordinary about them.

The U.S. emphasized that Lai’s transit stops were normal. But according to insiders, Lai’s previous remarks about entering the White House had sparked concerns in Washington. The topic came up again at the state department’s latest press briefing.

Journalist
He said that, quote, “When Taiwan’s president can enter the White House, the political goal that we’re pursuing will have been achieved.” What is the state department’s comment on those remarks?

Matthew Miller
US state department spokesperson
I don’t have any reaction to his remarks. I will say that from the United States’ perspective, our “one China” policy has not changed.

In mid-July, the Financial Times reported that Washington sought an explanation from Taiwan, after Lai said entering the White House represented the achievement of his political goal. The report also quoted a senior U.S. official, who said the White House had not been in touch with Lai himself, his campaign, or his staff. During Monday’s press briefing, the state department was asked if it feared Lai’s election could damage U.S.-China relations. The state department declined to respond. It said only that it would not address comments made by any political candidate of another country.

Lin Ching-yi
DPP lawmaker
I think that both we and the U.S. are very clear on the fact that when Vice President Lai Ching-te spoke about entering the White House, he was expressing a hope for more normal exchanges between two democratic nations. Any normal democratic nation understands the need to respect, to not interfere with the public discourse of other countries’ democratic elections.

Ahead of his trip overseas, Lai’s White House remarks have ignited debate. As Taiwan’s vice president and a presidential contender, his every move in the U.S. will be under scrutiny.

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Han Kuang drills criticized for having more show than substance

Since the Han Kuang war games ended last week, there’s been criticism that they did not prepare soldiers for the reality of war. According to one ex-officer, the tactics used could backfire in combat, and the fortifications built would not withstand an attack. In response, the defense ministry said the drills would continue to be improved to better reflect combat situations.

Last Friday marked the end of the 39th Han Kuang war games, which featured high-profile anti-landing exercises. Critics say the drills were more show than substance.

In a talk show interview, a former naval officer questioned whether the fortifications and tactics deployed during the drills would actually be useful in a PLA attack. He said that although footage of the exercises looked impressive, the troops did not have concrete fortifications, and a real enemy may not advance exactly as Taiwan imagines. The ex-officer said Taiwan’s soldiers only had wooden planks and sand to stop the enemy. He said it appeared that the drills were meant primarily for show.

Lin Wen-huang
Ministry of National Defense
All military training exercises, including this year’s Han Kuang exercises, are meticulously planned out based on the threat posed by the PLA. We develop the possible scenarios, and based on those scenarios, we plan out the war exercises. Of course we will continue improving our combat-training exercises, making them more realistic and similar to real-life combat scenarios. I think this is something we will continue working on in our training.

The military said that all drill scenarios were based on possible enemy threats. It said drills would continue to be improved to more closely match combat situations. In related news, the military responded to calls for relocating a Keelung ammunition depot, where an explosion injured nine soldiers last month.

Shih Yu-lueng
Medical Affairs Bureau
The two severely injured soldiers have undergone intensive surgical treatment. Wound debridement will continue to be performed in the future, as well as skin grafting and reconstruction. The seven soldiers with minor injuries are due to be discharged today. They will still be called back for follow-up visits for further evaluation.

Chen Chun-chung
Ministry of National Defense
The locations of our ammunition depots are chosen based on operational requirements, based on meticulous and comprehensive reviews. To minimize the impact of this depot on nearby residents, we have already made alterations so that non-hazardous supplies, such as light weaponry ammunition, are stored near residential areas. Moving forward, we will continue earnest discussions with the city government and local residents over this issue.

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Spotlight: Ko Ya-wen, Turkish belly dancer

Turkish belly dancing is known for its dynamic and flamboyant movements. Today we take you to meet Ko Ya-wen, an award-winning Turkish belly dancer and teacher. She started a studio to train Turkish belly dancers, and has traveled around Taiwan to perform at art festivals and events. FTV reporter Stephany Yang spoke to Ko to find out more.

She takes the stage with an explosive and dynamic belly dance performance. Her movements are bold and strong, with many body rolls, spins, and floorwork.

Compared to other belly dance styles, Turkish dance movements are faster and lighter. This is a performance by Ko Ya-wen, an award-winning Turkish belly dancer.

Ko Ya-wen
Founder
There are so many styles now. The most unique thing about our Turkish belly dancing is that it is flamboyant, uses power from the lower belly, and combines movements of the body. The style of music is also more joyful. Because in Turkey, it is performed in front of an audience, so I will make a lot of eye contact with you. We also wear high heels, so controlling our body is quite difficult.

Prior to being a belly dancer, Ko worked in the printing business. She fell in love with belly dance after taking lessons from a Turkish belly dance teacher named Crystal Lian. Ko decided to quit her job in the printing business and start teaching at her instructor’s studio. She also traveled around the world to master the art.

Ko Ya-wen
Founder
Before I became a dancer, I was an assistant at a printing factory. That was a very stable job. I had no foundation in dancing at all, and after seeing this dance, I really liked it and wanted to dance as well as my teacher. I thought I could do it. So I spent a lot of time learning from my teachers, studying abroad, and studying videos of many dancers. Besides giving me confidence, I think Turkish belly dancing is also so beautiful. Because my teacher left Taiwan, I thought it would be a pity to lose this beautiful dance, so I hope to continue to pass it on.

In 2019, Ko opened her own dance studio. One of her main goals is to nurture more Turkish belly dance teachers and talent.

Ko Ya-wen
Founder
I hope Turkish belly dance can continue to be passed on. Therefore, I have been cultivating teachers. Not necessarily teachers, but also people who like to perform very much. I’ve started to let them teach. I am doing this for their future. If a woman really has a dream, I hope to provide a stage where she can fulfill her dream.

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Council of Agriculture officially upgraded to ministry led by Chen Chi-chung

The Council of Agriculture has officially been upgraded to the status of a ministry. At Tuesday’s inauguration ceremony, the very first minister of agriculture, Chen Chi-chung, gave a 10-minute speech under pouring rain. He said that through the resources of the new Ministry of Agriculture, he would pursue food security, sustainable agriculture, and improved livelihoods for agricultural workers.

With the tug of a banner, the Ministry of Agriculture makes its debut.

Lai Ching-te
Vice president
On May 20, 1988, farmers staged a protest with seven key demands. One of them was to upgrade the Council of Agriculture into a ministry. After more than 30 years, that dream has finally become reality.

The first minister of agriculture is Chen Chi-chung, formerly the head of the Council of Agriculture. Braving the rain, Chen gave an impassioned speech.

Chen Chi-chung
Agriculture minister
This is a step that’s been in the making for 35 years. The harder it rains, the stronger we become. Let us take our agriculture sector forward.

Turning down an umbrella held by an aide, Chen spoke under the rain for almost 10 minutes.

Chen Chi-chung
Agriculture minister
As the first minister, I would like to thank the DPP administration led by President Tsai Ing-wen for giving a country boy like me the opportunity to take on this position.

Chen received a seal from Premier Chen Chien-jen. Also witnessing this historic moment were Su Tseng-chang and Lin Chuan, former premiers of the Tsai administration.

Chen Chien-jen
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We take care of our farmers in every possible way. Especially since 2016, when we established a four-pillar welfare system for farmers consisting of three insurances and one pension fund.

Su Tseng-chang
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With the efforts from Minister Chen Chi-chung and the leadership of President Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan’s agriculture will find a way forward.

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They discuss the design, draw up the pattern and cut it out. Then on the sewing machine it goes and gets a good press.

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Wei Chun-fang
Children’s clothing brand founder
What is it that I actually want to say with this brand? It’s that you start aesthetic education from childhood. I want to express my hope that children can build their confidence with these clothes.

Wei was previously a commercial stylist for 13 years. She wanted to break through the idea that children’s clothes are just a vehicle for cartoon characters. In 2016 she mortgaged her house, took on more than NT$60 million in debt, and founded her company. She didn’t realize that just as she started off on her aesthetic revolution, a pandemic was about to hit.

Wei Chun-fang
Children’s clothing brand founder
When we first started, to be honest, we were losing money on every item. But this is the truth – if you have decided, “I want to make a first-rate children’s clothing brand, I want to create an international brand from Taiwan,” then you won’t compromise.

Of the six years the brand has been operating, three were during a pandemic. But Wei is undaunted, and has pushed the company onward and upward. She’s opened four concessions in foreign department stores, including Printemps, a premium French store, and the brand has featured in international fashion weeks.

The brand has spared no expense to establish their reputation, importing organic Japanese cotton, and adopting costly made-in-Taiwan functional fabrics. These clothes aren’t cheap. But they’ve won the hearts of high-end customers, and last year the brand’s revenue grew 81% year-on-year.

Wei Chun-fang
Children’s clothing brand founder
It’s about children’s health. So we block all toxic materials at the source. So we use 100% organic cotton, or for example we’re using zinc oxide on our fabric too. I want everyone to have confidence that Taiwan has the capacity to go global, to make people see that Taiwan can do design and can make it happen.

Wei has a strong vision of the clothes she wants to make and the brand she wants to establish. Along the way, she might just contribute to a new global image of Taiwan.

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