Biden signs first trade deal reached under US-Taiwan initiative

Biden signs first trade deal reached under US-Taiwan initiative

2023-08-08

U.S. President Joe Biden has approved the first agreement negotiated under the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade. The White House issued a press release on Monday, announcing that the trade bill had been signed into law.

Taiwan and the U.S. had reached the deal on June 1. The agreement covers five topics: customs procedures, good regulatory practices, domestic regulation of the services sector, fighting corruption, and supporting small- and medium-sized businesses. The deal was passed by the House on June 21 and by the Senate on July 18. It was sent to the White House for approval on July 27. Sources say that in the next phase of negotiations under the U.S.-Taiwan initiative, the focus will likely be on labor, environmental protection, and agriculture.

美台貿易倡議實施法案拜登簽署生效

2023-08-08

台美6月簽訂21世紀貿易倡議首批法案，白宮週一發布新聞稿，宣布法案已獲美國總統拜登簽署生效。

內容涵蓋關務行政及貿易便捷化、良好法制作業、服務業國內規章、反貪腐、中小企業等5項議題。法案在美國快速推進，眾議院6月21號通過，不到一個月，7月18號便獲得參議院通過，7月27號送交白宮。下一階段談判，可能鎖定勞工、環保與農業3大議題，但細節仍需雙方協商。

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Japan must show resolve to defend Taiwan: former Japan PM

Former Japanese Prime Minister Aso Taro says Japan needs to show resolve to defend Taiwan in the event of an emergency. Speaking at a forum in Taipei, Aso said that “the most important thing now” is to prevent war in the Taiwan Strait. He called on Japan, Taiwan, the U.S., and other likeminded countries to form a deterrence strategy against aggressors. Aso emphasized that showing the resolve to defend Taiwan was a key form of deterrence against aggressors.

On his second day in Taiwan, former Japan PM and Liberal Democratic Party Vice President Aso Taro attended the Ketagalan Forum alongside President Tsai Ing-wen. In her opening remarks, Tsai thanked Aso for his support for Taiwan. She also spoke on cross-strait relations and regional cooperation.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
Taiwan does not take out security partners’ backing for granted. While we don’t seek military confrontation and hope for a peaceful, stable and beneficial coexistence with our neighbors, Taiwan is always ready to defend our democracy and way of life.

In his keynote speech, Aso addressed security in the Indo-Pacific and more specifically, the Taiwan Strait. He mentioned former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan last year. It had prompted China’s military intimidation, which included the launch of five ballistic missiles that landed in Japan’s exclusive economic zone. Aso stressed that ensuring a stable and peaceful Indo-Pacific was a matter of life or death for Japan.

Aso Taro
Former Japan PM
The importance of stability in the Taiwan Strait is becoming a global consensus. I think that for us, the most important thing now is to ensure that there is no war in the region, including in the Taiwan Strait. For that we must have strong deterrence capabilities.

Aso reiterated that Taiwan, Japan and the U.S. needed to put together a deterrence strategy against China. He even said that Japan should use force to defend Taiwan if necessary.

Aso Taro
Former Japan PM
Japan, Taiwan, the U.S., and other likeminded countries must wake up and develop strong deterrence capabilities. We have to come to this realization: We must be mentally ready to fight. It’s not just about being able to put up a good defense. We must have the resolve to use force to defend Taiwan in the event of an emergency.

Aso spoke at length on the Taiwan Strait, stressing that Taiwan was an indispensible friend to the Asia-Pacific region.

2023-08-08

DPP’s Lai says he has US support, ‘won’t let war break out’

DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te went on the record in a Monday television interview, addressing issues from Taiwan independence to war with China. Lai said he has Washington’s support and that if elected, he won’t let war happen across the strait. The candidate also spelled out his views on Taiwan independence. Here is Lai in his own words.

In a TV interview, DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te explained what it means to be a “pragmatic worker for Taiwan independence.”

Lai Ching-te
DPP presidential candidate
As a “pragmatic worker for Taiwan independence,” I look at the facts. And the facts are: Taiwan is not part of the People’s Republic of China, and the PRC and R.O.C. are not affiliated with one another. Being a “worker” means that my role is protect Taiwan. Especially now that I’m running for president, my role is to protect Taiwan and promote democracy, peace, and prosperity in Taiwan. That’s my mission.

Lai stressed that his approach was based on facts. To him, Taiwan independence means Taiwan having sovereignty over its own land and not being part of the PRC.

Lai rejected the rival camp’s claim that “a vote for the DPP is a vote for sending youth to war.”

Lai Ching-te
DPP presidential candidate
I won’t let war break out. I will do my utmost to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. In this election, the opposition party is echoing Chinese propaganda. If you give up Taiwan’s sovereignty by accepting the “one China” principle, even if you achieve a temporary peace, it is not a true peace. The approach that’s been proposed by the KMT – can it achieve true peace? Their approach is to accept the “1992 Consensus.” Doing this cannot achieve peace and may even lead Taiwan into a more serious conflict.

Lai said the KMT was using war as a campaign tactic. He emphasized that it was possible to engage in dialogue with China – while protecting Taiwan’s interests.

Lai Ching-te
DPP presidential candidate
We must not fail to distinguish friend from foe. We cannot, for the sake of an election, deny the fact that the U.S. has helped Taiwan, and push away our longstanding friend and best partner. That would be unwise. At the same time, there are rumors that Washington is skeptical toward me. But we need only see the global landscape to know whether the U.S. prefers a pro-China regime in Taiwan or a democratic, U.S.-friendly government.

Speaking on issues from Taiwan independence to U.S. support, Lai moved to counter his critics and set the record straight.

2023-08-08

Donations, supplies pour in as Nantou’s storm recovery continues

In Nantou County, road repairs are underway after flooding and landslides caused by Typhoon Khanun. Even so, several communities remain stranded and cut off from crucial supplies. Andrew Food Bank is out in the field, working on delivering emergency goods. Meanwhile, the Taipei Medical Association has donated NT$500,000 to support the county’s recovery.

At storm-stricken Ren’ai Township in Nantou County, rescue operations are underway by military and government units. Despite progress in road repairs, residents in disaster zones are still in dire need of supplies. Private organizations have sprung into action.

Canned food, instant noodles, ready-to-eat meals and crackers are packed into boxes. All 400 of them are destined for disaster areas in Nantou. Local township offices will distribute 300 of them, while the remaining 100 will be sent to Lushan to be given out by a local church. The food bank hopes to pack 1,000 boxes this week.

David Lo
Andrew Food Bank
The supplies we’re packing are things we already had in our inventory at the Andrew Food Bank for responding to emergencies. Things like staple and non-staple foods. So we were able to get these goods together a very short amount of time. In the future, we will make adjustments based on the need of residents of disaster-stricken areas. So if the roads connecting to the areas are repaired, we can take the supplies by car up the mountain and straight to the disaster area. We’ll be able to take more goods up to Indigenous communities.

Besides food, the food bank is sending 1,200 bottles of drinking water to residents in affected areas. Meanwhile, a doctors’ association provided funds for disaster relief.

Chiu Tai-yuan
Taipei Medical Association
There are about 12,000 doctors in the Taipei Medical Association, and we are all very concerned about the situation in Nantou. At a meeting of the board of directors and supervisors, we decided to donate NT$500,000 to inspire other potential donors. We hope to provide a small bit of assistance to Nantou County.

The Taipei Medical Association made a donation to Nantou, in hopes that other doctors and private citizens will follow suit.

2023-08-08

Tropical Storm Lan forms, rains ahead

2023-08-08

Malaysian immigrant Koh Her Xin brings Peranakan cuisine to Taiwan

2023-08-08

CNFI releases white paper listing nine challenges for Taiwan

A leading industry group has released its 2023 white paper, containing suggestions for the central government. The paper names nine problems that Taiwan faces. They include a persistent labor shortage and a green energy transition that’s fallen behind schedule. The industry group also called for the resumption of cross-strait exchanges.

The Chinese National Federation of Industries has released its 2023 white paper, titled “breaking through the waves.” The paper outlines nine problems that confront Taiwan’s industries. They include a shortage of water, electricity, land, labor and talent; shifts in global supply chains; geopolitical risks; and outdated infrastructure.

Matthew Miau
CNFI
Everyone supports green energy. But progress on renewables has fallen far behind. Right now there’s enough power, but that power comes from coal and gas, causing pollution. We previously visited the Executive Yuan to discuss this issue. It’s a very complex problem.

Industry group leader Matthew Miau said the green energy transition was behind schedule. He also pointed to the long-standing labor shortage. In its latest white paper, the CNFI named six strategic targets and eight action plans for Taiwan. But local media was skeptical that the white paper would be effective.

Matthew Miau
CNFI
When you are dissatisfied, you must keep raising your concerns, on and on. I think that’s the basic attitude to have, because if these problems aren’t addressed, there will continue to be concerns for our future. We hope the presidential candidates will read the white paper. If they treat it seriously, they could stand to gain a few votes from us.

Miau urged candidates to hear the industry group’s feedback, to gain its support in the coming election.

Matthew Miau
CNFI
I hope cross-strait exchanges can resume soon. Let’s not reverse our progress. No matter which party and candidate end up on top, industry players can play a part in bilateral communication and coordination. If the government can’t come forward, we can step in. Let’s not just call off all exchanges.

In the first quarter of the year, Taiwan’s bilateral trade with China fell to US$60.31 billion, a decline of 26.5% year on year. Industry calls to resume cross-strait exchanges are sure to trigger heated debate this coming election season.

2023-08-08

Museum’s new research ship aims to unveil secrets of the ocean

Living in Taiwan, we’re surrounded by the ocean. Our daily life is shaped in big and small ways by the marine environment, but the ocean remains a mystery in many ways. Even marine biologists have huge question marks about what’s going on in the waters off the coast. Now, a new research ship might be about to lift the veil on some of the secrets of the sea. Commissioned by the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, the ship is the first of its kind in Taiwan. It can support an ROV or remotely operated vehicle, a kind of unmanned submarine. Experts hope it’s a new chapter for marine research.

The research ship arrives at its destination and gets to work.

Researchers will carry out a study using this ROV.

Chen Chii-Shiarng
National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium
We want to use this to research two different places, and find out how the same coral has changed there. We hope to have results in two or three years’ time.

The museum has previously rented boats from which to operate their ROVs, which are free-swimming submersible vehicles like this one. That’s not cheap. Now they’ve built Taiwan’s first dedicated research ship, the “Crimson Tree.”

The ship is an aluminum alloy catamaran, and has two spacious and sturdy working decks. With its GPS navigation system and impressive tops speeds, the research team can visit many different sites in a single day.

Yang Chi-tai
Ship captain
We wanted a very stable working platform, so we chose a catamaran. It has quite a wide afterdeck. Once it has locked onto the GS location, we can stay in a stable position for about 30 minutes. So our ROV which is working underwater doesn’t get pulled around when the ship is pushed and pulled by waves and wind. That makes the ROV get unbalanced underwater.

Wang Li-hsueh
National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium
It’s an aluminum catamaran, and a small-scale research ship, which is rare in Taiwan. With this ship, and our underwater unmanned vehicle, we hope to conduct offshore surveys along the Taiwan coast, from 30 to 200 meters, and we may even be able to go down further, perhaps to research 500 meters under the surface.

The offshore research ship was officially launched in 2023. Created by the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium specifically for research purposes, the museum hopes it can help us get closer to the mysteries of the ocean.

2023-08-08

Taiwan ranks 8th at Chengdu Universiade

2023-08-08

After a pandemic-related break, the Taiwan Junior Open is back in full swing

The Taiwan Junior Open is an annual golf championship for youngsters and teens. After a few years’ break caused by the COVID pandemic, this year it’s back in full swing. Talented players under the age of 18 from 13 countries will be competing for coveted gold medals. And they’ll also have opportunities to meet American college golf coaches. FTV reporter Stephany Yang takes us to the venue, the Miramar Golf & Country Club , which has one of Taiwan’s nicest putting greens .

A golf club swings, a ball soars through the air. The Taiwan Junior Open is back in action again. Following a break of a few years caused by the COVID pandemic, this year’s tournament brings together talented young players aged 9 to 18 from 13 countries. They are all vying for gold
medals.

Kashika Misra
Player
I just turned 16. I am in grade 11. That is one of the aims meeting the college coaches over here and make a portfolio because I will be applying for colleges for next year.

Freddy Ling
Player
I joined this tournament because I need experience. Without experience, you can’t grow up. You need to learn what to do. These type of circumstances like when you are nervous, you know how to control your emotions. I want to try to be professional one day.

Held by the Taiwan International Golf Academy and the Golf Promotion Association Taiwan since 2011, the Taiwan Junior Open has become the first junior golf competition in Taiwan to be recognized by various international bodies, including the U.S. Junior Golf Scoreboard, the World Amateur Golf Ranking, and Asia-Pacific Junior Golf Association Elite Junior Tour. The best young golfers from Taiwan and around the world will be competing at the Miramar Golf & Country Club, one of Taiwan’s most prestigious golf resorts.

Steven Weng
Organizer
This tournament brings a lot of international resources into Taiwan. We align with 11 other countries in the Asia pacific region.We share our resources and our tournaments. Kids can travel in these countries. This year, we got players from 13 countries to come to visit Taiwan to play. That is important that kids and families can interact and exchange their ideas.

Alice Ho
Organizer
This year in our 10th Taiwan Junior Open, we have 54 internationals playing in our tournament. A lot of them are from Indonesia, India, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia. The top-notch players are in this tournament.

Aside from the tournament, there’s also an National Collegiate Athletic Association College Coach Camp on Aug. 12 and Aug. 13. The camp will allow the young players to meet college golf coaches from the U.S. and learn more about what it is like to play collegiate golf.

Alice Ho
Organizer
We teamed up with three college coaches from really prestigious schools like Columbia. There is going to be ivy league presence here. Be able to watch the players here and then have a camp for these players to attend to earn about the recruitment process, how to be a college athlete, and what it takes to be a college athlete.

Steven Weng
Organizer
We applied for the Junior Golf Scoreboard.Which is the U.S. based score ranking system. Basically, all college coaches will look at. They look at the ranking and tournament scores for scouting their players. Just by doing all these things in Asia, they don’t always have to try to travel all the way to Europe or United States to play tournaments to get that kind of exposure.

The tournament will be held at the Miramar Golf Country Club in Linkou till Aug. 11.

2023-08-08