Defense ministry says no proof yet that Chinese sub sank near Taiwan Strait

Defense ministry says no proof yet that Chinese sub sank near Taiwan Strait

2023-08-22

Since Monday, there have been online reports that a Chinese navy submarine sank near the Taiwan Strait, killing all crew. According to the social media rumor, the crashed sub was a nuclear powered Type 093 Shang-class boat. Taiwan’s defense ministry said Tuesday that the rumor was uncorroborated so far. No evidence of the incident has been detected by Taiwan’s intelligence and monitoring systems, according to a spokesman. But even so, lawmakers say the issue should be treated with caution, as it could have a serious geopolitical impact.

Sun Li-fang
Defense ministry spokesperson
So far I have not heard any confirmation of these rumors. As far as I understand, this is a social media rumor. I have no official confirmation of the information at this time.

Wang Ting-yu
DPP lawmaker
If such a thing did happen near the Taiwan Strait, it would be one of the most major military tragedies under China’s recent expansionist campaign. If the rumor is true, it would have a major impact on geopolitics and regional security. Taiwan must get a careful understanding of the situation and respond with caution.

One concern is that, if the submarine really had sunk, there would be potential for a nuclear disaster in the region. The Atomic Energy Council says that so far, it has not detected any abnormalities in radiation levels.

網傳中國"核潛艦"事故國防部:目前沒接到有關訊息

2023-08-22

從周一起，網路上陸續傳出中國093商級核動力攻擊潛艇在台海周遭沉沒，艦上官兵全罹難，國防部強調目前都僅限小道消息，但立委提醒，此事可能嚴重衝擊地緣政治，相關單位需要審慎因應。

[[國防部發言人孫立方]]
“到目前為止我並沒有聽到，有關於證實這類訊息的證實，就我了解，這是在社群媒體上流傳的說法，我目前對這，沒有其他官方說法證實”

[[立委(民) 王定宇]]
“在台海周邊，如果發生這樣的事情，確實是中國窮兵黷武下，近年來重大軍事慘劇，如果屬實，相信對地緣政治，區域安全都有非常重大衝擊，台灣必須仔細了解，審慎因應”

外界關心，核潛艇若真的沉在海裡，會不會造成重大核災事故，原能會指出，目前沒有監測到輻射異常。

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Taiwan exits Central American Parliament after losing observer status

Taiwan has withdrawn from the Central American Parliament, after the body canceled its permanent observer status on Aug. 21. In a statement on Tuesday, Taiwan’s foreign ministry condemned the parliament’s pro-China members for excluding Taiwan. It said that, to uphold national sovereignty and dignity, Taiwan would withdraw from the organization with immediate effect.

In 2006, then-President Chen Shui-bian conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon to Julio Palacios Sambrano, president of the Central American Parliament.

Two years later, then-President Ma Ying-jeou exchanged honors with the parliament’s president, in a showcase of warm relations. For decades Taiwan was a permanent observer in the Central American Parliament, also known as Parlacen. But following Nicaragua’s motion to eject Taiwan and bring in China, Taiwan has withdrawn from the parliament, effective Aug. 22.

Jeff Liu
Foreign ministry spokesperson
Nicaragua, under the dictatorship of President Daniel Ortega, willingly serves as China’s pawn. It incorrectly invoked UN Resolution 2758, manipulating the so-called “one China” principle. Disregarding regional democratic development and the welfare of the local people, it snatched away Taiwan’s rights and interests in the Central American Parliament. This highlights China’s deliberate efforts to undermine democracy in Central America and its ambitions to expand in the region.

In a sharply worded statement, Taiwan’s foreign ministry criticized Nicaragua’s representatives and other pro-China parliamentarians, for conspiring with China to expel Taiwan. It accused them of disregarding Taiwan’s long-term contributions to the body and to Central America’s development, and of dividing the parliamentary body. The ministry stated that, to defend national sovereignty and dignity, it was officially withdrawing from Parlacen. Established in Guatemala in 1991, Parlacen comprises six member states from Central America, plus Taiwan as an observer. The body’s mission is to promote political dialogue, inter-country collaboration, and democratic development in Central America. But after Taiwan lost ties with regional allies like Honduras, China found an opportunity to move in.

Johnny Chiang
KMT lawmaker
The ruling party must take responsibility for this outcome. They should not make citizens feel as if Taiwan is just sitting around waiting for doom, that nothing is being done to change our predicament.

Tsai Shih-ying
DPP lawmaker
China’s so-called National People’s Congress does not have a single representative who was elected by the people. How can such people represent China during the activities of the Central American Parliament? This only goes to show the absurdity of the parliament’s decision. We strongly condemn it. They excluded a democratic legislature and chose a rubber stamp that doesn’t know what an election is.

China has long fought to isolate Taiwan diplomatically. With its latest moves in Parlacen, it’s notched another win for its campaign.

2023-08-22

EPA upgraded to ministry, former college president takes reins

Taiwan has upgraded its Environmental Protection Administration to the status of a ministry. The plaque for the new Ministry of Environment was unveiled on Tuesday. The ministry will be led by Shieu Fuh-sheng, previously president of National Chung Hsing University. It’s tasked with tackling the challenges of climate change, by promoting carbon pricing and improving resource circulation.

With the tug of a banner, the Ministry of Environment makes its debut. President Tsai Ing-wen and Premier Chen Chien-jen attended the unveiling ceremony, marking a milestone for environmental protection in Taiwan.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
The inauguration of the Ministry of Environment not only reflects the government’s determination to promote relevant policies in line with international trends. It also reflects society’s higher expectations regarding environmental protection.

The new ministry is an upgrade from the Environmental Protection Administration. It includes four subordinate agencies and one institution: the Climate Change Administration, Resource Circulation Administration, Environmental Management Administration, Chemicals Administration, and National Environmental Research Academy.

Chen Chien-jen
Premier
Thirty-six years ago, Taiwan established the Environmental Protection Administration. Thirty-six years later, the Ministry of Environment has been established. I truly want to thank former Premier Su Tseng-chang. I especially want to give recognition to former EPA chief Chang Tzi-chin, who contributed greatly during the process of upgrading the EPA. As we value his expertise and talent, we have invited Chang to serve as a minister without portfolio.

Chang Tzi-chin, the last head of the EPA, will pass the baton to the new minister of environment Shieu Fuh-Sheng. The new minister’s first order of business will be to handle the environmental impact assessment of a new natural gas terminal in Keelung.

Shieu Fuh-Sheng
Minister of environment
Environmental assessment work for the fourth LNG terminal has been delayed for many years. After taking my office, this project will be at the top of my agenda. I hope to expand the participation of citizens and environmental groups. I will also go to Keelung City to pay a call on Mayor George Hsieh.

After 36 years, the EPA has bowed out, with the Ministry of Environment taking over. The new ministry will be able to integrate more resources, leading Taiwan to face the formidable challenges of climate change.

2023-08-22

Passengers, crew bid emotional farewell to Tai Hwa ferry

The Tai Hwa ferry is about to retire, after 34 years on the Penghu-Kaohsiung route. The iconic ship made its final trip from Kaohsiung to Penghu on Tuesday, one day before its decommissioning. Some of its former passengers flew in to join that last voyage. It was an emotional occasion, with passengers and crew sharing their memories of the ship.

The ramp goes up at 9 a.m. before the Tai Hwa departs from Terminal No. 1 in Kaohsiung Port. Passengers onboard wave goodbye as the ferry leaves Kaohsiung for the last time. It’s scheduled for decommissioning on Wednesday.

Passenger
I can’t bear to say goodbye. It’s not because of the ship itself, but because of the spiritual connection I have with it.

For 34 years, the Tai Hwa has ferried passengers between Kaohsiung and Penghu. It’s brought Penghu locals home and carried them to work, becoming an indelible part of their memories. On the eve of its retirement, some former passengers flew into Kaohsiung to send it off.

Passenger
This is a very important moment for me. I worked in Penghu for five or six years. So I would often take the Friday night service to Penghu. The Tai Hwa is part of many of my memories, so I wanted to be on its last voyage.

The Tai Hwa was built in 1989. It’s 120 meters long and 19.30 meters wide, with a displacement of 8,134 tons, a cruising speed of 22 knots, and a capacity of 1,150 passengers. It has berths where passengers can sleep on overnight trips. It also has dining and shopping venues, as well as an arcade that left a deep impression on many.

Hsu Cheng-kai
Penghu resident
The journey lasted four to five hours. I would ask my parents for a bunch of NT$10 coins so I could play video games in the arcade.

Passengers are sad to see it go, and crew even more so. Some spent most of their younger years on the vessel.

Crew member
Tai Hwa
I’m sad, and I can’t bear to say goodbye. Yesterday when I was making the announcements, I cried. I’ve spent basically two-thirds of my life on this ship, so I’m very emotional.

The Tai Hwa will set sail one last time from Penghu Wednesday at noon. It will be replaced with the new Penghu Ferry, which will take over this crucial route between Kaohsiung and the island county.

2023-08-22

New “miniball” watermelon variety is small enough to fit in your hand

The watermelon has a new variety, and it’s travel-sized. The new “miniball” watermelon is small enough to fit in your hand. Weighing in at one thirtieth of a giant watermelon, farmers say it’s the perfect choice for small families and single people. The new watermelon is a bit different in various ways. You can even eat its skin! Let’s go to the Chiayi farm where it’s been developed to hear more.

This watermelon looks like it’s under the wrong end of a telescope. You can place it neatly in the palm of your hand: unexpectedly cute.

Cut it open and the flesh is red and juicy as normal. This new variety, “Miniball,” was developed by Chiayi’s Known-You Seed Company

Member of public
It’s a different taste, crunchy and sweet.

The miniball’s skin can be eaten for a crunchy and juicy snack. Compared to a normal-sized watermelon, the miniball is just the size of a baseball. It’s an eight to 10 on the sweetness scale, and weighs just one thirtieth of a giant red watermelon. Although slightly less sweet than the average watermelon, children love it. They can eat a whole miniball in one go.

Huang Chih-hui
Liujiao Township vegetable marketing class leader
When a small family eats this, the children will prefer it, and the adults will also find it a novelty. For bigger ones you can go more to high-end markets.

Here on the farm, unlike in other watermelon fields, the miniball is grown on trellises in a greenhouse. You can get three watermelons from one plant, and harvest another generation every 50 days or so. Each miniball weighs about 550 to 650 grams. They’re aimed at the high-end fruit market.

Huang Chih-hui
Liujiao Township vegetable marketing class leader
On average, one about this size will fall in the NT$100 range, slightly bigger would be NT$150, and they’re quite popular with consumers. So we will gradually expand the area we’re growing them in.

Small families and single people are a huge demographic in Taiwan now, and that means there could be big demand for small watermelons like these. So far, giftboxes have proven popular, as consumers opt for a refreshing fruit that they can finish in one sitting.

2023-08-22

Former Miaoli commissioner quits KMT, blasts Hou Yu-ih

Former Miaoli Commissioner Hsu Yao-chang has quit the KMT, just weeks after calling for the party’s demise at a rally. Although Hsu says it was a slip of the tongue, he had more harsh words for the party on Tuesday, when announcing his exit. Now the question is whether he will try to run for legislator in Miaoli County, which is traditionally a KMT stronghold. He says he may run if he’s asked to do so by the current Miaoli commissioner, or if he’s forced to by other circumstances.

Earlier this month at a rally for Hon Hai founder Terry Gou, former Miaoli Commissioner Hsu Yao-chang called out, “Down with the KMT.” He later claimed to have misspoken, but even so, his case was taken up by the party’s discipline committee. Early Tuesday morning, Hsu announced on social media that he was quitting the KMT.

In his social media post, he complained that the KMT’s presidential candidate, Hou Yu-ih, had committed four major sins. They include not participating in Han Kuo-yu’s presidential campaign in 2020 and taking advantage of the party’s power without making contributions. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Hsu piled on more criticism.

Hsu Yao-chang
Former Miaoli commissioner
During the election season, you didn’t help anyone. But now that you’re running for election, you expect everyone to help you. Does that make any sense? The KMT really needs to reflect and learn. Just look at the DPP. They’ve been with Lai Ching-te from the very beginning. But our “pan-blue coalition” is a joke.

Chung Tung-chin
Miaoli commissioner
I’m a bit pained and I find it a bit regrettable. Hsu Yao-chang inherited so much debt in office he couldn’t even pay salaries. I saw his hard work and exhaustion. The situation gradually improved after President Tsai Ing-wen took office and the central government provided financial assistance.

Hsu previously served as mayor of Toufen, a Miaoli lawmaker, and Miaoli commissioner. He was once a member of the People First Party. After stepping down as commissioner, he planned to run in the KMT’s legislative primaries. But now that he’s left the party, could he be planning to run against the KMT?

Eric Chu
KMT chair
I believe he won’t. The two legislative seats for Miaoli are quite stable. Everyone is friends with each other, old friends. I’m sad to see Hsu leaving the party. It is rather regrettable. But when one remains focused on oneself, it’s impossible to address the big picture.

Hsu Yao-chang
Former Miaoli commissioner
I might consider running if the current commissioner wants me to do so. I might if the situation forces me to run. With how things are now, nothing is set in stone.

If circumstances force it, he could become another headache for the KMT. Having retired less than a year ago, Hsu still retains strong local support and influence, making him a variable to watch in the 2024 elections.

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Long-term care is vibrant in New Taipei thanks to Chinese immigrant

A Chinese immigrant in New Taipei has had a big impact on social care for older residents of the city. Han Yuehong, from Anhui Province, runs a very special long-term care center in Xizhi District. She got into care inspired by the loss of her father. Her passion for bringing fun and love to each day makes the center a vibrant hub in the community, as she helps other immigrants get involved in community life, and finds meaning in treating neighbors like family. Older people who attend classes at her center told us they see her like a daughter.

A series of quick songs plays without pause. These older adults are drenched in sweat, towels around necks, in this Monday to Friday class where local residents can train their muscles. The secretary-general of this older adults’ center is Han Yuehong, a native of China’s Anhui. It’s the third long-term older adults’ care center she’s established in New Taipei. She’s involved in everything from planning the classes and recruiting teachers to arranging the catering. Her payback is the health of the community, and the jolly family atmosphere.

Han Yuehong
Social worker
For example, right now none of the dumplings in my freezer are store bought. They’re all gifts from older folk. See, here they just ate and the older people all left things for us to eat.

Li Hsiu-yin
Care center student
She’s so compassionate and patient. Yeah, she really takes care of these older folk.

Han is no lone wolf. She brings many other immigrants along for the fun.

Han Chun-hao
Xingfu borough head, Xizhi District
The secretary-general also brings in other immigrant friends to come and join in the activities here. For example, we held a Vietnamese meal. They brought special things from Vietnam and invited the local older folks to come and try their food.

Han opened her first long-term care center in Zhonghe. She helped older people get dressed up in wedding dresses to celebrate the traditional holiday Double Ninth Festival. Han says that remembering their happy smiles on that day still warm her heart.

When she closed that first center, many of the center’s members wept. Han worked in the beauty industry when she was younger. She made the change to work in social care because of her father.

Han Yuehong
Social worker
One day I got a call from my sister and she said my dad might not be okay. That’s when I started to feel I couldn’t stand it. My dad’s influence made me begin to face the aging process. How I understand it is that I married into a family so far away, so I want to treat the older people in the community like my own parents.

Han’s life is now dedicated to the joy of service. Whether supporting older neighbors or other immigrants, she is known and trusted by many in the community.

This story was provided by the program "We Are Family"
Funded by New Immigrant Development Fund

2023-08-22