G7 foreign ministers unified on Taiwan

G7 foreign ministers unified on Taiwan

2023-11-09

The Group of Seven foreign ministers have concluded two days of talks in Tokyo. Issues on the agenda included the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Russia-Ukraine war, and tension in the Taiwan Strait. In a joint statement released Wednesday, the G7 reaffirmed support for Ukraine and called for a temporary ceasefire in Israel to allow aid into the Gaza Strip. They also stood united on Taiwan, advocating for its international participation and opposing unilateral changes to the cross-strait status quo.

Antony Blinken
US secretary of state
We of course oppose unilateral or coercive efforts to change the status quo with Taiwan. We’ll also continue to stand up to China over its actions in the South and East China Seas.

Separately this week, Japan and the U.K.’s foreign and defense ministers convened in Tokyo for talks on regional issues. Afterward, the two sides reiterated the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and of a peaceful resolution to cross-strait issues. Taiwan’s foreign ministry issued a statement of thanks on Thursday. It said Taiwan welcomed global efforts to support peace in the Taiwan Strait. It added that Taiwan would continue to strengthen its cooperation with the U.S., Japan, and other likeminded nations to protect freedom, democracy, and peace in the international community.

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G7外長聯合聲明反對片面改變台海現狀

2023-11-09

週三在日本東京落幕G7外長會，除了聚焦以巴、烏俄，也包括台海議題。聯合聲明呼籲在加薩人道性暫時停火，也重申G7對烏克蘭的支持，並反對片面改變台海現狀、支持台灣參與國際組織。

[[美國國務卿布林肯]]
“我們當然反對單方面或脅迫性改變台灣現狀，我們還將繼續反對中國在南海和東海的行動。”

另外，日本與英國舉行外長、防長的2+2對話，同樣強調台海和平穩定重要性、和平解決台海議題。外交部週四表示感謝，並強調歡迎國際社會採取任何有助維護台海和平的作為。台灣身為民主國家陣營的一員，今後也將持續與美、日及歐盟等理念相近國家加強合作，共同致力守護國際社會的民主、自由及和平。

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National Security Bureau forms unit for candidate protection

The list of presidential candidates isn’t final yet, but the National Security Bureau is already prepared to ensure campaign safety. Two hundred and twenty security agents have completed a rigorous 18-week training program. Once the ballot is finalized, the agents will be assigned to the presidential and vice presidential candidates. At the agents’ graduation ceremony on Thursday, the bureau also showcased canine bomb sniffers that will be joining the security detail.

No matter the threat, be it a knife or handgun, these special agents are ready for interception. The National Security Bureau has completed the training of its security staff for presidential candidates.

Tsai Ming-yen
National Security Bureau director-general
We do not serve any particular party or individual. Our goal is to ensure the safety of all the candidates. In this mission, there is no room for failure.

Two hundred and twenty agents went through 18 weeks of intensive training. They will be split into four teams of 55 agents each, to protect the three presidential tickets and potentially, a fourth. Each unit will include four female agents, to accommodate the security needs of the candidates’ spouses. Once the candidates’ ballot order is determined, agents will be assigned by lottery. The teams will have access to the latest advanced equipment.

Samantha Yang
FTV reporter
The National Security Bureau bought American armored vehicles for canvassing. Besides having 360-degree panoramic video recorders, they feature a bulletproof glass curtain that can slide up in 70 seconds, to ensure the safety of every candidate.

Besides state-of-the-art vehicles, agents will be armed with gunfire locators and U.S.-made sniper rifles with thermal imaging effective up to 1,500 kilometers, so that they can react to threats during evening rallies.

Agents will also have help from 11 bomb-sniffing dogs. Two black labs were on the scene, looking smart in shoes and noise-canceling earmuffs. Following incidents like Abe Shinzo’s assassination, the National Security Bureau is going all out to form robust security for the 2024 elections.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2023-11-09

Health ministry moves to lift ban on surrogacy, expand access to assisted reproduction

2023-11-09

Hiker says red tape keeps mountains from becoming global tourist draw

Taiwan is home to breathtaking mountains such as Yushan, the tallest peak in northeast Asia. Experts say that Taiwan could be a global hiker’s paradise, if it weren’t for the red tape required to get an access permit. The issue was recently brought to the fore by a Polish traveler.

A towering mountain is shrouded in mist. As the tallest mountain in Taiwan and in northeast Asia, Yushan draws tourists from far and wide. But one Polish hiker was disappointed to find how tough it was to get a hiking permit.

Voice of Paula Rybaczuk
Polish backpacker
For some things mountain hikes, you need to apply for a permit weeks before. It’s hard for those who decide to come here suddenly.

At Yushan, 24 slots are reserved each day for foreign tourists, allowing them to skip the general lottery system. But they must apply 35 days in advance. On the permit application website, hikers must submit a detailed itinerary for each day in the mountains, and leave emergency contact details of a Taiwanese national. The paperwork can be a challenge for foreign visitors, and even for Taiwanese agencies commissioned to submit documents on their behalf.

Voice of Tri Fish
Hiking expert
The problem is that if foreigners are required to do it themselves, it’s a pain, and they won’t necessarily understand everything. There was one time during a hike that my group had to retreat. Later, we received a fine saying we had camped somewhere different from what he had stated in our plan. But the problem was that we hadn’t been able to reach our destination.

Experts say that if Taiwan wants to capitalize on mountains as a tourism draw, it must simplify its permit application system. But others say that, with Taiwan’s unpredictable weather and frequent trail closures, the permit requirements are a necessary precaution.

Liu Kun-yao
Hiking expert
Many of Taiwan’s mountains are inside national parks, and as such, they have to be protected in accordance with the National Park Law, meaning more restrictions apply.

Voice of Ko Yi-chun
Tourism Administration
The National Park Service and the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency have routine meetings. If someone brings this up, we can all discuss it at the meetings.

Simplifying permit applications will be a test in balancing tourism development and hiker safety.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2023-11-09

Dance Now Asia ongoing until Nov. 12

The Dance Now Asia Festival seeks to promote the development of dance and cultivate talent in cities across Asia. This year’s first-ever festival will showcase performances by Taiwanese, Japanese and Korean dance masters. FTV reporter Stephany Yang has the highlights.

The Dance Now Asia Festival is underway, featuring talks, Q&A sessions, workshops and master classes for dancers.

Ho Hsiao-mei
Curator
Asian countries has a long history and culture. And also, we have very traditional dance ceremonies which are very beautiful. We used to go to Europe. We think that Europe is the best, but we also have to think where we are. We are Asian. We have our cultural aesthetics. What is our dance. What is our body language?

National Award for Arts winner Ho Hsiao-mei is chief curator of the festival. She is joined by co-curators Keiko Takeya, founder of Japan’s Dance 01 company, and Moonsuk Choi, Daegu City Dance Company’s artistic director.

Keiko Takeya
Co-curator
Recently, there are so many dance festivals in Asia but I need more I think because each country has a very wonderful traditional culture. Maybe, in the future to combine traditional and modern, and to make it regional.

Moonsuk Choi
Co-curator
We are really excited to collaborate with these three countries as well as to know each other. Exactly in this moment in the world, there are a lot of things going on, but we wanted to have one voice through this festival. This is very important to send the message to the world.

The festival also includes two days of performances that are open to the public. Nine dancers from Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea will be showcased at Taiwan’s historic Zhongshan Hall.

Jiang Meng-fang
Taipei Zhongshan Hall director
The reason that we host this festival is that Taipei Zhongshan Hall right now is in a transformation period of time. We hope that in 10 years from now, we are going to become a dance center in Taipei, maybe in Taiwan. So, for Zhongshan Hall and the Department of Cultural Affairs in Taipei, 2023 Dance Now Asia is a very important project.

The performances of Dance Now Asia 2023 will be staged on Nov. 11 and 12.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2023-11-09

Taiwan Expo debuts in Tokyo with high-tech applications

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TSMC founder Morris Chang receives inaugural K.T. Li Award

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Jinshan and Wanli offer culinary delights and relaxing soak

Need a break from the routine? Hot spring season is in full swing in New Taipei’s Jinshan and Wanli districts. Located on the northeast coast, the region is acclaimed for its rich spring resources, which include carbonated springs, iron springs, and even silky-soft submarine hot springs. During the hot spring season, visitors can also enjoy discounts on local culinary specialties.

There’s nothing like a dip in a hot spring for relaxation, especially in the fall and winter. Taiwan is blessed with unique spring resources, particularly in Jinshan and Wanli districts.

Yu Li-yu
Tourism Administration’s North Guan office deputy head
The hot springs here in Jinshan and Wanli are very rich in diversity because they’re at the foot of Yangmingshan. Besides sulfur springs, we also have carbonated springs here.

The Jinshan and Wanli hot spring area is located on Taiwan’s north coast, near Datun Mountain of Yangmingshan National Park. Benefiting from its proximity to the mountains and the sea, and from volcanic geothermal heat from Datun Mountain, the area is famed for its sulfur springs, carbonated springs, and iron springs. It also has submarine sulfur salt springs, notable for their mild sulfur aroma and cozy warmth.

Yu Li-yu
Tourism Administration’s North Guan office deputy head
The submarine hot springs are actually slightly salty. The water is silky soft. For tourists who are after a beauty treatment, it’s a very comfortable experience.

Of course, don’t miss out on the local culinary specialties. The North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Headquarters has compiled a list of recommended eats. And it’s offering sweet discounts to visitors, so start planning that relaxing getaway.

Yu Li-yu
Tourism Administration’s North Guan office deputy head
For food, we’re offering a discount of NT$100 if you spend NT$300 or more. At some of our hot spring hotels and hot spring baths, you can also enter a raffle draw when you spend at least NT$300.

Be sure to stop by Jinshan Old Street to sample the snacks. Or you can wander farther out to enjoy the coastal sights, such as the “husband and wife rocks” at the Twin Candlestick Islets. Whatever you do, the area promises a leisurely holiday.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2023-11-09

High-school boxer wins gold at first international championship

A high-school athlete from Taoyuan just won gold at her first major boxing championship. Shen Hsin-ai clinched gold in the 48-kilogram category at the ASCB Asian Junior Boxing Championships. She began boxing in fourth grade, after getting curious about a gym that opened near her home. She also practices mixed martial arts and badminton, broadening her skills. Her school is supporting her career, with the hope that she might become an Olympian.

Two boxers circle the ring and trade blows. Taiwan’s Shen Hsin-ai fell to the ground at one point, but got straight back up. When the bell rang, neither had been KO’d, so the judges had to announce the winner.

The five judges gave it to Shen, after a suspenseful 3-2 fight against a formidable rival from the host Kazakhstan. Shen took gold in the women’s 48-kilogram category, Taiwan’s first-ever gold at the ASBC Asian Junior Boxing Championships.

Shen Hsin-ai
Asian Junior Boxing Championships gold medalist
The match wasn’t too tough. But sometimes she hit my belly and I had to dodge, otherwise it kind of hurt.

Shen, a first year in the sports class at Zhishan Senior High in Taoyuan, is a native of Daxi District. She started mixed martial arts and boxing in the fourth grade, as well as badminton. Boxing training can be painful, but she’s never wanted to quit. Now she’s triumphed at her first international championship.

Shen Hsin-ai
Asian Junior Boxing Championships gold medalist
A coach opened a boxing gym near my home. When I passed by I wanted to go in and try it, and I kept training until I got results.

Chen Yen-cheng
Zhishan Senior High vice principal
We’re putting together the maximum scholarships we can, and nutritional subsidies, for the student, so that she doesn’t need to worry about family finances while she trains for contests. We hope to see her compete at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

Shen’s school is planning a scholarship to support her budding career, with the hope that she might be on the podium in L.A. in 2028.Thanks to her badminton training, the slight Shen is extremely quick. With her first major gold under her belt, she’s facing the future fearlessly.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2023-11-09

Dancer-turned-baker serves up made-to-order cakes

Today we take you to meet Marina Medvedeva, a dancer turned baker. Initially when she moved to Taiwan, the Russian native taught dance. But after giving birth to her daughter, she began baking for her family and close friends. She even started an Instagram page as her cakes became more popular. Today she has a thriving business serving made-to-order cakes. FTV reporter Stephany Yang has the story.

She slowly spins the cake and adds two different icings onto the cake.

Then she adds tiny pearls made of chocolate. This is a bento cake, a small treat perfectly sized for one to four people. Originally from South Korea, bento cakes have taken the internet by storm.

Marina Medvedeva
Baker
This one is for our teachers. Thank you so much for having us at your school.

This one was handmade by Marina, a Russian baker. It’s a gift for her daughter’s teachers.

Marina Medvedeva
Baker
I wanted to make something special, not a regular boring cake for our teachers. I wanted to make something fun and special. Since bubble tea is just a very Taiwanese product it is very fun to make such a cake. Usually, most people like to put letters inside. Like "I love you" or something like that.

Another signature treat is cheesecake placed in a cup, so that it’s perfect for a quick afternoon snack.

Marina Medvedeva
Baker
No need to have a special decoration if you don’t want too much frosting. Some people they don’t like frosting. People are so different so it is very good to make them something for their special request.

Marina is originally from Russia. She moved to the U.S. and worked as a dance teacher. Due to her husband’s job, she moved to Taiwan eight years ago. She taught dance for a while, but after giving birth to her daughter, began exploring a new passion: baking. As a self-taught baker, she worked hard to master her craft, experimenting with lots of techniques. She started her own Instagram page, where she features all kinds of cakes. She even makes her own cottage cheese.

Marina Medvedeva
Baker
I asked people everything. The feeling, decoration, and delivery, it is absolutely customized. I started to make very simple cakes. It was a honey cake with no decoration and nothing special. Now, my passion is to make some figures.

Having lived in Taiwan for eight years now, she calls Taiwan her second home. She has a daughter and son, who both grew up here.

Marina Medvedeva
Baker
We just couldn’t believe how convenient everything is here. Everything made for people. Everything. MRT, these bubble tea shops, every breakfast shops, everything so good. We just want to live a happy life. As far as baking, it brings me so much fun and so much joy. I like it when people send me pictures back with nice words, very kind words of my jobs.

Marina hopes to continue to bake tasty treats for people and bring joy to those around her.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2023-11-09