China dangles incentive to spur tourism from Matsu

China dangles incentive to spur tourism from Matsu

2024-05-08

China has launched an incentive to encourage Taiwanese in Matsu to visit Fujian province. The Fuzhou municipal government is issuing transport cards that come preloaded with 300 yuan, which is a little over NT$1,300. They can be used in Fujian province by Matsu residents to access discounted rates for public transport and lodging. The card also grants free access to various tourist attractions.

DPP lawmaker Lee Kuen-cheng said the program was part of China’s propaganda campaign ahead of Taiwan’s presidential inauguration. The DPP’s Matsu office director Lee Che-yu called the card a tactic to promote unification, saying that the people of Taiwan would not be so easily fooled.

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搞統戰? 中國推"福馬同城通"交通卡提供馬祖民眾優惠

2024-05-08

中國福建省福州市政府，日前發行「福馬同城通」交通卡，為了鼓勵馬祖民眾申請，卡內不但先儲值300元人民幣，還提供馬祖民眾搭乘福州的公車、地鐵、酒店等優惠，部分觀光景點甚至免費玩，卻引發統戰疑慮。

民進黨立委李坤城表示，520前中國小動作頻頻，相信馬祖民眾不會因為這300人民幣就被收買。民進黨連江縣黨部執行長李哲宇也表示，「福馬同城通卡」，是中國一貫對台政策，我們對自己國家的民主制度很有信心，不會這麼輕易被「統戰」。

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New CNFI chair urges Lai to consider nuclear power

Taiwan’s Chinese National Federation of Industries has a new chair, Pan Chun-rong. President-elect Lai Ching-te attended the incoming chair’s handover ceremony on Wednesday. At the event, Pan urged the new administration to reconsider the government’s nuclear energy policy. He said the main challenge for Taiwan’s next president will be to ensure the nation’s energy supply.

President-elect Lai Ching-te presents a certificate to new CNFI chair Pan Chun-rong. In his new position, Pan will lead the trade group in navigating global challenges. He said the business community had high hopes for the Lai administration.

Pan Chun-rong
CNFI chair
The most important subject now is energy. Ministers of G7 countries have stated that nuclear power is a clean energy. It doesn’t produce air pollution and it has a low cost. So I encourage the government to consider it.

Honorary CNFI Chair Matthew Miau said that now was a good time to discuss energy policy, and to consider proposals such as keeping Taiwan’s second and third nuclear power plants in operation.

Matthew Miau
Honorary CNFI chair
Initially, a mistake was made in energy policy. The costs have indeed been very high. Nuclear energy is the cheapest and cleanest option. We hope that the government will move in this direction as soon as possible.

Lai did not respond to the suggestions to consider nuclear power. Instead, he stressed that Taiwan will maintain good relations with China to maintain a key position in supply chains.

Lai Ching-te
President-elect
Joining the CPTPP would allow our economy to be more resilient. The CNFI has asked the government to work with the private sector to address the five shortages, especially the energy and talent shortages. We will ask the Executive Yuan to put forth a detailed plan so that Taiwan can better position itself to compete internationally.

Pan Chun-rong
CNFI chair
The president to be inaugurated on May 20 was the mayor of Tainan some 10 years ago. Back then, the CNFI already knew that one day he would be elected president. He didn’t ride alone in his own official car. He took the bus with us at the CNFI.

Pan commended Lai’s down-to-earth manner, saying that nobody had a deeper understanding of the business community’s needs. The group called on Lai to prioritize the energy issue, to ensure that Taiwan’s economy continues to thrive.

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

2024-05-08

Army brushes up on 21-gun salute for Inauguration Day

With the countdown on to Inauguration Day, the Army is brushing up on its 21-gun salute. Besides rehearsing the ceremonial salute every day, soldiers are also undergoing grueling heat training, standing under the noon sun for 40 minutes at a time. It’s all to ensure a flawless performance on May 20.

On command, troops commence the firing of a 21-gun salute.

Ahead of Inauguration Day on May 20, this artillery unit practices the salute each day, so that it can replicate the perfect performance of four years ago.

A shot goes off every three seconds. Each sequence is meticulously rehearsed. To get the synchronization just right, a soldier is assigned to keep time. The task requires rigorous training in hand strength and endurance.

Yen Chia-liang
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I lift dumbbells ranging from 5 to 10 kilograms, lifting them in progression for five to 10 minutes at a time. I hold my right arm at a 45-degree angle and maintain the posture for 15 minutes, rest for five minutes, and repeat five times.

Besides basic physical conditioning, the artillery unit pulls on thick jackets at noon. They stand under the sun for 30 to 40 minutes, to train their bodies to withstand high heat.

Chen Yun-nien
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This jacket in my hand is used by artillery troops during heat endurance training. You can see that the padding is quite thick. Every day at noon, they wear these jackets and stand under the hot sun as part of their heat endurance training.

Yeh Yuan-fei
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Whenever we’re on missions, we spend at least an hour on the field. When the weather is extremely hot, we need to undergo the most rigorous training to ensure that we can perform on the field.

From cannon setup to troop exit, every performance takes three to four hours, making heat and cold endurance a necessity. With less than two weeks to go before Inauguration Day, the unit is rehearsing hard to deliver its best to the nation.

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Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company to stage ‘Ax the Coffin’ in June

Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company was founded in 1953. Over seven decades of history, it’s explored repertoires ranging from Shakespeare’s plays to historical folklore. FTV reporter Stephany Yang gives us a preview of their latest production, which will be staged in June.

Three actors take the stage with a Bangzi opera performance. This is Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company’s latest production “Ax the Coffin.” It was written by renowned playwright Hsu Fen, and is based on the novel “Cutting the Coffin.”

The show examines the trials of marriage and feudalism. After its first showing 20 years ago, the troupe will stage a recreated version in June.

Wang Hai-ling
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We recreated the costumes, the backdrops, and even the acting. The previous version created a sense of distance, and we have changed the performance to be more realistic. During this rehearsal, because of the inner conflict of the characters, it was even more necessary to bring a more realistic performance.

Liu Jian-hua
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I was in Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company’s performance 20 years ago. Twenty years later, I’m playing the role of Chu Wang-sun. I am really happy.

Sheng Jian
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It’s like learning another language. My goal is to sing Bangzi and remember its characteristics as much as possible when singing.

The troupe is now in its 71st year. Over its history, it has explored various repertoires ranging from folklore to Shakespeare’s plays.

Tsou Chiu-chiang
National Center for Traditional Arts
In the early days, it was based on Henan’s Bangzi Opera. With the passage of time, besides performing traditional and classic Henan Bangzi Opera, we’ve also hoped to incorporate special opera elements and add more modern production concepts. For example, adding modern elements to the stage, lighting, and sound effects. In addition to traditional plays, we also stage Western operas.

The troupe’s newest production “Ax the Coffin” will be staged in Taipei on June 1 and 2, and in Kaohsiung on June 15 and 16. The group hopes to continue to produce innovative plays while still retaining the elements of Bangzi Opera.

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China to allow customs officials to check travelers’ electronics for sensitive content

China has expanded the authority of its customs officials, who will be authorized to check phones and other electronics for sensitive content. The new rules do not limit the searches to Chinese nationals, indicating that foreign nationals may be targeted as well. Although the policy won’t come into force until July 1, foreign media reports say that checks have already begun in Shenzhen and Shanghai.

Wang Fu-min
FTV reporter
If you’re planning on traveling to China, take note. The Ministry of State Security has amended law enforcement regulations to expand the authority of customs officials, who will soon be able check travelers’ phones and laptops for sensitive content.

The new measure grants the authority to inspect arrivals’ electronic devices. The wording doesn’t restrict the checks to Chinese citizens, meaning that foreign nationals could also be subject to inspections. The policy will officially enter effect on July 1, but foreign media reports that inspections are already being conducted at airports in Shenzhen and Shanghai.

Member of public
There’s no need to worry so much. If they want to inspect it, let them. It’s not like you’ve done anything bad.

Member of public
I’m a little scared. I’m going over in early August. Of course, before going, I’ll have to filter out and delete some things on my phone.

Travel agents report that recent group tours to China have yet to encounter the inspections.

Chen Chien-chin
Travel agent
We sent a group out yesterday. I asked the tour guide if anything had happened, and nothing happened. It was all normal. Their phones were not checked. The new rule’s significance lies more in its announcement and not so much in its actual enforcement.

And the checks could potentially be conducted beyond China. An internet user points out that Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific is viewed as Chinese territory. This could mean that transiting passengers could be searched on board and even arrested, the user said, advising Taiwanese not to fly with Cathay Pacific or stop over in Hong Kong.

Chen Chien-chin
Travel agent
China’s international airports all have military facilities nearby. So it’s best to not take pictures to avoid any unnecessary trouble.

Taiwan’s National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen recently reminded Taiwanese nationals to exercise caution when entering Hong Kong. He urged travelers to make sure their phones don’t contain messages criticizing China, which could potentially be used as grounds for arrest.

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Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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German professor Ralf Klausnitzer missing since March 26, last seen in Hualien

Authorities are searching for German professor Ralf Klausnitzer. He was reported missing to Hualien police on April 2, one day before a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck the county. Friends and family say he has been unreachable since March 29. Multiple agencies have joined forces to find him, but ongoing aftershocks have complicated search efforts.

Wearing shorts and a black shirt, German professor Ralf Klausnitzer was seen waiting his turn to board a bus to Taroko National Park. He was later caught on a security camera at a Hualien temple. His last known location was Zhihui Bridge in Xiulin Township, Hualien.

Chen Shao-hua
Hualien Police Bureau’s Xincheng Precinct
On the morning of March 26, he boarded the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle service to Tianxiang in Taroko National Park. There has been no sign of him since. This foreign national was not among those reported missing after the April 3 earthquake.

Klausnitzer is a professor of German studies at Humboldt University of Berlin. He was invited to lecture at Tamkang University in Taipei, and traveled to Hualien on March 25. Friends and family have been unable to reach him since March 29. Fearing for his safety, his family in Germany reported him missing to Hualien police on April 2. Until the morning of the April 3 earthquake, location data from Klausnitzer’s cell phone showed that he was in the Tianxiang area. When the earthquake hit, telecommunications went down in the mountains, and his location data disappeared.

Chen Shao-hua
Hualien Police Bureau’s Xincheng Precinct
We have coordinated a joint search by the park administration, the ninth brigade of the Seventh Special Police Corps, the Taroko public works unit, Hualien County’s fire department, and ourselves, but so far, we have not been able to locate him.

The joint search effort is ongoing. Klausnitzer’s friends and family have turned to Facebook, hoping that internet users can help locate their loved one.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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CWA partners with high schooler for quake alert app

With hundreds of aftershocks since the April 3 earthquake in Hualien County, the need for alert notifications has skyrocketed. One popular app was developed by a high-school student, who set up his own monitoring stations on the East Coast. The app is so effective, the Central Weather Administration is now a formal partner. But he isn’t the only student developer on the case. Another app made by 18-year-old Lin Tzu-yu has over 320,000 downloads, making it the most popular of all the free apps in Taiwan.

The app being demonstrated is the popular “DPIP Earthquake Alert System” developed by Lin Jui.

Lin Jui
Fudan High School student
At this time, a TREM earthquake warning was issued giving the greatest intensity estimates for the surrounding area.

Even as Lin shows the system, the app detects an earthquake within 5 seconds and informs users of its intensity and location. There are still a few seconds until the wave arrives, after which it updates with more detailed information from the Central Weather Administration. Users can also check the distribution of recent temblors.

Lin Jui
Fudan High School student
We integrated regional quake warnings from the CWA with our own local alerts to create a kind of composite alert system. So far, we’ve been able to send out alerts as early as 3 seconds after a quake.

This small contraption is a homemade seismic instrument. They have been set up at 136 locations around Taiwan to reduce blind spots. In total, about 15 people have been involved in the design and maintenance of the system.

Lin Jui
Fudan High School student
The primary goal of developing this system is to minimize damage caused by earthquakes and to help people prepare.

Lin is a 17-year-old student at Fudan High in Taoyuan with a passion for earth science. After seeing a building tilt in a 2018 tremor, he threw himself into researching earthquake mitigation. Three universities offered him spots, but he ultimately chose National Central University. His achievements have also caught the attention of the CWA.

Voice of Wu Chien-fu
CWA Seismological Center
We have channels such as this to convey information that we provide to our partners to develop new products. We certainly encourage and are happy to see it.

Another app has also received significant attention after the April 3 quake, becoming the most-downloaded free app in the Taiwan App Store. This one was also created by a high schooler.

Lin Tzu-yu
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Sometimes people don’t get the national alert. For disasters as serious as this, I would rather it send false alarms than be too conservative.

Using data from the CWA, the app allows users to select their region and the lowest intensity at which they want to receive an alert. This differs from the national alert, which is only issued for quakes of magnitude 4 or higher.

Lin Tzu-yu
Earthquake alert app developer
I was so touched to see the explosion in users. I learned everything from scratch. From not even knowing how to code, I made an entire app that’s been downloaded 320,000 times. I couldn’t even dream up something like this.

Eighteen-year-old Lin hopes that after starting university, he could have the resources and skill to make the app even better.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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