Nuclear-free homeland not just DPP ideological stance: Lai

Nuclear-free homeland not just DPP ideological stance: Lai

2024-08-09

President Lai Ching-te on Thursday presided over the first meeting of the National Climate Change Response Committee. After the meeting, Lai said that the government wouldn’t rule out using any energy sources that can aid Taiwan in its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions. And, in the future, those sources could potentially include advanced nuclear power technologies. The comments have been criticized by members of the opposition KMT, who say the government’s policy for a nuclear-free homeland has taken a turn.

Lai Shyh-bao
KMT lawmaker
It’s not very obvious now. But how I see it is that, no matter what Lai Ching-te, the committee or Tung Tzu-hsien say, Cho Jung-tai, who represents the executive branch, doubles down on his stance. I think that Cho is trying to cater to his anti-nuclear base while Lai is trying to win support from pro-nuclear voters.

Lai Ching-te (Aug. 8)
President
The concept of a nuclear-free homeland is not just an ideological stance of the DPP. Energy issues are complex and not simply a black-and-white matter of being for or against nuclear energy. Every strategic national policy decision is bound to present multiple-choice questions complicated by the fact that more than one right answer may be possible.

Peng Chi-ming (Aug. 8)
Environment minister
It’s possible that in the future there will be new tools that we can use to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. If better solutions emerge in the future, I believe that as long as there is a consensus among the general public, and as long as nuclear waste can be dealt with properly and safely, we will be able to adjust our approach to reduce our carbon emissions.

In a statement, the Presidential Office stressed that the concept of a nuclear-free homeland was not just an ideological stance of the DPP. The matter is a goal outlined in the Basic Environment Act, which was passed many years ago after a consensus was reached between ruling and opposition parties. It added that the government’s approach of developing renewable energy sources to ensure a stable electricity supply would remain unchanged.

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被質疑政策轉彎總統府:非核家園不是民進黨意識形態

2024-08-09

國家氣候變遷對策委員會昨天(8日)首次會議，會後賴總統裁示，政府不排除任何有助於淨零的能源方案，包括未來新的、先進的核能技術。不過在野黨就質疑，總統非核家園政策轉彎了。

[[立委(國) 賴士葆]]
“這個現在看不出來啦，我看到是不管賴清德這邊怎麼講，委員會怎麼講，童子賢怎麼講，你會發現卓榮泰代表行政部門，是鐵板一塊喔。我的解讀是卓榮泰去顧他反核基本盤，賴清德要衝擁核的這些票”

[[總統賴清德(08.08)]]
“非核家園不是民進黨的意識形態，能源議題絕對不是簡單的，只是反核或擁核的是非題，在國家治理中的每一個決策，勢必都是多元的選擇題，甚至複雜的多選題”

[[環境部長彭啟明(08.08)]]
“未來有什麼新的，可以好的選項工具，面對淨零碳排其實都是可能的。未來有更好的解決方案的時候，我相信只要國人有共識，它的核廢料又沒有問題又是安全，我相信我們可以因為減碳，來做出一些調整”

總統府也發聲明澄清，強調非核家園並非民進黨意識形態，而是當年朝野共識且寫進"環境基本法"的國家法定目標。執政團隊優先發展再生能源，確保穩定供電的目標不會轉彎，也在此目標下，穩健推動二次能源轉型。

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Weightlifter Kuo Hing-chun wins bronze in Paris Olympics

Olympic weightlifting legend Kuo Hsing-chun has won bronze in the women’s 59-kilogram division in Paris. Kuo could have easily settled for silver, but for her final attempt in the clean and jerk she put enough weight on the bar to win gold. Unfortunately for Kuo, and Taiwan, she wasn’t able to get the bar above her head.

Kuo Hsing-chun stepped outside the venue and was instantly surrounded by media and fans. Kuo never refused a single photo request, which even included security personnel. The bronze medalist was choking back tears during a post-event interview.

Kuo Hsing-chun
Olympian weightlifter
It’s…It just…It just doesn’t matter if you’ve currently got enough for a bronze medal or silver medal. In the last lift we’re going to give it one last shot, to try our best to get the gold.

A silver medal was well within reach for Kuo, yet she decided to go for gold. Her final lift of the Paris Olympics was a touching moment for everyone in attendance.

Since Kuo won gold in the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, she has suffered through an array of injuries, which has resulted in up-and-down performances. Struggling to hold back her tears, Kuo explained the process of dealing with her injuries.

Kuo Hsing-chun
Olympian weightlifter
You lay on your back and it’d hurt, lay chest down, it hurt, sitting, it hurt; you’re the only person who knows what it feels like. And it doesn’t matter what movement you do, anything you do hurts. At that time I was really nervous, but later on I slowly started fixing things that didn’t feel right; I was more conservative with the treatment and training I was doing. And, slowly but surely, my performances got back to normal.

Taiwan’s weightlifting team was excited about the bronze medal result, and Kuo herself was also quite happy, too. She shed tears and shared smiles during the interview. Much of the emotion is the relief from stress, as Kuo has been through so much since she made her Olympic debut in London 12 years ago.

Kuo Hsing-chun
Olympian weightlifter
Did you know that I was about to cry when they were introducing the athletes? It’s just that there were so many people there who came to watch us. You spend 12 years doing this just to be able to stand on the Olympic medal podium. So, I think that, of course, I’m so grateful for the many people who supported me during this entire process.

As for her next step, Kuo explained that she’ll first take off one or two months to rest and have her hip condition evaluated ahead of the World Weightlifting Championships at the end of this year. Though Kuo isn’t sure if she’ll be in the next Olympics, the weightlifter will continue to be an inspiration to all of Taiwan.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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Lai inspects smart healthcare at Taichung Veterans General Hospital

President Lai Ching-te on Friday visited Taichung Veterans General Hospital, to learn about the latest tech advancements in healthcare. The hospital’s smart ward and a fully automated examination room drew praise from Lai, who said Taiwan could use its medical expertise to help its diplomatic allies. He also voiced hope that the world would see that Taiwan is not just about excellent semiconductors, but also excellent healthcare.

President Lai Ching-te on Friday kicked off an inspection of Taichung Veterans General Hospital with a visit to its smart ward. In the past, nursing staff would have to spend a long time manually recording data on patients. But thanks to cutting-edge technology, their patrols are now easier and less time-consuming.

The examination room also contains smart devices for a fully automated process. A single blood sample can be used for several tests, so that patients don’t have to have blood drawn multiple times. Lai gave his approval of the hospital’s smart healthcare system, voicing hope that Taiwan will become a smart nation that helps countries in need.

Lai Ching-te
President
Smart healthcare, precision medicine and regenerative medicine improve the quality of healthcare for the people of Taiwan. They can also be used to help our country engage in international exchanges, to let the international community know that Taiwan is not just about semiconductors, that our healthcare is outstanding too. We can also help our allies and have an even bigger impact internationally.

Lai previously worked as a doctor. His familiarity with the profession put some pressure on the medical staff joining him on his inspection.

Hsieh Hsien-hsu
Taichung Veterans General Hospital
It was a bit stressful, because we are experts reporting to experts. So we were afraid of not presenting something well, or not knowing how to answer his questions. I was really nervous. He thought that the procedures we have here are excellent, and are in line with some of the developments happening in Taiwan now.

The implementation of smart healthcare solutions at Taichung Veterans General Hospital is seen as a sign of rising standards for healthcare in Taiwan. It’s also a showcase of Taiwan’s medical prowess to the world.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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2024-08-09

Supplier recycles discarded clothes into new plastic products

One local supplier has been providing international fashion brands with shelves and display props for 40 years. Responding to the rise of ESGs, it cooperated with the Industrial Technology Research Institute to apply the ideals of a circular economy. After two to three years of R&D, it developed a way to transform discarded clothes into plastic pellets that can be made into display shelves and sunglasses, combining sustainability with fashion and practicality.

These colorful pens have a distinct fiber-like texture. They were made from recycled fabrics that have been given new life.

Cheng Chu-yun
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Recycled materials have many uses, like this hanger that was made from recycled fabric. Its marble pattern wasn’t created with any dyes, but occurred naturally when discarded fabrics were combined using injection molding technology.

From pens and hangers to sunglasses, these products are all made from recycled fabric. This supplier has been providing international fashion brands with customized display props for 40 years. Following sustainability trends and the ideals of a circular economy, its client wanted to find new ways to recycle old materials.

Yang Hsi-tsang
International supplier chair
They asked us to figure out how to reduce, reuse, and recycle their materials. They asked us, the supplier, to find a way to repurpose display props and large amount of clothes to meet ESG requirements.

Responding to this request, Yang Hsi-tsang worked with ITRI to recycle out-of-season and discarded clothing. Through crushing, fiber extraction, fusion, and granulation, the materials were made into plastic pellets.

Yang Hsi-tsang
International supplier chair
Once we turn them into plastic pellets, we can mold them into sunglasses or hangers. Using extrusion, we can turn them into blocks for construction. Overall, it took us two to three years of development. In terms of cost, we spent tens of millions.

Mao I-hui
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This time, we mainly provided the technology for modifying materials. Different materials can be fused together with this technology, creating a new kind of material.

According to the Ministry of Environment, from 2016 to 2021 the amount of recycled clothing in Taiwan increased from 49,000 tons to 76,000 tons, a growth of nearly 60%. After nearly three years of R&D, this supplier traded acrylic and fiberglass materials for its client’s discarded clothes. Using ITRI’s technology, it transformed this clothing into new materials that can be used to make shelves, hangers, and other commercial products, showing the circular economy in action.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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Taiwanese reported safe after 7.1 Miyazaki quake

Taiwanese in Japan are reporting themselves safe, after a powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Miyazaki, in the south of the country. They include a group of teachers and students from Kaohsiung who were visiting the city. TSMC, which has a fab in nearby Kumamoto, says operations were not affected by the quake. The temblor has not deterred tourists going to Japan. Travelers setting off for Fukuoka on Friday morning said they were not worried, and would go ahead with their travel plans.

This summer break, many Taiwanese have chosen to travel to Japan with their families. In the wake of a strong earthquake that struck the island of Kyushu on Thursday afternoon, tourists flying to Fukuoka on Friday morning said they weren’t worried for their safety.

Visiting Japan
There’s already so many earthquakes in Taiwan. I think it’ll be fine.

Visiting Japan
Earthquakes like this strike Taiwan too. It’s just a matter of being cautious, but it should be OK.

A Taiwanese passenger on a Japanese bullet train captured footage of the moment the seismic safety response mechanisms were activated. Some electrical systems were shut down, and the train stopped before reaching its destination, the Shin-Osaka Station. The magnitude 7.1 quake struck at 4:43 p.m. Japan time, and among the first to report themselves safe was a group of students and teachers from Kaohsiung Senior High School.

The group of 11 teachers and students was in Japan to visit a sister school, the Miyazaki Omiya High School. When the temblor hit, they were at Miyazaki Agricultural Junior College, where they felt a strong shaking. Fortunately, no severe damage was reported on campus, which is located on high ground, making it safe from potential tsunamis. The group decided to stay there for the remainder of the trip.

Voice of Chuang Fu-tai
Kaohsiung Senior High School
We decided to take up accommodation at Miyazaki Agricultural Junior College until all courses end, which is this Sunday, Aug. 11.

Taiwan-based Japanese entertainer Mondo Otani thanked his fans for the messages of concern on social media. He wrote that the epicenter of the quake was very near to his hometown and that his mother was moved to a safer location. TSMC’s plant in Kumamoto was also near the quake. A company statement said that the severity of the shaking did not meet the threshold for evacuation, adding that no disruptions to operations were expected. Japanese authorities say big aftershocks may occur over the coming week and travelers are urged to remain alert.

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Traditional Bunun cereal crop revitalized

Taiwan oil millet is a unique cereal crop traditionally grown by the Bunun people. Unfortunately, as diet Westernized and the crop’s economic value remained low, it nearly became extinct. But Wuling Village in Taitung’s Yanping Township invested in a restoration plan. After 11 years, Taiwan oil millet is finally being harvested again. Now tourists can enjoy foods made from oil millet and the Bunun tribe’s culinary culture is being passed on.

This sweet potato jam next to the bagels is sprinkled with red and white grains, not only adding to its presentation, but also increasing its nutritional value. The grains are red quinoa, which is high in protein, and Taiwan oil millet, which is known as the crop of the future.

Chiu Chih-wei
Wuling resident
It has lot of Omega-3, Omega-9, and squalene, and is supported by plant-based fish liver oil, which makes it great for planting in our village. It’s also resistant to drought and floods.

Passing down their traditional foods, the Bunun tribe makes all kinds of delicious food using Taiwan oil millet.

Tourist
The ingredients are natural, not overly processed. It has a flavor you can’t experience elsewhere, and its ingredients are unique.

Biung Wang
Singer
What I am eating now is oil millet risotto with foxtail millet and red quinoa. It’s a very healthy dish made from grains.

Although it’s now regaining popularity, Taiwan oil millet disappeared for over 60 years. As diet Westernized and its economic value remained low, it was nearly forgotten. But in 2012, Academia Sinica made a plan to domesticate wild oil millet. After 11 years of searching, researching, and selecting varieties, the crop was finally revived in Taitung’s Wuling Village. Biung Wang, a Bunun singer and Golden Melody Award winner, hopes that this food will be integrated into daily life.

Biung Wang
Singer
We hope to return to the Bunun people’s original way of life, including food, clothing, housing, and transportation, and then revive and share our culture from this foundation. This way, young people will understand what previous generations ate and follow in their footsteps.

Chiu Chih-wei
Wuling resident
There was an elder in our village who was always searching for the flavor of his childhood. He was searching for Taiwan oil millet. When we finally found it, we learned that he passed away a month earlier. So, we say this grain has the taste of memory in the hopes that it will bring back the grains from our early days.

After spending years rediscovering their traditional ingredient, now anyone can experience the unique flavors of Bunun cuisine.

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

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Nan’ao school wins 2 championships at Finland basketball tourney

Yilan’s Nan’ao Elementary School sent its boys’ and girls’ teams to Finland in late July to compete in the under 13 division of the Delfin Basketball Tournament, and these young hoopers did not disappoint. In fact, both teams went undefeated, which means that Taiwan is now home to not just one but two world champion basketball teams.

This guard from Yilan’s Nan’ao Elementary School dribbles down the sideline and then drives into the lane. Her opponent may be stepping in for some help side defense, but nothing’s stopping her from attacking the basket. Two points: Taiwan.

Individually excellent, this team has also mastered teamwork. As soon as they catch an opponent sleeping, they make a back door cut like this for an easy bucket.

Basketball player
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When we stepped onto the court we were facing teams where every player was a westerner. So I’m really happy, because on the court we were talking to each other, since defensively we all needed to be locked in.

The basketball players from Yilan may have been noticeably shorter than their opponents, which included European powerhouses like Lithuania and Estonia, yet the Taiwanese athletes’ first-rate coordination, athleticism, and stamina ended up being a winning formula, as both the boys’ and girls’ teams went undefeated.

Voice of Coach Cheng Yuan-hsu
Nan’ao Elementary Basketball Team
For our defense, our kids were all very aggressive. Most of the time the score was pretty close in the first half, with each team making runs, but then we’d pull away in the second half, which is likely due to their stamina not being as good as ours.

Late last month Nan’ao Elementary School’s boys’ basketball team flew to Finland to take part in the Delfin Basketball Tournament for the sixth time. This year, however, was the European debut of the girls’ team, which, like the boys, put on quite the show.

Voice of Cheng Yuan-hsu
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The record of our girls’ team in the last year or two has been fantastic. They’ve met the financial assistance requirements that the Sports Administration has for teams applying to participate in competitions abroad.

The two teams were jubilant about their championship trophies, but perhaps the most exciting moment of all was the Taiwanese teams taking photos with their national flag so that there’ll be no confusion about who the world champion is.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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2024-08-09