July mortgage figures hit 30-year high

July mortgage figures hit 30-year high

2024-08-23

The real estate market is showing signs of overheating, as new mortgage approvals from banks hit new highs. Taiwan’s five main state-invested banks approved mortgages totaling NT$121.7 billion in the month of July. That’s a 116% increase from July last year, and a 30-year record high.

The figure was bumped up by a government plan that offers preferential mortgage rates for young homebuyers, which account for up to NT$70 billion of the total. The situation has sparked concerns that banks could begin to impose restrictions that cause homebuyers to default on their contracts. As things are now, real estate agents are advised to remind buyers of safeguards such as moving mortgages to other lenders and preparing sufficient backup funds.

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驚人! 5大銀行7月新約房貸1217億創30年單月新高

2024-08-23

房市景氣出現過熱的紅燈，銀行新增房貸更是屢創新高，央行最新公布，7月五大銀行新增房貸金額，超過1217億元，年增116%，更創30年來單月新高紀錄。

新青安單月核貸金額，就達約6、700億，是推升新約房貸原因之一。就怕限貸令，引爆違約潮，現在交易前，房仲都要特別提醒買方，轉移貸款目標，或備足自備款。

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Lai commemorates Second Taiwan Strait Crisis

President Lai Ching-te on Friday visited Kinmen to preside over the commemoration ceremony of the August 23 Artillery Battle. At the event, Lai honored the veterans who participated in the battle and the families of the fallen soldiers. He also urged the people to unite and maintain their determination to protect Taiwan from China, stressing that Taiwan does not want to be ruled by the PRC.

On the 66th anniversary of the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis, President Lai Ching-te personally traveled to Mount Taiwu in Kinmen to preside over a memorial. Family members of the fallen soldiers were moved to tears upon seeing the president.

Lai greeted the family members of the fallen soldiers, and took the time to shake hands with each of the nearly seventy veterans who had participated in the battle. He expressed his gratitude for their role in defending Taiwan’s freedom and democracy. Lai himself was visibly emotional.

Lai Ching-te
President
I saw the memorial tablets of the heroes who sacrificed their lives in the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis, and I kept thinking about how tough it must have been back then. All the families of the fallen please stand, and we applaud you. Thank you for your sacrifices. This is our shared history.

As Taiwan continues to face threats from China today, President Lai voiced hope that the people of Taiwan will unite and remain resolute in defending the nation.

Lai Ching-te
President
As threats from China against Taiwan, the Penghu Islands, Kinmen, and Matsu are as severe they were in previous years, we must remain determined to protect these territories and defend the R.O.C. The Second Taiwan Strait Crisis occurred before I was born and before the Democratic Progressive Party was even established. This shows that China’s intent to take Taiwan is not influenced by any individual or political party’s statements or actions. We need to understand this. Therefore, if we are to resist the threats from China in the future, we must remain united.

President Lai addressed the people, urging unity and determination in defending Taiwan. He also emphasized the DPP’s stance on the cross-strait relations, highlighting Taiwan’s position in the ongoing geopolitical situation.

Lai Ching-te
President
Our goal is to seek peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait. We no longer aim to retake the mainland, but we also do not wish to be ruled by the Communist Party. We want to continue living in a democracy with freedom, human rights, and the rule of law.

This is President Lai’s first visit to Kinmen since taking office. As the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, Lai’s visit is a clear demonstration of Taiwan’s and his own determination.

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

2024-08-23

27 NGOs showcase international aid projects

2024-08-23

Defectors share untold North Korea stories

A group of North Korean defectors in Seoul has started a news website aimed at exposing North Korean human rights abuses. They also want to provide a more nuanced perspective about their homeland, as VOA’s Bill Gallo reports from the South Korean capital.

When North Korea appears in global newscasts, it’s usually scenes like this that dominate. The country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, overseeing a weapons test.

But those kinds of martial images obscure much of what’s really going on in the country, says North Korean defector Lee Seong-min.

Lee Seong-min
NK Insider
North Korea is more than nuclear weapons and Kim Jong Un. There are a lot of people with different perspectives and hopes and goals for the future of their country.

Lee fled North Korea in 2012. He now helps run a website called NK Insider, whose goal is to elevate North Korean voices.

Lee Seong-min
NK Insider
A lot of people are talking about North Korea, scholars and experts, but there are subtle differences when you hear the voices of North Koreans who lived there in that system.

About eight North Korean defectors write for the website, launched earlier this year. They communicate secretly with sources inside North Korea for their reporting. Some don’t want to appear on camera.

Zane Han, a former Pyongyang resident, fled North Korea just two years ago.

Zane Han
North Korean sefector
Nobody can imagine what the situation is inside North Korea, what the people experience inside North Korea – really as a slave inside North Korea. I was there. I know.

Han is one of very few North Koreans to recently make it to the South.

That’s because North Korea has tightened border security since the pandemic.

Lee Shin-wha
Former South Korean Ambassador for North Korean Human Rights
It’s getting more and more difficult to see new defections from North Korea. Ordinary North Korean people’s chances, I think, are almost zero.

Lee says one of his goals is to speak for North Koreans who have no voice and cannot leave.

Lee Seong-min
NK Insider
To give a platform to North Korean defectors and by extension to those still living in North Korea.

Doing what he can to provide a more nuanced perspective of his homeland.

Bill Gallo, VOA News, Seoul, South Korea.

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

2024-08-23

Popular tourist landmark in Hualien to shut by month’s end

A popular tourism attraction in Hualien has been forced to shut, amid dwindling visitor numbers and constant blows from natural disasters. The Pine Garden, is a historical site dating back to the late Japanese colonial era, which is now popular for its lush scenery. The landmark will close at the end of August, as repairs continue to fix the damage dealt by Typhoon Gaemi. Visitors and locals say it’s a real shame.

As you take a stroll among the century-old pine trees, you can hear frogs croaking in the pond. Birds chirp up above and the scent of flowers fills the air. This is the Pine Garden, a well-known tourist landmark in Hualien. The Pine Garden’s operator has announced the site will close at the end of August. Visitors say it’s a real pity.

Visitor
They are closing at the end of August, so I decided to take the opportunity to come. It’s pity. The trees are beautiful, and so is the house. It’s gorgeous here.

Visitor
It’s a pity, it really is. The pictures here are lovely. It’s such a shame.

A recent typhoon uprooted several trees in the garden, leaving fallen branches and debris everywhere. Visitor numbers have also dwindled, putting a strain on the operator. With damage and repair costs piling up, the site has decided to close up for good.

Lo Man-ling
Pine Garden operator
The Pine Garden has always been here, and we hope that one day we’ll be able come back. For now, we’ll be doing some work inside, and making repairs so that the trees can grow well.

Huang Chia-jung
Historian
If it’s impossible to keep operations running in the near term, it will be quite a disappointment for tourists visiting Hualien, or for students here.

The Pine Garden is located on the foothills of Meilun Mountain. It was built in 1942, in the latter stages of World War II, and was used by the Japanese colonial administration as the Hualien Harbor Military Command. Currently, the site comprises a two-story main building, a martial arts hall, an air-raid shelter, and the site’s famous towering pine trees. A local councilor says the site should be integrated into a network of local attractions to boost tourism to Hualien.

Wei Chia-hsien
Hualien councilor (Independent)
Nearby we have the Taiwan Water Corporation complex, and the old radio broadcast station for the port. I think all these sites together would make for a nice itinerary for a short trip.

Natural disasters have dealt blow after blow to Hualien tourism, prompting many businesses in the hospitality sector to shut. Even the best-preserved Japanese military complex in Taiwan has not been able to hold on. Local tourism operators say they hope crowds will return to Hualien soon.

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

2024-08-23

Deep-sea cultivation method produces quality flounder

High-end seafood dishes often use flatfish for their tender texture beloved by gourmets. A fish farmer in Taitung’s Zhiben uses deep-sea water to produce flounder that is particularly rich in fat and flavor, with an exceptional texture. They also produce other highly valued aquatic products, such as sea urchins, lobster, and grouper. Deep-sea water is a precious Taitung resource, they say. The farmer also hopes to expand exports and attract more young people to take part in the industry.

Sea urchins are raised in plastic baskets. Nearby breeding tanks contain grouper, lobster, and other high-end aquatic products. But the most unique part of this farm is its black flounder.

This fish farm in Taitung’s Zhiben uses deep-sea water to raise flounder, called the “emperor fish.” They invested more than NT$50 million over two years to build out the facilities.

Lin Hsin-chien
Fish farmer
We’re the first in Taiwan to commercialize the production of flounder. We’ve created a complete farming facility. Deep-sea water is defined as water from over 200 meters deep. It’s rich in rare elements and nutrients, and has a cooler temperature. Flounder needs a cool environment to grow.

Lin Hsin-chien is from Taitung, but returned home for work after a stint up north. The seafood cultivated in his deep-sea farm has a tender, pliant texture beloved by gourmets. He supplies a number of five-star hotels. But local councilor Chien Wei-kuo says Taitung’s transportation infrastructure needs improvement to quickly transport fresh seafood to other parts of the country.

Chien Wei-kuo
Taitung County councilor
For example, the roads, canals, and drainage ditches near the testing facility aren’t good enough. Hopefully in the next few years we can get more funding for the aquaculture park to expand through greater adoption of deep-sea farming.

Taitung is working to bolster its advantages in aquaculture, with an eye to exporting and increasing production capacity.

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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One Song invites rural students to concert hall shows

One Song Orchestra continues on its mission to bring the music of Taiwan to the world and also to every corner of the island. The ensemble is getting ready to kick off its 12th concert series under a program that aims to bring music to children in remote areas. This time around, the concerts will take place in Taoyuan, with nine performances over three days starting from Sept. 23.

Drawing the strings to weave beautiful melodies and lively tunes that captivate the audience, the 12th Season Concert Series of One Song Orchestra’s "Where there’s music there’s a way " program is about to begin in Taoyuan.

Lee Che-yi
One Song Orchestra music director
We hope to bring Taiwanese music to the world, but before we do that, we want to share it with more of our friends here in Taiwan. We have two “Where there’s music there’s a way” programs each year.

In addition to bringing local music abroad, One Song Orchestra continues to spread the power and emotion of music to every corner of Taiwan. Over three days from Sept. 23 to 25, they will hold nine concerts in Taoyuan, and have specially invited children from remote areas to join the celebration in the concert hall.

Lee Che-yi
One Song Orchestra music director
We hope to give all children from remote areas, or those who typically don’t have the opportunity to attend concerts, a chance to experience a performance in a standard concert hall.

For the event, the orchestra has arranged a diverse program full of exotic pieces, to highlight the diversity of Taoyuan and showcase Taiwan’s new culture. Organizers say planning such an event was no easy task.

Huang Shao-hua
One Song Orchestra vice chair
The initial meeting was indeed very challenging, as the budget was insufficient to transport 6,000 children from various schools and remote areas to the venue. However, we are very grateful to the mayor of Taoyuan, as well as the Education Bureau, the Cultural Affairs Bureau, and the Social Affairs Bureau.

Simon Chang
Mayor of Taoyuan
With six concerts reaching over 6,000 schoolchildren and individuals with disabilities, and with approximately 3,000 people attending for free over three evenings, this might be the most concentrated orchestral event in Taoyuan’s history, offering a musical feast to our friends in Taoyuan in such a short period.

One Song Orchestra hopes to showcase local sounds through each piece of music and inspire children with the gift of music.

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

2024-08-23

Hsu Yu-jen exhibition showcases works from five-decade career

Today we take you to meet Taiwanese artist Hsu Yu-jen. Many of his works are a response to his observations about the environment. In his new exhibition, he is showcasing over 300 drawings and paintings in a variety of mediums. FTV reporter Stephany Yang spoke to Hsu to learn more about his career and the show.

This work was created by Hsu in 2004. He used calligraphy brushes to draw a huge egg, inscribing various words and sketches on newspaper.

Hsu Yu-jen
Artist
Newspapers are a critical object for people that bear text and images, but may disappear in the future. I collected a lot of old newspapers and used a brush to express my inner feelings. I drew an egg shape and used the brush to draw and write directly on it. Most of the words I wrote are related to pollution. It’s about the destruction of nature by humans and the corruption of officials.

This work is a reflection on changes in Taiwanese society in the 1990s under the influence of industrialization and urbanization.

Hsu Yu-jen
Artist
All land development in Taiwan was related to pollution in the early days. This is a global problem. So I used oil painting to portray landslides. After painting very lightly with turpentine, I painted it again. The layers became very rich. This building looks like it’s been constructed, but is about to fall apart or collapse. There are even more structures being built there. Below is a large community swimming pool. Someone is selling a house there, using classical music to sell it for a better price. Water is flowing down, and a high-voltage electricity tower on the hillside is about to collapse. I described the whole destruction of the land and expressed it with modern architecture.

Hsu is passionate about improving the environment, so many of his works were created using recycled materials.

Hsu Yu-jen
Artist
I feel like products are overproduced, so I will keep reusing them. Like a broken ballpoint pen, if it isn’t sharpened, I will stain it with ink or scratch it. I also use nails to draw. This charcoal I found on the mountain and burned with wood. Different charcoal produces different colors.

Throughout his five-decade career, Hsu has experimented with a variety of mediums including ink, Eastern ink painting, oil painting, stone sculpture, and mixed media. The exhibition is centered around four Chinese characters: "drowning," "floating," "sinking," and "eddying."

Hsu Yu-jen
Artist
Since up to 70% of the human adult body is water, and it is impossible to live without water, I use my feelings about water to contemplate my artistic expression.

The focus of his work has shifted from his own life experience, to changes in Taiwanese society in the 1990s under the influence of industrialization and urbanization, to present-day observations of Taiwan’s scenery and society. The exhibition will be held at the Taipei Fine Arts Museum until September 8.

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

2024-08-23