Frank Wu takes over as head of Straits Exchange Foundation

Frank Wu takes over as head of Straits Exchange Foundation

2024-11-04

The Straits Exchange Foundation on Monday got a new chair after four months without. Former Minister Without Portfolio Frank Wu will lead the foundation, which serves as a liaison office to Beijing. Upon assuming office in the afternoon, Wu called for dialogue across the strait. He urged China to interpret President Lai Ching-te’s comments in good faith for the sake of cross-strait peace and prosperity.

Wu is a seasoned manager in the media, and was previously nominated as Member of the Control Yuan in 2008 by then-President Ma Ying-jeou. Having never joined a political party, he is seen by Lai as an appropriate choice for leading exchanges with China.

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

吳豐山接任海基會董事長主張"兩岸必須對話"

2024-11-04

海基會董事長職位，因為前董座鄭文燦涉貪請辭後，懸缺將近四個月！下午海基會召開董監事聯席會議，由前行政院政務委員吳豐山接任。一上任就向對岸喊話，兩岸必須對話，對岸應善意解讀賴政府談話，兩岸才能和平發展追求共榮。

吳豐山擁有媒體經營管理經歷、2008年還被前總統馬英九提名擔任監察委員，一路走來都是無黨籍，被賴總統視為是對中國交流的適當人選。如今走馬上任，為海基會帶來新氣象。

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週日至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

Related News

Taiwan troops took part in US drills: Sankei Shimbun

A Japanese media outlet reports that Taiwan took part in the Northern Strike exercises in the US this August, led by the Michigan National Guard. Sankei Shimbun reports that the Taiwanese troops underwent training to cooperate in land, sea, air, cyber and space operations. It also noted that the scale of the drills was larger than previously, adding that it wasn’t Taiwan’s first time taking part in the exercises. A DPP lawmaker says the drills are a reflection of the solid ties between Taiwan and the US.

Due to Typhoon Kong-rey, the ROC Air Force pushed back its annual large-scale Tian Long airborne drills to Nov. 4. Meanwhile, the ROC Armed Forces continue to strengthen their exchanges with allies.

Japanese newspaper Sankei Shimbun reports that, back in August, Taiwanese troops took part in an expanded military exercise in the US with several participating countries, amid the Biden administration’s plans to boost defense. The report notes that, the ROC Army sent a joint battalion to take part in the Northern Strike exercise held by the US National Guard in Michigan. Though it is not known how many troops took part in the exercises, the report says the scale was larger than previously.

Wang Ting-yu
Lawmaker (DPP)
The way it was reported implies that Taiwan also took part in the 2023 Northern Strike. These military exercises provide Taiwan with much-needed real combat experience, and experience in operating with international allies. Taiwan previously lacked in areas such as C4ISR system commands, intelligence exchanges, skill and language exchanges, and command directives.

More than 6,000 soldiers took part in the exercise, and the ROC Army’s joint battalion focused on training with a joint operational center comprising land, sea, air, virtual and space operations. The goal was to enhance real-time response and combat capabilities. The report also noted that that the ROC Navy and the US Navy conducted unannounced joint drills in the Pacific Ocean in April.

Chi Tung-yun
Military analyst
In the past, there have been instances in which F16s from the US Air Force’s 21st Fighter Squadron, and vessels from the US Navy met with vessels from allied nations in the Pacific Ocean to conduct joint exercises. These activities reflect the strengthening military cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and the US.

Besides the drills, good equipment is key. Back in August, ROC Army personnel were sent to the US to undergo training to operate HIMARS, a multiple rocket launcher. Reports say the first batch of launchers have arrived in Taiwan and are currently being used in training by 10th Army Corps. Once they enter service, it will mark a significant boost for Taiwan’s anti-landing capabilities.

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

2024-11-04

TPP’s Li Zhenxiu set to become first ‘Chinese spouse’ in Legislature

A new batch of TPP lawmakers are set to enter the legislature in 2026. That’s because the party has a policy in which lawmakers-at-large remain in office for just two years. In other words, the eight spots currently taken by TPP lawmakers-at-large will be taken over by candidates who were No. 9 to 16 on the party list. The incoming politicians include Li Zhenxiu, who is originally from China and moved to Taiwan 30 years ago for marriage.

This woman standing behind media in black leather jacket listens attentively to a presser convened by lawmaker Huang Kuo-chang. She was No. 15 on the TPP’s party list last election. The TPP has a rule that its lawmakers-at large stay in office for only two years, and that time is almost up. Soon No. 9 to No. 16 will take over, and that includes Li Zhenxiu who’s recently been working and learning from Huang as an aide.

Li Zhenxiu
No. 15 on TPP party list
(Reporter: You’re coming to interpellations and joining pressers)
Yes, I’m watching and learning.
(Reporter: How good is he at interpellations?)
He is the best, of course.

Thirty years ago, Li married a Taiwanese national and moved over from the other side of the strait. Her nomination on the party list last year caught much media attention. If all goes to plan and she assumes office in 2026, she’ll be the first “Chinese spouse” in Taiwan’s legislature.

Li Zhenxiu
No. 15 on TPP party list
(Reporter: Are you concerned about the response to your Chinese identity)
Yes, but I’m used to it. I just need to be mentally prepared and not worry about it too much. Thank you.

Huang Kwo-chang
Lawmaker (TPP)
We do one-on-one sessions, to discuss policies, bills and other issues. We discuss everything and share our experiences.

Lin Chu-yin
DPP lawmaker
When it comes to “Chinese spouses,” when we are sworn in, it is specifically mentioned that we must respect the ROC constitution and renounce any other nationalities we may hold. We are pledging loyalty to the ROC, not the PRC. So the TPP should come out and clearly explain whether this could pose a national security issue.

A DPP lawmaker says the TPP should explain whether Li has renounced her Chinese nationality and pledged allegiance to Taiwan.

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

2024-11-04

Andy Lau criticized online for cooperating with the CCP on its united front

2024-11-04

Taiwanese restaurants update dishes to draw young diners

In recent years, many restaurant groups have opened branches selling Taiwanese cuisine. Some focus on classic dishes like garlic shrimp over noodles and pineapple shrimp, offering them in small portions convenient for family meals. Others innovate on tradition, adding more sweet and sour flavors to attract younger customers in their 30s.

This pork knuckle was braised and deep fried, then topped with a sauce that mixes 13 different kinds of Chinese herbs. The restaurant also serves a sour fish soup, which is stewed in a bone broth with Hakka pickled vegetables. Both dishes cater to Taiwanese tastes.

Customer
The sour fish soup keeps the flavor of the fish, but the stock is sour, sweet, and spicy. The Sichuanese and Cantonese styles have stronger and more intense flavors because they use a lot of spices. You can even see a thick layer of oil on top. But this actually covers up the food’s original flavor.

Customer
If I want to try something new, I might go for other kinds of food or exotic cuisine. But when I come back to Taiwanese food, I find that it has the familiar flavors of home.

This Taiwanese restaurant offers new dishes, attracting younger customers by making them more sour or sweet. Like this traditional pig’s blood cake, which is topped with a dragon fruit sauce. Other dishes like these sesame and honey sweet potato fries and stir-fried, sugar-coated sesame ginger slices bring new sweet and salty flavors.

Huang Hsin-ying
Marketing director
Previously when people talked about Taiwanese food, the age group would be parents and people over 45. But our age group has lowered to around 30 to 45 years old.

This stir-fried dish has stinky tofu, century egg, and fried dough sticks. It may smell a little strong, but its salty flavors and crispy texture make it delicious. Another Taiwanese restaurant keeps its flavors authentic. Their garlic shrimp over noodles and sweet and sour pineapple shrimp are loved by many customers.

Wang Chien-kuo
Restaurant manager
Our customer base is broadening. Currently, about 30% of our customers are younger than 30. Since there are a lot of small families now, we are gradually offering different set meals.

Annual business opportunities for Taiwanese cuisine can reach up to NT$200 billion. Seizing this opportunity, restaurants offer all kinds of traditional and innovative dishes, proving that Taiwanese food deserves worldwide renown.

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

2024-11-04

Prisoners help fix typhoon damage at Luye sugar apple orchard

2024-11-04

CPC general manager appointed as new chair

On Monday, CPC General Manager J. Z. Fang was appointed as the new chair of the state-owned petrol energy company. The inauguration ceremony was presided by Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Lian Jin-zhang. Although Fang is still fresh in his new position, great challenges await. To date, the CPC has accumulated losses of NT$30.4 billion. That’s on top of the challenge of energy transition to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Lian Jin-zhang hands over the official seal to newly appointed CPC Chair J.Z. Fang, who previously served as CPC general manager. In his new position, Fang must tackle the company’s many challenges such as continued financial losses and energy transition.

Lian Jin-zhang
Vice minister of economic affairs
“Congratulations” doesn’t sound quite right. It’s a great responsibility to bear. The CPC must reduce carbon emissions. The higher-ups weren’t happy with the CPC’s previous proposal, and change is inevitable. That’s why we’ve been pushing the CPC to keep cutting carbon emissions, that way the CPC will make a breakthrough.

To get the CPC back on track, Fang’s very first decisions were a request to the Ministry of Economic Affairs for a capital injection of NT$350 billion over four years, as well as a new business plan. Being the country’s energy provider, the CPC also urgently needs to tap into new energy sources.

J. Z. Fang
CPC chair
We hope the government will consider allocating us a greater budget, or increase our capital size. By March next year, we hope to kick off Phase One of natural gas distribution at the Guantang LNG Terminal.

Currently the CPC is working on installing the Guantang and Zhouchi liquefied natural gas terminals, while also expanding operations on the Yong’an and Taichung LNG plants, and continue tapping into Yilan’s geothermal energy resources. The new chair has his work cut out for him.

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

2024-11-04

Exhibition opens on the dangers of superbugs resistant to antibiotics

2024-11-04

Czech baseball team experiences local culture

Last weekend, Taiwan’s national baseball team invited their Czech counterparts to participate in two warm-up games ahead of the Premier12 tournament. Now in Taiwan, the visiting team is also ready to do some tourism. On Monday, the hosts took the team members to Longshan Temple in Wanhua, Taipei. The Czech team seemed to have a lot of fun experiencing local activities and attractions.

They hold up talismans to pose for a group photo, and they capture every moment on a smartphone. These are members of the Czech Republic national baseball team on a visit to Longshan Temple in Taipei.

This man wearing a brown t-shirt and a baseball cap backward is Czech pitcher Ondřej Vank, who gained a great number of local fans after the warm-up games last weekend.

Ondřej Vank
Czech pitcher
I mean, I was just walking at the end of training, and I was thinking about how I’m going to prepare for the next evening. And the girls are fine, they’re nice to me, and I’m single right now, yeah.

Last Sunday, after striking out Taiwanese batter Chu Yu-hsien, this footage of Vank walking off the pitcher’s mound went viral, and made netizens gush over his looks. Now, who on Team Taiwan stole the spotlight?

Dan Padyšák
Czech baseball team leader
I remember yesterday the hero, the third hitter Lin, I guess, who hit a double and a home run. Grand slam home run.

The Czech captain is referring to Lin An-ko of the Uni-President 7-eleven Lions. He hit a grand slam home run and earned Team Taiwan 4 points, closing the gap with the other team. But for the head coach of Team Czechia, MVPs are more than top baseball players.

Pavel Chadim
Czech baseball team head coach
We were in Presidential Office and there was President Lai, one of the MVPs of world democracy. It’s great if somebody wants to be MVP in baseball, and together democracy and baseball, that’s what I like.

The Czech baseball team seems to be having a lot of fun on and off the field, enjoying local delicacies and attractions, and experiencing the life of locals.

Here they are on a scooter, arguably the most popular means of transportation in Taiwan. And here they’re posing with a tree that’s fallen after Typhoon Kong-rey. It’s meant to be light-hearted and the sentiment seems to be mutual.

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

2024-11-04

Dining groups battle for Taipei Dome event dividend

The Taipei Dome is bustling with events that are attracting crowds to the East District and revitalizing the local business scene. Various restaurant brands are capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the Dome, including a famous Japanese pork cutlet shop and a vendor known for having the best salted egg yolk buns from Singapore. Both of these business recently opened in the underground street of Taipei Dome.

As you break open the baseball-shaped salted egg yolk bun, the golden filling oozes out. This is allegedly the best salted egg yolk bun from Singapore and it’s now available in Taiwan.

Member of public
I really enjoy buns like salted egg yolk buns and barbecue pork buns. They have a solid texture and a nice chewiness. I especially love the flavor of the salted egg yolk buns!

Liu Su-hua
Dining group executive
I am quite optimistic about the future, especially with the upcoming games and concerts. We hope to achieve sales of over NT$5 million each month.

The vendor focuses on freshly made items, and one of the popular dishes in the store is the steamed crispy rice roll, which has a soft, flaky texture that has received rave reviews from food enthusiasts. Major dining groups are steadily setting up shop in the Taipei Dome, anticipating future opportunities from concerts and sports events.

Inside a burger bun, there’s a crispy fried pork cutlet 14cm wide, named the "Taipei Dome Pork Cutlet." A well-known Japanese pork cutlet shop has opened in the Taipei Dome and has already achieved impressive results during its soft opening, serving 150 customers in a single day. Following the conclusion of the professional baseball championship, the Premier12 tournament is next, along with a Jay Chou concert, leading to a spillover in business opportunities throughout the East District.

The salted egg custard bun features a filling made with cheese instead of butter. Next to it, the fresh shrimp and pea shoots dumplings boast firm, large prawns wrapped in freshly rolled crystal skin. The shrimp dumplings are crafted to resemble real shrimp, using carrot juice mixed into the glutinous rice skin. This restaurant, located near the Taipei Dome, has become a popular dining choice for many.

Yu Chih-Shan
Hotel group PR
We are certainly optimistic about the opening of the Taipei Dome, and we hope that our peers will work together to expand the market, providing consumers with more choices.

The Taipei Dome has helped bring crowds back to the East District, which was significantly affected by the pandemic, and business opportunities are heating up.

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

2024-11-04