Taiwan’s government rejects requests to visit from two Shanghai delegations

Taiwan’s government rejects requests to visit from two Shanghai delegations

2025-02-07

The government has turned down requests to visit Taiwan from two Shanghai official delegations. The Taipei Lantern Festival is out in full force, and, as is customary for the Taipei City Government, it invited Shanghai officials to view the lanterns. The first delegation, which was led by Jin Mei, the director of the Shanghai Municipal Taiwan Affairs Office, saw its application rejected because it was submitted too late. The second delegation led by Jin Lei, the deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, was initially expected to arrive on Feb.11. However, the Mainland Affairs Council ultimately rejected the application, arguing that as the itinerary involved tourist attractions, it would be better for the two sides’ cross-strait tourism associations to communicate first before any application was submitted.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
I have always stressed that the more tense cross-strait relations get, the more communication and exchanges are needed. We should walk on even more paths, on ever broader roads, open the door and take the high road.

Luo Wen-chia
Straits Exchange Foundation
The two big associations refer to the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits and the Straits Exchange Foundation. They handle negotiations for cross-strait relations overall. The two small associations for tourism refer to the Taiwan Strait Tourism Association and the Association for Tourism Exchange across the Taiwan Straits. It is most appropriate to conduct negotiations through the two small associations as there are procedures already in place.

The Mainland Affairs Council says that cross-strait exchanges can only be conducted through existing semi-formal channels and if applications cross the red line, they will be rejected.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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拒上海團參加台北燈節　陸委會:行程牽涉觀光踩線

2025-02-07

近日台北燈節開展，北市府依照慣例，邀請上海市賞燈團來台參加，第一團由上海市台辦主任金梅帶隊，因為送件時間太晚，遭到封殺。第二團由上海市文旅局副局長金雷率隊，預計2/11抵達，但陸委會打回票，認為行程涉及旅遊觀光踩線，宜由觀光小兩會溝通後，再行申請。

[[台北市長蔣萬安]]
“我一直強調，兩岸關係愈緊張，愈需要溝通跟交流，路應該愈走愈多、愈走愈寬，開大門、走大路。”

[[海基會副董事長羅文嘉]]
“大兩會指的就是海協會跟海基會，處理的是兩岸整體性議題的協商，小兩會在觀光的部分，指的就是文旅跟海旅，透過小兩會來做協商是最適合的，因為它就回到了已經存在的機制。”

陸委會指出，兩岸交流，只能循正式途徑，踩到紅線禁忌，就等著吃閉門羹。

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24 Republican lawmakers are calling for the US to restore diplomatic ties with Taiwan

A group of US lawmakers are calling for the US to restore formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Twenty-four House Republicans led by Representative Tom Tiffany say the US should abandon its outdated one-China policy. Tiffany, a long-time Taiwan supporter, says Taiwan has never been controlled by the PRC and is a free, democratic and independent country. The US, he says, should speak up for Taiwan and support it to have full membership in international organizations where statehood is a requirement. While the resolution reflects the stance of some US lawmakers, it does not have legal force.

Tom Tiffany
US House Representative (Rep.)
These directives do not help the United States and they do not help Taiwan. But they do help the Chinese Communist Party.

There’s another wave of support for Taiwan in the US. Led by long-time Taiwan supporter, Republican Representative Tom Tiffany, 24 lawmakers from his party have proposed a joint resolution calling on the US to abandon its one-China policy and restore formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

The resolution begins by stating that the US should not only restore formal diplomatic ties. That there should also be talks on a bilateral free trade pact and support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. It also states that Taiwan and its outlying islands have never been under the control of the Beijing authorities. It condemns China for unreasonably claiming sovereignty over Taiwan and uses the US “one China policy” as a weapon to block Taiwan’s full membership in the UN, the WHO and the Olympics. It also notes that the “one China policy” is outdated and is not applicable to the people of Taiwan and the US. It also fails to reflect the clear reality that Taiwan has been a sovereign and independent country for more than 70 years.

Puma Shen
Lawmaker (DPP)
Some people have established diplomatic relations with China, but they can also establish diplomatic relations with Taiwan. How should we communicate this with other countries and can we slowly move in this direction? Of course we hope that our allies can join in on this discussion.

Chang Po-yang
Kaohsiung councilor (TSP)
Our allies have extended an olive branch to us, so of course we must express our stance even more proactively and respond to the US so as not to miss out. During the process of Trump taking the lead to restructure the world order, Taiwan must make sure not to miss the first train.

Tiffany called on US President Donald Trump to recognize Taiwan’s democratically-elected government, restore diplomatic relations with Taiwan, appoint ambassadors from both sides and abandon internal guidelines restricting exchanges between US and Taiwanese officials.

Member of the public
Taiwan is a normal country and we need to restore normal diplomacy. Our rotten neighbor China is too awful. I hope we really go full steam ahead.

Member of the public
This is an issue between two great powers. I think Taiwan may have to take its own path.

US lawmakers have once again proposed a resolution to express a pro-Taiwan stance. The Taiwanese people welcome this and look forward to a continued warming of Taiwan-US relations.

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

2025-02-07

US tariffs on Mexico, Canada pause for a month

US President Donald Trump’s announcement of tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico sent global markets in a downward spiral Monday. They recovered some lost ground when Trump announced he would postpone a 25% tariff on Mexican goods for a month in exchange for concessions. He later announced a similar pause with Canada. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from the White House.

President Donald Trump’s weekend tariff announcement is being felt in Ottawa, in Mexico City, in Beijing — and here, in New York, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Taipei. Around the world, markets fell Monday after Trump dropped 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, and 10% on China.

In Washington, Trump spoke of his agreement Monday with Mexico to pause the tariffs for a month in exchange for concessions from Mexico City meant to stop migration flows and the movement of illegal drugs across the southern border. Markets quickly made up some losses after his announcement. He also announced a similar pause with Canada later on Monday.

Donald Trump
US president
We have to stop people from pouring in, and we have to stop fentanyl, and that includes China. Fentanyl has killed this year at least 200,000 people. It’s pouring in from China through Mexico and Canada. And they’ve got to stop it. And if they don’t stop it, the tariffs are going to get worse.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sounded a hopeful note on Monday.

Claudia Sheinbaum
Mexican president
I’m sure that in this month, we’ll be able to have results, good results for your people, good results for the people of Mexico, and this was the result of the agreement. It was a good conversation, with respect."

China’s ambassador to the United Nations, Fu Cong, on Monday said Beijing would turn to the World Trade Organization for recourse.

Fu Cong
China’s ambassador to the UN
We do believe that this is in violation of the WTO rules. So, that’s why China is filing a complaint at the WTO. And we’re also aware we may be forced to take countermeasures. And let me also emphasize that there is no winner in a trade war.

Trump acknowledged that the move could raise prices but said the higher tariffs would be “worth the price” to bolster US interests.

Anita Powell, VOA News, the White House.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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2025-02-07

National Museum of History holds currency exhibition

The National Museum of History is holding an exhibition showcasing the museum’s and Central Bank’s collection of currencies dating all the way back to at least the third century BCE. FTV reporter Stephany Yang takes us in for a look!

The earliest currencies in Ancient China were shells because they were durable, portable, and easy to preserve. By the Zhou dynasty, which began in the 11th century BCE, coins were introduced; and by the Qing dynasty some 400 years later, shells were replaced with money. The exhibition showcases currencies throughout history, ranging from pre-Qing dynasty artifacts to modern coins, silver ingots, and banknotes collected by the Central Bank and the National Museum of History.

Kuo Pei-i
National Museum of History
This is one of the important antiquities in our museum. It is a standardized ingot from the Yuan dynasty. On the back is written Yuanbao, which means treasure of the Yuan dynasty. This is a standard type, 50 tael. It weighs 50 tael. The sides will be molded in, and the middle will be indented, which allows them to be stackable, which was convenient for tax collection. This was mainly used in the Yuan the Ming dynasties, and was used all the way until the Qing Dynasty. At that time, paper money was issued for a while. But people were accustomed to using ingots and copper coins. Copper coins were used for small transactions, while ingots were used for large transactions.

The Central Bank’s collection of animal-themed banknotes from Taiwan and other countries are also on display.

Kuo Pei-i
National Museum of History
The Central Bank collects lots of banknotes and coins from all over the world to study their design. This time they have collected all 12 zodiac animal. Abroad, the rabbit is especially popular. Several countries use the rabbit for their banknotes. In addition, the horse is also popular. The most popular zodiac animal coin sets are usually dragon, tiger and horse. These three are especially popular. The bestsellers are usually dragons, tigers and horses.

The National Museum of History is holding a currency exhibition showcasing collections from the National Museum of History and the Central Bank. The exhibition also unveils the minting production processes.

Kuo Pei-i
National Museum of History
We hope to take this opportunity to educate the public about the identification, use and production process of currencies. The main exhibition area has three sections. The first one introduces the coins throughout history, all the way to modern times. The second exhibition area is centered on the zodiac animals. The third area is the interactive area, where banknote stickers are placed, and everyone can use stamps to emboss money cards.

Money makes the world go round. To find out more, head to the National Museum of History by April 6.

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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Researcher leaves Academia Sinica job to produce eco-friendly reed straws

A research assistant at Academia Sinica gave up his job to move to Hualien and start a drinking straw business. But he doesn’t sell your regular straws. They are made out of reeds, an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic. The entrepreneur hopes to expand his reed business in the future to branch into traditional Chinese medicine. Reed roots are an ingredient used in some preparations, and due to a lack of local industry, Taiwan currently has to import all its reed roots from China.

Reeds can be tied up to make an adorable art installation. Or you can arrange them to make a lantern with fairy lights. These reed works are all the ideation of Chang Chen-yu who’s made the move from Taipei to Hualien.

Chang Chen-yu
Reed farmer
Originally I just wanted to reduce plastic use. But then I moved to Hualien and I really got into planting reeds, which strengthened my bond with the land.

Chang used to be a research assistant at Academia Sinica, specializing in carbon emissions. His work took him to Hualien, where he started a company that makes drinking straws out of reeds. He decided to stop doing research and immerse himself fully in environmental protection. By chance he discovered the ecological and environmental uses of reed overseas, and seeing a company making straws out of bamboo, he decided to do the same but with reeds. Cultivating reeds and creating products is now his mission.

Sumay Kacaw
Matalim resident
When it came to making straws out of reeds, we were like “Huh, the reeds along the Xiuguluan River could also be turned into straws!”

Chang Chen-yu
Reed farmer
As everyone knows, global warming is a severe issue. So every little thing that we can do matters, even if it is just a small change. We want everyone to see all the possibilities that exist, so that more people get to it.

In addition, reed root is an ingredient in traditional Chinese herbal preparations. As there is currently no industrial cultivation in Taiwan, all reed roots have to be imported from China. Chang hopes to get into the market to produce medicinal ingredients alongside his eco-friendly straws.

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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Cold wave hits Taiwan over the weekend

The third cold wave this winter season is coming this weekend. Temperatures began dipping on Friday, and are expected to fall below 10 degrees in Northern Taiwan in the plains, and to 4 to 5 degrees near mountains. Some mountainous areas with altitudes of over 3,000m might see snowfall.

A thick layer of frost is glazed over the flooring at Paiyun Lodge in Yushan and over tree branches. At 6 a.m., the mercury dipped to -2°C. The third cold wave this winter season is not to be taken lightly. It’ll be colder starting on Friday all the way through the weekend, especially in the north and northeast.

Lee Meng-hsuan
Central Weather Administration
Let’s look at the plains first. Basically, the effect of this cold spell will be most apparent from the 8th to early morning on the 9th. But there may still be lows below 10°C by the 10th. In fact, over these two days, lows may dip to around 6°C, or even 4°C or 5°C in areas near the mountains. And of course in some areas in Miaoli, the temperatures could be even lower.

The coldest time will be around daybreak this coming Saturday and Sunday. And due to less air moisture and radiative cooling, it’ll feel even colder on Sunday. According to the Central Weather Administration, the zero-degree temperatures will be found even at just 1,000m above sea level. Therefore, even Qixing Mountain and Datun Mountain in Taipei have a chance of snow.

Lee Meng-hsuan
Central Weather Administration
It’s expected that from the 7th to early morning on the 8th, there may be a chance of snow in tall mountains more than 3,000m above sea level in Central Taiwan. As for the evening of the 7th to early morning on the 9th, in the northern and northeastern regions, there may be a chance of snow in tall mountains more than 1,000m above sea level.

The number of cold days in which temperatures dipped below 14°C in Taipei this winter season broke a 10-year record, making it the coldest winter of the decade. So be sure to bundle up and stay warm.

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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