CECC announces loosened mask restrictions and reports lowest COVID deaths since May

2022-07-19

Taiwan reported 26,779 new local COVID cases on Tuesday, and 37 COVID-related deaths - the lowest single-day number of deaths since mid-May. With case numbers dropping, newly appointed CECC Commander Victor Wang announced loosened mask regulations.

Victor Wang
CECC commander
Masks don’t need to be worn while riding scooters or bicycles. The weather is getting hotter and hotter, so wearing masks while riding is very uncomfortable. Previously, we lifted the mask mandate for those working on farms, in the forest or engaged in fisheries or animal husbandry – all open work environments. We are now expanding that to all people working outdoors in open environments. For example, it will apply to those engaged in construction work, as they are also in a very hot environment. I think basically the key point is “open spaces.” We are defining it as people who are able to maintain social distance from others.

Borders are also being opened up to more categories of people. Starting July 25, those engaging in volunteer work, missionary work, study, internships, international exchanges or working holidays will be able to apply for special entry permits. Meanwhile, the CECC announced that deputy transport and economics ministers will be cross-appointed as CECC officials, to facilitate the transition to post-pandemic recovery of the economy and tourism sector.

死亡數下降! 王必勝宣布3種情況可免戴罩

2022-07-19

今天本土新增26，779例武肺疫情病例，死亡人數37例，創下五月中以來的新低，疫情降溫同時，新任指揮官王必勝也宣布即日起鬆綁口罩政策。

[[疫情指揮中心指揮官王必勝]]
“在口罩的部分，我們騎機車或腳踏車可以不用戴口罩，這個也是因為說天氣愈來愈熱，戴著口罩騎車其實也是相當的不舒服。另外就是我們原先是規定在農、林、漁、牧從事工作，在空曠處是可以不用戴口罩，那我們現在擴大，就是說戶外從事工作者，於空曠處工作，那就不用再戴口罩，像我們在做建築的相關的工作者，在外面也是很熱，我想重點是在於空曠處，空曠處我們給他定義就是說能夠維持跟不特定對象的社交距離”

不只國內鬆綁，入境也放寬，7月25日起開放包含志工、傳教、研習、實習、國際交流以及打工度假，等六類外籍人士申請特殊入境許可。指揮中心也宣布兩任新的副指揮官分別是交通部和經濟部次長，未來將朝經濟和觀光復甦的道路前進。

Runner Tsao Chun-yu sets best Taiwan time at World Athletics Championships marathon

2022-07-19

Math and art come together for kids in new exhibition of Mitsumasa Anno’s work

A new exhibition brings math and art together for children this summer. The picture books of Mitsumasa Anno are famous for making math into a game. His books are now 3D exhibits, that kids can work out for themselves, in this project from the Hsin Yi Foundation. Parents say it’’s a great way to get kids exploring science and math while having fun.

A colorful children’s book springs off the page with the help of a little optical trick. The late Mitsumasa Anno was a master at bringing math to life for small children with his surprising picture-books. Now the Hsin Yi Foundation is bringing those books into this 3D interactive exhibition.

Mother
I think there’s a lot here. It’s fun but it also helps children learn basic math and science concepts. It’s great, you can bring your kids here in the summer vacation and learn math too, so it’s quite a meaningful way to play with them.

Child
I’m happy. We played with the magic mirror and we made a triangle.

Mitsumasa taught at an elementary school in Japan, before, at the age of 42, starting to create children’s books that brought art and math together. His detailed, careful drawings explain tricky math in easy ways. He won the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for his “lasting contribution to children’’s literature”, and a museum in Shimane Prefecture commemorates his life and work. His books have been popular in Taiwan for 40 years and inspired many math teachers and children along the way. The exhibition hopes to make math accessible for kids who might think it’s daunting, and encourage them to try their hand at solving puzzles.

Liao Jui-wen
Hsin Yi Foundation COO
They’ve been in Taiwan for 40 years. Many math and science teachers were inspired by these books as children. Through play, children can get out of the box, they can experience it, and they can discover new possibilities.

A mom holds her child’s hand as they find the solution together. Before long, the child is happy to go it alone. These 3D picture books make math from a scary dragon into an exciting game. Definitely a hot destination for parents this summer.

2022-07-19

Cuifeng Lake Circular Trail in Yilan recognized as the world’s first quiet trail

2022-07-19

PhD candidate tries his luck for leadership of Chiayi’s ‘doctoral township’

We head now to a township with a special reputation. Yizhu in Chiayi is known as the "doctoral town", because so many of its kids have gone on to gain PhDs. More than 100 PhDs have emerged from this township of less than 20,000 people. With local elections coming up, one of the PhD owners of the township is running for office, for the first time. We spoke to some election candidates about the town’’s academic atmosphere and local politics.

Yizhu Township is the home of many eminent scholars, including former President of the Judicial Yuan, Weng Yueh-sheng. His old house is now a cram school. Yizhu is one of the townships that has cranked out the most PhDs in Taiwan. The little town just has 17,000 inhabitants, but it has more than 100 doctors to its name. Now Huang Cheng-chieh, photonics and optoelectrics expert and NTU grad, is vying for leadership of the town.

Huang Cheng-chieh
Yizhu Township chief candidate
I moved back to my hometown about 10 years ago. But I see the young people here constantly leaving. I don’t feel like because of my degrees I’m superior to anyone. I’ll always just be a simple kid.

Huang hopes his youthful candidacy will bring a doctoral leader to the “doctoral town.”

Huang Cheng-chieh
Yizhu Township chief candidate
In Yizhu, anyone you pass on the street might have a PhD. I think I’m quite an easygoing, amiable person. I will definitely greet each of my elders and ask them all if there’s anything they need.

Yizhu is also the birthplace of the current county commissioner Weng Chang-liang, as well as KMT lawmaker Wong Chung-chun. A string of the township’s leaders were all from the pan-blue side of politics, until a DPP leader got in in 2018.

Huang A-chia
Yizhu Township chief DPP candidate
I will keep managing the township well, following the rhythm that’s been established.

Hsiao Hui-hsun
Yizhu Township chief KMT candidate
Ever since Chief Shu-hui lost the last election, many residents have been very depressed and frustrated, seeing how much the leadership of the township has changed.

Huang is the first NTU graduate to go up for election in the town. But some residents say they think nothing of academic credentials when it comes to politics. Even in the “doctoral town,” a doctor doesn’t necessarily have the edge.

2022-07-19

Taipei mayoral candidate Chen Shih-chung presents campaign team led by former VP

The DPP’’s mayoral candidate for Taipei Chen Shih-chung on Tuesday kicked off his campaign with an event at a temple in Taipei. There, he presented his campaign team, which includes former vice president Chen Chien-jen. The former VP said that, although he didn’’t have much electoral experience, he would help drive Chen Shih-chung to victory. The two pledged to listen to the voices of local residents on the campaign trail.

The DPP’s Taipei mayoral candidate Chen Shih-chung and former Vice President Chen Chien-jen on Tuesday visited the Xiahai City God Temple.

The two Chens bumped fists with local councilors, as the crowd cheered them on. The former health minister was dressed differently from usual, wearing a white shirt with jeans. He introduced the members of his campaign team.

Chen Shih-chung
DPP Taipei mayoral candidate
Former Vice President Chen Chien-jen is the head of the team. I believe we have a very strong array of city councilors taking part in the election. Adding to that our former VP’s leadership, and our team of capable lawmakers… They all guide me to do the right thing. Taipei’s government will absolutely get better and better.

Chen Chien-jen
Former vice president
I told him that, although I don’t have electoral experience, I will give it my all. During the campaign, we will listen to all the opinions of city councilors and of local residents. Shih-chung, you are not on your own. In this election, I will stand up for you and support you.

Chen Shih-chung touted his campaign team’s strong lineup. Chen Chien-jen is the head of the team, with Rosalia Wu as secretary-general. The policy team is headed by Kuan Bi-ling, and its spokespeople are Lin Chu-yin and Chuang Jui-hsiung. Meanwhile, Mark Ho, Kao Chia-yu and Freddy Lim will support the team and supervise local operations.

Chen Shih-chung
DPP Taipei mayoral candidate
It’s the first step, so we don’t know each other well. But starting tomorrow, we’ll get more and more acquainted. Before the election we will be one and I will have my bearings. This election is for the love of Taipei. Let’s improve the Taipei administration together!

Chen Shih-chung is officially on the campaign trail. But mayoral candidate Taipei Deputy Mayor Huang Shan-shan is not impressed with the DPP’s platform. She says the policies are incomprehensible and that talk is cheap. Chen Shih-chung responded to her on Tuesday.

Chen Shih-chung
DPP Taipei mayoral candidate
Before, whenever they had trouble understanding our policies, I was always willing to explain it to them. So what should we do? We are willing to have a discussion with them. And if we should make any changes, we will be humble to do so. We should all speak on layman’s terms and be humble.

The race for the capital is on, and Chen Shih-chung has a campaign team fit for the president.

2022-07-19

Grocery shopping in the evenings can nab you a discount

Inflation is hitting hard, and I’’m sure lots of our viewers are feeling the pinch. If you’’re looking for ways to ease your budget, here are some ideas. If you go out grocery shopping at the right time of day, you might find some serious discounts. We took a trip around some of Taipei’’s markets, to talk to shoppers and hear their top tips!

The goods left over at this market stall are being sold at bargain prices. As dusk descends on the market, sellers unleash more and more discounts, rather than let goods go unsold. As inflation bites, this is the moment to get your groceries on a budget.

Member of public
Sometimes he says, “Oh, you can have these for NT$150.” It’s 50% or 40% off. You can save 50% sometimes.

Member of public
Like the chicken breast – after they’ve taken the meat off, there’s some bones. The meat was cut off. But in the evening, there’s meat left over, and I buy that.

Market seller
I can’t just keep it and eat it all myself! So I sell it at a discount. I think more people are coming in the evenings.

Sellers make sure nothing goes to waste while shoppers are happy to pick up a bargain. But it’s not just at traditional markets – the same trick applies in supermarkets, too.

Mr. Yen has just left the office. He rushes to the supermarket to pick up his groceries. There are lots of items with a 20% discount after 8 p.m. He’s set his sights on this counter, full of items with two discount labels slapped on top. He’s a regular at the near-expired counter.

Mr. Yen
Taipei resident
If you come at the golden hour, I think you can get 30% off. I save NT$20 or NT$30 every day. All told, every month you can save NT$300 or NT$400. I heard my friend say he often comes here on the Members’ Discount Day and buys a lot of stuff. You can keep some things for a long time, for example, enoki mushrooms and vegetables.

With a little effort, these shoppers are finding ways to cut back on their grocery budget and push back against the rising cost of living.

2022-07-19

Mayor Ko urges cross-strait communication during speech at Shanghai forum

Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je on Tuesday attended the Taipei-Shanghai twin - city forum, which was held virtually amid COVID this year. Ko addressed criticism over his participation in the event, saying that dialogue was important at a time of poor cross-strait relations. He also fired back at critics, accusing them of benefiting from conflicts with China for political gain. The DPP’’s Taipei mayoral candidate Chen Shih-chung has called the summit inappropriate in the current state of Taiwan-China relations.

Ko Wen-je
Taipei mayor
Cross-strait relations have been tense these past few years -- rivalries between both sides have intensified. For example, Taiwan’s efforts to join the World Health Organization, China’s military conducting activities in Taiwan’s southwest waters, China’s import ban on Taiwanese pineapples, wax apples, mangoes and groupers, and so on. These things have all become points of contention that have harmed the feelings of people on both sides of the strait.

In his last attendance at the twin-city forum as mayor, Ko addressed cross-strait conflicts in his opening remarks.

Ko Wen-je
Taipei mayor
Conflicts continue and neither side is communicating – some even use the conflicts as an instrument of political manipulation. This will only cause the cross-strait relationship to worsen. Both sides should cooperate to create mutual prosperity. Communication should be used to resolve differences, and guardrails should be built to manage differences. I believe that communication is better than hate, dialogue is better than confrontation, kindness is better than hatred.

In his speech at the summit, Ko reiterated his past rhetoric on mutual kindness and communication between Taiwan and China. However, his Shanghai counterpart toned down the pro-unification rhetoric that characterized his past remarks at the summit, but emphasized that, quote, “both sides of the strait are one family.”

Gong Zheng
Shanghai mayor
We will uphold the concept of one family spanning both sides of the strait, and, as always, will create a favorable environment for Taiwanese companies to invest. In Mayor Ko’’s speech just now, he mentioned some problems in cross-strait exchanges. These problems have been well resolved in the past. These problems also prove once again that cross-strait exchanges cannot be separated from a common political foundation.

This year’s twin-cities summit was held virtually, and had the smallest scope to date. It was a sudden affair, announced only three days in advance. Taipei Deputy Mayor Huang Shan-shan was also absent again this year, with Taipei Deputy Mayor Pong Cheng-sheng taking her place. The summit lasted just one hour.

Ko Wen-je
Taipei mayor
Some people ask why we’re having the summit if relations are bad. Actually, my logic on the issue is the opposite: it’s precisely because relations are bad that we must hold the summit. If things are bad I have to tell you what bothers me about you, and you have to tell me what bothers you about me. If everyone speaks their mind and we can communicate, I won’t dare say that problems will be 100% resolved, but 80% or more of the issues can be resolved. We can resolve these small problems that accumulate over time, and then major issues will be reduced.

Former health minister Chen Shih-chung, who is running for Taipei mayor in the upcoming local elections, has said it is inappropriate for Ko to attend the summit at a time of heightened tensions. He said the summit should only be held if it would have substantial meaning to do so. Meanwhile, Taipei Deputy Mayor Huang has called the summit a window for dialogue, saying that Taiwan should remain open to communication with China.

2022-07-19

Foreign ministry, TAITRA hold job fair for African students in Taiwan

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and TAITRA on Tuesday held a job fair for international students in Taiwan. The fair especially targeted students from Africa and from central and eastern Europe, who can be an important asset for companies looking to expand abroad. The fair featured 22 companies offering job and internship opportunities for more than 2,000 students from these areas living in Taiwan.

To encourage more international exchanges, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has commissioned TAITRA and a job bank to hold a career fair for foreign students in Taiwan. The ministry hopes to attract students from Africa and central and eastern Europe to join internships and accept jobs in Taiwan and abroad, to merge the worlds of academia and business. Officials say that after foreign students graduate, they can become an important asset for business hoping to expand abroad.

Isaac Chiu
Ministry of Foreign Affairs official
We want to encourage Taiwanese businesses, to hire students from allied countries and emerging markets who are acquiring professional skills and studying in Taiwan. They have the advantage that they speak the local languages, and know the local culture. They can help businesses expand abroad.

A total of 100 students signed up to consultations with 22 Taiwanese enterprises, including Au Optronics, Powerchip and Gigabyte Technology. According to government data, there are more than 2,000 students from Africa and central and Eastern Europe in Taiwan. Among them, 1,200 are pursuing a degree, mostly in business management, engineering or healthcare. Over the years, about 600 students from Taiwan’s African ally Eswatini have come to study in Taiwan.

Promise Sithembiso Msibi
Eswatini’s ambassador to Taiwan
We know what each of us is providing. So in terms of the potential, it is just massive. We want to market Taiwan in Africa, so that we can become the window, the mirror, through which the continent can see Taiwan.

Africa has the fastest growing population in the world, meaning there are plenty of opportunities for profit. Eswatini’s ambassador says he hopes professional cooperation can deepen the friendship between the two countries. At the event, was a student from Eswatini who has been in Taiwan for five years and is currently studying business management. He that during his stay, he has built up a wealth of professional and cultural knowledge.

Mlandvo Kunene
Eswatini student
My studying has been amazing. The first day I came here I didn’t know anything and I was able to be helped by a Taiwanese. He was very nice to me. Trying to make sure that I get enough knowledge about Taiwan, and experience, because I’m trying to make sure that I can go back home as well to make sure that I can develop the country, the community.

The foreign ministry encouraged Taiwanese to show off their skills and establish themselves in Africa, which has a population of more than 1.2 billion. It also said central and eastern Europe are good markets to explore, as the areas continue to set new trade records.

2022-07-19

Delegation from European Parliament arrives as Atlantic Council delegation meets Tsai

Two delegations from Europe and the U.S. are currently visiting Taiwan. One is led by European Parliament Vice President Nicola Beer, who arrived in Taiwan earlier in the day. The other is headed by former U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. Both delegation leaders have wasted no time in their visits to demonstrate that Taiwan does not stand alone on the international stage. In his meeting with Tsai, Esper once again called on the U.S. to reevaluate its "one China" policy, which he says is now useless.

European Parliament Vice President Nicola Beer greets reporters at the airport. She is leading a delegation to Taiwan. Right after arriving on Tuesday morning, she expressed strong support for Taiwan.

Nicola Beer
European Parliament vice president
We won’t have blind eye on China’s threats to Taiwan. Europe was late for Hong Kong. We won’t be late for Taiwan. There is no room for Chinese aggression in democratic Taiwan. You and us, we are a family of democracies. Thank you.

Beer has long been supportive of Taiwan and is close with Taiwan’s representative to the EU. She is now the first high-level EU official to visit Taiwan. During her three-day itinerary, she will sit with President Tsai Ing-wen and other government officials, as well as conduct exchanges with think tanks. Also currently visiting Taiwan is a delegation from the U.S.’ Atlantic Council, which on Tuesday met President Tsai.

Greeting the president is the leader of the delegation, former U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. Also a long-time supporter of Taiwan, he once again called on the U.S. government to reevaluate its “one China” policy and shift to “strategic clarity” on Taiwan.

Mark Esper
Former US defense secretary
That the “one China” policy has outlived its usefulness. That it’s time to move away from strategic ambiguity. The greatest challenge facing the democracies of the west today is not in Russia. It is here in Asia, where China continues to challenge the rule-based international order. Taiwan is on the front line. It is important that democracies in the west stand up and defend thriving democracies such as Taiwan against the bullying.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
In particular, I want to thank former Secretary Mark Esper for his numerous expressions of support during his tenure as U.S. secretary of defense and beyond. Please visit often, and let’’s continue to advance cooperation and exchange.

At a press conference, Esper reiterated his pro-Taiwan stance.

Mark Esper
Former US secretary of defense
Two things that Republicans and Democrats agree on in Washington D.C. The first is that China is a strategic challenge to the United States. And second, is that the United States must defend its friends in Taiwan.

Meanwhile a report on the U.K.’s Financial Times says U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi is planning to visit Taiwan in August, after her visit in April was canceled due to her contracting COVID. The speaker is second in the U.S. presidential line of succession, making her the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Taiwan in 25 years. All these visits go to show that Europe and the U.S. continue to support Taiwan with substantive action.

2022-07-19