Category：Politics

Acts for presidential inauguration and emcees for state banquet unveiled

Taiwan’s President-elect Lai Ching-te will be inaugurated next month. Rapping in Taiwanese and Hakka and an a cappella performance will take center stage at the inauguration ceremony on May 20. Organizers have a lineup packed with all kinds of performances to showcase the diversity of Taiwan. And for the first time, Tainan will hold the inaugural state banquet with two special hosts who can speak a total of eight languages.

The program for the May 20 presidential inauguration has been unveiled. It includes a performance by singer Since Chou.

Since Chou
Singer
On the day, I will perform Taiwanese-language golden oldies from the past 100 years. I hope you’re all excited about it.

There’s also the Chio-Tian Folk Drums and Art Troupe, the Chien Kuo High School Marching Band, Paper Windmill Theatre and Fire EX., among others. Organizers say this year there will be novelties in the lineup, including an a cappella performance, rapping in Taiwanese and Hakka, and a stage that rises and drops. For the first time, the inauguration banquet will be held in Tainan, and emceed by a very special lineup.

Karen Kuo
Inauguration banquet emcee
Distinguished guests from all over the world will converge in Tainan. This offers them an opportunity to delve deeper into the rich history of the city at the state banquet.

She is Karen Kuo, spokesperson for Lai Ching-te’s presidential campaign with a wealth of experience hosting TV shows and events. And she won’t be alone.

Joining her will be Kevin Tai, a half-Taiwanese half-Brazilian model who came fourth representing Taiwan at the Mister Global 2023 pageant.

Kevin Tai
Inauguration banquet emcee
I’m super excited for this, really looking forward to it. For me, it’s not just an opportunity to show the world the power of Taiwan’s democracy, but also a way to show Taiwan the diversity of Taiwan. Even someone with a foreign-looking face can speak Mandarin and Taiwanese fluently!

The celebration for Taiwanese democracy is back after four years. The performers and emcees will showcase the diversity of the nation at Lai Ching-te’s and Hsiao Bi-khim’s inauguration on May 20.

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2024-04-26

Premier weighs in on KMT proposal to extend lifespan of nuclear power plants

Premier Chen Chien-jen has weighed in on a KMT bill proposing to extend the lifespan of nuclear power plants. The KMT says the nuclear units should be allowed to operate for as long as safety conditions are met. Chen says the matter is not so simple in Taiwan, due to the island’s location along the earthquake-prone ring of fire. Let’s hear from him.

Chen Chien-jen
Premier
Electricity generation from renewable resources already exceeds that of nuclear power plants. So the issue of extending the lifespan of nuclear power plants needs to be carefully considered. We also have to face challenges posed by nuclear waste. So currently, at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and at Taipower, the plans are all in the direction of going ahead with the decommissioning of nuclear power plants. Of course, we also respect the decisions taken by the members of the Legislative Yuan. But we hope that information on the plan can be provided to everyone to discuss matters rationally.

Two nuclear power plants will soon be decommissioned in Taiwan. The two units at the Maanshan plant in Pingtung are slated for decommissioning this July and in May next year, when their 40-year-licenses expire. Construction of Taiwan’s fourth nuclear power plant was halted in 2014. The KMT is calling for the first two plants to be re-commissioned, for the third to remain in operation for longer, and for construction to resume in the fourth one.

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2024-04-26

Wellington Koo tapped for defense minister, Lin Chia-lung for foreign minister

President-elect Lai Ching-te has named his national security lineup. On May 20, the post of defense minister will go to Wellington Koo, who’s currently secretary-general of the National Security Council. He will be replaced at the NSC by current foreign minister Joseph Wu. Another key post, that of foreign minister, will go to Lin Chia-lung, current secretary-general to the president. Lai said the new team comprises outstanding talent that will work together to tackle unprecedented challenges.

President-elect Lai Ching-te and Premier-designate Cho Jung-tai have announced the leaders of Taiwan’s incoming national security team.

Lai Ching-te
President-elect
The world at large is experiencing severe geopolitical shifts, the rise of regional hegemony, the restructuring of global supply chains, and a change in value systems. As such, our national security team will be facing unprecedented challenges. The people I have asked to join our national security team are all outstanding talent, who will work together in areas including national defense, national security, diplomacy and cross-strait affairs.

Taiwan’s next foreign minister will be Presidential Office Secretary-General Lin Chia-lung. Wellington Koo will take over as minister of national defense. The National Security Council will be headed by foreign minister Joseph Wu, while Tsai Ming-yen will remain as National Security Bureau director-general. The Mainland Affairs Council will be led by Chiu Chui-cheng. Former defense minister Yen Teh-fa will take over as Veterans Affairs Council head, Pan Men-an will become Presidential Office secretary-general, and Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan will serve as the head of the Straits Exchange Foundation.

Lai emphasized that the new national security team has three characteristics: professional expertise, good team rapport, and a deep sense of duty to the nation. As China ramps up its pressure on Taiwan, the team will have the important task of safeguarding the country.

All the appointees have experience serving in the Tsai administration. But amid heightened tensions with China, some picks have raised criticism: in particular, the choice of a civilian as defense minister and a non-diplomat as foreign minister.

Lai Ching-te
President-elect
Today’s defense minister is different from the ones in the past, who needed to focus solely on military affairs. Wellington Koo has talent in a wide variety of areas. I think that, at the current stage, he is the best choice to lead the defense ministry.

Wellington Koo
Defense minister-designate
As President-elect Lai just mentioned, it is not uncommon for civilians to assume the office of defense minister in democratic countries. It is a big responsibility, so I will be cautious and prudent.

Lin Chia-lung
Foreign minister-designate
Diplomacy is an extension of domestic affairs. Due to Taiwan’s situation, diplomacy is something closely intertwined with our survival and development. I will approach my role with the utmost caution, and give it my all.

The next national security team has taken shape. On May 20, the new government is set to lead the country steadily forward.

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2024-04-25

Lai calls on China to have the ‘confidence’ to engage with Taiwan

President-elect Lai Ching-te says China should have the “confidence” to engage with Taiwan. At the press conference where he announced his national security team, Lai repeated his past offers to engage with Beijing, so long as talks are under the principles of equality and dignity.

Lai Ching-te
President-elect
The two sides of the strait should engage in confident exchanges that enhance the well-being of the people on both sides. I have never wavered in my belief in this. I’m very much looking forward to China having the confidence and the willingness to deal with the democratically elected and legitimate government that the Taiwan people entrusted. Only then can cross-strait exchanges proceed on the right path.

On May 20, Lai’s inaugural address is set to be closely watched by major global players including China. Weeks ahead of the big moment, the president-elect is already dropping hints on what to expect.

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2024-04-25

Tainan to start construction on first MRT line in late 2026

Tainan is getting an MRT. The project’s first phase has passed its environmental impact assessment. Construction on the Blue Line will start in late 2026, with completion slated for 2031. The line will feature 10 stations on an elevated track that runs through Yongkang and East districts.

Phase 1 of Tainan MRT’s Blue Line has cleared its environmental impact assessment. Construction is slated to start in late 2026.

Member of public
I’d welcome an MRT. The sooner it is built, the better. Being able to ride the metro would make things much more convenient for me.

Member of public
I don’t think there’s really a need for an MRT system in Tainan. Everyone rides scooters anyway. Just look at the buses, they barely have any passengers.

The city says the line will help connect key parts of the city.

Lu Chiang-hui
Tainan Rapid Transit Office
The MRT system will be elevated, so the stations and tracks will be built on pillars located on the center reservations of roads.

In the project’s first phase, 10 stations will be built, spanning 8.39 kilometers across the densely populated Yongkang and East districts. The line is expected to open in 2031.

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2024-04-25

President-elect Lai meets bipartisan US congressional delegation

A bipartisan delegation from the U.S. Congress is visiting Taiwan. It’s led by Secretary of the House Republican Conference Lisa McClain, and it was received by President-elect Lai Ching-te on Tuesday. During the meeting, Lai thanked the U.S. Congress for its recent pro-Taiwan legislation. McClain said Taiwan was a linchpin for regional stability, adding that China was not a friend of the U.S.

Ahead of the presidential inauguration on May 20, Secretary of the House Republican Conference Lisa McClain has led a bipartisan delegation to Taiwan. The group met with President-elect Lai Ching-te on Tuesday.

Lai Ching-te
President-elect
In the future, in addition to implementing the four-pillar plan for peace I mentioned previously, my administration will continue the efforts of Tsai Ing-wen to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We will also collaborate more with likeminded nations such as the U.S. and promote deeper Taiwan-U.S. ties.

Waves of U.S. lawmakers have visited in recent weeks to show support for Taiwan. McClain had high praise for Taiwan’s people on Tuesday.

Lisa McClain
House Republican Conference secretary
The people of Taiwan have built a vibrant democracy, a thriving economy. Their success stands as testament to the power of freedom and the indomitable human spirit. It’s a linchpin of stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Dan Kildee
US Congressman (Democratic Party)
… to get the Taiwan Relations Act approved by Congress 45 years ago. The U.S. Congress and the American people stand with the people of Taiwan. There’s no disagreement between Republicans and Democrats on this point.

McClain also spoke on U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to China.

Lisa McClain
House Republican Conference secretary
My hope would be that he talks about the importance of peace. China’s not our friend, economically, educationally and militarily. We need to make sure that we stand strong as a leader.

Amid China’s frequent provocations in the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, and East China Sea, U.S. officials voiced hope for closer cooperation with Taiwan and other likeminded countries to safeguard stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

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2024-04-24

Congress passes US$95 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan

The U.S. Congress has passed a US$95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The package cleared the House over the weekend, and the Senate has passed it 80 to 19.

Ben Lujan
Senator
The yeas are 80, and nays are 19. Three-fifths of the Senators duly chosen and sworn, having voted in the affirmative, the motion is agreed to.

Chuck Schumer
Senator
We tell our allies: We stand with you. We tell our adversaries: Don’t mess with us. We tell the world: The United States will do everything to safeguard democracy and our way of life.

Mitch McConnell
Senate minority leader
Alliances matter. Foreign nations’ respect for American interests depends on our willingness to defend them.

The package of bills includes US$61 billion for Ukraine and US$26 billion for Israel. Another US$8 billion will be used to support Taiwan and maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The package also includes a ban on TikTok in the U.S., if its Chinese owner doesn’t sell its stake within a year.

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2024-04-24

KMT bill seeks to extend lifespan of nuclear power plants

The KMT wants to prolong nuclear power generation in Taiwan. It’s pushing a bill that will make it possible to extend the lifespan of nuclear power plants, by removing the deadline for extension applications. The bill is drawing strong opposition, with civic groups set to stage a protest on April 27. A DPP lawmaker slammed the proposal, saying the KMT was being irresponsible over the issues of nuclear waste and nuclear safety.

Broadcasting Corporation of China Chair Jaw Shaw-kong and KMT lawmakers rally in support of nuclear power.

Jaw Shau-kong
BCC chair
How many outages have there been in Taoyuan? They have also happened in Taipei’s Eastern Shopping District, and in Tainan. There isn’t enough electricity. Haven’t we had a lot of earthquakes recently? They struck Hualien hard. Were the nuclear power plants affected? The lifespan of the first, second, and third nuclear power plants should be extended, and construction should resume on the fourth plant after an expert evaluation.

Taiwan has already decommissioned its first and second nuclear power plants, based in New Taipei’s Shimen and Wanli, respectively. Two units at the third plant in Pingtung are slated for decommissioning this July and next May, when their 40-year licenses expire. Under current regulations, applications to extend the service of nuclear power plants must be submitted five years before a license expires. The KMT argues that there should be no time limit on renewal applications, and that nuclear units should be allowed to operate as long as safety conditions are met. But environmental groups have repeatedly demonstrated over issues including nuclear waste storage, the functionality of aging units, and their seismic resistance.

Hung Sun-han
DPP lawmaker
The KMT is focused on using nuclear power. But they aren’t showing a responsible attitude about problems including nuclear waste. That is everyone’s biggest concern. Since Taiwan is in an earthquake-prone area, how can we ensure nuclear safety?

Chen Tung-yang
Nuclear Safety Commission
We will of course respect any amendments passed by the Legislative Yuan.

With the KMT advocating for extending the plants’ lifespan, civic groups plan to demonstrate outside the Legislative Yuan on April 27 to voice their opposition.

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2024-04-24

Six more Cabinet members announced, including finance, agriculture ministers

More officials have been named to the Lai administration’s Cabinet. Premier-designate Cho Jung-tai announced six appointments, including the ministers of finance and agriculture. The lineup is mostly familiar faces. The one newcomer is Chen Shu-tzu, who will head the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics. Chen had served in the Tainan City government when Lai Ching-te was mayor. She is credited with reducing Tainan’s expenses and expanding its financial resources.

More appointments have been unveiled for Cho Jung-tai’s Cabinet. They’re mostly familiar faces, with the exception of Chen Shu-tzu, who will head the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics. When Lai Ching-te served as Tainan mayor, Chen headed the city’s Research, Development and Evaluation Commission. She turned Tainan from a debt-wracked city to a model for financial management.

Cho Jung-tai
Premier-designate
She helped reduce Tainan’s debt significantly, and set aside a budget for water management. She excels in both saving funds and expanding financial resources. I’m not exaggerating in the slightest.

Chen Shu-tzu
Statistics minister-designate
Reducing national debt is a must. If we want healthy finances, that’s something we’ll have to do. But at the same time, we have to take into account Taiwan’s economic development.

Remaining in their current posts will be Minister of Finance Chuang Tsui-yun, Overseas Community Affairs Council Minister Hsu Chia-ching, Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling and Directorate-General of Personnel Administration Director Su Chun-jung. Meanwhile, acting Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih will formally take up the role. Amid criticism over the low proportion of women in previous appointments, four of the six posts announced on Tuesday went to women.

Cho Jung-tai
Premier-designate
I’m relieved that we are announcing several women today. It’s just how the Cabinet is taking shape. We didn’t deliberately arrange to announce the women Cabinet heads today. We’re just following the order that was established previously.

Twenty-seven days remain until Lai’s inauguration. Ministers without portfolio, and positions related to national security, are expected to be announced later this week.

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2024-04-23

China ramps up military activity ahead of Taiwan’s Inauguration Day

China has been ramping up its activity in the Taiwan Strait. PLA aircraft made a close approach last Saturday, testing Taiwan’s territorial sea baseline of 24 nautical miles. Earlier this week, a Chinese naval vessel confronted Taiwan’s Chang Chien frigate near Penghu. It even went as far as to issue taunts via broadcast.

Wang Chih-sheng
Cross-Strait Policy Association scholar
Beijing is launching a variety of gray-zone operations to put pressure on us. The CCP has two main goals. The first is to test our reactions and attitudes ahead of May 20. It hopes to put some pressure on Lai Ching-te before May 20, to influence his inauguration speech to some degree.

The Chang Chien frigate was in a maritime area that’s routinely patrolled by Taiwan. The navy says that front-line troops are closely monitoring all Chinese activity and are prepared to appropriately respond to any situation.

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2024-04-23