The Taiwan government committed on Saturday to donate US$300,000 in relief supplies in response to the ecological crisis caused by a devastating forest fire on the slopes of Guatemala's "Volcan de Agua" (Volcano of Water).

The 45th anniversary celebration of Saint Lucia's independence was commemorated with a cocktail reception on Thursday. Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) graced the occasion and conveyed Taiwan's congratulations to Saint Lucia's government and people.

A bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation led by Representative Mike Gallagher, Chairman of the House Select Committee on China, arrived in Taiwan on Thursday to kick off a three day visit as part of a longer tour of the Indo-Pacific region. President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德)  received the delegation on Thursday morning at the Presidential Office.

2024-02-21

It was recently discovered that Taiwan has been given the designation “Taiwan, province of China” in Japan’s National Diet Library website.   

Taiwan’s legislature established Taiwan-France Inter-Parliamentary Amity Association and the Taiwan-Poland Inter-Parliamentary Amity Association on Monday.

Taichung MRT Corporation announced that the 39 free charging stations at all 18 stops on the Taichung MRT have been upgraded to support both Type A and Type C starting from Friday.  

President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) together with Vice President and President-elect Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Secretary-General to the President Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) visited various bureaus within the Presidential Office on Thursday morning. The purpose of their tour was to give Lunar New Year greetings to employees and express gratitude for their hard work.

Voters headed to the polling stations in Indonesia on Wednesday to cast their ballots in the presidential and legislative elections.

The Taiwan Railway Corporation (TRC) celebrated a remarkable milestone with its tourism train revenue surpassing the NT$100 million (US$3.2 million) mark for the first time.   

The Transportation Ministry hopes a three-pronged plan will return the cruise industry to pre-pandemic numbers this year. The ministry’s Maritime and Port Bureau, Tourism Administration, and Taiwan International Ports Corporation are joining forces to strengthen international marketing, comprehensively upgrade port tourism facilities, and increase incentives for cruise ships to come to Taiwan.

The Economics Ministry remains steadfast in its pursuit of energy efficiency, targeting net-zero emissions by 2050. One method it employs to encourage public participation is offering subsidies for replacing old appliances with energy-efficient alternatives. The ministry’s Energy Administration stated on Friday that the subsidies will continue over the Lunar New Year with online applications accepted 24 hours a day.

2024-02-08

Taiwan has been actively promoting Chinese language education overseas in recent years and in 2023 the Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL), Taiwan's proficiency test for Chinese, attracted record-breaking participation of over 100,000 test takers across 47 countries.

Guatemala’s Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martinez told Reuters on Monday that the country is considering establishing formal trade relations with China while maintaining existing relations with Taiwan. 

Eswatini Foreign Minister Pholile Shakantu and her delegation have successfully completed their visit to Taiwan on Sunday. Shakantu met with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) during this time.

The Labor Ministry on Friday reminded workers and employers that the first few days of the Lunar New Year holiday are paid holidays. The ministry adds that if those days fall on days workers normally have off, such as weekends, the worker will still receive a total of four paid days off to be taken at another time.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill on Wednesday that would prevent certain people who receive income in both the United States and Taiwan from being taxed in both countries. The United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act was included in a larger package of tax bills known as The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024. The bill includes numerous tax cuts and tax credits for businesses and families.

The Tourism Administration has set a target for 12 million tourist arrivals in 2024 according to Transportation Minister Wang Kwo-tsai (王國材) in a Transport Ministry press conference on Wednesday.

President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) visited a military base on Taiwan’s outlying Penghu islands Tuesday morning. Tsai met with troops stationed there and inspected the naval logistics support command in the city of Magong. She observed the ongoing maintenance and repair operations for various types of ships and engines at the Magong base. She also visited the Air Force's Seventh Radar Squadron and presided over the completion ceremony of the Wude Camp.

Taiwan's Labor Ministry will launch a digital learning program this year to enhance Mandarin skills and caregiving proficiency among migrant workers and foreign caregivers.

President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Thursday met with bipartisan U.S. Congressional Taiwan Caucus co-chairs, Mario Diaz-Balart and Ami Bera, and Lithuania's parliamentary delegation led by Matas Maldeikis. 

The Foreign Ministry held a flag-awarding ceremony on Wednesday for a delegation from the Teen Diplomatic Envoy program. The delegation is set to depart for an 11-day diplomatic mission to Australia and New Zealand starting January 28. The group aims to strengthen ties and exchange experiences with the two Pacific nations.

The leaders of a Japan-Taiwan legislative group say that they hope to have three-way defense dialogues with officials from Japan, Taiwan and the United States. 

The Central Weather Administration (CWA) issued a cold surge advisory on Monday reminding the public to take precautions to stay warm especially in the coming days.

National Taiwan Normal University's (NTNU) Center for Addiction Prevention and Policy Research (CAPPR) hosted a pre-conference workshop on Friday for the 2024 Asia-Pacific Harm Reduction International Conference. The event was hosted in collaboration with the Academy for the Judiciary of the Justice Ministry and the Taiwan Harm Reduction Association. Experts from multiple countries joined Taiwanese counterparts to sign a harm reduction declaration.

President Surangel Whipps, Jr. congratulated Taiwan Presidnet-elect Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on his election victory during a video call on Wednesday.

The Foreign Ministry held a briefing on Tuesday for representative offices in Taiwan regarding the results of Taiwan’s recently concluded presidential, vice-presidential and legislative elections.

The Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday that it has determined that the Chinese military will continue to use various means to intimidate Taiwan in the future.

After the orderly completion of Taiwan’s election, the French Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Sunday congratulating Taiwan’s voters and candidates for their participation in the democratic process. The statement also congratulated the winning candidate but did not mention President-elect ​​Lai Ching-te (賴清德) by name.

Presidential, vice-presidential, and legislative elections are set to take place this weekend on Saturday, and the Labor Ministry reminds eligible voters that they can take the day off.  Eligible workers can exercise their political rights on a statutory day off under the Labor Standards Act.

The Nicaraguan government shut down four organizations with ties to Taiwan on Wednesday, accusing them of failing to submit their financial reports, thereby violating non-profit laws.

The Keelung Lighthouse, with a history spanning 123 years, officially opened to the public on Wednesday, becoming the 22nd lighthouse in Taiwan accessible to visitors.   

TPP Presidential Candidate Ko Wen-je’s (柯文哲) Youtube channel exceeded one million subscribers on Monday. This makes him the first Youtuber in Taiwan’s political arena to have reached this milestone.

The Defense Ministry announced that a Chinese military aircraft was detected entering Taiwan’s southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ) in a statement released on Monday. Three Chinese balloons also crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait.

The Central Weather Administration is predicting another wave of cold temperatures starting Saturday evening and continuing through to Monday.   

The Foreign Ministry stated on Thursday that Taiwan will donate 60 million Japanese Yen (US$417,000) to aid in rescue and post-disaster reconstruction efforts following the devastating earthquake that struck the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan on Monday.

A further four Chinese balloons were detected crossing the Taiwan Strait median line and into Taiwan’s northern and southwestern airspace on Tuesday, according to the Defense Ministry. Two balloons had been detected crossing the median line on Monday.

TSMC will be expanding its global manufacturing this year, with speculations about establishing a 3-nanometer plant in Japan.

On Monday, January 1, 2024, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) delivered her final New Year’s speech in office. She says Taiwan and the cross-strait relations’ future must be determined by Taiwanese people through the democratic system.

2023-12-29

2023-12-28

The Presidential Office on Wednesday revealed their spring couplets, red envelopes, and lucky bags for the upcoming Year of the Dragon.

The Foreign Ministry stated on Tuesday that the Somaliland National Electoral Commission Chairman Musa Hassan Yousuf will lead a delegation to Taiwan on January 3 for a six-day visit.

The Constitutional Court held an oral argument session on Monday to debate the decriminalization of public insult. Under Article 309 of the Criminal Code, those who publicly insult others face up to one year in prison, or a fine not exceeding NT$15,000 (US$300).

Chinese import of Taiwanese grouper will resume from Friday. In a press release, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesperson Zhu Fenglian (朱鳳蓮) confirms that China’s customs general administration has run a comprehensive evaluation and will allow import from qualified and registered fish breeding enterprises.  

Taiwan has donated US$1 million to establish a fund for Polish local governments and non-governmental organizations to aid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war humanitarian crisis. In a press release on Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been jointly signed by Union of Polish Metropolises President Tadeusz Truskolaski, Mayor of Poznań Jacek Jaśkowiak, and Taiwan Representative to Poland Sharon S. N. Wu (吳尚年).

2023-12-20

The Foreign Ministry highlighted Taiwan’s freedom of the press on Tuesday while answering media inquiries, stating that is one of the best in the Asia-Pacific region.   

On Monday, Taiwan’s legislature passed amendments to existing gun control laws, adding new provisions to prohibit the use of firearms in public. The crime of using firearms or ammunition to shoot in or towards public spaces now carries a minimum sentence of 7 years in prison and a fine of up to NT$15 million (US$500, 000).

A total of 10 Chinese military aircraft were detected to have entered Taiwan's central and southwestern air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Friday, according to the Defense Ministry.

Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), the longest-serving minister since Taiwan became a democracy, says he will step down in May, regardless of the outcome of the election. Wu, who has served in the position since February 2018, first made the comments in an interview with the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday. The Foreign Ministry then issued a press release on Thursday clarifying Wu’s comments.

The Cabinet held the Science and Technology Advisory Meeting on Wednesday with industry leaders, including TSMC Chairman Mark Liu (劉德音) and MediaTek Chairman Ming-Kai Tsai (蔡明介). 

Taipei 101, Taiwan’s most iconic skyscraper, announced on Tuesday that its 2024 New Year's Eve fireworks show will be themed "Colorful World". The show will feature 16,000 fireworks launched from the building, lasting 300 seconds.  

A Catholic priest in Taipei is calling for food donations to help migrant fishermen during the off-season in Taiwan. The Rev. Kaka Aie, an Indonesian priest from St. Christopher’s Church, made the comments during an exclusive interview with Rti News.2023-12-11

Taiwan Youth Association for Democracy (TYFD) announced the launch of an online fundraising campaign to allow students to return home and vote at a press conference on Friday.   

Taiwan chipmaker TSMC has reached an agreement with an Arizona labor union on the construction of the new chip factory, or fab, being built in the state.  

2023-12-06

Taiwan officially opened a new representative office in Montreal, Canada on Monday.

The Taiwan High-Speed Rail Corp. (THSRC) announced on Monday that it will be increasing the number of train services next year to better serve the needs of passengers through capacity enhancement.

The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) announced on Friday that this year’s Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award (ADHRA) will be awarded to a Filipino children’s rights advocate, Amihan V. Abueva.

Former U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger passed away at his home in Connecticut on Wednesday local time. He was 100 years old. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Thursday Taipei time extending condolences to his family and friends and saying that Kissinger played an important role in U.S. foreign policy.

The recent lowering of Taiwan’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth to 1.42% in 2023 is expected to affect the year-end bonuses given by companies. That’s according to a report released by one of Taiwan’s job banks on Wednesday.

The Foreign Ministry says there are no plans to change the name of the Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania, even if diplomatic relations between China and the Baltic state return to normal.

The Health Ministry will invest NT$48 billion (US$1.5 billion) over the next five years to elevate disability services in Taiwan, according to Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁). Chen stated this during a meeting with the recipients of the Chinese Mercy Love Association’s 26th Great Love Awards, which honors individuals with disabilities and their families for inspiring and selfless contributions.

All hopes of a joint opposition ticket in Taiwan's 2024 presidential election fell apart after disagreements between opposition candidates played out in full view of the media and public on Thursday night.

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry and the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) both affirmed the growth of Taiwan-U.S. exchanges on Tuesday, during a cocktail reception co-hosted by the ministry and the American State Offices Association (ASOA). According to their website, ASOA works to enhance trade and investment ties between individual U.S. states and Taiwan.

Following media reports questioning the need for confidentiality on a labor assessment report, Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) reassured the public that there were no procedural irregularities during an interview on Wednesday.  

Taiwan's representative to the U.S. Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) has submitted her resignation to the Foreign Ministry and returned to Taiwan to run for vice president in the 2024 election.

The historic agreement reached on Wednesday between two presidential candidates to run on a joint ticket in Taiwan’s 2024 presidential election appears to have fallen apart over the weekend.

Governor of Japan’s Chiba Prefecture Toshito Kumagai is asking Taiwan to adjust its import restrictions on food products from Chiba as he leads a delegation to Taiwan. Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan (鄭文燦) was among those to receive the delegation at the Executive Yuan’s Central Building on Thursday.

DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has chosen the current Taiwan representative to the U.S. Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) to be his vice presidential running mate, according to both CNA and Reuters citing sources with direct knowledge.

In major election news, two of the leading candidates for Taiwan’s 2024 presidential election announced their intention to run on a cross-party ticket on Wednesday. Kuomintang (KMT) candidate and current New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) Chairman Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) officially announced their intention to run together as president and vice president.

In a recent interview with Nikkei Asia, Environment Minister Hsueh Fu-sheng, voiced discontent over Taiwan's exclusion from the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28.

The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) says its plan to limit the number of Taiwanese group tourists traveling to China to 2,000 per day remains in place.

Taiwan and India are in the negotiation process of signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on migrant worker cooperation. The MOU is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Taiwan representative to the United Kingdom Kelly Hsieh (謝武樵) and U.K. representative in Taiwan John Dennis formally signed the Enhanced Trade Partnership Arrangement via video conference on Wednesday.

Tainan City was included in National Geographic Traveller magazine’s ‘Cool List 2024’ published on October 31. The travel magazine’s list enumerates the top 30 places to visit next year and not only includes locations with scenic landscapes but also those offering unique experiences and cuisine.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who arrived in China last Saturday for a four-day state visit, met with President Xi Jinping on Monday. Several news outlets have reported that both Xi and Albanese acknowledge the importance of having stable ties and welcome the improvement in bilateral relations. A sign widely interpreted as both parties open to moving forward from past trade and security disagreements.

The Federation of International Human Rights Museums-Asia Pacific (FIHRM-AP) is holding its first annual conference in Taipei. The conference is themed ‘Synerging for Human Rights’ and will last from Monday to Friday.

The Foreign Ministry on Friday thanked the Japanese government for helping evacuate a Taiwanese national and his family from Isreal the previous day. The Taiwanese man along with his Israeli wife and their two children were evacuated from Tel Aviv to Tokyo.

The second stage of Taiwan's public flu vaccine program began on Wednesday, targeting adults aged 50 to 64 with no high-risk chronic diseases.  

The Defense Ministry said on Wednesday morning that a total of 43 Chinese aircraft and seven ships were detected around Taiwan between 6 a.m. Tuesday and 6 a.m. Wednesday.

The fourth Taiwan Science Festival will be held from November 4 to 12 with the theme “Basic Sciences Create Future”. The event, co-hosted by the Education Ministry and the National Science and Technology Council, aims to enhance public scientific literacy through a diverse range of events such as exhibitions, experiments, and interactive performances.

In an interview at the Legislature on Monday, Economic Minister Wang Mei-hua (王美花) said that the economy is expected to gradually improve in the third and fourth quarters.

Taiwanese Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) expressed confidence in the U.S. security commitment to Taiwan at a Legislature meeting on Friday in response to comments made by American Institue in Taiwan (AIT) Chair Laura Rosenberger.  

The recent United States ban on the export of certain advanced AI chips to China is unlikely to have a big impact on Taiwan.

2023-10-25

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a two-year project to lay underground power cables throughout Taiwan’s outlying Orchid Island. Orchid Island has recently been pummeled by typhoons which destroyed power lines and homes, leaving residents without electricity. The cable project is expected to make the island more resistant to power outages during storms.

Health Minister Hsueh Jui-yuan (薛瑞元) said on Tuesday that the Health Ministry cannot promote the implementation of euthanasia in Taiwan. Hsueh says that the Health Ministry, as the official body responsible for overseeing medical personnel, is not suited to promote euthanasia.

President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) met with a delegation from the National Committee of American Foreign Policy (NCAFP) on Monday. Tsai thanked the NCAFP for regularly reporting on Taiwan-US relations and the situation in the Taiwan Strait. 

2023-10-20

The head of the United States’ unofficial embassy in Taiwan says that the conflict between Israel and Hamas will not impact U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Chair Laura Rosenberger made the comments during a press conference at AIT’s Taipei office on Thursday. It marked the final day of her 5-day trip in Taiwan, her third visit since taking office in March.

Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said in the legislature on Wednesday that the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict may raise humanitarian issues concerning refugees. He pointed out that these could affect individuals in Israel as well as Palestinian refugees in other countries. Wu said Taiwan should provide assistance when it can.

On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said that his ministry has helped evacuate 156 Taiwanese citizens from Israel safely amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. He adds that there are 147 citizens who have chosen to stay for the time being.

The Environmental Ministry has issued alerts for poor air quality starting from Monday. Nearly all of northern, western Taiwan and outlying Kinmen and Matsu islands are currently at orange and red levels, with the southern part of the island expected to reach red within the next couple of days.

2023-10-13

Taiwan's tallest skyscraper was alight with blue and white on Wednesday night,  representing the colors of Israel’s flag. The special lights were displayed on Taipei 101 from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m.

President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) delivered the opening speech at the 7th Yushan Forum which kicked off on Wednesday. The theme for this year’s forum is “Start A New Blueprint for Asian Development.”   

President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) delivered her last National Day address in front of the Presidential Office Building on Tuesday.  

Taiwan’s 21st pride parade will be the largest to date, taking over parts of Taipei’s Da’an District on October 28. Organizer Taiwan Rainbow Civil Action Association held a press conference on Friday to announce details and this year’s theme of “Stand with Diversity.”

In the aftermath of Typhoon Koinu, the extent of the wreckage done to Taiwan’s outlying Orchid Island is becoming clearer.

2023-10-05

2023-10-04

In response to the recent unification remarks by Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平), the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that it is clear the Chinese government does not understand what the Taiwanese people want.

Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison will be visiting Taiwan from October 11 - 12 to attend the 7th Yushan Forum, the Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.  

This year’s National Day Gala will be held at the Tainan Air Base, the first time the event has been held in the historic cultural capital.

In response to the latest territorial dispute between China and the Philippines, the Foreign Ministry reaffirmed Taiwan’s sovereignty over all the islands in the South China Sea on Thursday. 

All 12 diplomatic allies spoke on Taiwan’s behalf at the United Nations General Debate during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. That’s according to the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.   

2023-09-26

Several Taiwanese athletes secured wins in the categories of Judo, Taekwondo, and Gymnastics at the 2023 Asian Games taking place in Hangzhou, China.  

Chinese citizen rights activist Chen Siming (陳思明) has arrived in Taiwan seeking political asylum, according to a video he posted on Twitter on Friday.

Taiwan's Cabinet approved a draft minimum wage bill on Thursday, fulfilling a campaign promise of President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文).

Radio Taiwan International (Rti) celebrated its 95th anniversary with an event featuring remarks by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Tuesday. Additional speakers included Legislative Speaker You Si-kun (游錫堃), Ambassador of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to Taiwan Andrea Bowman, and Rti Chairperson Cheryl Lai (賴秀如).

Direct flights from Taoyuan, Taiwan to Wuhan, China resumed service on Monday after a three-year suspension with over 200 passengers on board the first plane. The Health Ministry initially announced a suspension of all direct flights to Wuhan by national airlines immediately following Wuhan’s lockdown in attempts to contain the outbreak of COVID-19 on January 23, 2020.

The National Defense Ministry reports that a total of 103 Chinese aircraft were detected over Taiwan’s air defense identification zone from Sunday to Monday.

2023-09-15

The foreign ministry says it views Japan’s recent Cabinet reshuffle as a positive development, according to a statement released on Thursday.

Taipei Canadian Trade Office’s director of trade and investment, Ed Jager, expressed confidence that a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) between Taiwan and Canada can be signed by the end of this year.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) announced on Tuesday that the 16th presidential and vice presidential election and the 11th Legislative Yuan election will be held on January 13, 2024. The CEC estimates approximately 19.5 million people will vote, with over 1 million first-time voters. The CEC will set up more than 17 thousand polling stations across the country.

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Spain has joined forces with the Filmoteca de Catalunya (Catalonia film archive) in Spain to exhibit four Taiwanese films by Edward Yang. This unique cinematic event is scheduled to run from September 12 to 24 and will feature a selection of his iconic films.

2023-09-08

The foreign ministry strongly condemned China for its continued distortion of Taiwan’s sovereignty on Wednesday.  The statement was made in response to media coverage of the meeting between Cambodia’s new Prime Minister Hun Manet and China’s International Department Minister Liu Jianchao (劉建超) on Sunday. According to the news coverage, Manet made assurances that the Cambodian government will continue to adhere to the One-China principle. He said that Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong are China’s internal matters.

Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) highlighted the unparalleled strengths of Taiwan's semiconductor manufacturers, while pointing to new challenges in the global supply chain influenced by geopolitics and economic uncertainties.

Taiwan will participate in 32 sports events in the Hangzhou Asian Games, with a total of over 500 participants and a total delegation of over 700 people. Due to the one-year delay caused by the pandemic, the games will begin on September 23. 

Local dengue fever numbers continue to rise, with a thousand new cases added in a single week. According to the CDC, over 4,000 local cases were distributed over 15 cities, with 18 severe and 4 deaths as of Sunday.

President Tsai meets with US delegation led by Vice Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee; Foreign Minister Wu encourages public service through the young diplomats program; Japan invites Taiwan rescue team for joint training in light of the 100th anniversary of the Great Kanto earthquake

President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) presided over an awards ceremony for military personnel on Thursday ahead of Armed Forces Day which is on September 3. Tsai was present for the granting of 196 awards across 7 categories. 

2023-08-30

  In an effort to secure Taiwan’s participation in the U.N., Foreign minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) once again called for the inclusion of the island country in an open letter sent to various media outlets.  

Foxconn Technology Group founder Terry Gou (郭台銘) announced his bid for the 2024 presidential election in a press conference on Monday.

Vice President and 2024 presidential candidate Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has reiterated his hope to work with China to maintain peace across the strait in a TV interview with Era Television on Thursday. Lai said that should there ever be a conversation between both sides, shrimp on fried rice and a cup of bubble tea would be served to Chinese president Xi Jinping (習近平). 

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou You-yi (侯友宜) is set to visit the U.S. in September, a press release issued by his campaign office voiced on Thursday. The press release stated that the visit aims to deepen Taiwan-U.S. exchanges and demonstrate Hou’s continued support for Taiwan’s free and democratic system.   

President Tsai pays respects to veterans at event commemorating the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis；Taiwan reaffirms sovereignty over South China Sea islands；Chinese military to hold live-fire drills off the Fujian coast

China announced the immediate suspension of Taiwan mango imports on Monday. According to China's Taiwan Affairs Office, the detection of citrus mealybugs in recent shipments pose a serious threat to China’s agricultural and ecological environment. This isn’t the first time China suspended the import of Taiwanese products amid continuing cross-strait tensions.   Taiwan Institute of Economic Research’s Dr. Darson Chiu said Taiwan’s agriculture ministry should first confirm whether the implemented quality control is up to standard. If there are no issues, Chiu infers that China is imposing trade restrictions to put pressure on Taiwan.   Chiu observed that the items China listed are not pressing necessities for China’s economy amidst recent discussions on the termination of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), which is a preferential trade agreement between Taiwan and China. The products include petrochemicals, machinery, textiles among others, making them easily replaceable by other markets.    Chiu speculated that additional restrictions towards Taiwan’s products uncritical to China’s economic development may follow. In comparison to the imports of information and communications technology products which increase year by year, China considers Taiwanese agricultural and fishery products low priority.     Chiu suggested that Taiwan adopt the strategy of making Taiwanese products irreplaceable. Since Taiwan produce is well known for its quality, Chiu recommended the agriculture ministry to diversify risk by focusing on the new southbound markets.  

Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) met with a 65-member delegation from Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Monday morning at the Presidential Office. Head of the LDP's Youth Division and Japanese Diet member Norikazu Suzuki led the delegation which included seven other Diet members, members of the Youth Division and local representatives.   In his speech, Lai said the LDP's Youth Division is the hope for Japan’s future development. He said he was pleased to see the Youth Division’s close cooperation with Taiwan’s political circles, especially that with the Democratic Progressive Party.   Lai highlighted the significance of exchanges between Taiwan and Japan saying both countries mutually benefit from deeper relations. He pointed to the increased travel from both sides and the record high of US$82.2 billion in overall trade volume as examples. Lai also stressed the need to work together to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region so countries, and the world as a whole, can prosper.   In response, Suzuki said that not only do Taiwan and Japan have a true friendship but also share the universal values of human rights and democracy. He also stressed how peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is of great importance to Japan and the international community. He said that the Youth Division will continue with the foundation built by its predecessors to bring Taiwan-Japan relations to new heights.  

Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), who just completed a diplomatic trip to Paraguay, spoke with reporters upon his return to Taiwan early Friday morning. Lai shared the positive results of the visit and emphasized the continuing strong bilateral ties of the two countries. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday that Taiwan will donate US$500,000 (NT$16 million) to assist in disaster relief and reconstruction following the wildfire in Maui, Hawaii.

Winners at the international Helsinki Cup youth football tournament, Ziqiang Elementary School girls team, were received by President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) at the Presidential Office on Wednesday. 

The Philippine Masskara Festival Parade, one of the biggest Filipino cultural events, will be back on the streets of Taipei on September 10. The activity, now in its fourth year, will feature more than 20 teams in colorful costumes and smiling masks.

The health ministry announced on Monday that Article 13 of the Sexual Assault Crime Prevention Act will be launched on Tuesday. The article is part of a revision which protects the rights of victims of sexual image crimes announced earlier this year.

President Tsai and others express their condolences to Hawaii’s fire victims; The Ministry of Justice says Taiwanese nationals can be prosecuted if filmed smoking cannabis abroad; Electric vehicle use soars as government funds charging infrastructure expansion.

The Childcare Policy Alliance (CPA) called on the government once again on Tuesday to change the current regulations for parental leave to help working parents and Taiwan’s low fertility rate. 

2023-08-09

2023-08-08

President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) attended the opening ceremony of the Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange (TCSE) in Kaohsiung on Monday.

2023-08-04

Four people have been injured following a fire that broke out at a research center in Pingtung County on Thursday morning. The fire at the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology’s (NCSIST) facility at the Jiupeng military base began for unknown reasons during a routine burning of leftover materials.

2023-08-02

The agriculture ministry officially launched today with the incumbent agriculture council chief, Chen Chi-chung (陳吉仲), taking the helm.   During the inauguration ceremony, Chen promised to continue to safeguard the rights and interests of farmers and fisherfolk by multiple means, including  lowering the production costs for farmers. Chen then mentioned plans for the provision of subsidies for agricultural machinery and equipment. He also added that exports of agricultural products to the U.S. and Japan will be vigorously pursued.  

The Taoyuan Airport MRT extension to the A22 Laojie River Station (老街溪站) began services on Monday.  

2023-07-28

2023-07-27

2023-07-26

2023-07-25

As of Monday morning Typhoon Doksuri is approximately 900 kilometers southeast of Hengchun heading north-northwest, with a maximum sustained wind speed of 144 kilometers per hour and a storm radius of 250 kilometers.

2023-07-21

Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) attended the “‘Green Finance towards Net Zero’ Agricultural Bank and Young Farmers for Net-Zero Initiative” event on Thursday morning. 

Taiwan and four allied countries in the South Pacific have signed a joint declaration on climate change. The statement was signed in a meeting by Tuvalu’s Governor Tofiga Falani, Palau’s state minister Gustav N. Aitaro, the Marshall Island’s natural resource and commerce minister John Silk, and Nauru’s climate change minister Rennier Gadabu.  

2023-07-18

The Central Weather Bureau (CWB) is warning the public that shore conditions will still be dangerous for the next few days even though Typhoon Talim has passed. Those going to the coast should pay special attention to safety as the weather remains unstable.  

2023-07-14

2023-07-13

Paraguay’s President-elect Santiago Peña met with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) as part of his five-day visit to Taiwan. The meeting which took place on Wednesday morning, marked 66 years since Paraguay and Taiwan established diplomatic ties and Peña’s first trip to Asia since winning the 2023 general election. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly stated on Tuesday that the ‘news’ on the evacuation of U.S. nationals in Taiwan are purely rumors.    MOFA spokesperson Liu Yung-chien (劉永健) gave the statement in response to false information being circulated on the social media app LINE. He further clarified that confirmation with the American Institute in Taiwan has been made on the matter.  

Homeowners with one self-use residential loan could be eligible for NT$30,000 in government support. Interior Minister Lin Yu-chang (林右昌) announced on Monday that homeowners can apply for the “Middle Class Support Project” through the official website of the Construction Department before December 29 of this year.

The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Chair Laura Rosenberger says meetings between American officials and Taiwanese presidential candidates are not “interviews.” Rosenberger’s comments were made during a roundtable discussion at the AIT Washington headquarters on Thursday local time. Rosenberger says the aim of such meetings is simply to establish an understanding, which is central to the close cooperation and partnership between the two sides.

2023-07-06

2023-07-05

A U.S. Congressional delegation led by U.S. Republican Study Committee (RSC) Chairman Kevin Hern arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday. The delegation has met with Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文). The two parties shared insight and exchanged views on the issues related to the Taiwan-U.S. relationship.

Taiwan’s health minister Hsueh Jui-yuan (薛瑞元) calls on those with a family history of lung cancer and heavy smoking to be screened as soon as possible. Hsueh said that there are about 500,000 people who meet the two screening criteria.

First part of the US-Taiwan trade deal sent to legislature for debate; Taiwan taxi drivers angered by new traffic regulations; New law could bar human rights violators from entering Taiwan

Several advocacy groups focused on LGBT+ and gender issues jointly released a policy white paper on Thursday, proposing more comprehensive policies to protect their communities. The paper was released just before the end of June, which is considered Pride Month.

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In her speech, Bartus thanked Taiwan for its assistance to the refugees in Ukraine and the sanctions imposed on Russia. She said that Poland is an important country in Eastern Europe with profound potential and goals to establish direct flights with Taiwan. Bartus added that they are particularly interested in the field of semiconductors and hope to cooperate on research and development, technology transfer, and personnel training.  

On Today's news: KMT vice chair attends Straits Forum in China, calling government restrictions “unnecessary”; Mandatory unpaid leave is on the rise among Taiwanese companies: Labor Ministry; and Korean cycling champions share moving story of warm treatment from #Taiwan police during a disastrous ride. 

2023-06-15

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) met with Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil on the 13th as part of his trip to Europe. Senate President Milos Vystrcil visited Taiwan in 2020 and has always been a staunch supporter for closer relations between the Czech Republic and Taiwan.   The foreign minister will also speak after Czech President Petr Pavel at a security conference hosted by the European Values Center for Security Policy think tank on the 14th. This is the foreign minister’s second visit to the Czech Republic after 2021.   The visit by Taiwan’s foreign minister has angered China, which has been consistently trying to isolate Taiwan on the international stage. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin (汪文斌) said on the 9th that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China's territory. He added that the one China policy is the prerequisite and political foundation for China to develop friendly relations with other countries in the world.   In Europe, Taiwan only has formal diplomatic relations with the Vatican but has extensive informal ties with many other countries. Countries in Central and Eastern Europe have been particularly eager to show support for Taiwan, especially after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Like the European Union, the Czech Republic officially follows a one China policy but maintains close ties with Taiwan.  

The first local case of dengue fever this year has been confirmed in Tainan City.  The CDC held a press conference on Tuesday to report their findings and assure the public that measures are being taken to prevent more cases. A 40-year-old woman living in Rende District, Tainan City, sought medical attention for persistent fever, dizziness, and abdominal pain earlier this month. The CDC said that this is a local case since she had not traveled abroad for 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms, and she had not been active outside of her neighborhood. The source of her infection is pending further investigation. The CDC has set up a regional command center to check and remove possible mosquito breeding sources and begin chemical control. Screening stations are also being set up in the community to prevent the spread of the disease. According to CDC statistics, there has been one local case of dengue fever and 45 imported cases so far this year. The disease is on the rise in the neighboring Southeast and South Asian countries and in the Americas, with more than 2 million cumulative cases worldwide. The CDC reminds the public that summer rains increase the chance of a dengue outbreak, and people are urged to eliminate possible mosquito breeding sources. The symptoms of dengue fever are fever, headache, pain in the back of the eyes, muscle and joint pain, rash, etc. Anyone experiencing these should seek medical attention and divulge any recent travel to medical personnel. 2023-06-13

A delegation of U.S. defense experts from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) arrived in Taiwan on Sunday for a six-day trip. The delegation, led by former U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Matt Pottinger, is scheduled to meet with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) along with her national security and foreign policy advisors, which include National Security Council’s deputy secretary Hsu Szu-chien (徐斯儉) and deputy foreign minister Roy Lee Chun (李淳).      The foreign ministry says the FDD delegation will provide policy recommendations on the topics of global and regional security, as well as national defense. Spokesperson for the foreign ministry Liu Yung-chien (劉永健) says Taiwan is on the democratic frontline fighting the authoritarian expansion, and is working with like-minded countries to handle the threats.    Former Israeli national security advisor Jacob Nagel and the FDD’s executive director Mark Dubowitz are also part of the delegation.  

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu will reportedly share the stage with Czech President Petr Pavel at a security conference, the 2023 European Values Summit, next week.    

  Taiwan prepares for new ferry route launch between Japan’s Yonaguni Island and Yilan County; Foreign ministry hopes Taiwan-US trade deal will encourage trade agreements with other countries; and Sticky rice dumpling prices on the rise. 

The New Power Party (NPP) has voiced concerns over the examination process timeline for the upcoming vacancies on the Supreme Court bench. The Supreme Court justices are expected to convene for an interim meeting June 14 to 21 to approve nominations.    The concerns come after President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) submitted four nominations to the Legislature on May 31. The NPP says that it thinks this meeting is too soon and will be rushed. It says this current time frame will not allow sufficient time for issues to be fully reviewed and that each nominee should receive half a day of independent questioning.   The NPP have raised ten areas of concern for the nominated individuals to address including gender equality and traffic safety. On Monday, NPP Legislator, Chiu Hsien-chih (邱顯智) said the most important criteria for examining the nominees is their ability to uphold human rights, not their position of authority.  

2023-06-06

Also, The head of AIT says the US will cooperate with the winner of Taiwan’s 2024 presidential election, regardless of the winner.

2023-06-02

The Foreign Ministry has announced that the first part of the US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade will be signed in Washington DC at 10AM local time.

Tuvalu Foreign Minister Simon Kofe has led a delegation to Taiwan for a six-day visit.

President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) says building a more resilient supply chain cannot be delayed. Tsai spoke on Tuesday at the opening ceremony for Computex Taipei 2023, an international trade show for information and communication technology. 

2023-05-29

President Tsai Ing-wen says the Transportation Ministry is currently discussing plans to revive cross-strait tourism and will make a public announcement once the plans are set.

Outgoing Paraguayan president says the country can increase trade with China without abandoning Taiwan; the defense ministry says that the delivery of 66 F-16 fighter jets is on schedule, despite some delays with the first two prototype units; after months of drought, heavy rainfall brings some of Taiwan’s reservoirs close to full capacity

2023-05-24

The Foreign Ministry says only Taiwan’s democratically elected government can represent its people in the WHO. The ministry spoke on Tuesday in response to China’s assertion at the World Health Assembly (WHA) on Monday that the “one China” principle allows Beijing to represent Taiwan.

2023-05-22

President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) met with former U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss at the Presidential Office on Friday.  

2023-05-18

2023-05-17

President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) says Taiwan’s partnerships with like-minded countries is the best defense against authoritarianism. Tsai made the statement via video on Monday at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit 2023. 

Taiwan’s first heavy ion cancer treatment center has opened at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) attended a ceremony on Monday celebrating the launch. The technology was obtained through a deal with Japanese research centers, marking the first time Japan has exported its heavy ion equipment overseas.    The NT$4.5 billion facility required nearly 14 years to complete from planning to opening. The center is the first of its kind in Taiwan and only the 14th in the world. Heavy ion therapy is a non-invasive form of cancer radiotherapy, in which precise radiation is delivered to tumor sites. It typically has few side effects for non-cancerous tissue and requires fewer treatment days than other forms of therapy, such as proton or photon therapy.   President Tsai said in her speech that she believes this technology fills a major gap in Taiwan’s cancer treatment capabilities. She said it will not only benefit patients, but will also enhance Taiwan's international medical competitiveness.   Taipei Veterans Hospital Superintendent Chen Wei-ming (陳威明) said that the treatment center has attracted global attention. He says the Mayo Clinic in the United States has already sent several experts to the facility, and that the two medical centers have signed a letter of intent for future cooperation.    Beyond medical treatment, the advanced equipment can also be used to test radiation resistance for components used in space technologies such as satellites.   The hospital has already been working with Taiwan’s National Space Center on projects such as the Fuwei 8 satellite which launched last August.  

Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) says business investments in Taiwan are the best way to bring stability to the region.

The  KMT party chair says they party will announce their “strongest” candidate for the 2024 presidential election next week, 1 dead and 10 injured as falling crane arm crashes into Taichung’s MRT, Customers are unsatisfied with Costco’s compensation plan for its recalled berries

 Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) thanks the United States’ support for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA)

Taiwan will work to strengthen its relationship with Saint Christopher and Nevis.

Saint Christopher and Nevis Deputy Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley has arrived in Taiwan with a delegation. The group landed on Monday and will meet with various officials about building stronger exchanges between the two countries.

President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) spoke on the phone with Paraguay’s President-elect Santiago Peña on Friday and congratulated him for winning the election.

2023-05-04

President Tsai Ing-wen says she hopes to see Taiwan and the United States finalize the U.S.-Taiwan 21st Century Trade Initiative by the end of this year.

2023-05-02

Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) says it has reduced its coal burning in the past few years, despite claims to the contrary by Foxconn founder and 2024 presidential hopeful Terry Gou (郭台銘 ).

A French delegation met with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Friday at Taiwan’s Presidential Office.

2023-04-27

Taiwan is closely monitoring the application of artificial intelligence, including deepfake technology and ChatGPT, in China’s cognitive strategies. At a legislative hearing on Wednesday, the National Security Bureau chief Tsai Ming-yen ( 蔡明彥) says China is using a combination of tactics to threaten Taiwan’s national security.   

President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) has conferred the Order of the Brilliant Star on Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei in recognition of his contributions towards advancing Taiwan-Guatemala ties.

2023-04-25

Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) thanks the U.S. House representatives for their open letter to the State Department asking Secretary Antony Blinken to invite President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit.

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China has conducted an unannounced military drill at the Yellow Sea, a marginal sea between mainland China and the Korean Peninsula.

French lawmaker Erick Bothorel reaffirms France’s stance on Taiwan and seeks to strengthen trade and cultural relations during his visit.

Taiwan and The Republic of the Marshall Islands on Thursday signed a bilateral agreement for the training and exchange of diplomatic personnel and a memorandum of understanding to fight climate change.

China’s hastily announced no-fly zone north of Taiwan has been reduced from 3 days to just 27 minutes, China announces investigation into Taiwan’s “trade barriers”, Hong Kong government says it has no intention of resuming relations with Taiwan

2023-04-12

President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) says China’s military drills surrounding Taiwan show a lack of responsibility for regional stability. Tsai made the remarks on Tuesday, four days after returning from her trip to visit Taiwan’s Central American allies.

China has placed sanctions on Taiwan’s diplomatic representative in Washington Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) along with her family and several US institutions on Friday.

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President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) will meet with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on April 5. That was according to Presidential Office spokesperson Chang Tun-han (張惇涵) on Monday. 

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The Foreign Ministry says values like freedom and democracy will prevail against the opposition and dollar diplomacy. That came from Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jeff Liu (劉永健) on Tuesday, two days after Taiwan and Honduras severed diplomatic relations.

President Tsai Ing-wen said Taiwan will not engage in “a meaningless contest of dollar diplomacy with China.” She made the remarks in a formal statement on Sunday after Taiwan and Honduras ended 82 years of official diplomatic ties.

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Taiwan is working to keep Chinese radio broadcasts from spreading pro-China content in Taiwan. That was the word from Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) on Tuesday, in response to reports of Chinese programs picked up on radios in Hsinchu and Miaoli counties.

News - 2023-03-13

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President Tsai Ing-wen’s presidency is coming to an end in 2024. Tsai is making diplomatic visits to Central American countries before stepping down, but a recent report about her potential visit to the United States is sparking some concerns.

A senior US defense official says China will not attack Taiwan before the end of this decade because it is too costly. United States Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Ely Ratner made the statement on Thursday at a speech at the Hudson Institute. That story and more in today's news.

2023-03-02

2023-03-01

The Central Epidemic Command Center says it plans to discuss in mid-April whether to remove the mask-wearing mandate on public transportation. The center made the announcement after noting an increase of only 9,908 local COVID-19 cases on Tuesday. That’s the second consecutive day with less than 10,000 reported cases.

2023-02-27

Taiwan has set a special budget this year to give US$60 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Those stories and more in today's news.

Taiwan to send troops to train in the US. Those stories and more in today's news.

2023-02-22

NT$380 billion (US$12 billion) will be allotted for Taiwan’s post-pandemic recovery plan. The announcement came from the Legislature on Tuesday, when the proposal was passed. The budget will cover a one-time universal cash payment, health insurance maintenance, public transportation expansion, student loan subsidies, and more.

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Taiwan will resume accepting visa applications from Hong Kong and Macau residents for individual travel on February 20.

2023-02-13

President Tsai Ing-wen brought her three retired guide dogs to an opening ceremony for a new guide dog school. Those stories and more in today's news.

2023-02-09

Taiwan has various measures in place to handle potential aerial threats from China. That came from Defense Ministry spokesperson Sun Li-fang (孫立方) on Tuesday, a few days after the United States shot down a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon found in its airspace.

President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) has led the swearing-in ceremony for new Cabinet members, including the new premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁).

Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) led the Cabinet to resign en masse on Monday. Former Vice President Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) will be the new premier. The new Cabinet will be sworn in on Tuesday.

2023-01-27

Former NBA star Jeremy Lin will be joining the Kaohsiung 17LIVE Steelers basketball team.

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Taiwan's national power provider says it's confident energy supply will not be an issue during the Lunar New Year. That was the word from the Taiwan Power Company spokesperson Wu Chin-chung (吳進忠) on Tuesday. 

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The Foreign Ministry says China’s recent military actions in Taiwan waters seriously damage regional peace and stability.

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Former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen is visiting Taiwan to discuss democratic freedom, Chinese military threats, and regional stability. Other top stories include rising COVID cases coming in from China and Taiwan's commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

2023-01-02

This program includes President Tsai Ing-wen's opinion about extending military conscription and other news stories.

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Taiwan has announced it is opening its fourth representative office in Canada, which will be established in Montreal.

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People at a research institute were delighted to find a leopard cat they released thriving in the wild. Those stories and more in today's news.

2022-12-09

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The foreign minister dispels online rumors that TSMC is leaving Taiwan. Those stories and more in today's news.

2022-12-02

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Taiwan is finally lifting its outdoor mask regulation beginning December 1. That story and more in today's news.

2022-11-25

The first case of the H5N1 avian flu was announced and a press conference was held to answer questions from the public. Those stories and more in today's news.

A candidate with a criminal record is leading the race in Miaoli. Those stories and more in today's news.

2022-11-22

Taiwan to raise cap on visitors in December. Those stories and more in today's news.

2022-11-18

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TSMC investing in Taiwan shows the country's importance and a security expert says a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is inevitable. This and more on today's news.

2022-11-01

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Taiwan's democracy is a model for the world. That was the word from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) Chair Kennety Wollack on Monday during his meeting with President Tsai-wen (蔡英文) at the Presidential Office. Those stories and more in today's news.

2022-10-21

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A judicial film festival will be happening in Taiwan next month. That story and more in today's news.

Extreme weather hits Taiwan. Those stories and more in today's news.

2022-10-17

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President Tsai Ing-wen said Taiwan is willing to work with China for a mutually agreeable cross-strait arrangement for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. She was speaking in her National Day address on Monday in Taiwan. Those stories and more in today's news.

2022-10-07

The Palau president visits Taiwan. Those stories and more in today's news.

Taiwan will reopen its borders on October 13.

Taiwan increased its defense budget by almost 13% to a record high of US$18.5 billion for 2023. That story and more in today's news.

Taiwan has rescued 285 victims of human trafficking in Cambodia so far this year. That story and more in today's news.

2022-09-30

Health officials say that Taiwan's number of COVID-19 cases has already peaked, and the count should slowly decrease over the coming months. Now that Taiwan has made it through the latest surge in cases, government officials are looking to make big changes to Taiwan's travel regulations.

2022-09-28

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Taiwan doesn't need to declare independence because it already is an independent country.

2022-09-23

2022-09-22

The US 7th Fleet says warships from the US and Canadian navies have made a freedom of navigation voyage through the Taiwan Strait.

2022-09-20

Taiwan is working to recover from two magnitude 6 earthquakes that damaged buildings, blocked roads and broke bridges in the east of the country.

The European Parliament has voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution that stands 

The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has passed a bill that would give Taiwan billions of US dollars in military funding.

Taiwan lawmakes are on a visit to the US. Those stories and more in today's newscast.

Digital Minister Audrey Tang wants to emulate Ukraine and make sure Taiwan has a backup plan in case its internet infrastructure is disrupted.

President Tsai Ing-wen has expressed her sadness at news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Another US delegation has met with President Tsai Ing-wen -- the sixth since US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stopped by in early August.

2022-09-07

Taiwan employs its diplomatic partners to push for its inclusion in the UN General Assembly and other stories on today's news program.

Starting September 12, Taiwan will allow travelers from certain countries visa-free entry into the country.

Taiwan's premier says the military's decision to shoot down a Chinese civilian drone over Taiwan's outlying Kinmen Islands was "the most suitable" response.

Taiwan's labor ministry has proposed raising the monthly minimum wage by 4.56%.

Kids go back to school with COVID again in the backdrop, the US approves over US$1 billion in weapon sales to Taiwan, and other stories on today's news.

Guatemala's Foreign Minister Mario Búcaro arrived in Taiwan on Monday and said his country would "always" be a friend of Taiwan's.

2022-08-26

President Tsai Ing-wen wants Taiwan to become a global leader in smart technology. That and more in today's news. 

2022-08-24

Taiwanese officials organize a workshop to combat transnational human trafficking. This and other stories on today's news.

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has met with President Tsai Ing-wen as part of a four-day visit to Taiwan to win over local chip manufacturers.

2022-08-19

The United States and Taiwan have agreed to begin talks under a new trade initiative.

Authorities announce a task force has been established to aid Taiwanese trapped in Cambodia. This, and other stories in today's news broadcast.

Taiwan's defense ministry says China's drills are an opportunity to train. Those stories and more in today's news.

A US delegation led by Ed Markey arrived in Taiwan on Sunday and left on Monday.

Taiwan signs patriot missile maintenance deal with US. That story and more in today's news.

Taiwan's economy ministry says it will spend US$6.7 million marketing the affected products overseas.

KMT Vice Chair Andrew Hsia has departed on a trip to China. That and more in today's news. 

2022-08-09

A delegation from Lithuania has met with Taiwanese transport officials to hammer out deals on electric vehicles, 5G networks and offshore wind. Those stories and more in today's news.

News service 2022/08/05

2022-08-04

President Tsai Ing-wen presents Nancy Pelosi with a medal. That and more in today's news. 

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to arrive on Tuesday night. That story and more in today's news

Premier Su Tseng-chang says Taiwan welcomes "foreign dignitary friends." All that and more in today's news bulletin.

The leaders of China and the United States spoke on Thursday about tensions in the Taiwan Strait. All that and more in today's news bulletin.

President Tsai Ing-wen received a delegation of Japanese lawmakers at the Presidential Office on Thursday. That and more in today's news bulletin.

President Tsai Ing-wen has called on democratic leaders to strenghten supply chain ties amonghst each other to combat rising authoritarianism. That and more in today's news. 

Taiwan's economics minister says the country will remain a center of the global semiconductor industry. That and more on today's news bulletin.

Taiwan's military has begun the live-fire section of its annual Han Kuang military exercise, designed to simulate a Chinese attack. That and more in today's news bulletin.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says it's important for the world to show support for Taiwan. That and more in today's news bulletin.

2022-07-21

President Tsai Ing-wen met with EU Parliament's Vice President Nicola Beer. That and more in today's news. 

Learn how the government is trying to protect crabs as they cross the road during breeding season. That story and more in today's news.

A lakeside footpath in rural Taiwan has been named the world’s first Quiet Trail. That and more in today's news bulletin.

The US House of Representatives has passed the United States' annual defense spending bill, which contained several pro-Taiwan amendments within its text.

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung has left his ministerial position to run for Taipei mayor this autumn.

Seven Japanese parliamentarians will visit Taiwan in late June. That and more in today's news. 

2022-07-12

Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te has been spotted making an unannounced visit to the family home of slain Japanese former prime minister Shinzo Abe.

Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been shot dead while campaigning in Nara, Japan. All that and more in today's news bulletin.

2022-07-07

Taiwan's pineapple exports fell short of this year's target by 30%. That and more in today's news. 

2022-07-05

Taiwan's Human Rights Commission has launched an investigation into sexual assault of children. All that and more in today's news bulletin.

President Tsai Ing-wen has called on global democracies to join with Taiwan in the fight against authoritarian expansionism. All that and more in today's news bulletin.

Taiwan says it’s happy to see NATO face up to China after members of the security pact agreed on a new “strategic concept” that names China as a threat to NATO interests.

The G7 leaders have stressed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for the second year in a row. That and more in today's news. 

2022-06-28

Taiwan's government has opened a new department dedicated to defending human rights and pushing forward transitional justice. All that and more in today's news bulletin.

President Tsai Ing-wen called on the world to put aside politics to fight disease on Friday. That and more in today's news bulletin.

Twenty-nine Chinese military aircraft fly into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone. All that and more in today's news.

A government delegation from Lithuania has arrived in Taiwan. All that and more in today's news bulletin.

2022-06-21

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Premier Su Tseng-chang says that the Taiwan Strait is international waters. That and more on today's news. 

Taiwan will not reach its goal of generating 20% of its energy from renewables by 2025. That was the word from Economic Minister Wang Mei-hua on Tuesday. She says Taiwan will meet this goal in late 2026 instead. 

Beijing has suspended imports of farmed grouper fish from Taiwan.

2022-06-10

2022-06-09

A delegation of French senators arrive in Taiwan on a six day trip meant to deepen exchange and expand dialogue between the two countries.

Deputy Speaker of the Slovak National Council Milan Laurenčík, the leader of the current Slovakian delegation to Taiwan, says Slovakia stands with Taiwan. Those stories and more in today's news.

Taiwan's army is buying new combat drones. Those stories and more in today's news.

Taiwan celebrated the Dragon Boat Festival public holiday on Friday.

Taiwan and the United States have created a trade initiative that Taiwan hopes will lead to a free trade deal.

China's Eastern Theater Command says it will ramp up military activity around Taiwan in response to "Taiwan-US collusion." All that and more in today's news. 

US Senator Tammy Duckworth said that Taiwan security has bipartisan support in the US Congress. That story and more in today's news.

Taiwanese lawmakers clashed in the legislature over a controversial amendment that will protect former President Chen Shui-bian from prosecution on corruption charges.

Health authorities in Taiwan reported 126 deaths from COVID-19 on Friday, the second day in a row that more than 100 people have died from the disease.

One hundred and four people were reported dead from COVID-19 on Thursday, the biggest number in Taiwan since the pandemic began.

In today's news, Taiwan submits a letter of protest to the World Health Organization.

Lithuania's Minister of Health Arunas Dulkys called for the World Health Organization (WHO) to invite Taiwan to participate in the WHA on Monday. Those stories and more in today's news.

US President Joe Biden said the United States would intervene if China were to invade Taiwan.

2022-05-20

Taiwan's health ministry says the current wave of COVID-19 infections should reach its peak by the end of the month.

2022-05-18

Thirteen member nation of the WHO have called to discuss Taiwan's participaton in the WHA. That story and more in today's news.

Taiwan aims to integrate its foreign policy more closely with the Quad security dialogue, which includes the United States, Japan, India and Australia.

Forty-one more people have died from COVID-19, Taiwan reported on Friday.

Taiwanese lawmakers are discussing changing the law to give same-sex couples the equal right to adopt. 

2022-05-11

The Pentagon's spokesperson John Kirby said that the US Defense Secretary did not affirm China's one-China principle in a recent phone call, as China's defense ministry has claimed. Those stories and more in today's news.

Taiwan's foreign minister believes Taiwan will have much support to join the World Health Assembly this year. That story and more in today's news.

The first Taiwanese climbed the world's third highest peak without bottled oxygen. That story and more in today's news.

Taiwan reported more than 30,000 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday.

Legislators and medical workers held a press conference on Wednesday morning pushing for Taiwan's inclusion in the WHA. That and more in today's news...

COVID vaccination of children began this week in Taiwan. Those stories and more on today's news.

Taiwan is restricting PCR testing to people with symptoms or a positive rapid test result.

The Swedish Riksdag is calling on the government to set up a House of Sweden in Taiwan, modeled on the existing House of Sweden in Washington, D.C.

The House of Representatives voted unanimously in favor of helping Taiwan regain its observer status at the World Health Assembly.

Slovakia's foreign affairs and health committees have voiced support for Taiwan's inclusion in this year's WHA. That and more in today's news.

Children aged six to 11 in Taiwan may get vaccinated for COVID-19 as soon as next week. Those stories and more in today's news.

Taiwan's foreign ministry has welcomed a show of support by senior diplomats from the US and EU.

A government official says more than a million rapid tests will reach store shelves by the end of the week.

Taiwan donates US$250,000 to assist Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia. That and more in today's news. 

Taiwan's defense minister said China is changing its military strategy towards Taiwan as it watches the Ukraine War. That story and more in today's news.

Ukraine's Parliament thanked Taiwan for support and highlighted the die-in protest in Taipei this past weekend on the social media app Telegram. That story and more in today's news.

Taiwan will allow people traveling from countries with a COVID risk similar to Taiwan's to enter the country without undergoing quarantine.

Gyms in Taiwan will require all visitors to be triple-vaccinated, starting next Friday.

Taiwan aims to import 40 million rapid test kits by the end of April.

The US State Department says that "criminal libel laws" are still a significant human rights issue in Taiwan. That and more in today's news. 

Taiwan's government published a Taiwan Civilian Defense Handbook on Tuesday. That and more stories in today's news.

2022-04-08

Reports by Japanese media say Nancy Pelosi will visit Taiwan in the coming days.

The United States has approved a US$95 million arms sale package to help maintain Taiwan's Patriot air defense systems. 

US Navy Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, the commander of the US Pacific Fleet, said on Monday that in the event of a Chinese attack, Taiwan's military and society would have to mobilize in an all-out defense of the island. Those stories and more in today's news.

Two Taiwanese designers have taken home Taiwan's first ever Grammy.

RTI is doing what it can to help fight fake news about the Ukraine War. It expanded its Russian language shortwave broadcasts to Russia and Ukraine. Those stories and more in today's news.

Taiwan reported its highest COVID-19 case numbers this year on Thursday.

Paraguay’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Luis Alberto Castiglioni is in Taiwan on an official visit. That and more stories in today's news. 

The US Senate passed the America Competes Act which supports closer US-Taiwan ties and removes limits on use of Taiwan's symbols by Taiwan's diplomatic and military officials. That story and more in today's news.

Taiwan's intelligence chief says China will be more cautious about invading Taiwan after seeing the response to the war in Ukraine.

Taiwan lawmakers have voted unanimously in favor of amending Taiwan's constitution to lower the voting age to 18.

Taiwan's foreign ministry has expressed its deepest condolences to the family of former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

President Tsai Ing-wen met with former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

Three-fourths of people in a recenty survey say Taiwan should extend its conscription from 4 months to a year. That story and more in today's news.

Marshall Islands President David Kabua is arriving in Taiwan on Monday for a five-day state visit.

Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang is urging lawmakers to vote in favor of lowering the voting age to 18.

Officials from a number of Taiwanese ministries will travel to Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Lithuania in the coming days.

Polls show people in Taiwan want to lengthen conscription time from 4 months to a year or longer. That story and more in today's news.

Mirage fighters have been grounded in the wake of a crash on Monday. Those stories and more in today's news.

A Mirage 2000 fighter jet has crashed off Taiwan's east coast. The pilot was rescued and sent to hospital.

Taiwan's defense minister says that the country's arned forces are learning from Ukraine's response to Russia's invasion

2022-03-10

Taiwan's Academia Sinica will host 10 academics and students from Ukraine.

Taiwan has been added to Russia's list of "unfriendly territories". Those stories and more in today's news.

The Presidential Office offers its condolences to the families of people killed by floods in Australia. 

President Tsai Ing-wen says human error was the cause of a countrywide power cut on Thursday.

Cities and towns across Taiwan suffered power outages on Thursday after a malfunction at a power plant in Kaohsiung City.

President Tsai Ing-wen met with former top US military officials who came to reassure Taiwan of US's support. Those stories and more in today's news.

Taiwan businesses donate NT$ 10 million to Ukrainian refugees along with a government donation of 27 tons of medical supplies for Ukraine. Those stories and more in today's news.

President Tsai Ing-wen attended a ceremony in Keelung City on Monday to mark the 75th anniversary of the 228 Incident.

The president said Taiwan will join sanctions against Russia. Those stories and more in today's news.

As Russia invades Ukraine, Taiwan and the world reacts.

Taiwan is looking forward to a shorter quarantine and looser COVID restrictions next month.

Taiwanese designer Apu Jan brings viewers a virtual tale through time and space at London Fashion Week. Those stories and more in today's news.

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is set to visit Taiwan next week.

Learn how Taiwan's investment fund for Lithuania will support more products from Lithuania and much more in today's news.

President Tsai Ing-wen assures the public that Fukushima food imports into Taiwan will be met with strict standards. That story and others in today's news. 

Taiwan's Medigen COVID vaccine got an EUA in Paraguay. Those stories and more in today's news.

Taiwan Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says authorities hope to cut the isolation period to 10 days and allow home quarantine.

Taiwan is the only country playing the Golden Horse Award winning documentary Revolution of our Times in theaters. The documentary is about the HK protests and premieres Feb. 25

Local COVID-19 cases spiked in Taiwan on Thursday, with 37 detected in total.

Somaliland Foreign Minister Essa Kayd is in Taiwan to meet with President Tsai Ing-wen.

Taiwan lifts 11-year ban on Japanese products from the five prefectures affected by the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Those stories and more in today's news.

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says Taiwan will remain at COVID-19 Alert Level 2 until at least the end of February.

An EU-China experts weighs in on the EU's move to takes China's discriminatory classes to the WTO. Those stories and more in today's news.

The coral on the outlying island of Xiaoliuqiu is at the risk of extinction. Those stories and more in today's news.

President Tsai visits the Hsinchu Zoo. Those stories and more in today's news.

2022-02-01

2022-01-31

Taiwan Vice President Lai Ching-te briefly met with US Vice President Kamala Harris at the inauguration of Honduras' new president.

Vice President Lai Ching-te has met with the next president of Honduras, Xiomara Castro. Lai is in Honduras to act as the special representative of President Tsai Ing-wen at Castro’s inauguration ceremony.

Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša has reportedly landed his country in hot water with China. That’s because of recent comments he made that were favorable to Taiwan. 

Vice President Lai Ching-te has set off for the Central American country of Honduras to represent Taiwan at the inauguration of the new Honduran president.

Taiwan reports 15 new local cases of COVID-19.

President Tsai Ing-wen has paid a visit to a military base in eastern Taiwan to encourage the armed forces ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday.

Taiwan is preparing to send medical experts and supplies to the Pacific island nation of Palau to help the country tackle a COVID outbreak.

Vice President Lai Ching-te is set to travel to the Central American nation of Honduras next week to attend the inauguration of the country’s new president. 

Taiwan and Slovenia are going to set up representative offices. That story and more in today's news.

Taiwan's domestic outbreak of COVID-19 continued on Monday, with 17 new local cases reported.

Taiwan’s navy has commissioned new high-speed minelayers built in Taiwan.

President Tsai Ing-wen has met with the family of an air force pilot who went missing on Tuesday during a training flight. Tsai expressed her sympathy for the family on Thursday, and called for the search and rescue operation to be swift and thorough

A military helicopter has found wreckage from an F-16V fighter jet that crashed on Tuesday, but the pilot of the crashed jet remains missing.

Taiwan businesses are buying Lithuanian goods blocked by China. That story and more in today's news.

Taiwan's recent domestic COVID cluster is growing. That story and more in today's news.

Voters in Taipei’s fifth electoral district are set to go to the polls on Sunday to decide whether to recall lawmaker Freddy Lim.

Taiwanese lawmakers are calling for harsher penalties for drunk drivers, including longer prison sentences and even the death penalty. Lawmakers met on Thursday in response to public demand for a crackdown on drunk driving after several fatal accidents in December.

2022-01-05

Taiwan is tracing a new string of domestic COVID cases. That story and more in today's news.

2022-01-03

2021-12-31

Find out about how Taiwan celebrates New Year's Eve - starting with the battle at convenience stores - in today's news.

A recent poll shows 72% would fight for Taiwan. That story and more in today's news.

Learn about how the US is planning closer military cooperation with Taiwan in today's news.

President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte says that his country would stay out of any war in the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party and Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party have held a second round of virtual talks. On Friday, two representatives from each of the parties met virtually to discuss international affairs and economic policy

Foreign Minister Joseph Wu says that Taiwan’s diplomatic ties with the Central American nation of Honduras are not at risk. Wu was speaking before the legislature’s foreign affairs committee on Thursday. 

The European Commission has decided to recognize digital COVID-19 vaccination certificates issued in Taiwan. The policy comes into effect on Wednesday, December 22. In a press release on Tuesday, Taiwan’s foreign ministry said that all legal residents of Taiwan with Taiwan-issued digital vaccination certificates will not have to provide a negative PCR test result before boarding their flights. They will also not be required to undergo quarantine upon arrival in Europe. However, in order to take advantage of the new regulation, the travelers must be vaccinated with a vaccine type approved for use by the European Medicines Agency. When asked whether this means Taiwan’s own Medigen brand of COVID-19 vaccine will be approved in the European Union, Health Minister Chen Shih-chung said that each EU member state has its own rules. He said the European Commission’s decision only involves digital certificates, and that individual countries set their own standards for vaccine approval. Chen also said that Taiwan is in the process of discussing similar treatment of Taiwan-issued digital certificates in other countries. Taiwan has not yet started issuing COVID-19 digital vaccination certificates. Health Minister Chen says more information on that will be made available next week.

2021-12-21

Taiwan will be sending five to eight athletes to Beijing's Winter Olympics. Those stories and more in today's news.

A quarantine hotel in Taoyuan has been the site of a new outbreak of the Delta variant of COVID-19. Eight people staying on three separate floors were reported ill on Thursday. 

President Tsai Ing-wen has met with a delegation of French lawmakers from France’s National Assembly. 

A delegation from France’s National Assembly arrived in Taiwan Wednesday morning. François de Rugy, chair of the French National Assembly's France-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, is at the head of the six-person delegation. The delegation is scheduled to stay in Taiwan until Sunday.

2021-12-14

2021-12-13

Taiwan and the Central American nation of Nicaragua have cut off diplomatic ties. In a statement, the Nicaraguan foreign ministry indicated that the country will now seek to establish relations with China instead.

Taiwan has placed 16th on Swiss business school IMD’s annual global talent competitiveness ranking. That’s four places up from last year’s ranking, and also the highest ranking Taiwan has achieved in the past decade. 

Foreign Minister Joseph Wu has thanked the United States for including language supportive of Taiwan in its 2022 defense spending bill. 

2021-12-07

A Slovakian government delegation has arrived in Taiwan for trade talks.

Reuters is reporting that the Central American nation of Honduras could end up backing away from a proposal to cut its ties with Taiwan.

2021-12-02

Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng says that Taiwan’s acceptance of the US loans for military spending will depend on the specific conditions that come with them.

The French Parliament passes a resolution supporting Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the WHO. Those stories and more in today's news.

President Tsai Ing-wen has formally received a group of lawmakers from Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia at the Presidential Office.

A bipartisan delegation of US Congress members arrived in Taiwan late Thursday for a two-day visit. This is the second delegation of US Congress members to visit Taiwan this month. 

Taiwan has been invited to take part in a virtual Summit for Democracy to be hosted by US President Joe Biden next month. Digital Minister Audrey Tang and Taiwan’s envoy to the US Hsiao Bi-khim have been tapped to represent Taiwan during the event. 

Taiwan is set to host lawmakers from around the world for a two day forum on democracy in December. 

Find out when direct flights between Palau and Taiwan and much more in today's news.

Foreign Minister Joseph Wu says he believes Lithuania is capable of withstanding intense political pressure from China in order to strengthen ties with Taiwan.

Foreign Minister Joseph Wu says that the cross-strait situation has never before been as tense as it is now. That came during an interview with German-language Swiss broadcaster SRF, broadcast on Wednesday. 

The foreign ministry is criticizing Beijing for its recent statement on the Taiwan Relations Act and the United States’ Six Assurances to Taiwan. 

Taiwan is the world’s sixth most transparent country in terms of defense and security matters. That’s according to the latest Government Defense Integrity report from global anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International.

Hear what US President Joe Biden and Chinese Communist Party Chairman Xi Jinping said about Taiwan in their virtual summit in today's news and more.

After authorities lifted a ban on entry to migrant workers last week, the first group of Indonesian caregivers is due to arrive in Taiwan on Wednesday.

The President of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernández, is set to make an official visit to Taiwan. President Hernández is expected to arrive on Friday evening and meet President Tsai Ing-wen on Saturday morning.

The foreign ministry is protesting China’s insistence that Taiwan’s participation in APEC be contingent on the “one China principle”. 

New Zealand Minister of Trade Damien O’Connor says that members of the CPTPP trade bloc welcome applications to join the bloc from the UK as well as from both China and Taiwan.

The National Defense Report 2021 was published on Tuesday. The report says Taiwan has laid out four strategic plans to upgrade its military.

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says authorities will be able to use up 594,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses before they expire at the end of the month.

Premier Su Tseng-chang is criticizing Taiwan’s main opposition party for its stance on pork imports containing the chemical ractopamine.

Economics Minister Wang Mei-hua says that Taiwan could miss its chance to join the CPTPP trade bloc if an upcoming referendum on pork imports passes. 

A delegation from the European Parliament has arrived in Taiwan for a three-day visit.

The WTO will be discussing on Wednesday the case of China banning Taiwan's fruit imports and the legitimacy of its actions. This year, China has banned the imports of several of Taiwan's fruits, including pineapples, wax apples and custard apples.

Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center says arrivals from December 14 can quarantine for ten days in a hotel, followed by four days at home.

Taiwan’s main political parties appear split over President Tsai Ing-wen’s announcement that US troops are in Taiwan, training Taiwan’s military. Tsai made the announcement during an interview with CNN, published on CNN’s website Thursday. 

President Tsai Ing-wen has confirmed that US troops are in Taiwan helping to train Taiwanese forces. That came during an interview with CNN published on Thursday.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent remarks backing Taiwan’s participation in UN structures have induced a strong and predictable reaction from the Chinese authorities and Communist Party mouthpieces.

The European Parliament is planning to send a delegation to Taiwan to learn about countering disinformation from China. Those stories and more in today's news.

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says health authorities will soon announce a plan for Lunar New Year which could see quarantine rules relaxed in order to accommodate returning Taiwanese.

US President Joe Biden says that the United States would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack.

Foreign Minister Joseph Wu is set to embark on a tour through Central Europe. 

Science Minister Wu Tsung-tsong says thatTaiwan will invest over NT$25 billion (US$896 million) in space technology. That came during a Wednesday press conference attended by major players in the high tech industry.

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu is going to visit the Czech Senate for a forum about Taiwan and Rome for an Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) conference this month.

Taiwan hits a landmark three zeroes for its COVID stats, the first time in 193 days. Those stories and more in today's news.

Expressions of grief have poured in from across Taiwan in the aftermath of a deadly blaze in Kaohsiung City that killed at least 46 people.

A study published on Thursday in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet Respiratory Medicine says the Taiwan-made Medigen COVID-19 vaccine offers 80-90% protection against the disease. That came a day after the vaccine was approved for emergency use in the African nation of Eswatini.

Find out how Typhoon Kompasu affected Taiwan and much more in today's news.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council tells China that there is no subordinate partner in cross-Strait relations.

Senior Taiwan government officials have neither confirmed nor denied a recent media report saying that members of the US military have been deployed in Taiwan for at least a year. 

President Tsai Ing-wen has met with former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott at the Presidential Office in Taipei.