Taiwan Headlines, Mar. 22, 2021–transcript

A coalition of environmental activists has submitted over 700,000 signatures in support of a referendum to move the site of a proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal over concerns of damage to an algae reef in Taoyuan.The signatures submitted easily surpass the second-stage legal threshold, so it will likely be on the ballot on Aug. […]
Taiwan Headlines, Mar. 6, 2021

Irrigation agency to pray to Matsu. Pandemic toll hits 10, domestic vaccines could start production in July. Chen Po-wei recall passes first hurdle. Jaw vows to train 1000 influencers. KMT fights irrigation nationalization. Mixed news on NSP. Guam removes Taiwan from “Greater China”. US Indo-pac commander worried. Chinese Premier speaks on Taiwan.
Taiwan Headlines, Feb. 10

Taoyuan outbreak not contained. Vaccines are coming. International students to be allowed in. 3Q recall passes first hurdle. Exports boom. President comments on China ties, China lies in return, and Chiang supports Tsai. Prague Mayor slams China, praises Taiwan ties.
Taiwan Headlines, Jan. 7

Data released by the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS) shows that the number of people in Taiwan’s workforce averaged 11.964 million from January to November 2020.This represented growth of 0.16 percent from the same period in 2019 and is the lowest growth level ever recorded for that time frame.A DGBAS official said […]
Taiwan Headlines, Dec. 31

Starting Jan. 1, only Taiwan citizens, foreigners holding Taiwan residency and people in a few other categories will be allowed to enter the country.Exemptions to the entry ban also include diplomatic and service passport holders, business personnel who are fulfilling contractual obligations, humanitarian visa holders, the spouses or minor children of Taiwanese, and people who […]
Tsai makes moves on Taiwan-US relations–Taiwan Report News Brief transcript

Summary: This is a big show solely focused on Taiwan-US relations, including the Chinese Communist mouthpiece Global Times speculates the US is planning to set up a consulate in Taiwan, Health Secretary Azar’s important visit, President Tsai is ramping up efforts to improve ties with the US and more tea leaf reading on Joe Biden’s […]
Naked provocations in Copenhagen–Taiwan Report News Brief transcript

Business updates Taiwan has moved up five places from last year to 11th in the latest annual world competitiveness ranking released by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD).The global top 10 was led by Singapore, followed by Denmark, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Sweden, Norway, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. […]
Poll: Hou Yu-yi is a powerhouse, but KMT is in the doghouse–Taiwan Report News Brief transcript

Coronavirus updates The Ministry of Education (MOE) said it will help facilitate the return of foreign students who wish to continue their studies in Taiwan but have not been able to do so due to the country’s border restrictions amid the pandemic.The MOE said, however, that such an undertaking would depend on whether the Central […]
The Poor People’s Republic of China Sadly has to Threaten Taiwan Because it has No Choice

For years prominent commentator (and my co-host on Current Affairs Taiwan) Michael Turton has pointed out that both the carrots and the sticks employed by the PRC are intended to portray itself as the victim. In their framing, in spite of all their peaceful efforts and generous offers to Taiwan “compatriots”, stubborn Taiwan “secessionists” colluding […]