6 AUGUST 2019
Popular Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je offers ‘another choice’ with launch of new political party, the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP)
Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, 60, said he wanted to change Taiwan’s political culture and offer people “another choice” beside the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT)
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3021682/popular-taipei-mayor-ko-wen-je-offers-another-choice-launch-new
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190806_64/
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3759723
20 JULY 2019
Pro-independence Formosa Alliance forms political party
The pro-independence Formosa Alliance formed a political party on Saturday, saying that it hoped to field at least 10 candidates in the legislative election next January and give independence-leaning voters an alternative to the current ruling party
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201907200013.aspx
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3019452/hardliner-helm-taiwans-new-party-says-it-wont-field
15 JULY 2019
Taiwan KMT party picks mayor Han Kuo-yu over ex-Foxconn chief for 2020 run
Taiwan’s main opposition party picked a pro-China populist mayor Monday as its candidate for the 2020 presidential race against an incumbent who often bashes Beijing
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3744783
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190715_14/
3 JULY 2019
TAIWAN’S 2020 ELECTION: THE MAKING OF THE PRO-CHINA AND ANTI-CHINA BLOCKS IN TAIWANESE SOCIETY
13 JUNE 2019
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen wins ruling party’s nomination for 2020 election
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) is to represent the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the 2020 presidential election after beating by 8.2 percentage points her sole challenger, former Premier Lai Ching-te (賴清德), in the party’s primary, the result of which was released Thursday
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201906130005.aspx
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190613_49/
20 MAY 2019
Taiwanese President. Tsai determined to seek 2nd term
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen reiterated on Monday that she aims to win a second term in next year’s presidential election. But her party is in disarray over selecting a candidate
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190520_31/
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3706106
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2019/05/21/2003715519
17 MAY 2019
Taiwan becomes first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage
The law was approved today. Starting on 24 May, gay couples, aged 18 and over, will be able to register their union, adopt their partner’s biological children, have access to the same medical coverage, and inherit. Marriage is not allowed with people from countries where same-sex unions are not recognised
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/afav/201905170008.aspx
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/17/taiwan-becomes-first-asian-county-to-legalise-same-sex-marriage
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/taiwan-gay-marriage-rights-law-debate-11541324
27 APRIL 2019
Taiwan’s president reaffirms anti-nuclear stance at march
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has reaffirmed her opposition to nuclear power before marching with anti-nuclear protesters
https://www.foxnews.com/world/taiwans-president-reaffirms-anti-nuclear-stance-at-march
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/asoc/201904270012.aspx
4 APRIL 2019
Who Will Win the 2020 Taiwan Presidential Election?
The first two candidates are Eric Chu and the present President Tsai Ing-wen. Chu was the first KMT politician to announce his presidential bid, on the day after stepping down as the Mayor of New Taipei in December 2018
http://ippreview.com/index.php/Home/Blog/single/id/933.html
18 MARCH 2019
Former premier William Lai makes bid for Taiwan presidency
Former premier William Lai (賴清德) launches his campaign to become the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) 2020 presidential candidate today (Monday, March 18)
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3660523
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/taiwan-independence-backer-lai-ching-te-set-to-challenge-tsai-ing-wen-for-presidency
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190318_24/
14 MARCH 2019
Taiwan to strip citizenship of Beijing devotees
Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior is reportedly seeking to strip the citizenship of a Taiwanese woman who is now a member of China’s top political consultative body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, after she made a controversial televised speech calling for reunification during the CPPCC’s annual session
https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/03/article/taiwan-to-strip-citizenship-of-beijing-devotees/
2 MARCH 2019
Cardinal Filoni: The Pope’s affection for Taiwan and Taiwan’s for the Pope
The Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples was Papal envoy at the National Eucharistic Congress. At least 10 thousand Catholics participated in concluding Mass
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Card.-Filoni:-The-Pope’s-affection-for-Taiwan-and-Taiwan’s-for-the-Pope-46395.html
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201903020014.aspx
19 FEBRUARY 2019
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen says she will run for re-election in 2020
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen told CNN in an interview she will run for re-election as the island’s leader in 2020, despite her flagging popularity and growing hostility from Beijing
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/taiwan-president-tsai-ing-wen-says-will-run-for-re-election-in-2020
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/02/19/asia/tsai-ingwen-taiwan-2020-intl/index.html
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2019/02/20/2003710048
14 FEBRUARY 2019
Declining Taiwanese identity?
11 JANUARY 2019
Taiwan names Su Tseng-chang as new premier
Following Premier William Lai’s (賴清德) announcement of a cabinet reshuffle, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) officially introduced former Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌), as long predicted, as Lai’s successor at a press conference on Friday
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3614924
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2019/01/12/2003707770
6 JANUARY 2019
Taiwan’s ruling party DPP elects Cho Jung-tai as new chairman
Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) elected former Cabinet Secretary-General Cho Jung-tai as its new chairman on Sunday (Jan 6)
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3611382
https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/taiwans-china-sceptic-ruling-party-opts-for-moderate-new-leader-1.61276903
1 JANUARY 2019
Full text of President Tsai Ing-wen’s New Year’s Day Speech
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Tuesday delivered her New Year’s Day address, in which she proposed for the first time the « Four Musts » as the basis for moving relations between Taiwan and China in a positive direction
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201901010015.aspx
27 DECEMBER 2018
Taiwan: Thousands of ‘yellow vest’ protesters call for tax reform
Thousands of Taiwanese protesters, taking a page from France’s yellow vest movement, marched on Thursday for the third time this month, demanding lower taxes and the fair handling of tax disputes
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/12/taiwan-thousands-yellow-vest-protesters-call-tax-reform-181227070013725.html
10 DECEMBER 2018
Taiwan’s former point man on cross-strait ties Chiang Pin-kung dies at 85
Chiang Pin-kung, former vice chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party and Taiwan’s former point man for talks in cross-strait ties, passed away on Monday (Dec 10) in Taipei
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/taiwans-former-point-man-on-cross-strait-ties-chiang-pin-kung-dies-at-85
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201812100024.aspx
24 NOVEMBER 2018
Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen resigns as chair of ruling DPP after losses in local polls
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen resigned as leader of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on Saturday (Nov 24) after the pro-independence party suffered major defeats in key mid-term polls, a blow to her prospects for re-election
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/taiwan-president-quits-party-leadership-after-local-election-results-21922
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2018/11/25/2003704879
20 OCTOBER 2018
Thousands rally for Taiwan independence vote
The first large-scale pro-independence rally in a generation has brought thousands of people onto the streets of Taipei. China has recently strengthened its determination to bring the self-ruled island under its control
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/thousands-rally-for-taiwan-independence-vote-10847428
https://www.dw.com/en/taiwans-independence-rally-draws-thousands-irks-china/a-45959548
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201810200012.aspx
12 OCTOBER 2017
The Challenges and Opportunities for Higher Education in Taiwan
5 OCTOBER 2018
Taiwan pardons more than 1,200 ‘White Terror’ victims
Taiwan wiped the criminal records of 1,270 victims of the island’s « White Terror » purges on Friday (Oct 5), the first time the government has fully exonerated those who suffered political persecution under martial law
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/10/05/restoration-honour-taiwan-pardons-1200-white-terror-victims/
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/taiwan-pardons-more-than-1-200-white-terror-victims-10795236
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3545643
13 JUNE 2018
Taiwan New Party officials indicted for working on behalf of China
New Party spokesman Wang Ping-chung (王炳忠), his father and two supporters were indicted for violations of the National Security Act Wednesday, including recruiting serving and retired military officers to work for China
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3456152
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201806130014.aspx
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2018/06/15/2003694912
12 JUNE 2018
US lauds Taiwan ties in dedication of new de-facto embassy
The U.S. dedicated a new de-facto embassy in Taiwan on Tuesday in what officials described as an indicator of robust ties with the self-governing island democracy that China claims as its own territory
https://www.newdelhitimes.com/us-lauds-taiwan-ties-in-dedication-of-new-de-facto-embassy/
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3455223
https://www.voanews.com/a/us-opens-new-de-facto-embassy-in-taiwan-angering-china/4435101.html
8 JUNE 2018
What it means to be Taiwanese
While China’s campaign to isolate Taiwan is working with certain countries, carriers and corporations, it is also contributing to what was already a rising tide of Taiwanese nationalism
http://www.atimes.com/article/what-it-means-to-be-taiwanese/?utm_source=The+Daily+Report&utm_campaign=3b7c8749c1-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_06_08_12_21&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1f8bca137f-3b7c8749c1-31591405
15 MAY 2018
Taiwan court hands former president Ma Ying-jeou 4-month jail term over information leak
A court in Taiwan on Tuesday sentenced former president Ma Ying-jeou to four months jail over a leak of information related to national security, legal documents showed, but he vowed to appeal, and could avoid jail altogether by paying a fine
http://www.asiaone.com/asia/taiwan-court-hands-former-president-ma-ying-jeou-4-month-jail-term-over-information-leak
https://chinapost.nownews.com/20180515-319429
30 MARCH 2018
Fury as Man Booker bows to pressure to list Taiwan as Chinese province
One of the world’s most prestigious literary prizes has been dragged into a diplomatic spat between China and Taiwan after it caved in to pressure from Beijing to change the nationality of a Taiwanese nominee on its website
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/03/30/fury-man-booker-bows-pressure-list-taiwan-chinese-province/
Renowned Taiwan writer Li Ao dies, aged 83
Taiwan’s famous writer and political commentator Li Ao died of brain cancer at the age of 83
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/renowned-taiwan-writer-li-ao-dies-aged-83
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-43458915
http://www.theindependent.sg/li-ao-writer-of-96-banned-books-in-taiwan-dies-at-82/
14 MARCH 2018
Taiwan ranked world’s 26th happiest country
Taiwan has been ranked as the world’s 26th happiest country and the happiest country in East Asia, in a report released Wednesday that compares the happiness level of 156 countries, assessing factors including average life span, social support and corruption
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/asoc/201803140031.aspx
1 NOVEMBER 2017
Taiwan’s enduring death penalty
The pace of executions in Taiwan has waxed and waned over recent decades — after a nearly five-year pause in executions, 33 people were executed between 2010 and 2016. Today, the death penalty remains legal, popular and contentious
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2017/11/01/taiwans-enduring-death-penalty/
4 OCTOBER 2017
Meeting Of Minds: Taiwan’s Yushan Forum slated to become an important dialogue platform
In a significant development, Taiwan is preparing to host the first edition of the Yushan Forum on October 11 and 12 to complement its New Southbound Policy of engagement with 18 countries in Asean, South Asia and Oceania
https://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/talkingturkey/meeting-of-minds-taiwans-yushan-forum-slated-to-become-an-important-dialogue-platform/
18 SEPTEMBER 2017
The White Wolf of Taiwan
Zhang Anle and his solution for the cross-strait dilemma
http://thediplomat.com/2017/09/the-white-wolf-of-taiwan/
8 SEPTEMBER 2017
Taiwan’s opposition leader faces internal and external challenges
Supporters of the KMT feel increasingly helpless at home and abroad. If the KMT further abandons its various ties and linkages with mainland China, it may well literally mean the end of the ROC at an earlier date. Can Wu reverse the unfavorable trend? The 2020 presidential election would be definitely decisive
http://ippreview.com/index.php/Home/Blog/single/id/546.html
5 SEPTEMBER 2017
Tsai names Tainan Mayor Lai Ching-te as premier
President Tsai Ing-wen named Tainan City Mayor Lai Ching-te as replacement for outgoing Premier Lin Chuan during a news conference at the Presidential Office Sept. 5 in Taipei City
http://www.taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=2&post=120984
https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Policy-Politics/Taiwan-s-next-premier-thought-to-be-China-moderate?page=2
4 SEPTEMBER 2017
Taiwanese premier resigns amid rising public discontent, but says he completed his major missions
Taiwan will appoint a new premier and form a new cabinet later this week following the resignation of incumbent Lin Chuan amid growing criticism of the government’s performance
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2109632/taiwanese-premier-set-resign-amid-rising-public
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201709040026.aspx
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2017/09/05/2003677820/1
15 AUGUST 2017
Minister resigns over massive Taiwan blackout
Taiwan’s Economic Affairs Minister Lee Chih-kung resigned after a malfunction at the island’s largest natural gas plant on Tuesday (Aug 15) caused a massive blackout that affected millions of households amid a heatwave
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/minister-resigns-over-massive-taiwan-blackout-reports-9125906
8 JULY 2017
Taiwan’s president is now less popular than Trump. Here’s why
Tsai’s approval rating sank to 33 % in June, down from just 39 % a month earlier
http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-taiwan-tsai-approval-2017-story.html
10 JUNE 2017
‘Tremendous loss to Taiwan’: Acclaimed director Chi Po-lin killed in helicopter crash on assignment
Acclaimed Taiwanese director Chi Po-lin, 52, have died in a helicopter crash on Saturday while filming the sequel of award-winning environmental documentary Beyond Beauty: Taiwan from Above
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/asoc/201706100018.aspx
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2017/06/10/tremendous-loss-taiwan-acclaimed-director-believed-killed-helicopter-crash-assignment/
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2017/06/10/498550/beyond-beauty.htm
28 MAY 2017
From friends to bitter enemies: Taiwan president refuses to pardon Chen Shui-bian
Former President Chen Shui-bian, on medical parole from a 20-year jail sentence for corruption, is challenging his ex-protege Tsai Ing-wen, who has refused to give him a presidential pardon
http://www.asiaone.com/asia/friends-bitter-enemies-taiwan-president-refuses-pardon-chen-shui-bian
24 MAY 2017
First in Asia: Taiwan recognizes same-sex marriage
Taiwan’s top court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage on Wednesday, a landmark decision that paves the way for the island to become the first place in Asia to legalize same-sex unions
http://www.atimes.com/article/first-asia-taiwan-recognizes-sex-marriage/
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2017/05/24/497864/ruling-puts.htm
20 MAY 2017
Wu Den-yih wins Taiwan KMT chairman election
Former Vice President Wu Den-yih (吳敦義) won the election for chairman of Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), on Saturday, and now faces a big challenge to unify and energize the struggling party
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201705200021.aspx
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20170521_09/
24 APRIL 2017
Most of the new Taiwan citizens come from Vietnam
Nearly 70 per cent of foreigners who became naturalized R.O.C. citizens in 2016 were from Vietnam, according to government statistics
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/most-new-taiwan-citizens-come-vietnam#sthash.30qrNUqN.dpuf
28 MARCH 2017
Taiwan district court acquits former president of leaking classified information
A Taiwan district court cleared former president Ma Ying-jeou on Tuesday of charges of leaking classified information over a controversial wiretapping case in 2013
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2082778/taiwan-district-court-acquits-former-president-leaking
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/asoc/201703280019.aspx
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/former-taiwan-president-ma-found-not-guilty-in-leaks-case/3631002.html
14 MARCH 2017
Taiwan’s ex-president indicted in wiretapping scandal
Taiwan’s Ma Ying-jeou was once a luminous figure. But his attempt to bring down a rival politician has landed him in court. If convicted he could be imprisoned for several years. Klaus Bardenhagen reports from Taipei
http://www.dw.com/en/taiwans-ex-president-indicted-in-wiretapping-scandal/a-37933123
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/former-taiwan-president-ma-ying-jeou-charged-with-leaking/3593430.html
28 FEBRUARY 2017
Taiwanese independence and unification factions clash as island commemorates 1947 massacre
Supporters of Taiwan independence and cross-strait unification clashed on Tuesday at a Taipei hall built in memory of the nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek, as the island commemorated the 1947 massacre in which the Chiang was blamed for killing thousands of Taiwanese 70 years ago
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2074820/taiwanese-independence-and-unification-factions-clash
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2017/03/01/492616/Amid-conflict.htm
11 JUNUARY 2017
Taiwan passes bill to end nuclear power by 2025
The amendments call for greater use of renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind energy, and allow private companies to sell electricity to the main utility company
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20170112_02/
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aeco/201701110029.aspx
2 JANUARY 2017
The Taiwanese see themselves as Taiwanese, not as Chinese
On Dec. 2, President-elect Donald Trump startled observers when, departing from protocol, he took a phone call with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. Trump has suggested that under his administration, the United States may break from the pointedly ambiguous “One China policy.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2017/01/02/yes-taiwan-wants-one-china-but-which-china-does-it-want/?postshare=9731483517456576&tid=ss_fb-bottom&utm_term=.db03c8330ebc
26 DECEMBER 2016
Chen Shui-bian makes first public speech after prison release
Chen – who was handed a 20-year sentence for a string of corruption charges shortly after leaving office in 2008 – made a short speech at the opening of his daughter’s dental clinic in Tainan
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/chen-shui-bian-makes-first-public-speech-after-prison-release
17 DECEMBER 2016
Taiwan’s Kuomintang party is broke and adrift
A new law has allowed the government to freeze its assets, leaving it unable to pay staff
http://www.economist.com/news/asia/21711925-new-law-has-allowed-government-freeze-its-assets-leaving-it-unable-pay-staff-taiwans
23 SEPTEMBER 2016
Taiwanese ‘double agent’ jailed for 18 years after decade of spying for mainland China
A Taiwanese court has sentenced a former intelligence officer to 18 years in prison for reportedly working as a double agent and spying for mainland China as relations worsen with Beijing.
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2021960/taiwanese-double-agent-jailed-18-years-after-decade
22 SEPTEMBER 2016
Taiwan opposition KMT’s bank account frozen in assets probe
Taiwan’s government has ordered a freeze on the opposition Kuomintang’s bank account, officials said Thursday, as part of an investigation into its allegedly ill-gotten political assets
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/taiwan-opposition-kmts-bank-account-frozen-assets-probe
19 SEPTEMBER 2016
Taiwan politicians break ranks to meet with Beijing
A group of opposition officials from Taiwan have bypassed the government and travelled to China on a bridge-building trip as relations with Beijing turn frosty under new president Tsai Ing-wen
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/taiwan-politicians-break-ranks-meet-beijing
3 SEPTEMBER 2016
Thousands take to streets of Taiwan’s capital Taipei in protest against govt’s plans to reform pensions
A record 250,000 retired military personnel, police officers, civil servants and public school teachers took to the streets of Taipei on Saturday (Sept 3) to protest the government’s pension reform plans, which they say are unfair and « humiliate » their professions
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/thousands-take-to-streets-of-taiwans-capital-taipei-to-protest-govts-plans-to-reform
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2016/09/04/2003654459/1
27 AUGUST 2016
Grading Tsai Ing-wen’s first 100 days in office
It has been 100 days since Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen took office, and public disappointment is already growing towards her administration. A series of policy flip-flops have added to the impression that her administration is indecisive
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/grading-tsais-first-100-days-in-office
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/policy-indecision-marks/3075912.html
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201608270019.aspx
23 AUGUST 2016
Taiwan’s population to decrease in 5-9 years
Taiwan has a low birth rate compared to most other countries. As longevity increases, the nation will turn into an aged society in two years, and a super-aged society in 10 years
http://www.asianews.network/content/taiwan%E2%80%99s-population-decrease-5-9-years-26231
15 AUGUST 2016
President Tsai Ing-wen ‘losing control’ of Taiwan’s pro-independence camp
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen is facing what analysts view as the biggest challenge to her authority since taking office after she reluctantly withdrew her nominations for the top posts in the island’s judiciary.
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2004169/president-tsai-ing-wen-losing-control-taiwans-pro
1st AUGUST 2016
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen formally apologises to country’s indigenous people for first time in history
President Tsai Ing-wen has formally apologised to Taiwan’s indigenous people for centuries of suffering, becoming the country’s first-ever leader to do so
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36940243
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201608010026.aspx
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2016/08/02/2003652277
22 JULY 2016
How Bad Is Taiwan’s Economy?
Compared to other economies around the world, Taiwan is doing just fine
http://thediplomat.com/2016/07/how-bad-is-taiwans-economy/
12 JUNE 2016
Taiwan rejects ex-president’s Hong Kong trip
Taiwanese authorities on Sunday (June 12) refused former president Ma Ying-jeou permission to visit Hong Kong, citing national security considerations
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/taiwan-rejects-ex-presidents-hong-kong-trip
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2016/06/13/2003648490
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2016/06/13/469179/Presidential-Office.htm
21 MAY 2016
Ma Ying-jeou faces investigation in 24 cases against him
Former President Ma Ying-jeou is facing investigation in several cases, including corruption allegations against him, as he has lost his presidential immunity from prosecution
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/ma-ying-jeou-faces-investigation-24-cases-against-him
20 MAY 2016
Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen sworn in as first female president
Taiwan swears-in Tsai Ing-wen as its first female President, taking the oath of office at the presidential palace in Taipei after winning a landslide victory in January
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/20/taiwan-inaugurates-first-female-president-amid-warnings-from-chi/
http://www.euronews.com/2016/05/20/taiwan-s-first-female-president-tsai-ing-wen-sworn-in/http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201605200008.aspx
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160520_23/
http://taiwantoday.tw/mp.asp?mp=9
26 APRIL 2016
Taiwan finds 4,800-year-old fossil of mother cradling baby
Archaeologists in Taiwan have found a 4,800-year-old human fossil of a mother holding an infant child in her arms, museum officials said on Tuesday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-taiwan-fossils-idUSKCN0XN1WI
13 APRIL 2016
Taipei will not be part of Beijing’s Super-Bank: Humiliating conditions
The island’s government announces that it will not be part of the Asian Investment Bank. For entry, the Chinese government demanded it make an application through its Ministry of Finance. This model « is not acceptable. Not only does this wound our national dignity, but violates the very principle of dignity. «
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Taipei-will-not-be-part-of-Beijing’s-Super-Bank:-Humiliating-conditions-37206.html
8 APRIL 2016
Taiwan names first ministers in new Cabinet
Mr Lin Chuan introduced the eight Cabinet members at a tea session with the media. The appointments include Mr Lin Hsi-yao as vice-premier, Mr Lin Tzou-yien as Minister for Health and Welfare, Mr Tung Chen-yuan as Cabinet spokesman and five ministers without portfolio
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/taiwan-names-first-ministers-new-cabinet#sthash.osubKpQF.dpuf
7 APRIL 2016
No Taiwan politicians found in ‘Panama Papers’ initial report
No Taiwan politicians are among the 90 Taiwanese passport holders whose names were found among the massive trove of leaked files from the Panama-based offshore law firm Mossack Fonseca, according to an initial report released by CommonWealth Magazine
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/no-taiwan-politicians-found-panama-papers-initial-report#sthash.faRV1sgf.dpuf
26 MARCH 2016
Taiwan Kuomintang picks ‘Little Hot Chili Pepper’ Hung Hsiu-chu as new party chief
The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) elects former deputy legislative speaker Hung Hsiu-chu (洪秀柱) as the party’s first chairwoman in its more than 100-year history
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/kuomintang-picks-little-hot-chili-pepper-hung-hsiu-chu-new-party-chief
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2016/03/27/2003642525
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2016/03/27/461865/Hung-elected.htm
15 MARCH 2016
Taiwan elected president Tsai names Lin Chuan as her premier
Lin Chuan has served as minister of finance and has a doctorate in economics, but Tsai said the Cabinet is to be focused on reform and communication
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2016/03/16/2003641679
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160315_25/
21 FEBRUARY 2016
Taiwanese Mark Lee and Chiang Wei-liang win Berlin awards
Taiwanese cinematographer Mark Lee (李屏賓) on Saturday won a Silver Bear for outstanding artistic contribution at the Berlin International Film Festival, while Taiwanese director Chiang Wei-liang (曾威量) was awarded the Audi Short Film Award for his film Anchorage Prohibited (禁止下錨).
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2016/02/22/2003639925
13 FEBRUARY 2016
Taiwan quake death toll reaches 116, as rescue ends
Tainan City government called off rescue missions in the rubble of a collapsed apartment complex Saturday, from which 114 people were found dead, bringing the death toll to 116 in a magnitude 6.4 earthquake that hit southern Taiwan Feb. 6
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35569224
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/asoc/201602130020.aspx
10 FEBRUARY 2016
Taiwan’s energy conundrum
The newly elected Taiwanese government led by President Tsai Ing-wen and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) will be faced with significant challenges in energy policy. Most urgently, viable replacements for Taiwan’s ageing fleet of nuclear reactors must be found.
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2016/02/10/taiwans-energy-conundrum/
1 FEBRUARY 2016
Taiwan elects first DPP parliamentary speaker
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Su Jia-chyuan (蘇嘉全) won the ninth legislative speakership election in a widely predicted landslide victory, becoming the nation’s first non-Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) speaker.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2016/02/02/2003638625
http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=241944&ctNode=2194&mp=9
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2016/02/02/457596/LY-elects.htm
28 JANUARY 2016
ROC improves in Corruption Perceptions Index ranking
Taiwan ranked No. 30 out of 168 countries and territories surveyed in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index released Jan. 27 by Berlin-based Transparency International
http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=241755&ctNode=2194&mp=9
25 JANUARY 2016
Simon Chang appointed as new premier
President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) has appointed Simon Chang (張善政) as the new premier after approving the resignation of former Premier Mao Chi-kuo (毛治國)
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201601250020.aspx
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2016/01/26/457039/President-appoints.htm
16 JANUARY 2016
Taiwan election: First female president Tsai Ing-wen elected after landslide victory against ruling Kuomintang including in parliament
Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party has swept to power in the country’s general election, clinching the presidency and the legislature as Tsai Ing-wen becomes its first female President
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35333647
http://edition.cnn.com/2016/01/16/asia/taiwan-election/index.html
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201601160033.aspx
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201601170012.aspx
http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/01/122524/taiwans-new-leader-disappears-chinese-social-network
29 NOVEMBER 2914
Taiwan’s premier Jiang Yi-huah resigns after ruling party loss in local election
Premier Jiang Yi-huah said the party’s crushing loss reflected public unhappiness with government policies, but Ma still vowed that the KMT will rise again
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/taiwans-premier-resigns-after-ruling-party-loss-local-election
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2014/11/30/2003605651
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2014/11/30/2003605650/1
21 NOVEMBER 2014
Taiwan’s senior population may be 4 times that of kids in 2060
If Taiwan continues to have the same low birth rate as in recent years until 2060, the senior population will be 4.4 times that of children, which could have huge societal consequences, the National Taiwan University Children and Family Research Center (CFRC) said yesterday
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/taiwans-senior-population-may-be-4-times-kids-2060
12 NOVEMBER 2014
A Distrustful Taiwan Takes its Cues from Hong Kong
On Sept. 26, China’s President Xi Jinping restated his hope to see mainland China and Taiwan united on the basis of the “one country, two systems” principle. The timing was odd, with Hong Kong in the throes of a massive student protest demanding true universal suffrage.
http://www.asiasentinel.com/politics/distrustful-taiwan-takes-cues-hong-kong/
7 NOVEMBER 2014
Taiwan director Doze Niu gets suspended sentence in naval base ploy
Acclaimed Taiwanese director Doze Niu received a suspended sentence for taking a Chinese cinematographer onto a naval base in Taiwan without authorisation to scout film locations
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/taiwan-director-doze-niu-gets-suspended-sentence-naval-base-ploy
5 NOVEMBER 2014
Taiwan defence minister visits disputed Spratlys
Yen Ming, together with two legislators and several reporters, flew to Taiping, a Taiwan-administered island which is part of the Spratlys – a chain also claimed in whole or in part by China, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/taiwan-defence-minister/1455554.html
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2014/11/06/2003603800
15 OCTOBER 2014
Retired ROC military officers recruited to spy for PLA
To steal crucial intelligence regarding the Republic of China Armed Forces’ new weapons systems, China has recruited several retired officers through Taiwanese businesspeople working in mainland China, getting them to conduct espionage against their own country, Wendell Minnick wrote in his article for the Washington-based Defense News.
http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20141015000015&cid=1101
10 OCTOBER 2014
Taiwan leader: China should try democracy — starting with Hong Kong
In one of his hardest slaps ever against the Communist leadership in Beijing, Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou said Friday that China should embrace democracy and should start by allowing free elections in Hong Kong.
http://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-taiwan-president-china-democracy-20141010-story.html
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2014/10/11/419188/Ma-urges.htm
7 OCTOBER 2014
Taiwan PM warns China cyber attack threat growing
Taiwan’s premier warned Tuesday of increasing cyber attacks from China, the island’s highest-ranking official to denounce attempts to « steal government secrets » despite warming cross-strait relations.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/436394/taiwan-pm-warns-china-cyber-attack-threat-growing
5 OCTOBER 2014
Taiwanese Coast guard plans Taiwan-China sea exercises in 2016
The Coast Guard Administration says it is planning to discuss holding joint exercises with its Chinese counterparts in 2016, focusing on training and mobilization for rescue operations at sea.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2014/10/05/2003601339
30 SEPTEMBER 2014
China and Taiwan’s Window of Opportunity at APEC
APEC is the ideal international forum, where officials from both the mainland and Taiwan have been able to meet and converse, and the APEC summit in Beijing this November will be the best venue for a Ma-Xi meeting. There are many reasons for this
http://thediplomat.com/2014/09/china-and-taiwans-window-of-opportunity-at-apec/
29 SEPTEMBER 2014
Taiwanese stage solidarity with Hong Kong protests
Demonstrators sat down in front of Hong Kong’s trade office and made their feelings known to the Taipei representative.
http://www.euronews.com/2014/09/29/taiwanese-stage-solidarity-with-hong-kong-protests/
28 SEPTEMBER 2014
Taiwan leader rejects China unification terms
Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou has rejected a « one country, two systems » deal proposed by his Chinese counterpart.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/09/taiwan-leader-rejects-china-unification-deal-201492810237314786.html
27 SEPTEMBER 2014
Taiwan President assaulted by independence protester
Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou was attacked last night by a pro-independent protester who hurled a book as a gesture protesting Ma’s allegedly pro-China comments during an interview with German media Deutsche Welle.
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2014/09/27/418147/President-assaulted.htm
12 SEPTEMBER 2014
China and Taiwan walking the line of rapprochement
After more than six decades of conflict over the political status of Taiwan, Beijing and Taipei are taking significant steps toward rapprochement in their relations. Yet how much Chinese influence can Taiwan’s democracy tolerate
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2014/09/12/china-and-taiwan-walking-the-line-of-rapprochement/
2 SEPTEMBER 2014
Taiwan leader says he backs democracy for Hong Kong
Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou, who initiated detente with China, on Tuesday threw his support behind Hong Kong’s push for democracy — calling it a core value shared by Taiwanese people.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/430135/taiwan-leader-says-he-backs-democracy-for-hong-kong
30 AUGUST 2014
Taiwan Ministry of Defense warns of China’s might
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is capable of seizing Taiwanese islands, paralyzing the country’s defensive capabilities with cruise and short-range ballistic missiles, as well as by launching amphibious and airborne raids, to take Taiwan proper before forces from other nations could respond, the Ministry of National Defense said
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2014/08/31/2003598665
27 AUGUST 2014
Taiwan honours 56,000 WWII soldiers killed in Myanmar
Taiwan on Wednesday honoured tens of thousands of Chinese Nationalist soldiers killed in World War II in Myanmar, many of whom came to the rescue of British troops.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/429078/taiwan-honours-56000-wwii-soldiers-killed-in-myanmar
21 AUGUST 2014
Human Rights and Cross-Strait Relations
Human rights need to be part of the cross-Strait conversation. A consular-type agreement would be a good place to start
http://thediplomat.com/2014/08/human-rights-and-cross-strait-relations/
20 AUGUST 2014
Taiwan’s ex-China affairs official accused of leaking secrets
Wang Yu-chi, minister in charge of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, said his former deputy Chang Hsien-yao is being investigated following a tip-off he received in late July accusing the latter of leaking confidential work-related information http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/taiwans-ex-china-affairs-official-accused-leaking-secrets
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2014/08/21/415401/Ex-deputy-minister.htm
19 JULY 2014
Hun Sen Quashes Plans for a Trade Office With Taiwan
Prime Minister Hun Sen said he will block the establishment of a Taiwanese trade office in Cambodia because of the government’s rigid observance of the One-China policy, despite business leaders calling for more practical steps to boost investment from Taiwan.
http://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/hun-sen-quashes-plans-for-a-trade-office-with-taiwan-64494/
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/taiwan-set-open-trade-office
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/taiwan-responds-pm%E2%80%99s-remarks
13 JULY 2014
Taiwan starts sending drones to spy on mainland China
Taiwan has started using unmanned surveillance aircraft to spy on mainland China to reduce the risk to its pilots from an increased deployment of mainland missiles
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1553309/taiwan-starts-sending-drones-spy-mainland-chinas-military
4 JULY 2014
Academia Sinica doctors urge home detention for Chen Shui-bian
Researchers from Academia Sinica, Taiwan’s top research institure, presented a joint request to Taiwan’s government on July 3 for jailed former president Chen Shui-bian to serve out his sentence at home instead of prison.
http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20140704000132&cid=1101
29 JUNE 2014
China Official Cancels Events in Taiwan Amid Violent Protests
China’s top official in charge of relations with Taiwan has returned to Beijing, hailing his visit to the self-ruled island as « historic », despite violent protests that forced him to cancel several meetings
http://www.voanews.com/content/china-official-cancels-events-in-taiwan-amid-violent-protests/1947154.html
28 JUNE 2014
Beijing respects Taiwan’s choice of social system: Chinese official
The mainland and Taiwan have evolved with different social systems, values, thoughts and lifestyles after decades of development, and mainland authorities respect those differences, said Zhang Zhijun, director of State Council Taiwan Affairs Office
http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20140628000114&cid=1101
http://www.asianewsnet.net/news-61762.html
25 JUNE 2014
China minister-level official makes landmark trip to Taiwan
China’s most senior official ever to visit Taiwan met his counterpart Wednesday to try to improve relations after mass protests in Taipei earlier this year, sparking angry confrontations between protesters and riot police
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/china-minister-level-official-makes-landmark-trip-taiwan
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-28012066
http://www.voanews.com/content/china-official-visits-taiwan-amid-warming-relations/1944350.html
25 JUNE 2014
White Paper on Hong Kong Pushes Taiwan Away
A white paper meant to chasten democratic longings in Hong Kong has alarmed Taiwan, pushing its people farther away from the People’s Republic of China
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/760433-white-paper-on-hong-kong-pushes-taiwan-away/
22 JUNE 2014
Taiwan’s first lady drops Japan visit
Taiwan’s first lady has postponed a rare visit to Japan after a diplomatic row over the wording of posters promoting the island’s exhibition in Tokyo of treasured artefacts
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/416777/taiwan-first-lady-drops-japan-visit
11 JUNE 2014
Taiwan-Ukraine: A Cautious Relationship
Relations between Taipei and Kiev have often been complicated by the policies of their larger neighbors
http://thediplomat.com/2014/06/taiwan-ukraine-a-cautious-relationship/
1 JUNE 2014
Jiang PM, newly elected El Salvador president underscore strong ties
Premier Jiang Yi-huah arrived in El Salvador Saturday and met with president-elect Salvador Sanchez Ceren and vice president-elect Oscar Ortiz, as both leaders spoke of the good relations between the two countries and their hope to further strengthen the mutual bonds
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/international/americas/2014/06/02/409168/Jiang-newly.htm
29 MAY 2014
Taiwan ex-minister ordered to pay over wrongful execution
A former Taiwanese defence minister and five ex-military officials have been ordered to pay a total of nearly $2 million over the wrongful execution of an airman 17 years ago
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/412545/taiwan-ex-minister-ordered-to-pay-over-wrongful-execution
25 MAY 2014
DPP,Taiwan’s major opposition reelects Tsai Ing-wen as its new leader
Members of Taiwan’s major opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) were Sunday electing a new leader in the run-up to the 2016 presidential polls
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/taiwans-major-opposition-votes-elect-new-leader
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2014/05/26/408648/Tsai-Ing-wen.htm
15 MAY 2014
100s of Taiwan firms attacked in Vietnam
The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) yesterday told a press conference that as of May 14 in Vietnam, over 100 Taiwanese-owned companies had been attacked and damaged, over 10 factories set ablaze and several hundred Taiwanese-owned firms have suspended work owing to safety concerns, noting that the MOEA will assist Taiwanese nationals in seeking compensation from Vietnam
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/intl-community/2014/05/16/407829/100s-of.htm
http://www.voanews.com/content/rioting-in-vietnam-kills-chinese-worker/1914937.html
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27420008
14 MAY 2014
Taiwan president dismisses US green card report
Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou on Wednesday categorically denied a report that he holds a US green card and owes the US government Tw$500,000 (US$16,556) in taxes, saying he would resign if the claim turned out to be true.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/taiwan-president/1106628.html
29 APRIL 2014
Taiwan executes five death-row inmates
Taiwanese authorities said they executed five death-row inmates Tuesday, nearly a year after six prisoners were put to death
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/407313/taiwan-executes-five-death-row-inmates
27 APRIL 2014
Taiwan halts construction at nuclear plant after protests
Taiwan said Sunday it would stop construction at a controversial nuclear power plant after tens of thousands of protesters blockaded a main street in the capital calling for the project to be scrapped.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/406929/taiwan-halts-construction-at-nuclear-plant-after-protests
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2014/04/28/406384/Nuke-4.htm
25 APRIL 2014
Taiwan leader promises referendum on disputed nuclear plant
Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou on Friday promised to let the public decide the fate of a controversial nuclear facility amid growing concern over the safety of nuclear power
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/taiwan-leader-promises-referendum-disputed-nuclear-plant
22 APRIL 2014
Taiwan anti-nuclear activist starts hunger strike
Former Taiwanese opposition leader and anti-nuclear activist Lin Yi-hsiung Tuesday launched an indefinite hunger strike in protest at a nearly completed nuclear facility, while some of his supporters clashed with police
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/406077/taiwan-anti-nuclear-activist-starts-hunger-strike
21 APRIL 2014
Taiwan premier rejects call to scrap nuclear plant
Taiwan’s Premier Jiang Yi-huah on Monday rejected a call from the main opposition party to scrap a nearly completed nuclear power plant, despite planned protests including a hunger strike
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/taiwan-premier-rejects-call-scrap-nuclear-plant
7 APRIL 2014
US House Approves Frigate Sale to Taiwan
The House approved the sale of 4 naval frigates to Taiwan while reaffirming its commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act
http://thediplomat.com/2014/04/us-house-approves-frigate-sale-to-taiwan/
30 MARCH 2014
More than 100,000 protesters rally in Taiwan against trade pact with China
More than 100,000 protesters took to the streets of Taiwan’s capital on Sunday as a two-week-long campaign against a trade pact with China gathered steam, piling further pressure on the island’s leader
http://www.euronews.com/2014/03/30/taiwan-more-than-100000-demonstrate-against-china-trade-deal/
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/30/100000-protesters-rally-taiwan-trade-pact-china
28 MARCH 2014
As Ma Ying-jeou seeks dialogue, ‘sunflower’ student movement continues protest against China trade deal
Police agents are slammed for using violence against students and media professionals. Academics and general public back students. Students respond to president’s overtures by increasing demands.
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/As-Ma-Ying-jeou-seeks-dialogue,-‘sunflower’-student-movement-continues-protest-against-China-trade-deal-30682.html
Beijing calls for US to stop arms sales to Taiwan
China’s defense ministry has urged the United States to stop selling arms to Taiwan and to take action to safeguard Sino-US relations
http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20140328000061&cid=1101
24 MARCH 2014
Taiwan police retake government HQ
Taiwan riot police used water cannon to dislodge hundreds of demonstrators who stormed government headquarters, escalating a protest over a China trade pact that has seen parliament occupied for nearly a week
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/401430/taiwan-police-retake-government-hq
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Taipei,-police-clear-students-from-government-buildings-as-protest-turns-violent-30635.html
23 MARCH 2014
Taiwan protesters invade cabinet offices as tension over China pact escalates
Hundreds of protesters opposed to a trade pact with China have invaded Taiwan’s cabinet offices, marking a sharp escalation in a student-led movement against the island’s rapidly developing ties with the communist mainland
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/23/taiwan-protesters-invade-cabinet-offices-china-trade
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/03/protesters-invade-taiwan-cabinet-offices-201432315014510700.html
21 MARCH 2014
Taiwan protesters call for surrounding of ruling party offices
Student protesters occupying Taiwan’s legislature to stop the government from ratifying a contentious trade pact with China called on the public to surround the ruling party’s offices after their ultimatum was ignored
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/401085/taiwan-protesters-call-for-surrounding-of-ruling-party-offices
19 MARCH 2014
Is Taiwan’s Military Becoming Too Small to Fight?
With conscription ending and budgets limited, Taiwan may have to make do with a smaller defense force
http://thediplomat.com/2014/03/is-taiwans-military-becoming-too-small-to-fight/1/
Protesters occupy Taiwan parliament over China trade deal
Hundreds of students and activists opposed to a trade deal with China have occupied Taiwan’s parliament and defied police efforts to evict them
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/taiwan/10707189/Protesters-storm-parliament-in-Taiwan.html
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26641525
13 MARCH 2014
Taiwan air force major indicted for selling intelligence to China
A Taiwanese air force major and a karaoke club owner have been indicted for disclosing military secrets to China, prosecutors in Kaohsiung said Thursday.
http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?cid=1101&MainCatID=11&id=20140314000071
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/399898/taiwan-air-force-major-charged-with-spying-for-china
10 MARCH 2014
KMT and DPP Mainland Policies: Might the Gap be Narrowing?
27 FEBRUARY 2014
Taiwan, China sign two more agreements
Taiwan and China signed agreements on meteorology and earthquake monitoring Thursday, in yet another sign of improving ties between the former rivals.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/397396/taiwan-china-sign-two-more-agreements
24 FEBRUARY 2014
China, Taiwan reach new cooperation deal on air travel
Beijing recognises Taipei’s importance as an international stopover for Chinese nationals travelling to other destinations. Direct flights across the Strait are also set to increase in April to 858 each year.
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/China,-Taiwan-reach-new-cooperation-deal-on-air-travel-30388.html
23 FEBRUARY 2014
Taiwan independence group topples Sun Yat-sen statue
A radical Taiwanese independence group said on Sunday they had pulled down a statue of the founding father of the nationalist republic who fled from the Chinese mainland to the island more than six decades ago.
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/taiwan-independence-group-topples-sun-yat-sen-statue
21 FEBRUARY 2014
Breakthrough in cross-strait ties but a long way to go yet
One week after achieving a breakthrough in the form of official cross-strait talks, Chinese President Xi Jinping is pushing for closer political dialogue with Taiwan, but faces challenges to attaining quick results this year, say analysts.
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/breakthrough-cross-strait-ties-long-way-go-yet?page=0%2C0
20 FEBRUARY 2014
Xi not correcting Lien’s ROC comment good for ties: scholar
The fact that Communist Party of China general secretary Xi Jinping did not correct Lien Chan, the honorary chairman of Taiwan’s ruling Kuomintang in his reference to the Republic of China during a meeting in Beijing Tuesday suggests that relations between Taiwan and mainland China have advanced to a higher level, according to a Chinese scholar familiar with Taiwan affairs.
http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20140220000102&cid=1101
19 FEBRUARY 2014
China agrees to export water to Taiwan-controlled islands
China has agreed to supply water to a Taiwan-controlled island group near the mainland in another sign of fast-warming ties between the two former bitter rivals, officials said Wednesday
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/395998/china-agrees-to-export-water-to-taiwan-controlled-islands
18 FEBRUARY 2014
China respects Taiwan system, Xi tells Taipei ex-VP Lien
China’s President Xi Jinping Tuesday told a former vice president of Taiwan that Beijing respects the island’s social system and lifestyle, state media reported, in a sign of the steadily improving relations between the two sides.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/395797/china-respects-taiwan-system-xi-tells-taipei-ex-vp-lien
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/china-taiwan-relations/2014/02/19/400979/Cross-strait-relations.htm
11 FEBRUARY 2014
China and Taiwan plan to open offices after first official talks
China and Taiwan held their first official talks in more than six decades on Tuesday, agreeing to open representative offices in a two-hour meeting hailed by both sides as a new chapter in their relationship.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/10631210/China-and-Taiwan-plan-to-open-offices-after-first-official-talks.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-26129171
http://www.euronews.com/2014/02/11/china-and-taiwan-begin-historic-high-level-talks/
http://azstarnet.com/ap/international/china-taiwan-hold-first-direct-talks-since-split/article_e309bc18-6db7-5d2b-b92e-5769e558723b.html
Taiwan defence minister visiting Singapore
Taiwan’s defence minister is visiting Singapore to shore up military relations which were reportedly damaged after his predecessor’s visit in 2012 was publicly disclosed, a military source and local media said Tuesday.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/394520/taiwan-defence-minister-visiting-singapore
5 FEBRUARY 2014
Taiwan says Ma would like to meet Xi at APEC
Taiwan’s minister in charge of China affairs Wednesday said he would support a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Taiwanese counterpart Ma Ying-jeou, suggesting the APEC leaders summit as an ideal opportunity.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/393470/taiwan-says-ma-would-like-to-meet-xi-at-apec
1 FEBRUARY 2014
Record 2.85 million Chinese visited Taiwan in 2013
Taiwan said Saturday a record 2.85 million Chinese nationals visited the island last year, up ten percent from 2012 although group arrivals dropped slightly after Beijing enacted a tourism law
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/392682/record-2-85-million-chinese-visited-taiwan-in-2013
30 JANUARY 2014
Cooperation with China conducive to peace in the Taiwan Strait: Ma
Speaking to overseas Chinese and Taiwanese in Los Angeles, Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou said that cooperation between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait is conducive to peace
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/china-taiwan-relations/2014/01/30/399561/Cooperation-with.htm
28 JANUARY 2014
Taiwan minister for historic China visit
Taiwan’s minister in charge of China affairs said Tuesday he plans to visit the mainland next month in a landmark trip that marks the first official contact between the two former bitter rivals in six decades
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/391890/taiwan-minister-for-historic-china-visit
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/historic-china-taiwan-talks-start-long-road-closer-ties
27 JANUARY 2014
Taiwan: Another Step Towards Integration?
The new concept for cross-strait relations, “China plus one,” proposed by Su Tseng-chang, who chairs Taiwan’s largest opposition party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), suggests that Taiwan might have taken another step towards comprehensive integration with China
http://thediplomat.com/2014/01/taiwan-another-step-towards-integration/
23 JANUAY 2014
Taiwan leader visits allies to safeguard ties after Gambia blow
Ma Ying-jeou, who left at around 1500 GMT will travel to Sao Tome and Principe, and Burkina Faso — two of the only three African countries that now officially recognise Taipei after Gambia cut off ties in November.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/391165/taiwan-leader-visits-allies-to-safeguard-ties-after-gambia-blow
10 JANUARY 2014
Taiwan sentences man for spying on China
On Friday, Taiwan’s supreme court convicted Yuan Hsiao-feng, lieutenant colonel, on 12 accounts of leaking confidential military information to China between 2003 and 2007 and imposed a fine of Tw$7.8 million ($260,000) on Yuan – the amount of payment he collected for passing the secrets.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/01/taiwan-sentences-man-spying-china-201411043643440152.html