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Chinese Vessel Suspected of Damaging Undersea Cable Near Taiwan

By William YangTaiwan is investigating a Chinese-owned ship suspected of severing an undersea fiber-optic cable north of the island. While the incident caused minimal disruption to internet services, analysts say it reflects the vulnerability of Taiwan and its undersea infrastructure in the event of a Chinese military attack or blockade. “It’s a vulnerability shared by a lot of countries in a globalized world,” said Drew Thompson, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore and a former Pentagon official. “The real challenge for Taiwan is how do they increase their resilience now [that] there is growing awareness that they could be intentionally held vulnerable through direct attacks that are difficult to attribute to a particular actor, ” he told VOA by phone. Taiwan’s government-run telecommunications operator Chunghwa Telecom received a warning about damage to a subsea cable near the Keelung Harbor in northern Taiwan Friday morning. Chunghwa Telecom said the disruption, which didn’t affect internet service across the island, may have been caused by a vessel dragging its anchor along the seabed where the undersea cable is located. Within hours, Taiwan’s coast guard dispatched a ship and found the Cameroon-flagged vessel Shunxin-39 in waters north of Taiwan. Taiwanese authorities ordered the ship to return to waters off Keelung Harbor for inspection but failed to board the ship due to rough weather conditions. Taipei has sought assistance from South Korea to investigate the ship, which is sailing toward the South Korean city of Busan. The Taiwanese coast guard said in a statement shared with VOA that the ship is owned by a Hong Kong company headed by a Chinese national. The seven crew members on board are Chinese nationals. In addition to carrying a Cameroon flag, Taiwanese authorities said the ship was also registered in Tanzania and seemed to operate under two sets of Automatic Identification System equipment, which shows the vessel’s basic information and coordinates. The coast guard said while the Chinese vessel’s intention remains unclear, the incident could be part of China’s gray zone operations that aim to exert pressure on Taiwan through irregular tactics short of combat. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly vowed to reunify with the island, with force if necessary. China has increased the frequency of its gray zone operations around Taiwan in recent years, regularly deploying military aircraft, naval vessels, and coast guard ships to airspaces and waters near Taiwan. Ray Powell, director of Stanford University’s Sealight project, which tracks Chinese maritime activities across the Indo-Pacific region, told VOA that the Chinese vessel has been operating between in waters near Taiwan’s Keelung Harbor, South Korea’s Busan and along the Chinese coast under two different names, two different flags, and six different identification numbers over the last six months. “Having at least six different registration numbers indicates this ship is devoted to being off-grid or hard to track,” he said in a phone interview. Powell said the vessel may be conducting a gray zone operation against Taiwan’s key infrastructure in the region. “The reason we would classify the incident as a potential gray zone activity is because it’s hidden behind a private company based out of Hong Kong with an owner in China and flags of African countries, which keep the Chinese government from the vessel’s activities,” he told VOA. The Chinese embassy in Washington, D. C. , told VOA in a written response that it is unaware of the severing of the undersea cable near northern Taiwan, adding that Beijing “has always welcomed and supported other countries and telecommunications companies laying international submarine cables in waters under China’s jurisdiction.”The incident comes amid a growing number of damages to undersea cables and pipelines caused by Chinese and Russian vessels in the Baltic Sea since 2023. It is also not the first time a Chinese vessel has been suspected of cutting undersea cables near Taiwan. In February 2023, Taiwanese authorities found evidence that two Chinese ships cut two internet cables near Taiwan’s outlying island of Matsu, causing a month-long internet outage on the tiny island. Since then, Taiwan has poured more resources into preparing for potential internet outages caused by damage to undersea cables. Last October, Chunghwa Telecom announced that signals from low-earth orbit satellites should cover the entire island. It was part of the efforts to reduce Taiwan’s dependence on undersea cables for external communication. During the first tabletop military exercise held by Taiwan’s presidential office last month, response to internet blackouts caused by damage to undersea cables was one of the scenarios simulated by top Taiwanese officials. While Chunghwa Telecom said the cable will be fixed later this month, Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs has vowed to secure more funding to help the telecom operator build more facilities to increase the island’s connection to international undersea cables. Some Taiwanese lawmakers also urged the coast guard to strengthen its capabilities to monitor activities in areas concentrated with undersea cables and update protocols in case similar incidents happen in the future. Some analysts say the coast guard needs to enhance its capabilities to address challenges posed by China, which have become more frequent in recent years. That includes monitoring “irregular activities conducted by fishing or commercial vessels in waters near Taiwan’s undersea cables,” said Shen Ming-shih, a defense analyst at the Taipei-based Institute for National Defense and Security Research. He told VOA in a phone interview that Taiwan should also enhance its efficiency in repairing “damaged undersea cables within the shortest amount of time.”The News Lens has been authorized to publish this article fromVoice of America.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187342

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Police Reform Bill Faces Constitutional and Public Scrutiny

The contentious police reform bill, passed on Tuesday with the numerical advantage of the opposition, faces public scrutiny as well as procedural and constitutional challenges regarding its implementation. The Executive Yuan announced today that it would discuss potential remedies and consider consultation with the Examination Yuan. Under the revised Police Personnel Management Act, the monthly income replacement ratio for police officers, firefighters, coast guard personnel, National Immigration Agency officers, and airborne service personnel is set at 43. 25% for 15 years of service. This percentage increases annually by 1. 75 points, reaching a maximum of 80% for individuals who have served 36 years or more. The spokesperson for the Executive Yuan, Michelle Lee, stated at a press conference today that the Cabinet had not been consulted on certain details of the reform. According to Article 91 of the Budget Act, lawmakers are required to seek approval from the Executive Yuan for bills that “largely increase annual expenditures or decrease annual revenues.” Furthermore, the bill does not clearly specify the source of funding, which already constitutes a violation of Article 70 of the Constitution and relevant provisions of the Budget Act, Lee added. Premier Cho Jung-tai commented on Tuesday that the reform bill significantly widens the national fiscal gap and increases expenditures without consulting the Executive Yuan, highlighting procedural injustices in the legislature's abrupt passage of the bill. The Ministry of Civil Service also issued a statement on Tuesday, arguing that solely increasing the income replacement rate for police officers violates the constitutional principle of equality, which requires fair treatment for all members of the public service pension system.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187341

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South Korea’s Political Crisis Dragging Down Economy

By Julian RyallA cloud of uncertainty hangs over South Korea, with the country still reeling from President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived declaration of martial law in early December. The political crisis has already hit the nation's economy. The stock market appears to be unstable, its currency — the South Korean won — continues to lose value and foreign investors are shifting to alternative markets. Most of these problems stem from a political power struggle at the top. Yoon is refusing to cooperate with the investigation into his actions and has defied orders for his arrest. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is deliberating on whether he can be impeached and the opposition Democratic Party is demanding an immediate general election. But business in South Korea are also unsettled by Donald Trump returning to the White House later this month. Ahead of the US election, Trump referred to South Korea as a "money machine" and hinted he would ask Seoul to pay billions of dollars more to station US troops. The president-elect has also pledged wide-reaching international tariffs to push his "America first" agenda. Business confidence drops to pandemic-era lows"To put it mildly, a lot of the political unrest that we have seen over the last month has yet to be resolved," said Kim Sang-woo, a former politician with the left-leaning South Korean Congress for New Politics and a member of the board of the Kim Dae-jung Peace Foundation. "The won was already weak against the dollar, but that has become worse due to the unrest and I fear there is no clear understanding of who is governing the country at the moment," he told DW. "That is very unsettling for companies, which are afraid to make plans for the coming year," he added. The crisis could end with Yoon avoiding impeachment and returning to the presidency, although this would likely trigger outrage amid large sections of the public. Another outcome could be Yoon's rivals from the Democratic Party pushing through a new election, which they would likely win. Right now, however, the country is adrift. A recent poll by the Bank of Korea showed that business sentiment has sunk to its lowest level in four years. The monthly Composite Business Sentiment Index also tumbled 4. 5 points from November's figure, hitting the lowest level since September 2020, when the economy was feeling the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. A second report by the central bank predicted that economic growth in 2025 will be under 2%, due to weak export growth and reduced consumer spending, and could drop even further if global trade tensions worsen. Stock exchange falls againShares on the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) on Monday recovered some of the ground they lost in the weeks after Yoon's announcement, despite the market jitters that analysts have contributed to the political uncertainty. The won continued its recent downtrend against the dollar, leaving it trading at close to 16-year lows last seen in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. The government also confirmed on December 30 that foreign investors have sold more than 17 trillion won in Korea treasury bonds since Yoon declared martial law, signaling a loss of confidence in the nation's financial stability. And the latest economic storm comes after months of weak corporate earnings — last week, the government also announced that tax revenues fell by 8. 5 trillion won ($5. 9 billion, €5. 6 billion) in the first 11 months of 2024, in comparison with 2023. What will US-China row do to South Korea? Another danger for countless South Korean companies is the fact they procure components from Chinese firms. With Trump returning and the US-China trade war threatening to escalate, those business could be forced to pay even greater penalties as the US tries to muscle China out of production chains. "There is also a lot of uncertainty about the upcoming administration in Washington, what Trump will do on tariffs and the pressure that he may put on Seoul to renegotiate the South Korea-US free trade agreement," said Mason Richey, a professor of politics and international relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul. "It is also clear that the actions that he takes towards China will also have a serious knock-on effect here, such as for manufacturers of electric vehicle batteries," he told DW. What happens if Yoon's rivals take power? And while businesses crave the stability of a settled government, many are unenthusiastic about South Korea's Democratic Party returning to power, said Richey. "Assuming that Yoon is impeached and removed from office, there would have to be an election within 60 days and it appears very likely that the Democratic Party would win," he said. "But they are far more inclined to tax and impose regulations on industry than the Yoon administration has been."Richey cites the example of the civil nuclear industry as a sector that would be affected by the power shift. Under the left-leaning Moon Jae-in government immediately before Yoon, nuclear energy was being phased out entirely. Yoon reversed that policy and made it a key export sector. If the Democrats once again take office, Seoul could perform yet another U-turn and abandon nuclear energy — the sort of policy reversal that makes planning effectively impossible, Richey said. Edited by: Darko JanjevicThis article was originally published on Deutsche Welle. Read the original articlehere.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187334

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Hurdles Malaysia Faces in Becoming A Wafer Manufacturing Hub

With over five decades of experience in the semiconductor industry, Malaysia has established itself as an important hub for chip assembly and testing, commanding an impressive 13% share of the global outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) market and over 50% within Southeast Asia. Industry giants such as Intel, Texas Instruments, Micron, and ASE have long regarded Malaysia as a cornerstone of their back-end manufacturing operations. However, recent policy announcements and statements by political leaders indicates the country is no longer content with its achievements. This ambition is clearly articulated in the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), unveiled in September last year, which states, "As Malaysia continues to climb the semiconductor value chain, the urgency to establish chip manufacturing facilities grows ever more pressing."In May of this year, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim echoed these aspirations, affirming that under the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), Malaysia would not only enhance its expertise in OSAT but also encourage domestic and foreign investments in chip fabrication. To be sure, Malaysia is not entirely absent from the chip manufacturing scene. Multinational corporations like Infineon, Onsemi, Osram, and X-Fab already have a foothold in the country. Notably, Infineon announced plans last August to build the world’s largest 8-inch silicon carbide (SiC) power wafer fab in Kulim, Kedah—a project that thrust Malaysia into the international semiconductor spotlight. Yet, as geopolitical tensions escalate in East Asia, global chipmakers are increasingly motivated to diversify their supply chains. Coupled with the lucrative value of upstream activities in the semiconductor industry, Malaysia sees a golden opportunity to secure a larger slice of the chip manufacturing pie. While the vision is undeniably compelling, the road to industrial upgrading is fraught with formidable challenges. One of the foremost challenges Malaysia faces in developing its chip manufacturing sector is funding. Semiconductor fabrication is an inherently capital-intensive industry, requiring expensive equipment like lithography machines and etchers. According to DIGITIMES Research, building one wafer fab costs at least $1. 4 billion, with the price rising sharply up to $16 billion for more advanced nodes. Such exorbitant costs make chip fabrication a high-stakes gamble. Poor yield rates or unstable customer demand could quickly drive a facility into financial distress. Unfortunately, Malaysia is no stranger to this grim reality. Take Silterra, for instance. The local wafer fab struggled with declining revenue and rising costs for years, amassing cumulative losses of RM1. 832 billion (approximately $387. 52 million) over nine years, according to a 2019 Auditor-General's Report. Buckling under pressure, Silterra’s majority shareholder, Khazanah Nasional, sold the company in 2021 to Malaysian firm DNEX and China's CGP Fund. A similar fate befell 1st Silicon, another Malaysian wafer fab established in 1998. Persistent financial difficulties led to its sale to a German company in March 2006, after which it was rebranded as the aforementioned X-Fab. Dr. Mohd Zamir Pakhuruddin, director of the Institute of Nano Optoelectronics Research and Technology (INOR), highlighted the scale of investment required. “Developing a chip manufacturing industry is a massive undertaking. Even expanding the capacity of existing players demands billions of dollars, let alone building new fabs from scratch” he said. With the failures of Silterra and 1st Silicon as cautionary tales, Malaysia is pivoting away from government-owned ventures to a collaborative model involving both domestic and foreign investments. The NIMP 2030 blueprint aims to attract at least one global leader to establish a wafer fab in the country. The government also seeks to promote the participation of local companies in the supply chain to enhance technical capabilities. Pakhuruddin endorsed this strategy, emphasizing the wisdom of leveraging foreign investment. He explained that “Local firms can’t shoulder multi-billion-dollar investments alone. Why not elevate Malaysia’s chip-making capabilities by inviting multinational corporations to play a pivotal role?”Foreign investment could address more than just funding challenges. According to David Lacey, Chairman of the Semiconductor Fabrication Association of Malaysia (SFAM), “Multinational corporations possess not only the technological expertise but also established customer bases. By attracting them to Malaysia, the chip manufacturing industry would gain immediate access to both advanced technology and a steady flow of clients.”The second major hurdle lies in the scarcity of skilled talent. As Malaysia’s semiconductor industry continues to thrive, the government has projected the need for at least 50, 000 skilled engineers. Yet, the country produces a modest 5, 000 engineering graduates annually. The NIMP 2030 report bluntly acknowledges this, noting that the proportion of graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields remains below the ideal 60%, leaving companies grappling with a lack of technical expertise. David Lacey emphasized that building a chip manufacturing ecosystem requires more related bachelor’s degree holders. Malaysia must cultivate a larger pool of master’s and doctoral STEM graduates. While universities like the University of Malaya (UM) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) have made commendable efforts in nurturing semiconductor talent, Lacey believes this is insufficient. “We need more institutions focusing on semiconductor education, each specializing in a different technical domain. This approach would create a comprehensive talent pool capable of addressing diverse challenges faced by Malaysia’s chip manufacturers,” he said. Lacey says that many Malaysians remain hesitant to pursue postgraduate studies due to two primary reasons. First, the limited number of chip manufacturing plants in Malaysia historically offered fewer job opportunities compared to assembly and testing facilities. This lack of demand has disincentivized individuals from pursuing advanced degrees. Second, fresh graduates often prioritize entering the workforce to earn an income quickly, viewing further studies as a costly and time-consuming endeavor. “In Western countries, as well as in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, the semiconductor industry values postgraduate qualifications highly,” Lacey said. “In contrast, this perspective is less prevalent in Malaysia, causing many to overlook the long-term benefits of advanced degrees.”Malaysia also suffers from severe brain drain. Due to uncompetitive wages, many skilled engineers are lured by attractive offers from companies in Singapore, Taiwan, and mainland China, ultimately opting to work abroad. Even Pua Khein Seng, the CEO of Taiwan’s Phison Electronics, once cited talent outflow as a key reason for closing the R&D center he had previously set up in Penang. Pakhuruddin candidly admitted that this challenge is exacerbated by the global race to expand semiconductor manufacturing capacity. “Malaysian engineers, fluent in both English and Chinese, are highly competitive in the international market.” He mentioned that multinationals have “poached” Malaysian talents by offering three times the domestic salary. Even within Malaysia, fierce competition for talent exists among local semiconductor companies, with the losing side often suffering operational instability. Mohd Zamir Pakhuruddin, who worked as an engineer at Silterra from 2003 to 2009, witnessed this firsthand. “Not long after I joined Silterra, Infineon came to poach our staff, offering at least a 30% salary increase. Many of Silterra’s engineers and managers left for greener pastures. This is a common occurrence in Malaysia’s semiconductor and electronics sectors,” he recalled. “Now imagine this: if your employees are constantly being headhunted, how can your factory operate smoothly? Or, more importantly, would you feel confident setting up a plant here?”The third significant hurdle is Malaysia’s relatively incomplete semiconductor ecosystem. While Malaysia already offers tax incentives, well-equipped industrial parks, and strong infrastructure, as well as advantages like political stability and a thriving chip assembly and testing industry, gaps remain that need addressing to fully support chip manufacturing. According to Lacey, Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem still requires significant improvements. A critical shortcoming is the lack of locally available chemicals and materials essential for chip production, such as silicon wafers, electronic gases, and photoresists. “To establish or attract investments in wafer fabs, it is imperative to ensure a stable supply of these materials,” Lacey emphasized. The NIMP 2030 report actively encourages foreign and domestic companies to produce electronic chemicals locally for wafer fabrication needs. In addition to materials, the success of Malaysia’s chip manufacturing industry also hinges on the technical support of research institutions. In Taiwan, this role is fulfilled by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), which charts development strategies to overcome technical challenges. Similarly, South Korea has institutions like the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade (KIET) and the Korea Electronics Technology Institute (KETI) to back its semiconductor sector. Malaysia sought to emulate Taiwan and South Korea by establishing the Malaysian Institute of Microelectronic Systems (MIMOS). However, MIMOS has been relatively less effective compared to its Taiwanese and Korean counterparts. Although it was founded in 1985, it took a decade under MIMOS before the country’s first wafer fab was established. “Like ITRI in Taiwan, MIMOS plays a critical role in the ecosystem,” Lacey stated. A robust semiconductor ecosystem also requires a thriving upstream IC design sector. The more fabless semiconductor companies operating within Malaysia, the more stable the demand for local chip manufacturing. Pakhuruddin pointed out that the failure of Silterra and 1st Silicon was partly due to the underdeveloped state of Malaysia’s IC design industry, which could not provide sufficient orders to sustain the wafer fabs. Malaysia has begun addressing its upstream IC design weakness. In April this year, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced plans to establish a 60, 000 square feet IC Design Park in Selangor, with aspirations to make it Southeast Asia’s largest IC design hub. Global intellectual property giant ARM is one of the key partners in this initiative. Additionally, Phison Electronics CEO Pua Khein Seng has invested RM100 million (approximately NT$700 million) to launch a startup named MaiStorage in Selangor. The company aims to bring generative AI technology, data centers, and EV-related memory storage to Malaysia. By December, the Malaysian government allocated RM50 million (approximately NT$366. 62 million) to support IC design development in Penang. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow highlighted that over 30 IC design companies have already established operations there, with the state projecting to attract RM120 million (approximately NT$879. 88 million) in investments over the next five years. Having endured setbacks with Silterra and 1st Silicon, Malaysia has recalibrated its strategy. The focus has shifted from wholly government-owned ventures to a joint investment model involving both domestic and international stakeholders. Yet, challenges remain formidable. Talent shortages and an incomplete ecosystem continue to pose significant hurdles for Malaysia’s chip manufacturing ambitions. As the nation ambitiously climbs the semiconductor value chain, the question remains: Can Malaysia overcome these obstacles and achieve success? Source:

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187331

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Trump's Return Sparks Surge in Preventive Chip Orders to TSMC

With U.S. President-elect Donald Trump set to return to the White House in January, there are reports of a surge in chip orders flooding into Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), due to his possible threat of a 60% tariff on Chinese-made goods. Industry analyst Chen Ziang told RTI that, according to market forecasts, Chinese clients may soon be targeted by Trump and require TSMC’s foundry services. Given the ongoing U.S. -China tension, chip clients who are likely to be targeted by the Trump administration will mostly be from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, Chen added. Market reports suggest that, in anticipation of Trump's return and potential geopolitical tensions and restrictions, some customers have already placed"preventive stockpiling"orders with TSMC. However, with TSMC’s advanced process orders already at full capacity and the U.S. closely monitoring, it is believed that TSMC’s willingness to take on such orders from Chinese clients may be low. Among them, those capable of designing advanced process chips and needing TSMC’s foundry services may include Chinese companies like Xiaomi. In addition, there have been incidents where China circumvented the system to acquire TSMC’s advanced process chips. Given these circumstances, TSMC may not be willing to take on orders from Chinese clients at this time. The U.S. is about to undergo a change of administration, with the current Biden administration continuing to implement measures to block China's advanced semiconductor and high-tech development before it leaves office. Minister of Economic Affairs, Kuo Jyh-huei, stated that if Trump imposes additional tariffs after taking office, they will be applied globally, not just targeting Taiwan. If everyone is subject to a 10% tariff, the impact will be limited. From the perspective of the industrial chain, the U.S. currently focuses on IC design chip products, while Taiwan or TSMC mainly provides wafer foundry services with equipment capacity. If heavy tariffs are imposed, TSMC would be indirectly affected, but the actual impact is expected to be limited. With Donald Trump's administration set to take office in January, U.S. economic and technological pressure on China will only intensify.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187315

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Uniting industry players to expand globally! Chin Ching Silica Sand collaborates with the Taiwan Casting Industry Alliance to establish a new smart casting business model

With the rise of ICT and emerging technologies, the era of digital manufacturing has quietly arrived. As Taiwan’s leading casting brand, at the 2016 GIFA (International Foundry Trade Fair) in Germany, Chin Ching Silica Sand realized that the traditional industry must not only make their production processes smarter but also transform their entire business operations—from manual order processing and cross-border communication to a centralized, instant, and digitalized mode. Since 2020, Chin Ching Silica Sand has been building a 3D printing production line at the Zhongxing factory in Miaoli. At the same time, several upstream and downstream suppliers and customers have also responded to join as so called the "3D digital casting national team", it resulted the first 3D casting community in Asia, and In 2021, established “D-Casting Digital Casting Service Network” (D-Casting), Chin Ching Silica Sand was not stopped by the challenges of the digital transformation and continues to push the development to a higher level of efficiency this year, by collaborating with alliance partners Chyn Wang, Li Jia, and World Known MFG. , and also by the support of “Cross-Domain R&D Plan for SME Upgrade and Transformation” (Cross-Domain R&D Plan), they developed the “Mass Production of Customized Service Center”—a digital casting business model aiming to break the traditional independent operations of Taiwan’s casting industry and leveraging a “national team” approach for faster, larger-scale advantages to compete globally. CEO Wen-Lung Lo highlighted that the critical breakthrough in this year’s plan lies in improving the speed and accuracy of the entire order process. In the past, manual order-taking and slow scanning led to gaps, causing data and information loss. Therefore, Chin Ching Silica Sand aimed to establish a digital platform that retains all critical information throughout the process. With guidance from the relevant agencies, Chin Ching completed the D-Casting platform in 2021. However, the adoption of digital platforms varies across traditional industries. Business owners, particularly in smaller enterprises with high technological similarity, still worry about potential leaks of proprietary technologies, and are hesitant to embrace an open digital platform. One key focus of this year’s Cross-Domain R&D Plan is to encourage the industry to adopt digital workflows, with Chin Ching Silica Sand leading by example to share its technology on the platform. Through the one-stop service provided at the Mass Production of Customized Service Center, customers can submit their casting requirements to the D-Casting platform. Chin Ching Silica Sand then manages the entire process, from casting flow design to creating customized prototypes using 3D printing technology. The platform connects casting and processing partners to complete post-production work including casting pouring. Compared to traditional methods, which take 10 weeks to produce a casting sample, the Mass Production of Customized Service Center can do so in just one week, improving efficiency tenfold. In the casting industry, efficiency improvement significantly impacts customer satisfaction and order acquisition. Manager Yi-Chung Chen explained that casting prototypes are critical to winning contracts. If a project is worth NT$7 million, the casting factory that delivers a suitable casting first is more likely to secure both the project and future mass production orders. The Mass Production of Customized Service Center not only solves the long lead times and low customization of Taiwan’s traditional casting industry but also significantly improves global competitiveness. Manager Yi-Chung Chen noted that as the Mass Production of Customized Service Center becomes more widely used, the mindset of foundry owners is gradually shifting. They are becoming more open to platform interaction, online quotations, and uploading designs to the platform. As trust in the D-Casting platform grows, more casting requests are expected to follow, leading to an accumulation of technical knowledge on the platform. This will help Taiwan’s casting industry advance steadily and sustainably. The Mass Production of Customized Service Center integrates digital design, simulation, and 3D printing technologies. These smart casting methods allow for the creation of complex castings that were previously impossible with traditional techniques. “With digital processes, we can now create things like hollow interiors or honeycomb structures, which were not feasible before. This not only cuts costs but elevates casting expertise, leaving a lasting impression on customers,” said CEO Wen-Lung Lo proudly. “For example, traditional casting methods for stainless steel closed impellers rely on sand molds and resin sand cores, which result in thicker and heavier castings with solid interiors. However, smart casting with 3D printing allows for more precise and complex designs, reducing casting thickness by about 30%. In addition, traditional processes typically produce castings with surface roughness of Ra 30μm (micrometer) and above, but digital processes can achieve roughness as low as Ra 12μm, doubling the quality, ” explained Manager Yi-Chung Chen. Beyond reducing production time and improving casting quality, the smart casting technology introduced this year also addresses the labor shortages facing Taiwan’s casting industry. Aging populations and declining birth rates have taken a toll on traditional industries, and many long-term clients of Chin Ching Silica Sand are concerned about succession plans for their foundries. However, if 3D printing and digital simulation technologies become more reliable and affordable, they could provide a new path for Taiwan’s traditional casting sector. This is precisely why Chin Ching Silica Sand has been involved in numerous government programs over the years. CEO Wen-Lung Lo emphasized that the development of D-Casting and the Mass Production of Customized Service Center is not about establishing Chin Ching as the dominant provider of technology or products. Rather, it is about demonstrating new possibilities and leading the transformation of Taiwan’s traditional casting industry toward digitalization. By inviting other industry players to join the D-Casting platform, Taiwan can consolidate its industrial strength and face international market challenges as a unified “national team.”Learn more: D-Casting - One-Stop Digital Casting Service Platform

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187189

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Polar Silk Route: China’s Engagement with the Arctic

By Tauqeer Hamza SahrIn January 2018, The People’s Republic of China formulated its Arctic policy, dubbed the "Polar Silk Road framework." The policy intends to enhance shipping routes in the Arctic and promote sustainable development through energy, infrastructure, and research collaboration with Arctic countries. Although the Polar Silk Road (PSR) offers tremendous opportunities, it still faces significant political, environmental, and strategic thinking obstacles. PSR EvolutionThe idea of a PSR was borrowed from Russia’s Concept "Silk Road on Ice" in 2011. It later became a central pillar of China’s Arctic Strategy under the framework of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This idea received traction when China gained observer status in the Arctic Council, further reinforced by the historic voyage of MV Xue Long in 2013. China formally introduced the PSR in its Arctic strategy in 2018. The plan views the Arctic Sea shipping route as a key trade route and advocates cooperation in infrastructure development, including the Northern Sea Route (NSR), satellite navigation systems, and fiber optic cables. Collaborations with Russia and Nordic nations, such as the geothermal project with Iceland, underscore PSR's focus on connectivity, energy security, and sustainability while also addressing geopolitical issues and environmental concerns. Lucrative GainsChina's Arctic Silk Road policy recognizes three primary areas of opportunities within the Arctic region. First, the region's abundant natural resources represent an important opportunity for improving energy security. The Arctic contains large amounts of natural gas, oil, and rare minerals. Major projects like the Yamal LNG project demonstrate China’s strategy of securing energy resources while fostering partnerships with Arctic nations. The influx of investments in resource-rich regions reflects Beijing's goal of diversifying its energy sources and ensuring a continuous energy supply. In addition, the Arctic shipping routes present transformative opportunities for global trade. The Northeast Passage and the Trans-Arctic Route could serve as alternatives to existing routes such as the Suez Canal, shortening the distance between Asia and Europe. These lines allow China to transport more goods in shorter times and also reduce fuel costs for China’s extensive trade network. Chinese state-owned shipping companies have already made numerous voyages on these routes, demonstrating Beijing's determination to integrate Arctic routes into global supply chains. Furthermore, the Arctic region offers a platform for scientific research and technological innovation. In addition, China's commitment to Arctic exploration and climate research will enhance its scientific capabilities and help China reaffirm its position as a responsible stakeholder in the Arctic. This focus on innovation is in line with China's broader goals of expanding its knowledge economy and technological self-sufficiency. This potential reflects the strategic importance of the Polar Silk Road to China. Global Resistance to the PSRWhile the PSR is promising in theory, its practical realization has been hampered by several challenges. Geopolitical resistance is a major challenge to its implementation. Western Arctic countries, particularly the United States and Canada, are skeptical of China's presence in the Arctic given the ongoing US-China competition. NATO's growing focus on Arctic security limits China's ability to effectively engage with non-Russian Arctic states. Scandinavian countries such as Norway and Sweden, aligned with the US and the European Union, act cautiously towards Beijing. Although Iceland has shown some willingness to cooperate, there are widespread concerns about dependence on Chinese investment. Greenland's acceptance of the Chinese capital has been officially greeted with enthusiasm. But Denmark’s oversight limits Beijing’s influence. Norway's relations with China are also strained due to diplomatic tensions over the Nobel Prize issue. In addition, environmental factors also pose a major challenge. Climate change threatens delicate Arctic ecosystems. Large resource extraction and infrastructure projects have come under criticism for potentially damaging the environment. Governance issues and legal uncertainty complicate the feasibility of the PSR. The Arctic’s Legal Framework based on the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea(UNCLOS), is open to interpretation. China's status as a"near-Arctic"state has been questioned by Arctic states suspicious of its broader ambitions. Efforts to promote a comprehensive governance model for the Arctic are likely to face resistance from stakeholders in the region. Power StruggleAfter the Ukraine WarChina's Arctic strategy has evolved following the Russia-Ukraine war. This shift is characterized by a "wait-and-see" approach, influenced by heightened skepticism from Western nations and the increasing securitization of Arctic-related matters. As concerns about dual-use technologies increase and competition between China and the US reaches new levels, Beijing's ability to build partnerships is severely limited, leaving Russia as its primary Arctic gateway. However, Russia’s dependence on China, exacerbated by the Western sanctions after the Ukraine war, has provided Beijing with an opportunity to expand its influence in the region. Their joint statement in February 2022 showed the willingness of both sides to cooperate in the Arctic, marking a shift in Moscow's policy toward non-Arctic countries. This allowed China to expand its role in energy and infrastructure projects in the Northern Sea Route, reaffirming re-engagement in the Arctic amid conflict in the region. China's increasing engagement with Russia during the Ukraine war has made Western Arctic nations, including Finland, increasingly wary. Most recently, Finnish President Alexander Stubb visited China in October 2024 and focused heavily on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, while Arctic cooperation was notably absent from the updated Sino-Finnish Action Plan. Since 2019, Finland has gradually reduced its Arctic cooperation with China, citing security risks. It cancelled the Arctic railway project and imposed restrictions on satellite services. Sino-Finnish relations in the Arctic reached their lowest point in 2023 when a Chinese ship reportedly damaged a gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia, sparking speculation of covert operations and escalating tensions. Can China’s Ambition Continue? To achieve its PSR ambitions, China must navigate political, environmental, and strategic complexities. It’s crucial to broaden the range of partners, especially beyond traditional reliance on Russia. Engagement with Arctic countries could strengthen cooperation in areas such as sustainable infrastructure and clean energy. If the PSR is to succeed, China must balance the need for comprehensive and sustainable development of the Arctic region with the pursuit of its national interests. Overall, the Arctic could be an important indicator of China's global ambitions and capabilities at a time of major war conflict.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187335

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AI Cross-industry Applications on the Rise, Global Startups Meet in Taipei — 2024 AI+ Taipei Startup Demo Day

The AI+ Taipei Startup Demo Day, Taipei’s annual startup event, brought together AI startups, investors and industry experts from around the world. The event was not only a showcase for the latest emerging technologies but also a forum to discuss the future of AI applications and development trends, building a critical bridge between Taiwan and the global tech ecosystem. This year’s Demo Day highlighted Taipei’s support for international startups through resources provided by the Taipei Entrepreneurs Hub, a platform created by the Taipei City Government, which helps international startups establish a presence in Taipei, expand their operations, and foster cross-border tech collaborations. The initiative highlights Taipei’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and technological innovation, as well as solidifies its role in the global AI ecosystem. As an international brand of the entrepreneur community, Taipei Entrepreneurs Hub (TEH) provides a solid platform for startups to stand out from the global competition and receive substantial resource support. After receiving applications from 29 international startups, TEH selected six finalists from Japan, Korea, Singapore, and the United States to pitch their companies at Demo Day. These companies span education tech, healthcare tech, and entertainment tech, showcasing AI technology’s innovative applications across various scenarios and further highlighting Taipei’s appeal as a platform for emerging enterprises. In the field of education technology, three companies were selected: Minglecon Co. , Ltd. from Korea, Sensay Learning from the U.S. , and HelloWorld from Japan. Minglecon Co. , Ltd. ’s Minglebot AI is a gamified learning platform designed to teach computational thinking and develop skills relevant for effective collaboration with AI. Sensay Learning applies phoneme-level AI speech recognition technology to provide students, from preschool to high school, with personalized English learning and feedback mechanisms. The company has begun partnering with Taiwan’s education institutions to expand this innovative educational technology. HelloWorld’s language learning platform, WorldClassroom uses AI speech recognition technology to offer interactive language learning experiences. Since 2021, WorldClassroom has connected over 650 schools in 40 countries, facilitating language learning and cultural exchange. Its core strength is providing real-time, accurate pronunciation feedback, helping learners improve fluency, and creating a bridge for intercultural communication. AI applications in healthcare were also a highlight of Demo Day. U.S. -based Auspex Diagnostics has developed an AI-powered colon cancer detection tool with higher accuracy in predicting cancer recurrence, bringing new advancements to medical decision-making. Meanwhile, Korean startup MedySapiens focuses on diagnosing rare genetic diseases in newborns, using AI-powered genetic screening to expedite the diagnosis process. The company has partnered with Taiwan’s “TMU Biomedical Accelerator” and “BE Health Accelerator” to foster international medical tech exchanges, introducing cutting-edge diagnostic technologies and collaboration opportunities to Taiwan’s healthcare ecosystem. In addition, in the entertainment tech sector, Singapore-based Wubble. ai captivated audiences with an AI music platform that can rapidly generate royalty-free and personalized music for various uses, such as marketing videos and games. Responding to Taiwan’s active creative industry and market demand, Wubble. ai plans to strengthen collaborations with local companies, showcasing new possibilities in AI music creation and providing Taiwan's entertainment industry with more diverse choices. The AI+ Taipei Startup Demo Day brought together prominent figures from venture capital, tech services, and innovation for an insightful panel discussion. Hosted by Yan Lee, Founding Partner of Hive Ventures, the panel featured speakers Arthur Huang, CSO & Spokesman of GrandTech Cloud Services, Sanghoon Jin, Executive Director of Korea’s Tap Angel Partners, and Cami Lu, partner of Sunsino Venture Group. Panelists shared market insights about Taiwan, Korea and Southeast Asia, along with strategies to understand AI’s impact on the future of the startup ecosystem. CSO Huang discussed how GrandTech supports startups by optimizing resource use in multi-cloud environments to reduce costs, enabling AI tech companies to grow more efficiently. Executive Director Sanghoon Jin of Tap Angel Partners highlighted investment trends in AI, IC, and entertainment tech, underscoring the cross-industry potential of AI applications. Cami Lu of Sunsino Venture Group reflected on her years of entrepreneurial experience, noting the rapid advancement of AI across various fields. She emphasized that investors should support technology solutions with long-term value to provide businesses with a sustainable competitive edge. Cami further encouraged businesses to embrace AI innovation across all industries to meet the diverse demands of a globalized market. The AI+ Taipei Startup Demo Day not only welcomed international startups, but also actively encouraged Taiwan’s startup ecosystem to participate, showcasing Taipei’s support for AI technology and its applications. This year, three representative AI startups from Taiwan, which are all members of the NVIDIA Inception Program, showcased innovative applications across 5G, AI and smart healthcare. They include IHH Co. , Ltd. , which develops safe and efficient image communication solutions; Avalanche Computing, which provides affordable AI solutions across industries; and KenKone Medical Co. , Ltd. , which leverages large language models and AI speech recognition in healthcare to develop the EVAS system, enabling real-time medical record management during surgeries. Showcasing domestic startups demonstrated Taipei’s support and enthusiasm for AI industry development and Taiwan’s technological prowess in AI to international investors and industry experts, further solidifying Taipei’s role as a center of innovation in AsiaAs international startups took the stage at Demo Day, Taipei City showcased its embrace of innovative technology and international cooperation, attracting more global startups to make Taipei their launchpad for expansion in Asia. This also enhances Taipei’s standing in AI and tech development on the global stage. We look forward to watching these AI startups find long-term opportunities in Taiwan and build stronger, more connected networks with local players. Their strong potential will bring new business opportunities to Taiwan’s industries, drive cross-border collaborations, and pave a broader path for global AI advancement.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187245

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Trump Remains Ambiguous About Defending Taiwan

US President-Elect Donald Trump indicated that he would “never reveal” whether Washington is committed to defending Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. However, he expressed a preference for China not to take such action, adding that he maintains a “good relationship” with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In an interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker on Meet the Press, Trump explained that he avoids making such declarations because "I need to negotiate things." When asked again about his position on Taiwan’s defense, Trump reiterated his preference, saying, "I would prefer that they do not do it." He also confirmed that he had been in regular communication with Xi, most recently just three days before the interview. When asked if he had explicitly told Xi that China should not invade Taiwan, Trump replied, "We did not talk about that." He further emphasized that he has a strong relationship with Xi, expressing his hope that China would refrain from such an action. In a separate development, Japanese media reported that Washington is planning to reorganize US forces in Japan into a joint force headquarters under the Indo-Pacific Command. According to Kyodo News, this restructuring would enhance coordination between US forces and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). The two nations are expected to form a task force to oversee the establishment of the new headquarters, which the JSDF will integrate into their own Joint Operations Command, set to be operational by the end of the year. This move was one of the key topics discussed during the US-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in July. Lieutenant General Stephen Jost, Commander of US Forces in Japan, and Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani further discussed the plan during an intelligence-sharing meeting in October. The reorganization of the forces is linked to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, proposed by the US Department of Defense as part of a broader defense funding package worth US$895. 2 billion. The legislation includes provisions that require joint activities between US and Japanese forces to be implemented within 180 days after the bill is expected to pass through Congress.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187305

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TNL Mediagene Claims Four Honors at Agency & Advertiser of the Year Awards 2024, Demonstrating Cross-Domain Excellence

The winners of the "Agency & Advertiser of the Year Awards 2024" were officially announced on the evening of January 6th. TNL Mediagene demonstrated outstanding performance in this year's competition winning nominations all four major awards. These achievements highlight the group's leadership position and innovative capabilities across multiple domains, including news media, marketing technology, data services, and policy communication. The awards received are as follows: Mario Yang, Co-founder and Chief Content Officer of TNL Mediagene's The News Lens, expressed after receiving the award:"Winning the 'Excellence News Media Company of the Year' and other awards is a significant recognition of our longstanding commitment to focusing on important news and diverse perspectives. In the future, we will continue to deliver trustworthy content, providing readers across the Pan-Asian region with more authentic and profound reporting. "Lynn Yang, the General Manager of the Sales Department and Founder of Ad2iction Co. , Ltd. , stated: “The future of marketing technology lies in the perfect integration of data and creativity. In the past, Ad2iction gained attention primarily for its creative capabilities. Following our integration with the group, we have made significant progress in broadening the application of data. In 2024, the inaugural year of RMN, we are honored to receive dual recognition as'Excellence Mobile Marketing Company of the Year'and'Excellence Data Services Company of the Year'. This achievement motivates us to continue driving innovation and delivering more precise and efficient marketing solutions for our clients.”Grace Lee, the General Manager of S. C IMC Co. , Ltd. , added: "We are grateful to the Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs, for giving us the opportunity to assist in promoting Microcomputer Gas Meters and ensuring the safety of gas usage for the public. This is our first time participating in the'Excellence Policy Communication Company of the year'and we are honored to receive recognition. S. C IMC will continue to drive innovation and create impacts, assisting more government departments with their policy communication."The News Lens was founded in 2013 with the goal of creating an independent media platform that delivers substantial content without sensationalism. In 2018, the company began acquiring other media outlets, including INSIDE, Sport Vision, and Cool3c, gradually evolving into a media group. In May 2023, it merged with Japan’s Mediagene Inc. to form TNL Mediagene. The group has since risen to become the first digital media company in the global Chinese-speaking community to integrate cross-industry content, technology, and data services. It is also among the first Asian media companies to be listed on NASDAQ. This award not only recognizes the group's strategic growth from an independent media outlet to its continuous expansion in content, technology, and data services but also inspires the team to keep progressing in delivering high-quality content and digital technology services. We look forward to achieving continued success in the Pan-Asian market. TNL Mediagene, a Cayman Islands-registered company, is the product of the May 2023 merger of Taiwan’s The News Lens Co. and Japan’s Mediagene Inc. , two leading, independent digital-media groups. Its business includes original and licensed media brands in Chinese, Japanese and English, across a range of subjects, including news, business, technology, science, food, sports and lifestyle; AI-powered advertising and marketing technology platforms in demand by agencies; and e-commerce and creative solutions. It takes pride in its political neutrality, its reach with younger audiences, and its quality. The company has about 550 employees across Asia, with offices in Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong. https: //www. tnlmediagene. com/For further information, please contactE-mail: pr@tnlmediagene. com

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187339

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How Trump Threatens The World Trading System

By Robert StaigerIf the United States wanted to break the world trading system it could not have done better than to re-elect Donald Trump to the US Presidency. Not that Trump is alone among recent US presidents in his disregard for the current system of global trade rules. The Biden administration maintained and even extended a number of high-profile trade policy initiatives from the first Trump administration and paid little heed to how these policies squared with the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO). And the unwillingness of the first Trump Administration to fill vacancies created by the expiring terms of WTO judges continued a practice adopted by the Obama Administration. But Trump’s words and actions have made it uniquely clear that his vision for a world trading system is antithetical to the rules-based multilateral global trade order that the United States helped to create 75 years ago. The current global trading system was established through the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the precursor to the WTO. GATT’s rules-based global trade order was built on the twin pillars of non-discrimination and reciprocity. The ‘most-favoured-nation’ (MFN) rule of non-discrimination ensures that exports of the same product originating from any country enjoy equal tariff treatment in a given destination market. Reciprocity means that tariff bargains aim to balance the changes in import and export volumes that each country experiences as a result of the negotiations. These pillars created a system that constrains large trading countries’ ability to dominate negotiations. The MFN principle dilutes the ability of large countries to extract disproportionate advantages from smaller bargaining partners by ensuring that any gains are also shared by third-country exporters. Reciprocity further neutralises the exercise of power in tariff bargains because it establishes an expectation of balanced terms for the bargain. This system of rules encouraged smaller countries to invest in globalisation without fear of exploitation at the bargaining table, and the more inclusive globalisation that resulted benefited large countries as well. By discouraging the bluff and bluster accompanying the exercise of power in negotiations, the rules delivered a streamlined method for tariff bargaining that dramatically reduced trade barriers over the latter half of the twentieth century, helping to usher in decades of trade growth and poverty reduction. Importantly, these rules created a ‘member-driven’ system, where countries have the flexibility to decide what trade policies are right for them, provided they do not aim to shift their policies’ costs onto trading partners. Eliminating these cost-shifting incentives is the primary goal of the rules, and a world trading system built on MFN and reciprocity is well-designed to help governments achieve this goal. As trading partners often bear costs when a country imposes tariffs, achieving this goal naturally leads to lower tariffs around the world. But how much lower is a matter for each country to determine for itself through voluntary rules-based negotiation. Built-in flexibilities within the system allow countries to rethink their preferred level of trade openness if they so desire. As such, being a free trader is not a prerequisite for supporting the rules-based global trade order administered by the GATT and WTO. And a country does not have to escape from these rules in order to rethink its commitment to a level of openness. Rather, the rules provide a ready-made and orderly avenue for the country to do just that while maintaining a measure of predictability and stability in trading relations that is itself an important benefit of the rules-based system. The incoming Trump administration plans to take a sledgehammer to the pillars of the rules-based global trade order. Under the first Trump administration, then commerce secretary Wilbur Ross outlined an alternative trading system wherein countries with the lowest tariffs would match the tariffs of those with the highest, country by country and product by product, automatically adjusting as other countries lower their barriers. Under this system, MFN would be abandoned, as exporters from a high-tariff country would face high tariffs in a given market while exporters of the same good from a low-tariff country would face low tariffs in that market. This system would also introduce an unprecedented notion of reciprocity — matching tariff levels across countries rather than negotiated tariff changes — that is antithetical to the member-driven logic of the WTO. In short, the vision for a global trade order articulated under the first Trump administration would replace the rules-based multilateral trading system with something more like a power-based system for tariff bargaining where large countries are no longer constrained by the rules of behaviour that have shaped the system for the past 75 years. President-elect Trump’s recent statements reflect this vision of power-based tariff bargaining and broaden it to include the use of tariffs as bargaining chips for a host of settings beyond traditional tariff bargaining. These include non-tariff issues ranging from the regulation of immigration to the production of fentanyl precursors to the role of the US dollar in the global economy. There are also indications that Trump will seize the opportunity to engage in bargaining with domestic interests in the United States over exceptions to his tariff policies, all of which fits with his view that tariffs are a bargaining chip to extract concessions from others. The rules-based system administered by the WTO is far from perfect. But its creation 75 years ago was built on lessons learned from earlier failed attempts at power-based trade bargaining and there is good reason to think that the core features of this system remain valuable today relative to a power-based alternative. Viewed in this light, the incoming Trump administration’s evident intent to tear down the rules-based multilateral trading system and replace it with a power-based system will likely end in disappointment — if not disaster. Robert Staiger is Roth Family Distinguished Professor in the Arts and Sciences and Professor of Economics, Dartmouth College. He is also Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. https: //doi. org/10. 59425/eabc. 1736330400The News Lens has been authorized to republish this article from the East Asia Forum. East Asia Forum is a platform for analysis and research on politics, economics, business, law, security, international relations and society relevant to public policy, centered on the Asia Pacific region.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187338

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Police Pension Reform Bill Passed Amid Disputes

Taiwan’s legislature passed a pension reform bill that raises the maximum income replacement ratio for retired disciplinary officers to 80%, amid disputes over the proposal making the police force superior to other civil servants. According to the amended Police Personnel Management Act, the monthly retirement income for police officers, firefighters, as well as members of the Coast Guard and National Air Service Corps, will be determined based on years served. The amended bill stipulates that the income replacement ratio should be set at 43. 25% for those with 15 years of service, with the ratio increasing by 1. 75% per year until it reaches 80% after 36 years of service. For those who have served for 37 years or more, the income replacement ratio would remain at 80%, while those with less than a year until retirement would have different calculations. The amended bill was drafted in mid-June last year by Taiwan’s largest opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT). The proposal sought to align the pension benefits for police officers, firefighters, and other similar categories with those of military personnel. Nevertheless, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vehemently opposed the bill. Despite ongoing cross-party negotiations that extended until January 6, no agreement was reached. The bill was passed yesterday with a numerical advantage for the opposition parties, the KMT and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), over the DPP, by a vote of 60 to 49 during Tuesday's plenary session of the Legislature. The DPP lawmakers primarily argued that the amendment bill would favor the police over other civil servants, creating divisions or generational conflicts among them. The lawmaker Rosalia Wu contended that the pension reform represented a step backward of Taiwan’s system, while it risks contravening the principle of equality as stated in the Constitution. However, the KMT lawmaker Wu Tsung-hsien argued that the policy addresses the reluctance of police officers to retire due to income regression. Another lawmaker from the KMT, Chang Chih-lun, stressed that the amendment aims at addressing the concerns of frontline workers, striving to ensure fairness and justice. Retired Police Officers’ Association head Keng Chi-wen thanked the legislature for passing the reform bill and defended the interests of disciplinary forces, stating that they “perform high-risk duties and are a stabilizing force for the state and society,” and thus deserved “the delayed justice.”DPP caucus whip Ker Chien-ming announced that his party would seek a constitutional interpretation of the amended bill. He also mentioned that the Executive Yuan might consider sending the bill back to the legislature for further review.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187337

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Pompeo Hypes Trump’s Continued Support for Taiwan

Mike Pompeo, who was United States Secretary of State during President Donald Trump’s first term, voiced his unwavering support for Taiwan at a forum last Monday, in light of its longstanding row with China. Despite initial fears that a changing of the guard would impact American top tier's support for Taipei, Pompeo assures this is not the case. The forum titled “Towards Permanent World Peace: The Shared Mission Between the US and Taiwan” was organized by the Formosa Republican Association and Pompeo spoke of the “continued resolve” of the US to deter Chinese aggression. At the forum, Pompeo firstly acknowledged Taiwan as a key role in the US'model of deterrence against China, by citing his track record with Trump in his first presidency. “We believe we have developed a pretty effective model of deterrence against adversaries who want to undermine the set of rules and values that the people of Taiwan and people of the United States hold dear,” he said. “My full expectation is you will see much the same worldview emanating from the White House, broadly speaking, and the American security establishment that you saw in the first four years,” Pompeo affirmed to the forum audience. Although Trump has opted for Marco Rubio as Secretary of State for his second term, Pompeo assured that his successor “shares my views and love and understands the importance of this shared relationship [with Taiwan]. ”Pompeo said the White House sees nations allied to the US including Japan, Australia and the Philippines as crucial to upholding free indo-pacific, while sending an “unambiguous message to Beijing—that Taiwan is free and it’s going to stay that way.”“Succeeding in continuing to build this model will not solely rest at the feet of president Trump and his team, but it will be shared with Taiwan; you will be crucial in this effort,” he said. This forum speech marked Pompeo’s fourth visit to Taiwan since 2022, with his first visit this year being to attend President Lai Ching-te’s inauguration ceremony. He also hinted that the new Secretary of State, Rubio, or another White House official could be headed to Taipei for a visit in the near future. Meanwhile, the former official suggested the new presidency will scrap the “strategic ambiguity,” an approach that was prominent under President Joe Biden’s administration. He argued that lasting ambiguity on territorial and geo-political tensions actually “misleads the international community and increases aggression in the Asia-Pacific region.”Boldly, he commented that Chinese President Xi Jinping 'will not determine the future of Asia or of Taiwan.' 'We’ll do it alongside Japan, Australia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and India,' he added.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187336

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South Korea Investigators Halt Yoon Arrest Attempt

South Korean investigators have failed to carry out an arrest warrant against impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol after arriving at his residence to execute it. South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that they faced resistance upon arrival and were then locked in a nearly six-hour long standoff. The investigators entered the presidential residence through heavy security barricades and Yonhap reported that the attempts to proceed were hindered by a military unit inside the compound. After managing to"move past"the unit, they were confronted by the Presidential Security Service still protecting the impeached president. The impeached president is under criminal investigation over his short-lived bid on December 3 to impose martial law, which has plunged the country into a political and constitutional crisis. Officials from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) called off the arrest attempt at around 1: 30 p. m. (0430 UTC/GMT) due to concerns over the safety of its personnel. "It was judged that it was virtually impossible to execute the arrest warrant due to the ongoing standoff," the CIO said in a statement. A CIO official told reporters that over 200 Presidential Security Service (PSS) personnel and more military troops seconded to presidential security outnumbered the some 20 investigators and 80 police personnel. They formed several layers of human chains to block them. Though they appeared to be carrying firearms, the official said that no weapons were drawn in the standoff. The CIO office said it will discuss its next move. It was unclear whether they planned on making another attempt to detain Yoon. The police announced designating the PSS chief and the deputy as suspects in a criminal case over their obstruction of official duty, Yonhap news reported. They have been summoned to appear for questioning on Saturday. In response to the investigators'arrival on Friday, Yoon's lawyer said they were not acting lawfully and that further legal action would be taken against the move. "The execution of a warrant that is illegal and invalid is indeed not lawful," Yoon's lawyer Yoon Kap-keun said, adding that"legal actions will be taken regarding the illegal execution of the warrant. "On Tuesday, a Seoul court issued a warrant for Yoon's arrest after he failed to appear for questioning after multiple requests and blocked searches of his offices in the South Korean capital. It is valid for one week, and due to expire after Monday. The lawyers argue that Yoon's warrant cannot be enforced at his residence, citing a law which protects from search locations with possible links to military secrets, so long as the consent of the person in charge is not obtained. Authorities are looking into whether Yoon's short-lived declaration of martial law on December 3 amounted to rebellion. He could become the first sitting president to be arrested in the South Korea's history. Hundreds of the president's supporters gathered at his residence in an effort to block investigators. The embattled president had vowed to "fight until the end" while facing arrest. Supporters who had gathered on Thursday to protest the arrest warrant against Yoon camped overnight and chanted "illegal warrant is invalid" on Friday morning as investigators and media convened at the presidential residence. The president had told his supporters on Thursday: "I will fight until the end to protect this country together with you."The Presidential Security Service continues to protect Yoon as the sitting head of state and had blocked previous police raids of the residence. km, sdi/jsi (AP, AFP, Reuters)This article was originally published on Deutsche Welle. Read the original articlehere.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187328

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Taiwan to Build “New Silicon Valley” in Southern Region

On Thursday, the Executive Yuan, Taiwan’s Cabinet, approved plans from the National Science and Technology Council to turn several industrial hubs in Southern Taiwan into a semiconductor corridor which they dubbed a “new Silicon Valley.”Officially, the government is calling it the "Greater Southern New Silicon Valley Promotion Plan." It is recognized by the government as one of six regional flagship projects. The plan involves linking several industrial and science parks together including those in Tainan, Chiayi, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung to form an s-shaped corridor in the south. The government is set to rely heavily on the development and deployment of AI in its plans. Premier Cho Jung-tai explained that they intend to make the most of the region’s existing industrial capacity not just in semiconductors but in biotechnology, medical devices, precision machinery, solar green energy, while expanding into areas such as space technology, drones and smart agriculture. The efforts run in-line with President Lai Ching-te’s policy pronouncements to make Taiwan an “island of artificial intelligence." It hopes to usher in Taiwan’s entry into an era of AI applications. To power the corridor, Su Chen-kang of National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) explained the need to connect regional power grids while making use of greener energy sources. Likewise, he explained that the eight reservoirs in the drought-prone region will be connected to ensure water supplies for the residents as well as the factories. There are also plans to make use of more recycled water in the process.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187329

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Whistleblower Bill Passed to Safely Expose Corruption

The Legislative Yuan passed a bill on last Friday aimed at enhancing protections for whistleblowers, marking a significant advancement in safeguarding individuals’ rights and safety for those who expose illegal actions for the public good. The new law initially applies to whistleblowers reporting corruption and misconduct within the public sector and state-owned enterprises. However, there is a provision that allows for the potential extension of these protections to the private sector after three years. The agencies responsible for handling whistleblowing include government agencies and their heads, or designated units or personnel within the public sector. It also covers the heads, responsible persons, or designated units or personnel of state-owned enterprises, government-controlled businesses, organizations, or institutions, as well as prosecutorial agencies, judicial police agencies, regulatory authorities for specific industries, the Control Yuan, and the government ethics bodies. Whistleblowers are categorized into public sector whistleblowers and those from state-owned enterprises, government-controlled businesses, organizations, or institutions. According to the passed legislation, public officials who unlawfully disclose a whistleblower’s identity could face prison sentences ranging from six months to five years, along with fines up to NT$300, 000 (approximately US$9, 140). For non-public officials who commit similar violations, penalties include up to one year in prison, fines of up to NT$100, 000, or both. The law, which will come into effect six months after its promulgation, also stipulates that whistleblowers whose reports result in the discovery of illegal activities will be eligible for rewards. The amount of the reward, to be determined by the relevant authority, must be no less than the fines imposed on the wrongdoer. The Ministry of Justice, which has been designated as the overseeing authority, will establish a seven-member whistleblower protection committee led by the Minister of Justice to manage enforcement and related processes. If a whistleblower submits a report to the designated agency and does not receive a notification of investigation within 20 days, and after urging the agency to act, still receives no response within 10 days, the whistleblower may then report the issue to central or local elected representatives, media organizations registered as companies, or nonprofit organizations registered as legal entities.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187323

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Fruitful Identities: Yan-Ze Luo’s Solo Exhibition A Fig Tree

Taiwan’s legalization of same-sex marriage marked a significant milestone in the journey toward LGBTQ+ equality, yet LGBTQ+ individuals continue to encounter unspoken challenges, particularly within the intimate realm of family relationships. Taiwanese artist Yan-Ze Luo’s exhibition A Fig Tree (2024), in Hsinchu 241 Art Gallery, explores these tensions, reflecting on the complexities of family relationships and the potential for dialogue and reconciliation. After his father’s passing, Luo was prompted to confront his identity as a gay man within his family. He recalled a cherished memory of sharing fresh figs with his father, which led his father to secretly plant a fig tree in their garden. Inspired by this memory, Luo spent a year cultivating a fig tree as part of his creative process. One key piece, A Special Moment (2024), features two red-and-white striped plastic bags, commonly seen in Taiwan, adorned with delicate embroidery with threads dyed from flowers in the artist’s family garden. The patterns evoke falling rain, inspired by a passage from Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude (1967), where yellow flowers descend like misty rain to signal the death of a father. This references Luo’s own experience of his father’s passing, marked by the fruit from a tree in their garden falling abundantly, mirroring the emotional weight of the moment. The bags are arranged in the same form as when Luo first bought the fig tree, representing hope and the desire to mend his relationship with his family. In traditional Taiwanese culture, LGBTQ+ individuals face pressure to carry on the family line, as fertility is deeply tied to cultural values. The homophonic connection between the words for “seeds” (zǐ) and “descendants” (zǐ) in Mandarin deepens this expectation. Yan-Ze Luo’s exhibitionA Fig Tree explores these symbolic “seeds” and the complexities they represent. One artwork, Brook Red Fig(2024), centers on a fig tree Luo planted, known for its prolific fruiting. Despite his care, the tree failed to bear fruit. In the artwork, the fig tree is bound by red threads, which gently sway with the motion of an air-powered installation. This delicate movement mirrors the emotional tension between Luo and his mother—her quiet hope that he might continue the family lineage, juxtaposed with his understanding of his identity, which diverges from traditional norms. The red threads symbolize both connection and constraint, reflecting the influence of family expectations on the tree’s growth. Inspired by the fig tree’s original label, Luo created a new one using red embroidery thread, transforming it into a personal identity. Rather than rejecting these pressures, Luo employs the concept of disidentification, as defined by José Esteban Muñoz. Rather than wholly rejecting or embracing social norms, disidentification reshapes them from within. Luo does not discard or erase the social labels imposed upon him but accepts and transforms them into something meaningful. In his work, labels—often seen as restrictive—are transformed into expressions of hope, longing, and acceptance. Through the meticulous act of embroidery, Luo creates a label that embodies not confinement, but reconciliation and self-acceptance. The fig tree becomes a metaphor for “fruitful identities”—those not defined by external expectations but by the richness of individuality and self-expression. Luo crafts a self-affirming label that transcends traditional constraints. Through his critical and creative engagement with imposed structures, he redefines labels, reclaims his identity, and celebrates the beauty of plural and fruitful self-representation. His art nurtures hope and resilience, growing into a narrative that surpasses traditional boundaries. In the exhibition, three tissue paper bricks from Luo’s father’s factory show both personal and familial ties. Luo’s father, the factory owner, provided stability for the family, and the exhibition space, with black plastic flooring, evokes the sensory atmosphere of a factory, immersing visitors in the experience. A fig tree placed atop tissue paper bricks connects his father’s foundation of stability to the artist’s growth and identity, representing their emotional bond. Through weaving, Luo intertwines the affections, tensions, and expectations from his parents, bridging their hopes and his self-discovery. Luo also conducted field research at his father’s factory, interviewing workers to uncover a side of his father he hadn’t known. These conversations filled gaps in his understanding, allowing him to rediscover a side of his parent he had not fully known during his lifetime. The final piece in the exhibition, Hypanthodium (2024), encapsulates the overarching themes of Luo’s work. Drawing inspiration from the hidden structure of fig flowers—concealed within the fruit—the piece explores the interplay between visibility and privacy. It features a fig-like form crafted from individually sewn plastic petals, with an opening that reflects the artist’s intentional act of revealing his personal narrative. This act of openness, regardless of whether the “fruit” yields tangible outcomes, becomes a statement of profound significance. At its heart, the work poses a tender yet provocative question: Must one bear children to be considered fruitful? Luo redefines fruitfulness beyond biological terms, offering a deeply personal yet universally resonant meditation on love, loss, identity, and fulfillment in its many forms. Building on his earlier Mutualism series (2023), which delved into relationships and queer experiences, this exhibition represents a notable progress in Luo’s practice. His shift from two-dimensional works to immersive installations highlights a meticulous attention to materiality and a deepening conceptual sophistication. I eagerly anticipate how Luo will continue to expand these themes and approaches in his future projects.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187312

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Wang Seeks New Discourse On Cross-Strait Relations

Former Legislative Yuan representative Wang Jinping introduced a new proposal earlier this week regarding an approach on cross-strait relations. He mentioned that the two entities at each end of the Taiwan Strait “are not subordinate to each other, and the sovereignty is the same but not divided.”The 1992 Consensus, which in the eyes of Beijing means that “the two sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China,” is the prevailing narrative over the territorial divide. However the Kuomintang (KMT), which represented Taiwan at the time, understands the consensus as one of “one China, different interpretations.”Wang’s proposal was welcomed by KMT legislators, whereas those from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) maintained that the narrative was simply “one country, two systems.”Wang established the think tank “Middle Way Peace Alliance” in November this year, and held a peace declaration and initiative conference earlier this week. In his speech, Wang said that the key to this complicated issue was not to let ideology dictate the decision-making and instead turn to rational thinking. He recalled remarks by then-President Lee Teng-hui in 1996 that “It is a fact that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are divided across the sea due to historical factors; but it is also a fact that both sides of the Taiwan Strait aim to pursue national reunification.”During his term, Lee established the National Unification Committee, promulgated the National Unification Program, facilitated the Ku-Wang Talks, and opened a new era of positive cross-strait interaction. Wang further explained that it is a pity that cross-strait relations, which originally saw the dawn of peace, have experienced many changes in recent years, even becoming an area of potential military conflicts. He attributed this to changes in the international environment, ideological constraints, and more importantly, misunderstandings and ensuing confrontations caused by the stagnation of cross-strait exchanges. Wang called the cross-strait division an issue left over from history, with each country developing uniquely over time. The people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait jointly inherit Chinese culture and have the same traditions in language, customs, and religious beliefs, he said. Wang advocates that “the governing powers of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are not subordinate to each other, and the sovereignty is the same but not divided.”He batted for “divide and rule without separation” as the most pragmatic approach at this stage to break the deadlock. In response to Wang’s remarks, DPP legislator Shen Boyang issued a statement last night, saying that “the governance powers of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are not subordinate to each other, and the sovereignty is the same but not divided.”Shen emphasized that China has always wanted to establish a new organization “Ministry of National Unification”, and pro-China people in Taiwan also want to strengthen discussions in this regard in Taiwan. Shen posited that if Taiwan really wants one country, two systems, it needs to sign a relevant peace treaty with China. This would put it in the same basket as Tibet and Hong Kong. “Please look at the current appearance of Tibet and Hong Kong. That will definitely not be Taiwan's future,” Shen reminded. KMT Legislator Li Yanxiu emphasized achieving cross-strait peace, and hoped for an end to feuding on various levels. He echoed Wang’s wish as one shared by the KMT and the Taiwanese public. Li called on the DPP not to treat mainland China as an enemy, to treat exchanges and dialogues as infiltration, and to treat unintentional remarks as a united front. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung told reporters that Taiwan is a sovereign and independent democratic country with an elected government. Distinguishing sovereignty and governance can easily lead to a dispute over terms, he added. Lin also mentioned the Four Commitments proposed by President Tsai Ing-wen in 2021, insisting “that sovereignty is inviolable and annexable, and insisting that the Republic of China, Taiwan The future of Taiwan must follow the will of all Taiwanese people."He added that this works in conjunction with the “Four Pillars of Peace” of President Lai Ching-te before this year’s election, including: strengthening Taiwan's self-defense, strengthening economic security, deepening partnerships with democratic countries around the world, and promoting cross-strait dialogue and exchanges. The Mainland Affairs Council stated that it took note of the relevant remarks made by Wang and emphasized that any relevant discussions must ensure Taiwan's liberal democratic system and face up to China’s existence. This article is translated and edited from The News Lens Chinese edition.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187302

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South Korea Seeks Arrest Of Impeached President Yoon

South Korea’s joint investigation unit on Monday sought an arrest warrant to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law earlier this month. “The Joint Investigation Headquarters filed an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol with the Seoul Western District Court,” said the probe team. The prosecutors’ application for a warrant is believed to be the first attempt to forcibly detain a sitting president in the country's constitutional history. A court will decide whether to issue the warrant. Yoon has circumvented several requests to appear for questioning by the joint investigation team and public prosecutors. He has also blocked searches of his office related to the investigation. Investigators are planning to question Yoon on charges of abuse of authority and orchestrating a rebellion. The martial law declaration, on December 3, drew immediate opposition from politicians, with lawmakers having quickly passed a resolution demanding Yoon lift his order. On December 14, lawmakers voted to impeach the president over his failed attempt to impose military rule, suspending his presidential powers. However, it is up to the Constitutional Court to decide whether to confirm the impeachment and remove Yoon from office or restore his powers. The process could take months. Days after his attempt to impose martial law, Yoon apologized sayinghe would not evade legal and political responsibility over his actions. He nevertheless later came out to defend his decision, saying it was a measure to protect the country’s democracy. Opposition party membershavecriticizedhis repeated defiance of the summonsand havewarned againstpossible destruction of evidence. Yoonfaces a string of investigations, including potentialcharges of leading aninsurrection, a crime punishable bylife imprisonment or even the death penalty. The country's political crisis deepend further, when parliament last week also impeached acting PresidentHan Duck-soo, over his reluctance to fill three Constitutional Court vacancies. rmt/lo (AFP, AP, Reuters)This article was originally published on Deutsche Welle. Read the original articlehere.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187322

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Diplomacy or Appeasement? Behind Guterres’ Cordiality with Putin

By Daniel RaynoldsThe debate surrounding United Nation Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's recent attendance at the2024 BRICS summit—that took place in Kazan, Russia, between October 22 and 24—reveals deep fractures in how international diplomacy is understood and practiced in an increasingly polarized world. On one side, critics argue that Guterres’s cordial engagement with Vladimir Putin is tantamount to endorsing his actions. They assert that such diplomacy undermines the moral authority of the UN, especially in light of ongoing conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. Alexander J. Motyl, a professor of political science at Rutgers University-Newark, in his article published onThe Hillcriticizes the Secretary-General for meeting a “war criminal” at the summit. He argues that while Guterres has a duty to engage with world leaders, it is morally wrong for him to appear cordial with dictators like Putin. Motyl emphasizes that Guterres’s actions effectively endorse Putin’s actions and diminish the UN’s credibility, particularly at a time when tensions are escalating due to North Korean troops arriving in Russia to support the war in Ukraine. Motyl compares Guterres’s bow to historical appeasement of dictators, suggesting it shows a lack of respect for Ukraine’s suffering. Ultimately, the author calls for Guterres to resign, asserting that he has compromised both his position and the UN’s mission for peace. The crux of this argument is that in times of escalating conflict, leaders must take clear stances that reflect their commitment to justice and accountability. Conversely, risk analyst and columnist Bahauddin Foizee presents a compelling defense of Guterres’s approach, framing it as a necessary engagement for peace. Heemphasizes in his article published onOped Column Syndicationthat the Secretary-General’s role is not merely to condemn aggression but to foster dialogue among all nations, even those accused of serious crimes. Foizee argues that sidelining Russia could jeopardize the UN’s broader mission and limit opportunities for conflict resolution. His perspective highlights the complexity of international relations, where rigid moral absolutism can hinder the nuanced diplomacy required to achieve lasting peace. Additionally, Foizee defendsGuterres’s absence from Ukraine’s peace summit in Switzerland in June, stating that it reflects the need for balance; attending would have necessitated alignment with Western proposals, potentially alienating Russia. These contrasting views underscore a pivotal tension in contemporary global politics: the balance between moral leadership and pragmatic diplomacy. Critics of Guterres fear that engaging with dictators could normalize their actions and erode the UN’s credibility. However, proponents assert that without dialogue, the potential for de-escalation and understanding diminishes. This dilemma raises critical questions about the role of international organizations in addressing conflict: Is the UN a moral arbiter, or should it prioritize dialogue, even with those who perpetrate violence? It appears that Guterres’s actions will continue to be scrutinized, reflecting broader anxieties about how the international community navigates the turbulent waters of diplomacy in a world rife with injustice. As the war in Ukraine continues and other global tensions simmer, the challenge for Guterres and his successors will be to find pathways to peace without compromising their moral principles. The effectiveness of the UN, and indeed of global diplomacy itself, may hinge on this delicate balance. Daniel Raynoldswrites opinions and reviews about various topics, including human rights violations across the world. He has been published, among others, on The New Federalist, Foreign Policy News, Eurasia Review, International Policy Digest, GAC European Union Politics, Washington Politics Blog, OnLine Opinion (Australia).

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187249

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Taiwan to Subsidize Firms Relocating from China if Trump Imposes Tariffs

The local government would help Taiwanese firms to relocate their China-based plants if President-elect Donald Trump actualizes his threat to impose a 60% tariff on Chinese-made goods, Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs said on Thursday. Various departments of Taiwanese government are preparing for Trump’s second presidency. Economically, he is set to return to the White House next year with tougher hands on international trade relations, vowing to impose a 60% tariff on Chinese goods and 10% to 20% tariffs on goods from other countries. The Minister of Economic Affairs, Kuo Jyh-huei, had openly admitted that while imposing the 10% or 20% tariffs globally would see little impact on Taiwan, the 60% tariff will have a larger effect on Taiwanese businesses in China. Speaking to a legislative committee on Thursday, he said future assistance would be offered to Taiwanese businesses in China, helping them relocate their production bases to avoid the 60% tariff. However, he has not disclosed any specific measures. Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs, Chern-Chyi, told the committee that some Taiwanese companies may benefit from the U.S. firms’ shifting orders from Chinese to Taiwanese goods, which could boost Taiwan’s economic and trade growth. If the Trump administration imposes a 60% tariff on China and cancels China’s permanent normal trade relations status, the competition between the U.S. and China will intensify. At the same time, this will create significant uncertainty in global trade and lead to unpredictable ripple effects on Taiwan's economy and trade, Chern added. Between 2019 and 2021, amid the escalating trade war between Beijing and Washington, Taipei rolled out incentives to encourage Taiwanese businesses in China to relocate back to the island. These incentives included two years of free rent in industrial zones managed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, labor subsidies, and reduced-interest loans. When asked whether he was concerned that TSMC and MediaTek might be influenced by Trump’s policies, Kuo emphasized that all production and sales are"driven by market demand. While politics can affect market fluctuations, ultimately, the market will align with demand. Regarding the possibility of the U.S. “CHIP Act” being repealed, he pointed out that the act is not only for TSMC, but also includes companies like Intel and Samsung. Asked whether the Ministry of Economic Affairs is prepared for a “Trump 2. 0,” Kuo concluded by saying that “we are constantly monitoring and ready for any shifts in the situation.”

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187273

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DPP Whip Calls for Ousting of KMT Lawmakers After Speaker Revote Push

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus whip, Ker Chien-ming, has called for the mass ousting of lawmakers from the Kuomintang (KMT) party after his party colleagues pushed to revote the legislative speaker last Friday. By invoking Article 8 of the Regulations on Electing the Legislative Speaker and Deputy Speaker by Legislators, DPP lawmakers proposed that electing a new legislative speaker be the first agenda item for January 3rd. The DPP's argument centers around current Speaker Han Kuo-yu, who they claim delayed submitting two controversial amended bills—the Public Officials Election and Recall Act and the Act Governing Allocations of Government Revenue and Expenditure—to President Lai Ching-te. The DPP has alleged that Han intentionally postponed the bills at the request of two KMT committee conveners. In a press briefing, Ker condemned Han's actions as “unlawful and unconstitutional,” stating that his stance reflected the DPP's core principles. He added that if the DPP does not call for Han’s dismissal now, the party might as well “shut down.”The DPP further argued that Han’s actions violated Article 3 of the Organic Act of the Legislative Yuan, which requires the speaker to uphold neutrality and fairness in managing the legislature's proceedings. On Saturday night, DPP lawmakers Tsai Yi-yu and Wang Yi-chuan arrived at the Legislative Yuan to submit a proposal in response to Friday’s meeting. They argued that allowing individual committee conveners to override the Constitution and legislative procedure—particularly in determining whether a bill should be transmitted—contravenes the Constitution and disrupts government operations. These actions, they said, violate Article 72 of the Constitution, which stipulates that “statutory bills passed by the Legislative Yuan shall be transmitted to the president of the republic and to the Executive Yuan.”On Sunday, Ker intensified his rhetoric by calling for the mass ousting of KMT lawmakers, stating, “The 41 KMT legislators must be recalled.” He explained that with only 51 DPP seats in the legislature, his party is unlikely to block proposals from the opposition parties. Ker specifically referred to 39 KMT lawmakers directly elected by voters in their constituencies, in addition to two independents aligned with the KMT. However, the KMT’s remaining 13 legislators-at-large—elected through party votes—are exempt from the recall provisions in the Civil Servants Election and Recall Act. Ker also accused lawmakers from the KMT and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) of pushing through bills that violate the Constitution and national interests. He particularly criticized the controversial legislative reform bill that expanded lawmakers' investigative powers over the government—but that that were largely revoked by the Constitutional Court in October 2024. Additionally, Ker objected to recently passed amendments, including the KMT’s proposal to raise the threshold for Constitutional Court rulings, impose stricter requirements for officials recall, and reallocate central government revenues to local governments. In a press conference following his New Year’s Day address, President Lai stated that he had invited Han for a coffee meeting in an attempt to ease the ongoing partisan tensions in the legislature.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187333

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Cabinet Will “Likely” To Ask For A Revote On Revenue Bill

The executive Cabinet looks set to request a review of the recently passed revenue bill in the Legislative Yuan, urging them to reconsider the allocation of US$11. 5 billion from the central government’s funds towards local governments. Concerns have been raised by Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee over the “significant impact” on the central government resources. Lee spoke of a “high chance” of asking for a revote. At a press briefing, Lee also mentioned seeking recourse with the Constitutional Court and said the central government was "currently researching and discussing all constitutional remedy procedures"Last Friday, squabbling lawmakers from opposition and ruling parties had approved revisions to the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures, marking a first in the last 25 years. Minority Kuomintang (KMT) Lawmakers, had proposed most of the amendments, hoping for greater support for local public work endeavors. Meanwhile the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislators, say the changes could pull too much from the central government’s needs. The Ministry of Finance likewise expressed its qualms that greater local government funding would create negative ripples on the entire country’s fiscal welfare. Policies ranging from economic development, welfare and even national security could all be impacted at a time when these areas are under immense scrutiny. Although there is yet to be an exact estimate of just how impactful these amendments could prove to be, the Executive Yuan also admitted.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187320

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One Year On: What’s Next for the Gaza Strip?

By Yunfan Zhao (Neil Drao)On 7 October 2023, the terrorist attack codenamed “Operation Al Aqsa Storm” was launched by the Islamic Resistance Movement of Palestine (Hamas). In response, the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) entered the Gaza Strip todismantle the operational capabilities of the Islamist militant organisation. Despite being equipped with far more advanced weaponry, Israel has not yet completed its mission, and the conflict has resulted inat least 16, 000 Palestinian civilian deaths. With no immediate end to the war in sight, the former Hamas-run territory faces multiple possible outcomes, with an armed Israeli occupation being the most likely. Prospects for an IDF return to the Gaza Strip, following its disengagement in 2005, are currently high given that Hamas, though operating at a reduced capacity, continues to pose security threats to Israel. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains resolute in his commitment to fighting against the terrorist organisation. A key reason for his continued hold on power is hisongoing corruption trial, as remaining in office helps him avoid potential jail time. Additionally, occupying the Gaza Strip would enable the IDF to occupy the territory and systematically dismantle Hamas. In the meantime, Israel remains cautious about fully annexing the Palestinian enclave due to social and national security challenges. On the one hand, fully annexing the Gaza Strip would immediately place the financial burden of supportingover 2. 14 million new citizens on the Israeli government, in addition to its existing9. 4 million citizens. On the other hand, many people in the territory have embraced theradicalised ideology of resistance (Al Muqawama), and a full integration with Israel would allow Palestinian terrorists to carry out attacks with fewer restrictions. Thus, a military occupation is considered far less risky than annexation. Could the Gaza Strip be handed over to Egypt for governance, as it was between 1948 and 1967? While unlikely, it remains a possibility. Being part of Egypt would immediatelylift the land, air, and sea blockade that Israel has imposed since Hamas took control in 2007, likely bringing economic prosperity to the Gaza Strip. However, such a solution would require Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to carefully navigate foreign policy, balancingNetanyahu’s security demands to curb nationalist Palestinian movements with Arab leaders'moral support for Palestinian statehood. Fiscally, the Egyptian government is not in a position to provide social services to the Gaza Strip andhas been anxious about any unilateral Israeli actions that might lead to such a situation. The Egyptian economy has struggled since the early years of Hosni Mubarak’s administration, relying on IMF loans for decades, conditioned on meeting US and EU criteria. Furthermore, Egypt’s main sources of income—tourism, the Suez Canal, and gas exports—have beenseverely impacted by Israel’s war against Hamas. Therefore, it would not be financially sustainable for Egypt to administer the Gaza Strip without significant international aid. As the internationally recognized Palestinian government, the Palestinian Authority (PA) is dominated by Fatah, the largest party in the PLO. While there is a possibility of a PA-led regime in the Gaza Strip due to its global legitimacy, the extent of Palestinian governance would ultimately be determined by Israeli authorities. It is well known that theShin Bet regularly coordinates with the PA’s security forces, and therefore, a PA government in the Gaza Strip would effectively resemble an Israeli occupation, though to a lesser extent. This would push the Palestinian cause further from thestatehood desired by the Arab world. Some may argue that new elections could be held to determine the next PA government if Israel allows its establishment in the Gaza Strip. However, major parties in the territory, such as Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), would not be able to participate in PA elections due toIsrael’s control and stance on these groups. Even if a Fatah-led PA government were established in the Gaza Strip, Hamas and the PIJ would continue to resist Israel and its partners, benefiting from their familiarity with the tunnel network and guerrilla warfare tactics. This could potentially spark another intifada, especially given thecurrent public support for Hamas. Finally, the prospects for an international regime based on UN diplomacy are extremely dim, ashistory illustrated with Jerusalem in 1948. The establishment of an international administration in the Gaza Strip would require significant concessions that are unlikely under the current status quo, such as the withdrawal of IDF soldiers to the internationally recognised Israel-Gaza border and the support of Israel and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, including the US and its allies, the UK and France. Given itsstrong support for Israel, the US would not back any motion that jeopardises Israel’s security. The implementation of an international regime in the Gaza Strip would likely provide a more conducive environment for Hamas and other Islamist factions to regroup and prepare for another intifada compared to being ruled by the PA. On the one hand, theUN has limited capabilities to coordinate and control the situation on the ground, as demonstrated by the Lebanon-Israel crisis. On the other hand, relying on the UN and international NGOs for social services would require financial contributions from the international community, which may not have a unified stance or willingness to contribute. Moreover, the risk of the international regime collapsing is too great for Israel to afford. In summary, the future of the Gaza Strip appears increasingly likely to resemble a full-scale Israeli military occupation similar to the pre-2005 period. This scenario would not only enhance Israel’s long-term security but also provide political immunity for Netanyahu. Handing the territory over to Egypt or the PA could potentially address Israel’s security concerns, but these scenarios are less likely due to Egypt’s unwillingness to take on additional responsibilities and the risk of another intifada. While an international regime could theoretically work, political differences and logistical hurdles pose significant challenges for the global community and would leave the power of Hamas and other fighters unchecked.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187201

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INTERVIEW: Taiwanese Artist Highlights Global Climate Change Through QR-Code Art

Taiwanese artist Vincent J. F. Huang (黃瑞芳) is bringing to light the effects of global climate change by constructing a QR code comprised of 7, 000 mangrove trees. Huang says many Taiwanese are not familiar with Tuvalu due to the lack of media coverage of the island and its relationship with Taiwan. Through this new eco-art installation, Huang aims to emphasize the need for not only local, but also international, support for Tuvalu. In an interview with The News Lens International, the artist explains what inspired him to start the Art Mangroves Project and its significance. The News Lens International (TNLI): When and how did you start developing a strong interest in global climate change? Huang: I started focusing on environmental issues during my art practices in Scotland. This was back in 1999 when I was studying for my master’s degree. Around then is when I began doing more ecological art, or eco-art. Since 2010 is when I began a cooperation with the Tuvaluan Government to assist with my art. I wanted to help them get global society to focus on their climate crisis. TNLI: Why Tuvalu, specifically? There are many other island-nations near and around Taiwan, but stood out about Tuvalu? Huang: It was because of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Copenhagen back in 2009. This was when the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicted on how Tuvalu could be the first nation to disappear due to rising sea levels. From there, I researched the tiny island-nation and was very touched by the dedication the Tuvaluan Government put in towards making a statement in Copenhagen. I remember them saying, “The fate of our nation rests in your hands.” Also, Tuvalu got a lot of media attention in 2009 because of the event. TNLI: Upon visiting Tuvalu, was there a moment that caused you to create the Art Mangroves Project? Huang: After the Copenhagen UNFCCC event in 2009, I went to Tuvalu in 2010. Immediately when I landed, I noticed how the rising sea levels had caused a majority of the coconut trees to die. This was because of the saltwater sinking into the sand near the trees. The visual impact hit me right there. I also met a lot of local children during my one-week stay in Tuvalu. They always asked me, “Will my homeland disappear because of climate change?” After that I started thinking about what I could do as an artist to assist the Tuvaluan people, especially the kids. They are the next generation to continue living in Tuvalu. TNLI: Why a QR code? Huang: I collected mangrove tree seedlings and developed the idea of making it in the shape of a QR code. The 7, 000 seeds will link scanners to a website discussing the climate crisis in Tuvalu. I want people to know it’s not about my artist business, and show them how Tuvalu isn’t the only country that will be affected. It’s a global crisis, after all. TNLI: In your eyes, why is it Taiwan isn’t as educated on environmental issues? Huang: Well, I feel it’s because Taiwan is very isolated globally, especially with global issues. Most Taiwanese aren’t familiar with the global scene, causing them to not care as much about climate change. They don’t know on how Tuvalu has a great diplomatic relationship with Taiwan. I think 90% of Taiwanese don’t know about the country. TNLI: How has the crowdfunding campaign been going since you announced the project in early July? Huang: So far nearly 1, 000 people globally have visited my fundraising website on Indiegogo. A lot of them told me they’re touched by my project, but unfortunately very few people have donated. We have raised a total of US$1, 305, and need a total of US$30, 000 before the end of August. I will be heading to Tuvalu around then. Because of the low funding, we have been in discussions with Taipei 101 management. They’re quite interested in making up for the price conflict around early August, possibly. We also reached out to the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also next week, we might have a chance to meet President Tsai Ing-Wen (蔡英文) and her team, too. However, they are only worried about whether or not this event will be successful because it’s on the small island-nation of Tuvalu. TNLI: Have you witnessed a shift in public awareness on global climate change compared to before? Huang: Most of the global society, around 80 to 90% of them, have never heard about Tuvalu. However, through multiple art projects I have done in Tuvalu since 2010, they’re more aware of the situation. I believe this shows you the power of art and how it can initiate change on a global scale. To donate or find out more about the Art Mangroves Project, click here. First Editor: Olivia Yang Second Editor: J. Michael Cole

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/45187

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With an annual trading volume exceeding NT$9 trillion, Taiwan’s startup joins the ranks of the world’s top ten crypto market makers: We are the wolf of Wall Street!

Taiwan is home to a mysterious company that is not only among the world’s top ten cryptocurrency market makers, but also ranks as the top-notch liquidity provider for the top three trading pairs globally! In 2023, their annual trading volume reached an impressive US$300 billion (approximately NT$9 trillion), and this year it is projected to surpass US$500 billion (approximately NT$16 trillion)!This Taiwan-oriented company, Quantrend Technology, has earned the reputation of being the “Wolf of Wall Street” in the crypto world. In just two years since its inception, it has developed exceptional trading strategies through superior AI technology. The company’s co-founder, Popo Chen, is a well-known figure in the crypto community. He was one of co-founders of Cobinhood, a Taiwanese cryptocurrency exchange that was once a highly promising unicorn in the industry. Chief Technology Officer Kaede Tai is also a renowned tech genius, known for co-founding PTT, the popular online forum in Taiwan. By a stroke of fate, these two extraordinary figures from Taiwan’s crypto and tech communities have joined forces with the ambition to make a difference in the crypto world. They aim to turn over a new leaf of past incidents like pump-and-dump schemes, ICO scams, and the FTX fund misappropriation scandal. Driven by a touch of romantic perseverance, they leverage AI technology and superior strategies to rise among the global elite in quantitative trading, standing toe-to-toe with industry giants. If you are interested in the mysteries of the cryptocurrency industry and eager to discover the invisible hand behind trading, tune in this episode of “All About the Money” for an in-depth interview. Join us as we explore Quantrend Technology’s business model, future trends in cryptocurrency, and how to uncover the most lucrative opportunities in this FinTech revolution. The most renowned cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, has been around for 14 years, yet it remains a highly volatile and intense market where there is a saying that “a day in the crypto world is like a year in the real world.” This volatility has scared off many long-term investors, attracting instead those looking to get rich quick. But must the crypto world rely solely on this get-rich-quick model? Is there no better way to achieve steady and long-term profits in this market? “Of course, a new trend presents opportunities for quick wealth, because hot money flows in. However, after witnessing the speculative frenzy of recent years and the decline of NFTs, I've realized that cryptocurrency should develop in a more practical direction,” says Popo Chen. With this vision, he founded Quantrend Technology in 2020, aiming to emulate the hedge fund model of Renaissance Technologies LLC. They utilize AI quantitative models derived from mathematical and statistical analysis for cryptocurrency trading strategies. By investing and profiting through proprietary trading and offering institutional clients with lower-risk investment portfolio products, Quantrend Technology is capable of balancing self-investment with client services. You might wonder, given the high volatility of cryptocurrency, how does Quantrend Technology manage to mitigate risks? Similar to the hedging concept in traditional financial markets, they employ a “market-neutral strategy” to offset risks. This involves holding both long and short positions simultaneously to balance each other out. Meanwhile, effective predictive factors and AI models are used to forecast the price differences between various assets, generating excess returns (Alpha) by capitalizing on these price differences. In other words, the superiority of predictive models and the speed and accuracy of judgments determine the amount of excess returns (Alpha). This is the decisive advantage that Quantrend Technology proudly boasts. Quantrend Technology CTO, Kaede Tai, also points out that the current financial product barriers in the cryptocurrency world are too low. This has led to a gambler’s mentality, where many people use 100x leverage to buy perpetual contracts, essentially gambling for a win-or-lose outcome. In contrast, only long-term holders tend to make trading in the cryptocurrency spot market. So, is it possible to find a perfect balance? Quantrend Technology has developed an innovative service that combines the benefits of high-frequency trading and long-term holding. Using clients’ Bitcoin holdings as a base, they “mirror” a trading limit and employ portfolio-based AI trading strategies to profit from price differences. After each trade, they immediately repurchase Bitcoin, allowing the spot holdings to grow not just in value, but also in volume. The success of these products demonstrates that even without relying on speculation, gambling, or other gray-area means, it is possible to build a sustainable business model in the crypto world. The unstoppable trend of cryptocurrency is evident from the legalization of Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs. But the key question is, is the moat deep enough? When financial giants move to carve up market share, what advantages does Quantrend Technology have? CTO Kaede Tai believes that traditional giants may not be able to easily dominate the crypto world. “There are many new concepts here, such as ‘perpetual contracts, ’ which have never existed before. In addition, cryptocurrency exchanges are cloud-based, unlike traditional finance which requires setting up physical data centers and dedicated lines. It’s a completely different ecosystem." For these large institutions, finding individuals who understand trading, cryptocurrency, and AI simultaneously is very challenging. This is precisely Quantrend Technology’s background and strength that can easily identify the formula for profitability. Cryptocurrency has weathered ups and downs, and experienced bull and bear cycles. It finally enters the mainstream market in recent years. Transitioning from decentralized management to being recognized and regulated by numerous countries, cryptocurrency has also become a significant investment position for major traditional financial institutions like Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan. This shift has boosted the confidence of the general public in investing in cryptocurrency. “In the economy as a whole, the total assets of traditional investors far exceed the total assets in the crypto market. The key question is how the fund will flow into this emerging market, allowing its value to solidify over time (Note: a phenomenon where an asset or protocol gains more value or usage as time progresses). Considering these factors, I believe we are still in the early stages of a bull market, and this trend should continue for the next two or three years. ”So, how should retail investors participate in this highly lucrative FinTech revolution? Popo and Kaede unanimously suggest that “Don’t even try to compete with the trading bots!”“AI is designed to learn and exploit human behavior, so our profits essentially come from human nature. To be frank, we are the wolf of Wall Street. Don’t walk into the lion’s den by trying to trade on your own.”Popo advises that the simplest strategy for retail investors is dollar-cost averaging (DCA). This approach helps achieve an average price, shielding retail investors from short-term volatility. As prices approach their peak, investors can gradually sell their holdings, effectively profiting from the average price difference without emotional stress. “Or even a simpler strategy,” he adds, “if you can’t beat them, join them!”Quantrend Technology has successfully entered the ranks of the world’s top ten cryptocurrency market makers by leveraging AI technology. They have demonstrated that the crypto community can employ a sustainable business model, enhancing financial efficiency in the cryptocurrency market through their advanced technology. This allows retail investors to buy and sell at the best prices while enabling market makers to earn reasonable profits, gradually paving the way toward a mature and stable market mechanism. Quantrend Technology

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187046

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MOFA Says Malaysia And Singapore Not Opposed To Taiwan’s CPTPP Accession

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) chief Lin Chia-lung believes Singapore and Malaysia did not oppose their bid to become full members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The CPTPP is a free trade pact between Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, New Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam. It was formed in 2018, and now represents one of the biggest free trade scales, accounting for 15% of the global GDP. According to a reportage from the American news outlet Politico last month, delegates of the trade bloc failed to reach a consensus in a meeting in Vancouver late last month regarding the accession of both Taiwan and China. Politico reported that Singapore and Malaysia were notable in that they did not back the bid of their neighbor. However, Lin maintains that this isn’t the case. In a statement, Taiwan’s Office of Trade Negotiations said “Our government expresses its deep disappointment and once again calls on CPTPP members to set up a working group on our membership at an early date without political considerations.”Both China and Taiwan’s applications to join the pact were submitted just days apart back in 2021. In the same year, some members also displayed an adverse reaction to China’s application. Japanese economic chief Yasutoshi Nishimura was less than thrilled about the prospect, saying it must determine whether China is “ready to meet its extremely high standards.”Beijing has opposed Taiwan’s accession, which has raised concerns among Taiwanese officials. Nevertheless, Lin assured that although they did not achieve the desired outcome, he stressed that “we have made progress.”He explained that Singapore is open to both Beijing and Taipei becoming members but that the degree of its backing for either “differs.” He also said that Malaysia has a similar standpoint.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187301

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Jimmy Lai Trialed Over His Taiwan and US Connections

Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai told a Hong Kong high court on Wednesday that he had met with Taiwan’s former president Tsai Ing-wen several times and introduced two former United States officials to help her understand Donald Trump’s stance towards Taiwan. Today marked the first time Lai testified in his foreign collusion trial under Hong Kong’s national security law, in which he could face up to life imprisonment. In this 93rd session of the trial, he admitted to his Taiwanese connections, which began when he sought to establish the Taiwanese branch of Apple Daily, the mass pro-democracy media outlet founded in 1995, with its headquarters based in Hong Kong before it ceased operations in 2021 due to a police crackdown. Lai admitted in the morning hearing that he met with Tsai through the connection of her “right-hand man” Jiang Chunnan, a Taiwanese politics commentator and the former chairman of the General Association of Chinese Culture. According to Lai’s testimony, he met with Tsai for the first time when he sought to launch the Taiwanese branch of Apple Daily, which was later founded in 2003. After Tsai became the self-ruled island’s president, Lai met with her again. In order to let Tsai learn more about Trump’s views towards Taiwan, Lai connected Tsai with former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense W. Patrick Murphy and former Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army, General Jack Keane, to her through Jiang. When asked about his purpose in helping Taiwan, Lai openly stated in court that he hoped to lend Taiwan a helping hand, “because Taiwan is the only place in Chinese society that has democracy in history.”Trump and Lai have never met, nor had any indirect contact, as Lai emphasized regarding his relations with a few U.S. political figures. He admitted to meeting then-Vice President Mike Pence in the U.S. in mid-2019, in an ad-hoc arrangement, when he originally planned only to meet with U.S. lawmakers to discuss the social movement in Hong Kong. During the same trip, he also met with then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to discuss a similar topic. Lai emphasized that he would not ask Pence to influence foreign policy on Hong Kong or China, and instead, he explained the situation in Hong Kong to him. He also denied exploiting his friendships with overseas officials to push a political agenda, South China Morning Post reports. Lai mentioned that he had joined a think tank and had known former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton for a long time. They had met in Taiwan and discussed policy matters, chatting like ordinary friends. However, Lai denied knowing former U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and only learned that the founding chairman of the Democratic Party, Martin Lee, was a longtime friend of Pelosi. Tsai’s office has not yet responded to Lai’s account of his Taiwanese connections. During her visit to the Czech Republic in October this year, Tsai stated that Jimmy Lai should be released. This article is edited based on a reportage from The News Lens Chinese.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187267

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Korea’s Presidential Drama

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in a surprise televised address on December 3, 2024, citing threats from North Korea and “antistate forces” while accusing the opposition-controlled National Assembly of obstructing his governance. The move, which deployed special forces into Seoul, temporarily suspended political activities, and curtailed freedoms, marked South Korea’s first martial law declaration since 1980. It was widely condemned as a desperate attempt to salvage Yoon’s plummeting popularity, already weakened by parliamentary defeats and scandals involving his administration and his wife. The declaration of martial law sparked mass protests in Seoul, with demonstrators expressing outrage and vowing to remove President Yoon from office. Many citizens viewed the move as reminiscent of past dictatorial measures, further fueling public anger. Military and police clashed with civilians, outside the National Assembly the unrest. The martial law order faced condemnation from opposition leaders and even members of Yoon's own People Power Party, who labeled it unconstitutional. The situation also drew international attention, with allies like the United States expressing concern over the suspension of democracy and the unfolding events in South Korea. Yoon’s declaration of martial law, intended to counter mounting domestic political challenges and calls for impeachment, lasted only six hours before being overturned by the National Assembly. The move, widely criticized as a “legal overreach and a political miscalculation,” has led to widespread criticism, legal challenges, and further alienation from both the opposition and his own People Power Party. Analysts view the declaration as a desperate attempt to consolidate power amid intense political pressure, a fractured government, and historic unpopularity. Yoon’s approval ratings, already at record lows, have plummeted further as impeachment efforts intensified, deepening his political crisis and signaling what many see as the beginning of his political downfall. Yoon, who narrowly won the presidency in 2022, now faces mounting political isolation as his leadership comes under intense scrutiny. His senior aides have offered mass resignations, and his party leadership has called for his withdrawal from the People Power Party. While the opposition Democratic Party initiated an impeachment vote, it failed to proceed due to a boycott by Yoon's conservative party, which denied the quorum needed to move forward. Despite avoiding removal, Yoon continues to face criticism, with even members of his own party openly calling for his resignation. Although he has so far survived removal from office, President Yoon Suk Yeol has been sidelined from running the country and handling diplomacy. Ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon announced that Yoon agreed to step back from governance. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and the ruling People Power Party will now manage state affairs, though the opposition Democratic Party has condemned the arrangement as unconstitutional. South Korea remains in political turmoil as public discontent grows, with roughly three-quarters of citizens supporting President Yoon Suk Yeol's removal from office. The National Assembly, driven by opposition leaders, plans to hold weekly impeachment votes, with the next scheduled for December 14. Meanwhile, legal scrutiny over Yoon's martial law declaration has intensified, further undermining his already fragile presidency. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, accused of proposing the martial law order, has been detained on charges of insurrection and is under investigation alongside Yoon for abuse of power and treason—a charge not protected by presidential immunity. The ongoing criminal investigation by South Korean prosecutors has heightened domestic and international pressure to restore stability, as calls for Yoon’s ousting continue to escalate. Amid growing unrest, the ruling People Power Party has proposed plans for President Yoon Suk Yeol’s early exit, though critics contend that ousting a sitting president without adhering to constitutional procedures is illegal. Protests continue to escalate, highlighting the deep divisions within South Korean society and adding complexity to an already fraught political landscape. Meanwhile, the Justice Ministry has imposed a travel ban on Yoon as investigations into allegations of rebellion and abuse of power intensify. The domestic political turmoil coincides with heightened regional tensions, including North Korea's escalating nuclear threats and the upcoming U.S. administration transition, which could further complicate South Korea’s foreign relations. However, North Korea has remained notably silent during this crisis. Historically quick to exploit South Korean political instability, Pyongyang appears to have shifted its focus toward strengthening alliances with Russia and China and deepening its involvement in the war in Ukraine. Recent reports of North Korea exchanging munitions with Russia for food suggest that Pyongyang is prioritizing domestic stability and leveraging international partnerships over engaging directly with South Korea.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187307

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ZEROVA Powers Up EV Fleets at CES 2024 with New MegaWatt Charging System

ZEROVA Technologies, a leading innovator in electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, is announcing the debut of its new MegaWatt Charging System (MCS) for commercial heavy-duty vehicles at CES 2024. Garnering particular interest and acclaim, the MCS offers industry-leading power capabilities — with support for up to 3. 75 megawatts, 3, 000 amps, and 1, 250 volts —making it the world's highest powered commercial single-stream fast-charging connector. To explore Zerova’s new MCS for heavy-duty electric-powered trucks and fleet vehicles, please contact: sales_asia@zerovatech. comWith the growing electrification of truck and fleet commercial vehicles, ZEROVA is leveraging its state-of-the-art, highly customizable MCS charging solutions to harness booming demand for total commercial fleet solutions while delivering the scalability, efficiency, and user-friendly designs these fleets need. It offers an integrated platform that combines cutting-edge hardware and software, with onboard applications such as a system for scheduling charging times for added ease-of-use. In North America, ZEROVA has cemented its reputation as the premier partner for white-label EV charging solutions — with a proven track record of fostering collaborations with automakers, Charge Point Operators (CPOs), and turn-key EV charging providers supporting various sectors, including hospitality, multi-unit dwelling, parking, fuel, and fleet. “Zerova Technologies has established a solid business foundation in the fiercely competitive North American market through successful collaborations with hotels, apartment complexes, parking facilities, gas stations, and heavy-duty fleets,” Alex Lin, the chairman at ZEROVA Technologies. “We are focused on ensuring that our charging stations not only offer fast and reliable service but also seamlessly integrate with vehicle technology for optimal charging efficiency.”Key innovations in the Megawatt Charging System-High power, small package. Single conductive plugIt takes immense pride in introducing the Megawatt Charging System, which promises to revolutionize the field of electric vehicle charging, while offering robust support for future sustainable energy endeavors. In May 2023, ZEROVA also launched its four-gun 480kW fast-charging solution DQ480, ensuring its lead in the EV charging market with top-tier charging capabilities. Zerova Technologies designs and manufactures a complete line of EV charging solutions that power brands globally. Whether white-label or collaborative design partnerships, the company works closely with customers to ensure success and align with their global channel strategies. As a subsidiary of Phihong Technology, Zerova leverages its 50+ years of industry-proven experience as a global manufacturer of power products to provide an industry-leading product portfolio to address a broad set of EV charging use-case scenarios. For more information, visit www. zerovatech. comThe content of this article is provided by "Phihong Technology".

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/186766

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Bridging Continents, Amplifying Voices: TNL Mediagene and The Los Angeles Tribune Forge Visionary Partnership

TNL Mediagene (Nasdaq: TNMG), Asia’s next-generation digital-media and data group, together with The Los Angeles Tribune announced a groundbreaking partnership that reshapes the international media landscape, to create a visionary collaboration. This partnership brings together two pioneering organizations dedicated to using the power of narratives to foster cultural understanding, elevate voices, and inspire meaningful worldwide change. This alliance merges TNL Mediagene’s expertise in technology and multilingual media production with The Los Angeles Tribune’s legacy of bold journalism, international leadership programs, and transformative content creation. Together, they aim to redefine the role of media in bridging cultural divides and connecting diverse communities across continents. This partnership, in which The Los Angeles Tribune aligns with TNL Mediagene’s mission of “To Be the Trusted Voice for a Better Future,” blends TNL Mediagene’s cutting-edge advertising and analytics with the Tribune’s international platform. The alliance will amplify Asian perspectives, ensuring that voices from the region resonate on a global scale. The collaboration also seeks to expand digital horizons by creating innovative content that informs, inspires, and unites audiences. TNL Mediagene, formed through the merger of Taiwan’s The News Lens Co. and Japan’s Mediagene Inc. , has built a reputation for high-quality, culturally resonant journalism tailored to millennial and Gen Z audiences. Its portfolio includes influential brands such as “Business Insider Japan” and “Gizmodo Japan”. Together with The Los Angeles Tribune, which also champions diverse voices through specialized publications like “The Women’s Journal”, “The Vietnamese Journal”, and “The Spanish Journal”, this union will foster inclusivity and creativity. TNL Mediagene and The Los Angeles Tribune envision a media landscape that not only informs but also uplifts and unites. This partnership represents a turning point in worldwide communication, symbolizing a future where technology amplifies authenticity and voices from every corner of the world are heard. The Los Angeles Tribune is a boutique international media conglomerate dedicated to freedom of speech, integrity, and the power of compelling ideas. Its diverse ecosystem includes diverse leadership programs, public education initiatives, and specialized publications that elevate voices and ideas worldwide. https: //thelosangelestribune. com/TNL Mediagene, a Cayman Islands-registered company, is the product of the May 2023 merger of Taiwan’s The News Lens Co. and Japan’s Mediagene Inc. , two leading, independent digital-media groups. Its business includes original and licensed media brands in Chinese, Japanese and English, across a range of subjects, including news, business, technology, science, food, sports and lifestyle; AI-powered advertising and marketing technology platforms in demand by agencies; and e-commerce and creative solutions. It takes pride in its political neutrality, its reach with younger audiences, and its quality. The company has 550 employees across Asia, with offices in Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong. https: //www. tnlmediagene. com/

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187316

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Taiwan Seeks Clarity On Trump Team Policy Amid Chinese Pressure

By William YangTAIPEI, TAIWAN — As the world prepares for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House, Taiwan finds itself sandwiched between Washington and Beijing as it grapples with uncertainties about the outlook of U.S. -Taiwan relations and growing military pressure from China. Trump has already picked several politicians known for their hawkish stances on China as potential nominees for his Cabinet, including Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz, but analysts say the president-elect's comments about Taiwan on the campaign trail and in recent interviews have not offered much clarity about how he might handle one of Washington’s most delicate relationships. “We don't know if [Trump] means it when he wants to return the United States to a more isolationist position, ” said J. Michael Cole, a Taipei-based senior fellow with the Global Taiwan Institute. During an interview with Bloomberg Businessweek in July, Trump said Taiwan should pay the United States for defense and compared U.S. military spending on Taiwan to an insurance policy. “I know the people very well. Respect them greatly. They did take 100% of our chip business. I think Taiwan should pay us for defense,” he said. In October, Trump pledged to impose additional tariffs on China if Beijing were to “go into Taiwan.”“I would say: If you go into Taiwan, I'm sorry to do this, I'm going to tax you, at 150% to 200%,” the President-elect said during an interview with The Wall Street Journal. In his first post-election interview with NBC News on Dec. 8, Trump didn’t publicly say whether the U.S. would militarily defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion. “I’d prefer that they don’t do it,” Trump said, adding that he has a “very good relationship” with Chinese President Xi Jinping and that the two have been communicating since last month’s election. During his time in office, U.S. President Joe Biden has on multiple occasions said his administration would defend Taiwan if it was attacked. Some Taiwanese residents worry about what they describe as a lack of clarity from the Trump administration. “I’m slightly concerned about how Trump’s return to the White House might affect relations between the U.S. and Taiwan because he always prioritizes U.S. interests, which makes it hard to predict how his administration might form their Taiwan policies,” Angel Chi, a 28-year-old medical worker, told VOA in a recent interview on the streets of Taipei. Others say while Trump’s position on Taiwan seems uncertain, they do not think his administration will reduce support for Taipei. “I still have faith in the U.S. democratic system because he can’t decide everything by himself,” Christine Chiu, a 42-year-old accountant, told VOA. The strong bipartisan support for Taiwan in Congress and some potential Trump Cabinet members’ track records on foreign policy could prevent U.S. -Taiwan relations from undergoing major changes during Trump’s second term, experts said. “I don’t think there is panic in Taipei because we dealt with this situation before and we have confidence in our congressional support in the U.S. ,” said Lai I-Chung, president of The Prospect Foundation, a Taiwan-based think tank made up of academics and government officials. “The mood [in Taiwan] is we will be careful and watchful about the development, but we are not panicking, ” he told VOA in an interview in Taipei. In recent weeks, Taiwan’s government has been reaching out to Republican congressional leaders and Trump’s transition team. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te spoke with U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson on the phone during his first overseas trip to the Pacific region in early December. On that trip, Lai had stopovers in Hawaii and the U.S. territory of Guam. Additionally, two senior national security officials from Taiwan traveled to the U.S. last week to meet members of Trump’s transition team, hoping to establish ties before next month’s inauguration, Reuters news agency reported last on Dec. 19. Cole said there should be enough “institutional resistance” in the U.S. government to prevent longstanding policies toward Taiwan from being abruptly altered. During a regular press conference on Dec. 6, China’s Foreign Ministry responded to a question on Lai’s stopover in Guam and Hawaii and said, “No one should underestimate the firm resolve, will and ability of the Chinese government and people to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity.”As Taiwan tries to deepen its engagement with U.S. officials and the incoming Trump administration, China has been increasing military pressure on the island throughout 2024. Beijing has conducted two blockade-style military exercises around Taiwan since Lai took office in May. Last week, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said Beijing deployed the largest number of naval and coast guard vessels to regional waters in almost three decades. Apart from military exercises, China has increased pressure on Taiwan through a range of what are called gray zone operations, measures that involve irregular tactics but stop short of combat. China’s use of its coast guard to intimidate and test Taiwan is one example of those gray zone tactics. Beijing has repeatedly sent coast guard vessels to patrol waters near Taiwan’s outlying Kinmen and Matsu islands since February. Kinmen and Matsu are closer to China than they are to the main island of Taiwan. The Prospect Foundation’s Lai said China has some coast guard vessels that are similar in size to naval destroyers, making it harder for Taiwan’s coast guard to respond proportionately. “It would be difficult for Taiwan to [deploy] naval vessels against the Chinese coast guard, and when Taiwan responds by deploying its coast guard forces, the vessels are smaller ships [while] the Chinese coast guard vessels are as big as navy ships, ” he told VOA. To counter the growing military pressure and gray zone operations from Beijing, Taiwan has incorporated more unscripted, real-combat drills into its annual military exercises. The island has also increased its defense budget in recent years, which is set to reach a new high of $19. 74 billion dollars in 2025. This year, Taiwan’s government also established a committee to help strengthen the island’s civil defense capabilities. Cole said Taiwan still faces challenges in that regard. “There is still quite a bit of resistance not only within the security apparatus and armed forces, which don’t like the idea of involving citizens in defense, the opposition parties have also sought to derail [relevant] plans and fundings, ” he told VOA. What may come next depends on Taiwan’s actions and Beijing’s assessment of Trump’s policies toward the island after he takes office in January. The News Lens has been authorized to publish this article fromVoice of America.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187319

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Press Freedom Continues To Deteriorate In Hong Kong

By Liam ScottWASHINGTON — Jailed pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai testified Tuesday that the Hong Kong government became “very strict” after Beijing's national security law came into effect in 2020. The 77-year-old British national made the statement when the court asked him to explain comments he made in August 2020 following the arrest of pro-democracy former lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting. At the time, Lai said the arrest showed that the Beijing-imposed national security law, or NSL, “definitely had destroyed our rule of law.” Lam was found guilty of rioting last week. “I think the NSL has, you know, affected the way . .. the government conducted the law,” Lai told the court Tuesday. “After the NSL, the government has been very strict in using the law.”The founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper stands accused of collusion with foreign forces and sedition under Beijing’s national security law. He rejects the charges, which press freedom groups have decried as politically motivated. “The trial is entirely a sham,” Yaqiu Wang, the China research director at the nonprofit Freedom House, told VOA. Lai's plight is a feature, not a bug, of the current press freedom landscape in Hong Kong, according to analysts. The past year has been particularly devastating for media freedom in a place that was once considered a bastion of press freedom in Asia, say analysts, who point to Lai's trial, a new national security law, and other trials of journalists as evidence that the media landscape has continued to deteriorate in Hong Kong. “It's just the continuation of a dramatic decline in press freedom in Hong Kong,” Wang said. Next year is unlikely to be any better, multiple experts told VOA. Lai's trial began in December 2023 and was initially expected to last about 80 days. But now, his year is set to end the same way it began: attending hearings for a trial that could sentence him to life in prison. Sebastien Lai, the son of Jimmy Lai, has consistently voiced concern about his father's health. The elder Lai has been held in solitary confinement since late 2020. “His health has gotten much worse, as you can expect when you put a 77-year-old man in solitary confinement for four years. But his spirit is holding strong. His mind is holding strong,” Sebastien Lai told VOA in November. Lai's case is intended to scare other people in Hong Kong from criticizing the government, says Caoilfhionn Gallagher, the head of Lai's international legal team. “His case was also designed to send a chill down the spine of anyone who might want to wear a T-shirt or sing a song or post a tweet or say anything which might stand up to Hong Kong or Beijing's leaders,” Gallagher said at a November press conference in Washington. In late November, a Hong Kong government spokesperson told VOA it was “inappropriate” to comment on Lai’s case because legal proceedings are ongoing. Hong Kong authorities have previously denied that Lai's trial is unfair. The spokesperson also said Hong Kong “rejected any fact-twisting remarks and baseless smears against the legal system” and emphasized that “Hong Kong citizens enjoy freedom of the press and freedom of speech.”When it comes to press freedom in Hong Kong, Lai's trial is part of a broader pattern. In August, two editors — Chung Pui-kuen and Patrick Lam — at the now-shuttered Stand News were convicted of sedition and later sentenced to prison. Like Lai’s, that case was also viewed as a bellwether of the poor state of press freedom in Hong Kong, according to Sophie Richardson, a visiting scholar at Stanford University. The cases “are a very clear message across the board to journalists that they cannot expect the protections of law to guarantee their free speech rights in order to practice journalism without fear of reprisal,” Richardson told VOA. In November, 45 pro-democracy activists were sentenced to prison under the national security law. And in September, the Hong Kong Journalists Association reported that dozens of Hong Kong journalists and their families had faced harassment since June. “You're not safe if you cross the government,” Mark Clifford, who recently published a biography on Jimmy Lai, told VOA. Those developments have taken place against the backdrop of a new, homegrown national security law known as Article 23, which expands on Beijing's national security measure. Enacted in March, Article 23 covers treason, sedition and state secrets, and allows for trials to be held behind closed doors. Experts have warned the law will likely further the deterioration of press freedom and other civil liberties in Hong Kong. “Almost any conduct can now be labeled as a threat to national security,” said Richardson, the former China director at Human Rights Watch. Wang said the law may also underscore insecurity on the part of the Chinese and Hong Kong governments. “They feel the need to take out more tools to repress people,” Wang said. In 2019, before Beijing's national security law was enacted, Hong Kong ranked 73 out of 180 countries on the Global Press Freedom Index. In 2024, it ranked 135 — a more than 60-spot drop. That rapid decline in press freedom and broader civil liberties has fundamentally changed the identity of Hong Kong, whose population long celebrated their freedoms, according to Clifford, president of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong. “It's surreal. It's traumatic,” Clifford said. “I don't think we've seen another country or another city in the past 100 years that has seen its freedom so quickly and thoroughly and comprehensively snuffed out.”The News Lens has been authorized to publish this article fromVoice of America.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187317

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US Senate To Vote On Bill That Fuels Possibility Of Chinese Drone Ban

By Yihua LeeWASHINGTON — The 2025 defense spending authorization bill is coming up to a final vote in the U.S. Senate. As the American Northeast buzzes with drone sightings and fears of foreign surveillance, the bill moves to ban products from the world's largest drone-maker: China. In a procedural vote on Monday, senators voted 83-12 in favor of moving to a full vote on the National Defense Authorization Act, a massive piece of annual legislation that sets priorities and authorizes funding for the U.S. Department of Defense. A provision within the 2025 NDAA aims to create mechanisms for further oversight and prohibition of the use of Chinese drones while working to increase drone supply chain resilience within the U.S. and partner countries. The bill mandates an investigation into two Chinese drone manufacturers, DJI and Autel Robotics, with the aim of placing them on the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) “Covered List.” This would prevent their use in telecommunications industries. Another section calls for the Department of Defense to regularly disassemble and analyze the components of DJI drones. The provision on drones draws in part from earlier anti-Chinese drone legislation introduced by Republican Representative Elise Stefanik and Senator Rick Scott. These bills received bipartisan support, showing how concerns over the risk that Chinese drones pose to U.S. national security have united a politically divided Congress. “DJI drones pose the national security threat of TikTok, but with wings,” Stefanik said. “This Chinese-controlled company cannot be allowed to continue to operate in the U.S.”During an interview on Fox News, Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi described how he collaborated with Stefanik to draft legislation on Chinese drones to be included in the NDAA. “These Chinese-manufactured drones allow for the CCP, the Chinese Communist Party, to access data in a backdoor manner and ultimately surveil Americans,” Krishnamoorthi said. China's DJI dominates the production and sale of household drones, with 2021 estimates suggesting that the company accounts for 76% of the worldwide consumer market and about 90% of the U.S. market. While more companies have emerged in past years, DJI still controls the largest share of the market. This gives the U.S. an increased imperative to diversify the domestic drone economy, Carlos Gimenez, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee's Transportation and Maritime Security Subcommittee, told VOA. “We have to go a little cold turkey on this one. To say, ‘No, we can't buy that anymore, ’” Gimenez said. “You have to look for other suppliers, which then will slowly incentivize American companies to start building them.”While the Chinese drone ban has bipartisan support within Congress, it faces pushback from drone enthusiasts and nongovernmental organizations that oppose a blanket ban on Chinese drone products. Brandon Karr, spokesperson for the nonprofit Law Enforcement Drone Association (LEDA), supports the development of stricter and more rigorous data security regulations for drones rather than an all-out ban, which could pose problems for American law enforcement and safety agencies. Karr has written to Congress, advocating for agencies to develop their own protocol and oversight for drone data security and to maintain their right to use Chinese drones while minimizing their risk. LEDA leads training on drone operation and best practices for public safety and law enforcement. All 30 of the drones the group uses for training are made by Chinese companies. “Generally speaking, over 90% of public safety agencies in the nation and worldwide today are utilizing Chinese aircraft,” Karr said. “So in the event that a bill like this would go fully through and would potentially ban the use of Chinese drones for public safety, it’d be catastrophic for the public safety drone industry.”The biggest advantage of Chinese drones is their low cost, especially when compared with American models. Karr told VOA that he'd rather use American products, but that domestically produced drones were double the price of those made in China and included more maintenance fees."There's not a law enforcement entity across the United States that would rather fly a Chinese aircraft over an American if they were competitively priced," he said. In addition to LEDA, the California Fire Chiefs Association, the Air Public Safety Association and other groups have written to Congress saying the bill will harm them, with most citing concerns over cost. In an interview with VOA in August, Republican Senator Marco Rubio called Chinese drones "a huge vulnerability," and said that data security regulations would not address the security risks of Chinese drones given their frequent software updates. People “just want drones, and these are the cheapest ones they can find,” said Rubio, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of state in the next administration. "We need to help incentivize the development of alternative manufacturers that are cost effective for law enforcement, for utility companies, for others.”DJI has not yet responded to VOA’s request for comment on the latest version of the NDAA, which could ban the company's drones. However, when votes were taken to include a ban of DJI drones in the NDAA in the House of Representatives earlier this year, DJI representatives told VOA that the moves “suggest protectionism and undermine the principles of fair competition and an open market.""Our drones have enabled the growth of entire industries, empowering small businesses in sectors such as agriculture, real estate, and transportation. These businesses depend on the accessibility of DJI's drone technology to thrive. We believe that innovation, security, and privacy can coexist and are essential to advancing the drone industry and the interests of all stakeholders," wrote DJI representatives. DJI has consistently denied claims that it sends drone data to the Chinese government. Katherine Michaelson contributed to this report. The News Lens has been authorized to publish this article fromVoice of America.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187318

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The 2023 Taoyuan FuturePeak Youth Innovation Expo is underway, featuring 120 youth Startup from seven counties and cities in northern Taiwan showcasing their creativity.

The "Taoyuan FuturePeak Youth Innovation Expo" took place on November 21 in Zhongli District, attended by Mayor Zhang Shan-Zheng. Mayor Zhang expressed that "Taoyuan FuturePeak" symbolizes the aspiration for the participating youth Startup to become the future peaks of Taiwan. The expo showcased 100 youth Startup from the seven counties and cities in northern Taiwan, covering the entire northern region. The goal is to present their creative achievements, with the hope that "Taoyuan FuturePeak" can eventually evolve into "Taiwan FuturePeak." Mayor Zhang emphasized that promoting youth innovation is not solely the responsibility of one local government but requires collaboration among various county and city governments. International connections are also crucial to accumulate greater strength, enabling Taiwanese youth Startup to shine on the international stage. Mayor Zhang pointed out common challenges faced by youth Startup, including the need for initial funding, domestic and international networks, and exposure. To address the funding issue, the city government initiated a policy to subsidize interest rates for youth innovation loans, assisting young entrepreneurs during the challenging initial phase. This year, the city government extended its reach beyond Taoyuan, inviting friends from northern counties and cities to join the event. Industry experts and successful Silicon Valley entrepreneurs were also invited to provide opportunities for networking and exposure to the youth Startup. Mayor Zhang expressed the hope that this year's model could be sustained in the future, emphasizing that as long as counties and cities collaborate, efforts to highlight youth Startup can be successful, providing them with opportunities for visibility both nationally and internationally. Director Hou Chia-Ling of the Youth Affairs Department mentioned that the department collaborated with partners such as the Taoyuan City Government's Economic Development Bureau, the Hutoushan Innovation Park, the Taoyuan Aerotropolis Corporation, the Asia-Silicon Valley Development Agency, National Central University, and New Green Synthetic Fiber Co. , Ltd. Together, they connected 100 startup teams from the seven counties and cities in northern Taiwan. Additionally, 20 domestic and international incubators, venture capitalists, and accelerators collaborated to curate the expo. The event featured heavyweight speakers conducting "Startup Lectures" and an "International Forum," sharing the latest entrepreneurial perspectives and industry trends, facilitating inter-county exchanges and international connections to showcase the startup potential in northern Taiwan. Director Hou noted that the Taoyuan Youth Innovation Expo featured 120 startup booths and invited renowned figures from the startup industry to share their insights. The "Startup Lectures" included speakers such as Yu-Chi Yeh, Managing Partner of the Mosaic Accelerator Program, Jiu-Ru Cheng, Partner at AppWorks Accelerator, and Bo-Rong Lee, CEO of the Asia-Silicon Valley Development Agency. They discussed topics related to linking resources and industry trends, sharing their entrepreneurial experiences across various fields, and offering advice on gaining investor favor. The "International Forum" invited Chairman Wu-Fu Chen of Acorn Campus Ventures Limited, Founder and CEO Chong-Chih Wang of TAcc+, and Chairman Wei-Chung Wang of Huayang Venture Group. They spoke on the theme of "Connecting Silicon Valley Characteristics to Create Industrial Brilliance," sharing their Silicon Valley entrepreneurial experiences and macroscopic perspectives, allowing startup teams to see Silicon Valley from Taiwan's perspective and envision the future on an international scale. The advertorial content is provided by" 桃園青年局 ".

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/186696

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2023 Cyber Day: ACW South – Incubate Cybersec Talent through Cross-domain Cooperation

After the pandemic, the pace of global digitization has accelerated, and malicious cyber attacks have constantly evolved, posing cybersec threats to Taiwan. Therefore, the government has identified the cybersec industry as one of the country’s key industries. Launched in 2021 in Tainan’s Shalun, ACW SOUTH Cybersec Service HQ (ACW SOUTH) operated by ADI is dedicated to promoting the development of the cybersec industry, enhancing industrial cybersec defense capabilities, promoting cybersec in the industry, and fostering cross-domain cooperation. ACW SOUTH actively promotes talent development, industry technology testing and verification, cross-domain cooperation, and other initiatives to create a flagship cybersec hub in Taiwan. Since its launch, ACW SOUTH has incubated over 2, 300 cybersec professionals, developed 23 sets of attack and defense exercise playbooks, and assisted 23 companies in completing 33 categories of tests on cybersec products. To further link up Taiwan’s cybersec industry, MODA’s ADI held the “2023 Cyber Day” at ACW SOUTH on November 24. The event featured industry discussions, cybersec seminars, corporate booth exhibitions, interactive games, creating a platform for exchanges and connections between the cybersec industry and the companies required cybersec services. Professionals from industry, government, academia and research came together to collectively contribute to Taiwan’s cybersec development. This year’s Cyber Day focuses on cyberse R&D, supply chain collaboration, product testing and talent training in the IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology) sectors in Taiwan. At the opening ceremony, ADI added creativity to showcase how various sectors have dedicated to cybersec technology and the process of enhancing industrial cybersec resilience. Presenting the Cybersec Rising Star certificates, ACW SOUTH has demonstrated its devotion to nurturing newcomers in the collaborative efforts with the industry. In addition, to facilitate further exchange and dialogue between the cybersec industry and the companies in need of cybersec service, experts were invited to share insights of the latest trends, including AI collaboration, public-private cooperation and CMMC. Through the exhibition of 23 booths in the main venue, a platform for communication between industry, government, academia and research was established, fostering the flow of industrial energy in R&D technology and innovative services. In the lightning talk at the opening ceremony, R&D 100 Awards winner, Director Ding-Jie Huang stated, “Over the years, industrial control cybersec has gradually gained attention from the industry. The recognition of the ICSentry Industrial Control Cybersec Threat Analysis Platform by the R&D 100 Awards represents the international attention and recognition of Taiwan’s innovative R&D capabilities in the field”. For everyone who has contributed to the cybersec industry, this award represents international recognition of Taiwan’s cybersec R&D capabilities, and serves as encouragement for industry partners to continue their efforts in this field. Reflecting on the achievements in Taiwan’s cybersec development this year, ADI Deputy Director-General Jiunn-Shiow Lin praised, “Taiwan’s cyber security industry has truly been a decade in the making. The remarkable results we see today are contributed by many people over the years, truly showcasing Taiwan’s prowess in the cybersec field”. However, for the cybersec industry to continue to thrive and bring forth more innovative technologies and services, the cultivation of new talents is an indispensable key. This year, ACW SOUTH continues to organize the “2023 ACW SOUTH Cybersec Rising Star Matching and Cultivation Program”, extending the core spirit of last year’s ACW SOUTH Cybersec Rising Star Competition”. Collaborating with industry mentors, this program aims to help newcomers who are passionate and interested in the field find the right learning environment and resources to elevate their skills to the next level. At the opening ceremony, MODA Minister Audrey Tang presented certificates of honor to the enterprises and students selected to participate in this year’s ACW SOUTH Cybersec Rising Star Matching and Cultivation Program. Before presenting the certificates, Minister Tang acknowledged the matching model of “companies proposing topics, students solving problems” in her speech. Yue-Xin Chen, a representative of the Cybersec rising stars, expressed that the most special part of the program was receiving professional guidance from industry mentors. This not only deepened their understanding of cyber security but also helped them realize the differences between theoretical learning and practical industry experience. This experience has posed significant impact on their future academic and career development. During the pitch session in the afternoon, the rising stars fully demonstrated their passion for cyber security and expressed gratitude and recognition for the guidance provided by industry mentors. After the opening ceremony, the rising stars showcased their project achievements in the “Testbed Cybersec Application Exhibition Area”. They used an interesting game to promote their project information to the public. In addition, there was a “Rising Stars Achievement Tour” where guides provided detailed explanations of the development context and highlights of the achievements. They led the audience through the tour, allowing them to explore the various experiences of different rising star teams during the training process. For example, the team “When to Eat Kura Sushi” from the Department of Information Management at Chang Gung University utilized the training platform and vulnerability detection tools provided by Galaxy Software Services to develop a “Smart Secure Conference Room Management System” with a secure framework. Another team formed across different schools used hardware equipment from Trapa Security for practical implementation by observing and analyzing cybersec attacks. During the project period, they even detected a real DDoS attack. Interestingly, during the sharing session, the rising stars unanimously expressed that the most significant gain from participating in the program was the understanding of the gap between theory and practice through repeated setbacks and difficulties. As they transitioned from being mere “problem solvers” to become “problem raisers” who identify and solve problems, they developed even more passion in cyber security. On the other hand, the industry mentors participating in talent cultivation also highly praised the dedication of the rising stars. They believe that the drive and attitude demonstrated by the rising stars in their learning process are the key to successful problem-solving. They also look forward to ACW SOUTH’s talent cultivation program expanding even further in the future, injecting more vitality into Taiwan’s cybersec industry. Rising Stars x Industry Dialogue: The Key Node of Taiwan’s Cyber SecurityAt the opening ceremony, Minister Tang stated, “MODA has long been committed to promoting various cybersec projects to bridge the gap between the ‘cybersec industry’ and the ‘industrial cybersec’. The goal is that when new services or demands emerge in the future, both sides can connect without any knowledge barriers, maximizing the speed of technological iteration”. ACW SOUTH is a crucial node where these two groups intersect. It not only trains more industrial cybersec talents, but also explores more potential rising stars to join in the cybersec industry. Also, it facilitates mutual exchange among various Taiwanese enterprises, inspiring an increasingly positive cycle. With the guidance of MODA’s ADI, ACW SOUTH is able to attract more cybersec talents, consolidate industrial cybersec capabilities, and collaborate with industry, government, academia and research to move towards a more flexible and diverse cybersec future. (Advertorial sponsored by Administration for Digital Industries, Ministry of Digital Affairs)

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/186701

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Chinese Migrants In US Illegally Uneasy After Fourth Removal

By Bo GuWASHINGTON — After more than two years of separation, Chinese migrant Duan Chunxia, 51, recently met face to face with her husband and daughter at Stewart Detention Center, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Georgia. “My wife has lost a lot of weight, and her hair turned gray,” her husband, Ni Jinfang, told VOA Mandarin in an emotional video interview. “Our daughter cried so much when she saw her mother. Her tears were all over her face and neck.”That tearful reunion on December 1 was the latest in an emotional roller-coaster ride for the family as they’ve separately come to the United States seeking political asylum. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a surge in Chinese nationals entering the United States illegally and seeking asylum. Over the past year, those numbers have dwindled, and U.S. authorities are stepping up efforts to send a growing number back to China. There is also increasing concern among undocumented migrants from China about President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to carry out mass deportations. Just days after Duan met with her family, she was scheduled to be sent back to China on a U.S. government-chartered removal flight. That flight departed Monday, but Duan was not on it. Following a second asylum interview, authorities agreed to give her more time to appeal the deportation order. The charter flight marked the fourth time in six months that the United States has deported undocumented migrants back to China. Three previous flights in June, October and November carried a total of at least 350 Chinese citizens back to their homeland. The last previous large-scale repatriation occurred in 2018. In a statement Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the flight “is yet another example of the department’s ongoing cooperation with [China] and other international partners to deter irregular migration. ”It added that DHS and its counterparts in China “also continue joint work to counter the human smuggling networks that facilitate irregular migration.” DHS did not say how many migrants were on the flight. Chen Chuangchuang, an immigration lawyer in California, told VOA Mandarin that the Chinese and U.S. governments have cooperated more closely on immigration issues this year than previously. "In the past, China rarely cooperated with the U.S. government in accepting illegal migrants,” Chen told VOA in a December phone interview. “China has recently exchanged prisoners with the U.S. many times and also accepted undocumented people. [Chinese leader] Xi Jinping calls it ‘law enforcement cooperation’ rather than ‘border and immigration issues. ’ ”How they arrivedNi, 53, and the couple’s 18-year-old daughter entered the U.S. on tourist visas in 2022. After Duan’s husband andDuan made the hazardous journey through Ecuador and then traveled overland through Colombia, Central America and Mexico to the U.S. border. Both Duan and Ni are from China’s central city of Suzhou, just outside Shanghai. The city is relatively wealthy but human rights violations are not unheard of. In 2012, Ni lost his house and land following a government-led forced demolition. He tried to sue the local government in 2013 but was not given a chance to file his lawsuit. He continued to petition the government without result. In 2016, Ni was assaulted by local police officers and put in jail for 171 days for the crime of “disturbing public order.”Ni continued to speak against the Chinese government after coming to the United States and participated in a protest in San Francisco last November, when Xi visited the city for the APEC summit and met with U.S. President Joe Biden. Another Chinese immigrant who entered the United States last year via the same route as Duan and is now living in New York state spoke with VOA on the condition that his name not be used because of his undocumented status. In a telephone interview, he said that with the recent deportations and Trump’s pledges, many in the Chinese immigrant community are a little panicked. "After he takes office, everyone will be worried about being deported, not just us illegal immigrants,” he said. “The ones with green cards, aren’t they afraid, too?"Before entering the United States, this man said he had openly criticized Xi on Chinese social media. He said that if he is deported, he will undoubtedly face a prison sentence in China. The man, who is in his 30s, has already begun applying for political asylum and is still hopeful. “Although I don't like this result [Trump's victory], this is the choice of the American people, and there is nothing I can do. We are all entering an uncertain era, and everyone's future is uncertain,” he said. Immigration lawyer Chen said that Chinese immigrants in the U.S. who have not yet obtained legal status do face a “real threat.”“The Republicans have already occupied both houses [of Congress], and conservatives also have a clear advantage in the Supreme Court, "he said."We can say with absolute certainty that the second Trump administration will have way more resources, in terms of manpower, law and finances, to support the implementation of his deportation plan. This is bound to happen. ”However, Chen does not think that all Chinese immigrants who apply for asylum will be unsuccessful. “For those who have a deportation order, if you have a legal reason to apply to stay in the U.S. , there is still a chance for review. It’s not easy though. The standard will be raised,” Chen said, adding that individuals need to prove that they will be persecuted if they return to their home country. daughter left China, she applied for a tourist visa the following year, but her application was rejected. More than one year after that, in late September, she illegally entered the U.S. , crossing the southern border with Mexico. The News Lens has been authorized to publish this article fromVoice of America.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187314

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Southeast Asia Transnational Crime

A recentINTERPOL operation, targeted drug trafficking in Southeast Asia, resulting in record seizures of synthetic drugs worth USD 1. 05 billion. Running from July 22 to August 7, the operation involved Australia, Cambodia, Korea, Myanmar, Thailand, the U.S. , and Vietnam. It led to the confiscation of 139 million Yaba pills, 1. 5 tonnes of ketamine, and 13. 5 tonnes of sodium cyanide, a methamphetamine precursor. These seizures revealed evolving trafficking routes, underscoring the global reach of transnational crime networks originating in Southeast Asia, impacting regions as far as Europe and Australia. The rise of transnational crime in Southeast Asia threatens regional security and stability, driven by weak governance, corruption, and advanced technology. Criminal networks in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos exploit these vulnerabilities, often with the collaboration of local elites and military forces. Corrupt police and military officials enable the trafficking of drugs, money, weapons, and people across borders, sustaining these illicit networks that engage in a wide array of crimes, including cyber scams, wildlife trafficking, and money laundering. A United States Institute of Peace (USIP) study highlights the growing influence ofChina-origin criminal networks in Southeast Asia, which are involved inonline scams, human trafficking, and transnational crime. These networks pose a global security threat, directly impacting U.S. national security as drugs and online scams linked to these groups reach American shores. Embedded in both legal and illegal enterprises, these networks infiltrate local elites and regional governments. They operate within a broad ecosystem, including casinos, special economic zones (SEZs), and other seemingly legitimate businesses, making them hard to dismantle. The networks'criminal activities generate an estimated $43. 8 billion annually, with profits benefiting Myanmar's military, border guard forces (BGFs), ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), and ruling elites in Cambodia and Laos. One such enclave, theKings Romans Casino in Laos, is run by Chinese crimeboss Zhao Wei. He has been on the U.S. Treasury sanctions list since 2018 for involvement in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and money laundering. Despite these sanctions, the casino and its surrounding Special Economic Zone (SEZ) continue to expand, attracting tourists and migrant workers with new developments like casinos, hotels, and an international airport. The casino is infamous for openly facilitating various forms of transnational crime, including forced criminality. In this form of exploitation, trafficked victims are forced into illegal activities such as cybercrime and cryptocurrency scams, often lured by fake job offers in cities like Dubai and Bangkok. Victims, recruitedfrom multiple countries, are used to scam people in their home nations by speaking their language and gaining trust. Countries like India, which has suffered significant financial losses from these scams, are now collaborating with ASEAN to combat this growing threat. China's infrastructure projects, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, have alsoindirectly enabled the proliferation of scam centers in SEZs across Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation as organized crimerepurposed empty casinos, particularly in Cambodia’s Sihanoukville and Myanmar's Yatai Shwe Kokko SEZ, for scams and trafficking. Weak immigration controls and rising digital fraud in ASEAN—home to 460 million internet users—make addressingonline scams and trafficking an urgent regional priority. In Laos, local and international law enforcement agencies struggle to regulate the Golden Triangle SEZ due to weak governance and the presence of aprivate police force that controls the area. While the SEZ has boosted the economic growth of the Bokeo province, it has also deepened social inequality and facilitated criminal activities. Despite these issues, theSEZ continues to expand, with plans for a new port facility and further real estate development, which could provide even more opportunities for criminal networks to flourish. Various criminal activities in Southeast Asia often converge, creating a synergy that amplifies their impact. For example, human trafficking fuels cyber scams, while drug and arms trafficking are frequently intertwined. A recent case inNorth Maluku, Indonesia, revealed a rare convergence of arms and wildlife trafficking. Suspects smuggled endangered birds to the Philippines, using the profits to purchase firearms like M16s, which were later seized by Indonesian authorities. This case highlights how criminal networks overlap, enabling illicit actors and worsening issues such as armed violence and biodiversity loss. While arms and drug trafficking commonly intersect in Southeast Asia, the exchange of wildlife for weapons is an unusual but growing trend. The convergence of these criminal economies poses significant threats in regions with weak state presence and porous borders, particularly in the Philippines and Indonesia. Organized crime groups take advantage of these vulnerabilities, often facilitated by embeddedbrokers and clan networks. To combat these transnational crime networks, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime UNODC has launched anEmergency Response Network (ERN), connecting law enforcement officers from countries like Cambodia, Malaysia, and Vietnam to enhance coordination andintelligence-sharing. Supported by INTERPOL, the ERN aims to dismantle scam centers and rescue trafficking victims. The network, funded by Japan, underscores a regional commitment to tackling transnational crime through improved collaboration and specialized training. The Association ofSoutheast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is intensifying efforts tocombat transnational crimes through bodies like the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) and the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC). These initiatives target issues such as human trafficking and scam centers, particularly in regions like Cambodia and the Golden Triangle. ASEAN is also considering establishing an ASEANCentre on Transnational Crime (ACOT) to enhance intelligence sharing, joint investigations, and regional coordination, aiming to curb activities like arms and wildlife trafficking, as well as human trafficking. The task of curbing international criminal activities in Southeast Asia seems bleak. Governments are outmatched in resources and manpower, while many individuals, whether through direct employment or bribery, rely onthese crime networks for their livelihood. Transnational crime groups, after facing law enforcement crackdowns earlier this year, have adapted and expanded. In Myanmar, political instability and military cooperation create a fertile ground for these groups to revive operations. China's reduced pressure on Myanmar’s military regime has further emboldened these networks, allowing them to escalate their activities. Key figures like warlordSaw Chit Thu of Karen State, now leading the rebranded Karen National Army (KNA), have deepened their involvement in human trafficking, forced labor, and other criminal operations in partnership with Chinese mafia groups. Despite international efforts to curb these activities, Chit Thu’s network thrives, evading law enforcement and exploiting weak governance to expand its influence and criminal operations across the region.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187191

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Lai Calls National Security Meeting After South Korea Martial Law Fiasco

After arriving in Guam on his first official visit as President, Lai Ching-te called an emergency national security meeting in response to the political turmoil in South Korea. Lai discussed "potential risks and impact" with the rest of his advisers who spoke with via video conference. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law on Tuesday, amid growing rivalries with the opposition party. About six hours later, an opposition dominated parliament overruled the decree by a vote. In the 40-minute meeting, Lai was briefed then asked his officials to continuously monitor the situation and respond accordingly. For its part, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) reached out to their South Korean counterparts to get abreast of the situation. It then “took corresponding diplomatic actions and measures at any time to safeguard the personal safety of people traveling in South Korea.”The MOFA also advised any Taiwanese citizens in currently in South Korea to avoid any rallies, demonstrations, political gatherings and any areas relevant to the current political upheaval. After the controversial announcement, President Yoon is now facing impeachment charges. The declaration stirs memories of state atrocities perpetrated in the 1980s. Lai is currently on a diplomatic mission visiting several allies in the Pacific area. He will make his way back to Taipei on Friday. Chinese officials have condemned Washington for its supposed compliance in Lai visiting political allies in the region. During his trip, Lai also spoke on the phone with Washington officials about Beijing’s posturing. In the past, any perceived indiscretion by Taiwan has spurred Beijing to launch a round of military drills along the Taiwan strait.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187291

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Leading medical equipment distributor, TBMS embraces the ideal of “Confucian entrepreneurship for the society” to ensure the perpetual legacy of the enterprise

As the generation creating Taiwan’s economic miracle in the 1970s approaches retirement after nearly six decades of relentless efforts, the tide of “corporate succession” is nearing. While tradition once dictated that successors be direct descendants, a new trend of passing the business to capable leaders rather than descendants has emerged. According to a recent survey by a human resources firm, 52. 7% of enterprises now opt for professional executives to take the reins. One exemplary case is TBMS, renowned domestically for its importation of medical devices and equipment. In 1985, TBMS was founded by Chairman Moses Teng from scratch. Upon returning to Taiwan from the United States, Moses seized the opportunity of Taiwan’s economic boom that contributed to a significant rise in the standard of living and consumer purchasing power of Taiwanese people. Despite the government’s proactive efforts in establishing a robust healthcare system and a national medical information network, there was still ample room for improvement in overall medical service quality. It was then that Moses made the bold decision to venture into the healthcare industry, dedicating himself to introducing globally advanced medical devices and equipment. Measured by financial statements and business scale, TBMS stands as a testament to entrepreneurial success. With over 200 employees, the company achieves an impressive annual sales growth of 20%. Its operational scope has expanded to six business divisions, representing over 40 reputable medical equipment brands with over 300 varieties of product lines. In addition to the pursuit of corporate profitability and profit-sharing among employees, TBMS’s nearly four-decade journey is defined by its steadfast adherence to the spirit of “Confucian entrepreneurship for the society”. The concept of “Confucian entrepreneurship for the society” embodies a heartfelt commitment to improving society and making the world a better place through meaningful engagement. Despite being a seasoned entrepreneur in the business arena, why did Moses choose to embrace the ideal? He explains, In addition to infusing the belief of Confucian entrepreneurship into its corporate culture, TBMS has extended this spirit to external partners in recent years. Through active collaboration with domestic medical equipment manufacturers and biotech companies, TBMS pushes forward mutual benefit and shared success throughout the industry chain. This strategic shift stems from Moses’s early entrepreneurial challenges. After the company solidifies its foundation, Moses seeks to leverage his influence to help more Taiwanese medical equipment manufacturers expand internationally. As Taiwan prepares to enter a super-aged society by 2025, with one in every five individuals being elderly, TBMS finds its greatest advantage from its professional expertise of ensuring everyone has the opportunity to age gracefully. Drawing inspiration from Japan’s experiences, Shu-Li Huang, General Manager of TBMS’s Surgical Channel Division cites the example of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH), also known as a treatable and reversible form of dementia prevalent among the elderly population. Symptoms such as unsteady gait, urinary incontinence and declining memory are often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, leading to missed treatment opportunities. In response, TBMS has launched a three-year initiative to raise awareness of iNPH through collaboration with medical professionals, associations, and interdisciplinary teams. By ensuring timely and accurate diagnosis and providing appropriate medical interventions, the goal is to help patients return to normal life patterns and reduce overall societal caregiving costs. The company’s mission of “serving for life” has also become a driving force in active response to ESG sustainability trends: constructing a corporate governance paradigm featuring “virtuous profit through Confucian entrepreneurship”. By harnessing the collective power of external stakeholders such as physicians, charity groups, suppliers, the company aims to promote widespread medical knowledge, enhance healthcare quality and patient-doctor relationships, as well as alleviate the workload of healthcare professionals. Furthermore, TBMS is dedicated to cultivating a diverse, inclusive, and harmonious workplace, providing employees with comprehensive resources and opportunities for learning and growth. Warren Buffett once noted, “By definition, a great company is one that’s going to remain its competitive advantage for 25 to 30 years”. Following the philosophy of passing the business to capable leaders rather than descendants, TBMS ensures the continuation of its corporate legacy. Moses further explains, “Passing on to virtuous and capable individuals is about continuing to give back to society, forming a model of sustainable governance. Some may question if it’s easy to entrust the company to outsiders. I believe that it’s precisely because we can’t bear to see the end of the company that we must find ways to ensure its sustainable operation”. As for the substantive approaches, Moses emphasizes the cultivation of employees with a focus on “skills and virtue”. “Skills” represent expertise in the professional field, while “virtue” underscores the importance of ethical conduct and integrity. Currently, TBMS has established an Operation Management Committee, operating under a “co-governance” model to achieve complementary and balanced collective decision-making. Furthermore, the organization promotes financial transparency between departments, reinforcing accountability within each business division. Besides fostering healthy competition, the primary goal is to enable employees to “share” the fruits of the company’s success. TBMS is not only committed to implementing its “co-governance” and “sharing” system internally but is also eager to share its concrete strategies with external organizations. For instance, through workshops and focus group discussions with the Bliss & Wisdom Foundation of Culture and Education, TBMS proactively shares its business philosophy and corporate culture with other small and medium-sized business owners, fostering a cycle of goodness. In addition to developing mid-to-senior-level management, TBMS prioritizes nurturing and retaining talent within its workforce, as exemplified by Moses’s creation of the "Living Water Plan." This plan includes stock incentives and stock subscription subsidies. The former rewards key talent based on their annual performance, while the latter allows employees with more than three years of employment to subscribe to company stocks, with a proportional subsidies provided by the company. Moses adds, “Currently, our employee shareholding stands at 13%, with a projected increase to 20% within three years. Our ultimate goal is for employees to enjoy 40% of the shareholding benefits. In a recent survey of mid-level managers, nearly two-thirds expressed that the Living Water Plan is one of the most impactful company policies, aiming to strengthen employees’ morale and cohesion”. When aligning TBMS’s operational years with the human growth timeline, it falls in the stage of a young adult, characterized by peak physical and mental prowess. Strategically, the company is positioned to become a centennial enterprise. To achieve this, TBMS is implementing several initiatives: firstly, the continuous integration of digital tools to enhance organizational workflows and decision-making efficiency; secondly, fostering internal entrepreneurship opportunities to encourage employees to collaborate in creating new ventures, enabling this collective effort to become a magnificent driving force for TBMS's sustained growth, progress, and long-term sustainability. TBMS Official WebsiteTBMS LinkTree

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Trump’s Relations With The Blue Pacific

By Tarcisius KabutaulakaPacific Islands countries view Donald Trump’s impending return as US president with hope and apprehension. Trump’s attention on the region amid geopolitical tension with China could help address the needs of island countries. But his pledge to roll back US commitments to addressing the climate crisis is a significant concern. The second Trump administration will find a region different from when last in office. Pacific Island countries have become more assertive diplomatically, in what some have referred to as the “new Pacific diplomacy.” At the national level this was illustrated by Solomon Islands, Kiribati and Nauru’s decision to switch diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China despite pressure from Western countries, as well as the regional decision in 2022 to reject Beijing’s wide-ranging trade and security proposal, described by one observer as “an unequivocal display of not wanting to be used as pawns in a geopolitical contest.”Trump has not yet outlined his second administration’s policies on the Pacific Islands. An “Indo-Pacific” focus has become a staple of US policy in the past decades, but a definitive prediction is difficult, given Trump’s impulsive temperament. The previous Trump administration focused largely on diplomatic relations and security, establishing a Pacific Islands directorship in the National Security Council. In May 2019, Trump invited the presidents of the Freely Associated States (FAS) – Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Marshall Islands – to the White House in a first ever such visit. Security was central to their discussions. In August the same year then US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Micronesia and met the FAS presidents, which drew an encouraging response from local leaders. It was an opportunity to leverage geopolitical competition in the renegotiations of the Compact of Free Association arrangement, which was concluded under the Biden administration with a US commitment of $7. 1 billion over 20 years. Hawaii and Guam are pivotal to the US military presence in the region. Hawaii hosts US Indo-Pacific Command, the largest unified combatant command in the world. Guam’s political status as an unincorporated territory combined with its geographical proximity to Asia makes it a compelling strategic location and vital to the projection of US military power. Under the first Trump administration the US increased its military presence on Guam, not only as a response to China, but also in light of North Korea’s threats to fire missiles targeting Guam. The emphasis on diplomacy and security is likely to continue with Trump’s return, especially given Beijing’s increasing influence and security overtures in Oceania through arrangements such as the China-Solomon Islands security sgreement. The military build-up in the north Pacific will likely continue. During his first presidency Trump generally disliked international cooperation and the policy successes of his predecessor. This has raised questions about whether he will continue with initiatives such as AUKUS, the trilateral partnership between Australia, UK and the US that will share defence-related science and technology and help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines, the “Partners in the Blue Pacific” arrangement, and the US-Papua New Guinea Defence Cooperation Agreement. On the Pacific Partnership Strategy enacted by the Biden administration, the Trump administration will be critical of the list of giveaways not deemed in line with Trump’s notion of “America first.”But whatever the fate of these agreements, Pacific Island countries should expect Trump to pursue a more transactional relationship, framed by the view that Pacific Islands are pawns in US security agendas, and to counter China. The Heritage Foundation, the organisation responsible for Project 2025 and influential in Trump circles, highlighted the importance of the Pacific Islands in the US efforts to counter China, stating: “The US must articulate a clear explanation for how the Pacific Islands fit into broader US interests and contributes to America’s security and prosperity.”For the Pacific Islands the most important existential threat is climate change, as articulated in the Boe Declaration and related documents. However, environmental challenges are an unlikely focus for Trump. He has persistently called climate change a “hoax” and “scam”, and withdrew the US from the Paris Climate Agreement, and is widely expected to do so again. On the campaign trail Trump vowed to increase domestic production of oil and gas. This raises concern among Pacific Islanders about US commitments to the 1. 5-degree Celsius warming target and climate finance. While it is difficult to see Trump being committed to addressing the climate crisis, his advisors must be keenly aware that inaction on climate change could undermine US engagements with Pacific Islands. This illustrates where the Pacific has found strength in the power of collective diplomacy, which island countries have deployed through regional mechanisms such as the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent as well as globally. Vanuatu led a coalition of 132 countries calling for a non-binding advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on the responsibilities of major greenhouse gas emitters. Apart from bilateral and multilateral dealings with Pacific Island countries, the second Trump administration will also have to navigate the maze of state and non-state actors that have intersecting and sometimes conflicting interests and influences in the region. That will require, not only intimate knowledge of the Pacific Islands, but also genuine relationships. Washington’s talking points of friendship dating back to the Second World War will be insufficient, because such a narrative is premised on the idea of US liberation of the Pacific, which is not shared across the region. This article originally appeared in theLowy Interpreter. The News Lens has been authorized to republish this article.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187326

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Phihong Technology Unveils New Series of GaN Fast Charging Power Supplies at Computex 2024!

Phihong Technology will attend Computex 2024 to showcase its latest generation of ultra-high-power power supplies designed specifically for gaming laptops, featuring PD fast charging and GaN (gallium nitride) technology. This product series combines technological innovation with environmental considerations, reflecting Phihong's commitment to sustainable development. Phihong Technology has always been dedicated to providing cutting-edge charging solutions. This year at Computex, they will present a range of PD fast charging power supplies with GaN technology, which can reduce charging time by over 50% and significantly decrease the size by one-third, making the overall design more compact. These advancements not only enhance the electronic equipment but also greatly improve the charging experience for gaming enthusiasts, offering users greater convenience. Notably, Phihong integrates eco-friendly concepts into the product design and manufacturing processes, simplifying unnecessary steps, improving energy conversion efficiency, and effectively reducing carbon emissions, aligning with sustainability goals. The safety and reliability of power supplies are Phihong's top priorities for their users. Therefore, all Phihong power supplies undergo rigorous safety tests to ensure users can enjoy a fast and stable charging experience in any environment. Additionally, Phihong Technology's strategic alliance with Vinpower has led to the co-developed"iXCharger 65W, "which won the 2024 CES Innovation Award. At Computex 2024, the"iXCharger 65W"has been significantly upgraded to a 140W model, featuring 2TB of storage space and two Type-C ports, greatly enhancing the product's convenience by allowing simultaneous charging of two devices. This meets consumers'daily charging and backup needs for various electronic products. All iXCharger series products offer Trust Circle AES 256 KeyLock data protection technology, ensuring data security and protection from hacker attacks. This smart charging product, which combines sustainability, convenience, and security, is an excellent choice for modern consumers!In the future, Phihong Technology will continue to uphold the concept of sustainable development, actively promote green technology, commit to product innovation, and value harmony with society and the environment. They will push forward the green supply chain to ensure their products meet international environmental standards, providing users with a superior charging experience!The content of this article is provided by"Phihong Technology".

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Jimmy Carter's Passing Met With Mixed Reactions In China, Taiwan

By William YangTAIPEI, TAIWAN — The passing of former United States President Jimmy Carter was met with mixed reactions in China and Taiwan. Chinese President Xi Jinping praised him for helping to establish diplomatic ties between Beijing and Washington while some in Taiwan remain critical of his decision to sever official ties with the island to this day. In a message to U.S. President Joe Biden, Xi expressed his “deep condolences” and described Carter as “the driving force behind the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States.”Former President Carter “made important contributions to the development of China-U.S. relations and the friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two countries,” China’s state-run broadcaster CCTV cited Xi as saying. “China-U.S. ties are among the most import bilateral relationships in the world,” Xi said, adding that Beijing is willing to work with Washington to advance bilateral relations. During Carter’s time in office between 1977 and 1981, the U.S. established formal diplomatic relations with China, advancing the groundwork laid by former U.S. President Richard Nixon and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in the 1970s. In 1979, his administration recognized the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legal government of China and acknowledged Beijing’s position that Taiwan is a part of China. He also agreed to sever official ties with Taiwan, charting a new course in what would later become one of the world’s most complicated and consequential relationships. Much like Xi, many Chinese commentators and internet users praised Carter’s contribution to normalizing U.S. -China relations. Hu Xijin, the former editor-in-chief of China’s state-run tabloid Global Times, said Carter helped to lay the foundation of the “friendly and cooperative relationship” between China and the U.S. by acknowledging China’s position on Taiwan. While “his starting point is to safeguard the interests of the United States, during his term, China and the United States of America’s common interests have been highlighted and highlighted,” he wrote in a statement on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. Other Chinese internet users also characterized Carter as being more friendly to China than other U.S. leaders. “Of all the living former U.S. presidents, he is one of the friendlier to China,” Chinese netizen “Sheng Yuan Ran Dong” from Heilongjiang province wrote on Weibo. “He was a good pacifist. He opened the floodgates of history by establishing diplomatic relations between China and the U.S. His good qualities are truly worth highlighting,” Chinese internet user “Abu from the magic forest” from Jiangxi Province wrote on Weibo. Lu Chao, the director of Liaoning University’s Institute of American and East Asian Studies, said Carter not only facilitated the establishment of U.S. -China relations, he also maintained very good relations with then-Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping. “Former President Carter made the right choice that was in line with the trend of global development, the fundamental interests of the United States, and the interests of China. It is still praised by Chinese and American people,” he told VOA. While reactions from China to Carter’s passing were largely positive, perceptions about the former U.S. president’s complicated legacy in Taiwan were mixed. In a short post on social media platform X, Taiwan’s Presidential Office extended “sincere condolences” to Carter’s family and the American people. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s main opposition party Kuomintang (KMT), said on X that while Carter will be remembered in Taiwan “for his decision to derecognize the Republic of China” — Taiwan’s official name — they “admire his advocacy worldwide for affordable housing, conflict resolution, refugees, and other causes.”In contrast to the moderate official response, some Taiwanese internet users criticized the former U.S. president for allowing China to become a major threat to Taiwan. While “the U.S. is now Taiwan’s strong ally, [Carter and Kissinger] are the ones who made China so difficult to deal with. From the two of them to the Obama era, Washington’s pro-China approach allowed China to build economic growth for decades and that’s the reason why the Chinese Communist Party can keep bullying Taiwan, ” Taiwanese internet user Pbtato Hsieh wrote in a Facebook post. After the Carter administration severed ties with Taiwan in 1979, the U.S. Congress passed the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), later the same year, which allows Washington to maintain close unofficial ties with Taipei while requiring the U.S. to “provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character” to “a sufficient self-defense capacity.”The TRA also reaffirmed the United States commitment to preserving the human rights of the people of Taiwan. At the time the legislation was signed into law by then President Carter, Taiwan was under martial law and under the control of one single party, the KMT, which was led by Chiang Ching-kuo. Taiwan continued under martial law until 1989 and held its first direct presidential elections in 1996. While Carter signed the TRA into law, some Taiwanese analysts say the former president shouldn’t be credited for providing the architecture that upholds the unofficial relations between Taiwan and the U.S. today. “It was because the government in Taiwan under Chiang Kai-shek and some grassroots Taiwanese American organizations maintained good relations with members of the U.S. Congress, so the Congress passed a piece of legislation that was more favorable toward Taiwan,” Chen Fang-yu, a political scientist at Soochow University in Taiwan, told VOA by phone. “The Taiwan Relations Act was not directly related to Carter,” he added. Despite his complicated legacy of handling Washington’s relations with Taiwan, other experts say Carter’s decision to sign the TRA into law still helped to build the “first blocks of today’s U.S. -Taiwan relationship.”“The de facto relationship that the U.S. and Taiwan have today began with him,” said Lev Nachman, a political scientist at National Taiwan University. “I don't think he was the one who sat down and wrote the TRA, but he most certainly is the one who saw through the process of creating this new relationship with Taiwan after the recognition switch,” he told VOA by phone. VOA Mandarin’s Joyce Huang contributed to this report. The News Lens has been authorized to publish this article fromVoice of America.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187325

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Blinken And Taiwan Envoy Talk Economics At APEC

At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Taiwan’s envoy Lin Hsin-I. On X, Blinken wrote “Met with Lin Hsin-i in Lima. We spoke about our growing economic relationship and our enduring shared commitment to foster an open, dynamic, and peaceful Indo-Pacific.”The talk was not part of the official agenda, and both officials confirmed that they briefly discussed regional peace as well as economic cooperation. Blinken is now the outgoing Secretary of State with US President-elect Donald Trump set to be inaugurated next January. Blinken has made frequent trips to both China and Taiwan, embodying the “strategic ambiguity” approach of President Joe Biden on the matter of sovereignty. Chinese leader Xi Jinping held a bilateral meeting with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte on November 14 while attending the APEC Economic Leaders meeting. After which the two leaders released a joint statement which claimed that Peru reiterated its commitment to the “one China principle.”Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said it condemns “China and Peru for making such unwarranted statements, which disparage Taiwan’s sovereignty.”Rivals the U.S. and China have polarizing policies when it comes to Taiwan. Expressions of these differences have advanced economically with China pushing sanctions and intimidating Taiwanese trading partners. Whereas the U.S. has been cultivating deeper ties, even as the Biden administration takes its final bow. Last October, diplomats from Taiwan and the US held a virtual meeting on economic ties. The fifth U.S. -Taiwan Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue (EPPD) tackled, “economic coercion, supply chain resilience and investment, addressing tax-related barriers to increase investment between the United States and Taiwan, and ensuring a secure energy transition toward Taiwan’s NetZero 2050 goals."Then last week, Washington announced a landmark agreement for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (TSMC). Through the Chips and Sciences Act, the US will invest $65 billion dollars “to build three state-of-the-art facilities in Arizona and create tens of thousands of jobs by the end of the decade.”Biden says it is “The largest foreign direct investment in a greenfield project in the history of the United States.”Biden will speak with Xi in Peru on Saturday. Ahead of the bilateral talks, the White House spokesman Michael Feldman told reporters that he expects the President to “underscore the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and express his concerns that the PRC’s increased military activities around Taiwan are destabilizing and eroding the status quo.”

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187263

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The Foreign Policy Of Jimmy Carter

By Salim YaqubJimmy Carter, who died this week at the age of 100, pursued a remarkably ambitious and challenging foreign policy during his single term as US president. He came into office in early 1977 determined to transform America’s role in the world. The debacle in Vietnam, coupled with recent revelations of US covert meddling in other countries, suggested that the nation had become dangerously overextended abroad and had lost its way morally. Third world countries were now much more vocal in world affairs, and issues like global poverty, racial inequality, environmental degradation, and nuclear proliferation had come to the fore. Carter believed the United States should downplay its preoccupation with the Cold War and instead address these issues of common concern. His administration would work to reduce tensions with communist adversaries, lower America’s domineering profile, seek resolutions of festering international disputes, and promote human rights abroad. As president, Carter made considerable headway in advancing this agenda. He elevated human rights as a key foreign policy concern, pressuring governments throughout the world, especially in Latin America, to release political prisoners and allow greater civic freedom. In 1977, his administration concluded two treaties with the government of Panama to permit the latter to exercise sovereignty over the Panama Canal, which the United States had controlled for more than six decades. In 1978 at Camp David, Carter brokered a stunning agreement between Egypt and Israel in which those two nations pledged to end three decades of war. In January 1979, the United States and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) – again, after 30 years of mutual estrangement – established full diplomatic relations. Months later, Carter and his Soviet counterpart, Leonid Brezhnev, signed the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) II Treaty, imposing caps on the two nations’ stockpiles of nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, the Carter administration forthrightly opposed white minority rule in southern Africa, aiding Rhodesia’s transition to majority rule (and change of name to Zimbabwe) in 1979–80. The administration hardly ever considered military intervention in global trouble spots, and no US soldier died in combat on Carter’s watch. In some cases, however, Carter’s foreign policy achievements contained less than met the eye or acquired a significance at odds with his original intentions. Many governments guilty of human rights abuses escaped US criticism, because relations with them raised other, overriding foreign policy considerations. The Camp David Agreement, though impressive on its own terms, was actually a disappointment to Carter. He had spent most of 1977 trying to broker a comprehensive settlement between Israel and all of its Arab enemies, including the Palestinians. But both Israel and Egypt preferred a bilateral peace process unencumbered by the participation of other Arab actors, and Carter had to oblige them. Because the resulting Camp David Accords left Israel in occupation of Palestinian, Syrian, and Lebanese territory, it aroused bitter resentment throughout the Arab world, an outcome that pained Carter for decades thereafter. So it went for America’s relations with its main communist adversaries. Carter had pursued rapprochement with China as a way of easing Cold War tensions across the board. The PRC and the Soviet Union were deeply hostile towards one another, and Carter hoped to follow a balanced policy of improving relations with both nations simultaneously. Instead, Zbigniew Brzezinski, Carter’s strongly anti-Soviet national security adviser, deliberately exploited the closer Sino-US ties to ratchet up anxieties in Moscow. In 1979, China waged a brief but bloody war against Soviet-aligned Vietnam, drawing only proforma criticism from the Carter administration. Not surprisingly, these events placed serious strain on US-Soviet relations. SALT II, meanwhile, fell short of Carter’s initial aspirations. The president favoured deep cuts in the US and Soviet nuclear arsenals. The Soviets, however, insisted on implementing a far more modest blueprint for arms limitation that they had negotiated with the previous administration of Gerald Ford, and Carter had to go along. In 1979 and 1980, two developments, the Iranian Revolution and a further, much sharper deterioration in US-Soviet relations, dominated Carter’s foreign policy. Since the 1950s, the United States had staunchly backed Iran’s pro-Western shah, despite his terrible human rights record. By the time Carter became president, there was probably nothing he could have done to prevent the overthrow of the hated monarch, who was forced into exile in early 1979. The collapse of the Iranian regime was a serious strategic blow to the United States and its allies. In November 1979, after Carter allowed the ailing shah to enter the United States for medical treatment, Iranian students stormed the US embassy in Tehran and detained scores of embassy employees, whom the new Iranian government held as hostages for more than a year. Just weeks after the embassy takeover, Soviet troops invaded Afghanistan (a neighbour of both Iran and the Soviet Union) to prevent its Marxist government from being overthrown by Islamist rebels. The Soviets had blundered into a quagmire that in the coming decade would severely diminish their international and even their domestic power. At the time, however, Moscow appeared to have seized the initiative from a weakened and demoralised West. Carter’s response to these challenges was a dramatic toughening of his foreign policy stance, in sharp contrast with his first two years in office. After the Iranian Revolution, his administration planned a build-up of US forces in the Persian Gulf region and concluded basing rights agreements with countries in the area. Once the Soviets invaded Afghanistan, a move many feared presaged a further Soviet drive towards the Persian Gulf, Carter declared that intervention in the Gulf area by an outside power “will be repelled by any means necessary, including military force”, a statement that pundits dubbed the Carter Doctrine. The president asked Congress for a substantial increase in military spending, withdrew the SALT II Treaty from consideration by the Senate, and successfully pressured the US Olympic Committee to boycott the 1980 Olympic Games scheduled to take place in Moscow. Cold War tensions escalated dramatically. In April 1980, Carter authorised a military operation to rescue the hostages in Iran but aborted the effort in its early phases when, at a secret staging area in the Iranian desert, some of the US aircraft encountered technical difficulties. During the resulting evacuation, a helicopter collided with a transport plane, killing eight servicemen. Carter disclosed the tragedy to the nation and took responsibility for it. Citing these foreign policy setbacks, and promising an even harder line against America’s foreign foes, former California Governor Ronald Reagan decisively defeated Carter in the 1980 election. The lame duck president spent his final weeks in office tirelessly negotiating with Iran, via third parties, for the release of the hostages. Carter achieved this objective, though Tehran delayed freeing the Americans until minutes after Reagan’s inauguration in January 1981. Carter had a long and extraordinarily active post-presidency, devoted to advancing numerous humanitarian and reform causes at home and abroad. Through the Carter Center, based in Atlanta, he and his wife Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in November 2023 at the age of 96, advocated worldwide to ameliorate conflict, build democratic institutions, promote human rights, and eradicate disease. Occasionally, and with varying degrees of support from his Oval Office successors, Carter personally intervened to resolve international crises. All of these efforts won him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. The conciliatory and reformist impulses that had shaped Carter’s foreign policy, only to give way to more traditional approaches, became the driving mission of his post-White House years. This article originally appeared in theLowy Interpreter. The News Lens has been authorized to republish this article.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187321

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In India’s Tribal State Chhattisgarh, Multiple ‘Fake Encounters’ Rob Lives

Lakhmi Oyam sat with her three-month-old daughter, whose little eyes barely opened. Beside Oyam was her mother-in-law. The three had travelled far from their village to attend a protest in solidarity with Oyam’s husband, who was killed by the Indian security forces this year. On January 30, Ramesh Oyam (19) was shot by security forces in Bhairamgarh tehsil ofBijapur District, close to theIndravati river in Central India’s Chhattisgarh state. On the afternoon of that fateful day, Ramesh Oyam had come to the village to meet his relatives, on the occasion of his daughter being born. After arriving at his aunt’s house in Bhairamgarh, he decided to take a bath in the Indravati river. His brother-in-law Payko Kunjam, who was with him, narrowly escaped. “The security forces were hiding on the other side of the river. We had no idea and left in the afternoon to refresh ourselves. They probably had come back from a search operation in the nearby village and were hiding. This is how they usually do things. When they saw us going towards the river, they started firing at us,” Kunjam said. Kunjam was able to run away, but Oyam was shot down. “After I reached the village area, I realised he was not with me,” he added. Kunjam searched and found Oyam’s body later that afternoon. Since December 2023, more than 130 suspected rebels or Naxalites have been killed by security forces. However locals have accused the government of targeting civilians and fabricating the circumstances behind these murders. On May 10, the security forces claimed they killed 12 "Naxals” in an operation, however civil society groups and locals alleged they were not associated with any organisation. According to the officialcasualty count submitted to the Lok Sabha in March 2023, between 2018 and 2022, the operations have taken mostly civilian lives. Chhattisgarh is a heavily forested state in central India with a huge tribal population of 32 percent. Bijapur is one of seven districts of southern Chhattisgarh with 70% of communities being Advisai (an umbrella term to describe tribal populations). Chhattisgarh has been brimming with theNaxalite movement that emerged in the region during the late 1960s. In 1967, oppressed peasants inspired by communist movements, took a stand against the feudal landowners in Naxalbari. Today, the Naxalites remain a powerful force among marginalized classes. In 2019, the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), known also as Maoists or Naxalites, intensified their campaigns against mining corporations and development projects, which threatened to expel indigenous tribes living on mineral-rich soil. As a result of multiple uprisings since 2009 in the state's Bastar region, state forces have stepped up their response. According to findings by the activist group Moolwasi Bachao Manch, around 222 paramilitary camps of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been established around the Sukma, Narayanpur, Dantewada and Bijapur Districts. In addition many local, cyber and anti-naxal forces roam throughout the state, making it one of the most highly militarised states of India. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, isdetermined to defeat the rebels within three years by building greater security infrastructure. The uptick in killings also coincided with the Modi government winning the Chhattisgarh Assembly (state) elections last December which locals say have exacerbated repression. Oyam was part of the ongoing protests against mining and militarization as a member ofMulwasi Bachao Manch – a movement of Adivasi youth. Despite increasing participation in demonstrations, the allegations by local communities against staged encounters have been ignored by the government. Tadopot village, the site of multiple murders, has now become a protest site and symbol of resistance. While the encounters stillcontinue, human rights experts said this time, the forces are targeting women and children, which has increased compared to previous times. Speaking about the ongoing attacks against the tribal community by the authorities, Bastar-based human rights lawyer Bela Bhatia explained that it is imperative to understand the historical context of Bastar. Bhatia has also been at the receiving end of harassment andthreatsby state elements for her advocacies. “The violence right now, especially since 1 January 2024, has been very acute. This is another phase of counter-insurgency. In this phase, we are witnessing a more direct attack on the civilians. Meanwhile, the impunity that the forces have enjoyed, is now more face,” she said. She also talked about how many children have become victims of the violence. “A lot of children have lost their lives,” Bhatia added. One of the cases that gathered a lot of attention was the death of a six-month-old girl, Mangli, who wasshot dead by Indian security forces in Bastar last February. The bullet went through Maase Sodi’s hand as she held her daughter, cutting through her fingers before killing the infant girl. Despite the outrage, the authorities have failed to investigate the matter. Bhatia said that while Adivasi women have always been targeted by the authorities, recent months have seen this intensify. Raje Oyam, a bystander belonging to the same tribe as Rajesh, survived an attack by the security forces in February 2024. Raje Oyam limped her way to the Tadapot protest site, as people around her immediately spread a plastic sheet on the ground so she could lie down. Exhausted and visibly in pain, Oyam had difficulty sitting down or getting up. Oyam was one of the few who lived to tell the tale of what happened to her. Sitting at the site where Ramesh Oyam was killed, Raje Oyam was wearing a yellow saree around her frail body. In a resolute voice she toldThe News Lens “I was giving food to my younger daughter, when we heard that the security forces in hundreds were entering the village. Before we could do anything, a CPRF official entered the veranda of my house and pointed his gun towards me and my 8-year-old daughter,” she said. Oyam tried to shield her daughter as the assailant opened fire on them. The bullet hit Oyam at the back, narrowly missing her spinal cord. The police have refused to accept her official complaints. “I will keep fighting till the time then don’t,” Oyam said determinedly. Amid the conflict with the Maoists, government forces have been accused multiple times of brutal sexual and physical violence against Adivasi women. In 2017, theNational Human Rights Commission, prima facie, found allegations of rape, sexual and physical assault by state police personnel on 16 women to be true. A placard held by protesters in Bhairamgarh district, Chhattisgarh, central India, 2024, reads: "Take back the police forces from our villages." (Photo credit: Bhumika Saraswati)According to Bhatia and Adivasi activist leader Soni Suri, security forces purposefully target women with impunity. Raje Oyam case is among hundreds of others that is being blatantly ignored by the government. “In a recent case, a woman was tortured and killed by the security forces. Her shrieks could be heard throughout for hours,” Suri said. Sharanya Nayak, of the RITES Forum, part of regional feminist network Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD) - said that violence, including rape and sexual violence has always been weaponized in armed conflict. “It is not really surprising that the paramilitary or military forces use this, because this is not just common to Chhattisgarh. Such incidents have been recorded in detail inKashmir, inManipur and even around the world - whether in India, whether inPalestine, whether in Bosnia, wherever,” she said. Raje Onam, who is a mother to four children is not part of any Naxal group and was still attacked. Multiple women spoke withThe News Lens sharing how women are not spared and are constantly harassed by male officers coupled with excessive force and illegal searches. Nayak explained how such violent tactics are intended to blur the lines between uniformed combatant and a civilian. “It is a deliberate strategy, which stems from a patriarchal understanding of women's bodies, control over their sexuality or how control over someone's body is part of the subjugation, repression of their agency,” she said. She believes the Indian state is known to attack indigenous people, to break their aspirations for autonomy, self-determination and liberation. Indignant locals like Ramesh Oyam’s mother has vowed she will fight until they achieve justice. “What was his fault? He had just become a father and was killed. How can they kill my son like this,” Oyam’s mother asks. This story was produced as a part of Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development’s Media and Visual Fellowship on Militarism, Peace and Women’s Human Rights.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187044

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DPP Blasts KMT’s Coercive Act to Pass Amendments to Officials Recall Act

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) condemned Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers'forceful act of passing amendments to the Public Officials Election and Recall Act, stating that it risks violating Taiwan's constitutional laws. On Monday morning, KMT lawmaker Hsu Hsin-ying started the legislative review committee at 9 a. m. , with DPP lawmakers blocked outside the chamber. She declared approval of the amendments within 3 minutes of the session. Early in the morning, KMT lawmakers blocked one side of the hallway and sealed the door with tape. They physically blocked another entry for hours. By 8 a. m. , some KMT legislators, including Hsu, had already entered the meeting room, while DPP lawmakers remained locked outside. Several scuffles ensued, but the DPP lawmakers were still unable to enter and participate in the meeting. KMT’s proposed amendments include a provision stating that "officials who have held office for less than one year cannot propose or initiate a recall," along with another suggestion by Hsu that the recall votes must "exceed" the number of votes the recalled official received when elected. In response, DPP legislator Chen Kuan-Ting cited Constitutional Interpretation No. 499, emphasizing that the KMT's forceful blockade has seriously violated the"principle of openness and transparency"and the"principle of rational communication. "This act by lawmakers not only constitutes"a major flaw"but also threatens the foundation of Taiwan's democratic politics, with a potential risk of unconstitutionality, he added. “When the Constitutional Court reviewed the controversy over the National Assembly's constitutional amendments, it specifically emphasized that legislation must adhere to the principle of openness and transparency.”“This is not merely a formality of observation or live broadcasting, but rather to ensure the communication process for expressing public opinion and forming intentions," Chen told local media RTI. However, the KMT’s coercive attempt to block lawmakers from entering the chamber and prevent the expression of opinions already constitutes the "major and obvious flaw" mentioned by the Constitutional Court, he explained.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187313

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A Rice Renaissance: The Refinement of Rice Culture

By Lynn SuBack in 2002, Taiwan formally joined the World Trade Organization and announced it was opening its market to imports of rice, a move which was met by intense protests by farmers. Domestically produced rice has since faced both domestic challenges and external threats. Domestically, demand for rice has been continually falling as citizens’ dietary habits have changed. Externally, foreign rice has been knocking hard on the door to get in. But crisis is also opportunity, and many courageous farmers have begun to dedicate themselves to upgrading the quality of Taiwan’s domestic rice. Following decades of transition, and with the advent of the Internet and social media, barriers to brand marketing have been lowered, and channels for purchasing rice have grown increasingly diverse. Alongside large rice firms that produce enough to supply chain stores, many small brands have appeared that promote buying direct from the farmer or rely on online sales. No matter whether consumers are focused on price or are aiming to support environmentally friendly or organic farming methods, all the options are there to choose from. Taiwan rice has really entered a period of intense competition in which “a hundred flowers bloom.”Taiwanese have long had a strong affection for Japanese rice, but there are differences despite this shared preference. Looking back into agricultural history, the rice produced in Taiwan before the era of Japanese colonial rule was fluffy long-grained Indica rice. The Japanese introduced short-grained Japonica rice into Taiwan, fundamentally changing the eating habits of the Taiwanese. As a result, Taiwanese and Japanese are unanimous in their preference for rice that is plump, slightly firm to the bite, aromatic, and sweet. But strictly speaking, when Japanese eat rice, they follow their perfectionist instincts and seek out a pure flavor. Uncooked rice must be pure white and crystalline, without chalkiness, and once cooked it must be clean with no extraneous tastes. Only then is it fit to accompany Japan’s delicate, elegant cuisine. Taiwanese, on the other hand, are accustomed to eating rice with heavier foods. In particular, given that Taiwanese food is mainly stir-fried, only rice with a rich aroma can balance the strong flavor of the dishes. Within this context, Taiwanese rice is valued for its rich fragrance. The rices currently sold in the market can be roughly divided into two main types: the common varieties with the aromas of pandan leaves or jasmine, and the “fragrant rice” varieties that are famous for having the scent of taro. Both have their adherents. Furthermore, while the Japanese market is dominated by polished white rice, in Taiwan, as a result of health trends, not only is brown rice quite popular, but one can often see colored rices such as black, purple, and red rice, exemplifying the great diversity of Taiwan’s agricultural produce. Several years ago there was a public outcry when it was revealed that a big rice company was selling Taiwanese rice with cheap Vietnamese rice mixed in. Whether they do it to reduce production costs or to compensate for a shortage in production volume, “mixed rice” has already become an open secret in the industry. But some prefer to steer in the opposite direction, clearly indicating the production area and cooperating farmers on their product labels, and even advertising their product as a “single variety.”We arrive in Xihu Township in Miaoli County in glorious autumn weather, and the rice planted out in the preceding month is growing tall and green. “What I want to do is very simple: I want to let everybody know what variety of rice they are eating,” says “Mao Rice” founder Lin Mao-sheng resolutely, standing in the midst of a verdant checkerboard of paddy fields. The reason why Lin chose rice as the basis for a new business venture can be traced back several years, to a point in his life when he was ready to make a career change and friends and family introduced him to the household of farmer Wu Liangkuan. Wu, who had left his job in the county government to return home to take up farming, is a perfectionist who insists on handling everything himself, from culturing seedlings and transplanting them to harvesting, drying, milling, and packaging his rice. Despite having only about eight hectares of farmland, he even invested a great deal of money to build a processing plant. Although he devotes himself completely to growing a good product, he used to keep a very low profile, only selling his rice through the local post office and to family and friends. Having discovered this high-quality rice that was “unavailable to the world,” Lin Mao-sheng decided to put his personal reputation on the line, and founded a brand with the aim of letting more people know about fine products like this. Mao Rice’s offering is simple: there are three product lines, each based on a single variety of rice. Taking into account the fact that most consumers don’t have a deep understanding of rice varieties, Lin stresses the different varieties’ suitability for different uses. “Tainung 77” rice, which is plump, glossy and firm to the bite, is on a par with high-end Japanese rice, and can be used instead of Japanese Koshihikari rice. The “Tainung 71” variety has a high water content and gelatinizes well, making it suitable for dishes where a softer texture is required; Lin markets this as “congee rice.” As for “Tainung Sen 22,” this variety has a high amylose content, its grains do not stick together when cooked, and it has a firm bite. It is well suited for preparing fried rice or mixed vegetables and rice, and Lin dubs it “frying rice.”In terms of the development of dietary culture, what Lin Mao-sheng is doing is not simply commercial trade, but also education about food and farming. In an age of processed foods, he is taking a first step to building a wider public understanding of “single variety” rice. Only if one is able to distinguish among different tastes can one recognize and appreciate them. Lin puts it this way: “When consumers learn the positives and negatives of different crop varieties and develop an autonomous viewpoint, they will know what they prefer and who to buy it from, and how to select produce; this is a virtuous circle. Once people have control over their food, industry will become more dynamic—this is at the root of everything.”Another “spokesperson” for rice is Stone Shih, who runs the Fusing Rice shop in the Qiaozhong Market in Banqiao, New Taipei City. Shih has taken an entirely different approach from that of Mao Rice. Inside Fusing Rice, besides the rice which is sold loose by weight, there are also high-priced niche brands of vacuum-packed rice. When you count them up, you find there are 20 different rice product lines. Shih, who worked in a well-known concept store for 16 years, has his own ideas about criteria for selecting products. “Many people tend to think that something is good just because other people say that it’s good, or feel that it’s not so good because others say it’s bad. But in fact everyone’s experiences and standards are different, and judgments about what is good or bad are very subjective,” he says. That’s why he never uses a hard sell on customers, but instead puts the product development skills that he gained in the past to good use by seeking out premium-quality rice from various places, and when selling to customers he first gets a thorough understanding of their preferences and needs, and then makes precise recommendations. Fusing Rice also works with dozens of restaurants. Because each has its own cuisine, Shih not only supplies them with rice, he uses his expertise to recommend the most suitable varieties. For example, Hong Kong-style restaurants have traditionally used “see mew” rice grown in China for their congee and clay-pot rice dishes; Shih recommends that they instead use Thai fragrant rice, which has a similar mouthfeel. For braised pork on rice, a classic dish served in Taiwanese-style eateries, it is crucial that after the topping is added, the rice should not turn mushy. However, many businesses have costs to consider, so Shih experimented with mixing soft, sticky Taiwanese rice from Xihu with drier Thai fragrant rice in order to get the best of both worlds. As a result of larger trends, consumption of rice by Taiwanese has been steadily declining. Even though agricultural agencies are continually calling on people to “eat more Taiwanese rice,” it has proven hard to turn the tide. But when you take a different perspective, you can see that rice culinary culture has been putting down deeper roots and growing more refined, and in recent years has shown a flourishing diversity. Besides the changing landscape of rice brands, at various points in time different rice-based edibles, such as shio koji, amazake (sweet sake), and rice crackers have become fashionable for a while, after which they have spread to ordinary households. There are also a number of rice-themed restaurants, and people stage banquets or dinner parties of various sizes with rice as the central axis. These are all characterized by using rice in novel ways, and offer fully coordinated menus, giving consumers a fresh image of rice. Fortunately there are also rice experts promoting greater understanding of rice, tirelessly explaining to the public how to cook rice at its best. Even when eating at home, more and more people are increasingly particular about the rice they consume, and more restaurants, acting on the idea of “eating local,” are willing to use domestically produced rice. There are even creative chefs and culinary experts who are exploring the limitless potential of Taiwanese rice. When we understand the skill and effort behind each bowl of rice or congee, why don’t we join together to support domestic rice? Increasing our discernment and building on our culture starts from devoting serious attention to each bowl and each mouthful of rice at our dining tables. This article was originally published on Taiwan Panorama. Read the original article here.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187324

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US Increases its Defense Support for Taiwan

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025, recently released, includes significant provisions aimed at enhancing support for Taiwan, according to remarks made by US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson at a news conference on Capitol Hill yesterday. Among the key provisions, the NDAA authorizes increased US assistance to Taiwan's military capabilities. This includes providing advanced systems such as anti-armor weapons, radars, crewed and uncrewed aerial vehicles, cyber defense tools, long-range precision weapons, integrated air and missile defense systems, anti-ship missiles, electronic warfare capabilities, counter-electronic warfare systems, secure communications equipment, and other electronic protection technologies. A major component of the NDAA is the establishment of the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative, modeled after the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. This initiative will allow the US departments of Defense and State to support Taiwan’s self-defense efforts in line with the Taiwan Relations Act. Additionally, the act proposes up to US$300 million in military assistance and training to bolster Taiwan’s defense capabilities. In collaboration with the US Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense is authorized to provide Taiwan's military and government agencies with defense articles from US inventories and services to support the nation’s self-defense. The NDAA also includes provisions for US-Taiwan cooperation in the areas of trauma care, amputation treatment, and mental health conditions such as PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. The NDAA further emphasizes Taiwan’s inclusion in international military exercises, with Section 1324 outlining plans to invite Taiwan’s naval forces to participate in the 2025 Rim of the Pacific exercise. Another important aspect of the NDAA is the BOLSTER Act (Building Options for the Lasting Security of Taiwan through European Resolve), found in Section 5121. This section calls for collaboration between the US, the EU, and the UK on sanctions against the People’s Republic of China (PRC) should China attempt to dismantle Taiwan’s government institutions, occupy its territory, or initiate actions such as a naval blockade, cyberattacks, or the seizure of outlying islands. Sanctions would also be triggered in cases of military actions threatening Taiwan’s infrastructure. In the event of a potential Chinese blockade of Taiwan, the US president is required to submit a report to both the Senate’s Committee on Foreign Relations and the House Foreign Affairs Committee assessing the anticipated economic impact of a 30-day or 180-day blockade. The NDAA also encourages the US and European nations to publicly clarify the differences between their "one China" policies and the PRC’s "one China" principle, aiming to counter China’s claims that UN Resolution 2758 supports its territorial sovereignty over Taiwan. The act suggests that European countries, particularly those with experience in countering Russian aggression, can offer valuable insights to Taiwan on mobilizing both military and civilian resources in times of crisis. This comprehensive package underscores the growing strategic partnership between the US and Taiwan as both face increased pressure from China.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187310

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Phihong and Vinpower Collaborate to Create the 'iXCharger 65W' Charger + Storage, Honored with a 2024 CES Innovation Award!

Phihong, in collaboration with Vinpower and Silanna Semiconductor, has developed the iXCharger 65W, which has been honored with an Innovation Award during the 2024 CES (Consumer Electronics Show). This first of its kind, two-in-one charger + storage device not only boasts an impressive storage capacity of up to 1. 5TB, but also combines an efficient 65W fast charging technology. This accolade signifies the outstanding performance of the iXCharger 65W among a plethora of consumer technology products, while also serving as a high commendation for the seamless integration of product design and engineering technology. The iXCharger 65W combines an exceptional storage capacity, up to 1. 5TB, making it the first charger with cross-device storage technology. It supports multiple operating systems, including iOS, Android, Windows, Chrome OS, and macOS. It incorporates third-generation Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology, enabling it to provide higher power density and superior heat dissipation in a smaller form factor. This ensures a safe and efficient charging experience for users'mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Furthermore, iPhone and iPad users can easily manage their charging and backup processes with a dedicated app, streamlining and simplifying their daily routines without the need for cumbersome procedures. In consideration of environmental sustainability, the multifunctionality of iXCharger 65W contributes to reducing the need for unnecessary electronic products. It aligns with the European Union's announcement that Type-C will become the universal standard for electronic devices starting in 2024. The iXCharger adopted the Type-C design across the board, which has made it widely favored in the market and was a significant factor in earning it the prestigious Innovation Award at the 2024 CES. In addition to showcasing this award-winning product, the next generation iXCharger 100W was unveiled at the 2024 CES! It upgrades to a greater charging technology from 65W to 100W while also maintaining the innovative combined storage capacity up to 1. 5TB. With two Type-C ports, it significantly enhances the product’s convenience, allowing the user to charge two mobile devices simultaneously, meeting the daily charging and backup needs of consumers for various portable electronic devices. The iXCharger 100W is an iconic charger that combines sustainability and convenience, undoubtedly making it the consumer's top choice. The content of this article is provided by"phihong".

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/186781

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Judicial Action Nudging Japan Towards Marriage Equality

By Nobuhisa IshizukaIn relatively quick succession in 2024, most recently on 30 October, two prominent high courts in Japan — the Tokyo High Court and the Sapporo High Court — issued rulings recognising the constitutional right of same-sex couples to marry. The cases are a partial culmination of continuing litigation concerning an issue that appears to be headed to the nation’s Supreme Court. The United States attempted to transform the social structure of Japan after the Second World War through the individual dignity, equal protection and marriage equality provisions of the postwar constitution. Japan has since struggled to adapt its concept of family, which has historically formed the heart of its national identity, to changing social and political norms. Japan remains one of only two G7 nations to not formally recognise same-sex marriage, alongside Italy. This struggle is reflected by recent cases addressing the rights of women to retain their surnames after marriage — held by the Supreme Court to not be constitutionally protected — and a ban on remarriage within a specified time period after divorce. The remarriage ban was intended to clarify the paternity of children born after remarriage, a concept upheld by the Supreme Court and eliminated only in 2024 by legislation. In each case, the court cited the need to clearly define the family within existing legal frameworks. Same-sex marriage sits squarely within the same rubric of cases. In a country where plaintiff activism has historically been characterised by local, relatively isolated claims for redress in the face of government inaction, nationally coordinated litigation to address broad social issues is a recent phenomenon. The most recent claims by plaintiffs in the marriage-related cases, filed in different courts across the country on Valentine’s Day 2019, reflect societal values that are beginning to align Japan with more than 30 other countries that have legalised same-sex marriage. The majority of public opinion now favours same-sex unions. According to the Sapporo High Court decision, 260 of 1700 municipalities throughout Japan, covering about 65 per cent of the population, have established registered partnership systems that grant limited spousal rights to same-sex couples. And a growing number of companies have adopted policies recognising such rights. The Japanese government has been closely following these developments. Apart from the social impact, this issue has clear implications for the country’s position in the global marketplace and its attractiveness to an international labour pool that increasingly reflects similar shifts in societal attitudes. Foreign nationals, including those whose unions have been recognised in their home countries, are among the marriage-related plaintiffs. Still, the Japanese government’s position is that same sex marriage would establish a ‘right to self-determination’ that is not constitutionally guaranteed because it would establish ‘a new legal system that goes beyond the framework of the existing legal system’. According to this view, same-sex marriage changes the definition of a family in a manner inconsistent with ‘the importance of reproduction and child-rearing’ to the marital institution. A growing number of courts in Japan, including two high courts, have attempted to bridge the gap between traditional family orthodoxy and social change by recognising same-sex couples’ freedom to marry. Affirmation of this right by thehigh courts is a significant development in the context of five lower district courts splitting on the question — with the Osaka district court finding the current ban constitutional, two other lower courts upholding the ban with reservations and two finding the ban unconstitutional. Courts in Japan are notably reluctant to overturn existing laws. As a result, constitutional litigation on social issues often takes the form of damage suits for legislative nonfeasance — in these cases, for the Diet’s failure to amend existing laws to uphold the constitution in a manner accommodating social change. This permits courts to address the constitutionality of marriage restrictions without necessarily invalidating existing laws. This is why the Tokyo and Sapporo high courts have found the current laws unconstitutional while dismissing the damage claims. They determined that the legislature needs more time to act given the issue’s complexity and lack of clear consensus on how an alternative system should be designed. Japanese courts have declined to compel the Diet to affirmatively act on findings of unconstitutionality unless the inaction is ‘egregious and prolonged’. Current prohibitions on same-sex marriage will continue in the absence of legislative action or continuing litigation maintaining pressure for change. The Supreme Court has acknowledged that an individual’s ‘freedom to build relationships and live in such relationships’ must be respected. A concurring opinion in the surname case stated that ‘when viewed as a legal system, the relationship of a married couple constitutes part of the family system even though it involves only two persons in form’. With such past statements, it would be reasonable to expect Japan’s Supreme Court will look at same-sex marriage from the same perspective. It could call for more time to permit a clear and thorough public consensus to emerge and to similarly defer to the Diet for action, regardless of whether it agrees with high courts’ rulings on the substance of same-sex marriage’s constitutionality. Nobuhisa Ishizuka is Lecturer and Executive Director of the Center for Japanese Legal Studies at Columbia Law School and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. https: //doi. org/10. 59425/eabc. 1733954400The News Lens has been authorized to republish this article from theEast Asia Forum. East Asia Forum is a platform for analysis and research on politics, economics, business, law, security, international relations and society relevant to public policy, centered on the Asia Pacific region.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187308

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Upgrading the Asia Silicon Valley Plan! Strengthening Taiwan's Startup Ecosystem, Expanding Globally, and Building an International Innovation Hub

In the digital age, innovation and entrepreneurship are crucial for national industrial transformation and growth, especially with the rapid changes in technologies such as 5G, AI, and AIoT. Technological innovation is nearly synonymous with a nation's hard power. President Lai Ching-te emphasized in his inauguration speech that facing global intelligence challenges, Taiwan must transition from a semiconductor chip island to an"AI island"by accelerating AI innovation applications to enhance national power, military strength, human resources, and economic capabilities. The twin axes of"digital transformation"and"net-zero transformation"are core to creating another economic miracle for Taiwan. Focusing on AI, 5G, and satellite networking technologies, the"Asia Silicon Valley Development Plan"aims to accelerate Taiwan's dual-axis transformation in digital and net-zero fields. This key policy highlights Taiwan's startup strength on the international stage. Since its launch in September 2016 by the National Development Council, the"Asia Silicon Valley Development Plan"(ASVDP) has aimed to promote IoT industry development and create a robust innovation ecosystem. It connects global advanced research to make Taiwan an international hub for digital technology innovation. With the rapid growth of AI applications and startup investment, ASVDP was upgraded from 1. 0 to 2. 0 in 2021, emphasizing AIoT and 5G technologies. The plan focuses on "smart IoT accelerating industrial evolution" and "innovation-driven industrial future," aiming to refine Taiwan's IoT industry and innovation ecosystem, consolidate industrial energy, and export innovative applications internationally. Key Strategies of ASVDP 2. 01. Expanding AIoT Technology ApplicationsInvesting in key AIoT technologies such as advanced chips, critical materials, and cloud computing. Establishing 5G O-RAN proof-of-concept sites in Taoyuan, Tainan, and Kaohsiung for broader 5G and AIoT technology adoption. 2. Enhancing the Startup Development EnvironmentContinuing to host the Silicon Valley DU Startup Hero Camp and sending outstanding startup teams for overseas training. Improving domestic startup regulations, establishing innovation regulatory sandboxes, and promoting the"Taiwan Innovation Board"to help startups enter the capital market faster. 3. Concentrating System Export EnergyDeepening international partnerships in AIoT with companies like Microsoft, Google, Cisco, Qualcomm, and Amazon AWS to set up innovation centers, accelerators, and integrated service centers in Taiwan. Conducting international marketing and exchanges to assist businesses in expanding overseas. ASVDP 2. 0 also emphasizes diverse and comprehensive international linkages, establishing national-level innovation clusters in Taipei, New Taipei City, and Kaohsiung. It actively assists domestic businesses in participating in international exhibitions and summits, creating opportunities for cooperation and business. ASVDP has significantly promoted Taiwan's startup and IoT industry development. During the plan, angel investments reached NT$3. 6 billion, driving nearly four times (approximately NT$13. 4 billion) in investment benefits. The number of startups increased by 236%, and 45 startups successfully went public or were acquired. Taiwan's IoT industry output exceeded NT$1 trillion in 2018 and NT$2 trillion in 2022, accounting for nearly 5% of the global market. Looking ahead, Taiwan stands at the center of future technological revolutions, including generative AI and ubiquitous semiconductors. The Asia Silicon Valley 3. 0 Plan, approved in May, will further focus on Taiwan's IoT technology, startups, and international connections, responding to President Lai's"innovation-driven economic model"by expanding digital and net-zero transformation energy, creating a smarter and more sustainable industrial ecosystem. With global supply chain shifts and geopolitical influences, Taiwan's international visibility and importance have grown significantly. The traditional competitive advantage centered on manufacturing is rapidly moving towards a software-hardware integration model. The Asia Silicon Valley Plan plays a crucial role in this transformation, creating more industrial opportunities for Taiwan. The future goals of the Asia Silicon Valley Plan include "smart IoT international export" and "startup investment doubling," with national policies as the strongest support for Taiwan's innovation ecosystem. The plan aims to make Taiwan a major exporter of innovative solutions within ten years and a key player in global technology development. National Development Council Advertisement

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187042

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Taiwan And Ukraine: Learning The Right Lessons

By Mick RyanIn the nearly three years since Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine of February 2022, many nations have re-examined their national security postures, defence budgets and alliances. The government of Taiwan has not been immune to the strategic reassessments driven by Russia’s conduct. The Ukraine war has served as a catalyst to address some complacency in sections of Taiwanese society about Chinese aggression. Learning the right lessons from other people’s wars requires deep analysis, political commitment to change, and national security organisations able to rapidly absorb knowledge. There is more to it than watching from afar and copying innovation. Taiwan needs to observe the political, strategic and tactical lessons of Ukraine and filter them through its own context, including local geography and weather, regional politics, Taiwan’s political culture, and the military capabilities of China. Taiwan also needs to anticipate the kinds of lessons the Chinese leadership and the People’s Liberation Army might be learning from Ukraine and Russia. A key lesson for Taiwan in the past three years has been the maintenance of national will. This has political, military and societal elements. Significant effort has been invested to improve military and civil defence capacity, while expanding the interaction between the two. As Taiwan’s representative in Australia, Douglas Hsu, told me in a recent interview, the Taiwanese government has “strengthened civil defence capabilities, including mobilisation, human resource deployment, training, and emergency preparedness. This aims to ensure prompt response to emergencies or dynamic changes in disasters, enhancing civilians’ self-defence and self-rescue capabilities to maintain social safety and order.”Military conscription has also evolved. With mandatory military service extended from four months to one year and the modernisation of training, Taiwan is developing a more capable military to deter Chinese aggression and provide a potent warfighting organisation if the Chinese blockade Taiwan or attempt invasion. There are other Taiwanese initiatives to build national resilience based on insights from the Ukraine War. Hsu describes these as contributing to a “whole of society resilience”. Some of these initiatives include establishing a command and control system for emergencies to integrate different agencies; more frequent disaster response drills which incorporate reserve force training; enhancing storage of strategic materials and energy to deter or defeat a Chinese blockade; improving medical resilience; establishing air-raid shelters; and building a more robust and secure government communications network, including cyber security and undersea cable protection, to deter Chinese leadership “decapitation” operations. PLA expert Joel Wuthnow has written that a key PLA observation from Ukraine was Russia’s failure to decapitate Ukraine's leadership: “the PLA has already planned to target Taiwan’s leaders, including doctrine for the use of special operations forces in an island landing that includes strikes on adversary leadership.”Perhaps one of the most important initiatives has been to strengthen protections around the flow of information. Russia, supported by China, has run a large global disinformation campaign since starting the war in Ukraine to shape opinion in the West, especially among politicians. In April, the chair of the US Congress House Intelligence Committee said Russian disinformation has “absolutely seeped its way to Congress” and that Republican members of Congress had repeated Russian claims. Taiwan has sought to strengthen its ability to withstand such disinformation from China, although this has been a long-standing effort given China’s propensity for such operations since the 1950s. In his inaugural speech, new Taiwanese president Lai Ching-te pledged to reinvigorate efforts to counter China’s disinformation at home and abroad and to work with other democracies to combat disinformation. Strategic decision-making is a final area where the Taiwanese government has made careful observations of the Ukraine war. Western decision-making, which has often been focused on risk-averse solutions to Ukraine’s military challenges, offers insights into how the US and NATO planning and decision-making apparatus functions – or doesn’t function. A combination of these observations, as well as insights gained from China’s reaction to then US Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s 2022 Taiwan visit, have informed changes to national decision-making and command-and-control. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has revised its rules of engagement. It is also re-training pilots in the wake of aggressive behaviour by Chinese aircraft and drones in the Taiwanese Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In October, the Taiwan Defence Minister described a change in Taiwanese defence policy: “in the past, we said we won’t be the first to strike . .. But now the definition has obviously changed, as China [has] used means like drones. So we have adjusted, and will view any crossing of aircraft or vessels as a first strike”. Coordination with US decision-makers has also been strengthened, including with the establishment of a US Department of Defence special task force to coordinate across the US government to accelerate Taiwan’s defence acquisitions. Taiwan has for decades been subjected to Chinese coercion and strategic influence operations. Based on this experience, it had developed an array of political, military, information and societal structures to respond to Chinese coercion and provocation. But the experiences of Ukraine and Russia since February 2022 have turbocharged the learning of many nations about modern war and strategic confrontation across diplomatic, information, financial and societal domains. Taiwan is looking to capitalise on this learning opportunity while at the same time anticipating how China might learn and adapt from observing the same conflict. Mick Ryan travelled to Taiwan with support of the Taiwan government. This article originally appeared in theLowy Interpreter. The News Lens has been authorized to republish this article.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187311

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Phihong Makes Inroads into Global LEO Satellite Market with High-Performance Power Technology in the New Era

The low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite market is ushering in an exciting new era, offering not only lower latency and higher efficiency communication services but also significantly reducing installation and production costs with miniaturized equipment. As a result, LEO satellites have become the preferred choice for a multitude of applications. In the realm of end-user applications, high-efficiency, long-lasting, and resilient power supply solutions are indispensable. Phihong Technology has been dedicating years to developing power technologies for LEO satellite applications, collaborating closely with industry giants and engaging in technical exchanges. It is well-prepared to swiftly align with market demands. LEO satellite applications have a wide-ranging impact, addressing challenges such as poor reception due to geographical constraints that hindered the establishment of traditional base stations. Today, whether in mountainous regions, at sea, in remote areas, or even on aircraft, individuals can access satellite network signals at any time and anywhere, augmenting the shortcomings of terrestrial networks. As the global COVID-19 pandemic gradually subsides, and countries begin to reopen, the demand for LEO satellite communication is steadily rising after 2022. It has also played a pivotal role in meeting communication needs during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, garnering global attention to LEO satellite applications. Furthermore, emerging LEO satellite communication operators like Starlink and OneWeb are actively promoting commercial-related services. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), approximately 80% of the 5, 500 satellites launched globally in 2022 were for LEO communication purposes. MIC, a research institute under Taiwan's Institute for Information Industry, predicts that the number of LEO satellites will grow from 7, 500 in 2023 to 17, 350 by 2030. Clearly, LEO satellites have become an essential part of our lives. Within the LEO satellite supply chain, Phihong has excelled in power supply technology for terminal receiving devices, providing the necessary power to data modems, routers, and satellite equipment. Leading players in the LEO satellite communication industry, including the world's largest LEO satellite communication operator and a prominent U.S. global broadband satellite internet service provider, maintain stable supply relationships with Phihong. They offer LEO satellite network and services to enterprises, governments, and individual users. Phihong's power supplies have also passed multiple international safety certifications and rigorous client-side system testing standards. The products are slated for gradual mass production in 2024, working in tandem with global LEO satellite manufacturers to realize the vision of efficient, low-latency communication. Phihong anticipates that through secure and efficient power supply technology, it will continue to drive the sustained development and evolution of the global LEO satellite market, opening new doors for future technology and space applications while meeting the needs of users worldwide!The content of this article is provided by"Phihong".

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/186670

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Trump Invites China's Xi, Other World Leaders To His Inauguration

By Ken BredemeierU.S. President-elect Donald Trump has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping and other foreign leaders to his January 20 inauguration, but it is not known yet whether any of them plan to attend the ceremony on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told Fox News it was yet “to be determined” whether Xi will accept Trump’s invitation, which was extended in early November, shortly after Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris for a new four-year term in the White House. She did not name other world leaders who have been invited. Typically, foreign ambassadors to Washington and other diplomats have witnessed the peaceful quadrennial transfers of U.S. presidential power but not heads of government. State Department records dating to 1874 show that no foreign leader has attended a U.S. presidential inauguration. But Leavitt said the invitations to the noontime outdoor ceremony in six weeks are “an example of President Trump creating an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just our allies but our adversaries and our competitors, too. He is willing to talk to anyone, and he will always put America's interests first. "If Xi travels to Washington, it could provide a first opportunity during Trump’s second presidential term for the leaders of the world’s two biggest economies to discuss contentious trade and military issues. Trump has threatened to impose massive tariffs on Chinese exports to the United States, partly to push Beijing to curb the deadly flow of fentanyl into the U.S. and to boost the sale of U.S. products in China. The U.S. has imposed a January 19 deadline, the eve of the inauguration, for TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the social media app or face a ban in the U.S. TikTok is fighting the ban in court; it lost a bid last week to block the ban but is appealing the case to the Supreme Court. Trump on Thursday, during an appearance at the New York Stock Exchange, where he was ringing the bell to open the market, said he's been"thinking about inviting certain people to the inauguration"without referring to any specific individuals. “And some people said,'Wow, that's a little risky, isn't it? '” Trump said."And I said, 'Maybe it is. We'll see. We'll see what happens.' But we like to take little chances. "The Kremlin separately on Thursday said President Vladimir Putin, at war with U.S. -supported Ukraine for nearly three years, has not received an inaugural invitation. Since his election victory, Trump has met or talked with several world leaders, including visits with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Argentine President Javier Milei, at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Florida oceanside retreat. In addition, Trump met with French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Britian’s Prince William in Paris last weekend at the reopening of the refurbished Notre Dame Cathedral, much of which was gutted by a fire five years ago. “World leaders are lining up to meet with President Trump because they know he will soon return to power and restore peace through American strength around the globe,” Leavitt said. The News Lens has been authorized to publish this article fromVoice of America.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187309

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South Korea Set to Renew Efforts to Detain Impeached Yoon

Investigators trying to arrest suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol have asked for an extension to the warrant that expires Monday. The request was officially filed on Monday evening local time with an extension being able to be granted up until to the midnight deadline of the current arrest warrant. If the warrant does expire, investigators can still apply for another one. Yoon remains holed up in his presidential residence in Seoul after last week's failed attempt to arrest the embattled leader. Investigators working for the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) tried to execute a court warrant for Yoon's arrest on Friday after he ignored three summonses for questioning over his failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3. On Monday afternoon, the anti-corruption agency confirmed that it had asked police to take over efforts to detain Yoon following the standoff with presidential security. South Korea's anti-corruption agency has faced questions about its competence after failing to detain Yoon, and police have the resources to possibly make a more forceful attempt to arresthim. Yoon's team of attorneys claim the agency's arrest warrant is illegal, saying there are no legal grounds for it to delegate certain parts of an investigation process to another agency. Yoon's lawyers had submitted an objection to the warrants against the president on Thursday, but the Seoul Western District Court dismissed the challenge on Sunday. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is holding talks on Monday in South Korea, seeking to encourage policy stability, including in Seoul's complicated relationship with Japan. Blinken met with South Korean Acting President Choi Sang-mok and reiteratedthe United States'"unwavering" defense commitment to the country, callingfor closecommunication to deter against possible North Korea provocations, according to an official readout. Washington's top diplomatis not scheduled to meet with Yoon, but hewill hold a joint news conference with his South Korean counterpart, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, who is not under threat of impeachment. Blinken is unlikely to take sides in the internal dispute, but the Biden administration has, until now, held Yoon in high regard. Blinken is in the midst of what is expected to be his last overseas trip while in office, visiting Japan, France andSouth Koreabefore returning to Washington. jsi/kb(dpa, AFP)This article was originally published on Deutsche Welle. Read the original articlehere.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187332

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Promoting Global Cultural Exchange, Your Support Will Make Harvard Asia Student Program More Successful

In this busy world, we often neglect the value of cultural exchange in pursuit of money, success, and fame. However, cultural exchange is an important way to promote understanding, respect, and peace. To achieve this goal, the Harvard Undergraduates in Asia Program (HUAP) is actively preparing for its winter session from January 14 to 20, 2024. We're inviting about 80 students from Harvard's partner universities, including National Taiwan University, to come to the United States. They will participate in lectures, explore Boston, and engage in academic and cultural exchanges, aiming to create a friendly environment for scholarly and cultural interactions and to engage these students with memorable experiences. We sincerely invite you to consider supporting the HUAP to help raise US$8, 000 to host Harvard foreign representatives, organize lecture events, and help fund Harvard students'flights to Asia. This will help us achieve our vision of promoting cross-cultural exchange. You can donate on the fundraising website below: https: //www. gofundme. com/f/support-hcapHUAP's history dates back to 20 years ago, when it was known as the Harvard College in Asia Program (HCAP). It is a student-operated organization dedicated to strengthening collaborations between Harvard students and top universities in Asian cities. Since then, we have been committed to promoting interactions among international students and enhancing cooperation between Harvard University and its Asian partner universities. HUAP hosts an annual conference at Harvard each year, inviting students from top universities around the world to participate. In 2024, we will be focusing on the theme of "Embrace the Unknown: The Path Less Traveled," exploring global issues and promoting cross-cultural dialogue. If you are interested in this content, you can find more information on our website: https: //www. hcapconference. org/Aditi Agrawal, a member of HCAP Mumbai, which is the former participant of HUAP, from St. Xavier's University, said: “The Harvard College in Asia Program is not just an exchange program, it is a platform for building lifelong connections. Participating in HCAP allows me to savor the richness of art, culture, and social activities, with a particular emphasis on race and global culture. It was an unreal experience, where knowledge and culture intersected, and people came together to build a community and achieve personal growth.”Whether it's through sponsoring a dinner or an event, or simply sharing information about the HUAP, your support can be expressed in its own way. For more information, you can contact the team of HUAP via the email below: Contact 1: Jolin Chan (jchan@college. harvard. edu)Contact 2: Megan Yeo (meganyeo@college. harvard. edu)

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/186659

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Taipei Entrepreneurs Hub - 2023 Global HealthTech Connects Taipei: How domestic and international startups use technology to shape the future of the healthcare industry.

Taipei Entrepreneurs Hub (TEH) is a community service platform operated by the Department of Economic Development of Taipei City Government (TCG) for the elevation of international industry talents. It focuses on promoting Taipei’s entrepreneurial environment and resources to the international startup community and to strengthen the connections between international startups and Taipei’s enterprises, investors and government agencies. Through Demo Day, it invites outstanding global startups to explore potential collaboration opportunities, assisting in the development of startup brands. This year, with a focus on the healthcare industry, “2023 Global HealthTech Connects Taipei” forum and Demo Day Showcase event are held at t. Hub in Neihu Technology Park. Following the pitch contests, six international startups from Singapore, India, Lithuania, Czech Republic and the United States were selected by BE Health Ventures, Taipei Medical University and Taipei Bioinnovation Park to pitch and participate in the networking/matchmaking activities in Taipei, exchanging their ideas with Taiwanese companies. Attending the afternoon session of Demo Day Showcase, Taipei City Mayor, Wan-An Chiang talked about his experience of assisting startups in Silicon Valley in his capacity as a lawyer. He fully understands the challenges that startups face, such as fundraising, talent recruitment, market expansion, scale-up and internationalization. In addition to welcoming outstanding startups from across the world to Taipei, Mayor Chiang also expressed his commitment to making Taipei a more startup-friendly city, strengthening the retention of international talents and fostering opportunities for industry collaboration. This year’s AI craze also becomes a mainstream focus at 2023 Global HealthTech Connects Taipei Demo Day Showcase. Various startups concentrate on using AI to enhance the quality of healthcare and minimize gaps between traditional medical practices and patient care. Humanity, one of the international startups utilizes wearable devices for monitoring and quantifying physical and aging conditions through AI technology, displaying real-time results on its app. This enables users to better understand their health conditions and achieve a more sustainable and healthier lifestyle. Maya MD creates an online AI personal health assistant. It assesses patients’ health conditions based on their medical history and AI judgments, providing necessary treatment and assistance without delays. Firefly, equipped with an AI platform, assists parents in nurturing their children by using technology to support children’s mental well-being. It helps identify potential mental health issues early on, providing more effective treatment and support. iFlow, on the other hand, utilizes human brainwave data and machine learning to identify the health conditions of ADHD patients, predicting and controlling potential risks that could harm patients. The Lithuanian team Ligence integrates AI into medical image analysis, enhancing the speed and accuracy of analysis and detection. In addition, Zima Sensor focuses on the cold chain in the healthcare industry, using reusable packaging materials with the aid of IoT to reduce waste and environmental impact. This not only helps companies lower costs, but also contributes to a more sustainable environment. Six international startups and Taipei BioTech Awards winners have also demonstrated outstanding achievements. Chinan Biomedical Technology, winner of the 2023 Taipei BioTech Awards for Innovation Technology, is recognized for its exclusive proton cancer treatment system (IPROTON). This innovation aims to reduce equipment implementation costs and rationalize treatment spending, benefiting more cancer patients. Another winner of the Innovation Technology Award is EpiSonica, acknowledged for its MR guided High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation System (MRgHIFU). This system provides patients with precise and safe thermal ablation therapy. Leveraging semiconductor-based stem cell automation technology, the Medical Research Department (MRD) of Taipei Veterans General Hospital, produces clinical-grade IPCS-MSC (IMSC) therapeutic products. This achievement has earned the department the 2023 Taipei BioTech Awards for Cross-Domain Excellence. In the future, it is looking forward to seeing clinical teams and the biotechnology industry to collaborate in developing efficient and automated biochips, as well as testing platforms. In addition to the three aforementioned companies, Bonraybio has chosen to address the relatively rare issue of male infertility with a comprehensive solution. They have invented a miniature high-resolution microscopic optical lens and integrated their self-developed hardware and software platform. Combining these with AI algorithms, they have created various models for AI deep learning in image analysis, ensuring test result accuracy. Dent&Co, a startup founded by doctors, focuses on a No-Code, No-Download and cross-channel online platform and services. They have recently added a chatbot CRM for healthcare professionals, enhancing the diversity and convenience of the pre- and post-doctor appointment experience. Lastly, 5voxel, based at t. Hub in Neihu Technology Park, is dedicated to providing 3D image technology solutions. Their focuses include 3D camera design, calibration (including structured light, binocular, TOF), gesture recognition, people flow detection, and other 3D camera application software development, as well as 3D AIoT solutions. Their products include VoxelGesture (terminal 3D gesture recognition device), VoxelCount (terminal 3D human sensing and counting device), and 3D facial recognition. The applications are broad, ranging from healthcare to VR applications. Especially notable is the growing market for Time of Flight (ToF), which, beyond facial recognition on smartphones, has potential benefits in areas such as autonomous driving, smart homes and smart manufacturing. Many domestic semiconductor manufacturers are highly optimistic about this market. Recently, 5voxel became the first AI development partner for an international semiconductor manufacturer. From this year’s Demo Day Showcase, it is evident that international startups have showcased their vibrant innovative spirit. Similarly, domestic startups have demonstrated substantial technical expertise, problem-solving capabilities and a prosperous future. As the world enters an aging society with a more mature awareness of public health, the future development of the health industry will surely receive more attention. This holds true for startups as leaders in industry innovation. Through the Taipei Entrepreneurs Hub platform and the full support of Taipei City Government, it is hoped to attract more outstanding international teams as these innovative services are introduced to Taipei. The goal is to collectively enrich Taipei’s startup energy.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/186669

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Executive Yuan Seeks Revoke of Constitutional Reform Bill

The Executive Yuan has requested the legislature to revoke recent amendments to the Constitutional Court Procedure Act, pending approval from President Lai Ching-te, the Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee announced today. The amendments, which passed last month after hours of heated clashes between opposition and ruling party Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmakers, were pushed by the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and the smaller Taiwan People’s Party (TPP). These changes include a requirement for at least 10 judges to attend court sessions, with 9 judges required to agree before legislation can be declared unconstitutional. Premier Cho Jung-tai criticized the amendments, describing them as “disruptive” to the Constitutional Court’s operations and inconsistent with the Grand Justices’ obligations. The new threshold could undermine the public's right to seek constitutional remedies and threaten constitutional order, Cho said. Furthermore, he expressed concern over amendments to Article 4, which do not specify a legal time limit for the legislature to approve presidential nominations for Grand Justices, potentially destabilizing the court’s operations. Amendments to Article 95, which lack transitional provisions, could also prevent the incumbent Grand Justices from fulfilling their constitutional duties, effectively paralyzing the court, Cho added. DPP Legislator Chung Chia-pin suggested that the Executive Yuan’s request for reconsideration would delay the amendments’ implementation and challenge the unity of the KMT and TPP, as the KMT lacks a legislative majority. Meanwhile, DPP caucus chief executive Rosalia Wu stated that if the legislature rejects the motion to reconsider, a constitutional interpretation would be sought. In addition to the Constitutional Court amendments, the Cabinet is monitoring two other controversial legislative changes passed last month by KMT and TPP lawmakers: amendments to the Public Officials Election and Recall Act and the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures. These amendments would tighten recall petition requirements and reallocate funding from the central government to local governments. The Cabinet has indicated it may also request reconsideration of these bills, though it has yet to receive formal notice of their passage. Michelle Lee noted that if these amendments are sent to the Executive Yuan on the final working day before the Lunar New Year, the Cabinet would need to decide on a reconsideration request by Feb. 2. If the request is made during the holiday, the legislature must address it within 15 days, or the motion would automatically pass. Minister without Portfolio Lin Ming-hsin clarified that if the legislature votes down the motion, the president would have 10 days to promulgate the law. However, the law would not take effect immediately following such a vote, he added.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187327

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Culture and technology are evolving: Are you ready for the AI-ization of Taiwan's cultural creactivity?

AI is advancing at such a fast and unimaginable pace. Nowadays, everyone can utilize AI services in their daily lives. At the same time, the integration of culture and technology is taking place, giving rise to the cultural creativity unique to this era. In this episode, we invite Angie Lin, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Assured Asset Management, and Joe Chen, CEO of LightMatrix Inc. , to have a chat: What are those incoming opportunities for Taiwan's cultural and creative industries to integrate with AI? What are the strengths and challenges? AI impacts our life in an enormous way, and the impact spreads at an unimaginable rate. Angie Lin, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Assured Asset Management, said that venture capitals are willing to invest in AI because the success of these industries comes from the accumulation of time and"training". In the AI industry, where all kinds of information comes from social media, if we can devise business models of time-saving in the industry, or if we can establish upward or downward computation in AI, we can create a common good for the industry. For example, demand from new chip companies is on the rise and the market can accommodate a wide range of chip competitors. As the AI market becomes more and more booming, if it is able to be the infrastructure for others, you can see different business models and ways of success, such as different scenarios for robotics, and the dream of an unmanned company is not unattainable. Angie said that the application of AI is like standing on the shoulders of giants. As long as you specialize in your own field and find out the data suitable for use and special language needs, common people can also become professionals. In this episode, it was also mentioned how Corehere, Nvidia, and Tesla are making practical use of AI, and how each tech company has made different developments according to their own strengths, not only in technology, but also in culture (e. g. , automatic lyric writing and composing). Assured Asset Management looks at AI and culture from an investor's perspective, with"rendering power"as the primary index. In the past, cultural creativity was mainly"large-scale": large-scale productions, large-scale composers and songwriters, etc. However, through the use of technology, the ways of cultural expression and dissemination have become original and amazing, constantly breaking through the previous scope of knowledge. Angie took an example of application in baseball. Although a baseball player only swings once in reality, when technology can analyze the details of his swing, and constantly replay and calculate, this becomes the cultural creativity and business model developed by technology in culture. From"Worker Intelligence"to"Artificial Intelligence", Joe cited the development of LightMatrix Inc. as an example: A visual imaging technology company that didn't know how to use AI ten years ago, but has always been very clear about what it wants to do, i. e. recording images in 3D. Joe said with a smile that because of this experience, he is probably one of the few parents who have modeled all the stages of their children's growth. He believes that AI as a tool will become very popular in the future and grow beyond expectations. In the case of the collaboration with the National Palace Museum, LightMatrix Inc. has simulated the classic paintings of the National Palace Museum with excellent results and speed, which means that"using tools well"and"providing tools that work well"will be the center of the development and attention in the AI industry. However, what are the advantages, disadvantages, and barriers of having a technology that previously took time and expertise, but that can suddenly be applied by almost any user overnight? Joe responded that training on many good tools takes so much time that technology accumulation is highly valuable. More and more companies will invest in it in the future. On the other hand, from the user's point of view, if there are already too many tools available, how can a company stand out? Joe believes that IP is king, and this is the strategy for business consideration. It's just that all industries are interconnected, and even the progress of AI can't stand alone. Took the 3D application of LightMatrix Inc. as an example. Through the advanced technology of global photomodeling, they developed the 3D replay on the stadium, 3D mobile live broadcasting and other application modules, but also found that it is not enough just to have the technology, but also need to be promoted and adopted by all walks of life, such as portrait rights, usage rights, etc. It's not just a matter of having good technology. It's quite impressive to see the achievements that can be reached when industries are interconnected. The special exhibition of "She and Hers" by Lanyang Museum x National Palace Museum, which is currently on display at the Lanyang Museum, is a practical example of integrating 5G application technology. It broke through the limitations of static display space, and allowing AI technology to integrate with culture, making culture more interesting if technology is applied. Joe shared that while the National Palace Museum provides many cultural artifacts related to women as a theme, LightMatrix Inc. applies AI technology to make the experience natural and direct, including holographic projection to interact with visitors, and looks forward to the opportunity to exhibit abroad in the future to promote culture in a different way. From this perspective, in the area of culture and technology, Joe believes that good IPs should be promoted and applied flexibly for market acceptance: Creating business value is the key to long-term success. While technology is advancing at a rapid pace, culture and the arts need time for feelings to develop, and therefore there is a lot of room for communication between the two. For venture capitals, Angie explains that investing requires imagination, and the business model needs to convince investors of its vision, envisaging the possibilities for growth. What can technology do to help “culture” by current IPs? How can traditional cultures be experienced? Can the scenarios help and last for a long time? That's where the true value lies. AI has changed the world's previous “pre-recorded model” and replaced it with the instant effect of 'real-time generation'. What is the future of AI and cultural creativity? Angie thinks that today's AI makes trial and error extremely low-cost. Practical applications, such as Hollywood's video production, no longer need to spend a lot of time in modification, which is definitely a plus for the whole industry. What technology companies are moving in this direction? Good tools are in constant demand, and as long as the demand of the early stage exists, the use of unique features and databases can be advantages. Joe concluded by adding the point that the support of good business models is the core of the industry's long-term development whether the support comes from angel investors or large investors. It may be human nature to"pursue the better", but when it comes down to it, what are the needs of the average user? Is this what they want? AI is a great technology. While we keep pursuing the technology, is there a demand for commercial use? As one of the leaders in the industry, this is something Joe has been learning and asking himself. As AI creates a new era, technical talents need to see their blind spots: how to strike a balance between technology development and commercial value? In this trend, Angie also mentioned that what Assured Asset Management can do is to look at what has already been proved wrong and see different opportunities. She also mentioned that in the area of culture and technology in Taiwan, the implementation of a project is popular, such as the collaboration between LightMatrix Inc. and National Palace Museum. However, from the perspective of Assured Asset Management, this is something that needs to be considered independently: Whether a project is profitable or not is not the same thing as whether a company can create a long-term business value model within it. The incoming opportunities of Taiwan's cultural and creative industries will create more possibilities as AI continues to develop at a rapid pace. Finding the hardcore needs, understanding our unique features, developing technology without forgetting to evaluate the commercial value of the long-term, and replicating the models may be the real way to stand firmly on the shoulders of giants in the AI trend.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187000

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Taiwan Says China Has Launched Biggest Maritime Operation In Decades

By William YangTAIPEI, TAIWAN — Defense officials in Taiwan say China has deployed nearly 90 naval and coast guard vessels in waters stretching from islands in the south of Japan to the South China Sea. The deployment is the largest to regional waters in almost three decades, Taiwanese officials say, and part of what appears to be a military exercise. China has not yet commented on the movements or confirmed it is conducting exercises. Speaking at a regular press briefing on Tuesday, Taiwanese defense officials said Beijing’s operation is not only targeting Taipei but aimed at demonstrating its ability to prevent regional countries, including Japan and the Philippines, from coming to the island’s defense. “The current scale is the largest compared to the previous four [Chinese war games], ” Taiwanese Defense Ministry spokesperson Sun Li-fang told journalists at the press conference. China claims democratically ruled Taiwan is part of its territory and has not ruled out the possibility of using force to achieve its goal of reunification. There is little to no support for unification with authoritarian China in Taiwan. In recent days, Taiwan’s defense ministry said it has detected 21 Chinese vessels and 47 Chinese military aircraft operating in the immediate vicinity of the island. Hsieh Jih-sheng, a senior intelligence officer at Taiwan’s defense ministry, told journalists at the same press conference that China’s broader maritime deployment is aimed at blocking forces from Japan and the Philippines from coming to Taiwan’s aid in a potential Chinese military attack against the island. In addition to honing its capabilities to deny access to a broad swath around the island, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said China is also forming two “walls” in the western Pacific, deploying large numbers of vessels to the eastern end of Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone and an area further out in the Pacific. Air defense identification zones are unilaterally established by a country’s air defense forces and are not underpinned by international treaty or law. “With these two walls, they are sending a clear message: The Taiwan Strait is their internal waters, and cross-strait issues should be handled by the People's Liberation Army [PLA] and the People's Republic of China,” Taiwanese defense official Hsieh told journalists. Taiwan has been preparing for a potential Chinese military exercise around the island since President Lai Ching-te set off on his first overseas trip to the Pacific region, which included stopovers in the U.S. territory of Guam and state of Hawaii, on November 30. Throughout the trip, Taipei repeatedly warned about China potentially launching a new round of military drills near the island and urged Beijing not to “send the wrong signals.”When asked about the movements of Chinese vessels on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning did not provide additional details. “The Taiwan question is China’s internal affair. China will firmly defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” she said during the regular press conference. One Chinese analyst, who asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the issue, told VOA that it is hard to say why Beijing hasn’t publicly announced any maritime operations around Taiwan. J. Michael Cole, a Taipei-based senior fellow with the Global Taiwan Institute, said Beijing may want to “keep the Taiwanese side guessing” by not announcing its planned military operations. “Telegraphing one’s intentions only goes so far. Beijing may want to be more flexible and less predictable than it has been in the past,” he told VOA in written response. Stephen Nagy, a professor of politics and international studies at Tokyo’s International Christian University, said maintaining ambiguity makes it difficult for Taiwan and regional countries to respond to Chinese military operations in the region. “Ambiguity creates challenges for Taiwan and neighboring stakeholders, such as Japan, the United States and the Philippines, to know what the Chinese are doing and what’s the best way to respond,” he told VOA in a phone interview. Despite the lack of clarity from Beijing, Cole in Taipei said the Taiwanese government’s efforts to “proactively” disclose Chinese military activities in the region help to bring more international attention to the threats and pressure that democratically ruled Taiwan faces from China. “Such public diplomacy makes the threat more palpable and turns an abstract concept into something that is real and that people can relate to,” he told VOA. On Monday, Taiwan launched a series of war-preparedness drills at strategic locations across the island and publicized information about the unannounced Chinese military operations. Those moves, Taiwanese experts say, have helped Taipei create an intelligence deterrence against Beijing. “By swiftly disclosing Chinese military operations in the region and initiating its own countermeasures, Taiwan is trying to deter China from further escalating its military activities around the island,” Su Tzu-yun, a military expert at the Taipei-based Institute for National Defense and Security Research, told VOA by phone. While Taiwan has adopted some countermeasures, some analysts say Beijing is also “routinizing” its coercion against Taipei by maintaining a constant military presence across the region. “The People’s Liberation [Army] and Chinese coast guard are so big that they can maintain a constant presence near Japan, the Philippines and Taiwan at the same time, ” said Drew Thompson, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore and a former Pentagon official. “Military operators may have a difficult time discerning when an attack is actually coming when every day looks like an attack,” he told VOA by phone. Nagy in Japan said as the United States prepares for a change in administrations over the next few weeks, he expects China to ramp up pressure against Taiwan.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187306

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Culture and technology are evolving: Are you ready for the AI-ization of Taiwan's cultural creactivity?

AI is advancing at such a fast and unimaginable pace. Nowadays, everyone can utilize AI services in their daily lives. At the same time, the integration of culture and technology is taking place, giving rise to the cultural creativity unique to this era. In this episode, we invite Angie Lin, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Assured Asset Management, and Joe Chen, CEO of LightMatrix Inc. , to have a chat: What are those incoming opportunities for Taiwan's cultural and creative industries to integrate with AI? What are the strengths and challenges? AI impacts our life in an enormous way, and the impact spreads at an unimaginable rate. Angie Lin, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Assured Asset Management, said that venture capitals are willing to invest in AI because the success of these industries comes from the accumulation of time and"training". In the AI industry, where all kinds of information comes from social media, if we can devise business models of time-saving in the industry, or if we can establish upward or downward computation in AI, we can create a common good for the industry. For example, demand from new chip companies is on the rise and the market can accommodate a wide range of chip competitors. As the AI market becomes more and more booming, if it is able to be the infrastructure for others, you can see different business models and ways of success, such as different scenarios for robotics, and the dream of an unmanned company is not unattainable. Angie said that the application of AI is like standing on the shoulders of giants. As long as you specialize in your own field and find out the data suitable for use and special language needs, common people can also become professionals. In this episode, it was also mentioned how Corehere, Nvidia, and Tesla are making practical use of AI, and how each tech company has made different developments according to their own strengths, not only in technology, but also in culture (e. g. , automatic lyric writing and composing). Assured Asset Management looks at AI and culture from an investor's perspective, with"rendering power"as the primary index. In the past, cultural creativity was mainly"large-scale": large-scale productions, large-scale composers and songwriters, etc. However, through the use of technology, the ways of cultural expression and dissemination have become original and amazing, constantly breaking through the previous scope of knowledge. Angie took an example of application in baseball. Although a baseball player only swings once in reality, when technology can analyze the details of his swing, and constantly replay and calculate, this becomes the cultural creativity and business model developed by technology in culture. From"Worker Intelligence"to"Artificial Intelligence", Joe cited the development of LightMatrix Inc. as an example: A visual imaging technology company that didn't know how to use AI ten years ago, but has always been very clear about what it wants to do, i. e. recording images in 3D. Joe said with a smile that because of this experience, he is probably one of the few parents who have modeled all the stages of their children's growth. He believes that AI as a tool will become very popular in the future and grow beyond expectations. In the case of the collaboration with the National Palace Museum, LightMatrix Inc. has simulated the classic paintings of the National Palace Museum with excellent results and speed, which means that"using tools well"and"providing tools that work well"will be the center of the development and attention in the AI industry. However, what are the advantages, disadvantages, and barriers of having a technology that previously took time and expertise, but that can suddenly be applied by almost any user overnight? Joe responded that training on many good tools takes so much time that technology accumulation is highly valuable. More and more companies will invest in it in the future. On the other hand, from the user's point of view, if there are already too many tools available, how can a company stand out? Joe believes that IP is king, and this is the strategy for business consideration. It's just that all industries are interconnected, and even the progress of AI can't stand alone. Took the 3D application of LightMatrix Inc. as an example. Through the advanced technology of global photomodeling, they developed the 3D replay on the stadium, 3D mobile live broadcasting and other application modules, but also found that it is not enough just to have the technology, but also need to be promoted and adopted by all walks of life, such as portrait rights, usage rights, etc. It's not just a matter of having good technology. It's quite impressive to see the achievements that can be reached when industries are interconnected. The special exhibition of "She and Hers" by Lanyang Museum x National Palace Museum, which is currently on display at the Lanyang Museum, is a practical example of integrating 5G application technology. It broke through the limitations of static display space, and allowing AI technology to integrate with culture, making culture more interesting if technology is applied. Joe shared that while the National Palace Museum provides many cultural artifacts related to women as a theme, LightMatrix Inc. applies AI technology to make the experience natural and direct, including holographic projection to interact with visitors, and looks forward to the opportunity to exhibit abroad in the future to promote culture in a different way. From this perspective, in the area of culture and technology, Joe believes that good IPs should be promoted and applied flexibly for market acceptance: Creating business value is the key to long-term success. While technology is advancing at a rapid pace, culture and the arts need time for feelings to develop, and therefore there is a lot of room for communication between the two. For venture capitals, Angie explains that investing requires imagination, and the business model needs to convince investors of its vision, envisaging the possibilities for growth. What can technology do to help “culture” by current IPs? How can traditional cultures be experienced? Can the scenarios help and last for a long time? That's where the true value lies. AI has changed the world's previous “pre-recorded model” and replaced it with the instant effect of 'real-time generation'. What is the future of AI and cultural creativity? Angie thinks that today's AI makes trial and error extremely low-cost. Practical applications, such as Hollywood's video production, no longer need to spend a lot of time in modification, which is definitely a plus for the whole industry. What technology companies are moving in this direction? Good tools are in constant demand, and as long as the demand of the early stage exists, the use of unique features and databases can be advantages. Joe concluded by adding the point that the support of good business models is the core of the industry's long-term development whether the support comes from angel investors or large investors. It may be human nature to"pursue the better", but when it comes down to it, what are the needs of the average user? Is this what they want? AI is a great technology. While we keep pursuing the technology, is there a demand for commercial use? As one of the leaders in the industry, this is something Joe has been learning and asking himself. As AI creates a new era, technical talents need to see their blind spots: how to strike a balance between technology development and commercial value? In this trend, Angie also mentioned that what Assured Asset Management can do is to look at what has already been proved wrong and see different opportunities. She also mentioned that in the area of culture and technology in Taiwan, the implementation of a project is popular, such as the collaboration between LightMatrix Inc. and National Palace Museum. However, from the perspective of Assured Asset Management, this is something that needs to be considered independently: Whether a project is profitable or not is not the same thing as whether a company can create a long-term business value model within it. The incoming opportunities of Taiwan's cultural and creative industries will create more possibilities as AI continues to develop at a rapid pace. Finding the hardcore needs, understanding our unique features, developing technology without forgetting to evaluate the commercial value of the long-term, and replicating the models may be the real way to stand firmly on the shoulders of giants in the AI trend.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187015

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My Point of No Return; When US Customs Thought I Was Smuggling Weed Disguised as Tea

The News Lens international edition is sponsored by Tutor A B CThe point of no return for me? Yeah. That was when US Customs thought I was trying to smuggle a suitcase full of weed through the airport disguised as tea. The moment where I knew that I would come back to Taiwan to live here was right around the time the drug dogs were jumping up on my legs to sniff my crotch. My first trip to Taiwan was more than three years ago during the summer of 2009. I came on a scholarship to study Mandarin, Chinese. When I arrived, I was a diligent student of language and culture, spending several hours per day reading over my textbook and trying to supplement my studies by reading newspapers. I could soak up Chinese vocabulary like a sponge and completed all of my assignments on time. I was a diligent, earnest and hard-working student. Then, I met Sejin. Sejin is a Korean friend of mine who studies tea. As it happened, he was spending the summer in Taiwan improving his Mandarin skills and we were in the same class. Sejin and I shared an interest in teas, and Sejin had been in Taiwan for a few months already by the time I began my studies. Consequently, Sejin knew most of the good tea spots around our university, NCCU, and graciously spent a few weeks introducing them to me. I am eternally grateful to Sejin for introducing me to the tea of Taiwan, such as the best high mountain Oolong teas like Alishan, Lishan, Fushoushan, Dayuling and so on, but boy, his introducing me to tea turned me into a terrible student!By the end of my first summer in Taiwan, I was skipping class to sneak off to teahouses around my university. I was spending all of my scholarship money on Oolong tea and zisha clay teapots, living from check to check like an addict. Photo Credit: Matthew Hine CC BY SA 2. 0When I left to go back to the states, I had collected so much tea that it literally filled my carry-on suitcase to the brim. US Customs saw my carry-on suitcase full of small green plant matter go through the luggage scanner and detained me on suspicion of ferrying marijuana across international borders. To their credit, I would probably also have been suspicious of a white person carrying a suitcase full of loose leaf tea. I argued with TSA agents for over an hour, trying my best to assure them that the kilos of green in my suitcase were tea, not weed. Hell, I even offered to brew them a cup of Alishan High Mountain Oolong tea to let them sample the product for themselves. I had a zisha clay pot handy, I told them, and all they would need to supply was some fresh mountain spring water at a boil. Or a soft mineral water, like Evian. And did Mr. and Ms. TSA happen to have some Evian handy? They declined and promptly unleashed a horde of drug sniffing dogs over me and my luggage. I lost an hour or two to drug dogs and pat downs, but those customs agents missed out on tea the likes of which I guarantee they have never had before, the very best tea that Taiwan has to offer. At that moment, I knew that I had to come back to Taiwan and live here, learn more about its teas and its culture, while spending more time with the people who had been so hospitable and welcoming to me. I returned to Taiwan in November of 2011, chasing memories of my personal white whale: a Muzha Tie Guan Yin Oolong tea that tasted like cotton candy and strawberry hookah. I drank said tea, the only perfect 100 tea I have ever tasted, in the teahouse near the university where Sejin and I had studied together. Back that first summer in 2009 when I first learned about Taiwan’s teas, I tasted this Muzha Tieguanyin around 4pm, before a dinner of spicy instant noodles. After my dinner of instant noodles, I had a scotch and brushed my teeth (scotch and toothpaste are both very heavy flavors), and went to sleep for a solid eight hours. When I woke up the next morning, that fateful muggy summer day in 2009, the full flavor and mouthfeel of the tea was still so strongly present in my mouth that I didn’t even want to brew a morning cup of tea. I felt like I was still drinking tea from the night before! That Muzha Tie Guan Yin was like Mitchum deodorant, “so strong you could skip a day.”I haven’t had another 100 point tea since that day, but I’m confident they’re out there. As I have learned through getting to know the tea industry in Taiwan, Taiwan produces some of the best teas in the world. While the Spring 2013 harvest of Muzha Tieguanyin was not, in my opinion, as outstanding as the Spring 2009 harvest, I now have taken my previous studious habits and applied them to exploring all of the teas that Taiwan has to offer, and love life as a foreigner in Taiwan’s tea industry. I get to wake up every single day and taste some new exciting tea from Taiwan or another interesting country, and there isn’t a week that goes by where I don’t reflect on the experiences that Taiwan has introduced me to. Although I haven’t been detained again by customs for carrying around too much suspicious looking tea, I’m pretty sure it will happen again one day. As long as I get to continue experiencing the tea, people and culture Taiwan has to offer on a regular basis, that hour or two I will lose to customs again someday in the future will be well worth it. Edited by Olivia Yang

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/302

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China Coast Guard: An Expeditionary Military Force

In the past year, there was a notable surge in aggressive actions by the Chinese government in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. Throughout 2023, the China Coast Guard (CCG) and the Maritime Militia, also known as the Fishing Militia, faced repeated accusations of intentional collisions and harassment against civilian and military ships. An egregious example of China's aggression occurred in December 2023 when the Philippine Coast Guard accused China of using water cannons and ramming a resupply vessel near Second Thomas Shoal. This incident underscores China's escalating maritime threats not only against the Philippines but also against Vietnam, Singapore, and extending as far as the territorial waters of Japan and in the Indian Ocean. Actions such as placing floating barriers in Scarborough Shoal to obstruct Philippine fishing vessels from accessing their territorial waters, harassing fishing vessels, blocking resupply missions, and engaging in dangerous maneuvers are among the various forms of incursions and harassment perpetrated by the CCG. The primary role of the CCG, or any nation's coast guard, is to safeguard the nation's shores and territorial waters. While coast guards operate in both peacetime and wartime, serving a dual military and law enforcement function, some countries, like the US, don't position their coast guard within the Ministry of Defense. Historically, the United States Coast Guard was under the Department of Transportation and is now under Homeland Security. This decision aims to emphasize that the coast guard primarily ensures maritime safety and security, except during wartime when it may fall under the Department of Defense. However, Beijing has increasingly deployed the CCG not for defensive purposes, but rather for offensive territorial moves, including invasions of the sovereign territory of other nations, contradicting the typical role of a coast guard as a defensive force. Since 2018, the CCG has been under the control of the People's Armed Police (PAP), which falls under the purview of the Central Military Commission (CMC), China's top military body. This shift from civilian to paramilitary control suggests a more militaristic approach to maritime security. In January of 2021, China enacted the new Coast Guard Law, Article 3: of which states that the CCG Law applies to"maritime areas under Chinese jurisdiction. .. and the airspace above them. "International observers find this wording disturbing because"maritime areas under Chinese jurisdiction"are not defined. For most countries, this would mean the territory recognized as sovereign by international law. For China, this vague designation may include disputed territory claimed unilaterally by Beijing. For this reason, experts say,"The CCG Law includes problematic provisions in terms of their inconsistency with international law. "In addition to the vagueness of the territorial area of operation of the CCG, there are strict international rules regarding the types and quantities of weapons a country's coast guard can carry, to avoid being considered a military or navy force. China seems to have written its own rules regarding weapons as well. The CCG possesses some of the largest coast guard vessels in the world, including patrol ships of the 10, 000-tonne class. Some CCG vessels are equipped with drones, while others have a helicopter platform, high-capacity water cannons, guns ranging from 20 to 76 millimeters. In the realm of international law, the CCG operates in a grey zone concerning what constitutes a coast guard internationally. Another shadowy maritime force in Beijing's arsenal is the maritime militia, which maintains some level of connection with the CCG, although the exact relationship remains undisclosed. China's maritime militia is a complex and opaque network of civilian fishing boats that can be mobilized for various purposes, including supporting the CCG in asserting territorial claims. With potentially hundreds or even thousands of vessels, some maritime militia vessels, lacking military, police, or coast guard markings, are equipped with military equipment for tracking, surveillance, espionage, or other covert activities. There exists significant overlap between CCG personnel and retired military officers who may also be involved with the militia. China increased its defense budget for 2024 by 7. 2%, building upon the previous year's record-high allocation. Notably, the budget excludes funding for the China Coast Guard (CCG), which instead draws resources from various government agencies, primarily sourced from the domestic security budget. Consequently, the CCG's funding lacks transparency compared to a dedicated defense budget. Additionally, while some funding for the maritime militia is included in the defense budget, its origins are opaque, sourced from various channels, including local governments. Recent years have seen an increase in funding for the CCG, facilitating its expanding area of responsibility. This enables the construction of larger, modern, and heavily armed vessels, thereby enhancing capabilities beyond traditional maritime law enforcement. The shift in command and control of the People's Armed Police (PAP) reflects the CCG's more aggressive and militaristic approach. Consequently, these developments are heightening tensions in the South China Sea and prompting concerns about freedom of navigation. Countries such as the US and Japan have condemned China's actions in response. When assessing China's military budget and capabilities, nations like the U.S. , Japan, and Taiwan must consider the inclusion of the CCG and possibly the maritime militia. The CCG has evolved from a shallow water maritime police force into an expeditionary military force.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/186872

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Breaking the Silence of Taiwan’s Justice System: TNL Mediagene’s Brand, The News Lens, Won the 2024 Human Rights Reporting Award for “Inside Taiwan’s Prisons”

The News Lens, a prominent media under TNL Mediagene, been recognized with the prestigious Human Rights Reporting Award for its groundbreaking investigative series, Inside Taiwan's Prisons. The Inside Taiwan's Prisons series traces its origins back to March or April 2023, beginning with applications for visits to various correctional facilities. After at least six months of preparation, the series culminates in six in-depth investigative reports. The series delves into multiple prison facilities across Taiwan, featuring interviews with inmates, correctional staff, and experts from various fields. It exposes pressing issues faced by inmates during incarceration, including overcrowding facilities, insufficient mental health resources, a lack of effective recidivism prevention programs, and the limitations of the rehabilitative education system. Beyond exposing management challenges, the reports offer a profound analysis of the structural difficulties tied to judicial reform and social reintegration. Mario Yang, Co-founder and Chief Content Officer of TNL Mediagene's The News Lens, said:"Through Inside Taiwan's Prisons, we hope to raise awareness that prisons are not just places of punishment but crucial gateways to social reintegration. The protection of inmates' rights affects not only individual lives but also the safety and fairness of society as a whole. ”The series highlights three key issues: 1. Overcrowding and Unequal Resource Allocation: Data from the reports reveal that the spatial capacity of most prisons is limited , directly impacting the basic living conditions of inmates and the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs. 2. Lack of Mental Health Support and Recidivism Prevention: Many inmates lack psychological support and treatment during their sentences, with professional counseling resources for high-risk groups critically insufficient. 3. Systemic Challenges in Social Reintegration: Former inmates often face discrimination and employment difficulties, underscoring the structural gaps in Taiwan's justice system when inmates are transited from release to reintegration. As Taiwan's leading digital media brand, The News Lens remains committed to its mission of exploring social issues with a diverse and in-depth perspective. This award reaffirms that high-quality journalism can drive social movement and amplify voices that might otherwise be ignored. Looking ahead, The News Lens pledges to uphold its professional and responsible approach, delving into both domestic and international issues, with the hope of fostering more positive change through the power of journalism. For further information, please contactE-mail: pr@tnlmediagene. comTNL Mediagene, a Cayman Islands-registered company, is the product of the May 2023 merger of Taiwan’s The News Lens Co. and Japan’s Mediagene Inc. , two leading, independent digital-media groups. Its business includes original and licensed media brands in Chinese, Japanese and English, across a range of subjects, including news, business, technology, science, food, sports and lifestyle; AI-powered advertising and marketing technology platforms in demand by agencies; and e-commerce and creative solutions. It takes pride in its political neutrality, its reach with younger audiences, and its quality. The company has 550 employees across Asia, with offices in Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong. https: //www. tnlmediagene. com/

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187304

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Taiwan Says Dozens Of Chinese Military Aircraft Detected

Taiwan's Defense Ministry said on Tuesday it had detected 47 Chinese military aircraft around the island. The French AFP news agency cited a senior Taiwanese security source as saying that “nearly 90” Chinese naval and coast guard vessels had been detected in waters along the so-called first island chain, which links Okinawa, Taiwan and the Philippines. The Defense Ministry said that 47 aircraft and 12 warships were detected in the last 24 hours. It added that this was the largest number of aircraft spotted near the island in a single day in the last two months, which saw an escalation in Chinese war games along the island. A visit by Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te to the US last week invited more Chinese ire, threatening further escalation. China has been expected to launch military drills around Taiwan in response. On Monday, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said it was on high alert after spotting Chinese warships and coast guard vessels. Beijing made no public announcement via its Peoples’ Liberation Army (PLA) or state media regarding increased military activity in the East China Sea, Taiwan Strait or South China Sea. But a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman stressed China would "firmly defend" its sovereignty. The island of Taiwan regards itself as a sovereign nation, but China claims it as part of its own territory. Taiwan is heavily reliant on the US for military support to defend itself against China. Lai is an outspoken critic of Chinese incursion, and Beijing has labeled him a “separatist.”China has launched two large-scale military drills around Taiwan since Lai took office and regularly deploys fighter jets and navy ships near the island. tg/rmt (AFP, Reuters)This article was originally published on Deutsche Welle. Read the original articlehere.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187299

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The opening of the No. 1 Social Housing in Zhongli, "ONE HOW SPACE Local Regeneration Base," Mayor Chang Shan-cheng looks forward to young friends showcasing their creativity and highlighting local features.

Mayor Chang Shan-cheng visited Zhongli District on the morning of October 21st to attend the opening press conference of "ONE HOW SPACE Local Regeneration Base." Mayor Chang stated that the city government has established the "ONE HOW SPACE Local Regeneration Base" at the No. 1 Social Housing in Zhongli, providing local youth teams with exhibition and curation spaces to unleash their creativity. The city government particularly encourages young teams to integrate Zhongli's unique characteristics and develop diverse small businesses for income generation. With the launch of the local regeneration base, it is hoped that the young individuals who participate will showcase Zhongli's distinctive features through their creativity. In the future, the city government will continue to utilize social housing to create local regeneration environments, providing better opportunities for young people to express themselves. Mayor Chang pointed out that the city government's Youth Bureau has implemented various policies to support young people. In comparison to innovative entrepreneurial teams that require a long incubation period, the city government also encourages youth to engage in local regeneration, allowing young friends to quickly combine local characteristics and creativity to achieve their ideals. Currently, within the ONE HOW SPACE Local Regeneration Base, there are teams such as"Daily Diary IN BAR, "a café showcasing high-quality coffee art, curated shops by"Gold Mountain Location, "and"Slow Flying Superman Fabric Arts Young, "which present the geographical environment of Zhongli during the Japanese era through tablecloths or recycle used jeans into practical bags or accessories, demonstrating the creativity of young people. Mayor Chang mentioned that social housing projects in Taoyuan are being completed one by one, and all of them are practical and high-quality. Each social housing unit has designated spaces for public welfare use. The No. 1 Social Housing in Zhongli, in particular, is established as a local regeneration theme base, allowing local young individuals to showcase the area's distinctive features through creativity. Mayor Chang believes that citizens will have the opportunity to visit the ONE HOW SPACE Local Regeneration Base, where they will undoubtedly experience the creativity of young people. He also looks forward to teams engaged in local regeneration fully utilizing their potential, showcasing the unique characteristics of Zhongli. Director of the Youth Bureau, Hou Chia-ling, stated that the "ONE HOW SPACE No. 1 Local Regeneration Base" plans to have one café and two retail stores. It will provide exhibition and curation spaces for youth teams involved in local regeneration, as well as a venue to test market acceptance of their products. Additionally, the base will regularly host various curated exhibitions, hands-on experiences, promotional lectures, and exchange workshops. By bringing together the creativity and efforts of local youth, the base aims to engage local residents in sustainable actions, deepening the initiatives and energy of local regeneration. Present at today's press conference were Municipal Advisor Chen Hsin-shou, Head of the Youth Development Division at the Ministry of Education Chang Ching-ying, Director of the Youth Bureau Hou Chia-ling, Chief Secretary of the Agriculture Bureau Huang Yu-shih, Zhongli District Chief Li Jih-chiang, and Executive Director of the Social Housing and Services Center Peng ChengThe advertorial content is provided by" 桃園青年局 ".

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/186640

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Peace Mission Slams Encroaching And Clandestine American Military Sites Near Taiwan

A collection of activists and researchers from Filipino and Filipino-American organizations released the findings of a peace mission that concluded last month. The Philippines hosts the United States military in nine joint military facilities across the country through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). The groups claim that the American forces are both violating the terms of their stay and operating without transparency to local communities and even to Philippine authorities. After a three-week fact-finding mission, the Peace Mission International Delegation finds that “the heightening of US militarism and ramping up of EDCA sites is a threat to Philippine independence and sovereignty and the dignity and safety of Filipino communities,” said Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) USA. Meanwhile, Renato Reyes Jr, of BAYAN Philippines explained that the “increased deployment of American weapons and soldiers to the Philippines is meant to provoke a heightened military confrontation with China.”The mission went to two EDCA sites and to one province where American military operations had recently taken place. In Basa Air Base of Pampanga province, even the Philippine military was barred from certain perimeters. Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan province is one EDCA site and researchers found that even the provincial government was only made aware of its use by foreigners when it was announced in the news. None of the locals know what kind of armaments are now stored at the site. Moreover, US personnel are tapping the wider community to store military items and supplies. The mission pointed out that it goes beyond the bounds of EDCA as it does not fall under any of the “Agreed Locations.”Last month, the Balikatan (shoulder to shoulder) joint military exercises between the US and the Philippines concluded. The war games drew in over 16, 000 soldiers and for the first time made armed excursions outside Philippine territories, around a hundred kilometers from Taiwan. The town of Santa Ana in Cagayan, northeast of the Philippines is just 400 kilometers from Taiwan. The mission alleges that the residents of Santa Ana, were kept in the dark about using their town as a site for military exercises throughout Balikatan. The mission also documented US marines visiting local high schools in civic-military operations. Additionally “We documented reports of locals saying that the loud noise from US military jets scares them and their children. Not only did this directly disturb the fish supply that these people survive on, but it is aimed at normalizing foreign military occupation in their country,” said *Alex of the mission, using a pseudonym for security. Not unlike in Cagayan, residents of Ilocos Norte province to the northwest of the country, only learned of Balikatan coming to their neighborhoods through news on Facebook. Live fire drills were carried out and some allege that explosions were heard just 30 kilometers from their homes. The mission also criticized the five-day “no sail policy” enforced by the military, dealing a large blow to the livelihood of local fisherfolk. Around 1, 000 fishing families were affected by the fishing ban, with estimated losses at Php10, 000 per family, a staggering amount that will take them months to recover from. Local government allotted aid worth Php1500 to just over a hundred families. “The people of Ilocos deserve much more than to be treated as pawns in a US war game,” said *Glaiza of the group Gabriela. Balikatan is just one of over 500 planned exercises slated for this year alone. It comes alongside moves in Washington to significantly boost military aid to the Philippines to contain China and pursue its strategic interests in the Pacific region. Last April, at the Philippines-United States Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Washington, D. C. , both countries held talks to expand the number of EDCA sites, investing US$128 million for infrastructure around these areas and stockpiling a greater volume of supplies. This year, Marcos announced intentions to upgrade the country’s defense with a US$35 billion boost over the next 10 years. His plans dovetail with a proposal in the US Senate dubbed the Philippine Enhanced Resilience Act, or PERA bill, which would allot US$2. 5 billion over the next five years to Philippine military advancement. Reyes criticized Marcos Jr’s inclination to plunge the Philippines into war at the behest of America. On June 12, Philippine Independence Day, Filipinos rallied at the US Embassy in Manila against using the country as a stooge in their agenda. On the same day, Marcos delivered a speech with much bravado saying “We see it in the tenacity of our soldiers as they protect every inch of our territory, adamant as they are in the certainty that Filipinos do not, and shall never, succumb to oppression.”However, after seeing how the American interests with the complicity of the Marcos regime is fuelling the escalation of the conflict with China, the mission asks “is the Philippines truly free? And what of the Filipino people who are sure to be caught in the crossfire if war were to break out?”

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187030

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The Key to the Space Industry valued at NT$300 Billion by 2025: Connecting Academia, Industry and the International community to foster space talent R&D capability

The space industry in Taiwan is experiencing significant growth, and President Tsai Ing-wen recently announced a target valuation of NT$300 billion by 2025. However, achieving this goal necessitates not only sufficient capital funding but also overcoming technological and human resource challenges. The Industrial Development Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs has been proactively fostering talent development since the inception of "The Plan for Space Industry Supply Chain Development" (hereinafter referred to as the Space Program). A recent presentation showcasing accomplishments attracted many enterprises and students associated with the space industry chain. This event provided an opportunity to witness the achievements of talent cultivation in Taiwan's space industry. The Space Program focuses on talent cultivation in Taiwan, and organizes a series of learning events according to the needs of different entities, such as mid to high-level executives, in-service R&Ds, and young students, to improve their skills. For mid to high-level executives, it is to assist them in grasping the domestic and international industrial supply chain and business opportunities; for in-service R&Ds, it is to promote the R&D capacity of staff by organizing workshops on low earth orbit satellite technology; for soon-to-graduate young students, the emphasis lies in fostering their expertise, practical skills, gaining valuable experience and international perspectives. Considering that manpower is recently in great shortage all over the world, training young students and supplementing new workforce to industries are the most practical actions to solve the problem of manpower shortage. The Space Program arranges learning events in four stages: basic knowledge, practical design, project-based internship, and international exchange, such as promoting the basic knowledge of satellite ground equipment through preliminary courses, organizing technical workshops to promoting the expertise of system integration design and operational capabilities, integrating industrial resources to solve R&D problems and accumulate practical experience, and expanding international industry-academia-research networks by overseas study tour to enhance international perspectives and capabilities, which are all very beneficial to the participating students. These talent cultivation models are strategically designed to prepare students for the workforce upon their graduation, aligning with the core objectives of the Space Program. Taking overseas study tour as an example, a total of 10 elites who have participated in the R&D problem-solving in space industry and have been employed by the enterprises were selected to visit a number of important organizations in the space industry in Los Angeles of USA, such as NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which has conducted many space missions, the UCLA Space Institute, which is a leader in space science research, and many space-related hardware and software companies and laboratories, providing participating students plenty of experience and opportunities not found in the classroom. During the UCLA visit, in addition to arranging a tour of the Large Plasma Device (LAPD), which is rarely shown to the outside world, these elites can also exchange ideas with the student team that has led the ELFIN satellite mission, exchanging valuable experience in research and study. A workshop will be expected to be organized after the JPL visit in hope that through the JPL engineers'analysis of industry trends and share of career experience and execution of tasks, students can have deeper interaction with international industry and have a clearer idea of how to plan for their future career development. After nearly a year of efforts, a total of about 500 corporate executives, in-service employees and students have benefited from Space Program learning events, including 39 industry leaders, 100 in-service R&Ds, and more than 300 students who have participated in preliminary courses/practical workshops/industry R&D problem-solving/overseas study tour. In addition, 14 enterprises have benefited from the R&D problem-solving programs to accelerate their product developments. Kuan-Bo Chiu, a master's student at the Institute of Space Engineering and Science, National Central University, shared his experience at the achievement presentation of the Space Program and stated that in the past, there were fewer internship opportunities and choices, and only about 30% of the students went to external internships in the summer, and most of them went to Taiwan Space Agency. However, the Space Program integrated the resources of the industry and provided more opportunities and diversified choices, which helped him enhance his practical skills and gain hands-on experience, understanding the needs of the industry, and thinking about how to apply his knowledge to satisfy the needs. In addition, the six enterprises also shared their results of R&D problem-solving at the achievement presentation and unanimously affirmed the effectiveness of the program. The introduction of outstanding students to study within the enterprise through the R&D problem-solving program does not only reduce the time and cost of R&D, but also attracts top talents, mitigating competition with technology or electronics manufacturers for human resources. It is anticipated that the mutual benefits for both talents and enterprises will foster a positive developmental cycle for Taiwan's space industry, propelling its continued growth. Building upon this year's accomplishments, the Space Program will persist in implementing talent cultivation development programs in the future. We welcome industry professionals and students who are interested in the space sector to visit the official website of "The Plan for Space Industry Supply Chain Development" for real-time updates and news.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/186655

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China’s Defense Minister Reappears, As Military Purge Marches On

By William YangTAIPEI, TAIWAN — Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun has reappeared in public after a media report claimed he was under disciplinary investigation. Analysts say that while his reappearance suggests Dong is politically safe, it does not mean China will stop its anti-corruption purge against the military. Dong attended a security forum in Shanghai last Thursday on the security situation in the Gulf of Guinea. This marked his first public appearance since taking part in a meeting with counterparts from Southeast Asian countries and the United States last month in Laos. During the forum, Dong met with heads of delegations from 18 African countries and expressed China’s willingness to strengthen maritime cooperation with regional countries and help maintain security in the Gulf of Guinea, China’s state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Prior to his re-emergence last week, the Financial Times reported on November 26 that Dong was facing an anti-corruption-related investigation, citing unnamed current and former U.S. officials. The Chinese defense ministry dismissed the report during a regular press conference on November 28, calling it a “sheer fabrication” spread by rumor-mongers with evil motivations. However, a suspension and disciplinary investigation that the defense ministry announced November 28 against another official, Admiral Miao Hua, still raised questions about Dong’s fate. Analysts say Dong’s reappearance on December 5 signals that he is “politically safe for now.”“The Chinese government wants to show that Dong remains safe and, despite some changes at the top of the Chinese military, the Chinese leadership still maintains a certain level of control,” said Lin Ying-yu, an expert on the Chinese military at Tamkang University in Taiwan. Lin spoke with VOA in a phone interview. It remains unclear, however, whether Dong’s personal relationship with Miao might affect him later, said Wen-ti Sung, a political scientist at the Australian National University, or ANU. “Miao Hua’s role as head of political works [in the Central Military Commission] is in part akin to the Chinese military’s chief human resource officer and it means virtually any official whose career got fast-tracked over the last seven years will have to have Miao’s seal of approval, ” he told VOA in a written response. He said the personal ties between Dong and Miao “can be a big deal in political purges but can also be nothing.”Since Chinese President Xi Jinping took power in 2012, he has carried out a sweeping anti-corruption campaign against the People’s Liberation Army, or PLA. The campaign has intensified over the past year. The investigation into Miao is the latest case. At least nine generals in the PLA and several defensive industry executives have been removed from China’s national legislative body due to corruption-related charges. In June, two of Dong’s predecessors, former defense minister Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe were removed from their roles and expelled from the Chinese Communist Party amid allegations of corruption. Experts say the investigation into Miao, who is an admiral in the Chinese navy, shows how widespread and deep-rooted the problem of corruption is across different branches of the military. “The Chinese navy was previously plagued by corruption in 2020, leading to the removal of several naval commanders. Since last year, the Chinese military’s rocket force became the focus of the Chinese authorities’ anti-corruption campaign,” said Su Tzu-yun, a military expert at the Taipei-based Institute for National Defense and Security Research. During an inspection of the PLA’s information support force on December 4, Chinese President Xi urged the military to “improve conduct, enforce discipline and combat corruption,” emphasizing that the Chinese military “must be entirely loyal, pure and reliable.”Sung at ANU said the investigation against Miao will likely set off “a new round of purges inside the Chinese military.” “Since Miao has essentially been the PLA’s head of HR, many appointees [in the PLA] need to get into his good graces, and what kind of entanglement that entails leaves a lot of room for imagination, ” he told VOA. Impact on warfighting and moraleExperts say that while there are legitimate reasons for Chinese authorities to root out rampant corruption in the military, Xi has used the anti-corruption campaign to maintain his control over the PLA. “Xi uses the anti-corruption campaign to strengthen his control over the Chinese military and under this ‘reign with terror, ’ it’s difficult for the military to challenge his authority,” Tamkang University’s Lin told VOA. In addition to maintaining control over the military, Xi is using the anti-corruption campaign to eliminate military commanders from other factions within the Chinese Communist Party, said Su Tzu-yun. He adds that such a vicious cycle could negatively impact morale in the military. The constant personnel reshuffling at the top level will also affect the military’s operation and long-term planning, according to Sung. Military purges "will inevitably lead to personnel reshuffling thus slow down [the Chinese military’s] long-term planning for force building and warfighting, ” he told VOA. Since Xi has urged the military to combat corruption and it is used to control the military, Lin said the pace of Beijing’s anti-corruption campaign against the PLA will likely continue in 2025. The News Lens has been authorized to publish this article fromVoice of America.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187303

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Beyond Boba: Taiwanese Restaurants Make Waves In Mexico City

Taiwanese cuisine seems to be having a moment. From fashionable spots like 886 in New York City to Pine & Crane in Los Angeles, the new breed of Taiwanese restaurants from younger entrepreneurs is proud to celebrate and share the island’s cuisine, and unafraid to adapt and experiment with new flavors. That moment has now arrived in Mexico City, Mexico’s capital and the largest North American city. Taiwanese food in Mexico City remains something of a novelty, although Mexico counts Taiwan as one of its top 10 global trading partners, largely thanks to the billions of dollars worth of microchips exported to its northern states. Japanese cuisine is well-established and popular, and Chinese and Korean restaurants can rely on their compatriots plus a growing appetite for their cuisines. In the last few years, a handful of Taiwanese restaurants have cropped up, taking unique approaches to carve out a market for themselves in a city that is always searching for the next best bite. In the fashionable neighborhood of Roma Norte sits Bao Bao Taiwanese Eatery, Mexico City’s first Taiwanese restaurant. Founder Kathy Fong is Panamanian of Taiwanese descent, and now a Mexican resident – but, as she calls herself, “a Taiwanese by heart.”Entering the restaurant, the Chinese characters of “Add Oil!” call out in red from the back wall. The padded backrests to the bench seats are upholstered with a muted green Hakka floral print, reflecting Fong’s Hakka heritage. As the restaurant’s namesake, gua baos are naturally a staple of the menu, including the traditional pork belly bao, and a creative mapo tofu and shiitake mushroom bao. The menu takes customers on a tour of iconic Taiwanese foods, from street foods like Taiwanese popcorn chicken, to heartier and more elaborate dishes like beef noodle soup and soup dumplings. The dishes are designed to be shared, unlike the massive portions that Mexicans are used to in Chinese restaurants. Besides the classics, Bao Bao invites customers to try less commonly-known items like Hakka mochi, Hakka stir fry, Taiwanese cold sesame noodles, imported Kavalan whisky, or black tea from Sun Moon Lake – and no, no bubble tea is served. Before opening in 2019, Fong felt burned out from her demanding job bringing high-end restaurants to luxury hotels in Mexico. During a month-long break in 2018 traveling in Taiwan, she felt an urgent inspiration to share with the world what she tasted and experienced on the island. Just months after the restaurant opened, the pandemic forced Bao Bao to adapt. Fong joined the food delivery platforms and added menu items that could travel well. This includes calculated compromises like adding spring rolls – not typical of Taiwan, but a favorite in Mexican Chinese food– which has remained on the menu. Bao Bao attracts customers from all backgrounds. At first, customers discovered Bao Bao by accident, as it took over the former location of Galanga, a popular Thai restaurant. During the lockdown, foreigners and digital nomads kept the restaurant afloat. Now, most customers are locals, drawn by the novelty of trying a different Asian cuisine, even if they know little of Taiwan. Describing the Golden Kimchi Dumplings, notable Mexican TikToker @soyelarturito said, “I don’t understand what it is, but it’s delicious.” Another food creator @soygloton, said Bao Bao is great for people looking for “something different.”Among foreign customers, on the other hand, many are Asian residents from China, Japan, and Korea who are seeking familiar flavors, or tourists looking for a break from corn-based meals. As eager as Fong is to share Taiwanese cuisine, she also loves experimenting with new recipes and collaborating with other food businesses – like a seasonal black sesamehorchata, or a “Taiwanese quesadilla” that replaces tortillas with scallion pancakes. After all, she grew up multiculturally – where she was as accustomed to eating Panamaniantamales de ollaas she was with her grandma’s wok stir-fried clams. It also reflects the multicultural influences of Taiwanese cuisine – from indigenous to Japanese to Chinese – as we know it today. Just a thirty-minute walk north of Bao Bao is Sunchill (艾茶山丘), a Taiwanese tea house in the residential neighborhood of Cuautémoc. From the street, you can order a bubble to go from the open counter or catch a peek of owners Emily Chiou and Eric Chen Montes in the kitchen. Walking into the cozy interior, you may notice the thoughtful bamboo details, like the chandelier, room divider, and bookshelf. The menu is simple, with one page for boba tea, one for loose-leaf teas, and another for food. The Classic Boba Milk Tea uses real rather than powdered milk, and the Taro Lover is made with taro prepared in-house. One can try a black tea from Alishan, better known for its oolongs, or a refreshing tea from the high altitudes of Lishan. One can slurp a whole bowl of beef noodle soup, a touch saltier for Mexican tastes, or nibble on small plates of radish cake, Taiwanese sausage, and chilled cucumber. Inspired by Taiwanese tea houses like Chun Shui Tang, the birthplace of bubble tea, and Yonshin Tea & Cake Selection Bar, which serves teas, desserts, and light foods, Sunchill was born in 2022. Chiou and Chen Montes first met while working at a Taiwanese import-export company in Mexico City, where they worked for six years. When considering their next career moves, they noticed the increasing number of Asians moving to Mexico City, and decided to give the teahouse concept a try. Sunchill strikes a balance for Asian customers who crave familiarity and for Mexican customers seeking novelty. While there were more Asian customers in the beginning, the vast majority of customers now are Mexicans. Most are recurring faces that Chiou and Chen Montes recognize. You can even tell the time by looking at the customer demographics – if it is mostly Asian customers, it is likely the early afternoon or early evening, as Mexican customers tend to eat lunch and dinner later. Flavors of the island can also be found outside of Taiwanese restaurants. In the posh neighborhood of Polanco is Gyoza Bar Mexico, an Asian tapas and wine bar opened in the summer of 2024 by Taiwanese Jerry Lee, who works for a fintech company during the day. Despite the restaurant’s Mandarin name being “Taiwan Dumpling Bar,” and items like Taiwanese popcorn chicken and cold-brew teas appearing on the menu, Lee is more interested in amplifying the Japanese-inspired “gyoza bar” concept in Mexico City, and having the creative freedom to serve things like shishito peppers or their signature soy, sesame oil, and gojuchang dipping sauce. Or take Té Amo, a bubble tea place founded by a Taiwanese but not explicitly branded as Taiwanese, that features items like Taiwanese break sandwiches, papaya milk, and winter melon tea – not to be found at franchises like Gong Cha or CoCo in Mexico City. A serendipitous, informal, and international network of Taiwanese food entrepreneurs, businesses, and writers, seems to be forming. In Fong’s case, customers have described Bao Bao as having a “Win Son vibe,” a Brooklyn joint she particularly admires for being unapologetically Taiwanese-American. When Fong and Bao Bao’s head chef, Omar Torres, visited Taiwan in the spring of 2024, they took a Taiwanese cooking class with Ivy Chen, who co-wrote the award-winning Made In Taiwancookbook with journalist Clarissa Wei. “We’re all connected in a way,” Fong shared of the “bubbling” community. It’s “heartwarming,” said Chiou, to see other small Taiwanese food businesses thrive overseas. Through food, Fong hopes more people can learn about Taiwan and how its culture and people are unique– and obviously, have a delicious time. For Chiou, when happy customers mistakenly rave that Sunchill serves greatThai food, she laughs and is unbothered. What matters, ultimately, is that they are eating Taiwanese food – and they keep coming back for more.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187294

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World Hakka Expo Gathers Youthful Energy from Across Taiwan

The 2023 World Hakka Expo kicked off with spectacular events across various locations in Taoyuan. Serving as a significant catalyst for youth engagement, the Youth Affairs Bureau of Taoyuan City Government has curated events such as the "Hakka Party" market, local revitalization initiatives titled "Youth Together for Local Regeneration," the "Trendy Hakka Concert," and youth volunteer services. These activities have brought together the creative, performance, and service energies of young people from all over Taiwan, showcasing the enthusiasm and vitality of Taiwanese youth. At the "Hakka Party" market near the Qingpu Baseball Stadium in Taoyuan, the concept of "串" (pronounced as"chuan") represents Hakka"language"and"cuisine, "encouraging young people to speak Hakka and indulge in Hakka flavors. This market blends Hakka culture with youth creativity, creating a vibrant space with white containers, Hakka-themed canopies, and illuminated art installations, making it an enjoyable and photogenic youth market. The"Cultural and Creative Residency"program invites young artisans from all over Taiwan dedicated to cultural creativity to create and share their work, offering various hands-on DIY workshops for the public to experience the warmth of handmade crafts. The Youth Affairs Bureau of Taoyuan City Government organized a Hakka cultural and creative product development competition before the event, attracting nearly 40 youth cultural and creative professionals from Taoyuan. They conceptualized and developed cultural and creative products incorporating Hakka elements. The top three creations are also featured and sold at the"Hakka Party"market, allowing the public to witness the abundant creative energy of Taoyuan's youth. Within the "Hakka Party" market, there is a special section called "Youth Together for Local Regeneration." In Hakka, "後生共下飛" translates to "youth" (後生人) and "together" (共下), symbolizing the shared commitment of Hakka youth to local efforts. The Youth Affairs Bureau of Taoyuan City Government organized local tours themed around the song "Around the Island with Songs" before the World Hakka Expo. These tours took young people to different regions in northern, central, southern, and eastern Taiwan, allowing them to engage with local cultures and explore the ethnic memories and skills across Taiwan. The result of this exploration was a song created collectively by Hakka youth, representing their contribution to the local regeneration exhibition area and inviting young people from various places to experience Taoyuan. In the "Youth Together for Local Regeneration" exhibition area, various Hakka cultural-themed local revitalization exhibitions are showcased, including exhibitions on daily crafts, flavor memories, the song journey around the island, and a gathering of mountains and seas. This area not only presents Hakka songs, curated lifestyles, merchandise sales, and experiential activities but also demonstrates the fruitful results of Hakka youth in Taiwan. It aims to awaken young people's awareness of preserving traditional cultural heritage and emphasizes the belief that being more rooted locally makes a culture more international, showcasing the beauty of local culture to the world. At the square of the"Yong’an Sea Snail Cultural Experience Park, "a sub-venue of the World Hakka Expo, the Youth Affairs Bureau of Taoyuan City Government has organized"Trendy Hakka Concerts"themed around" 潮客 "(chao ke), a term combining "trendy" and "Hakka." These concerts feature Hakka pop music performances by Hakka singers, bands, finalists of the Taoyuan Star Show, outstanding young talents, and students. The concerts, held on weekends, are based on different themes related to oceanic Hakka culture each month. For instance, in October, the theme was "共享 ̇繽紛造浪" ("Sharing Colorful Waves"), focusing on diversity and global exchange. It blends Hakka music with elements from both Eastern and Western cultures, symbolizing the bountiful harvest after Hakka cultivation, embodying the spirit of sharing. The Trendy Hakka Concerts not only allow the public to enjoy the fantastic performances of Hakka predecessors and young talents in the realm of Hakka music but also provide a platform for Hakka youth to connect with the world. Through the grand event of the World Hakka Expo, the Youth Affairs Bureau of Taoyuan City Government recruited over 200 enthusiastic young volunteers for various exhibition activities, including those at the Sunshine Theater, Yong’an Sea Snail Cultural Experience Park, and 1895 Yī Wèi Bǎo Tái Memorial Park. These volunteers contributed to making the international celebration a success, allowing the world to see Hakka culture. They shared in the experience of Hakka culture and its charm, enabling these young volunteers to become an integral part of the World Hakka Expo. It not only provides them with an opportunity to showcase their talents in cultural creativity, local revitalization, music performances, and dedicated service but also expands their international perspective. Ms. Hou Chia-ling, the Director of the Youth Affairs Bureau of Taoyuan City Government, expressed that the grandeur of the World Hakka Expo provides a platform for young people in Taoyuan and across Taiwan to demonstrate their abilities in cultural creativity, local revitalization, music performances, and passionate service. She hopes that the new generation of Taiwanese youth can gather here and echo the core objective of the World Hakka Expo, engaging in exchanges with various ethnic cultures worldwide, showcasing Taiwan's diverse cultural soft power. The advertorial content is provided by" 桃園青年局 ".

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/186601

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‘Interests’ to Top Taiwan’s Agenda in Future Talks with Trump

As Donald Trump is poised to return to the White House in January, experts suggest that Taiwan’s approach to the United States must become more nuanced, taking into account U.S. “national interests” as the first factor to consider in bargains. During a forum held on Saturday discussing Taiwan’s response to a potential second Trump presidency, Taiwanese foreign affairs think tankers and scholar emphasized that Trump’s “America First” and “protectionism” policy, coupled with his diminished focus on shared values, demands a strategic shift from Taiwan—to match with its transactional approach to cross-strait tensions. Lo Chih-cheng, a senior fellow at the Institute for National Policy Research, said Trump’s future policies, no matter they are about diplomatic relations or military expenses, will be closely inter-connected with the economy in the United States. National interests will be the top priority of this administration, especially in dealing with inflation and globalization, Lo added. In contrast, shared values, cultivating relationships with traditional allies, identity recognition - are of lesser importance in his policies. In his analysis, the future TRUMP 2. 0 will be “more assertive, more decisive, more populist, and ultimately, more unpredictable,” contributing to a sense of uncertainty, thus Taiwan’s future dialogue with the U.S. should emphasize how those aid or corporations could align with the bigger power’s “interests.”One area where he felt the Taiwanese government could have done better was in the timing of its congratulatory message following Trump’s victory. He pointed out that Taiwan was the last among Asian countries to send its message, which was issued around 7 p. m. on Wednesday, Taiwan time. “Countries like Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore had already sent their congratulations,” he remarked. Lai I-chung, the President of the Prospect Foundation, a political think tank in Taiwan, emphasized that Taiwan must be in tune with the U. S’ new “frequency waves.”Lai noted that Taiwan and the Biden administration have worked together on many issues based on shared values like diversity and equality, pointing to their mutual support for Ukraine in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict as an example. “However, with Trump returning to power, he speaks an entirely different language,” Lai explained, adding that Taiwan must recognize the "reality" of adjusting to this new and distinct dynamic in its relationship with the United States. Lo suggested that during Trump’s second term, Taiwan could rally the support of other democratic nations—such as Japan and various European countries that have conducted naval patrols in the region—to encourage the U.S. to defend or provide for Taiwan's interests . Lai, on the other hand, stressed that Taiwan should not overlook India's potential role, pointing out that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as a headstrong leader, is the type of leader that Trump will maintain affiliation with. “Modi has maintained a good relationship with Trump.” He said. Since Modi remains in power since 2014, their established “familiarity” will continue and make Modi a leader with whom Trump is likely to be more inclined to engage on foreign affairs, Lai added.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187252

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Where is the global investment frenzy heading? Let Assured Asset Management share its insight

Over the last five to ten years, the world has witnessed a surge in various investment opportunities, riding on trends such as the Internet, the sharing economy and even the recent AI craze. These opportunities do not suddenly appear out of thin air. General investors and businesses, however, often lack the foresight, causing them to miss out valuable opportunities. What exactly goes through the minds of professionals in asset management and executives when it comes to preemptive deployment to uncover gold amid the gravel, and identify unicorn companies that will shape the next generation amid the vast forest of opportunities? The podcast show《Side Chat》 invited Angie Lin, Co-founder and Chief Investment Officer of Assured Asset Management, along with Business Yee’s Editor-in-Chief, Po-Fong Lee in conversation. They will talk about how to navigate the investment markets and find the way of survival from distinct perspectives. Assured Asset Management (Assured) has maintained a long-term focus on tech-related private equity andcreditinvestments, primarily in Asia and the United States. “We begin with technology as our foundation, combining it with specific sectors such as finance, healthcare, business and education, to identify industries benefiting from technological progress, creating synergies or driving positive change”, explained Angie Lin. Assured has invested in several new economy enterprises in the Asian region. In recent years, Assured has extended its reach to the US market. In addition to targeting tech sector they are familiar with, the company has also ventured into NextGen industries such as space technology and AI, as well as consumer and healthcare industries. Taking Assured’s experience in Asia and the US as an example, Angie Lin further shares her unique investment insight through three key dimensions. First, she underscores the market factor – both the US and Asia have distinct market advantages such as creativity strength, market mechanism and capital market capacity, which naturally attract investment funds. When it comes to the selection of companies, the emphasis lies in identifying companies with untapped potential for the future. “The extent of a company’s future potential signifies the potential size of the market it could capture” said Angie Lin. Lastly, before entering any market, “risk” factor becomes a primary consideration. Understanding “how long” and “how” to exit is crucial. If the market cannot provide sufficient and reliable information, or if there are significant policy uncertainties or excessive risks, Assured opts for gradual fund recovery and shifting focus to more manageable and similar markets with lower risk. Business Yee’s Editor-in-Chief, Po-Fong Lee then explained the preferences and shifts in investor trends over the past decade. Over the recent years, projects highlighted in startup Demo Days and accelerator programs have largely centered around the so-called “ABC industries” – AI, Blockchain, and Cloud. This year, a new project emerged – ChatGPT, a generative AI. If we shift our focus to the general capital market, AI and servers remain the focal points of interest this year. It indicates that in the coming years, these two fields will continue to be the focuses. Also, there will be an increasing number of companies scaling up or transitioning into related areas for development. When businesses are in the process of scaling up at the time of lacking necessary funding or professional guidance, Assured’s extensive investment experience can offer them with strongest support. With years of investment in both the Asian region and the US, Assured has a deep understanding of the tech field, regional and market differences. Through its network and resources, Assured can help facilitate connections, integrate assets, and support businesses in achieving their overseas investment goals efficiently, so as to promote their rapid growth. Angie Lin pointed out three considerations before engaging in overseas investment: “mindset, prudent selection of international investment partners and direction”. Differences in mindset may significantly impact subsequent exit strategies and valuation. Therefore, it is essential to first define whether the investment is purely financial in nature or involves integration with upstream and downstream business activities. In addition, it is also an important aspect of overseas investment when it comes to the selection of the right partners. Larger partners are not necessarily better. They should be able to meet a company’s own investment needs and style. Lastly, each “General Partner” (GP) and collaborative partner represents different resources and ecosystems. Before making overseas investment, a company needs to decide the field or environment they want to enter. Po-Fong Lee also commented corporate overseas investment: Looking back at Taiwan’s industries, sectors with strong hardware capabilities (such as semiconductors, industrial manufacturing, etc.) are Taiwan’s major strengths in the international arena. Everyone should understand their role in the industry chain. In subsequent entrepreneurial endeavors, they should have a clear understanding and demonstrate the expertise to address these gaps. However, these issues can sometimes become excessively gigantic, even involving entire industry chains and requiring urgent solutions, meaning more input of resources, capital and time. Taking the bicycle industry as an example, many parts and components require international certifications, or there are companies aspiring to penetrate the supply chains of international brands. In such cases, partners like Assured are crucial for assistance to ensure smooth progress. Angie Lin also pointed out, “Our experience in the US market has taught us that fostering positive development within an industry ecosystem can more easily drive the growth of underlying businesses. This is why we have returned to Taiwan to explore more possibilities and strategically plan ahead”. In the future, while continuing to monitor the development of financial technology, healthcare, ESG and NextGen industries, Assured aims to assist more enterprises in scaling up and venturing abroad to achieve mutual success. “In 2023, major US companies like NVIDIA and AMD have come to Taiwan, showing Taiwan’s substantial advantages which attract the attention of global enterprises” Po-Fong Lee commented. In a rapidly changing and fiercely competitive global market, companies increasingly need to identify suitable partnerships, integrate relevant resources, and prepare for the promising decade ahead on a global scale.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/186526

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Yoon’s Failed Power Grab A Big Blow To South Korea’s International Influence

By Arius DerrFor the first time since democratisation, South Korea was placed under martial law on 3 December 2024. President Yoon Suk Yeol triggered the 4-hour episode that suspended all the country’s civil liberties because of the need, he claimed, to root out ‘pro-North Korean and anti-state forces’, on the advice of his close friend and then defence minister Kim Yong-hyun. While inter-Korean relations are in poor shape there is no conspiracy to overthrow the government in Seoul and replace it with pro-Kim Jong Un lackies. Yoon sought to arrest his political opponents — including the leader of his own conservative party — and force legislation to a standstill by raiding the National Assembly. Yoon’s brazen power grab failed due to a mix of incompetency, a refusal from key members of Yoon’s government to go along with the martial law plan, and the lightning-fast mobilisation of South Korea’s opposition, who quite literally scaled walls, climbed through windows and barricaded entryways at parliament to strike down the martial law order as the army raced to stop them. On 7 December, Yoon narrowly survived an impeachment vote after his People Power Party, despite being targeted itself by the president during the martial law episode and asking Yoon to resign, boycotted the vote denying it the required two thirds majority. The opposition has pledged to keep trying to remove Yoon every week, and with his approval rating at just 13 per cent, their chances of succeeding are still high. His party seems intent on pushing for Yoon’s resignation as the preferred exit route rather than impeachment. Yoon’s actions have thrown the South Korean government into chaos and severely undermined its credibility. The irony is that Yoon’s foreign policy was built on rhetoric defending liberal institutions and the rules-based order. His was among the most pro-Western administrations ever elected in Korea. South Korea–Japan ties have never been stronger. South Korea backed away from the strategic autonomy that defined Yoon’s predecessors and positioned itself as a stalwart against authoritarianism and illiberalism in the Indo-Pacific. So long as Yoon remains in power, South Korea’s moral standing in the contest with China or even North Korth has been greatly diminished. There’s even a danger that, should North Korea choose to escalate its conflict with the South, Seoul would be incapable of a decisive response, both because key defence leaders appear to have defied Yoon’s imposition of a martial law order and because United States Forces in Korea were apparently caught just as off guard by the order as South Korea’s general public, revealing incoherence in the structure of military command. The situation in Korea is likely to strengthen voices in the United States, particularly within the incoming Trump administration, who question the utility of the South Korean partnership. The timing is particularly damaging in the context of the recently signed Special Measures Agreement for 2026-2030, Trump’s potential tariffs on wayward allies and strategic competitors alike, and North Korea’s evolving nuclear threat. The DPRK’s role in the war against Ukraine has already put pressure on the South, but it’s difficult to imagine Yoon marshalling any sort of support, even from within his own conservative party, for any countermeasures now. Mass protests the day of Yoon’s first impeachment vote are likely to continue. This will likely be a movement equivalent to Candlelight 2. 0, a reference to the millions of South Koreans who protested then-President Park Geun-hye’s rule in 2016-17 before she was removed from office. Another irony is that Yoon Suk Yeol was then Seoul’s chief prosecutor and a driving force behind Park’s impeachment. Like the Candlelight protests, the martial law fiasco this week reveals the fundamental resilience of South Korea’s democracy. Yoon’s attempt to undermine checks and balances built into South Korea’s democratic institutions failed almost immediately. Democratic systems are never immune from authoritarianism, populism or even gross abuse of power impossible. What they should do is make it harder for these anti-democratic forces to triumph. Institutions should spring back when tested, bend not break and ultimately self-correct when challenges occur. The South Korean system has worked to self-correct. The Park Geun-hye scandal and the unfolding Yoon martial law fiasco were massive tests, but South Korea shows every sign that it will emerge from the latest of them an even more resilient democracy than before. Yoon’s ploy does not weaken South Korean democracy. But it will change South Korea’s posture in international affairs. Yoon’s presidency, as the leader of his own parliamentary party has declared, appears untenable and will end either through his resignation or impeachment. His non-conservative successor is likely to embrace a conciliatory approach toward China, make relations Japan more problematic, de-emphasise human rights in dealing with the North Korea and downplay cooperation with the United States. South Korea’s growing strategic partnership with Australia, Japan and other regional players may also lose momentum under a new president. There’s no doubt that South Korean democracy will survive Yoon: the damage to South Korea’s international standing and strategic relationships may prove more significant than the domestic political fallout. Arius M Derr is a Research Scholar in the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs at The Australian National University. https: //doi. org/10. 59425/eabc. 1733781600The News Lens has been authorized to republish this article from theEast Asia Forum. East Asia Forum is a platform for analysis and research on politics, economics, business, law, security, international relations and society relevant to public policy, centered on the Asia Pacific region.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187298

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Tokyo-Beijing Forum Aims To Warm Chilly Relations

By Chung-hsi TuKYOTO, JAPAN — The Tokyo-Beijing Forum was held in person this week in Japan for the first time since it went virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the two-day forum from December 4 through 5, officials from Japan and China expressed hopes to warm their frosty relations. Analysts pointed to China sending a higher-level delegation than at past forums as a sign that Beijing wants closer trade ties with Japan. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya attended in person, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi addressed the forum via video. Both expressed hopes for improving China-Japan relations, which cooled after Tokyo’s support for Washington’s restricted exports of advanced microchips to China amid its increasingly assertive military, and attacks this year on Japanese citizens living in China. Huang Wei-hsiu, a project researcher at the Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia at the University of Tokyo, told VOA Mandarin the attendance of former Finance Minister of China Lou Jiwei and former Governor of the People's Bank of China Yi Gang was a sign of China's need for better economic relations. “Because foreign capital has been leaving, raising the level of economic officials’ attendance symbolizes China’s emphasis on the economic field with Japan," he said. China’s economic growth has been slowing amid a slump in property prices and low domestic demand. Despite a raft of government stimulus measures, economists say it could drop below 5% growth this year. China is Japan’s top trade partner. In 2022, China exported $178 billion to Japan, while Japan’s exports to China was $135 billion. The ministry said Japan invested $3. 4 billion in China in 2020, the most recent year listed, while China invested half a billion dollars directly in Japan. Cold at the bottom? Sachio Nakato, a professor of international relations at Ritsumeikan University, told VOA Mandarin that both sides want to see better relations. "In this sense, [Japan’s] Prime Minister [Shigeru] Ishiba and [China’s] President Xi [Jinping] have the will to improve relations within the current difficult situations, "Nakato said. However, a joint survey released before the forum by Genron NPO, a Japanese think tank, and state media China International Publishing Group showed the Japanese public generally dislike China, while there is a growing sense of hostility toward Japan among the Chinese public."The proportion of Japanese people with a negative view of China has remained consistently above 80% since 2012, "Huang said."One of the factors contributing to the deterioration of the Japanese people’s views on China is the killing, detention and prosecution against Japanese nationals in China for unknown reasons, "said Professor Hiromoto Kaji of Aichi University."The Chinese government has not explained or responded on the motives of the perpetrators. Japanese public opinion is growing increasingly distrustful of this uncertainty, "Kaji said. Another factor is China’s restrictions on the import of Japanese food and other products since the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident and release of treated water from the nuclear plant. In August 2023, China temporarily banned the import of Japanese food and feed. The public opinion survey also showed a sharp drop in the number of Chinese who believe that"Japan-China relations are important" — from 60. 1% to 26. 8%, the first time it ever dropped below 60%. To address some of the tension and attract more tourist dollars, China in late November resumed 30-day visa-free travel for Japanese visiting China, which had been halted during the pandemic. But the action is so far temporary and will expire at the end of 2025 if relations between the two countries don’t improve. The News Lens has been authorized to publish this article fromVoice of America.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187293

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Lai Addresses Palauan Lawmakers, Angers China

As part of his diplomatic tour through the Pacific, President Lai Ching-te arrived in Palau on Thursday and addressed their National Congress. Palau is one of 12 states that have official ties with Taiwan and recognize its status as an independent state. Lai underscored that he saw both Taiwan and Palau as “democratic bastions.” Both are celebrating 25 years of formal diplomatic relations. Palau is the President’s last stop wrapping up a mission to consolidate ties with allies. However his recent journey has once again angered China, seeing it as a step towards independence. A day earlier in Guam, Lai spoke on the phone with United States House Speaker Mike Johnson, presumably discussing the geopolitical implications of the trip. Guam is still considered US territory and Beijing took issue with Lai’s arrival on its soil. Last Thursday, Beijing officials warned the US to "stop sending wrong signals." They also spoke of "serious danger that separatist acts of Taiwan independence pose to peace and security across the Taiwan Strait."Throughout this year, Beijing had launched military drills around the Taiwan Strait when officials from Taipei did something it disapproved of. Following the statements from China, in a speech Lai underscored how both Taiwan and Palau were together “in the fight against the expansion of authoritarianism."Meanwhile, a Taiwanese coast guard ship joined a rescue drill in Palau. Both Lai and his counterpart Surangel Whipps Jr observed the drill, which included vessels Taiwan had donated to Palau.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187295

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US-China Prisoner Swap Reunites Uyghur Families As Work Continues To Secure Others' Freedom

By Kasim KashgarWASHINGTON — Lost in much of the debate over “hostage diplomacy” after last week’s rare prisoner swap between the U.S. and China is that in addition to the three Americans, three Uyghurs were on the flight from China. The exchange highlights Beijing’s persecution of ethnic minorities prompting renewed international scrutiny. A U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed to VOA that the three Uyghurs were on the flight but declined to provide additional details “out of respect for their privacy.”“The Biden-Harris administration has continuously advocated for cases of humanitarian concern, including Uyghurs,” the spokesperson told VOA. “We are pleased that these [Uyghur] individuals are home with their families. ”Among those freed was 73-year-old Ayshem Mamut, the mother of prominent Uyghur rights advocate and Uyghur American lawyer Nury Turkel. According to Turkel, the last time he saw his mother was 20 years ago, when she traveled to Washington for his graduation from American University. “Her last trip to the U.S. was in the summer of 2004, when she came to D. C. with my late father for my law school graduation,” Turkel told VOA. Turkel's parents stayed in the U.S. for about five months before returning to China. Since then, his mother had been barred from leaving the country. “The Chinese authorities never specifically said why my parents couldn't leave the country,” Turkel said. “However, I believe a travel ban was imposed on my parents because of my decadeslong advocacy work and my U.S. government service from 2020 to 2024.”Turkel served as a commissioner and chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom from 2020 to 2024. In response to his advocacy for religious freedom for oppressed communities, he was sanctioned by China in 2021 and Russia in 2022. Turkel described the reunion with his mother as a profoundly emotional moment, crediting years of persistent advocacy by individuals and institutions across multiple U.S. administrations. “This reunion is a testament to the U.S. government's steadfast commitment to human rights and justice for the Uyghur people,” Turkel said. “I am so proud of our country and leadership at the highest level — President [Joe] Biden, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Secretary [Antony] Blinken and countless national security professionals invested so much time and energy over the years. ”He added that the reunion has been transformative for his mother. "For my mother, this moment represents a rebirth of joy and humanity," Turkel said. "After decades apart, she can finally experience the love and laughter of her grandchildren — a connection that transcends the pain of separation and reminds us of the enduring power of family. She is profoundly grateful to those who made this reunion possible, especially Ambassador Nick Burns, whose compassionate actions reflect the best of humanity."Advocates push for continued U.S. actionRayhan Asat, a fellow at the Atlantic Council and a Uyghur lawyer whose brother, Ekpar Asat, remains imprisoned in China, welcomed the release but called for continued efforts to secure freedom for other Uyghurs. "I urge President Biden to secure Ekpar's release and bring him home during the remainder of his presidency. His continued imprisonment sends a chilling message that participating in U.S. programs comes with grave risk, "Asat told VOA. Ekpar Asat was sentenced to 15 years in prison after participating in a U.S. -China cultural exchange program organized by the State Department."As the ambassador emphasized today, the state of U.S. -China relations hinges on the choices China makes, including its support for unjust wars. One of those choices must be to end the ongoing genocide against the Uyghur people, "Asat added. Ferkat Jawdat, another Uyghur American advocate, expressed mixed emotions about the release. Jawdat has lobbied U.S. administrations to secure the freedom of his mother, whom he has not seen since 2006. She has been barred from leaving China for nearly two decades."While I'm very happy for @nuryturkel and his family's reunion with their mother, I'm very sad that my mom was excluded from this," he wrote. "I've been asking the U.S. government for years for the same when I met with former Secretary of State @mikepompeo and @SecBlinken, "Jawdat said in a tweet on social media platform X. Turkel offered a message of hope and resilience to the global Uyghur community, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their advocacy."To my Uyghur communities around the world, I urge you to hold onto hope and faith, "Turkel said."My family's reunion is a living testament to the possibility of change, even in the face of immense challenges. Share your stories, advocate for your loved ones and know that your voices matter."He emphasized that international attention and tireless efforts are making a difference. "The world is listening, and there are people tirelessly working for justice and reconnecting families like ours," he said. "Together, our resilience and solidarity can pave the way for others to experience similar moments of joy and relief."The News Lens has been authorized to publish this article fromVoice of America.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187296

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New 330W Gaming Laptop Power Supply by Phihong Technology - a lighter GaN charger for a better gaming experience!

At the end of 2021, Phihong Technology announced the debut of the smallest highly powered 280W GaN gaming laptop power supply. The cutting edge GaN power supply had the highest power density that broke the industry record and even had a physical size as small as a 180W power supply. This year, Phihong has just released an impressive gaming laptop power supply with a capacity of 330W. This power supply utilizes the third-generation semiconductor technology known as GaN, which has enabled it to achieve an outstanding power density of 14. 5 W/in3 (1W/CC). Despite having a high power output, it's actually physically 49. 5% smaller than its competitors, and at less than 800g, it's also the lightest option out there. This makes it a great choice for those who need a powerful yet compact power supply. Phihong's 330W gaming laptop power supply not only meets the highest safety standards, but also satisfies the power needs of users who are looking for a reliable and powerful power supply for their gaming laptop. It was showcased as the highlight of Computex Taipei 2023!Gaming laptop sales have been rising due to their increased use in various domains. However, to ensure optimal performance for laptops, power supplies have been designed with larger physical sizes to accommodate the increased power output. As a result, the weight of these power supplies has also increased. Carrying the larger and heavier power supplies during the user’s daily commute has been quite a hassle. They're bulky and difficult to maneuver, making it challenging to get around. The unique GaN production process control was adopted during the design, research, and development of Phihong's gaming laptop. Along with the technologies in exclusively developed digital control, power module design, etc. , the product achieved efficiency as high as 94%. The lighter weight and more compacted size make it so much easier to carry around and use on the go. After being in the industry for over 50 years, Phihong understands both the benefits and the potential dangers that power supplies can pose to users. It's important to be aware of these risks and take appropriate precautions to ensure safety. Many GaN power supplies available in the market focus primarily on compact size but fail to consider whether the compact design meets the safety and heat dissipation standards. However, Phihong's 330W GaN gaming laptop power supply is designed to meet the specific requirements of gaming laptop users. It can support high instantaneous peak power for high-end processors and displays, making it perfect for heavy users who require prolonged usage. Phihong's 330W GaN gaming laptop power supply has also obtained various international safety certificates, providing greater power and better heat dissipation, and it also offers a light, safe, and efficient user experience. Above that, Phihong comes in various power options, including 240W, 280W, 330W, to meet the needs of the ever-changing gaming laptop market. Additionally, a new 360W model is coming out soon, so it's definitely something to keep an eye out for!

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/186434

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Nine Reasons You Shouldn’t Volunteer Abroad

Should you volunteer overseas? More and more people see volunteering abroad as some kind of holiday, a place for them to begin a new journey. People feel they are finally able to contribute and share their knowledge with others, with the belief they’re making the world a better place. Indeed, doing volunteer work can be a wonderful and meaningful experience. But not everyone is cut out for the job. Let me give you nine reasons you shouldn’t go volunteering abroad. Every country, every social structure, as well as employment requirements vary. There’s already a huge difference between long-term and short-term volunteering programs. To make things clear, this article doesn’t mean to scare you away from the idea of doing volunteer work abroad, but it does hope to make you think twice about whether or not you are fit for the task, and if so, compel you to carefully consider your volunteering responsibilities and the organization you wish to work with. The most condemned aspect of going abroad to volunteer is probably the possibility of depriving someone of job prospects. At this point you might think to yourself, I’m only taking care of little children, how would that bother anyone? But have you ever considered that perhaps because you showed up, a local woman lost her chances of finding a job? This is where short-term and long-term volunteering clashes. For example, during a short-term program (about six months), you might hope to set up a project for an orphanage with good intentions. But you may depart before the project ends or even starts, leaving the place in complete chaos and putting even more pressure on the locals. An even worse scenario is, since you’re only staying for a few months, you have already decided on what you want to do regardless of the consequences. This means the original project may have been completely useless in the first place, to the extent that a reverse effect of the outcome had already been anticipated beforehand. What about long-term projects then? The good thing is the duration of the stay is longer. There also might be less unclear issues regarding the circumstances of the project, and you will have more time to establish a relationship with the local community. But in this case, you might be taking away someone else’s job opportunity. Take the Peace Corps for example; organizations pay the Peace Corps for volunteers, yet they can also use the money to hire local staff. Some people choose to work abroad, because they want to escape complicated situations within their own working environment. These people are in search for a simpler and less stressful environment to live in. Yet even though the places you might visit are different, no matter where you go, people will still be people. I experienced the cruelty of humanity in Uganda, where the laws and ethics within society tend to have little influence on the people. Local officials are blatantly corrupt, even if they work under a large organization with bureaucratic structures. They will also intentionally stress gender differences within the workplace to the extent that harassment is tolerated. These issues might even be less complicated in Taiwan. So you may escape the Taiwanese lifestyle temporarily, but you have to accept the possibility of entering another, perhaps even more complex society. Like I mentioned before, a lot of people choose to do volunteer work to escape and to leave shattered feelings behind. Time undoubtedly heals wounds, and being in an environment far away from home may help you recover a little faster. But being away from your own country doesn’t automatically solve any problems. You still need to deal with those difficulties. Alone. When you’re all by yourself, staying in a small cabin in the dead of night without water or electricity, or when you are miserable in bed with malaria, loneliness and past memories will creep up on you. Nightmares you have had in the past will seem more real, and you will start pondering on past mistakes. You will wonder why you’re there and what really matters in life. Not everyone will be able to cope with that, because the initial feeling of leaving your entire life behind will unexpectedly result in being confronted by your deepest fears and sorrows. A lot of my friends suffered from insomnia after leaving Uganda, and some even developed emotional instability. That doesn’t really sound like a simple trip abroad, does it? Not everyone will be able to make the entire trip, but if you do, the experience is irreplaceable. This happens to most volunteer workers. Returning to your country after one or two years, you may discover that all of your friends already have a prosperous life, are married, and have a successful career (this may or may not be an overstatement). But you find yourself stuck in time and back to where you started. Before you set off to volunteer in another country, you need to think about what you want to get out of this experience. Is it the world you want to change, or did you set out to grow and develop yourself? The main reason volunteers haven’t achieved anything is there’s not enough time. Can a few months rescue a village or even a country? To change something takes decades. There are many ways to change and make the world a better place. You don’t necessarily have to go to underdeveloped countries or work for an NGO. If you really want to change the world, I suggest you use a lifetime of kindness and honesty to do the things you love doing. Many people think the most dangerous thing that can happen in developing countries is to catch some mysterious illness, but diseases are not really an issue. You’re usually fine if you treat potential symptoms without delay (obviously this doesn’t really work for AIDS or Ebola, so beware). The most threatening thing that can happen is getting into a traffic accident. You can’t prevent them from happening. Besides having to drive carefully at night, it’s best to not ride a motorcycle. If you insist on biking, don’t forget to wear a helmet, and leave the rest up to fate. “May you break my heart completely that the whole world falls in,” said Mother Teresa. When you start volunteering abroad, you may fully come to understand the meaning of this saying, for you will encounter many situations that make one feel sad and helpless. You might find a dying person on the side of the road, but with no emergency number to call and no hospitals nearby, there is simply nothing you can do. You will come across a lot of people suffering and living in very poor conditions, and seeing the despair with your own eyes is what’s most devastating. In theory, volunteering internationally is safer than embarking on a journey all by yourself, as you will be working within an organization that will look out for you. But in reality, you will still be on your own. Don’t bear the mindset that just because you’re working within an organization you don’t have to worry about anything. You might think writing about this particular topic is unnecessary. Don’t people who love to travel also enjoy experiencing different cultures? But any one who has lived in a foreign country will be able to tell you that traveling is completely different from living in a place for a long time. When traveling for only a few weeks, other cultures may seem really interesting and unusual. But when children sticking their heads out of windows, when the church behind your house becomes as loud as concert venues, and when being cramped inside an overcrowded minibus all become part of your daily reality, you will realize that living permanently somewhere is completely different from a few weeks of travel. There are actually quite a few volunteers who leave because of the cultural gap. I once knew a volunteer who left because she saw a neighbor kill her own dog, yet the neighbor didn’t believe it was a big deal in the slightest bit. Cultural differences do not only lie in one’s lifestyle, but also include a completely different set of traditional and cultural values. There are different perspectives on life, privacy, and gender and sexuality. Even though cultural values in Taiwan and the U.S. are distinct, adapting to it isn’t that much of a struggle. Differences between Taiwan and African countries, however, require more effort to understand. To be honest, if you’re a type A control freak and you want to have everything planned out in detail beforehand, then you really shouldn’t volunteer abroad. The life of a volunteer is filled with unknown adventures ahead. Obviously, not every organization is the same, but volunteering abroad is not like a nine-to-five office job. No one is going to tell you what to do. A lot of times you need to take the initiative in doing things. If the volunteering program is of no interest to you, it might be even more stressful and depressing than your regular job (you’re not making any money either). The nine occasions mentioned above don’t mean to scare you away from volunteering in the future. I’m bringing them up in hope that before you decide to do anything, you are clear on the disadvantages and challenges ahead. It’s like looking for a job; not every organization is the same, and each experience is different. Are the challenges one comes across as a volunteer all disadvantages? In my opinion, they’re actually all advantages. The obstacles will make you grow, and you will become a better person with the more you experience. Will it be a painstaking experience? Opinions vary. To some people the difficulties ahead can be easily solved, yet to others they are not. Not everyone is cut out for volunteering overseas. You have to explore the world and find ways to develop yourself. It’s all about finding the best way to be you. Translated by Sarah Grasdijk Edited by Olivia Yang

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/16560

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Phihong and Vinpower join hands to seize the fast-charging market opportunity with GaN technology at Computex 2023

Phihong, through an alliance with VinPower, Inc. and Silanna Semiconductor, has developed the market's first 2-in-1 charger, the"iXcharger"which combines a 1TB cross-device storage space with 65W fast charging technology. Get ready to witness its official debut at the COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2023! Moreover, Phihong will show a series of the highest power density power supply for gaming laptops at the event, including the 330W GaN, 280W GaN, and 140W PD 3. 1 fast chargers. These chargers bring an unparalleled charging experience to end-users, featuring unprecedented miniaturization, lightweight design, and top-of-the-line specifications. The"iXcharger"uses Phihong GaN technology to provide higher power density and ensure fast heat dissipation in a smaller package, realizing a fast, safe, and efficient charging of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. More notably, the iXcharger has the first cross-device storage technology for different operating systems that can charge mobile devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops and works as a portable storage drive. It is suitable for operating systems including iOS、Android、Windows、Chrome OS、macOS, etc. The large storage capacity of up to 1TB of iXcharger and its lightweight and portable design perfectly cater to modern people’s needs for quick data storage and fast device charging. Traditional chargers available on the market often fail to meet the high specifications required by gaming laptops. While they may offer increased power output, they also tend to be larger and bulkier, causing inconvenience for users when carrying them around. Phihong's gaming laptop power supplies are designed and developed using a unique GaN production process control, along with independently developed digital control mechanisms and power module designs. These technologies enable products to achieve conversion efficiency of over 94%. Moreover, they come in a compact and lightweight form factor, providing gaming laptops with higher power and faster heat dissipation. This results in a charging experience that is lightweight, safe, and highly efficient. At the end of 2021, Phihong introduced the smallest 280W GaN high-power gaming laptop power supply, surpassing the design limits of the industry for many years, while being the size of a typical 180W power supply. This year, Phihong will unveil the 330W GaN gaming laptop power supply at COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2023. In comparison to similar power output products currently available on the market, it not only boasts a compact form factor but also weighs the lightest (<800g). While meeting high-quality safety standards, it fulfills users'expectations for a gaming laptop power supply!Address : Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1/No. 1, Jingmao 2nd Rd. , Nangang District, Taipei CityDate : May 30 - June 2, 2023Booth : J0509a (Vinpower Inc.)The content of this article is provided by “Phihong Technology”.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/186092

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Vicious Circle: Taiwan’s Authorities Leave Belarusian Resident Facing Uncertainty

Until the seventeenth century, the practice of witch “swimming,” was used to determine the purported diabolism of a woman accused of dabbling in the dark arts. The victim was bound, then tossed into a river. If she floated, she was branded a witch and hanged; if she sank, she was deemed innocent, but — depending on how quickly she was retrieved —might not enjoy her exoneration. Thus, the result needed to secure freedom might prevent the individual from realizing it. Artem Subotka has not engaged in wrongdoing — let alone black magic — but the refusal of Taiwan’s authorities to allow him to naturalize without returning to his native Belarus hinges on a paradox like the one faced by the alleged witches of a bygone era. The opacity and incoherence of the process has certainly left him treading water. “It’s just circular reasoning,” says Subotka, a permanent resident of Taiwan, who has lived in the country for nine years. “Their bureaucracy has caused me anxiety, stress, depression, and fear.”The problem dates to May 2023 when Subotka applied for naturalization as a Taiwanese citizen. His reason stemmed from a custody battle with his ex-wife over care of his son, who was then six years old. “I needed to prove to the court that I intended to stay in Taiwan, as my ex-wife was worried I would take our child away,” he says. “After I announced my plans to become a Taiwan citizen, she agreed to let me be the main caregiver.”As the legal case ended in February 2024, the naturalization process was moving forward — or so Subotka thought. Having received a certificate of naturalization, signed by then Minister of the Interior Lin Yu-chang in August 2023, Subotka was required to renounce his Belarusian nationality within a year. However, it quickly became apparent that this would require Subotka to return to his Belarus, which he was not prepared to do — with good reason. Following the 2020 presidential election in Belarus, which saw the country’s authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenkoreturn to power for a sixth term with 81% of the vote, via polls that were widely criticized as rigged, protests broke out across the country. The government’s crackdown was brutal, with thousands arrested, many of whom were beaten or tortured, hundreds injured, and at least five people killed as a result of state violence, according tomedia andhuman rights groups. Because of Lukashenko’stight grip on the media, which portrayed the protestors as “rioters” and denied reports of deaths in custody, the true number of casualties remains unknown. Among those arrested and mistreated were members of Subotka’s family and childhood friends. As a cofounder of the Belarusian Christian Democracy (BCD) political party, Subotka’s uncle was a target. “He had to escape from the country and is now a political refugee in Poland,” says Subotka. The dangers facing opposition figures are clear: Most are either in exile, like Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who leads an opposition government in exile from Lithuania, or locked up in Belarus, like her husband Sergei Tikhanovsky, an activist who was sentenced to 18 years in 2021 for “advocating the violent overthrow of the Belarusian government.” This came after Tikhanovsky, a popular vlogger, had been arrested upon announcing his candidacy in the 2020 election. The BCD’s leader Paval Sieviaryniec had initially been permitted to run but was arrested two months before the poll for participation in previous protests. Charged with organizing mass unrest, he received seven years in prison and remains incarcerated, with Amnesty International calling him a prisoner of conscience. As a registered member of the BCD, Subotka was already concerned about returning to Belarus. Following the election, he helped organize events in Taiwan in support of the protestors and has participated in demonstrations against Russia’s war in Ukraine. As a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Lukashenko allowed Russian forces to attack Ukraine from Belarusian territory shortly after the invasion of February 24, 2022. Reports of Belarusians fighting in support of Moscow remain unconfirmed, but — on the other side — a battalion of Belarusians is serving in defence of Ukraine. Matters got worse when another uncle was forced to leave the country in 2023 after a sustained campaign of harassment by the authorities. “He was arrested, jailed, and fined three times — once for [appearing in] a picture with [the old red-and-white] flag used by opposition groups, another time for a pro-democracy sticker on his car, and the last time for attending a musical, which had no relation to politics, ”says Subotka. Following these incidents, his business was subjected to frequent “inspections” and fines and forced termination of contracts, leaving him with little choice but to sell up. There were also threats to have his children removed and placed in social services on the grounds that they were being exposed to “fascist” ideology, a common tactic to cow people in silence. “He decided to leave as it was made super clear that he wouldn’t have a normal life there anymore,” says Subotka. “My two uncles’ families, my cousins’ family, and more than a dozen friends’ families are currently political refugees in European countries.”In addition to his BCD membership and advocacy in Taiwan, Subotka is also a member of the People’s Embassies of Belarus, a diasporic organization that has established representative offices worldwide, but which Lukashenko’s state security apparatus has designated an “extremist” group. Likewise, information he has shared and liked on social media has subsequently been branded “extremist” by the Belarusian authorities. Demonstrating that such seemingly innocuous actions can have grave repercussions, Subtoka highlights the case of a friend who was jailed for 18 months for a social media post concerning the election. The individual was held in a tiny cell with no heating, warm garments, or proper bedding during winter when temperatures dropped as low as -20C and frost covered the walls. He was subjected to constant sleep deprivation and held with a cellmate infected with Covid, then denied treatment when he caught the disease. “It’s a common way to get rid of political prisoners,” says Subotka. While the friend almost died, he was fortunate to avoid the beatings that many dissidents have endured (including one of Subotka’s brothers) thanks to influential relatives, says Subotka. “They own big businesses which pay 30% directly to Lukashenko,” he says. The individual is now seeking asylum in Italy, he adds. Any faint hopes Subotka had entertained of obtaining the proof of renunciation remotely were dashed in September 2023, when Lukashenko issued a presidential edict, preventing Belarusian embassies and consulates from renewing passports and notarizing powers of attorney for proxies to act on behalf of Belarusian citizens abroad. Finally, having just gained custody of his son, he was not prepared to put the child at risk. “If I had to go to Belarus, I would have to bring him with me, as I am his primary caregiver,” he says. His ex-wife’s work schedule, he adds, would have made it impossible for her to help. “Even if I wasn’t detained [in Belarus], the process may have taken months. ”As Subotka emphasizes, his decision to apply for Taiwanese nationality, which his son enjoys, was based on the child’s welfare. “There is absolutely nothing more important for me than my son,” he says. Based on these factors, just after gaining custody in February 2024, Subotka wrote to the MOI requesting an exemption from the renunciation requirement. The request was based on Article 9, Paragraph 4, Subparagraph 3, of Taiwan’s Nationality Act, which states that “a foreign national may be exempted from submitting a certificate of loss of original nationality if . .. [h]e/she cannot obtain” one “for reasons not attributable to himself/herself.”Such a provision clearly fits Subotka’s situation. Furthermore, while Taiwan lacks a refugee law, it has ratified three United Nations-established human rights agreements that deal with the treatment of refugees: the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Although the UN has rejected Taiwan’s official documentation for these treaties, they are enshrined in domestic law, superseding contending legislation, which was amended to reflect the primacy of the international instruments. Among the prohibitions listed in the agreements are actions that would result in “the arbitrary deprivation of nationality, which would make someone stateless.”Yet, there remains a gap between the theoretical letter of the law and its practical application, as Taiwan’s authorities continue to ignore these international obligations. “The agreements are legally binding,” says Chiu Ee-ling, Taiwan section director for Amnesty International. “But there is no SOP, so every case relies on luck since they have the excuse that there’s no refugee law for them to apply.”In some cases, it comes down to a lack of expertise, says Chiu. “They haven’t been trained to deal with these cases differently, rather than go through the same procedures [used with] regular immigrants. ”Representatives of other Taiwan-based human rights organizations support Chiu’s assessment. “They’re used to doing things based on experience, not on law,” says Wang Si, deputy secretary general of Taiwan Association of Human Rights (TAHR). Yet, with Nationality Act provisions and UN-aligned measures a matter of public record, it seems inconceivable that the MOI and National Immigration Agency employees are unaware of the law. Privately, human rights representatives have suggested that lower-level civil servants are likely instructed to outright deny applications such as Subotka’s or at least that they do so through fear of admonishment from superiors. “I think they consider what their supervisors will think,” says Wang. “That’s why they tend to do nothing in [unfamiliar] situations. ”InSubotka’s case, his request appears, at least nominally, to have gone to the top. In April, he received a letter from the MOI, again signed by the minister, acknowledging that “the human rights record of the Republic of Belarus is not good, and cases of persecution against people involved in the democratic movement have been heard from time to time” — something of an understatement. However, the MOI argued that “there is no specific evidence that the government [of Belarus] has refused to accept applications for loss of nationality. ”Of course, this did not address the point: No one was arguing that Belarus was denying applications as such, rather that the requirement that such applications be made in person in Belarus presented a danger to some individuals. The response was indicative of the evasions, question-begging, and obfuscation that have confronted Subotka. For months, he attempted to make an in-person appointment at MOI offices in Taipei, only to be told that it was “unnecessary.”Having sought advice from and legal assistance through TAHR, Subotka eventually made the trip from his home in Taichung to “forcibly” present his case, with supporting documents, to the MOI and Ministry of Foreign Affairs offices (MOFA) in Taipei. At the latter location, he says the employee he dealt with “kept the conversation in a circle,” insisting that “everything is complicated, it’s not up to them, and I should just follow protocol.”He then sent further supporting documents, including a letter from the BCD co-chairman, which confirmed that Subotka is registered member of the party, that morethan 60 BCD members have suffered persecution, and that he would be at risk by returning to Belarus. Along with the original Russian correspondence, English and Chinese versions of the letter were included. Unfortunately, due to a mistranslation in the Chinese version that suggested Subotka was no longer a BCD member, the MOI replied that there was “no way to know whether Mr. Artsiom Subotka is a subject of interest [to the authorities in Belarus]. ”This error was corrected in a subsequent letter in June, which contained further documents supporting his case, including a letter from a representative of the People’s Embassies of Belarus confirming Subotka’s membership of Belarusians Abroad, which founded the embassies movement, and is designated as an “extremist formation” by the Belarusian KGB. Also included was a letter from the acting chairman of the Belarusian Helsinki Committee, the oldest human rights organization in Belarus, correspondence from organizers of the Taiwan Stands with Ukraine movement showing Subotka’s participation in the group’s activities, and information about a database of “troublemakers,” which Lukashenko ordered the police to establish post-election. The system reportedly uses Kipod, a Belarus-developed surveillance software that employs facial recognition to track dissidents. “It’s like the Chinese system, spying on everyone, and giving social scores,” says Subotka. A UN human rights report, stating that it is unsafe for Belarusians involved in pro-democracy activities to return to the country was also among the documents. All to no avail. In September, the new Minister of the Interior Liu Shyh-fang signed off on a letter stating it was “difficult to know” whether BCD members faced persecution. Based on this, the MOI argued, Subotka’s case “seemed to be inconsistent” with the Nationality Act provisions on the “impossibility” of obtaining proof of renunciation. Subotka thus finds himself facing the “witches’ paradox,” whereby the only means of satisfying the MOI that he risks persecution is by returning to Belarus and risking persecution. “It’s ridiculous,” says Subotka. “Why on earth would they admit someone is wanted for political activities?”He cites cases of individuals who were encouraged to return by assurances from Minsk, only for them to be arrested on arrival in Belarus. “Even trying to confirm if I am wanted or not raises chances of being wanted from 90% to 100%,” he says. A further example of the MOI’s circular logic appeared in the September missive, where it was argued that Subotka’s predicament “is due to factors related to the country’s political power” — precisely the point. There was, however, some good news in the letter, as the MOI announced that, based on MOFA’s verification of the difficulty in renouncing, the period for doing so would be extended to August 1, 2025. Then, in November, Subotka was granted a temporary Taiwanese passport, valid until November 2026. While his long-term future is still precarious, these developments have made Subotka cautiously optimistic. “It feels like a really big deal,” he says. “So, I’m thankful to Taiwan for this.”

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187290

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Taiwanese Lack Confidence, Not Competitiveness

The News Lens international edition is sponsored by Tutor A B CI nervously held up my placard when the chair asked for additional delegates to speak. My arms were shaking and shook even more when the chair said, “Argentina.” I didn’t want to speak because I knew I wouldn’t contribute anything to the discussion, but I still forced myself to do so. After a long list of other country names, it was finally my turn. I trembled as I walked onto the stage to give my speech, “Ar-Ar-Argentina believes that this committee should focus on integrating potential solutions as an universal standard and not just targeted towards specific countries. Thank you.”Those were the only words I said throughout the entire conference. This is what happened during the 2012 World Model UN Conference in Vancouver. I was part of the delegation from National Taiwan University representing Argentina. Our club chose me to be on the team hoping I would bring home the Best Delegate Award, an award that has been rarely achieved in the club’s past history. However, not only did I fail, I failed terribly. When I reflected on my failure, I examined all the reasons that may have led to it. Was I not capable enough to do well in the conference? No, I was one of the best on our team. Were the other delegates too good for me? Perhaps. But I knew completely what was going on and could have jumped in at any point. Then what caused my failure? I realized it was because I was not confident enough. The following year, a new team of students from our school attended the 2013 World Model UN in Melbourne. After they came back, we asked them what they thought of the conference and they all generally complained about their poor performance and seemingly incompetence compared to other delegates in their committee. These students were also the best in our club, and I knew they were not incompetent; they were simply not confident enough. This tends to happen with many Taiwanese people that travel abroad for conferences, exchange programs or just vacation. We become very intimated and uncomfortable in a foreign and unfamiliar environment. Why does it happen? I do not know for sure, and I am eager to find out. My hypothesis is that it is pertinent to our political and social history with regards to Taiwan being controlled and dominated by other countries. However, in this article, I will not discuss the reason of this phenomenon, but my opinion on this issue. I believe that Taiwanese people are capable of being successful on an international level, but we lack confidence. Taiwanese are not confident enough in themselves, and to some certain extent, pessimistic about their and the country’s future. In 2012, a Gallup poll suggested that 26% of Taiwanese surveyed rated their future lives worse than their current lives, the fifth highest among all samples. In addition, many thought leaders and famous professionals believe that Taiwanese students have no competitive advantage in the international market, or that the Taiwanese education does not foster talented people. We are constantly told that we lack in many different areas, specifically language skills and critical thinking abilities. In an interview with JT Hsu, managing director of The Boston Consulting Group in Taipei, he states that global communication skill is a critical problem for Taiwanese students. This leads to them being unable to effectively communicate their ideas in a logical and structured manner. Hsu also states that Taiwanese students are highly skilled at solving exam problems, but lack the critical thinking abilities to find the root cause of the problems. On the other hand, the media also likes to repeatedly emphasize Taiwan being in a bad shape politically, economically and socially. We often see news reports of Taiwan being oppressed in international events, such as the Olympics, statistics and numbers of Taiwan’s unemployment rate, salary, pension or talented professionals leaving Taiwan to work for foreign companies. All they tell us is that Taiwan is a bad place to be and to be a citizen of. But I beg to differ. As truthful as those facts may be, I still think that Taiwanese people are very capable and have certain traits or core competencies to be leaders of the international community. But due to our lack of self-confidence, we tend to retract back to our comfort zones and try to not stick out too much in the crowd. We become very conservative and cautious when faced with challenges and competition. As a result, we have not been able to succeed and prosper as we wished. To illustrate my point, here is a small story. I was studying in a café and sitting next to me were two girls having afternoon tea. The owner of the café happens to have several cats and they would wander around the shop. At one point, one of the cats jumps onto the table where the two girls are sitting and they are extremely frightened, not knowing what to do. After a few minutes, they decide to call the owner over to take it off the table. The owner apologizes and says hopefully it wouldn’t happen again. Ironically, the same cat jumps back onto the table ten minutes later and the two girls again face the same crisis. The owner comes over again, takes the cat even further away and embarrassingly apologizes again. The third time the cat jumps onto their table, the girls decide to switch to another table. In some sense, this story is analogous to the way Taiwanese students or companies face challenges from other countries. We tend to avoid direct confrontation and resort to alternative ways of dealing with the challenges due to our lack of confidence. However, when we’re faced with the challenges again, we will not know how to approach the problem and handle the situation. Many times, we end up admitting to defeat or give up. What most people don’t understand is that we are actually capable of outcompeting other nations and competitors. We have just never tried. Taiwanese students perform better than other students in school. In a 2009 study of over 9000 applicants to selective universities, two sociologists discovered that on average, white students were three times more likely to be admitted to a certain college than Asians, which consist mainly of Taiwanese, South Korean and Indian students. Taiwanese education, contrary to common misconception, is also very effective in educating students in the fundamentals of literacy, math and science. In 2012, the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) announced an updated version of the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) and Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), which suggests that Taiwanese first to ninth graders literacy scores rank ninth in the world. Furthermore, Taiwanese students’ math and science abilities ranked third in the world, following Singapore and South Korea, and outcompeting all western nations. In fact, some western countries are trying to learn from our teaching methodologies. I once met a Caucasian American at a networking event who worked as an English teacher in Taiwan but was intrigued by Taiwanese students’ performance in math and science. He believed that there were certain teaching methodologies the United States could learn and benefit from, and that there were certain areas where Taiwan did better than the United States. Another common misconception among Taiwanese is that the western world isn’t familiar with Taiwan or they undervalue Taiwan’s importance. Yet again, I beg to differ. From the perspective of foreigners, they are very impressed at how Taiwan is able to be a leader in the global high-tech industry despite being just an island. Taiwan is the largest producer of more than 20 products worldwide, including Mask ROM, Notebook PCs, Tablet PCs, Motherboards, LCD Monitors, Foundry, Desktop PCs and more. In addition, Taiwan is the second and third largest producer for more than ten products, including Digital Cameras, TFT-LCD Panels, IC design, Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells, OLED panels and many other electronic products. Photo Credit: Michael O’Donnell CC BY SA 2. 0Entrepreneurs and high-tech professionals in Silicon Valley also have a good understanding of Taiwan’s competitive advantage. Google Chairman Eric Schmidt came to Taiwan in 2011 to give a speech regarding the “unlimited possibility” of Taiwan. “I believe Taiwan has a chance to enter a new golden age of innovation, the era of the Internet, and that’s what I want to talk about," Schmidt said. Furthermore, Schmidt stated that Taiwan has 95% broadband penetration, 26% market share of smartphones, of which half uses mobile Internet services, and the ninth fastest Internet connection speed in the world. They are all better than the United States. Although these metrics might have grown in the past two years, but it still remains that Taiwan has an enormous potential to be a global Internet hub. So why, Taiwan? Why have we not been able to dominate the international stage? It is not because we are not capable, but because we are not confident enough. We fear facing challenges, competition and rivalry. We are afraid to take that leap of faith when uncertain of what comes next. We don’t know what the future holds for our country and us. But the truth is, nobody knows, and they are still moving forward to change the world. It is time for Taiwan to step up to the stage into the international spotlight. If we are confident that we will change the world, then we will. Edited by Olivia Yang

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/1058

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I Want To Stay In Taiwan Because Taiwan Is Not America

The News Lens international edition is sponsored by Tutor A B CI am an ABC (American Born Chinese) born in California. I grew up and was educated in California, lived in various parts of the US for the past 30 years or so, and acquired a Juris Doctorate at Georgetown University. Over the past few years, I have been living in Taiwan. The question I get asked most, whether by strangers, family, or acquaintances, when I indicate that I hope to stay long term, is why do I want to stay in Taiwan? In a sense, I can understand why they ask this question, and my answer can be perplexing without context. I do want to stay in Taiwan long term. I also understand that what we are most familiar with becomes our baseline for evaluating other things. (The grass is greener on the other side of the fence, meaning that in terms of our desires, we always want more what we do not have.) So what is it that Taiwan has that America does not? Up until relatively recently, travel from America had been more convenient and affordable. Indeed, it was much more a part of the national identity and expected norm for young Americans to travel abroad. Even I, who took no great pains to do so, have spent a week in Paris, a summer job and living in Tokyo, a week in Beijing, short trips to Hong Kong and many summers in Taiwan. Even within the US, I have lived in northern and southern California, on the west coast and the east coast in Virginia, Washington D. C. and Cambridge. I have been to Hawai’i, Seattle, Las Vegas, Reno, Manhattan, New Jersey, Kentucky, Arizona and Utah. I don’t consider myself to be very well travelled, not compared to my contemporaries who have been to Egypt, Bosnia, Tibet, Mongolia, Rome and even Antarctica. But when I speak to my students and peers here in Taiwan, I appreciate how spoiled I was with travel opportunities. I mention all this to show that I do have some background and perspective on living in various places, particularly those we might consider “safe” or “easy” travel options, as well as various parts of America itself that my peers here might not have. As I said, I was born and raised in America. I went through the American education system at all stages, from pre-school to post graduate doctorate. As a young child I was taught (One might say “indoctrinated,” but this is true of nearly any system and the regional government it falls under. ) the superiority of our way of life, the “American way.” I grew up believing in a meritocracy of hard work, in a political system of democracy, in “liberty” (whatever that may mean) and “justice for all” (an even vaguer statement). My adult experiences haven’t matched up with my young, idealist education. People are quick to point out that things are far from perfect here in Taiwan. This is true. The former president was under house arrest for rampant embezzling by himself and members of his family, mismanagement and under the table dealing have cost Taiwan lucrative opportunities and infrastructure that could be much more convenient (or logical), the Legislative branch is a laughingstock internationally for its boxing-politics, corrupt politicians are engineering scandals to divert attention, and a well known bakery was guilty of falsely advertising its goods as all-natural. These are all serious problems (maybe not the bread). But for all those problems, Taiwan still has an important advantage – Taiwan is not America. Nor should it strive to be. The same flaws we see in Taiwan exist on a grander scale and magnitude in the US, often go unnoticed or else are quickly forgotten, and nearly all go unpunished by a citizenry so disenfranchised and powerless as to be irrelevant in a government by the people, of the people, and for the people. America does not learn from its own mistakes, and so they are repeated, growing worse with each iteration. This is not a path to success as a nation, nor progress as a people. There is no reason for Taiwan to commit the same mistakes as America, no reason why Taiwan should not learn from the mistakes of others and guard against them in its own future. Consider the latest shutdown of the US Government, estimated to cost the US national economy US$24 billion. At the state and city level, some local economies were hurt so badly that state governments had to contemplate breaking federal law or else paying for federal services – services which are already paid for by tax payer money, and would be paid for (again) at the state and city level through tax income. Some 500, 000 federal employees were forced to work on the assurance that they would be paid for their work after the shutdown ended; 1. 3 million were simply expected to work. 800, 000 will simply have to go without two weeks pay altogether (a situation later remedied). Welfare and assistance programs for the needy were also shutdown; two weeks is a long time to go hungry. Important research in climate change was canceled, in effect postponed for a year (overlooking the fact that more importantly, previously unbroken year-to-year data will now have a gap). These were all deemed “unnecessary expenditures.” This does not include the effects outside the U.S. – many were unable to get passports or visas or renewals; President Obama even canceled a diplomatic visit to Asia. At the same time, many of the congressmen who actively worked to bring the US government to this sorry state kept their pay; indeed, they even kept their private gym as “essential services” until the public was made aware. For what? Many of the same congressmen who refused to pass the funding bill under pretense of federal over spending did so previously under the republican president Bush Jr; clearly this cannot be the true underlying reason. Even after the shutdown, nearly two dozen congressmen announced that they would cross party lines for the greater good and end the shutdown, but no proposal was presented for vote. A very small handful of individuals pursuing personal agendas unrelated to governance and public welfare engineered and maintained the shutdown, later admitting to doing so in order to “build campaign funding lists.” Presumably this was done by showing one’s willingness and ability to forsake one’s duty to nation and government, flexing political muscle in pursuit of private goals. Of course, the ability to overthrow the design of balance in a government, to take it hostage to get one’s way, is quite powerful and valuable. Disturbingly, this last shutdown is a part of a trend in American politics. The US government has faced 12 shutdowns, most lasting between one and three days. More recently, shutdowns lasted five days, a modest increase, but still important at a cost of billions of dollars per day. And then a sudden jump to twenty-one and sixteen days, both in stubborn pursuit of private goals tied to funding and funding groups. This is quite simply no way to run a government, and fortunately Taiwan has yet to be subjected to such political nonsense. But that is no reason to rely on luck. Taiwan can learn from America’s mistakes. I want to stay in Taiwan, because Taiwan is not America. Taiwan still has hope. (This article was originally published on The News Lens Taiwan Edition on 11/02/2013.)Edited by Olivia Yang

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/833

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Foreigner in Taiwan on the Future of the Taiwan Tea Industry

The News Lens international edition is sponsored by Tutor A B CSanxia is one of the lower altitude tea producing regions in Taiwan, less than an hour’s drive outside of Taipei City, with tea planted at altitudes from 200m to 600m above sea level. The hills of Sanxia are dotted with tea, and second and third generation tea farmers working hard to pluck the tea off the bush. The soil and weather of Sanxia are intensely fertile. So much so that certain cultivars of tea can be harvested, in season, once every seven days, as opposed to the traditional two to four annual harvests common higher altitude tea regions of Taiwan, like Lishan and Fushoushan. The most common type of tea produced in Sanxia is 青心柑仔 (Qing Xin Gan Si), a cultivar not grown elsewhere on the island which is used to produce the full range of fermented teas, from white to black. In addition to Qing Xin Gan Si, Sanxia is home to a host of fruits like pomelo, bitter tea fruit, oranges, longyan, and assorted other citrus fruits. As a foreigner in Taiwan’s wonderful tea industry, I’m fortunate to be able to travel around and learn from farmers about the history of tea in Taiwan, about tea culture in Taiwan, and about how people in the traditional tea industry do business both domestically and internationally. When I got to set off on a trip to Sanxia to visit the Jian An Tea Company (Jian An for short), I was delighted to spend the day with the family behind the company, which has been around for more than 100 years. Jian An was founded by the current owner Mr. Wang’s Grandfather before the Japanese occupation of Taiwan began. The company has stayed in the Wang family for four generations, developing and adapting to market fluctuations and changes of government and policy, through most of the complicated history of Taiwan. When you walk in the door at Jian An, you can’t help but feel you are stepping back in time. Generations of history hang thick in the air, like a heavy mist over a tea field at dawn. The walls are made of old, sun-beaten hand-made red brick, and the rafters of the factory are made from good, hard, Sanxia wood. True to its historical roots, Jian An makes use of a host of traditional tea manufacturing equipment from the 1950s, all of which is still completely operational. The Wang family is proud to have won multiple competitions for tea from the Sanxia Regional Tea Producers Association, winning a host of first prize medals and coveted “special awards.”Mr. Wang, the current owner, told us how his company’s business strategy and methods of production have changed over multiple generations of his family. “During my Grandfather’s time, we used to focus on quantity over quality. That’s where my family felt all of the profit was at the time, and my grandfather was glad to have the chance to export such a unique product from Taiwan to the rest of the world. He wanted the rest of the world to have a chance to love some part of Taiwan.”During the Japanese occupation of Taiwan, the government put restrictions on all tea producers throughout the island. All farmers were restricted to production of black, fully fermented teas. Specifically Eastern Japan Black Tea, or (日東紅茶). At the time, the Japanese saw Taiwan as a “little Tokyo,” an island add-on to their nation that was just a hop, skip, and a jump away. Because of this, they began using the country to produce a whole host of consumer goods, like tea, at low cost. The Japanese didn’t want to teach Taiwanese tea farmers how to produce green tea, intending to protect their domestic producers from foreign competition. Tea farmers in Taiwan were allowed to produce very small crops of green teas for personal consumption, but were not even supposed to sell it at their local corner markets. Due to the political situation of the era, all tea produced at Jian An during the first generation of the Wang family was black tea. It was produced in bulk, and mainly for export. There just wasn’t any other economically feasible strategy. After the Japanese occupation came to an end with the Cairo Conference in November of 1943, tea producers in Taiwan were more free to experiment with and produce a variety of loose leaf teas. At that time, the Wang family grew Baozhong teas, Jasmine teas, and Oriental Beauty teas (東方每人). The teas which Taiwanese farmers had been making and perfecting for personal consumption in micro-batches during the Japanese occupation became more widely available to domestic markets. During the 60s and 70s, the Wang family began to alter their style of production, shifting away from Jasmine and Oriental Beauty tea production towards Long Jing and Jasmine tea with a focus on bulk production for local consumption. At the time, the Nong Lin Tea Company in Taiwan had a government backed monopoly over tea export. Any foreign buyers wishing to acquire tea from Taiwan had to deal with the Nong Lin Tea Company, so many of the smaller producers began focusing on domestic markets. Nong Lin’s government backed monopoly eventually came to an end, and foreign buyers are slowly beginning to rediscover the vast, vast array of high quality teas which can be exported out of Taiwan. Forming relationships with local suppliers, and the language barrier can be tricky for foreign companies wishing to source unique teas from Taiwan. However, those in the know see that the international tea industry is growing faster than the coffee industry, and are putting in the time and effort to form relationships. Mr. Wang predicts that in the next five to six years tea farmers will have shifted towards small-batch production of healthy, organic teas, paralleling the development of both the wine and coffee industries in the West. Mr. Wang is taking the family business in a new direction to match up with the trends he sees shaping the future of the tea industry. “Consumers have become more intelligent, and consequently more picky,” He explains. “The coffee industry has grown massively in the last few decades, and now coffee drinkers are sick of bland and watery coffee. They want unique, high quality, interesting coffee in their cup. They want to be able to taste the fact that coffee is a fruit, a berry, and pick up on many different flavors in a cup. And you just can’t achieve that with mass production. It’s just how things will be in the future. So we’re also focusing on high quality, and smaller batch tea production.”International competition from China has made Long Jing tea impossible to produce for most farmers in Taiwan, including the Wang family. As such, Jian An has shifted away from Long Jing teas, a previous staple, and is emphasizing seasonal variation in their tea. They use a method whereby tea farmers concentrate on the weather conditions that go into making each seasonal harvest of tea unique, and prepare the tea trying to give the most authentic experience of that harvest possible. They are focusing far more on their unique terroir as a market differentiator. “Spring teas tend to be sweeter, because the weather during the late winter and early spring when the leaves are growing is cooler. Because the weather is cooler, the teas grow at a slower rate, and the water content becomes more concentrated, more packed into a relatively smaller leaf. Summer teas tend to be more consistent because the leaves are growing rapidly all the time, and fall teas tend to be more heavy, and potent. We try to bring out the character of each seasons’ harvest now, because consumers want a unique experience of our product.”As a foreigner who has grown up exposed to wine marketing and participated personally in the growth of the high-quality coffee market in the US from a consumer side, the type of language that Mr. Wang is using to describe how he is positioning his company is exactly what I am used to and what I expect to hear from tea companies. With that said, almost no tea farmers, and very few tea companies that I have met in Taiwan seem to be making the mental shift towards small-batch production that Mr. Wang has articulated. Whether or not Mr. Wang’s predictions about the future of the tea industry, and micro-batch production will be accurate or not remains to be seen. The Jian An tea company has proven itself successful through a variety of economic and political situations over the past 100 years, so we have strong reason to believe that they will be able to adapt to emerging trends shaping the tea industry at present, and continue to thrive for generations to come. Factors like global warming and international competition will place Taiwan’s tea industry as a whole under increasingly high pressure to adapt to modern trends, like Jian An is preparing to do. Personally, I believe that the tea industry in Taiwan, and everywhere else for that matter, could benefit from examining how the wine and coffee industries have grown in the west. I am excited to see the direction the tea industry in Taiwan takes in the next five to ten years, and don’t think there could be a more exciting time for foreigners interested in tea to come and check it out. Edited by Olivia Yang

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/382

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Five Years after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster: Learn from the 3/11 Transcripts

By The Japan Times editorial teamThe transcripts of the interviews of 19 people who dealt with the March 2011 triple meltdowns at Tokyo Electric Power Co. ’s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, including the late Masao Yoshida, then chief of the plant, may offer little new information about the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl but still provide important lessons that must be learned for management of future crises. Last week’s release of the transcripts had been closely watched, especially due to conflicting reports by some members of the media over the interview of Yoshida, who led the desperate efforts to contain the situation at the crippled plant after the 3/11 tsunami destroyed the emergency generators needed to operate the reactors’ cooling system, and an apology by the Asahi Shimbun after the release stating that its earlier report — which alleged that many of the workers at the No. 1 plant had defied Yoshida’s orders and fled to the Fukushima No. 2 plant at the height of the crisis — was erroneous. However, the naming of names should not let us lose sight of what the transcripts tell us about what transpired among people at the plant, the Tepco headquarters in Tokyo and the government as they tried to deal with the crisis — which will be all the more important as the power industry and the Abe administration move to restart nuclear power plants idled in the wake of the 2011 disaster. The late Masao Yoshida, then director of the troubled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant speaks at a news conference in Okuma, Fukushima Prefecture on Nov. 12, 2011. Photo Credit: AP/ 達志影像 The 19 people, including then Prime Minister Naoto Kan and key members of his Cabinet, were among a total of 772 people interviewed for the government’s probe into the Tepco plant disaster. Yoshida, who died of esophageal cancer last year, reportedly asked that the transcript not be made public saying that his statements may include erroneous recognition of facts, but the government decided to release his and others’ transcripts after media reports gave conflicting accounts of Yoshida’s testimony. In the roughly 400 page transcript, Yoshida gives vivid descriptions in candid words of what he thought and did as he and his men faced the loss of power at the plant. His testimony shows that Tepco had not been prepared for the cutoff of emergency power. Yoshida admits that he did not have an answer ready on how to cool the reactors in such a situation. He repeatedly talks of “death” in the initial days of the crisis as the realization sinks in that the nuclear fuel had already started to melt, and might melt through the reactors’ container vessels and release massive amount of radioactive substances. Yoshida flatly denies that he thought of withdrawing all his men from the plant even as fears rose of the worst-case catastrophe. He says he pondered keeping a skeleton crew at hand to manage the crippled reactors but having all other nonessential workers to evacuate. The transcript shows that many workers in fact braved the danger and worked desperately to keep the situation under control. Still, even the men who Yoshida counted among the nation’s most capable engineers with trouble-shooting experience were unable to prevent the core meltdowns, which left large areas around the Fukushima No. 1 plant uninhabitable due to the radiation fallout more than three years after the disaster — and likely even much longer. The safety standards updated in the wake of the Fukushima crisis call for measures to make nuclear power plants resilient against natural disasters, including maximum possible quakes and tsunami forecast on their sites, as well as steps to deal with severe accidents. It still needs to be verified if a system has been established in which workers at each plant will be able to manage situations that have not been foreseen — as happened at the Fukushima plant — in future possible crises. Upgrading plant hardware alone would not be sufficient to manage crises, in which, as Yoshida’s accounts show, things may not work out as they are presupposed to. Members of the media, wearing protective suits, interview Japan’s Minister of the Environment, Goshi Hosono, and Chief of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant, Masao Yoshida, inside the emergency operation center at the crippled nuclear power station in Okuma, Japan. Nov. 12, 2011. Photo Credit: AP/ 達志影像 In his testimony, Yoshida defends Tepco’s inaction in response to a 2008 simulation by experts that the No. 1 plant could be hit by a tsunami as high as 15. 7 meters if a strong quake hits off Fukushima Prefecture. As head of Tepco’s department responsible for managing its nuclear power plant equipment to prepare for natural disasters when he was informed of the scenario, Yoshida says that the power company needed to assess the cost-efficiency of measures to invest money in measures to deal with the hypothetical simulation — which turned out to have rightly gauged the estimated 15. 5 meter height of the tsunami that hit on March 11, 2011. It needs to be closely monitored if the power companies still follow the same business logic as they respond to the updated plant safety standards. The July 2012 report by the government’s investigation into the Fukushima nuclear disaster pointed to a shortage of information about events at the plant reaching the prime minister’s office. Kan’s administration came under criticism that its “meddling” — apparently based on insufficient information — created confusion in the on-site team’s fight to contain the situation at the plant. The released transcripts underline the communication failures between the government and Tepco headquarters — and between Tepco’s top executives in Tokyo and the Fukushima plant team. A typical episode is the order by a senior executive at Tepco headquarters to Yoshida on March 12, 2011, to stop the injection of seawater to cool Reactor 1 after the supply of fresh water ran out. The executive, who had reportedly been urged by Kan to look into the possibility of seawater injection causing a nuclear chain reaction known as recriticality, told Yoshida that seawater injection had not yet been approved by the prime minister’s office. Yoshida’s decision to ignore the executive’s order and keep on injecting seawater is credited for preventing the situation from worsening. Kan, in his interview transcript, says he never told Tepco to halt the seawater injection and blames miscommunication and misunderstanding on Tepco’s part. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (R) and Reconstruction Minister Takumi Nemoto (C), briefed by Tamotsu Baba, mayor of Namie, inspect the town’s shopping street on March 24, 2013. Photo Credit: AP/ 達志影像 In the part of the transcript where Yoshida recounts the repeated urging from the Tepco headquarters and the government to hasten the venting operations to release radioactive steam from the stricken reactors to reduce the buildup of pressure on the morning of March 12, he says there was a distinct gap between the on-site staff at the plant and the Tokyo headquarters in the recognition of what’s going on — which he says was even wider between the plant staff and the prime minister’s office. It remains unclear if the government and power companies have learned from such communication gaps — perhaps other than to blame leaders of the previous DPJ-led administration. The government does not appear to have done much to follow up on its 2012 report to dig deeper into how the Fukushima disaster evolved into a crisis. It needs to use the testimonies of Yoshida and others, including those that remain confidential, to learn what went wrong before and during the events in 2011, and to help avert or contain future crises. Edited by Olivia YangRead the full Yoshida testimony here. The Japan Times has authorized publication of this article. The original text is published here.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/7815

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Should You Post Photos of Your Children on The Internet?

As parents, does your heart stop whenever you see the words, “Are you exposing photos of your children” or “Ten signs you’re exposing your children on Facebook”? But after two days, you happily share photos of your little angel on the Internet again. Every time an issue pops up, whether you agree with it or not, you need to think before forgetting about it. An argument represents someone else’s opinion, and it is only after you reflect on it does it become a value of your own. This helps you remain calm when coming across alarming content. Especially when it comes to your beloved children. You don’t intend to hurt them with any decision you make. Many websites have been created to help record memories of your children. This relates to the advancement of technology. Original tribes used to rely on word of mouth to document events, and then writing came along, which was followed by the invention of cameras. At first, people believed the machines were evil devices that stole your soul, but moving on from this misconception, they knew not to fear the video camera when it came along. And now we have the Internet. The speed of revolution is not in our control, and with unpredictability comes anxiety. But you can’t let this unease get in the way of you understanding how technology helps create memories of your children. Maybe we are in the middle of amending our synergy with the Internet, and the moment belongs to us. We can’t just abandon this occasion. It often comes down to the question of privacy and autonomy when discussing why someone is against the exposure of their children. The ultimate demand all points toward waiting until your children become of age and letting them decide if they want to make an appearance on the Internet. From another perspective, before children become legal adults, their parents make every decision. If merely posting photos requires approval, then doesn’t it mean children need to agree to everything starting from the first school they attend? An inappropriate photo can raise issues, but what influence it has is all speculation. A translated article in an overseas publication mentions, when applying for college, professors might try to get an idea of who you are from your Facebook profile or other websites, and use it as a basis for admission. I almost choked on my food upon reading this. I’m not sure if professors abroad have a lot of spare time, but I have been a university secretary for over a year. Every year we receive hundreds of applications and only 20 of them are accepted. The entire process takes only around three months, from releasing the official calling for applications to posting admission results. I have to constantly remind professors to go through the applications and that we are running out of time. Under these circumstances, even an idle secretary like me doesn’t have the time to stalk a person on the Internet. On the other hand, Facebook has only been available to the public for ten years since its launch in 2005. This means the first batch of children who were exposed the second they were born are around eight or nine years old now. Maybe there are parents who have made a detailed autobiographical documentation for their children that could possibly affect their lives. But like picking out schools for them, whether it is choosing between public or private ones, or even applying for college, doesn’t hinting at certain choices influence their future even more? Because parents are legal guardians, they can only act first and think later before their minors learn to decide for themselves. Photo Credit: amrufm @ Flickr CC By 2. 0Refusing to make a documentation of any kind is the ultimate approach to protecting the privacy of your children. But won’t your children ask why their childhood is a blank sheet or only built from scattered memories of their parents? Social media platforms are also constantly pushing nostalgic features to attract users. Facebook itself has three, “On This Day”, “A Look Back”, and “Year in Review.” Even the most untouched Google+ has launched Google Story. With a click of your mouse, an intricate timeline of anniversaries, a year ago today, or even two years ago, can be created. But how vivid the timeline is depends on how deep you connect your children to the Internet. We also need to worry if these tools can live to see the day our children are old enough to use them. Ten years ago when I was in college, MSN, Wretch, and My Yahoo were mainstream platforms, but now they belong in museums. All the memories you slaved to save on these websites simply vanished if you didn’t relocate them before the sites shut down. Finally comes the most disturbing concern of breaking the law. It doesn’t matter if you’re a parent or not; every one needs to understand that not one platform is completely untarnished. Evil thoughts shadow people, and crimes aren’t only committed through the Internet, neither do people solely use the Internet to break the law. This is a scale we need to keep balanced. Every one holds different standards, and articles that pose as warnings have been multiplying. So before you leave a page, all you need to do is stop and think for an extra second. You’re creating memories for your children, and I don’t believe any parent would wish an unbearable past on their child. It doesn’t matter what others say; comments that hint infatuation are just slander. Like our parents’ faded photo album, in the end we are the only ones left that resonate with it, but it is the most significant piece of evidence that proves our care for each other. Translated by Olivia Yang

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/17801

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Young Adults in China Returning to the Countryside to Find Meaning in Life

TNL international edition is sponsored by Tutor A B CVideo produced by: Sun Yunfan、Leah ThompsonDown to the Countryside 返乡 from Sun Yunfan on Vimeo. The world has heard much of late about the scale and scope of China’s mass migration from the poor rural countryside to its booming cities. Some think the number of these migrant workers will soon reach some 400 million souls. They have created massive new urban megaplexes like Chongqing, which now has a population of close to 30 million. But such precipitous, rapid, and massive urbanization inevitably causes reactions. And in this beautifully shot short film by Leah Thompson and Sun Yunfan, we are introduced to one urban “back-to-the-lander,” Ou Ning, who for all the understandable reasons has moved his family from Beijing to the countryside in the storied Huizhou region of Anhui Province. The film is a lovely evocation of how urban malaise has led one city intellectual to forsake the increasingly polluted, expensive, hectic, and crowded capital in search of a quieter, cleaner, and more sylvan setting for his family. Whether he will prove a harbinger of things to come in China is as yet uncertain. But what does seem beyond question is that as China’s enormous and environmentally hazardous cities grow ever larger and more polluted, Ou Ning’s pioneering escape will become a tempting model for many others to follow. —Orville SchellChina File has authorized publication of this article. The original text is published here: Down to the Countryside

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/10624

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American Employers in Asian Markets: What Asian Students Need to Know Before Choosing an American University to Work in Asia

Asians now more than ever need to obtain a degree from a top US university to be considered for the best jobs with American employers in their very own home countries. In the main Asian markets of Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai, sometimes even graduating from the best local universities is not enough. Why has this trend drastically increased in the last decade? There are many reasons, but the ultimate answer is very simple: because people that are interviewing and employing you have done so, too. Many of these foreign employers and their Asian employees have attained degrees in the US. The reality in Asia today is that competitive candidates in the high-end services industries (consultants, attorneys, business and so on), need to demonstrate a strong “East-West” profile. These job candidates need to demonstrate that they are equally able to deal with the local clients in their country and with the English/American superiors (the “boss”) in their jobs, as well as other foreign clients. This demand for a mixed profile results in a new trend in the last decades for a flooding of Asian students going to the US to study. The bad news is that although there are dozens of US universities that can teach you what you need to know for your career, there are only a few that your future employers will actually like. There is only about ten universities that are recognized by top American employers in Asia, and there is only about six that will guarantee you not getting your resume dismissed in two seconds-of course a job is never guaranteed in today’s market. The largest of these “employer-employee” clubs are Columbia and New York University (NYU). In a world flooded with Hollywood movies, it is not difficult to see why every single person in the world thinks that New York is the capital of the world and that everything that is amazing happens there. Even if the reality is that New Yorkers are overworked, overstressed, and they live inside their offices, all of this is still not enough to dissuade people from chasing a fantasy life in the world’s biggest urban jungle. The Columbia-NYU gang in Asia is the strongest and most numerous. They usually hold themselves to be business savvy and cosmopolitan—they lived in Manhattan and thus they know best. Many of these Columbia-NYU employers are very “loyal” to hiring other fellow alumni, if anything because they think all others US universities are beneath their caliber—unless they went to the next university. Yes, you guessed right: Harvard. The club of all clubs. People that are in it, love it; people that are not, hate it. Some people even define part of their “lifestyle” based on the fact that they attended this “master university." Indeed, for many, Harvard is the only good reason to attend graduate school outside of New York. At conferences it is not uncommon to identify Harvard alumni, if anything because they give you their Harvard business cards unless they have a job business card that expresses “absolute success." While the Harvard crowd has respect for the other top ten US universities, deep in their hearts they will always think that if you didn’t go to Harvard you only did “okay.”If there is one place outside of Asia that Asians love is California. California people are among the most loyal to their own. The Stanford-Berkley alumni group is numerous and strong in Asia. Although Berkley is well recognized, it does not match the greatness of the other three universities previously mentioned. However, Stanford is by now at equals with Harvard (Stanford = Harvard. v2). Stanford is probably the best choice for lifestyle, education and recognition; it is essentially as good as Harvard, but with an amazing weather. American employers will think highly of you across Asia if you come from Stanford. The fact that there are plenty of Asians already in California applying to these universities means the chances of acceptance are incredibly lowThe remaining top universities are still “very good," but they are not “memorable." This means employers will know about them, but they will not give your resume the instant “checkmark of greatness” that the other universities mentioned above will. The other top US universities don’t have strong alumni groups in Asia either. The Yale people are just too few in numbers. The rest of the top universities such as Duke, Northwestern, University of Chicago, Georgetown, the other Ivy League Schools and so on, still look good on a resume. However, in a typical situation where the person interviewing you is the Asian employee of the American boss, that person might not be so knowledgeable about US universities and they would not necessarily associate “greatness” with any of these schools even if they are great in the US. The last category is all other US universities. Any American university that is not at least top ten is almost guaranteed to put you in the “you have a generic US degree” category. American employers in Asia would still recognize that you went abroad to study and learn about “western culture,” but not much more than that. In the end, when you return to Asia the value of your degree is much less compared to the other top universities and so might be your future career prospects. Thus, Asian students choosing an American university need to strongly consider that there are only a handful of universities that will “connect” them with great American employers in Asia. Asian students should still be mindful of the financial aid package of each university, since this can be a big life changing decision in your future finances considering the enormous cost of American universities. Last, if your guanxi and connections are strong in your own home country then there is no need to worry about the prestige of the university you attend since you will likely be known by other things than your academic background. However, for the rest of Asian students that are not “connected" and come from humble backgrounds, American employers in Asia are only looking at a handful of universities because those are the ones they know and trust. (This article was originally published on The News Lens Taiwan Edition on 1/17/2014.)Edited by Olivia Yang

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/1735

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KMT Proposes Martial Law Changes, Triggered by Korea’s Political Fallout

Kuomintang (KMT) lawmaker Hsu Yu-chen proposed an amendment to Taiwan’s martial law legislation in response to South Korea’s short-lived martial law imposition. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) blasted the move as one intended for political mileage. On Monday, Hsu's proposed amendment draft to the first article of the Martial Law Act, required that if the president declares martial law, it must be submitted to the Legislative Yuan for approval within 24 hours. As stipulated by the current Martial Law Act, Taiwan’s president has a one-month buffer to await the Legislative Yuan for approving the martial law, which creates “a large loophole” allowing the president to abuse power during this procedural vacuum. Hsu explained that South Korea’s parliamentary veto of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration, which lasted only 6 hours, influenced her to propose the amendment. “If the president declares martial law, this one-month period could become an opportunity for abuse of power,” Hsu said, citing the potential for the president to deploy forces at will and arrest political opponents within this timeframe. “This would pose a great threat to Taiwan’s freedom and democracy.”The proposal she pushed forward also stipulates that if the Legislative Yuan is in recess, an emergency session should be convened immediately to address the matter. In response, KMT Chairman Eric Chu referred to the one-month gap under the current Martial Law Act as “a window period” that should be reviewed. He also called on DPP members to jointly support the proposal. DPP legislator Rosaline Wu told a news conference that the party has been clear in its opposition to any future use of martial law, and she described the KMT legislator’s proposal as a political stunt aimed at gaining exposure. Tsai Yi-yu, another DPP legislator, echoed Wu’s criticism, accusing the KMT of sensationalizing martial law for political gain. He also noted that the KMT’s historical imposition of martial law had led to Taiwan’s “dark era” for 38 years, and emphasized that the law is now obsolete. Tsai also criticized that the general budget has not yet passed the third reading, and stressed that the most urgent issue at hand is not the Martial Law Act. He argued that the KMT is intentionally hyping this issue to divert attention from more pressing matters. The proposal to amend the Martial Law Act is set to be submitted to the Legislative Yuan’s Procedure Committee on Tuesday. The reading will likely take place on Friday before being referred to the related committee for examination.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187297

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President Lai’s Stopover in Hawaii Seen as ‘Strategic’

President Lai Ching-te made a stopover in Hawaii and the U.S. territory of Guam during last weekend before heading to the three Pacific nations that are Taiwan's diplomatic allies. This move, which scholars have analyzed as"strategic, "has sparked anger from Beijing, which has threatened to lodge a"serious protest"against Taiwan. The Hawaii trip began with Lai speaking at a banquet for members of the overseas Taiwanese community, followed by a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial and the Austronesian Heritage site, a historical location reflecting shared cultures between the U.S. and Taiwan. The largest local newspaper, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, featured his visit on the front page and published a photo of Lai shaking hands with Hawaii Governor Josh Green, with the headline “Taiwan President Begins First Pacific Visit.”In a forum invited by the think tank the East-West Center, Lai greeted President Suzanne Vares-Lum, and thanked the center for partnering with Taiwan on the Pacific Islands Leadership Program, which shared dedication with Taiwan to fostering peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. Lai also took the opportunity to thank the US for its longstanding support under the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, which continuously strengthens the Taiwan-US partnership. Although no U.S. officials greeted him, the trip drew significant scrutiny from China, which condemned Lai’s visit and threatened to conduct military drills near Taiwan. Lev Nachman, Assistant Professor of Political Science at National Taiwan University, told The News Lens that making a stop in the US before visiting other diplomatic allies signifies “a wise desire to show that Lai is going to carry his policy to the US. The timing is purposeful, as it is a sensitive time.”“Many people see Lai’s trip to the US as an appeal to Trump, and proceeding the visit after the arms purchase is certainly an effort to gain Trump’s favor,” Nachman said. “No question, it’s Taiwan’s way of showing how it prioritizes the US and values relations with the US, regardless of who is in power.”On Sunday, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed strong opposition to any form of U.S. support or tolerance for "Taiwan independence" separatists and their activities. In a statement, China condemned the U.S. for facilitating Lai’s "stopover" and said it had lodged a formal protest with the U.S. over the matter. Taiwan's security agencies anticipate that Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, may use Lai’s trip as a pretext for military drills near the island. Such maneuvers, frequently accompanied by propaganda campaigns, have become a standard tactic for Beijing. Similar shows of military strength were conducted following prominent interactions between Taiwan and the U.S. , such as last year’s visit by former President Tsai Ing-wen to California. The remainder of President Lai’s trip will include visits to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, the only Pacific island nations among the 12 countries that recognize Taiwan’s sovereignty. Ahead of the trip, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Defense issued a statement, declaring that China would"strongly oppose any form of official interaction with Taiwan"and would"resolutely thwart"any attempts to secure Taiwan's independence.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187287

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Why the Indian Ocean Could Constrain China in a Taiwan War

In recent months, the People’s Liberation Army-Navy has threatened boththe Philippines andJapan, making a war seem more likely. Since the Taiwan's presidential election in January, the threat to Taiwan has also increased. While China aims to project its naval superiority in the South China Sea, the Indian Ocean would be China’s weak point in a war for Taiwan. Every day, almost60 crude oil carriers navigate from the Persian Gulf, through the Red Sea, across the Indian Ocean, passing through the Malacca Strait, and finally reaching China, supplying approximately half of the country's oil. The Strait of Malacca, located between Malaysia and Indonesia, is a critical chokepoint that the U.S. Navy could easily blockade, cutting off China’s access to energy, raw materials, and critical goods. China initially had a plan calledThe String of Pearls, intending to create a network of military bases and monitoring stations supporting PLA-Navy operations across the Indian Ocean, from China to the Horn of Africa. However, what has materialized is a Maritime Silk Road linking Chinese ports to commercial ports, such asPiraeus in Greece, Kyaukpyu in Myanmar, Gwadar in Pakistan, and Colombo and Hambantota in Sri Lanka. In the event of a conflict with the U.S. , it's unlikely that Greece, being a NATO member, would allow Chinese ships to dock. China currently has only one dedicated military base in the Indian Ocean, situated in Djibouti, serving as a logistics and support facility for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). The lack of additional bases for takeoff would mean that the PLA-Airforce could not participate in a war in the Indian Ocean, and the PLAN would face limited opportunities to dock and resupply. However, through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has invested in and upgraded port facilities in various countries bordering the Indian Ocean. According to the United StatesDepartment of Defense estimates, China may have as many as 11 facilities in the Indian Ocean, including Pakistan, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka. While these facilities may potentially be used to support military activities in the region, they are not officially classified as military bases. Assuming that India does not prevent China from using naval facilities in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the PLA-Navy could theoretically operate in the Indian Ocean, albeit without air cover. Xi Jinping aims to extend thePeople's Liberation Army's (PLA) power abroad, but establishing overseas bases requires theapproval of host countries, and very few have granted permission so far. Without such bases, China must depend on support from its allies. The PLA-Navy has participated in joint exercises with the navies of Russia, Iran, and Pakistan in the Indian Ocean. Additionally, collaborative training exercises have occurred between the PLA-Navy and the naval forces of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. However, the potential support of these nations in a conflict with the United States remains uncertain. In contrast, the United States has formed numerous contractual alliances, including NATO, Aukus, the Quad, and others. Moreover, the US has the ability to assemble ad hoc alliances, as seen in the initiation ofOperation Prosperity Guardian in response to Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. While the initial participation involved 20 countries, the current count is ten nations, with China opting not to join. It seems improbable that China could mobilize an international coalition to combat the Houthis, and even less likely that it could find allies willing to confront the United States in the Indian Ocean. Numerous experts speculate that Xi's objective is to be prepared for a potential invasion ofTaiwan by 2027. However, even if China manages to find a solution in the Indian Ocean by then, the Malacca dilemma remains unresolved for Beijing. The U.S. Navy's powerful presence in the region, combined with the narrowness of the Malacca Strait makes it easier to control, further amplifying China's vulnerability. Any disruption in the Malacca Strait could lead to economic upheaval in China, and the world, potentially shaping international opinions. Beijing's reliance on oil would compel the PLA-Navy to escort ships in the Indian Ocean while grappling with the challenge of breaking a blockade in the Malacca Strait. This scenario could dilute the firepower directed towards Taiwan. However, China maintains significant reserves of oil and food. At the same time, Chinese submarines are improving and could support the PLA-Navy’s surface operations in the Indian Ocean. In conclusion, the Indian Ocean and the Malacca Strait present vulnerabilities for China, but they may not be decisive factors. The proximity of the Indian Oceanto numerous countries suggests that the outcome of any conflict in that region would likely be determined by which country could garner the support of the most allies. In this context, India, ranking fourth in military power, and Russia, holding the second position, would play crucial roles. Russia could be a potential ally for China, but it doesn't have direct access to the Indian Ocean. If there were a conflict involving China, India might become a potential ally for the United States, and the Indian Ocean serves as the primary area of responsibility for the Indian Navy.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/186822

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Feel the magic of space and let yourself be touched – we step into Chi Po-lin Museum

“A city always accommodates people from everywhere and shoulders all kinds of dreams with no complaints. People and cities are constructed by numerous selves; the heartbeats of people and cities are synchronized and closely connected.”In the trailer of the exhibition, Wu Nein-jen, with a warm and earnest voice, invites the public to come to the exhibition, “The City, The Flâneur,” of the Chi Po-lin Museum. Chi Po-lin’s photographic works take people flying through mountains “from a bird's-eye view” and traverse cities one after another, while uncovering the hidden heartbeat of hometowns from a novel overlooking view. A city is where people live together. It is home to distinguished daily lives. Besides the rich collection of works left by Director Chi Po-lin, visitors can also appreciate the collaborative works by Author Joanne Deng, Designer Peter Chang, Photographer Chen Min-jia, and Sociologist Lee Ming-tsung in the exhibition, “The City, The Flâneur,” of the Chi Po-lin Museum. They open up dialogues with Director Chi’s photographic works. Through their own observations and interpretations, they interweave yet another intriguing story. Guests take in one image, one word after another created by Director Chi and the four co-creators in the Chi Po-lin Museum. They piece together the city contours of the beautiful island. Guests are amazed by the experience of beauty that rises from this space. With today most people being on their phones and obsessed with the digital virtual world day and night, there are still people supporting and maintaining the Chi Po-lin Museum. Bearing the missions of re-presenting Director Chi’s photography dream, telling the stories of mountains, rivers, seas and cities, awakening people’s awareness towards the land, they move guests with their contagious passion. What has motivated these people to light up the Chi Po-lin Museum in a historic townhouse located on the Tamsui Old Street and keep sparking inspiration for the world? The story started in 2017 when Director Chi Po-lin passed away in a helicopter crash. Director Chi’s family and friends decided to hold a memorial special exhibition of his photography for people to offer their condolences. Nearly 100 thousand people visited the exhibition in just three weeks. Wan Kuan-li, CEO of Chi Po-lin Foundation, recalled that in the Chi Po-lin memorial special exhibition, many of the visitors would stop at each photographic work for a long time. “I can still remember the look when the visitors watched Chi Po-lin’s works. People saw Taiwan, whether familiar to them or not, in every single work of Chi Po-lin. They were looking for their home.”Wan Kuan-li proceeded with the origin of the Chi Po-lin Foundation. “A large audience thought that Chi Po-lin was only a director of the movie, Beyond Beauty - TAIWAN FROM ABOVE. The truth is, Chi Po-lin had been an aerial photographer for 25 years. As a firm and steadfast aerial photographer, he had accumulated a massive amount of photographic works that haven’t been disclosed yet. Thus, when he left, we genuinely felt that we should make his works known to more people. What is more significant is to unveil his character that few people noticed – his diligence, enthusiasm, and perseverance with work.”Chi Po-lin’s unfulfilled vision, “Plead for the land. Speak for the environment,” and boundless enthusiasm about aerial shots for 25 years facilitated the establishment of the Chi Po-lin Foundation. The project even received generous support from 8, 052 co-builders that facilitated the construction of the Chi Po-lin Museum. Since its establishment in 2018, the Foundation continued to organize tens of thousands of aerial images left by Chi Po-lin and took on the task of digital archiving. Furthermore, the Foundation has systematically curated spatial exhibitions in different topics with a view to passing on the energy of Chi Po-lin’s images containing profound connotation to the world. Many may wonder why the Chi Po-lin Museum is situated in Tamsui. Wan Kuan-li expressed that they were searching for a location with sufficient space, convenient transportation and open for rental. The conditions brought them all the way to the current site on the Tamsui Old Street. Ou Jin-de, Chairman of Chi Po-lin Foundation, revealed that it was such a coincidence that the ancient atmosphere of Tamsui was Chi Po-lin’s favorite local scenery. “Perhaps it was the place that Chi Po-lin wanted us to be somehow,” said Ou Jin-de to Wan Kuan-li. Chi Po-lin Museum was finally settled on Tamsui Old Street. When people walk here, they can first see a white wall, “Mountain of Light.” From a far distance, it resembles graded hill ranges of Xueshan; on a closer look, the name of 8, 052 donors of the Chi Po-lin Museum Project engraved on the wall can be found. This co-built wall epitomizes the power of people who promised to protect the environment as well as the goal that Chi Po-lin looked to realize. In the Chi Po-lin Museum, there is another group of people who have been touched by Director Chi and eager to contribute. They are the volunteers of the exhibition. To them, the Chi Po-lin Museum is a place to spread the importance of environmental education and a space for volunteers to contribute to what they believe in and make a difference in the world. For example, volunteer guides, Chou Ming-te and Chen Ching-shueh, shared that Tamsui is a relatively remote area for Taipei citizens or tourists from other cities. Despite the distance, people are still willing to travel a long way to Tamsui and slowly walk around, appreciate and experience the works, out of their admiration of Director Chi’s spirit or love for his aerial works. The magic power of the physical exhibition expands throughout the delicate photographic works and stories vividly told by the volunteers. Only when viewers enter the space in person will they understand. The Chi Po-lin Museum was launched in April 2019 and already hosted four exhibitions: “View Above Mountains,” “​Above The Coast,” “Reflection of Rivers,” and “The City, The Flâneur.” The context of curation followed the direction of “mountain, ocean, river, city and people” that Chi Po-lin mentioned. The museum intends to officially exhibit his innumerable images in thematic and curative projects, so people can witness the beauty of Taiwan again from multiple viewpoints. To better utilize images to tell the land’s story, it is not just about displaying images for each exhibition of the Chi Po-lin Museum. The preparatory work is hugely dependent on the digital archive work, followed by selection. This way, every single image can be presented in a systematic and narrative way to communicate specific ideas to guests. The efforts from the curation team have been recognized when “Reflection of Rivers”, the exhibition in 2021, won design awards both at home and abroad, namely Red Dot Design Award from Germany, Good Design Award from Japan, and Golden Pin Design Award from Taiwan. In addition to the recognition gained from several design awards, businesses are also attracted by the Chi Po-lin Museum’s spirit of environmental sustainability and advocate for it. In the end of 2020, sponsored by FamilyMart’s spare change donation, the Chi Po-lin Foundation initiated the Environmental Education Base Camp project. It was planned to engage 10 thousand students in five years to observe and learn in the museum and lay the foundations of environmental education for the next generation. In plentiful school groups participating in the project of the Chi Po-lin Museum, what impressed Wan Kuan-li the most was Zhu Guang Junior High School from Hsinchu City. Since the students of the school could name their own class, there was one class that named themselves “Class Chi Po-lin.” Class Chi Po-lin visited the Chi Po-lin Museum, and the class teacher noted that they were especially concentrated during the visit –The pandemic broke out in 2020 when it has not been a year since the launch of the Chi Po-lin Museum. However, the pandemic did not just come with a crisis but also the possibility of changes. Wan Kuan-li stated that a youtuber published a video about travel in Tamsui, listing the Chi Po-lin Museum as one of the attractions for dates. We did not expect that the video in turn attracted many young people to visit the museum. The age group that came to the Chi Po-lin Museum had been young adults, but now more younger people are involved. This made Wan Kuan-li understand the efficacy of the combination of digital communication with a physical space. Nevertheless, although the power of digital communication cannot be underestimated, there is still a considerable need to build a physical exhibition space. Wan Kuan-li considered that providing a space for people to visit, feel, and experience can create an emotional impact that digital media cannot, and further make practice possible. “Hence, the primary purpose of founding the Chi Po-lin Museum is to offer people a space to see, know, understand, and ultimately take action.”For 25 years of aerial photography, Director Chi Po-lin documented the land in a huge body of image assets comprising 100 thousand films, 500 thousand digital photos, and 1 thousand hours of videos. On one hand, the Chi Po-lin Foundation has been committed to carrying out “digital archiving” all those data, which is an extremely demanding task; on the other hand, the Foundation operates the Chi Po-lin Museum for physical exhibitions and environmental education. They are dedicated to continuing Director Chi’s legacy and playing to the images’ strength in order to carry through the missions of sustainability, cultivation, inheritance, and vocation. Wan Kuan-li described digital archiving as a “sewer project,” an invisible yet critically essential infrastructure. The existence of the Chi Po-lin Museum is to make the digitally archived images “seen.” The organized collection forms a confluence that flows into people’s hearts and strikes a chord, which inspires them to work hard for the environment. We set out on a voyage through mountains, seas, rivers, and now to cities and the “The City, The Flâneur” exhibition. With the bird-like vision, we fly with Director Chi Po-lin over everything that we take for granted and discover different views of a city like we have never seen before. Chi Po-lin Foundation “The City, The Flâneur”

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/180436

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US To Block Sale Of Cutting-edge, Chip-Making Equipment To China

By Rob GarverThe Biden administration announced Monday that it has imposed a new set of export controls on China, restricting the sale of cutting-edge, semiconductor-manufacturing equipment and high-bandwidth computer memory to the communist nation. The new rules ban the sale of 24 different kinds of equipment and three different software tools, all of which are used to produce what are known as “advanced node” semiconductors, the fastest and most efficient chips on the market. The export controls, announced by the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security, also restrict the transfer of high-bandwidth memory products, which advanced node semiconductors need to maximize their performance in high-intensity applications, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. At the same time, the government added 140 companies, mostly in China’s domestic semiconductor manufacturing industry, to a list of entities that U.S. firms and individuals are restricted from doing business with. In general, exporting certain technologies to companies on the list requires a license from the federal government. The latest round of sanctions is specifically aimed at preventing China from fabricating advanced semiconductors on its own, out of concern that it would then incorporate AI into new military hardware and advanced tools of social control. “Advanced AI models could be used for rapid response scenarios on the battlefield; lowering the barrier to develop cyberweapons or chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons; and utilizing facial and voice recognition to repress and surveil minorities and political dissidents,” the department said in a release announcing the sanctions. “This action is the culmination of the Biden-Harris Administration’s targeted approach, in concert with our allies and partners, to impair [China’s] ability to indigenize the production of advanced technologies that pose a risk to our national security, ” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in a statement. “The United States has taken significant steps to protect our technology from being used by our adversaries in ways that threaten our national security,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in the same statement. “As technology evolves, and our adversaries seek new ways to evade restrictions, we will continue to work with our allies and partners to proactively and aggressively safeguard our world-leading technologies and know-how so they aren’t used to undermine our national security.”In a statement sent to VOA, the Chinese Embassy in Washington condemned the sanctions. “China strongly opposes the U.S.' latest control measures on semiconductor export. The move is a typical economic coercion and non-market practice,” the embassy said. The embassy accused the United States of “overstretching” the idea of national security, abusing export control rules and “bullying.”“The semiconductor industry is highly globalized,” the statement said. “The US' abuse of regulatory measures severely hinders normal economic and trade exchanges among countries, undermines market rules and the international economic and trade order, and poses a serious threat to the stability of the global industrial and supply chains. The global semiconductor industry, including US companies, has been severely affected.”The statement concluded with the promise that, “China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.”Stephen Ezell, vice president for global innovation policy at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, told VOA that the new sanctions are likely to do real damage to China’s effort to create a world-class domestic chip manufacturing industry. In an email exchange with VOA, Ezell said that manufacturing semiconductors is “perhaps the most complex engineering task humanity undertakes,” and that simply building the machinery to manufacture them requires a vast array of inputs, access to many of which the U.S. can meaningfully restrict. “Those tools . .. depend on literally dozens of thousands of inputs and components, many provided by specialized suppliers from across the world,” Ezell wrote. “If Chinese toolmakers don’t have ready access to these, it makes their task of recreating a wholly indigenous supply chain that much more difficult and expensive.”Ezell said the loss of market share in China will hurt U.S. manufacturers unable to sell into the country, but he pointed out that China’s goal has been to eliminate its dependence on foreign chips anyway, which would produce the same result. “The way to deal with the challenge is for the United States (and like-minded allies) to stimulate the growth of semiconductor industries in places like India or Malaysia, so sales that are lost in China can be recaptured elsewhere, because we’re expanding semiconductor production in like-minded nations, ” Ezell said. He added that it is important that the U.S. team up with other major semiconductor manufacturing and equipment-making nations to institute similar policies toward China. The primary target of the new U.S. export controls are so-called “advanced node” chips and the equipment used to manufacture them. Advanced node chips’ distinguishing factor is the size of the transistors used in their manufacture. Some transistors can be as small as three nanometers — three one-billionths of a meter — in length. The smaller the individual transistors are, means more of them can be placed on a single chip, making them better at processing information, and more energy efficient. For advanced node chips to operate at their full potential, they need to be paired with high-bandwidth computer memory, which can provide high-speed access to vast amounts of data. The News Lens has been authorized to publish this article fromVoice of America.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187286

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Confessions of a Taiwanese Flight Attendant

“Ding.” The service light goes on. I stoop down and ask, “How may I help you, miss?”“Why are all the Taiwanese sitting in the back, while the foreigners are all up in the front?”“I’m sure the seating wasn’t arranged intentionally. Please allow me to explain. The tickets you purchased were group tickets, so I believe the travel agency had a hand in the seating arrangements. Furthermore, this isn’t something a flight attendant can assist you with. Would you mind acknowledging the ground crew after we land?”“You pamper foreigners, but what about us? You used both of your hands to serve them drinks, but were only willing to serve us with one.”“I apologize. But I must have handed your drink to you with one hand because my other hand was busy. I apologize if I made you feel uncomfortable.”“It doesn’t matter. I’m very displeased with the discriminating seating arrangements and the way you assist us. What gives you the right to discriminate Taiwanese people?”This is a conversation I had with a furious Taiwanese passenger. She made it clear a complaint was going to be made because I hadn’t served her drink with both hands. I helplessly apologized again, and handed her a customer service survey. “Forget about it. There’s no point in getting worked up with the impulsive Taiwanese.” Flight attendants often encourage each other like this. But at the same time, I can’t help but feel a bit dismayed. Many of the aircrew is familiar with how Taiwanese customers lose their temper when they don’t get playing cards, how they insist on getting gifts on their birthdays, how they demand first-class service (pillows, blankets, ice-cream and other items) and so on. One of my colleagues received a complaint, “I’m grateful that the flight attendant took the initiative to help me with my luggage, but my feelings were hurt because her smile vanished when she was assisting me.”What this passenger might not know is we risk getting injured every time we help passengers with their luggage. If a hundred customers request this service, we might get hurt a hundred times. People also block the aisles and delay the boarding time. Up to this point, don’t you think it is a bit unreasonable to ask for the flight attendant to keep a smile on her face? Looking back on when I first entered the company, I thought I would like Taiwanese passengers more. But now Taiwanese customers and travel groups have become the two things flight attendants fear most. Photo Credit: PENG HSIEN-YING@Flickr CC BY SA 2. 0Remember the day Taiwan opened up to Chinese tourists? From then on, domestic airlines have increased the amount of flights to China and back, and the Chinese have since become one of our largest target consumers. With Chinese visitors flowing into Taiwan, night markets, shopping districts, and other tourist attractions have become must-go sites for them. With the emergence of this phenomenon, many people have complained that since Chinese tourists have been permitted to visit Taiwan, traffic has become crowded and sightseeing locations have been destroyed and polluted. What were once quiet tourist attractions have also become much noisier because of the Chinese visitors. Someone once asked me if the Chinese passengers are as uncontrollable as seen in the media? I have to say, they do have unflattering manners. We always take a deep breath before boarding and tell ourselves to be calm and patient when we know there are going to be Chinese passengers on the flight. As expected, the passenger cabin becomes a deafening marketplace once every one is on board. “Please sit down!”“Please make some space and let passengers pass!”We need to try and raise our voices to the point we’re louder than them. Only then do they settle down a bit. Throughout the flight, they put food trays in their bags, crunch on nuts noisily, and randomly press the service bell out of habit. To maintain the quality of the flight, we often need to ask them in a serious tone to follow the rules. Take-off and landing is when they are most uncontrollable. Maybe it’s because they’re eager to look at the scenery, but they always unbuckle their seatbelts and leave their seats when the plane is racing on the track. Flight attendants all have a strong sense to protect the passengers. If we see someone leave their seat at the wrong time, we will firmly ask them to sit down, especially to Chinese passengers because they have a certain nature; they immediately forget what we just said. To me, the way passengers look at me before leaving the plane is their grade for my service. Surprisingly, the ones that usually give me a high score are those who are scolded by me from start to finish. “Thank you! See you around!”“Goodbye, pretty Taiwanese lady!”“Your service was excellent! See you next time!”How do you have the heart to get angry with these disobedient but gullible Chinese tourists? From the standpoint of the service industry, Chinese tourists are like naughty children without manners. Your whole body will ache and you will get a sore throat after servicing them, but when assisting Taiwanese customers you feel exhausted psychologically. We yell at Chinese tourists and ask them to obey the rules, but they don’t care about our attitude. On the contrary, they say goodbye to us heartily. But even if I’m stooping down and patiently explaining the Taiwanese customer’s misunderstandings of the airline, she still feels humiliated and throws a tantrum in the cabin. Even if a flight attendant helped a passenger with their luggage, the customer still filed a complaint because she wasn’t smiling. I can’t help but think; we complain about how the scenery of Alishan and Sun Moon Lake have changed after the island opened up to the Chinese, and how the tourists are unruly and reckless to the point they damage the sights of Taiwan, but how do we rate our own thoughtfulness? Do we give the attendants the respect they deserve? Photo Credit: Randy Yang @Flickr CC BY ND 2. 0What’s interesting is, no matter how hard companies attempt to improve their customer service and grow closer to consumers, many of them still try their best to pull away from us. Consumers are used to placing themselves before us. No matter what they ask, the status of the attendants can never surpass them. Even if the attendants are treated disrespectfully, they do not have the right to retort. They don’t understand how our relationship is actually equal. What they pay for is our service, not our dignity. Not only do Taiwanese passengers hold the belief that whoever pays is the boss, but they also have fragile feelings. Take the lady in this story for example; upon boarding, she thought the seating arrangements were discriminating; therefore she loudly criticized us on the plane for humiliating our own people. Many people say the Taiwanese are humble, but is it reflected in how we treat others? The average Taiwanese believes that you need to be loud to be heard. Do the Taiwanese have a habit of turning modesty into arrogance? And do they believe that the only way they can build a sense of dignity and superiority is through verbally abusing people? If we really think we are better than others, then why are we afraid of being looked down on and feel the need to criticize others to make ourselves feel better? We have all heard the saying, “The best scenery Taiwan has to offer is the people.”I still believe that the Taiwanese are very amiable and gracious. But if we defame ourselves beforehand and become too arrogant, are we still the best scenery? It is only when we bury our delicate feelings and reflect on our kindness can Taiwan really become Formosa. Translated by Olivia Yang

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/17856

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Will Taiwan be next to Implement Same-sex Marriage?

On May 22, Ireland conducted a referendum to have citizens decide whether or not they wish to amend Article 41 of the Irish constitution to add, “Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex.”After 15 hours of voting, the government declared the outcome on the evening of May 23 at 7 pm. 62. 07% of Irish citizens were in favor of the amendment and 37. 93% opposed. The turnout was about 60. 52%. Ireland is now officially the 20th country in the world where same-sex marriages is legal. It is the first country to use veto referendum as a voting method to entrust same-sex couples with the right to get married. As soon as the procedures for the amendment are carried out, Ireland predicts to have gay and lesbian marriages by September this year. One might say this is a big step for a conservative Catholic country like Ireland that took until 1993 to approve of homosexuality and didn’t legalize divorce until 1995. I was lucky to have witnessed this historic moment in Ireland. Before the referendum was conducted, the streets of Dublin were filled with “vote yes” and “vote no” slogans. Luckily, the supporters of the amendment outnumbered the naysayers. Many shops used graffiti of all colors to encourage the Irish to vote for approval. People on the street also had their own ways of showing their support, such as wearing “I’m voting YES” badges. The light posts and telephone poles of Dublin are covered with posters. Photo Credit: Chen Yiting (Chris)The day before the referendum, I met a twenty-year-old girl, Hannah, near the Spire of Dublin. She was holding an A4-sized sign saying “Vote YES” behind a large group of naysayers, hoping to inspiring people to support the amendment. Hannah told me she is currently dating an amazing woman and hopes that their relationship will be able to reach the next stage. But she also mentioned the issues of same-sex relationships don’t just concern her, they also involve the next generation of young adults that are like her. In the future, she wants nobody to get bullied or sent to a clinic due to brutality. She hopes the outcome of the referendum will make her feel proud to be Irish. 20-year-old Hannah stands in the streets while holding a sign to encourage people to vote yes. Photo Credit: Chen Yiting (Chris)In another part of Dublin, a 60-year-old couple showing support for the amendment slowly passed by me. When asked why they approved of same-sex marriage in Ireland, they simply said, “For equality.”The outcome of the referendum in Ireland shows vigorous support for the amendment. Out of the 12 electoral districts in Dublin, 66% were in favor. Among those numbers, the southeastern districts had the highest number of supporters, reaching up to 75%. In Taiwan, gay marriage is still illegal. Even though the first draft for marriage equality has been proposed by the Taiwan Alliance to Promote Civil Partnership Rights and Cheng Li-Chun, member of the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DDP) legislative committee, it is still not making headway towards approval nor is it progressing. The opposing party wishes to hold a national poll on changing the marriage law. But the party in favor believes a topic on regarding human rights for a specific group should not be voted for through referendum, as it could lead to a deadlock between two parties. Comparing the rules for holding a referendum in Ireland and Taiwan, Ireland only needs the majority to be in favor of changing the constitution. In Taiwan, the turnout rate of a poll must reach at least 50%, and the number of supporters has to be more than half of the voters in order for a poll to pass. The high voting threshold is the reason the party in favor of changing the constitution is afraid of conducting a referendum for same-sex marriage. I believe the main reason same-sex marriage is not legal in Taiwan at the moment is lack of motivation to call for action within the Taiwanese society. When looking back on previous campaigns to promote the legalization of gay marriage, besides the increase of people attending the annual gay parade, the partner alliance and other groups supporting gay rights have conducted several events to promote the idea. Unfortunately, participants and spectators attending these events each year have not been able to surpass the amount of people active in the huge event organized by those disapproving same-sex marriage in 2013. This shows there is lack of interest to actively fight for gay rights, as most Taiwanese people feel these matters are of no concern to their lives. Even the latest opinion polls conducted by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy last year showed only 54% in favor of legalizing gay marriage. The Partnership Alliance Campaign in 2014. Participants drew colored gay-rights slogans on the street. Photo Credit: Chen Yiting (Chris)My experiences in Ireland have led me to believe that whether or not citizens who took part in the referendum were part of the gay community, each of them was willing to actively share their opinions on the matter, which is exactly what will put an amendment like this on the road to success. People from all over Ireland traveled back home to vote. On the day the results were officially announced, not only the gay community gathered together, but also many heterosexuals. They were all waiting patiently in hope of Ireland becoming a country that promotes equality. After the poll passed, supporters waved their rainbow-colored flags ecstatically and cars started honking their horns. The entire city went crazy, drinking and partying all night in celebration. On the afternoon of the vote count I was also standing in the crowd waiting for the result to be announced. It was hard not to get swept along in the cheering and tears of joy when looking at the people around me. But ultimately, Ireland is not my country. I wonder if this unrestrained support for equality will occur in Taiwan and make the island the next country to advocate for same-sex marriage. Note: To hold a referendum in Ireland, an issue can only be raised through parliament or the president. Citizens do not have the right to propose a referendum. The legal age to vote is 18. To pass a referendum, the majority of people needs to support it. In order for a referendum not to pass, it only needs one out of three opposing votes, for the opposition to overrule. The author of this article has authorized publication. The original text was published on “Life”. Translated by Sarah Grasdijk Edited by Olivia Yang

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/17878

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What Legendary Business Icon Stanley Yen Left Out in His Speech in New York Last Year

Submitted by a reader from John Hopkins UniversityLast August, we, a group of “kids” from John Hopkins University, learned that Stanley Yen would be in New York to give a speech. On the morning of that day, we drove more than four hours from Baltimore to New York City for no other reason than to find the “answer”. This was when the Sunflower Student Movement had just ended and the Taiwan mayoral election was coming up. Feeling helpless and anxious while watching the political mess in Taiwan from overseas, we started wondering what else we could do to help our country besides signing a petition. This is the question we traveled for hours to ask Mr. Yen. After Mr. Yen returned to Taiwan, he mentioned the conversation we had that day in New York City during his interview on Sisy Chen’s show, “CTI Youth Forum”. Recently, our dialogue was unearthed and discussed wildly again on social media because Ms. Chen is about to publish a new book. But today, the “kids” that made the trip are here to finish the stories Mr. Yen started to tell. Looking back on the years I have been in the U.S. , I have realized whether it is China, Singapore, India or so on, countries have been eager to send citizens abroad for cultivation. They have also shown enthusiasm in drawing in more international talent to increase networking opportunities and global visibility. Due to China’s booming economy these few years, their government has been generous in sending many “free” talents abroad. A lot of schools in China are also striving to collaborate with prestigious institutions in Europe and America. I have seen many Chinese and Indian companies take up countless booths at international conferences. Aside from obtaining customer orders, they seize the chance to show their technique development and build a reputation for their companies. I even once came across the Singapore government that booked an entire corner of the conference site at the annual American Chemistry Meeting one year to promote and recruit for various companies and academic institutions in Singapore. What about Taiwan? Though many schools on the island are in collaboration with schools abroad, there is a huge disproportion between Taiwan students who come to the U.S. and Americans who travel to Taiwan. The imbalance has also affected the will to cooperate between schools. But what went wrong? A professor in the States once mentioned a case that happened on their campus. He said that a senior manager of their school’s exchange program reintroduced all of the students who applied to study in Taiwan to China. The manager’s reason was, “Since it is Chinese you’re planning to study, with China’s flourishing economy, simplified Chinese, and easier phonetic writing, it is just better if you exchange to China.”Many of the older generation that have been living in the States for a long time have complained to me in private that a lot of overseas Taiwanese associations and leaders of international organizations are being permeated by the Chinese. The Taiwanese are gradually losing soft power abroad. An elder told me with a heavy heart, “These days, Taiwanese international students only participate in major social events when it comes to job-hunting. But networking takes a lot of time. Many Chinese international students see these opportunities and concealed benefits, and start nurturing long-term relationships with ambition.”He also said, “Not only is Taiwan lacking students who travel abroad, but if the ones who do refuse to expand their international network and understand all the channels in their field, then how will these students help the Taiwanese government or local companies when they are looking to collaborate overseas?”Looking back on our conversation with Mr. Yen, aside from staying abroad to cultivate our international perspectives and not rushing back to Taiwan, we have neglected the importance of establishing global networks and understanding the different mediums in our respective fields. If there comes a day when the Taiwanese government wishes to relocate Taiwan’s techniques to the States, do I have the ability to round up all the right talent to help out? Do I have the skills to act as the bridge of communication? Do I know how to apply for this technique to be relocated to the States? Am I familiar with related laws and regulations? All these questions will become the responsibilities of Taiwanese international students and the key to Taiwan’s global soft power. We all need to face this obscure international competition, but what else can we do for Taiwan? Other than the problems stated in this article, I look forward to reading more experiences and viewpoints that can help make our country a better place. Translated by Olivia Yang

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/17780

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Phihong joins hands with Vinpower and Silanna to introduce the GaN charging iXCharger with 1TB storage and automatic backups

It has become a daily habit for everyone to use multiple mobile devices such as laptops, tablets and mobile phones at the same time. Although users charge their devices almost every day, they don't always have time to back up their files. As you can imagine, as time goes on, the data that’s scattered in various devices cannot be synchronized and backed up, and gradually becomes a problem for users. If you want to back up your files and quickly charge your devices in a simple and convenient way, the 2-in-1 iXCharger is your best choice. Phihong, through an alliance with Vinpower, Inc. , and Silanna Semiconductor, developed a 2-in-1 charging and saving solution, the iXCharger. It is a boldly designed 65W compact charger with up to 1TB of built in storage to address users' problems and needs!First Cross-device 1TB high-capacity storage spaceMost storage devices on the market do not work with both mobile phones and tablets from different brands, and memory sticks are only available for desktops or laptops, which may have limitations according to different operating systems. The iXCharger has the first cross-device storage technology for different operating systems that can not only charge mobile devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops, but also works as a memory stick across all of them. It is suitable for operating systems including iOS, Android, Windows, Chrome OS, macOS, etc. In addition, the iXCharger has a large storage capacity up to 1TB, allowing users to easily back up files, photos and videos. Its lightweight and portable design allows users to carry it around and access files at anytime without worrying about losing them. 65W GaN fast charging technologyThe iXCharger uses third-generation semiconductor GaN technology to provide higher power density and ensure fast heat dissipation in a smaller package, reaching a fast, safe, and efficient charging of mobile phones, tablets and laptops. More notably, the iXCharger comes with a foldable plug and provides world travel kit modules to keep you connected all around the world. The iXCharger adopts the USB Type-C to improve transmission efficiency, which is in line with the EU regulation of using Type-C as the unified charging interface for all electronic products to achieve the goal of reducing e-waste in the near future. The iXCharger provides users with solutions that includes both fast charging and data backup. It successfully extends the maximum benefit with the smallest size, proving that green technology can bring more convenience to our lives. Kevin Lin, the Vice President of Intelligent Power Solution BU and Manufacturing Center of Phihong Technology, said “Phihong Technology has more than 50 years of experience in the research and development of switch mode power supply. This time, by working with Vinpower, Inc. , and Silanna Semiconductor, we do not only solve users' problems, but also devote ourselves to the introduction of green technology in order to implement the core philosophy of energy saving, sustainability, and environmental protection.”The content of this article is provided by “Phihong Technology”.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/183410

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Chinese Hackers Still Lurk In US Telecommunications Systems

By Jeff SeldinWASHINGTON — Chinese hackers blamed for compromising U.S. telecommunications infrastructure and spying on American presidential campaigns and American officials are still entrenched in those systems, according to senior U.S. officials who warn it could be years before the hackers are kicked out. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the FBI on Tuesday urged U.S. telecommunication companies and their customers to take additional precautions, saying the breach might go deeper than first thought. "We cannot say with certainty that the adversary has been evicted because we still don't know the scope of what they're doing," Jeff Greene, CISA's executive assistant director for cybersecurity, said during a briefing with reporters."We cannot with confidence say that we know everything, nor would our partners, "Greene said."We're still trying to understand."A senior FBI official who also spoke with reporters was equally cautious. "Understanding the scope of the adversary activity through our investigations, in a situation of this magnitude, is measured in years," the official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss details of the breach investigation. The Chinese-linked hackers have been coy, adjusting their behavior as more information about their activities becomes public. "As more comes to light they change their TTPs [tactics, techniques and procedures] and their approach, "the official warned."They may go dormant for a while to lower their profile. "Word of the breach emerged in October, when the Chinese-linked cyber gang known as Salt Typhoon was linked to efforts to intercept communications for the presidential campaigns of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger, Vice President Kamala Harris. Less than a month later, CISA and the FBI warned that the Chinese efforts to spy on the Trump and Harris campaigns were just the start of"a broad and significant cyber espionage campaign"that penetrated multiple U.S. telecommunication companies. China has repeatedly denied the U.S. allegations, accusing Washington of a smear campaign aimed at undermining Beijing."For quite some time, the US side has patched up all sorts of disinformation about threats of 'Chinese hackers' to serve its own geopolitical purposes, "Liu Pengyu, the spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, told VOA in an email Tuesday regarding the latest allegations."China firmly opposes and combats all kinds of cyber attacks, "Liu said."The US needs to stop its own cyberattacks against other countries and refrain from using cyber security to smear and slander China. "But U.S. officials have repeatedly pushed back against Chinese denials, and now say the Chinese breach goes even further than initially thought, impacting telecommunication companies around the world, and that it appears to be part of a larger Chinese government effort to gather information about adversaries worldwide."Certainly, the way they went about it was very, very specific, "the senior FBI official said, noting the focus on telecommunications infrastructure and internet service providers."But it fits into the cyber espionage bucket to really inform global goals for the Chinese. "Neither CISA nor the FBI would say how many telecommunication companies or how many countries have been impacted. But the agencies said the Chinese efforts in the U.S. fall into three categories: individual communications, customer call records and U.S. law enforcement requests pursuant to court orders. The focus on individual communications appears to be on intercepting audio of phone calls and the content of text messages for a select number of high-profile U.S. government officials, such as individuals with the Trump and Harris campaigns. The mass collection of customer call records appears to be more random."Essentially, they stole data about where, when and whom individuals were communicating with, "said the senior FBI official."We don't believe that those were specifically targeted," the official added. "We essentially think that they were essentially swept up by the adversary."The officials said the third category of intercepted information, related to law enforcement requests and court orders, also appears to have been targeted somewhat by chance. Forensic analysis in two of the instances in which the Chinese hackers accessed law enforcement information "has indicated that the actors were on other parts of their network conducting reconnaissance before pivoting to the [law enforcement portal] and surrounding devices, "the FBI official said. Just how far the Chinese hackers got, though, is not clear. Officials said the hacked portal does include some court orders that relate to foreign intelligence collected under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act but declined to say whether any of that information was taken by the China-linked hackers."We're not prepared to answer that question today," the senior FBI official said. For now, the FBI and CISA are urging telecommunications companies to harden their defenses, issuing an advisory with cyber agencies in Canada, Australia and New Zealand on steps they can take to reduce the threat. They also urged companies that think they may have been victimized to come forward. "The companies that have worked closest with us are the furthest along and kicking the actors off their networks," the senior FBI official said. The FBI and CISA are likewise urging consumers to be more vigilant about security, whether that means keeping mobile phones and other devices current with security updates, or by using encrypted platforms for messaging and other communications. "We are not seeing any novel techniques," said CISA's Greene, adding that the Chinese-linked hackers seem to have simply exploited known vulnerabilities in the telecommunications infrastructure environment."Encryption is your friend, whether it is on text messaging or if you have the capacity to use encrypted voice communications, "Greene said. “Even if the adversary is able to intercept the data, if it is encrypted, it will make it impossible, if not really hard for them, to detect it.”The News Lens has been authorized to publish this article fromVoice of America.

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/187288

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Your Experience Volunteering Overseas is Useless When It Comes to Job Hunting

Many friends know that I was an international volunteer in Kenya, East Africa for more than nine months from 2013 to 2014. There are enough articles online about how fulfilling the experience is, and that’s not the point of this piece. I was asked an interesting question during the Q&A session after a lecture last week. The question was, “I also want to travel to Africa to be an international volunteer, but I want to know if you stand by the perspectives in the recent article, “Nine Reasons You Shouldn’t Volunteer Abroad”, posted on your company’s website. ”Let’s not talk about how I responded first. But the first thing that came to my mind after reading the piece was what I went through to get a job after coming back from Africa. I had already made up my mind to work in the media industry. Even though I majored in Chemistry as an undergrad and went on to obtain an MBA degree, I had accumulated a fair amount of written work during my time in school and Africa. With the help of many alumni, my resume reached the desk of a few magazine editors I was interested in working for. Nothing. I waited for more than a month and even started randomly sending resumes to major media outlets, but still got no reply. In my despair, I asked a friend who was working at a well-known magazine if a senior employee or human resource could take a look at my resume and give me some feedback. Maybe I had missed something or made some kind of mistake. Surprisingly, the comment I got was, “You have a really good resume. But that’s the problem. It’s ‘too’ good.”Later on, I had an opportunity to chat with the editor-in-chief of a social enterprise and regained a lot of courage. Soon after, I finally got my first job offer at a magazine, even though it was only a part-time position. It was later did I come to realize what my resume being too good meant. (Of course there are many possibilities I wasn’t called in for an interview, such as there weren’t any openings, I just wasn’t the perfect candidate, there were better contenders, and so on. ..) But standing in the shoes of a company, what they’re mostly looking for is steady labor, meaning mostly loyal and obedient employees. A runaway has the blood of a rebel, so there’s no need to mention the weak connection between what we obtain as international volunteers and job requirements. The experiences that friends and family think are cool, idealistic, and unique are most probably the very characteristics a manager avoids. (No company wants to spend time nurturing an employee only to have them leave.)Kibera, Kenya. Photo Credit: YangThere are a few annoying questions people constantly ask me, but I’m only going to talk about two. I’m constantly asked this question. It’s one I have been asking myself ever since I started planning to travel to Kenya, reached Africa, and came back to Taiwan. It’s not that I don’t have an answer, but rather I genuinely consider it a question worth contemplating repeatedly. First of all, I believe that regardless of you being the person asking or answering this question, you need to clarify one thing; there’s almost always the assumption, “Being a volunteer is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, right? If it is, then why help foreigners instead of your own people?”So what if this was my first time being a volunteer? It doesn’t mean it’s the last. Why can’t I choose to become an international volunteer first? We still have lots of time and energy in the future to lend Taiwan a hand, and if so, the hypothesis mentioned above might not stand. Moreover, if we focus on the word, international, isn’t volunteering overseas actually a kind of traveling abroad? There are many kinds of traveling abroad: tourism, studying, working, working holidays, and so on. And being an international volunteer is nothing more than an example of going overseas. So part of this question is actually asking: “The only thing you’re looking to do is see how big the world is, learn to be independent, practice different languages, or even have something to add to your resume. Are you sure you want to become an international volunteer?”We’re done talking about the international part of being an international volunteer, so let’s talk about the volunteer bit. I have to be honest here. The word, volunteer, has always been overrated to me. It’s supposed to mean a group of people who willingly arrive somewhere to work and help out; but in fact, it more often represents temporary, selfish, arrogant, and condescending. Why? Being a volunteer often means paying it forward temporarily (even a year isn’t necessarily considered as a long period of time). If someone is there permanently, then people don’t consider the person as a volunteer. That’s the catch. Volunteers are meant to resolve local issues, which usually aren’t simple ones. How is it possible for them to fix these problems in a short amount of time? Aside from wanting to aid others, how much selfishness goes into this ideal? Many volunteers wish to gain more global perspectives, find themselves, and fulfill dreams. But where do the locals fit into all this? Or are we just going to another country based on self-interest and using the word, volunteer, to package ourselves? Finally, from the moment we decide to help others as a volunteer, we are already using a superior attitude to judge their issues. They are the underprivileged that are beneath us, and therefore they need us to assist them. But how can we relate to these people if bearing this mentality? Is it possible what we thought was the antidote only cures the symptom but not the disease? Or is there even the chance that our pompous service actually causes more complications after we leave? *Circling back, how I answered the question asked during the Q&A session doesn’t seem that important anymore. My experience as an international volunteer did me no good in getting a job (it probably had the opposite effect). But if speaking of how volunteering overseas affected my current job and future plans, I can say with confidence that the experience probably changed my entire life. If the job I was looking for is a profession, then I have already accepted the best offer there is. But this is my story. Your story is waiting for you to tell. Translated by Olivia Yang

https://international.thenewslens.com/article/17288