Taiwan Gambles with US Allies on China’s AIIB
On top of questions over sovereignty and public involvement, Taiwan faces another set of questions that are more global in nature. Namely, how will Taiwan’s decision affect the economic plans of the US and China?
Sunflowers For A Year (KP32)
One year after the Sunflower Movement we talk with Ho Chao-ti, the producer of a documentary on the movement, to take stock of this momentous event in Taiwan’s history, and what it means for Taiwan going forward.
Why Should Taiwan Join the AIIB?
As for Taiwan, the country can definitely benefit from the AIIB, especially in regional infrastructure development. However, does Taiwan need to be a member to receive these benefits?
Which Way in Post-Lee Kuan Yew Singapore?
Two paths now appear before Singapore: the first one hopes that there will be many more leaders like Lee to sustain his contributions to Singapore; the second view calls for a transitional opportunity for the society. Signs seem to be pointing to the latter.
Young Music Festival Remembers 228 Incident
The 228 Incident is a massacre in 1947 during which brutal government crackdown left more than tens of thousands of deaths in Taiwan. Young people in Taiwan are commemorating it with a growing annual music festival.
End to Indonesian Caretakers Impacts Taiwan
Since Indonesia announced a ban on Indonesian migrant domestic workers, the plan faces skepticism within Indonesia, while Taiwan begin to look elsewhere to supplement its aging population and shrinking workforce.
Sunflower Movement Tops Human Rights Report
Amnesty International’s annual report 2014/15 points to freedom of assembly, the death penalty, and prison conditions as top problems in Taiwan, but shows progress in the past two decades.
New Property Tax Proposal Criticized
Taiwan’s Ministry of Finance has proposed new changes to property taxes in Taiwan, to combat a runaway real estate market. However, the finance ministry’s proposal has been called by KMT and DPP legislators alike as not going far enough.
China Airlines To Enter Six Month Labor Negotiations
The labor union of China Airlines may enter a six month negotiation with the company’s management, to resolve a dispute ostensibly over year-end bonuses but may touch on other latent labor rights issues.
Ma’s Right Hand Man Bows Out
National Security Council Secretary-General King Pu-tsung (金溥聰), President Ma Ying-jeou’s right hand man, quietly announced his resignation from public office. Does this signal how bad Ma’s ship has sunk?
Industry, Environment, Taiwan (KP31)
We speak with Prof. Wen-ling Tu of Citizens of the Earth Taiwan, on how Taiwan’s development has been skewed towards unregulated industrialization, and what are the most hopeful and worrying environmental trends for the next five to ten years.
Deadly Crash in Taipei Raises Concern for Airline, Airport Safety
A TransAsia Airways (復興航空) regional flight crashed into downtown Taipei minutes after it took off, killing 31. The accident raises new concerns for the airline’s safety records, and whether downtown Taipei’s airport should be relocated.