A well informed citizenry is the foundation of our modern society. Every week, our news team for The Debrief brings you the most important stories on current affairs, diplomacy, business and human rights, in Asia and around the globe. Not only can we be well informed, but better informed, about the relationship between our lives, our communities, and the common world.
President Ma: US-Taiwan Relations Best in 36 Years
Ma touted that US-Taiwan relations has been at its best in 36 years, and he credits that to his “successful handling” of cross straits relations based on the 1992 Consensus, and a “low-key, surprise-free approach” to dealing with the US.
Kaohsiung First to Register Same-sex Couples
On Thursday, Kaohsiung’s City Government launched a long-waited “Sunny Registration” pilot project for same-sex couples, but some LGBTI activists criticize the project for not having any legal effect.
Labor Benefits Win Big, With Worries
On Friday, May 15, Taiwan’s parliament lowered the maximum normal working hour from 84 hours per two weeks, to 40 hours per week; long term caretakers also get government aid. But some worry about funding and economic competitiveness.
What Problems Does the Trans-Pacific Partnership Face?
The Trans-Pacific Partnership would become the world’s biggest free trade deal, but only if it is signed successfully amidst opposition from groups in the US and Japan, while Taiwan tries to join but with possible criticism at home…
TPP Fast Track Ignites Opposition From Liberals
The Sunflower Movement’s major criticism of the trade deal with China runs parallel to Congressional Democrats’ major criticism of the TPP, namely, the lack of legislative input and oversight.
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?
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?
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.
Straight-Talking Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je Takes on China
Taipei’s Mayor Ko Wen-je said that colonization made Taiwan’s culture more “advanced” than China’s, but many in Taiwan say that Ko’s straight-talking style is a breath of fresh air for Taiwan’s political scene.
Firefighters’ Death Raise Concern for Lack of Resources
Six young firefighters die in an explosion in Taiwan, and raises questions about long term personnel shortages and wasteful spending, as 19 firefighters have died in the line of duty in the past two years.
Same-sex Marriage Bill Debated in Parliament
Taiwan’s legislature held its first legislative session for the same-sex marriage bill yesterday, making it the first East Asian country to do so.
Constitutional Reform Rages On in Taiwan
Taiwan’s debate on constitutional reform continues into this week, focusing on whether Taiwan should adopt a pure parliamentary system to replace its current brand of semi-presidential system.
Extremists Terrorize Australia and Pakistan
This past week, the world was shocked by two terrorist attacks, in Sydney, Australia and Peshawar, Pakistan, respectively. While the Sydney attack may be an isolated incident, Pakistan’s attack may signal some changes there.
More Abenomics, Says Japan Voters
On Sunday, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner retained their super-majority of seats in the legislature, signaling a continuation of Abe’s economic stimulus policies known as “Abenomics.”
Police Clears Hong Kong Umbrella Revolution
Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protesters bid farewell to their 75-day street occupation when police stormed the main protest site at the Admiralty district, tearing down thousands of colorful tents and makeshift barricades.
The Debrief 12/9/14
Student activist Chen Wei-ting (陳為廷) runs for parliament in his native Miaoli; calls for constitutional reforms in Taiwan; India and its climate change challenges, and civil unrest in the US after a series of racially-charged cases of deaths by police.
After Elections, Taiwan Talks Constitutional Reforms
After the dramatic local elections last week, political opinion makers from both the KMT and DPP sides are turning their attention to the issue of constitutional reform and systems of governance.
KMT’s Worst Loss in Elections, Ma to Resign as Chairman
On November 29, Taiwan’s ruling KMT suffered a historical defeat in nation-wide local elections, losing 9 of 16 county and metropolitan level executive positions, and losing 6.2% of local council seats overall.
The Debrief, 11/25/14
A tribe in Tanzania facing eviction due to a development project disguised as a conversation initiative; Iran’s sanctions and nuclear program negotiations and why China’s lowering its interest rates is a cause for concern.
Negotiators Failed to Agree to Iranian Nuclear Deal by Deadline
On Monday, negotiators extend negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. Monday was the deadline previously set by negotiators to reach an agreement for Iran to curb its nuclear program in exchange for easing of sanctions.
China Lowers Rates, Signals Jitters in the Economy
On Friday, China’s central bank announced cuts in key interest rates for the first time in two years. Pundits point to the move as a sign that China’s leaders have finally acknowledged an economy in trouble.
The Debrief, 11/18/14
We review this week’s news from the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Beijing, including the China-Korea FTA, US-China climate deal, and steps towards a FTA of the Asia Pacific. Also, the new metro line opening in Taipei.
China’s Active Diplomacy at APEC Summit
Leaders at last week’s APEC summit in Beijing also concluded a range of agreements and understandings, including the US-China emissions targets, a declaration towards an Asia Pacific FTA, and more.
China-Korea FTA Sends Shockwaves Through Taiwan
On Monday, China and South Korea agreed to an FTA between the two East Asian economies. The news of the deal sent shockwaves throughout Taiwan, which has looked to South Korea with a mix of envy and anxiety.
The Debrief, 11/11/14
In addition to reviewing US midterm elections’ impact on US-Taiwan relations and the Taipei mayor debates, we tell you about the annual autumn labor protest in Taiwan.
Taipei Mayor Candidates Debate
On Friday November 7th, the top two candidates for Taipei mayor went on TV for their first televised debate. How do they compare to each other, and how does the debate compare with the legendary Taipei mayor debate from 20 years ago?
How Will US Midterm Elections Affect US-Taiwan Relations
The Republicans claimed a decisive victory during last Tuesday’s United States midterm elections, but the effects on US-Taiwan relations, including bilateral trade relations and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, remains to be seen.
The Debrief, 11/5/14
This week we review our curated stories of Taiwan’s economic controversies in the legislature, student activists visit Europe, and ongoing turmoil in one of Taiwan’s African allies, Burkina Faso.
Taiwan Student Activists Visits London and Brussels
Sunflower student activists Wei Yang (魏揚) and Wu Cheng (吳崢) visited London and Brussels with Taiwan Corner, a Danish organization, to raise awareness in Europe of the pressures and challenges facing Taiwan’s democracy.
Cross-Straits Oversight Law, Free Economic Zones on Legislative Agenda
According to the legislative agenda, The KMT will prioritize the controversial Cross-Straits Oversight Law, as well as the Free Economic Demonstration Zone legislations, at the upcoming session of Taiwan’s parliament.
The Debrief, 10/28/14
Stanford’s conference on Taiwan political polarization, Taiwan’s Gay Pride Parade, and Ukraine’s first national elections since former president Viktor Yanukovych was ousted and civil conflict broke out.
Pro-Europe Set to Win in Ukraine Elections
On Sunday, Ukrainians went to the polls to elect a new national parliament, the first time since former pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych fled the country after protesters clashed with the police in February of this year.
80,000 Attend Taiwan’s Gay Pride Parade
On Saturday, the 12th annual Gay Pride Parade was held in Taipei as around 80,000 from across the country and Asia participated in one of Asia’s biggest LGBT events.
政治兩極化：史丹佛學術會議，基進側翼
史丹佛民主發展與法治中心在 10/17~18 舉辦年會，主要探討台灣的兩極化政治。大部分與會者都同意台灣的未來還有許多問題仍待解決；「基進側翼」創辦人陳奕齊新一與競選總部辦公室主任顏銘緯對灣區台美人社團的演講。
Polarized Politics in Taiwan: Stanford Conference and Flanc Radical
Stanford’s Taiwan Democracy Program held its annual conference on polarized politics after the Sunflower Movement in Taiwan; founder of Flanc Radical (基進側翼) Shinichi Chen spoke to Taiwanese American audience in Palo Alto.
Same-sex Marriage Laws in Taiwan Debated
On Thursday, Taiwan’s legislature held a public hearing on the issue of same-sex marriage and the adoption rights of same-sex couples; the U.S. announced that it will recognize same-sex marriages from seven new states.
The Debrief, 10/14/14
This week we look at a Taipei mayoral candidate’s trip to the US, China’s premier’s visit to Germany, yet another food scandal in Taiwan, and an interview with former president Lee Teng-hui.
Leading Taipei Mayor Candidate Ko Wen-je Visits US
On Wednesday, independent Taipei mayoral candidate Dr. Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) began his US tour, visiting San Francisco Bay Area and meeting with academics, students, industry leaders and Taiwanese American supporters.
The Debrief, 10/7/14
We take a look at yet another demonstration calling attention to Taiwan’s housing and property wealth disparity, an update on Turkey joining the fight against the Islamic State, and Hong Kong’s protests leveling off for the moment.
Hong Kong Authorites to Meet Protest Leaders
On late Thursday night, Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung have announced that his government is willing to speak to protest leaders, but indicated that he had no intention of stepping down as demanded.
The Debrief, 9/30/14
Another new political party try to represent progressive and social democratic views and take down Taiwan’s two party structure, and a review of this week’s top stories, including Hong Kong.
Pro-Democracy Protest in Hong Kong Met With Tear Gas and Rubber Bullets
Hong Kongers witnessing police rounding up their unarmed compatriots may only deepen their distrust for the Hong Kong authorities and their backers in Beijing.
Indonesia Abolishes Local Elections Amidst Protests
The Indonesian parliament voted Friday to scrap direct voting for regional leaders, despite protests by thousands of demonstrators. The move is seen as a revenge against president-elect and Jakarta governor Joko Widodo.
Ma Ying-jeou Foreign Press Interview Causes Controversy
On Monday, Taiwan’s president Ma Ying-jeou said in an interview with foreign press that he “wanted to learn from the way West and East Germany handled bilateral relations,” but reiterated that Taiwan and China were not two states.