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Infographic: Taiwan’s Thinly Woven Diplomatic Web





This chart shows which countries are maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan, as of January 15, 2023.

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Singapore?

(23-01-2024, 09:23 AM)Sticw Wrote: [ -> ]Singapore?

Singapore?...no  snow falls
4 cm of snow falls on Taipei's Yangmingshan
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5083442
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Snow was reported on many of Taiwan's mountains, including over four cm on Taipei's Yangmingshan on Tuesday (Jan. 23).

At midnight on Monday (Jan. 22), the Yangmingshan Anbu Weather Station, which is near Bamboo Lake, began to post videos of snow falling. By 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the temperature was 0.2 C and one cm of snow had accumulated at the station.

(23-01-2024, 02:19 PM)Tee tiong huat Wrote: [ -> ]Singapore?...no  snow falls
4 cm of snow falls on Taipei's Yangmingshan
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5083442
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Snow was reported on many of Taiwan's mountains, including over four cm on Taipei's Yangmingshan on Tuesday (Jan. 23).

At midnight on Monday (Jan. 22), the Yangmingshan Anbu Weather Station, which is near Bamboo Lake, began to post videos of snow falling. By 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the temperature was 0.2 C and one cm of snow had accumulated at the station.

(23-01-2024, 07:30 AM)Bigiron Wrote: [ -> ]Infographic: Taiwan’s Thinly Woven Diplomatic Web





This chart shows which countries are maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan, as of January 15, 2023.

🎁 Play @whale | 📌 Source | 👥 Chat

The results of the Taiwan presidential election are out, with “Taiwan independence” advocate William Lai Ching-te becoming the president-elect. However, winning with just 40% of the vote, he is set to become a true “minority president”.

Moreover, no party won an absolute majority of seats in the Legislative Yuan, with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) gaining a minority of seats, the Kuomintang (KMT) winning the most seats, and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) becoming a key minority. This “triple minority” situation will pose a challenge in political manoeuvrings within the legislature.

Challenges in Legislative Yuan
To observers outside Taiwan, 60% of voters wanted the DPP to be “taken off the shelf” before the elections; with Lai only securing 40% of votes, how can he represent mainstream public opinion? At the same time, with mainland China harshly criticising Lai’s stance on Taiwan independence, coupled with growing economic, trade and military pressure, how can Lai ease tense cross-strait relations if he refuses to compromise?

To the people of Taiwan, if the ruling party is not backed by an absolute majority in the Legislative Yuan, and the executive and legislative branches are going to be controlled by different political parties, then policies, legislations and budgets will certainly be affected.

If compromises cannot be reached, that is if the ruling party fails to join hands with the third-largest party in the Legislative Yuan and fails to make concessions to the KMT which is now the largest opposition party, there will never be peace in the Legislative Yuan and smooth governance.

Mainland China has long defined Lai as an out-and-out “worker for Taiwan independence”, and warned more than once that such people were “troublemakers” who would only push Taiwan to the brink of war. Lai’s past actions have proven time after time that his leanings towards Taiwan independence are more extreme than outgoing Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen’s. However, to dispel any doubts about his tendencies, Lai has claimed that he will follow in the footsteps of Tsai

Mainland China has long defined Lai as an out-and-out “worker for Taiwan “troublemakers” who would only push Taiwan to the brink of war. Lai’s past actions have proven time after time that his leanings towards Taiwan independence are more extreme than outgoing Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen’s. However, to dispel any doubts about his tendencies, Lai has claimed that he will follow in the footsteps of Tsai.

Supporters of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) take a selfie, as they celebrate during a rally, following the victory of Lai Ching-te in the presidential elections, in Taipei, Taiwan, on 13 January 2024. (Ann Wang/Reuters)

However, mainland China is not buying it, with the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) clearly stating that the so-called “Tsai Ing-wen path” is the path that advocates for Taiwan independence and brings confrontation and damage to Taiwan. Not only that, following such a path would “keep pushing Taiwan further away from peace and prosperity, and closer to war and recession”. With Lai set to take office, the shadow of war in the Taiwan Strait is growing thicker.

The most convenient way to reach a compromise is to suspend the independence clause in the 1991 party charter in his capacity as DPP chairman.
Compromises needed.

The US is also doubtful about Lai, as it is aware that Lai’s election could trigger a Taiwan Strait crisis. Just one day after the election, an unofficial delegation from the White House arrived in Taiwan to meet the President-elect in an attempt to manage tense cross-strait relations that could escalate.

Lai has always been a staunch advocate of Taiwan independence, if he is unable to suitably compromise, it could be difficult to stabilise cross-strait relations and keep them from spiralling out of control.
https://www.thinkchina.sg/

taiwan weather is unpredictable, i went last month only,,,,,, one day 25 the next day drop to 10... knn... lucky we stay here.

next earthquarke on the way hearsay. even the resident also said they feel the ground shaking a bit..

(23-01-2024, 02:19 PM)Tee tiong huat Wrote: [ -> ]Singapore?...no  snow falls
4 cm of snow falls on Taipei's Yangmingshan
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5083442
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Snow was reported on many of Taiwan's mountains, including over four cm on Taipei's Yangmingshan on Tuesday (Jan. 23).

At midnight on Monday (Jan. 22), the Yangmingshan Anbu Weather Station, which is near Bamboo Lake, began to post videos of snow falling. By 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the temperature was 0.2 C and one cm of snow had accumulated at the station.

Photo of the Day: Snow on Qixingshan, Taipei's tallest mountain. One Can Ride MRT to Jiantan Station, then take No. 15 bus to Lengshuikeng to play with snowmen  TAIPEI/Taiwan News.

Mountainous areas of Taipei saw the first snow of the winter, and Taiwan News reporters captured photos of the snowy scenery of Taipei's tallest peak — Qixingshang. At midnight on Mon- Tues (Jan. 22/23).

Yangmingshan Anbu Weather Station, near Bamboo Lake, began to post videos of snow falling. By 6 a.m. Tuesday temperature was 0.2 C and one centimeter of snow had accumulated at the station.

Trail marker for Qixingshan. (Taiwan News photo)

The Central Weather Administration (CWA) told Taiwan News that 4.2 cm of snow was recorded at the Anbu Weather Station by 8 a.m., but it has since started to melt.

Taiwan News reporters arrived on the mountain at 9 a.m. and measured snow depths of 2 to 5 cm. Tourists were seen engaging in winter activities such as sledding and making snowmen.
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5083680

(24-01-2024, 11:13 AM)Tee tiong huat Wrote: [ -> ]Photo of the Day: Snow on Qixingshan, Taipei's tallest mountain. One Can Ride MRT to Jiantan Station, then take No. 15 bus to Lengshuikeng to play with snowmen  TAIPEI/Taiwan News.

Mountainous areas of Taipei saw the first snow of the winter, and Taiwan News reporters captured photos of the snowy scenery of Taipei's tallest peak — Qixingshang. At midnight on Mon- Tues (Jan. 22/23).

Yangmingshan Anbu Weather Station, near Bamboo Lake, began to post videos of snow falling. By 6 a.m. Tuesday temperature was 0.2 C and one centimeter of snow had accumulated at the station.

Trail marker for Qixingshan. (Taiwan News photo)

The Central Weather Administration (CWA) told Taiwan News that 4.2 cm of snow was recorded at the Anbu Weather Station by 8 a.m., but it has since started to melt.

Taiwan News reporters arrived on the mountain at 9 a.m. and measured snow depths of 2 to 5 cm. Tourists were seen engaging in winter activities such as sledding and making snowmen.
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5083680

Then have a good Taiwanese hot soup.  😃🤩😝😋

(24-01-2024, 11:13 AM)Tee tiong huat Wrote: [ -> ]Photo of the Day: Snow on Qixingshan, Taipei's tallest mountain. One Can Ride MRT to Jiantan Station, then take No. 15 bus to Lengshuikeng to play with snowmen  TAIPEI/Taiwan News.

Mountainous areas of Taipei saw the first snow of the winter, and Taiwan News reporters captured photos of the snowy scenery of Taipei's tallest peak — Qixingshang. At midnight on Mon- Tues (Jan. 22/23).

Yangmingshan Anbu Weather Station, near Bamboo Lake, began to post videos of snow falling. By 6 a.m. Tuesday temperature was 0.2 C and one centimeter of snow had accumulated at the station.

Trail marker for Qixingshan. (Taiwan News photo)

The Central Weather Administration (CWA) told Taiwan News that 4.2 cm of snow was recorded at the Anbu Weather Station by 8 a.m., but it has since started to melt.

Taiwan News reporters arrived on the mountain at 9 a.m. and measured snow depths of 2 to 5 cm. Tourists were seen engaging in winter activities such as sledding and making snowmen.
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5083680

Cold wave leads to 145 deaths in Taiwan over 2 days 294 OHCA deaths reported since Saturday, majority were elderly or those with pre-existing conditions TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — 

Taiwan's cold wave has been attributed to 145 deaths from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) over past two days and nearly 300 since Saturday (Jan. 20).

As temperatures across Taiwan plunged, 92 people died after suffering OHCA on Monday (Jan. 22) and 53 on Tuesday (Jan. 23), according to National Fire Agency (NFA) statistics, reported by China Times. The majority were elderly and suffered from pre-existing conditions.

The powerful cold front arrived on Saturday and recorded 71 OHCA deaths that day, according to the NFA. On Sunday (Jan. 21), there were 78 OHCA deaths reported. From Saturday to Tuesday, a total of 294 people have died.

The NFA urged the public to be aware of the health hazards caused by low temperatures, especially for those with cardiovascular diseases and the elderly. The CWA said there is a probability of temperatures dropping below 10 C.

On Wednesday (Jan. 24), temperatures in areas north of Kaohsiung, the eastern half of the country, and Kinmen are expected to be below 6 C or consistently around 10 C or lower. Lienchiang County may see temperatures drop below 2 C or remain consistently around 6 C or lower.

The Yunlin County Fire Department said that of the seven cases of OHCA on Tuesday, most had a history of high blood pressure and heart disease and were aged 67- 91. The Chiayi County Fire Department received five OHCA cases, all from the elderly.

According to the Changhua County Fire Department, there were two cases of OHCA transported to the hospital on Tuesday. Both involved elderly males aged 73 and 64.

New Taipei City Fire Chief Li Ching-an (李清安) said the cold weather care mechanism had been activated on Mondays. Borough chiefs have been requested to broadcast reminders about precautions against carbon monoxide poisoning.

Residents are advised to open doors and windows to ensure ventilation. If anyone needs assistance, they can call the municipal hotline at 1999, or in case of emergencies, fire department at 119.
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5084173

On 23rd during early morning at around 2am, a group of young ppl drive up to yangmingshan without chaining their car wheels, so their car plunged down at midway. Luckily din die

(24-01-2024, 02:59 PM)WhatDoYouThink! Wrote: [ -> ]On 23rd during early morning at around 2am, a group of young ppl drive up to yangmingshan without chaining their car wheels, so their car plunged down at midway. Luckily din die

OMG....🤣😇😇😇😇😇😇😇🥶😵

(26-01-2024, 05:31 PM)Tee tiong huat Wrote: [ -> ]OMG....🤣😇😇😇😇😇😇😇🥶😵

4 cm of snow falls on Taipei's Yangmingshan
Snow also reported on Lalashan, Taipingshan, Hehuanshan, Yushan...don't play play...ok.
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5083442

The last time they had snow was 8 yrs ago, so snow watchers were excited

(23-01-2024, 07:30 AM)Bigiron Wrote: [ -> ]Infographic: Taiwan’s Thinly Woven Diplomatic Web





This chart shows which countries are maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan, as of January 15, 2023.

🎁 Play @whale | 📌 Source | 👥 Chat

USA and Japan support enough liao lah!

(26-01-2024, 05:35 PM)Tee tiong huat Wrote: [ -> ]4 cm of snow falls on Taipei's Yangmingshan
Snow also reported on Lalashan, Taipingshan, Hehuanshan, Yushan...don't play play...ok.
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5083442

TAIPEI: Snow was reported on many of Taiwan's mountains, four cm on Taipei's Yangmingshan on Tuesday (Jan. 23). Yangmingshan Anbu Weather Station, which is near Bamboo Lake, began to post videos of snow falling. Taiwan News-  4.2 cm of snow was recorded at the Anbu Weather Station by 8 a.m., Dutunshan and Qixingshan, also in Yangminshan National Park, reported snowfall. Snow was also reported in Lalashan, Taipingshan, Hehuanshan, Yushan, New Taipei City's Wulai District, and Lienchiang County's Beigan Island....
---------------😀😃😄😁😆😇😇😇-------‐-------

Ko meets Taiwan People's Party lawmakers ahead of legislative leadership vote. Nominees from KMT and DPP invited to consult with TPP caucus which vows to vote as a bloc. TAIPEI — Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) Chair Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) held a closed-door meeting on Friday (Jan. 25) with the eight TPP legislators who will determine the balance of power in Taiwan’s next Legislative Yuan.


Ko called the meeting to ensure that the TPP caucus will vote uniformly in the upcoming vote for leadership of the country’s legislative body. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Ko invited candidates from the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to confer with the TPP next week so that the minority party can better understand the candidate’s proposals and positions.

In vote for President and Deputy of the Legislative Yuan, which will be held on Feb. 1, Ko said party legislators will vote as a block saiing if anyone does not vote accordingly, they will face expulsion from the party, of particular importance to the TPP lawmakers is the issue of reforming the Legislative Yuan into a more parliamentary model. Friday’s meeting was also an opportunity for Ko as party chair to clarify TPP’s policy positions to the newly elected lawmakers and ensure there are no misunderstandings or disagreements among them.

Following Jan. 13 elections, KMT, has 52 out of 113 seats, put forward Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) for president and Johnny Chiang (江啟臣) as vice-president, while, DPP, with 51 out of 113 seats, has nominated the current Legislative Yuan President You Si-kun (游錫堃), and Vice-President Tsai Chi-Chang (蔡其昌) to maintain their leadership positions.

Ko asked candidates discuss their proposals behind closed doors with the TPP caucus. After emphasizing the need for party to vote as a block, Ko said does not need to be present for the consultations among lawmakers, and said he hoped they could begin talks as soon as Monday (Jan. 29). Following meeting and remarks from Ko, Han Kuo-yu shared a message on social media imploring TPP to support KMT in opposing renewed DPP leadership of the legislature. Han has sincerely sought TPP support he hopes for a cooperative relationship, reported UDN.

Han’s potential deputy, Johnny Chiang, responded to news on Friday by saying that if the TPP does not support Han as president of the Legislative Yuan, then he will also withdraw his nomination in solidarity with Han and the party and will not seek the role himself, per UDN. In the next Legislative Yuan, no party will have enough legislators to form a majority, which will give the eight person TPP caucus an outsize influence in the legislative process for the next four years.

Although there are two independent legislators in the 113 seat Legislative Yuan who are expected to vote with KMT, the KMT will still be 3-votes short of a majority in determining leadership & passing legislation. DPP, in contrast, will face a shortage of 6 votes, with TPP legislators representing the best chance for both parties to exert power in the legislature
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5085821

Has Taiwan's KMT already chosen its next presidential candidate?. Hou Yu-ih says Chiang Wan-an 'more presidential' than himself  Chiang Wan-an appears at a KMT event on Friday. (CNA photo)
Chiang Wan-an appears at a KMT event on Friday

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Failed Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) said he believes Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) looks more presidential candidate than he does.

“I feel as though he has become a presidential candidate,” Hou said on Friday (Jan. 26), referring to Chiang’s apparent popularity. Hou added the Taipei mayor is handsome and speaks good Mandarin, per Tai Sounds.

“If my Mandarin was as good as Chiang Wan-an’s, I would have got a lot more votes,” Hou quipped at a KMT event held in Taipei. Chiang returned Hou’s compliment by saying that if his Taiwanese was as good as Hou's, his wife would laugh at him less.

Hou’s endorsement of Chiang as a presidential candidate reportedly received enthusiastic applause from the party faithful.

KMT Chair Eric Chu (朱立倫) attended the event and said he supports the “next generation” taking over leadership of the party and hopes more young people will be involved in its activities. The KMT must speed up reforms, otherwise it will be forgotten, Chu said.

Reflecting on his election loss, Hou said that a presidential campaign is like an exam. He said that if a student fails the exam, it’s the examinees’ fault. You have to constantly reflect on yourself to make progress, he said.

Has Taiwan's KMT already chosen its next presidential candidate?....Eric Chu, Hou Yu-ih, and Chiang Wan-an share a laugh at a KMT event in Taipei on Friday. (CNA photo)

Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安)Eric Chu’s (朱立倫)Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜)KuomintangTaiwan 2028 Presidential ElectionTaiwan 2024 election.
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5085828

(26-01-2024, 10:25 PM)Tee tiong huat Wrote: [ -> ]Has Taiwan's KMT already chosen its next presidential candidate?. Hou Yu-ih says Chiang Wan-an 'more presidential' than himself  Chiang Wan-an appears at a KMT event on Friday. (CNA photo)
Chiang Wan-an appears at a KMT event on Friday

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Failed Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) said he believes Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) looks more presidential candidate than he does.

“I feel as though he has become a presidential candidate,” Hou said on Friday (Jan. 26), referring to Chiang’s apparent popularity. Hou added the Taipei mayor is handsome and speaks good Mandarin, per Tai Sounds.

“If my Mandarin was as good as Chiang Wan-an’s, I would have got a lot more votes,” Hou quipped at a KMT event held in Taipei. Chiang returned Hou’s compliment by saying that if his Taiwanese was as good as Hou's, his wife would laugh at him less.

Hou’s endorsement of Chiang as a presidential candidate reportedly received enthusiastic applause from the party faithful.

KMT Chair Eric Chu (朱立倫) attended the event and said he supports the “next generation” taking over leadership of the party and hopes more young people will be involved in its activities. The KMT must speed up reforms, otherwise it will be forgotten, Chu said.

Reflecting on his election loss, Hou said that a presidential campaign is like an exam. He said that if a student fails the exam, it’s the examinees’ fault. You have to constantly reflect on yourself to make progress, he said.

Has Taiwan's KMT already chosen its next presidential candidate?....Eric Chu, Hou Yu-ih, and Chiang Wan-an share a laugh at a KMT event in Taipei on Friday. (CNA photo)

Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安)Eric Chu’s (朱立倫)Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜)KuomintangTaiwan 2028 Presidential ElectionTaiwan 2024 election.
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5085828

He is the youngest mayor of Taipei since the appointment of Chang Feng-hsu. Upon graduation from National Chengchi University and the University of Pennsylvania, Chiang worked as a corporate lawyer in the United States before returning to Taiwan for politics.

Fourth Generation of Chiang Kai-Shek's Family Takes Office in ... Wayne Chiang Wan-an, the ostensible great-grandson of Chiang Kai-shek who was sworn in as mayor of Taipei City -  Chiang Wan-an wins over voters to become youngest Taipei mayor. 43-year-old is a great-grandson of the late Chiang Kai-shek.

(23-01-2024, 10:35 PM)Tee tiong huat Wrote: [ -> ]Results : Taiwan presidential election are out, with “Taiwan independence” advocate William Lai Ching-te is president-elect, winning with 40% vote, he is set to become “minority president”. No party won an absolute majority of seats in Legislative Yuan the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) gain a minority of seats, the Kuomintang (KMT) winning the most seats, & Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) becoming a key minority. A “triple minority” situation will pose a challenge in political manoeuvrings within the legislature.

Challenges in Legislative Yuan to observers Taiwan, 60% of voters wanted DPP to be “taken off the shelf” b4 elections; with Lai only secured 40% of votes, represent mainstream opinion? At same time with mainland China harshly criticising Lai’s stance on Taiwan independence, coupled with growing economic, trade and military pressure, how can Lai ease tense cross-strait relations if he refuses to compromise? To people of Taiwan, if ruling party is not backed by absolute majority in the Legislative Yuan, the executive and legislative branches are going to be controlled by different political parties & policies, legislations & budgets will certainly be affected.

If compromises cannot be reached by ruling party fails to join hands with the 3d-largest party in the Legislative Yuan & fails to make concessions to KMT which is now the largest opposition party, there will never be peace in the Legislative Yuan and smooth governance.

Mainland China has long defined Lai as an out-and-out “worker for Taiwan independence”, and warned more than once that such people were “troublemakers” who would only push Taiwan to the brink of war. Lai’s past actions have proven time after time that his leanings towards Taiwan independence are more extreme than outgoing Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen’s. However, to dispel any doubts about his tendencies, Lai has claimed that he will follow in the footsteps of Tsai

Mainland China has long defined Lai as an out-and-out “worker for Taiwan “troublemakers” who would only push Taiwan to the brink of war. Lai’s past actions have proven time after time that his leanings towards Taiwan independence are more extreme than outgoing Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen’s. However, to dispel any doubts about his tendencies, Lai has claimed that he will follow in the footsteps of Tsai.

Supporters of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) take a selfie, as they celebrate during a rally, following the victory of Lai Ching-te in the presidential elections, in Taipei, Taiwan, on 13 January 2024. (Ann Wang/Reuters)

However, mainland China is not buying it, with the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) clearly stating that the so-called “Tsai Ing-wen path” is the path that advocates for Taiwan independence and brings confrontation and damage to Taiwan. Not only that, following such a path would “keep pushing Taiwan further away from peace and prosperity, and closer to war and recession”. With Lai set to take office, the shadow of war in the Taiwan Strait is growing thicker.

Most convenient way to reach compromise is to suspend the independence clause in the 1991 party charter in his capacity as DPP chairman. Compromises needed.

US also doubtful about Lai, as it aware Lai’s could trigger a Taiwan Strait crisis. Just one day after election, unofficial delegation from White House arrived in Taiwan to meet the President-elect in an attempt to manage tense cross-strait relations that could escalate as Lai has always been a staunch advocate of Taiwan independence, if he is unable to suitably compromise, it could be difficult to stabilise cross-strait relations and keep them from spiralling out of control.
https://www.thinkchina.sg/

TPP attempts to avoid sorry fate of previous Taiwanese third parties. Ko Wen-je can learn from four previously prominent third parties that eventually fizzled out

Relevant for 5-yrs, retained a sliver of relevance for another decade, party was founded by charismatic &at the time popular James Soong (宋楚瑜) in 2000 soon after losing presidential race by a narrow margin after running as an independent. Soong was furious KMT did not nominate him as their candidate, left the party, after founding PFP many in KMT did the same, making PFP as 2nd KMT splinter party. PFP was most influential of the third parties, even more so than TPP today. In 2001 they won 46 of 225 legislative seats, roughly two-thirds the 68 seats won by KMT. They won a respectable 34 seats out of 225 in 2004, but started to decline thereafter. They only won one seat out of 113 in 2008 & 3-each in 2012 and 2016.

Now remains only 2-council seats,, managed 0.51% of the vote in latest election on the party list, ranking as the eighth most popular party, he later exonerated, in 2000 Soong was accused by KMT of having stolen millions of NT dollars intended for family of former President Chiang Ching-kuo (蔣經國), he tarnished his image, may have contributed to his loss presidential race. This case dogged him for the next few years. 

Taiwan Solidarity Union -- The TSU, founded in 2001, was 3rd KMT splinter party, but in this case by pro-independence members of the party, which tKMT was probably happy to be rid of. They called Lee Tung-hui their spiritual leader, though he never joined party. They won 13 seats out of 225 in 2001 & 12 in 2004, and in 2005 were 3ird largest party in the National Assembly with 21 of 300 seats. At National Assembly, they got to watch the constitutional amendments passed,  led to the current system of voting for the legislature that effectively wiped out the TSU. Like the PFP with KMT, the TSU allied with DPP in legislature. With the KMT, PFP and what remained of NP voting as one bloc & DPP and TSU voting as another, in 2001 the terms “pan-blue” and “pan-green” were coined to describe each bloc based on primary colors of the KMT and DPP flags. Like PFP, the TSU struggled to maintain an identity different from that of DPP. To try do so, they increasingly resorted to protests & stunts, but their antics had effect of turning off the public.

Today they have 3-council seats and only garnered 0.31% of the vote on the party list, placing them as the tenth most popular party.

New Power Party. The NPP was founded in 2015 following Sunflower Movement to bring forward a new, pro-Taiwan politic. Founders were all high-profile, young & known for their staunch idealism, including rock star Freddy Lim (林昶佐), who served as 1st party chair & Huang Kuo-chang, served as 2nd party chair. They got off to a good start in 2016 won not only-3 party-list legislative seats, but also two district seats, a feat TPP has yet to accomplish.

During Huang’s tenure as party chair things were tense, largely due to his personality. Scandals also played a big role in the downfall of the party. One candidate for legislature was found to have a record of grabbing gal breasts on random women, then one of their legislators had to step down corruption, & then yet another legislator and party chair at the time was busted for corruption,  party’s idealistic image was hammered. In two waves, all party’s leading lights quit party, eventually leaving party with no high-profile figures. In 2020 election, they managed to win 3-party list, but in 2024 they only garnered 2.57%, below the 5% necessary to win party seats. Today they only have six councillor seats remaining.

While NPP still has a little more juice left in it than the NP, PFP or TSU turnaround will require inspired leadership & some new candidates able to generate a buzz is certainly possible, there is as yet no sign of it happening & most indications are not looking good for the party’s future. Like NPP, Ko worry about the various personalities in his party, including Huang. Ko concerned about his personality. He has been known tobe temperamental and offensive some called his managerial style “dictatorial,” though others dispute. Like NPP, the TPP has had a fair number of defections, fortunately for the party they have all been low-profile figures. So far.

Additionally, Ko needs to be concerned with potential corruption. One of the TPP’s leading lights, Hsinchu City Mayor Kao Hung-an (高虹安) is on trial for corruption, though no verdict has been rendered yet.
Ko has so far done well and there is considerable momentum behind the party. Later, we will examine how he has succeeded so far, what the party is doing now to avoid the fate of other past third parties, and the challenges they have yet to overcome.
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5086069

By-elections set for five local government positions in Taiwan. By-elections to be held after local representatives elected to national legislature.

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — By-elections are to be held for five local government positions following Taiwan’s general election on Jan. 13.

Representatives cannot hold national and local elected positions at the same time under Taiwan’s electoral law, and if a local official is elected to a national position (or vice versa) a by-election is triggered. The law also states a by-election must be held in constituencies where more than half of the positions for elected officials are vacant.

The interior ministry said Saturday (Jan. 27) that by-elections are to be held for positions on the Taichung City and Yilan County councils, as councilors Kin Cyang (黃仁) and Chen Chun Yu (陳俊宇) were both elected to the national legislature. Both members’ constituencies will be left with more than half of the available seats empty when the councilors become legislators on Thursday (Feb. 1).

Magistrates Chiu Chen Chun (邱鎮軍), of Miaoli County, Ting Hsueh-chung (丁學忠), of Yunlin’s Huwei Township, and Huang Chien Pin (黃建賓), of Taitung’s Dawu Township, were also elected to the national legislature. By-elections will also be held in the seats they vacate.

When by-elections are to be held, by law they must occur within three months of the relevant position being vacated. In the meantime, members of the local governments where positions are vacated will appoint a representative to fill the position until by-elections are held.
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5086068

Taipei, Jan. 25 (CNA) A woman who caused a fire in a Kaohsiung building that killed 46 people and left 41 injured in 2021 was handed a life sentence by the Supreme Court on Thursday. The verdict is final and cannot be appealed.

Kuomintang seeks cooperation with Taiwan People's Party. KMT lawmakers hold meeting with TPP counterparts to discuss future collaboration

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) and Johnny Chiang (江啟臣) met with Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) lawmakers, including Vivian Huang (黃珊珊) and Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌), on Monday (Jan. 29) in hopes of future cooperation.

The politicians held a closed-door meeting at the TPP legislative caucus office that lasted for 40 minutes, per CNA.

Afterward, Han said he was honored to visit the TPP. He said discussions covered parliamentary reforms and potential collaboration between the two parties to meet the needs and expectations of the Taiwanese. Dialogue during the meeting was thorough, he said, as they touched upon various topics.

Han stressed that the meeting consisted of sincere communication and exchanges, and was not a guise to make any backroom deals. He urged the public not to perceive the meeting negatively.

The KMT politician said he looked forward to collaborating with the TPP lawmakers in the new legislature to bring about new reforms and meet people's expectations.
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5087129

Pro-Taiwan independence party downsizes after election battering. Taiwan Statebuilding Party to close Kaohsiung office, reduce staffs. Members of TSP bow in apology to their supporters on Jan. 13 as their party's election result emerged.

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — After failing to reach the number of votes required to receive government subsidies during the Jan. 13 election, the pro-independence Taiwan Statebuilding Party (TSP) closed a regional office and laid off staff.

TSP member and Kaohsiung City Councilor Chang Po-Yang (張博洋) said on Monday (Jan. 29) that some party workers in the southern city had been laid off as a result of the party’s poor election result, and its local office had been disestablished, per CNA. In a press release, Chang said he and fellow Kaohsiung Councilor Li Tsung-lin (李宗霖) had each been personally paying NT$160,000 (US$5,126) per month to keep the party afloat.

TSP’s support dipped significantly compared to 2020 in Taiwan’s 2024 legislative election, taking 95,000 party votes, or 0.69% of the total. That is compared to 2020, when the party secured around 450,000 votes, or 3.16%. Chang called on supporters to continue their regular donations to party, he said an internal review will be conducted so party can take its next steps despite party’s poor showing in election, TSP members will continue to work in Taiwan’s south for next election.

Placing seventh in terms of party votes during election, TSP came behind the Taiwan Green Party (0.85%) & ONLY ahead of James Soong’s (宋楚瑜) People First Party (0.51%.)
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5086998

New cold front coming to Taiwan next week
Cold wave to arrive before Lunar New Year.
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A meteorologist recommended public make the most of the current warm spell by doing spring cleaning as another cold front is forecast to arrive next Wednesday Feb. 7.

On "Teacher Lin's Weather Station," Lin Te-en (林得恩), head of National Taiwan University's Center Weather & Climate Disaster Research said, north is expected to have another cold front next Wednesday and Thursday (Feb. 8). Central Weather (CWA) predicts southeasterly winds to affect Taiwan on Tuesday and Wednesday (Jan. 30-31). Daytime temperatures around 30 C are expected in the south and 25 C for the rest of Taiwan. Localized showers are expected in the east and the Hengchun Peninsula, while it will be partly cloudy to clear in other areas.

On Friday and Saturday, localized showers are expected north of Taoyuan, the east, and the Hengchun Peninsula. Other areas will see partly cloudy to sunny skies and on Sunday (Feb. 4), showers are likely in the east and the Hengchun Peninsula, while other areas will experience partly cloudy to clear conditions. On Monday (Feb. 5), showers are forecast in the north and east, while other areas will be partly cloudy to clear.

Lin said modeling shows cold air from China will arrive north next Wednesday & Thursday, potentially reaching level of a cold air mass or cold wave. warm weatherLunar New Year forecastcold frontcold spellcold snapcold wavecold air mass
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5087586

Taiwan's KMT legislators must show who they vote for as legislative speaker. KMT says those who do not vote will be severely disciplined.

TAIPEI / Taiwan News — Kuomintang (KMT) legislators will be required to show which candidate they have chosen to lead the Legislative Yuan when law-making body meets for its first session today, (Thursday Feb 1). As no party won a majority in legislature on Jan. 13, KMT will need all of their legislators to vote for their chosen candidates for speaker & deputy speaker of the legislature. KMT’s Hung Meng-kai (洪孟楷) said on Wed to ensure this happens, legislators will publicly display their choices to “show their responsibility,” party added those who do not attend today session will be regarded as abandoning the vote, will be severely disciplined. KMT has forward Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), with Johnny Chiang (江啟臣) as deputy for leadership positions.

Also on Wednesday. Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) said they would not support any other party’s candidate for the legislative speaker role & would instead vote for their own party’s nominee. TPP won only eight seats in legislature, compared to KMT's 52 & the Democratic People’s Party's (DPP) 51, giving smaller party votes could potentially sway outcome of the today election. According to Taiwan’s constitution, votes for legislative speaker are supposed to be cast anonymously. In practice this means legislators are not required to write their names on the ballot papers with which they choose their preferred candidate

However, they are not prevented from publicly displaying their ballot paper after they have selected a candidate and before the vote has been cast.

KMT's Johnny Chiang elected deputy speaker of Taiwan's legislature. Chiang will serve as deputy to legislative speaker Han Kuo-yu

Han Kuo-yu elected Taiwan's Legislative Yuan speaker

Han defeated You Si-kun by 3 votes after TPP abstained from 2nd round.

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Kuomintang (KMT) legislator-at-large and former Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) was elected speaker of the Legislative Yuan on Thursday (Feb. 1).

The 11th Legislative Yuan commenced with a vote for speaker, but in the first round of voting there was no clear winner. In the second round, eight legislators from the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) abstained, and Han emerged victorious with 54 votes.

He bested his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) rival You Si-kun (游錫堃), who was making a re-election bid, but received three fewer votes at 51, reported Liberty Times.

After the 2024 general election, there was a restructuring of the political landscape in the legislature. The KMT secured 52 seats, regaining its status as the largest party, while the DPP won 51 seats.

The TPP gained eight seats, and there were two independent legislators aligned with the pan-blue coalition.

Regarding the selection of candidates for the positions of speaker and deputy speaker in each party, the DPP nominated legislators You and Tsai Chi-chang (蔡其昌). The KMT nominated legislators Han Kuo-yu and Johnny Chiang (江啟臣). The TPP decided that at-large legislator Huang Shan-shan (黃珊珊) would vie for speaker, while selection of the deputy speaker would be determined after the speaker election results were announced.

Han Kuo-yu elected Taiwan's Legislative Yuan speaker 

By law, the election of the speaker and deputy speaker is determined by obtaining a majority of votes from the members present. In the first round of voting, if no candidate receives the required majority, a runoff is held between the two candidates with the highest number of votes. The candidate with the most votes in the runoff is then declared the winner.

Based on an estimate of the number of people in each party, Huang was originally expected to receive eight votes, but ultimately only secured seven votes.

TPP Legislator Chen Gau-tzu (陳昭姿) admitted on Facebook that, while she intended to vote for Huang for the position of speaker, her vote was deemed invalid because ink from a chop had smudged on her finger, which left a mark on the ballot. She apologized to TPP members and supporters.

A vote for deputy speaker was held at 2:30 p.m., with KMT's Chiang receiving😃54-votes, the DPP's Tsai receiving 51 votes, & TPP's Chang Chi-kai (張啓楷) receiving 8 votes. As no candidates received a majority of the votes a second round of voting was launched, with Chiang👌 emerging as the winner 👍🏻with 54 votes to Tsai's 51, while TPP again is🫵👎abstained.

Han Kuo-yu speaker election Legislative Yuan presidentLegislative Yuan speaker.
Han Kuo-yu thanks supporters after being elected speaker. (CNA photo)
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5088784

KMT's Johnny Chiang elected deputy speaker of Taiwan's legislature. Chiang will serve as deputy to legislative speaker Han Kuo-yu

https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5089150
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Kuomintang’s (KMT) Johnny Chiang (江啟臣) has been elected deputy speaker of Taiwan’s legislature.

Chiang was elected on Thursday afternoon (Feb. 1) during the first sitting of Taiwan’s new Legislative Yuan after the Jan. 13 general election. The vote result came out hours after fellow KMT lawmaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) was elected legislative speaker.

Lawmakers elected Chiang in the second of two voting rounds after no candidate gained a majority in the first. He received 54 votes compared to the Democratic Progressive Party’s Tsai Chi-Chang’s (蔡其昌) 51.

The Taiwan People’s Party’s eight legislators abstained from voting in the second round, as they did in the second round of voting that elected Han Kuo-yu speaker. Members of the KMT displayed their votes to the media before they cast them, as they had been told to do a day earlier.

Chiang served as the chair of the KMT between 2020 and 2021, and before that was the director of the now-defunct Government Information Office. He has been a member of the legislature representing Taichung’s 8th electoral district since 2012.

KMT's Johnny Chiang elected deputy speaker of Taiwan's legislature. Chiang will serve as deputy to legislative speaker Han Kuo-yu

Han Kuo-yu elected Taiwan's Legislative Yuan speaker

Han defeated You Si-kun by 3 votes after TPP abstained from 2nd round.

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Kuomintang (KMT) legislator-at-large and former Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) was elected speaker of the Legislative Yuan on Thursday (Feb. 1).

The 11th Legislative Yuan commenced with a vote for speaker, but in the first round of voting there was no clear winner. In the second round, eight legislators from the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) abstained, and Han emerged victorious with 54 votes.

He bested his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) rival You Si-kun (游錫堃), who was making a re-election bid, but received three fewer votes at 51, reported Liberty Times.

After the 2024 general election, there was a restructuring of the political landscape in the legislature. The KMT secured 52 seats, regaining its status as the largest party, while the DPP won 51 seats.

🫵👎👊🤛TPP gained eight seats,🤛🤛🤛 and there were 👍🏻👍🏻two independent legislators aligned with the pan-blue coalition.

https://youtu.be/J_UAt4K7wyM?si=jcTBecT59lein8MJ

Taiwan-made equipment shipped to Russian defense industry last year...NT$632 million in equipment reportedly exported from Taiwan firm to Russian client. 

Note: This is Very Wrong to make war effort with material to send to, to help Putin's to kill Ukrainian innocent peoples It 100% very wrong.

https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5089477