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Friday briefing: What you need to know about Taiwan today

Reporter Dimitri Bruyas
Release time:2025/01/17 19:00
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Five key developments to keep you informed this Friday (Shutterstock) Friday briefing: What you need to know about Taiwan today
Five key developments to keep you informed this Friday (Shutterstock)

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan found itself at a crossroads of geopolitical shifts and internal developments on Friday (Jan. 17), with five captivating stories shaping the news. These narratives span economic opportunities, high-profile international visits, intense legal debates, and transformative policy changes, each revealing the complex tapestry of Taiwan's challenges and opportunities. Here are the five news stories you need to know tonight:

Taiwan Official Sees Opportunity in Trump Policy Shifts

 
A top Taiwan government official expressed optimism about potential policy changes under U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Speaking at the inauguration of Yesiang Enterprise Co., Ltd's (鈺祥企業) Tainan Liuhuan Plant (柳環廠), Executive Yuan (行政院) Secretary-General Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) emphasized Taiwan's focus on innovative economic strategies, balanced growth, and inclusive progress. He outlined support for small and medium enterprises and suggested amending the Industrial Innovation Act to encourage digital and net-zero transformations.

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) praised Yesiang as a symbol of southern Taiwan's thriving tech industry. The company exemplifies Taiwan's robust technology sector, serving high-tech industries, including semiconductors and automotive. A press release from the Tainan City Government highlighted Yesiang's ongoing transformation, solidifying its position as Taiwan's leading supplier of specialized chemical filters.

Taiwan Welcomes Former Vp Mike Pence Amid Asia-Pacific Tour
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) officially welcomed former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on his Asia-Pacific tour. Visiting at private entities' invitation, Pence's itinerary included meetings with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴). His visit aims to reinforce the U.S.-Taiwan alliance and ensure Taiwan's freedom and security.
 

Pence's agenda involved discussions with top technology leaders and a dinner at the Taipei Guest House. Responding to Donald Trump's comments on Taiwan, Pence and Ed Feulner stressed the importance of safeguarding Taiwan's security and warned against potential consequences of Taiwan's annexation, asserting the U.S.'s global power projection capability.

Justice Minister Defends Execution As Lawful, Just
The Ministry of Justice (法務部) defended the execution of death row inmate Huang Lin-kai (黃麟凱) a day earlier, executed by shooting following rigorous legal procedures. Justice Minister Cheng Ming-chien (鄭銘謙) emphasized the severity of Huang's crimes, aligning with the Constitutional Court's (憲法法庭) directives for stringent judicial processes. The execution marked a first under President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) administration.

Deputy Justice Minister Huang Mou-hsin (黃謀信) confirmed adherence to the "Prison Act" (監獄行刑法) and death penalty regulations, dismissing political motivations. With 36 inmates awaiting execution, the ministry respects the prosecutor general's reviews, affirming the process followed established legal frameworks.

China to Resume Taiwan Tours from Fujian, Shanghai
China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism (文旅部) announced resuming group tours to Taiwan from Fujian and Shanghai, signaling a move to normalize cross-strait exchanges. Ongoing preparations aim to enhance tourism services, with direct sea routes reopening in April 2024. Shanghai Vice Mayor Hua Yuan (華源) supported the initiative during the Taipei-Shanghai Twin City Forum (雙城論壇).

The announcement spurred a surge in tourism stocks, with companies like Star Travel and Fullon Hotels reaching daily limits. This development promises to boost Taiwan's tourism industry, as businesses prepare to welcome an influx of Chinese tourists, enhancing bilateral welfare.

Taiwan's Public Workers Get up to 2.5-Month Year-End Bonuses
 
Taiwan's military, public service, and education personnel received a financial boost with year-end bonuses of up to 2.5 months' pay. According to the "2024 Year-End Bonus Guidelines for Military, Public Service, and Education Personnel," 75% of employees rated as Grade A in performance received the additional one-month bonus.

The bonuses aim to alleviate the economic challenges amid rising inflation. However, the anticipated 3% pay raise remains pending. The government faces pressure to expedite the budget process, ensuring the raise's retroactive implementation once approved.