Tsai administration

Recent Events Highlight Taiwan’s Ties with Latin American Countries with Questionable Human Rights Records

Taiwan's ties with Latin American countries with questionable human rights records has been highlighted by a number of recent events. First, Taiwan recently saw a state visit from Guatemalan president Alejandro Giammattei in late April. Giammattei traveled to Taiwan from April 24th to April 27th, attending a state banquet held in his honor by Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen. Likewise, earlier this month, in Paraguay Santiago Peña of the Colorado Party won election earlier this month. This put an end to speculation that Paraguay would break ties with Taiwan after the election...

Thousands Demonstrate on Ketagalan Boulevard for International Workers’ Day

Organized labor groups rallied on Ketagalan Boulevard in front of the Presidential Office Building today for International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day in other parts of the world. Though the rally was not as large as in past years, prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the gradual accommodation to COVID-19 in Taiwanese society is what has allowed for International Workers’ Day demonstrations to again take place. Last year, for example, only saw a few hundred workers participate in International Workers’ Day commemorations that were significantly scaled down...

Paraguay Presidential Visit Repeats a Pattern Previously Seen with Honduras

A recent visit to Taiwan last week by Paraguayan president Mario Abdo Benitez saw Abdo emphasize that breaking ties between Taiwan and Paraguay would be a “historic mistake”. Namely, Paraguay is one of Taiwan’s 14 remaining diplomatic allies, and it's only South American ally. However, the Abdo visit takes place ahead of Paraguayan presidential elections in April, leading to questions about whether Abdo’s successor will switch recognition to China...

Cabinet Spokesperson Scandal Potentially Affects Future DPP Outlook

Cabinet spokesperson Chen Tsung-yen has resigned after reports that he traded his political influence for sexual favors during his time as head of the Tainan City Bureau of Civil Affairs. Chen had only held his post as cabinet spokesperson for 18 days, as a result of which he has been termed the shortest cabinet spokesperson in history. Despite resigning, Chen has denied wrongdoing. Chen’s resignation has since been approved by Premier Chen Chien-jen...