2019 novel Coronavirus

Despite Stable Outlook, Taiwan Must Contend with Successive Global Waves of COVID-19

Brian Hioe
Taiwan marked one hundred days since the last case of domestic transmission of COVID-19 on July 17th, with the last case of local COVID-19 transmission having taken place on April 8th. It appears as though the COVID-19 situation is still under control in Taiwan, Taiwan having managed to avoid the expansive lockdowns that the rest of the world has seen. However, with the second and third waves of COVID-19 taking place globally and five new imported cases added today, Taiwan is likely to see an uptick in imported cases going forward...
EnglishJune 2020Politics8 min read

The KMT’s Criticisms of the Tsai Administration’s Voucher Program Reflect Desperation

Brian Hioe
An unusual political controversy as of late has been regarding a stimulus coupon that the Tsai administration intends to distribute in order to promote spending. The coupons, which are available for purchase for 1,000 NT, are worth 3,000 NT and can be used at businesses such as night markets, department stores, salons, bookstores, restaurants, and other locations. The KMT has honed in on this program as a means of attacking the Tsai administration...
EnglishJune 2020Politics5 min read

Travel Restrictions on International Students, Cash Rewards for Visa Overstayers Questioned

Brian Hioe
With the COVID-19 situation under control in Taiwan, restrictions on mass gatherings have been lifted and government authorities are attempting to encourage domestic travel. However, with the prospect of opening up borders again to international travel, as some countries in the region are considering doing, questions have been raised regarding current restrictions on international travel mandated by the government...
EnglishJune 2020Politics6 min read

The Aesthetics of the Coronavirus in Taiwan

Brian Hioe
With much international praise of Taiwan’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, in avoiding expansive lockdown measures and avoiding domestic transmission of the coronavirus, a major factor in Taiwan’s successes has been the ability of the government and society to communicate information about measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. As such, examining the aesthetics of the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwanese society may be instructive...
ArtArts and CultureEnglishMay 20209 min read