NPP

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

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...

Will the Dalai Lama Visit Taiwan?

The issue of whether the Tsai administration will allow a visit by the Dalai Lama to Taiwan has again become a political issue, following the reformation of the Taiwan Parliament Group for Tibet. Although the group existed in the past, it has been restarted by independent legislator Freddy Lim for the new legislative session. The Taiwan Parliament Group for Tibet has called on the Tsai administration to invite the Dalai Lama to visit Taiwan...

Tatung Investment Controversy Leads to Conflict Between Sunflower Movement Figures

An unusual controversy has broken out regarding the Tatung Company, one of Taiwan’s most recognizable brands. Tatung primarily produces electronics and appliances and is sometimes thought of as Taiwan’s most recognizable appliance brand. The controversy is unusual because of the involvement of political figures such as former NPP chair Huang Kuo-chang and Economic Democracy Union convener Lai Chung-chiang, both of whom are lawyers that were involved in civil society activism in the years prior to the 2014 Sunflower Movement and who were major figures during the movement...

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

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...

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

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...