A political spat between high-ranking KMT and DPP politicians broke out last month after comments by former president Ma Ying-jeou of the KMT regarding Taiwan’s national defense. According to Ma, in the event of a Chinese invasion, Taiwan’s military would not last for more than several days, as a result of which the “first battle would be the last battle.” Consequently, Ma referred to current president Tsai Ing-wen’s cross-strait policy as overly provocative of China, as having brought Taiwan to “the brink of war”...
With Tsai beginning her second term as president, Tsai’s cabinet saw a minor reshuffle earlier this month. At the same time, with most positions remaining the same, Tsai’s cabinet primarily represents continuity more than anything else...
The need for labor protections for couriers and deliverers in Taiwan has become widely discussed in the past week. Namely, a large public reaction has ensued after two deaths of deliverers in traffic accidents and the death of a pedestrian struck by a deliverer...
Chinese academic Li Yi was deported last week on the basis of that his presence in Taiwan was to advocate the forcible and armed unification of Taiwan and China. As such, some questioning has ensued as to whether the Tsai administration crossed any lines in terms of free speech through the deportation...
Premier Su Tseng-chang approving the death penalty for cases of drunk driving represents all too typical behavior from Taiwanese politicians regarding attempts to deter crime through legal punishment. Namely, it is often thought by many members of the public in Taiwan that increasing penalties-is the best means of preventing violent crime. This is inclusive of drunk driving...
A recent crackdown on nightclubs ordered by premier Su Tseng-chang, this taking place after several fights outside nightclubs became widely reported on in the media, likely will not prevent fights from breaking out outside nightclubs. Instead, the crackdown may simply restrict the number of spaces that young people have to enjoy themselves in Taiwan...
Taiwan's Executive Yuan has proposed a draft for same-sex marriage legislation earlier this month. This draft proposes to legalize same-sex marriage, but under a different framework of law than the ones currently in effect for straight couples. The bill has currently passed its second reading, though splits have emerged between parties regarding whether to advance the current bill or amend the bill further...
The Executive Yuan has finally released its draft bill on legalization for same-sex unions. Yet the draft bill does not allow gay couples the same rights that heterosexual couples currently enjoy in many crucial aspects. What will this mean for efforts to realize marriage equality in Taiwan?...
Taiwanese political leaders took the opportunity to criticize China’s lack of democracy in their Lunar New Year’s messages, as observed in speeches by president Tsai Ing-wen and premier Su Tseng-chang...
