This Week in Taiwan 0417-0423
April 18: According to the media, with the consent of the United States, Taiwan is extending the airport runway on Taiping Island by 350 meters, from the current 1,150 meters to the 1,500 meters. The Air Force has completed the construction tender. It can be used by fighter jets to take off and land when necessary.
April 19: After six days of emergency care, a two-year-old boy from New Taipei died 3 AM accompanied by his parents. Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung, who heads the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), stated that the physicians had done their best and feel deeply saddened.
April 20: The Ministry of Health and Welfare's (MOHW) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) passed resolution that children aged 6 to 11 can be vaccinated with half the adult dose (i.e. 0.25 ml) of Moderna vaccine, with a 12-week interview between two shots. The new measure may take effect as soon as early May.
The authorities also opened third-dose vaccination to adolescents. Seniors and high-risk groups may receive fourth and fifth doses.
April 21: Former President Chen Shui-bian's state affairs fund case has been litigated for more than 15 years. In reviewing amendments to the Accounting Act about de-criminalizing misuse of the state affairs fund, the Finance Committee of the Legislative Yuan saw several waves of physical conflict among the ruling and opposition parties.
Despite strong opposition from three opposition parties, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) still relied upon its majority to pass the draft legislation through committee in about five minutes. The amendment will proceed to party caucus negotiations.
April 21: April 22 is Earth Day. On April 21, the Executive Yuan passed a draft amendment to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act, which will be renamed the Climate Change Response Act, and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 will be included in the law. At the same time, a carbon pricing mechanism will be established. A carbon fee is expected to be levied in 2024. The legislation will be submitted to the Legislative Yuan for further deliberation.
April 22: On Labor Day on May 1, all Taiwan Railways t rains will be suspended. In order to resist the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) from submitting draft legislation privatizing Taiwan Railways without negotiation, the union initiated "no overtime work on May 1," which is expected to cause the second major service disruption in the 135-year history of the Taiwan Railways. The MOTC announced alternative modes of transportation with the High Speed Rail and passenger buses to serve western Taiwan and so-called "quasi-trains" (i.e. charter buses driven along Provincial Highway No. 9) to serve eastern Taiwan.
April 22: The number of infected people has soared, and classes have been suspended for more than 60,000 teachers and students in Taipei. The Taipei City Government announced that junior and senior high schools in Taipei will practice online instruction. Kaohsiung announced rapid testing in lieu of suspending classes.
April 22: President Tsai Ing-wen pardoned former army major general Han Yu-ping and officer Zhang Hao-sen. In accordance with the Anti-Corruption Act, the two had been sentenced to 4.5 years and one year, respectively, in prison for writing off meal expenses of NT$2,880 during the Hankuang Exercise. The case has garnered public attention and controversy.