This Week in Taiwan 1128-1204
November 30: The Department of Protective Services, Ministry of Health and Welfare, released the results of a second large-scale survey on intimate relationship violence on Taiwanese women. One in every five women has experienced intimate partner violence in their lives. Among them, "mental violence" is the most common, reflecting the seriousness of the domestic violence issue in Taiwan.
November 30: Dissatisfied with cabinet officials under Premier Su Tseng-chang breaching administrative neutrality, spending public funds to campaign against the referendum and promote American meat traders, co-chairs of the eight Legislative Yuan committees affiliated with the Kuomintang announced that they would suspend review of the central government's 2022 budget until Premier Su apologizes.
December 1: Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan delivered a speech, stating that Japan cannot tolerate military invasion of Taiwan, and that Taiwan's matter means Japan's matter, as well as a matter concerning the U.S.-Japan alliance. He called upon Chinese President Xi Jinping to not miscalculate the situation. China's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Hua Chunying urgently summoned the Japanese Ambassador to China Hideo Tarumi to protest Mr. Abe's remarks. She stated that Japan is not qualified to make irresponsible remarks on the Taiwan issue. Tarumi responded that China should try to understand different views.
December 1: The Shanghai-Taipei City Forum debuted. Mayor Ko Wen-je of Taipei reiterated his "five mutuals" position on cross-strait relations, calling for both sides to promote meaningful dialogue. Mayor Gong Zhengze stated that he will continue to uphold the concept that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are close like family and support Taiwanese compatriots and enterprises in Shanghai. He looks forward to working together to write a new chapter in the cities' cooperation.
December 2: The Central Epidemic Command Center announced the start of third-dose vaccination. Those in the first three priority categories like medical personnel and air crew members, as well as personnel going abroad on official business and professional athletes, may receive a half dose of Moderna as the third dose. Appointments may be made directly with a hospital.
December 2: After a press conference by Legislator Kao Chia-yu on December 1 confirming domestic assault by her boyfriend Ling Ping-shu, prosecutorial police rushed to the hotel where Lin was staying to arrest him but found that the suspect was transferring mobile phone data and had deleted some of Kao's nude photos. The police also found that Legislator Kao had to comply with Lin's orders because Lin had these photos, and her whereabouts were controlled by Lin. Because of actions destroying evidence and his involvement in multiple times, Lin is at risk of flying and repeating the crime. At about 2 AM, the New Taipei District Court held that Lin would be detained, and visits would be barred.
December 3: During interpellation at the Legislative Yuan, Minister of National Defense Chiu Kuo-cheng stated that the inclusion of cross-strait peace in the joint statement by the United States and South Korea is favorable to defense operations. But the principle remains that Taiwan must save itself. Regarding proposals by members of the United States Congress to provide $2 billion every year in loans from 2023 to 2030 to help Taiwan procure military equipment, Minister Chiu stated that Taiwan will not accept everything as approved by the Congress.
December 4: At the Reuters NEXT virtual global conference, Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated that Chinese leaders should think twice about taking action against Taiwan. Mr. Blinken warned that if the mainland accelerates crisis in the Taiwan Strait, it would face dire consequences and that an invasion of Taiwan would be a "disastrous" decision.