Taiwan Weekly is a newsletter released every week by Fair Winds Foundation, Association of Foreign Relations and Taipei Forum that provides coverage and perspectives into the latest developments in Taiwan.
When the Democratic Progressive Party is No Longer Democratic
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) just promulgated special regulations for the nomination of city mayors and county magistrates in the 2022 election.
Details
This Week in Taiwan 1031-1106
November 1: The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced that in response to the number of people returning to Taiwan for Chinese New Year, quarantine policies will be relaxed starting December 14. Those entering from non-key high-risk countries may shorten the quarantine period to 10 days in a hotel, followed by four days at home. Returning travelers must test three times before completing the quarantine process.
Details
In CNN Interview, President Tsai Confirms U.S. Military Personnel Present in Taiwan
The recently published "2021 Chinese Military Power Report" by Ministry of National Defense clearly indicated that "Foreign military force stations in Taiwan" is one of the seven possible timings for China to invade Taiwan by force.
Details
As Biden's Strategy Becomes Clearer, President Tsai Will Rely More Heavily on U.S.
"Taiwan's only option is to make itself stronger, more united, and more determined to defend itself. It is not our option to do nothing but rely only on the protection of others."
Details
"Four Noes" Referendum Campaign by DPP Only Incapacitates Taiwan's People
Taiwan is counting down to the four-question referendum vote on December 18.
Details
This Week in Taiwan 1024-1030
October 24: According to Italy's Corriere della Sera, China is putting pressure on the Holy See to sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan to establish diplomatic ties with the mainland. The Holy See insisted on establishing an embassy in Beijing first before discussing Taiwan-Vatican relations. The mainland did not yield on this issue, and the talks fell into deadlock.
Details
Biden Twice Promised to Defend Taiwan：Gaffe or Intended Departure from Strategic Ambiguity？
On October 21, President Joe Biden responded on CNN twice to the question, "Will the United States defend Taiwan if China attacks Taiwan?" by saying: "Yes, we have a commitment to do that."
Details
Speech Stumbles, Biden's Confusing Cross-Strait Policy
The remarks and posture from President Joe Biden down to important government officials in recent months highlighted that the United States has entered a state of chaos and no guiding principles in its current Taiwan or cross-strait policy.
Details
DPP Failed to Save Chen Po-wei, Exposing its Weakness
Despite the all-out help of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and a high voter turnout rate of nearly 52 percent, could not stop constituent voters from recalling Legislator Chen Po-wei, Taiwan Statebuilding Party (TSP) Legislator in Taichung.
Details
This Week in Taiwan 1017-1023
October 17: Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Huang Kuo-shu was reported by the media that he was an informant for the intelligence when he was a student. Huang was expelled from the New Tide faction of the DPP a few months ago. He posted an apology on Facebook on October 17 for his actions at the time and announced his withdrawal from the DPP and the DPP caucus of the Legislative Yuan. After his current term expires, he will not seek re-election, meaning that he is likely to withdraw from politics in three years. Huang's frank confession shocked both the ruling and opposition parties. It is rumored that several other members of the DPP were informants and are still active in the political arena.
Details