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.
This Week in Taiwan 0411-0417
April 11: In an interview by NBC, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the United States is concerned about aggressive actions taken by mainland China towards Taiwan. Blinken further warned that any attempt by force to change the status quo in the Western Pacific would be a grave mistake. But he did not answer the hypothetical question of whether the United States would send troops to defend Taiwan.
Details
U.S. Issues New Guidelines on Interactions with Taiwan, Complicating "One China" Policy
The United States Department of State announced on April 9 a new version of its guidelines for interactions with Taiwan, relaxing the U.S. restrictions on engaging with Taiwanese officials.
Details
"Trends" Matter More Than “Events” in Cross-Strait Relations
Perhaps because politicians and public opinion seem to be led by the news that pop up under their noses every day.
Details
Superficial "Forward-Looking" versus Leader Busy Attending Funeral Services
The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) saw its most disastrous accident in half a century.
Details
This Week in Taiwan 0404-0410
April 5: A Taroko Express train operated by the Taiwan Railways Administration crashed with a construction truck on April 2, causing 49 deaths and 216 injuries. Through interviews, roadside security cameras, and driving recorder videos, investigators punctured the lies of the site director Lee Yi-hsiang, indicating that Lee drove the construction truck carrying waste tires to the site for dumping but was stuck between trees when he turned. Lee attempted to free the truck with an excavator, but the sling fell loose unexpectedly, causing the construction truck to fall down a slope onto the rail. The disastrous train collision occurred more than a minute later.
Details
50 Dead, 216 Injured in Taiwan's Most Serious Train Crash
On April 2, the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) saw a serious train accident with the most casualties in history.
Details
For Accountability, Transportation Minister Should Step Down
The Taroko Express, an express train service of the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA), derailed on April 2, causing 51 deaths and 188 injuries, making it the worst rail disaster in history.
Details
Geopolitics and Anti-Asian Violence
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic broke out in the United States last year, crimes against Asian Americans increased significantly during this period of time.
Details
This Week in Taiwan 0330-0403
March 28: The delegation of President Surangel Whipps Jr. of Palau arrived in Taiwan to begin his five-day, four-night visit. This is the first visit to Taiwan by a foreign head of state since the global pandemic. To the surprise of many, John Hennessey-Niland, United States ambassador to Palau, and his wife also accompanied the visiting delegation. This is the first visit to Taiwan by an American ambassador in 43 years since the two countries severed official diplomatic relations.
Details
China to Invade Taiwan in Six Years？ U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Nominee： Closer than Most Think
Admiral Philip Davidson, the incumbent commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, stated that Taiwan is one of China's ambitions and will face clear threat within six years.
Details