Published since 2019 by the Fair Winds Foundation and Association of Foreign Relations, Taiwan Weekly provides in-depth report and analysis of the major issues facing Taiwan.
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.
DetailsOn April 2, the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) saw a serious train accident with the most casualties in history.
DetailsThe 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.
DetailsThe coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic broke out in the United States last year, crimes against Asian Americans increased significantly during this period of time.
DetailsMarch 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.
DetailsAdmiral 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.
DetailsAfter the high-level diplomatic confrontation between the United States and China, a high-ranking general of the U.S. military warned that China may invade Taiwan within six years, heightening tension in the strait.
DetailsThe meetings between American and Chinese officials in Alaska shocked the world with its fiery opening, with the two strongly condemning each other.
DetailsMarch 22: Two F-5E fighter jets from the Zhi-Hang Air Base in Taitung were returning from drill exercises in Pingtung but during a change of formation collided and crashed into the sea. Lieutenant Luo Shang-hua who parachuted from the jet was sent to the hospital and determined dead. He only recently married in early March. Another pilot Captain Pan Ying-chun is still missing. His child just turned a month old. On October 29 last year, a F-5E fighter jet from the Taitung base also crashed into the sea due to engine failure, killing the pilot.
DetailsMinister Chiu Tai-san of the Mainland Affairs Council stated on March 18 that the term "1992 Consensus" has generated controversy in Taiwan, and if mainland China continues to insist upon it as a political premise, it would be an unfair and impractical demand.
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