Taiwan Report

Coronavirus news, including more details on subsidies for businesses and the announcement if you don't wear your mask on public transportation, you're going to get hit with a hefty fine. With the nation facing a driver shortage, the government is moving to lift the 65 age cap on drivers of heavy vehicles, with some conditions. The US State Department calls for WHA observer status. Finally, some love from Italy's largest paper. As always, all English articles used in the report are linked to on our website Report.tw Taiwan Report News Brief is a daily show of news with analysis and context, providing the listener with a better understanding of Taiwan, especially in politics and foreign affairs. This show is intended to bring the listener up to speed on the week's events for our weekly analysis show, Current Affairs Taiwan (CAT).

4 Apr 202010min

More details on government steps to contain the coronavirus and more details on the huge N$1.05 trillion package, lawmakers push for pet policy, and the KMT lawmaker at the center of a sovereignty spat says something surprising that is quoted on the KMT official website. Taiwan to the rescue, but who is on and off the list is revealing. HK government slaps RTHK over the WHO interview. Finally, the US and Taiwan convene a high-level virtual meeting, that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago--and not just because it was virtual. As always, all English articles used in the report are linked to on our website Report.tw. Taiwan Report News Brief is a daily show of news with analysis and context, providing the listener with a better understanding of Taiwan, especially in politics and foreign affairs. It is also intended to bring the listener up to speed on the week's events for our weekly analysis show, Current Affairs Taiwan (CAT).

3 Apr 202020min

Several big news items on the coronavirus, including a call for companies that cannot practice social distancing to shut, restaurants re-arrange their tables and chairs and baseball will start the season in empty stadiums. President Tsai goes big on aiding the world with much-needed supplies to combat the coronavirus crisis, making the PRC look bad in the process by not only donating and not selling items, but Taiwan is also providing far more than the PRC and unlike the PRC's dodgy and faulty products, Taiwan's donations so far appear to be top quality. USTR weighs in on trade with Taiwan with a mixed report. Premier Su calls a KMT lawmaker "unqualified to be a lawmaker" after she says "Taiwan is not a country", and the KMT demands an apology. Johnny Chiang's KMT lineup is starting to grow clearer. As always, all English articles used in the report are linked to on our website Report.tw. Be sure to subscribe to us on Youtube (and click the bell) or on your favorite podcast service. This is the fastest way to get the latest show. Taiwan Report News Brief is a daily show of news with analysis and context, providing the listener with a better understanding of Taiwan, especially in politics and foreign affairs. It is also intended to bring the listener up to speed on the week's events for our weekly analysis show, Current Affairs Taiwan (CAT).

2 Apr 202014min

Debate on adultery law to proceed. Railways to soon be an electric avenue. Transgender activists call for change. Migrant workers tired of living in fire traps. Plenty of news on the coronavirus, including Su commenting the govt may spend NT$1 trillion. The WHO controversies roll on. Johnny Chiang appeals to the young to reform the KMT, not just bitch about it--but act fast; you've got until Sunday to apply. Premier Su lays down some daunting conditions for removing "ROC" from the covers of the passport in English, leaving only "Taiwan"--but it may be a challenge to Johnny Chiang's sincerity. It finally looks like Wei Ming-ku may take a stab at regaining his lost crown. As always, all English articles used in the report are linked to on our website Report.tw. Be sure to subscribe to us on Youtube (and click the bell) or on your favorite podcast service. This is the fastest way to get the latest show. Taiwan Report News Brief is a daily show of news with analysis and context, providing the listener with a better understanding of Taiwan, especially in politics and foreign affairs. It is also intended to bring the listener up to speed on the week's events for our weekly analysis show, Current Affairs Taiwan (CAT).

1 Apr 202019min

Big show today! The CECC says they are looking to strengthen measures against the coronavirus, are they worried about something? Hao Po-tsun has passed away. Johnny Chiang meets Wu Sz-huai, they agree to a consensus. Men are rape victims too, as the Late Late Show's Brian Tseng and Taipei City Councillor Froggy Chiu make public. Big data to be used to beat big wind. Audrey Tang touts blockchain ledgers. Taiwan to allow more overseas workers in for government construction cases. A very odd power struggle appears to be forming between the Minister of the Interior and the head of the National Police Agency, and Premier Su seems to be backing the head of the NPA. Most Taiwanese want the "Republic of China" off the passports, at least in English. Burger King China attacks Burger King Taiwan. WHO, stung by bad PR, finally utters the "T" word. As always, all English articles used in the report are linked to on our website Report.tw. Be sure to subscribe to us on Youtube (and click the bell) or on your favorite podcast service. This is the fastest way to get the latest show. Taiwan Report News Brief is a daily show of news with analysis and context, providing the listener with a better understanding of Taiwan, especially in politics and foreign affairs. It is also intended to bring the listener up to speed on the week's events for our weekly analysis show, Current Affairs Taiwan (CAT).

30 Mar 202020min

Michael Turton (麥哲恩) and co-host Courtney Donovan Smith (石東文) actually prefer social distancing by avoiding each other in yet another remote podcast episode. This week Donovan talks about doing hard time under quarantine and later the broader implications. The Taiwan People's Party attacks the Taiwan head of the COVID-19 response team. The KMT pushes to lower the voting age to 18 and to allow 20-year-olds to run for office. There's yet more news on KMT's Wu Sz-Huai. A talk about Taiwan's adultery laws. Also, a mention of WHO's mal-treatment of Taiwan. The news outlets kicked from the PRC are welcome in Taiwan. If you would prefer to listen to the show, our podcast version is at anchor.fm/currentaffairstaiwan All our podcasts from now on are at anchor.fm/taiwanreport As always, follow along with the news and get the latest shows, Taiwan Quick Take, and more at our website Report.tw. May Jam in Tainan sponsored this show, for more information visit https://www.mayjam.com/en/

29 Mar 202045min

Updates on the Wuhan coronavirus, including info on how to find out if you can get subsidies and benefits, a bad BBC report, and privacy concerns going forward. Premier Su says "science" will guide policy on ractopamine, a major irritant in US trade relations, but whose science will he follow? The US and EU disagree on just that. WHO head blames Taiwan for criticism, and accused Taiwan of having "political motivations" for wanted to join the organization. Taiwanese distrust of the PRC continues to rise to record levels. Johnny Chiang is making decisive moves so far to repair the party's reputation, but the hard stuff has yet to come. Finally, corruption in Taiwan and the head of the National Policy Agency is being investigated. As always, all English articles used in the report are linked to on our website Report.tw. Be sure to subscribe to us on Youtube (and click the bell) or on your favorite podcast service. This is the fastest way to get the latest show. Taiwan Report News Brief is a daily show of news with analysis and context, providing the listener with a better understanding of Taiwan, especially in politics and foreign affairs. It is also intended to bring the listener up to speed on the week's events for our weekly analysis show, Current Affairs Taiwan (CAT).

28 Mar 202020min

Now that everyone involved is safe, sound and free, I can go public with it: I was quarantined. The police showed up five times at my door thinking I had broken quarantine. I hadn't. A former judge and his son charged for renting a ship, smuggling coal from North Korea to Vietnam. Farmer pension plan proposed. The constitutional court is to consider whether or not a law that shields rapists should continue. Trump, as expected, has signed the TAIPEI Act. Reportedly the US is considering blocking TSMC from selling to Huawei. Both the US and Taiwan militaries on the move and the PRC can't' seem to figure out what the body of water is separating themselves from Taiwan. Half a million people want Tedros out, and Taiwan in, the WHO. Finally, some good news for fish. As always, all English articles used in the report are linked to on our website Report.tw. Be sure to subscribe to us on Youtube (and click the bell) or on your favorite podcast service. This is the fastest way to get the latest show. Taiwan Report News Brief is a daily show of news with analysis and context, providing the listener with a better understanding of Taiwan, especially in politics and foreign affairs. It is also intended to bring the listener up to speed on the week's events for our weekly analysis show, Current Affairs Taiwan (CAT).

27 Mar 202015min