On November 26th, the Taipei City government imposed a fine of US$30,000 on the Apple Daily, a local affiliate of a Hong Kong company, after news stories were presented in an obscene manner on the paper’s animated news website. Found to violate the Children and Youth Welfare Act, the Taipei government also ordered all city schools and public libraries to stop subscribing to the newspaper.
According to the Taipei-based China Post, the city government will continue monitoring the situation even though the paper has announced the establishment of a ratings system for its online animated news. The ratings system classifies news content into two categories – restricted and unrestricted – with the restricted content labeled with a warning against viewing by underage web surfers.
The online news service shows animated reports of news stories, such as domestic violence, sexual abuse and murder, often using disturbing graphics and narration. Since the service commenced on November 16th, it has sparked an outcry from parents, educators and civic groups.
More than twenty civic groups accused the paper of violating human rights while inflicting harm on the victims of the reported crimes. After the protesters gathered outside the paper’s building, the Apple Daily finally apologized for the explicit content of its animated news and issued a statement saying it would stop broadcasting the most controversial items, but will continue using the animations nevertheless.
However, the city barred the subscription since readers can easily use their cell phones to scan a 2D barcode printed on the paper to gain access to the media group’s action news website. A 2D barcode, also known as a quick response (QR) code, provides easy access to the action news videos. Anyone can use a cell phone to scan the code to watch the animated news clips on a cell phone.
Earlier the paper accused the Taipei City government of restricting press freedom and said it would take legal action against the city. The Taipei government defended its action by saying the measures to bar the paper and action news on campus are all designed to protect minors. A city government spokesperson urged the nation’s top media regulator, the National Communications Commission (NCC), Taiwan’s FCC, to draft regulations on using motion graphics in presenting news stories as soon as possible.
According to Internet rating management measures listed in the Children and Youth Welfare Act, excessive detailed criminal conduct, such as murder, or describing sexual behavior with actions, videos, words and narration should be rated as “restricted.”
The Taiwan News reported that Next Media Group, the parent company of Apple Daily, also applied to launch five television channels in Taiwan. The company is now facing a tougher review with the NCC as a consequence of the outcry against their animated news service.
NCC vice chairman Chen Cheng-tsang said the media group from Hong Kong is unlikely to obtain a TV news license if it wants to deliver news containing motion graphics unacceptable to the Taiwanese public.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Taiwan Film Days
Cape No.7 -- Taiwan's all-time box office blockbuster. The story of a failed muscian's return to his hometown is entwined with a postwar tale of unrequited love.
Beyond the Arctic -- Veteran documentary filmmaker Yang Li-chou profiles a three-man Taiwanese team on the 2008 Polar Challenge, a multinational race to the North Pole. 
No Peudo Vivir Sin Ti -- A poor, single father has his daughter taken from him by the government. His desperation to keep her leads to a showdown that draws worldwide media attention.
Yang Yang -- A intimate and beautifully acted drama about a half-French competitive runner for whom family, career, and love become a tangle of contradictions. The second feature by writer-director Chen Yu-chieh.
What On Earth Have I Done Wrong -- A mockumentary about Taiwan's film industy. A TV star (Doze Niu Chen-zer, playing himself) needs funding for his breakout film and tries to raise it by government and mob sources.
GOD MAN DOG -- The tenuous place of human beings links three disparate stories in filmmaker Singing Chen’s thoughtful second feature.Taiwan films to screen in San Francisco, Nov. 6 – 8th
Although Hollywood films still dominate the theaters on the island, Taiwan-made films are beginning to find a broader audience, both abroad and domestically. During Taiwan Film Days, Bay Area audiences will undoubtedly be delighted by the breadth and diversity of the movies screened.
This weekend, the San Francisco Film Society along with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, will showcase seven contemporary Taiwanese documentary and feature films. The films will screen at Landmark Opera Plaza Cinema (601 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco) beginning Friday evening, November 6th to Sunday night, November 8th. An opening reception at Bambuddha Lounge (601 Eddy Street, San Francisco) will celebrate the start of Taiwan Film Days.
When martial law was lifted in 1987, the island’s new-found freedoms energized the film-making industry. Writers and directors alike had much to say and their movies began gaining international recognition. Since then, Taiwanese directors such as Ang Lee, Hou Hsiao-hsien and Edward Yang are not only recognized in Taiwan, but have also gained a faithful audience abroad.
Still, Hollywood dominates the global box office and it is no different in Taiwan. From 1996-2006, Taiwanese films accounted for less than 2 percent of total ticket sales in Taiwan, with Hollywood movies taking more than 90 percent, and the rest going to movies from Hong Kong and China. Since 1990, the Government Information Office has promoted local films by giving incentives, in the form of a set grant and/or government-guaranteed bank loans of up to US$3.1 million. Although this has helped Taiwan films earn accolades at international film festivals, it has not always translated well into big box office receipts.
This changed in 2008 with Cape No.7. The film would go on to become the second largest grossing movie in Taiwan. This is also the opening movie for Taiwan Film Days with two showings on Friday, November 6th.
This movie really resonated with Taiwanese people of all ages. It is two stories entwined. After trying to become a singer in Taipei for ten years, Aga returns to his hometown a failure and takes a job as a mailman. He finds a cache of undelivered love letters, and pieces together a story of unrequited love from 60 years ago.
Starting off Saturday’s program will be Beyond the Arctic, a documentary about a three-man Taiwanese team on the 2008 Polar Challenge, an annual foot race to the North Pole. Endurance runner Kevin Lin, game industry CEO Albert Liu, and 22-year-old college student Jason Chen, come together to face temperatures as low as -41F, polar bear attack, frost bite, loneliness and the punishing trek towards their destination. Director Yang Li-chou and producer Michelle Chu will be at both screenings to answer questions from the audience.
Saturday’s lineup continues with director Fu Tien-yu’s Somewhere I Have Never Traveled, a sensitive story about Ah-guei and her equally restless and lonely cousin Ah-xian. With a big world map and a bookcase of traveling guides, they take imaginative journeys far beyond their small town. A coming-of-age tale that explores our sense of self and our place in the world. Director Fu will be at the screening to answer questions from the audience afterwards.
God Man Dog, a strange title for a movie, but appropriate when all three are thrown together. Lives are entwined and boundaries fall when three outcasts meet at the scene of an accident. Yellow Bull, gives shelter to deserted god statues, yet can’t afford to have his artificial leg fixed. Biung, an alcoholic aboriginal, transports peaches between a remote village and Taipei City, finds he is less valued than this merchandise. Ching, a depressed housewife mourns her dead child and hopes to redeem her marriage. These three lives collide in a fatal car accident caused by a stray dog. This movie shows at 7pm Saturday, November 7th.
Raised by her mother, Yang Yang knows neither her French father nor his language. She yearns for a family and believes she finally gets her wish when her mother remarries, only to be disappointed by her new family. She runs away to pursue an acting career, but discovers she cannot run away from family, friendship and love. Yang Yang will screen at 9:30pm on Saturday, November 7th.
Sunday’s program begins with What on Earth Have I Done Wrong? at 2pm. A mockumentary skewering local politics. Actor/filmmaker Doze Niu Chen-zer (playing himself) is trying to get money to make his movie. He hustles for actresses and drinks with potential investors, all the while his love life and career begin to unravel. He is left at a loss about what to do next.
No Puedo Vivir Sin Ti (I cannot live without you), is based on a true story about a father’s struggle to keep his daughter. Li Wu-hsiung is a poor and single father who works at dangerous odd jobs, living on the fringes of society. When his daughter reaches school age, he tries to register her, only to meet with bureaucratic quicksand. Eventually his daughter is taken from him by the government in a desperate showdown. Filmed in black and white, director Leon Dai does an exceptional job of portraying the striking grittiness of Li’s life. This film is Taiwan’s official entry to the 2010 Academy Awards. It will show once on Sunday, November 8th at 6:15pm.
Background on Taiwan’s cinema
The first movie to be seen in Taiwan in 1899 was only shown in Taipei, which at that time was predominately Japanese. As such, it is doubtful that the early glimpses of cinema were seen by many non-Japanese.
In 1924, director-writer Liou Shi-yang made the first Taiwanese movie called Whose Fault is it? According to Fountain magazine’s special issue on Taiwan Cinema, foreign clergy played an important part in bringing non-Asian films to Taiwan. In the 1950s, popular cartoons like Felix the Cat and the comedies of Laurel and Hardy were often shown in church and temple grounds.
In 1949, Chiang Kai-shek and his followers moved to Taiwan, but the military threat from China did not lessen. Chiang encouraged filmmaking and saw it as a tool for propaganda. Between the 1950s and 1970s, movies provided a form of escapism from the conservative and closed society.
In the early 1980s, Taiwan’s economic miracle began, increasing living standards and establishing a strong and stable middle-class. When martial law was lifted in 1987, a young generation of Taiwanese filmmakers, mostly educated in the United States, were ready to examine Taiwan’s history, society, and many of the subjects that were political taboos in the past. The bulk of the movies made in this era were called “New Wave.” Considered the Golden Age of the Taiwanese film industry, it was during this time that Taiwanese movies began to receive serious attention abroad.
In 1993, two Taiwan-made movies were contenders for the best foreign film at the Oscars. In 1994, Taiwan produced 29 feature films, which earned 54 nominations and 49 awards at international festivals. In as much as people in the movie business have received more media attention and appreciation in Taiwan, the late 1990s became a dark period for Taiwanese films, both internationally and domestically. However, in the last two years, the tide has turned once again for Taiwan-made films.
This weekend, the San Francisco Film Society along with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, will showcase seven contemporary Taiwanese documentary and feature films. The films will screen at Landmark Opera Plaza Cinema (601 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco) beginning Friday evening, November 6th to Sunday night, November 8th. An opening reception at Bambuddha Lounge (601 Eddy Street, San Francisco) will celebrate the start of Taiwan Film Days.
When martial law was lifted in 1987, the island’s new-found freedoms energized the film-making industry. Writers and directors alike had much to say and their movies began gaining international recognition. Since then, Taiwanese directors such as Ang Lee, Hou Hsiao-hsien and Edward Yang are not only recognized in Taiwan, but have also gained a faithful audience abroad.
Still, Hollywood dominates the global box office and it is no different in Taiwan. From 1996-2006, Taiwanese films accounted for less than 2 percent of total ticket sales in Taiwan, with Hollywood movies taking more than 90 percent, and the rest going to movies from Hong Kong and China. Since 1990, the Government Information Office has promoted local films by giving incentives, in the form of a set grant and/or government-guaranteed bank loans of up to US$3.1 million. Although this has helped Taiwan films earn accolades at international film festivals, it has not always translated well into big box office receipts.
This changed in 2008 with Cape No.7. The film would go on to become the second largest grossing movie in Taiwan. This is also the opening movie for Taiwan Film Days with two showings on Friday, November 6th.
This movie really resonated with Taiwanese people of all ages. It is two stories entwined. After trying to become a singer in Taipei for ten years, Aga returns to his hometown a failure and takes a job as a mailman. He finds a cache of undelivered love letters, and pieces together a story of unrequited love from 60 years ago.
Starting off Saturday’s program will be Beyond the Arctic, a documentary about a three-man Taiwanese team on the 2008 Polar Challenge, an annual foot race to the North Pole. Endurance runner Kevin Lin, game industry CEO Albert Liu, and 22-year-old college student Jason Chen, come together to face temperatures as low as -41F, polar bear attack, frost bite, loneliness and the punishing trek towards their destination. Director Yang Li-chou and producer Michelle Chu will be at both screenings to answer questions from the audience.
Saturday’s lineup continues with director Fu Tien-yu’s Somewhere I Have Never Traveled, a sensitive story about Ah-guei and her equally restless and lonely cousin Ah-xian. With a big world map and a bookcase of traveling guides, they take imaginative journeys far beyond their small town. A coming-of-age tale that explores our sense of self and our place in the world. Director Fu will be at the screening to answer questions from the audience afterwards.
God Man Dog, a strange title for a movie, but appropriate when all three are thrown together. Lives are entwined and boundaries fall when three outcasts meet at the scene of an accident. Yellow Bull, gives shelter to deserted god statues, yet can’t afford to have his artificial leg fixed. Biung, an alcoholic aboriginal, transports peaches between a remote village and Taipei City, finds he is less valued than this merchandise. Ching, a depressed housewife mourns her dead child and hopes to redeem her marriage. These three lives collide in a fatal car accident caused by a stray dog. This movie shows at 7pm Saturday, November 7th.
Raised by her mother, Yang Yang knows neither her French father nor his language. She yearns for a family and believes she finally gets her wish when her mother remarries, only to be disappointed by her new family. She runs away to pursue an acting career, but discovers she cannot run away from family, friendship and love. Yang Yang will screen at 9:30pm on Saturday, November 7th.
Sunday’s program begins with What on Earth Have I Done Wrong? at 2pm. A mockumentary skewering local politics. Actor/filmmaker Doze Niu Chen-zer (playing himself) is trying to get money to make his movie. He hustles for actresses and drinks with potential investors, all the while his love life and career begin to unravel. He is left at a loss about what to do next.
No Puedo Vivir Sin Ti (I cannot live without you), is based on a true story about a father’s struggle to keep his daughter. Li Wu-hsiung is a poor and single father who works at dangerous odd jobs, living on the fringes of society. When his daughter reaches school age, he tries to register her, only to meet with bureaucratic quicksand. Eventually his daughter is taken from him by the government in a desperate showdown. Filmed in black and white, director Leon Dai does an exceptional job of portraying the striking grittiness of Li’s life. This film is Taiwan’s official entry to the 2010 Academy Awards. It will show once on Sunday, November 8th at 6:15pm.
Background on Taiwan’s cinema
The first movie to be seen in Taiwan in 1899 was only shown in Taipei, which at that time was predominately Japanese. As such, it is doubtful that the early glimpses of cinema were seen by many non-Japanese.
In 1924, director-writer Liou Shi-yang made the first Taiwanese movie called Whose Fault is it? According to Fountain magazine’s special issue on Taiwan Cinema, foreign clergy played an important part in bringing non-Asian films to Taiwan. In the 1950s, popular cartoons like Felix the Cat and the comedies of Laurel and Hardy were often shown in church and temple grounds.
In 1949, Chiang Kai-shek and his followers moved to Taiwan, but the military threat from China did not lessen. Chiang encouraged filmmaking and saw it as a tool for propaganda. Between the 1950s and 1970s, movies provided a form of escapism from the conservative and closed society.
In the early 1980s, Taiwan’s economic miracle began, increasing living standards and establishing a strong and stable middle-class. When martial law was lifted in 1987, a young generation of Taiwanese filmmakers, mostly educated in the United States, were ready to examine Taiwan’s history, society, and many of the subjects that were political taboos in the past. The bulk of the movies made in this era were called “New Wave.” Considered the Golden Age of the Taiwanese film industry, it was during this time that Taiwanese movies began to receive serious attention abroad.
In 1993, two Taiwan-made movies were contenders for the best foreign film at the Oscars. In 1994, Taiwan produced 29 feature films, which earned 54 nominations and 49 awards at international festivals. In as much as people in the movie business have received more media attention and appreciation in Taiwan, the late 1990s became a dark period for Taiwanese films, both internationally and domestically. However, in the last two years, the tide has turned once again for Taiwan-made films.
Won Fu’s Bay Area debut
On Friday evening, October 16th Won Fu delivered a high energy and fun performance at the University of California at Berkeley. They were there to help raise funds for Typhoon Relief/Red Cross Charities. Over 200 students attended the Taiwanese American Student Association benefit. During Won Fu's two rousing encores, the crowd stood up so they could better dance or move to the beat.
The following week, Won Fu played at Café du Nord in San Francisco. The Wednesday evening performance would be their first true test performing in front of an American crowd. If Xiao Min, the lead male vocal and guitarist, was nervous, he hid it well. His exuberance and playfulness came through despite struggling with certain English words. He carried on a light banter with the crowd and won them over easily with his infectious good humor. If he’s this funny with his somewhat limited English, one wonders how truly delightful he would be in Mandarin or Taiwanese. His playfulness was infectious.
During their hour-long set at both locations, Xiao Min introduced the songs. From time to time, Mami, the lead female vocalist often injected comments as well. With their playfulness, they did a great job on audience participation and in keeping the spirits high. Twiggy, the bass guitarist and Dupy, the drummer, seemed more than happy to leave the talking to Xiao Min and Mami.
The band has often said that they feel music should be a happy experience and they certainly delivered one at both events. Won Fu’s musical style ranges from pop to head-banging heavy rock. Singing mainly in Mandarin and Taiwanese, they played their hit “Do Re Mi,” one of their most popular songs by far, with its melodies reminiscent of Taiwanese folk tunes. The Japanese version won them a solid Japanese following.
Due to the tight schedule at Café du Nord and because they had played a request from the audience, Xiao Min explained that there would be no encores. However, since they could play two more songs, he suggested they think of the next song as the last and pretend the last song was the encore, thus satisfying his vanity. The “encore” was dedicated to a superstar and it soon became clear when Mami began belting out Michael Jackson’s “I want you back.” It was a thing of wonder that such a petite Taiwanese girl could sound exactly like the legendary Michael Jackson.
Won Fu continued on their US tour by traveling to Los Angeles, Portland and Seattle. For more details about the band, please visit them at: www.myspace.com/wonfu.
The following week, Won Fu played at Café du Nord in San Francisco. The Wednesday evening performance would be their first true test performing in front of an American crowd. If Xiao Min, the lead male vocal and guitarist, was nervous, he hid it well. His exuberance and playfulness came through despite struggling with certain English words. He carried on a light banter with the crowd and won them over easily with his infectious good humor. If he’s this funny with his somewhat limited English, one wonders how truly delightful he would be in Mandarin or Taiwanese. His playfulness was infectious.
During their hour-long set at both locations, Xiao Min introduced the songs. From time to time, Mami, the lead female vocalist often injected comments as well. With their playfulness, they did a great job on audience participation and in keeping the spirits high. Twiggy, the bass guitarist and Dupy, the drummer, seemed more than happy to leave the talking to Xiao Min and Mami.
The band has often said that they feel music should be a happy experience and they certainly delivered one at both events. Won Fu’s musical style ranges from pop to head-banging heavy rock. Singing mainly in Mandarin and Taiwanese, they played their hit “Do Re Mi,” one of their most popular songs by far, with its melodies reminiscent of Taiwanese folk tunes. The Japanese version won them a solid Japanese following.
Due to the tight schedule at Café du Nord and because they had played a request from the audience, Xiao Min explained that there would be no encores. However, since they could play two more songs, he suggested they think of the next song as the last and pretend the last song was the encore, thus satisfying his vanity. The “encore” was dedicated to a superstar and it soon became clear when Mami began belting out Michael Jackson’s “I want you back.” It was a thing of wonder that such a petite Taiwanese girl could sound exactly like the legendary Michael Jackson.
Won Fu continued on their US tour by traveling to Los Angeles, Portland and Seattle. For more details about the band, please visit them at: www.myspace.com/wonfu.
Taiwan job fair comes to Silicon Valley, Nov. 13 & 14th
This month, Taiwan’s government and the private sector will join forces to stage an “Overseas High-Tech Talent Recruitment Mission.” The HiRecruit Job Fair was initiated by the Executive Yuan in 2003 to attract more IT professionals to work in Taiwan. Previous missions have attracted 12,503 professionals, and successfully matched 3,016 job-seekers with careers in Taiwan. This year’s 12-day overseas recruitment mission will include four US cities and arrive in Silicon Valley on November 13th and 14th (Friday and Saturday) in the hope of filling 1,532 job vacancies.
The group, comprising of 32 delegates, will conduct interviews with local IT specialists interested in working in Taiwan. In addition to one-on-one interviews with participating companies, other activities include a press conference, an opening ceremony, HiRecruit Services, assistance for those looking for substitute military service, or seeking work permits for Taiwan.
Thirty companies and research institutions will present participants with jobs in over 784 categories in the semiconductor, optoelectronics, telecommunications and informatics, metal materials, biotechnology, medical and green energy industries. Companies include Chi-Mei Optoelectronics, Delta Electronics, Chunghwa Telecom, Macronix, Etron, Gemtek, Brickcom, Hon Hai, Mediatek, Cadence, Davicom, Arcom, Asia Pacific Microsystems, Coban Asia, Everlight Electronics, LePower, PharmaEssentia, Shenmao, Parts Channel, Applied Materials, and Impax, among many others.
Jobs are available in different areas of corporate management, R&D management, engineering, and other R&D areas. Now more than ever, Taiwan’s government is making it easier for expats to work on the island. Instead of going through a multi-tier process involving different ministries, the government has simplified the process by issuing an Employment Pass.
In addition, skilled foreign workers can receive attractive incentives such as lower income tax as well as Taiwan residency. In order to advance Taiwan’s technological standing in the world, government subsidies are offered to professionals and experts in specialized fields. Incentives for qualified candidates include subsidized travel, a pension, and bonuses .
In addition to organizing overseas recruitment missions, HiRecruit Services seeks to connect international professionals with Taiwanese enterprises through its HiRecruit online portal (http://hirecruit.nat.gov.tw). Currently, there are over 986 enterprise members and over 10,783 individual members listed in HiRecruit’s database, enabling HiRecruit to quickly identify and automatically process in excess of 42,404 job matches, with more than 1,532 vacancies targeting the US. In the first three quarters of 2009, 141 companies successfully recruited 247 professionals.
The group, comprising of 32 delegates, will conduct interviews with local IT specialists interested in working in Taiwan. In addition to one-on-one interviews with participating companies, other activities include a press conference, an opening ceremony, HiRecruit Services, assistance for those looking for substitute military service, or seeking work permits for Taiwan.
Thirty companies and research institutions will present participants with jobs in over 784 categories in the semiconductor, optoelectronics, telecommunications and informatics, metal materials, biotechnology, medical and green energy industries. Companies include Chi-Mei Optoelectronics, Delta Electronics, Chunghwa Telecom, Macronix, Etron, Gemtek, Brickcom, Hon Hai, Mediatek, Cadence, Davicom, Arcom, Asia Pacific Microsystems, Coban Asia, Everlight Electronics, LePower, PharmaEssentia, Shenmao, Parts Channel, Applied Materials, and Impax, among many others.
Jobs are available in different areas of corporate management, R&D management, engineering, and other R&D areas. Now more than ever, Taiwan’s government is making it easier for expats to work on the island. Instead of going through a multi-tier process involving different ministries, the government has simplified the process by issuing an Employment Pass.
In addition, skilled foreign workers can receive attractive incentives such as lower income tax as well as Taiwan residency. In order to advance Taiwan’s technological standing in the world, government subsidies are offered to professionals and experts in specialized fields. Incentives for qualified candidates include subsidized travel, a pension, and bonuses .
In addition to organizing overseas recruitment missions, HiRecruit Services seeks to connect international professionals with Taiwanese enterprises through its HiRecruit online portal (http://hirecruit.nat.gov.tw). Currently, there are over 986 enterprise members and over 10,783 individual members listed in HiRecruit’s database, enabling HiRecruit to quickly identify and automatically process in excess of 42,404 job matches, with more than 1,532 vacancies targeting the US. In the first three quarters of 2009, 141 companies successfully recruited 247 professionals.
Come meet the movers and shakers of Taiwan’s hi-tech industries, along with government agencies, at the HiRecruit Job Fair. Join them at the Hyatt Regency Hotel (5101 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara) to find out about the exciting investment and job opportunities in Taiwan. If you would like more information, please email: hirecruit@taiwantradesf.org or register at http://hirecruit.nat.gov.tw/english/tour_JobList.asp.
The 60th anniversary of division across the Strait – Taiwan’s perspective
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) celebrated the 60th anniversary of its creation by mobilizing some 100,000 soldiers to stage a massive military parade in Beijing on October 1st. Watching the Chinese fanfare and parades on television, few Taiwanese were impressed. Instead of celebrating the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan on Oct. 10th, the government cancelled all celebrations out of respect for those lives, homes, and livelihoods lost in the wake of Typhoon Morakot in August.
The United Evening News said in an editorial, that watching the tens of thousand of troops marching in unison was like watching a computer animation. “While the government and the people of China still admire the mighty force of collectivism, most Taiwanese feel more confident that they have got rid of the authoritarian rule and cherish more the diversity, autonomy and individualist way of life they enjoy now.”
The United Daily News also commented in an editorial that “With regard to a nation’s military force and weaponry, Taiwan is certainly not as strong as China. But in terms of freedom, Taiwan is way ahead of China. Only when freedom and democracy have prevailed, will all the Chinese people be really liberated from the images of holding huge portraits of leaders, placards of slogans and oceans of red flags.”
Taiwan’s democracy provides catalyst
When asked by the press about his impression of the large-scale military parade in China, Premier Wu Den-yih of Taiwan said “We are not in a position to comment on whatever style the PRC wanted to celebrate its founding anniversary, which we should respect. But both sides have reached consensus that only peaceful development is most beneficial to the welfare of peoples across the Taiwan Strait.”
Chang Jung-kung, director of the ruling Kuomintang (KMT) party's Mainland Affairs Division, said “It is not deniable that China is strong in its national power, but Taiwan’s soft power is superior because of peaceful competition, and its democratic system.”
Tsai Ing-wen, chairperson of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), said “It would be more meaningful if China had stressed the need to review the development process of democracy on its 60th founding anniversary.”
More than one million Nationalist troops fell in the Civil War between the Communists and the Nationalists before Chiang Kai-shek flew to Taiwan from Chengdu, Sichuan (China) on Dec. 10th, 1949. He came with about two million civilians and soldiers, building Taiwan into a “Bastion of Recovery” together with its four million local residents.
With a population of 23 million now, Taiwan is a democracy which enjoys astonishing economic power. In an editorial “The miracle created by failures,” the Singapore-based United Morning News praised Taiwan for its hard work and its political and economic achievements in the last 60 years. “The largest impact China will face in the future comes from the catalysis of Taiwan’s democracy.”
However, former DPP legislator Lin Cho-shui holds a more conservative view, saying “Taiwan’s democracy will not be a deciding factor in China’s future democratization, which will have to come from the internal power of the Chinese mainland.”
Transcending 60 years
On the 60th anniversary of cross strait division, the Commonwealth magazine published a special issue entitled “Transcending the 60 years” which included an interview with President Ma Ying-jeou. Talking about his feelings on the 60th anniversary, Ma said, “Many KMT party members consider the Communists as enemies of blood rancor. My family does too. But I can’t put my personal resentment above our national interests.”
He continued, “The mutual exchanges across the Strait aim not just at making money by attracting more mainland Chinese tourists, or just seeking more business opportunities for Taiwanese businessmen, but also at transforming freedom, democracy, legal systems and human rights into a common language among the peoples across the Taiwan Strait….In dealing with the Chinese mainland, my government vows not to betray the national dignity and sovereignty, nor can we do nothing merely for fear of being hurt.”
In an interview with the DPP chairperson on the same issue, Tsai said. “There has been enough heated argument and fighting on the issue of unification with China or Taiwan independence in our society. We should review what values we should insist on. Once we are certain about the core values, we shouldn't tilt too much towards China because the values in China are those we are not supposed to come near.”
Long way towards being a big family
The Taipei-based China Times published an article written by freelancer Chen Yi-ting noting that “in the last 60 years, the source of threats and fear for Taiwan did not come from the imperialism of Europe or America, but from Beijing. Now we see the Chinese standing up after hundred years of being humiliated by the West. And it was Nationalist Chiang Kai-shek who was defeated by Communist Mao Tse-tung. The humiliation of being defeated should not be carried onward by the living people of Taiwan.”
"A starting point for rapprochement between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait is to respect the existence of Taiwan’s entity. The Chinese government and people have always used the 'one China' policy to limit Taiwan’s maneuvering on the international stage, disallowing the use of Taiwan’s name. Every time we are denied in the international arena, we bear resentment and mistrust toward China, who still stubbornly believes that the solution across the Strait lies with military power."
“This is how one treats an enemy. If you think of Taiwanese as compatriots, you need to be more tolerant. Taiwanese are not stone-hearted. If you want us to join the greater Chinese family, please do something to touch our hearts, not threaten us with scare tactics as a way to force us into submission without an alternative.”
Today, Taiwan is confident enough to allow the live television broadcast of China’s military parade on its national day. When can we humbly expect the Chinese government to do the same by not blocking access to Taiwanese news media from it people?
The United Evening News said in an editorial, that watching the tens of thousand of troops marching in unison was like watching a computer animation. “While the government and the people of China still admire the mighty force of collectivism, most Taiwanese feel more confident that they have got rid of the authoritarian rule and cherish more the diversity, autonomy and individualist way of life they enjoy now.”
The United Daily News also commented in an editorial that “With regard to a nation’s military force and weaponry, Taiwan is certainly not as strong as China. But in terms of freedom, Taiwan is way ahead of China. Only when freedom and democracy have prevailed, will all the Chinese people be really liberated from the images of holding huge portraits of leaders, placards of slogans and oceans of red flags.”
Taiwan’s democracy provides catalyst
When asked by the press about his impression of the large-scale military parade in China, Premier Wu Den-yih of Taiwan said “We are not in a position to comment on whatever style the PRC wanted to celebrate its founding anniversary, which we should respect. But both sides have reached consensus that only peaceful development is most beneficial to the welfare of peoples across the Taiwan Strait.”
Chang Jung-kung, director of the ruling Kuomintang (KMT) party's Mainland Affairs Division, said “It is not deniable that China is strong in its national power, but Taiwan’s soft power is superior because of peaceful competition, and its democratic system.”
Tsai Ing-wen, chairperson of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), said “It would be more meaningful if China had stressed the need to review the development process of democracy on its 60th founding anniversary.”
More than one million Nationalist troops fell in the Civil War between the Communists and the Nationalists before Chiang Kai-shek flew to Taiwan from Chengdu, Sichuan (China) on Dec. 10th, 1949. He came with about two million civilians and soldiers, building Taiwan into a “Bastion of Recovery” together with its four million local residents.
With a population of 23 million now, Taiwan is a democracy which enjoys astonishing economic power. In an editorial “The miracle created by failures,” the Singapore-based United Morning News praised Taiwan for its hard work and its political and economic achievements in the last 60 years. “The largest impact China will face in the future comes from the catalysis of Taiwan’s democracy.”
However, former DPP legislator Lin Cho-shui holds a more conservative view, saying “Taiwan’s democracy will not be a deciding factor in China’s future democratization, which will have to come from the internal power of the Chinese mainland.”
Transcending 60 years
On the 60th anniversary of cross strait division, the Commonwealth magazine published a special issue entitled “Transcending the 60 years” which included an interview with President Ma Ying-jeou. Talking about his feelings on the 60th anniversary, Ma said, “Many KMT party members consider the Communists as enemies of blood rancor. My family does too. But I can’t put my personal resentment above our national interests.”
He continued, “The mutual exchanges across the Strait aim not just at making money by attracting more mainland Chinese tourists, or just seeking more business opportunities for Taiwanese businessmen, but also at transforming freedom, democracy, legal systems and human rights into a common language among the peoples across the Taiwan Strait….In dealing with the Chinese mainland, my government vows not to betray the national dignity and sovereignty, nor can we do nothing merely for fear of being hurt.”
In an interview with the DPP chairperson on the same issue, Tsai said. “There has been enough heated argument and fighting on the issue of unification with China or Taiwan independence in our society. We should review what values we should insist on. Once we are certain about the core values, we shouldn't tilt too much towards China because the values in China are those we are not supposed to come near.”
Long way towards being a big family
The Taipei-based China Times published an article written by freelancer Chen Yi-ting noting that “in the last 60 years, the source of threats and fear for Taiwan did not come from the imperialism of Europe or America, but from Beijing. Now we see the Chinese standing up after hundred years of being humiliated by the West. And it was Nationalist Chiang Kai-shek who was defeated by Communist Mao Tse-tung. The humiliation of being defeated should not be carried onward by the living people of Taiwan.”
"A starting point for rapprochement between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait is to respect the existence of Taiwan’s entity. The Chinese government and people have always used the 'one China' policy to limit Taiwan’s maneuvering on the international stage, disallowing the use of Taiwan’s name. Every time we are denied in the international arena, we bear resentment and mistrust toward China, who still stubbornly believes that the solution across the Strait lies with military power."
“This is how one treats an enemy. If you think of Taiwanese as compatriots, you need to be more tolerant. Taiwanese are not stone-hearted. If you want us to join the greater Chinese family, please do something to touch our hearts, not threaten us with scare tactics as a way to force us into submission without an alternative.”
Today, Taiwan is confident enough to allow the live television broadcast of China’s military parade on its national day. When can we humbly expect the Chinese government to do the same by not blocking access to Taiwanese news media from it people?
Taiwan’s SMEs continue to prosper
Taiwan is striving to increase its competitiveness by relaxing current restrictions and attracting more foreign investment, establishing less complicated business regulations, and developing value-added service sectors, like healthcare, and cultural tourism. Although Taiwan’s competitiveness ranking has declined, its small to medium-sized companies have continued to do well.
In a speech on Taiwan’s competitiveness on October 13th in Taiwan, John R. Wells, the president of the Lausanne-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD), pointed out Taiwan’s strengths and weaknesses. As a result of the global financial crisis, the economic performance of many nations has fallen sharply. Taiwan has suffered particularly badly because of its export-oriented economy. In the IMD’s Competitiveness Yearbook 2009 released in May, Taiwan was ranked 23rd out of the 57 nations surveyed, dropping from 13th place in 2008.
Under closer examination, the small to medium-sized businesses in Taiwan did far better than large corporations. In the report, Taiwan ranked 14th in the efficiency of small to medium-sized businesses, better than Japan’s 36th. Taiwan ranked 7th in entrepreneurship and 11th in market reaction resilience, a stress test of how quickly economies rebound.
Wells said business health is the key to building a nation’s competitiveness. Even with the advantages of low taxes, complete infrastructure and innovation capability, Taiwan’s attraction to foreign investment fell far behind China, Hong Kong and Japan because Taiwan’s laws are too complicated and restrictive.
With its unique culture and fine craftsmanship, Taiwan can surely attract visitors from all over the world, he observed. “Taiwan can learn from Spain’s experiences in developing its tourism industry,” he said.
Echoing Wells’ points, Taiwan Institute of Economic Research president David Hong said that Taiwan’s economic growth in the past have relied on manufacturing. Although Taiwan still needs its manufacturing industries, it needs to grow its service sector.
Even though Taiwan’s ranking fell in IMD’s report, international news media like Dow Jones News Service, AFP, Bloomberg News Services, Japan Economic News, The Wall Street Journal Asia, and Singapore’s Straits Times, have all reported on Taiwan’s economic recovery. Furthermore, domestic indictors compiled by Taiwan's Council for Economic Planning and Development (CEPD) in the last three months indicate a sustainable improvement around the corner. Optimism about the anticipated economic outlook is buoyant.
In a speech on Taiwan’s competitiveness on October 13th in Taiwan, John R. Wells, the president of the Lausanne-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD), pointed out Taiwan’s strengths and weaknesses. As a result of the global financial crisis, the economic performance of many nations has fallen sharply. Taiwan has suffered particularly badly because of its export-oriented economy. In the IMD’s Competitiveness Yearbook 2009 released in May, Taiwan was ranked 23rd out of the 57 nations surveyed, dropping from 13th place in 2008.
Under closer examination, the small to medium-sized businesses in Taiwan did far better than large corporations. In the report, Taiwan ranked 14th in the efficiency of small to medium-sized businesses, better than Japan’s 36th. Taiwan ranked 7th in entrepreneurship and 11th in market reaction resilience, a stress test of how quickly economies rebound.
Wells said business health is the key to building a nation’s competitiveness. Even with the advantages of low taxes, complete infrastructure and innovation capability, Taiwan’s attraction to foreign investment fell far behind China, Hong Kong and Japan because Taiwan’s laws are too complicated and restrictive.
With its unique culture and fine craftsmanship, Taiwan can surely attract visitors from all over the world, he observed. “Taiwan can learn from Spain’s experiences in developing its tourism industry,” he said.
Echoing Wells’ points, Taiwan Institute of Economic Research president David Hong said that Taiwan’s economic growth in the past have relied on manufacturing. Although Taiwan still needs its manufacturing industries, it needs to grow its service sector.
Even though Taiwan’s ranking fell in IMD’s report, international news media like Dow Jones News Service, AFP, Bloomberg News Services, Japan Economic News, The Wall Street Journal Asia, and Singapore’s Straits Times, have all reported on Taiwan’s economic recovery. Furthermore, domestic indictors compiled by Taiwan's Council for Economic Planning and Development (CEPD) in the last three months indicate a sustainable improvement around the corner. Optimism about the anticipated economic outlook is buoyant.
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