Taiwan Tati Cultural and Educational Foundation

Taiwan needs a Ukraine strategy

Daniel F. Runde

Taiwan’s survival is directly connected to that of Ukraine. If Russia is perceived as “winning” in Ukraine, meaning that it annexes and holds significant parts of Ukraine with consequences Russia can accept, then China’s temptation to invade Taiwan might grow ever greater.

However, if Russia is defeated, then the Kremlin’s ability to assist Beijing during an invasion would be dramatically reduced, and it would serve as an example to China about taking big military risks against Taiwan.

Therefore, Taiwan should help Ukraine, because it is in Taiwan’s direct interest to do so. Taiwan needs a soft power strategy to help Ukraine against Russia.

Taiwan donations to Turkey jump substantially

Taipei Times

As the death and injury toll in earthquake-struck Turkey rises, cash donations have flowed from across Taiwan, with more than NT$271.77 million (US$9.02 million) received as of Friday, the Ministry of Health and Welfare said in a statement yesterday.

More than 43,000 donations had been made through a dedicated account as of 5pm, the ministry said.

With NT$83.53 million in the account the previous day, Friday’s total represented a NT$188.24 million one-day jump in donations.

Step up war preparations

Taipei Times Editorials

Taiwan must improve its war preparations, and strengthen its ability to survive the first 70 days of a war without aid from other countries, a defense researcher said last week.

The nation needs to bolster its inventory of stocks that it would need during war, as it would likely face a blockade and be unable to receive supplies, Institute of National Defense and Security Research fellow Su Tzu-yun (蘇紫雲) said.

Focusing more on Taiwanese culture

Taipei Times Editorials

Every year, local governments across the nation decorate the streets with light installations to celebrate the Lantern Festival, with Taipei this year hosting the main event. However, one of the lantern displays in the capital has triggered debate and criticism.

The work is composed of major characters from the Chinese classic Journey to the West (西遊記). What was striking is its depiction of a white rabbit — to represent the Year of the Rabbit — sitting in a boiling twin-side hot pot surrounded by the Bull Demon King and Tang Sanzang. Many visitors found the “rabbit boiling” scene disturbing and appalling.

More Articles...