Taiwan Tati Cultural and Educational Foundation

Barring Ye’s entry right decision

Huang Di-ying 黃帝穎

Former Chinese State Administration for Religious Affairs director Ye Xiaowen (葉小文) applied to enter Taiwan on the pretext of offering his condolences over the death of Buddhist master Hsing Yun (星雲法師). Ye’s application was rejected by the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), a decision applauded by a group of lawyers representing the Falun Gong.

The government’s move to bar Ye from visiting Taiwan is “absolutely legitimate and reasonable,” as Ye has been involved in genocide and “crimes against humanity,” the group said in a statement.

‘One China’ and changing times

Taipei Times Editorials

China says that it has official diplomatic relations with 181 countries on the basis of its “one China” principle, but a study published by a National University of Singapore (NUS) academic found that only 51 countries fully comply with Beijing’s definition of “one China.”

As China ups its intimidation of Taiwan, more countries are taking a clearer stance, defining Taiwan as an independent sovereign nation separate from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

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.

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