Taiwan Tati Cultural and Educational Foundation

Don’t blame Taiwan for cross-strait challenges

Michael Danielsen

Despite inking bilateral trade agreements, China has not changed its fundamental view on Taiwan. In Beijing’s eyes, Taiwan is a part of the Chinese family and this position continues to cause international challenges for the US and headaches in the EU.

After the Nov. 29 nine-in-one elections and the Sunflower movement’s occupation of the legislative chamber last year, commentators have begun talking about strained cross-strait relations after a possible change in government next year.

Who is to blame for such concerns about cross-strait ties? Even the most stubborn supporter of China would realize that Taiwan is not at fault.

Ma freeing Chen chance to increase popularity

Parris Chang 張旭成

Former vice president Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) began a hunger strike on Sunday in support of former president Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), who has been in prison since 2008 and suffers from multiple mental and physical disorders.

Speaking at a news conference before the hunger strike began, Lu accused the government of interfering in Chen’s trial and conviction, and violating judicial due process.

Lu served under Chen, who has been in jail for more than six years while his health deteriorated.

US court ruling belittles Taiwan

Chien-Fei Li and Wei-Jen Chen

Despite constant pressure from China to erode Taiwan’s international standing, the US has always seen the value of furthering its ties with Taiwan, a small but vibrant democracy in Asia.

In 1946, the US and Republic of China signed the Taiwan Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation to formalize cooperation between the two. And in more recent years, relations between the two have deepened substantially. In October 2012, Taiwan was included in the US’ visa waiver program, which allows Taiwanese passport holders to remain in the US for up to 90 days without a visa.

Hunger strike to protest A-bian’s jail term started

Taipei Times

Jailed former president Chen Shui-bian’s son, Chen Chih-chung, right, and other supporters sit with former vice president Annette Lu, center, in Taipei yesterday as she launches a hunger strike to demand medical parole for Chen Shui-bian.
Photo: Wang Min-wei, Taipei Times

Former vice president Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) began a hunger strike yesterday afternoon in support of the release of former president Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), who has been in prison since 2008 and suffers from multiple mental and physical disorders.

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