Taiwan Tati Cultural and Educational Foundation

Preferential 18% interest rate is not defensible

Hu Wen-hui 胡文輝

In a situation where few can feel the economic recovery and where there is no growth either economically or in the employment rate, the 18 percent preferential interest rate on the savings of military personnel, civil servants and teachers merely serves to reinforce the feeling of unfairness and deprivation among the general public.

A political avalanche is in the making and it will bury the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) if it insists on supporting the 18 percent interest rate for these privileged groups.

Chen Shui-bian, Wu Shu-jen share moment in court

Taipei Times

Despite the presence of judges, lawyers and dozens of spectators, former president Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) shared a quiet moment with his wife, Wu Shu-jen (吳淑珍), yesterday, the first since early last month.

The emotional get-together took place after both were called to the Taiwan High Court to answer questions in a retrial involving accusations that the former first couple embezzled secret diplomatic funds.

US has decided on new arms sale to Taiwan: media

Taipei Times

US-based media reported on Thursday that the US government had privately decided to sell a new arms package to Taiwan, but was keeping it under wraps until after an official delegation by Chinese President Hu Jintao (胡錦濤) visits next week.

Quoting unnamed senior US government officials, the Washington Times said the package would include new upgrades for Taiwan’s aging arsenal of US-made F-16A/Bs and it is expected to trigger fresh outrage from Beijing.

Time is running out for defense

Wang Jyh-perng 王志鵬

China’s armed forces have already developed a fourth--generation diesel-electric submarine, and their first aircraft carrier, the Soviet-made Varyag, will finally be ready at the end of the year, when it is due to take part in exercises.

Now we have caught a glimpse of a photo, leaked a few days ago, of what appears to be the prototype of China’s first fifth-generation — meaning it is capable of evading radar even when carrying weapons — stealth fighter plane, the J-20. The photo of the fighter during its first runway taxiing tests in southwest China has provoked much speculation and debate both in Taiwan and abroad, with some doubts being expressed over whether it is what it seems.

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