Stories from Taipei · Taiwan

Over a dozen state-owned and public enterprise unions, including the Taiwan Railway Industry Union, protested at the Executive Yuan. The union is seeking higher wages and improved security for workers. Further strike locations are expected to be announced by the union later this week. The number of individuals refusing military service in Germany has risen significantly since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. Previously, approximately 200 people per year opted out of military service. Current figures indicate the number of objectors is now nearly 20 times higher than that previous annual rate. Data from the Federal Office for Family and Civil Society Tasks shows a steady increase since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. The current figures represent a increase compared to the entire year of 2024.

Despite anticipating resistance from the Democratic Progressive Party, China prepared a 'big gift package' for Taiwan. His candidacy is seen as a key indicator for President Lai Ching-te's anti-China stance. If Shen Po-yang leads the candidate list, it would signify the continuation of this policy. The Democratic Progressive Party's resistance to measures could be a factor. If the DPP were to change its anti-China route, their approach might differ. A discussion from Taiwan highlighted an unfortunate overturning incident in Gansu, China. Participants expressed a strong desire for continued interaction between Taiwan and mainland China. Legislators from the KMT attended the discussion. A representative from the Kuomintang party stated that focusing on issues like medical care and tourism that concern people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait can transcend politics.

Taiwanese opposition lawmakers have compared President Lai Ching-te to 'Taiwanese Xi Jinping,' accusing him of promoting a 'constitutional martial law' more terrifying than military martial law. Experts invited by the opposition parties stated that impeaching President Lai Ching-te is a legitimate and necessary measure. The Democratic Progressive Party did not invite experts or nominate lawmakers to question the impeachment. Professor Lin Teng-yao of Tung Hai University's Law Department accused Lai of damaging governance and suffering from 'constitutional dementia.' Legislator Weng Hsiao-lin of the Kuomintang party stated that Lai's actions indicate an intention to destroy the Republic of China's constitution. Blue and white parties are aware that even if they unite, the bill will not pass.

Taiwanese batter Li Hao-yu, aged 23, recorded his first Major League Baseball hit. He recorded this moment during a game where he was not initially in the starting lineup. Li Hao-yu plans to cherish the ball from this hit.

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu announced a consultative session scheduled for May 6th. Legislative negotiations in Taiwan regarding arms procurement stalled after only 30 minutes.

Legislator Li Chen-hsiu has been expelled from the Taiwan People's Party, causing her to lose her at-large legislative seat. The party central has stated there will not be an 8,000 New Taiwan Dollar version of a stimulus, only a 3,800 New Taiwan Dollar version. The politician believes the essence of the 3,800 and 8,000 dollar versions is the same, differing only in the timing of distribution. The politician also commented on the F-35 fighter jet, noting it is what the Ministry of National Defense most wants to purchase, but the US does not sell it to Taiwan. They cautioned against equating higher spending with greater patriotism. A Taiwanese politician is returning to Taiwan, described as being under pressure and facing difficulties. A Taiwanese politician is returning to Taiwan, described as a relatively low-key arrival compared to past high-profile returns.

The Central Election Commission reports that the failure to appoint new personnel for the Executive Yuan may impact upcoming nine-in-one elections. Political negotiations regarding a specific project concluded after 30 minutes without reaching a consensus. Speaker Han Kuo-yu announced a follow-up meeting scheduled for May 6 at 3:00 PM. The project's budget requires formal approval from the party caucus before a final decision can be made. All party groups had previously stated their positions prior to the session. Cross-party negotiations in Taiwan concluded without reaching a consensus on key issues.

Kuomintang legislator Lai Shih-pao criticized Democratic Progressive Party candidate Shen Boyang regarding his campaign tactics in Taipei. Chuang also mentioned using AI to analyze the impact of his own recent hairstyle change on public discussion. Kuomintang legislator Chen Yu-chen criticized Democratic Progressive Party legislator Wang Ting-yu regarding the focus on a military-themed film. DPP legislator Chen Zhihan criticized opposition figures for questioning the 'White Crane' initiative, accusing them of hindering progress. The legislator noted that while the party once had ideals to improve lives, current strategies focus on winning at any cost. The speaker addressed allegations regarding Li Tzu-chun's land trusts, stating the land was ancestral inheritance managed through transparent trusts.

The Taiwan Veterans Association issued a formal statement condemning legislator Lyu Li-shih for attending a Chinese Communist Party event. The Veterans Affairs Council in Taiwan issued a formal press release condemning Legislator Lu Li-shih for attending activities organized by the Chinese Communist Party. The Council stated that the legislator's actions betray the nation, the military, and the people. They expressed support for legislative amendments to protect national dignity and the honor of active and retired service members. The organization said that the majority of veterans maintain firm patriotic beliefs to ensure national security. The Council plans to continue conducting patriotic education seminars across different regions. They also called on veterans to resist United Front tactics and support the strengthening of national defense.

Kuomintang Chairwoman Cheng Li-wen stated that the success of the recent peace summit exceeded expectations. Cheng noted that the summit aims to halt an escalating spiral of malice and bring peace back to Taiwan. national interests rather than a pro-China stance and noted high demand for interviews from international media. Kuomintang member Cheng Li-wen stated that China will not accept a Taiwanese leader who advocates for Taiwan independence or a 'two-state theory.' She noted that President Lai Ching-te's refusal to accept the 1992 Consensus makes diplomatic change unlikely.