Stories from Taipei · Taiwan

Legal expert Huang Wei-hsiung from Yi Quan International Law Firm discussed common pitfalls in business partnerships, particularly concerning financial transparency and asset division. A legal expert from Yi Chuan International Law Firm discussed common pitfalls in business partnerships, emphasizing the importance of clear terms and active participation. He advised against equal 50/50 partnerships, suggesting a three-person structure for majority decision-making or sole proprietorship to avoid disputes. The expert highlighted that most partnership issues stem from unclear accounting and profit-sharing disagreements, often leading to mistrust and conflict. Legal experts in Taiwan are discussing the common issues that lead to the breakdown of business partnerships, with an estimated 80% ending in discord.

Doctors in Taiwan are advising against surgery for benign thyroid tumors, particularly for elderly patients, citing increased risks.

A new medication has been identified that can control the secretion of benign tumors without the need for surgical intervention. The treatment works by directly influencing the secretion levels, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional surgery. This development provides a significant medical option for patients suffering from these specific tumor types.

The Taiwan Strait is a critical artery for global trade, with over half of the world's container traffic passing through it. Any military aggression by China against Taiwan would have immediate and significant repercussions for the global economy. The conflict's impact on employment in Russia is also a concern, as demobilized soldiers and defense industry workers could face widespread unemployment if peace is established.

Recent polling in Taiwan indicates over 60% of the population believes relying on US military sales poses a risk to the island's security. There is growing public doubt regarding the effectiveness of military procurement by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration. Chinese officials have responded by stating that US support for Taiwan violates the One China principle. The administration has called for the US to immediately cease advancing proposals regarding Taiwan issues. Over 60% of Taiwanese citizens believe the United States is unreliable and will not provide defense assistance to Taiwan. This sentiment was discussed in the context of community activities and social engagement among older generations. This sentiment exists alongside respect for the party group's autonomy and progress.

A journalist traveling to Taiwan is using a test passport and has acquired luggage that was never collected by its owners. This experimental journey involves using these unclaimed bags as part of the travel process, with the journalist expressing curiosity about their contents. Partial easing has been implemented for Taiwanese passports, allowing them to be used as identification under specific circumstances after a three-step setup.

Questions are being raised about the political career trajectory of a former Taiwanese official, who was reportedly promoted by Guo Wengui through various electoral positions, including legislator and county magistrate. A commentator questioned who the Taiwanese national army is fighting for, referencing the Republic of China.

Defense expert Shih Hsiao-wei criticized the current legislative procurement process for lacking sufficient evaluation of supply chain risks and actual combat effectiveness. Despite facing daily criticism, the politician remains unfazed, drawing on past experience in public office. Lee Chen-Hsiu has been expelled from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) effective April 13, 2026, for violating party discipline. A special budget proposal, which would require borrowing, is being scrutinized. A commentator on BCC News Taiwan criticized the Democratic Progressive Party for prioritizing election strategies over economic development, questioning if this benefits Taiwan. They argue that a severe shortage of soldiers, not just weapons, will undermine combat readiness.

Taiwanese government officials are questioning US demands for zero-tariff access for American agricultural products, specifically mentioning strawberries and potatoes. Agriculture Minister Chen Chun-jai stated that agriculture is not a political tool and farmers are not easily incited. His comments follow reports that the government might relax imports of sprouted potatoes following the US-Taiwan trade agreement. He alleged the government is using 500 billion TWD in investments to exchange for tariff concessions. Chao claimed this process has already led to the opening of markets for US potatoes and peanuts. He further suggested that US pork and beef might also be included in future agreements. He noted that US peanuts cost less than 50 TWD per kilogram compared to over 100 TWD for Taiwanese peanuts.

Candidate Huang Kuo-chang has expressed a desire to have the New Taipei City election results finalized by the end of April. He noted that the current political climate allows for more time for opposing camps to coordinate and exchange opinions. This timeline is intended to facilitate a smoother transition or coordination mechanism between political parties.