Stories from Taipei · Taiwan

Yu Ying-long, Chairman of the Central Election Commission, stated that applying the Nationality Act to mainland Chinese spouses serving as legislators in Taiwan is a stretch. A chairperson of an independent agency questioned the application of nationality laws regarding spouses from mainland China. Taiwan is reviewing the application of nationality laws following developments involving high-ranking officials. The government is addressing the application of nationality laws and tax regulations. The Taiwanese government is challenging the application of nationality laws, stating that certain regulations do not apply in this context. Discussions are occurring regarding the application of the Nationality Act and the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area.

This follows a year of strict defensive measures and monitoring. The country has successfully defended its position as the only major Asian nation in its category to maintain this status. Taiwan has officially received recognition from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) following rigorous defense measures implemented last year. This status makes Taiwan the only country in Asia to hold this specific recognition. The announcement was made during a broadcast in Taipei. The country has successfully managed outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, African Swine Fever, and traditional swine fever. This status allows Taiwan to rejoin the group of major Asian nations recognized as being free from certain animal diseases.

Informants reporting false origin labeling could receive cash incentives of up to 20 percent of collected fines. These payments are capped at NT$1.8 million (US$57,064) per instance.

Taiwan Mobile has launched an exclusive 'zero-dollar channel membership experience' in partnership with YouTube.

Yu Ying-long, chairman of the Central Election Commission, stated that granting political participation rights to spouses from mainland China would require amending the Constitution of the Republic of China and relevant laws. Yu noted that attempting to address the political rights of mainland spouses through international law at this stage is impractical. Using international law to address these rights within the existing constitutional framework presents uncertainties, according to the source. The discussion involves whether amending existing laws is sufficient to define these rights. He noted that while constitutional amendments are one path, the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area also applies.

A social media page allegedly used insinuating language and images to target Li Sichuan, prompting negative comments from netizens.

A man in his 30s has tested positive for MERS in Taiwan after traveling to Japan earlier this month. Health authorities identified this as the first imported MERS case from Japan since 2019. Approximately 300 close contacts have been identified for monitoring until May 12. The patient reported symptoms of fever and coughing upon returning to Taiwan.

Taiwan's Ministry of Labor is amending laws to include construction owners in occupational safety and health management systems. The revisions include broadening the range of insured individuals and increasing liability for property owners, such as landlords. The amended law aims to enhance protection for workers and clarify responsibilities. This measure aims to protect workers who may not have been formally enrolled in the insurance system. Under the revised law, if a worker who is not insured suffers an occupational accident, they can still claim benefits from the Labor Insurance Bureau. The Bureau can then seek recourse from the responsible party, such as property owners. The law also addresses 'over-classification driving,' where a driver operates a vehicle for which their license is not valid, which will not be covered.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense has issued two disciplinary measures against a battalion commander for an error in judgment regarding the screening of a film. The Ministry of National Defense confirmed the film is a CCP united front propaganda piece and has issued two disciplinary sanctions against the battalion commander responsible for its screening.

Vietnam stated that any activities conducted on reefs or islands without Vietnamese consent are violations of its sovereignty. The incident follows a visit to the island by Kan Pi-ling to declare territorial claims. The Presidential Office in Taiwan is currently confirming whether President Lai Ching-te received a postcard sent from the island. The Vietnamese government has expressed strong dissatisfaction regarding sovereignty claims made by Taiwan in the Spratly Islands. The dispute follows reports that Taiwan's President received a postcard from Taiping Island, which asserts national sovereignty in the South China Sea. The issue was raised during questioning in the Legislative Yuan.