Stories from Taiwan

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.

Police in Taiwan have detained a man residing in Taoyuan in connection with a false social media report regarding potato product poisoning. The rumors, which circulated via images on Facebook, caused public panic regarding mass hospitalizations. Authorities identified and questioned the suspect on Monday. Premier Cho Jung-tai and Agriculture Minister Chen Chun-jai denied the claims, stating the specific products mentioned were not involved in such an incident. Officials criticized the spread of online rumors over government information. The investigation is ongoing to determine the validity of the claims.

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.

Cheng Li-wen stated in an interview that the Chinese Communist Party is currently showing its greatest hostility toward Lai Ching-te. The Taiwanese government is pushing for a comprehensive transformation of the Coast Guard.

Taipei District Prosecutors directed the Taipei City Investigation Bureau to conduct simultaneous searches of two companies and the residence of a president surnamed Guo. Investigators are looking into allegations that Guo and five others sought illegal profits by purchasing stocks in Lichi Construction and Hongyi Innovation International ahead of major announcements in 2021 and 2024. The operation involved 20 separate teams acting in coordination. The probe focuses on whether these individuals used non-public information regarding land disposals and corporate news to trade stocks. Authorities have summoned six individuals, including the president, for questioning regarding the alleged illicit gains.

Taiwanese People's Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang pledged to assist Li Ssu-chuan in his bid for New Taipei City Mayor.