[ Home | Taiwan | PRC | Cross-Strait | U.S. | Japan | Asia-Pacific | Papers | Comments | Media | Archives ]

 

 

 

Taiwan’s Party Politics

2008 Presidential Election

Chen’s Legacy and Ma Era

 [Government and Policies] [Speeches and Statements] [Taiwan Information] [Research Organizations] [News] [Papers]

 

 ~2000 ; 2001-2004 ; 2005-2007; 2008

 

Polls

Survey: A Month After Wu Cabinet Took Office
(TVBS Public Opinion Poll Center, Oct. 9, 2009) 32% of the respondents were satisfied with President Ma’s performance while 48% were satisfied with Premier Wu’s.

Survey on New Cabinet, Verdict on Former President Chen Shui-bian’s Cases, and President Ma Ying-jeou’s Approval Rating (GVSRC, Sep. 23, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou’s approval rating is 28.3 percent and disapproval rating is 59.6 percent this month.

Survey on Wu Cabinet Installed
(TVBS Public Opinion Poll Center, Sep. 11, 2009) A survey on people’s opinion about the recent cabinet reshuffle. More polls are available: United Daily, China Times, Apple Daily.

Survey on Cabinet Reshuffle
(TVBS Public Opinion Poll Center, Sep. 7, 2009) A survey on a potential cabinet reshuffle, conducted by the TVBS Public Opinion Poll Center.

Public Opinions on President Ma Ying-jeou’s and His Cabinet’s Abilities to Deal with Disasters Following Typhoon Morakot’s Lash at Taiwan (GVSRC, Aug. 24, 2009) 78.2 percent of Taiwanese say the Ma administration has failed to handle the typhoon disaster well; meanwhile, President Ma Ying-jeou’s approval rating this month is 22.9 percent.

Survey on Taiwan Relations Act, Arms Procurement, Participation in WHA, and President Ma’s Approval Rating (GVSRC, Apr. 24, 2009) 48.3% of Taiwanese say the government should procure more weapons to gain more ground with China; meanwhile, 32.8% of Taiwanese approve of President Ma’s performance.

 

Taiwan Seeks to Join P4 Trade Group
(CNA, Jan. 30, 2010) Taiwan will continue its efforts to join the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement (TPPA), despite several unsuccessful bids, the director-general of the Bureau of Foreign Trade said.

No Basis for New Talks on Beef Issue, Says USTR
(CNA, Jan. 24, 2010) The U.S. Trade Representative Office said that Taiwan has destroyed its bilateral agreement with the United States on beef imports and there is no basis for renegotiation of the issue.

Taiwan Exports Show Record Growth
(Wall Street Journal, Jan. 20, 2010) Taiwan's December export orders grew at a record pace, boosted by strong Chinese demand for the island's goods, and orders are likely to grow at a faster-than-normal pace in the typically slow first quarter.

Ma Adds Dominican Republic to Central America Tour
(Taipei Times, Jan. 20, 2010) President Ma Ying-jeou will visit the Dominican Republic to deliver aid for victims of last week’s earthquake that devastated the Haitian capital.

Taiwan Excluded from WHO Executive Board Meeting
(Taipei Times, Jan. 19, 2010) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs insisted that Taiwan's participation at the World Health Assembly (WHA) in May had not been jeopardized even though the WHO had rejected its request to be an observer at the annual Executive Board meeting.

Plans Underway for Ma’s Dominican Visit
(CNA, Jan. 17, 2010) President Ma Ying-jeou said that his administration is still trying to work out a way to show Taiwan's concern for earthquake-ravaged Haiti without causing inconveniences for its Caribbean ally.

Haiti Aid a Telling Test of China-Taiwan Relations
(AP, Jan. 17, 2010) One of the world's trickiest relationships is being tested in devastated Haiti, where China and Taiwan are rushing aid to one of Taipei's few remaining diplomatic allies.

Taiwan to Revamp Cabinet
(AFP, Jan. 13, 2010) Taiwan plans to cut eight ministry-level agencies and eliminate tens of thousands of jobs in the biggest revamp of its cabinet system in six decades, the government said.

Ma Is Scheduled to Visit Republic of China Diplomatic Ally Hunduras (CNA, Jan. 12, 2010) President Ma Ying-jeou is scheduled to make a whirlwind Jan. 27-28 visit to Honduras mainly to attend the inauguration of President Porfirio Lobo Sosa.

Taiwan Firm: China Got Iran Part with Nuke Uses
(AP, Jan. 8, 2010) A Taiwanese company agreed to a request from a firm in China to procure sensitive components with nuclear uses, then shipped them to Iran, the firm's head said.

Defense, Beef Ban Unrelated: US Official
(Taipei Times, Jan. 9, 2010) The increasingly fractious beef row between Washington and Taipei will not impact arms sales or other aspects of the bilateral relationship, Assistant US Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific Kurt Campbell said.

Beef Row Derails 3 Pacts with U.S.: Official
(CNA, Jan. 8, 2010) The U.S. beef import dispute has derailed Taiwan's plan to negotiate three critical accords with the United States that may help pave the way for a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), a senior official said.

Taiwan Seeks New Talks with U.S. After Banning Beef
(Reuters, Jan. 6, 2010) Taiwan, eager to mend trade ties with the United States a day after overturning part of a deal to import U.S. beef products, said it would seek to reopen talks with its biggest ally.

U.S. Dismay Over Taiwan’s Partial Beef Ban Widespread
(CNA, Jan. 6, 2010) The United States government and its meat industry expressed their disappointment over Taiwan's decision to restore a partial ban on U.S. beef imports and use American beef producers as a "political football.”

Taiwan Bans Some U.S. Beef Imports
(AP, Jan. 5, 2010) Taiwan lawmakers voted Tuesday to ban imports of some kinds of United States, reversing a deal the government had negotiated with Washington.

Beef Turnabout Unacceptable: Senator
(Taipei Times, Jan. 5, 2010) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the open letter to Ma Ying-jeou from Senator Max Baucus, a longtime supporter of Taiwan, would be taken seriously.

Beef Row Will Not Affect Other Aspects of U.S. Relations: Official
(CNA, Jan. 3, 2010) Washington will deal with Taiwanese lawmakers' attempts to block imports of U.S. ground beef and offal sensitively, rather than confusing it with Taiwan's requests for arms sales or for its president to make transit stops in the U.S., Taiwan's representative to the U.S. Jason Yuan said.

Beef Row Will Not Affect U.S. Arms Sales: Premier Wu
(China Post, Jan. 2, 2009) Premier Wu Den-yih said that the beef row with the United States will not affect its arms sales to Taiwan.

Premier in U-Turn on Beef Delegation
(Taipei Times, Jan. 1, 2010) The government called off a plan to send a delegation made up of members of the Executive Yuan to Washington to contain the fallout from the legislature’s move to bar imports of certain US beef products.

Ma Sending Delegations to Washington
(Taipei Times, Dec. 31, 2009) The Presidential Office is concerned with fencemending after a legislative agreement to restrict US beef imports drew a strong protest from the US.

US Dismayed by Taiwan Move to Ban Certain US Beef Imports
(AFP, Dec. 30, 2009) The United States expressed dismay over Taiwan's move to resume a ban on certain US beef imports amid concerns over mad cow disease. Joint Statement from USTR, USDA on the Proposed Passage of an Amendment to Taiwan’s Food Sanitation Act

Taiwan Mulling US’ Afghan Aid Request
(AFP, Dec. 30, 2009) Taiwan is reviewing a request from the US to provide non-military assistance for operations in Afghanistan, foreign ministry spokesman James Chang  told Agence France-Presse.

Government Makes Last-Ditch Effort on Beef Issue: Official
(China Post, Dec. 26, 2009) The administration is prepared for the worst that lawmakers will revise a law to ban imports of high-risk U.S. beef products and force Taipei to re-open talks with Washington, said President Ma Ying-jeou's spokesman.

Reneging on Beef Might Erode U.S. Support: Su Chi
(China Post, Dec. 25, 2009) Secretary General, Su Chi, of the National Security Council warned that reneging on a pact to lift a ban on imports of U.S. beef products would hurt relations.

Taiwan Has Hard Role in TPP Process: Scholars
(CNA, Dec. 24, 2009) American scholars said in a video conference that while the United States needs trade policy to engage Asia and the expansion of the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership (TPP) is seen as an opportunity, Taiwan still has difficulty playing a role.

Firms in Taiwan May Be Aiding Iran
(Taipei Times, Dec. 12, 2009) Iranian officials reportedly met with companies in Taiwan about buying pressure transducers, which are crucial in producing weapons-grade uranium.

Exports Rise for the First Time in 15 Months
(Bloomberg, Dec. 8, 2009) Taiwan's exports climbed for the first time in 15 months in November as the global economic recovery spurred demand for mobile phones and computers.

Ma Planning to Visit South Pacific Allies in Early 2010
(CNA, Dec. 4, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou is planning to visit Taiwan's diplomatic allies in the South Pacific region in early 2010 and attend a Taiwan-South Pacific leaders' summit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Taiwan Economic Slump Probably Eased on China
(Bloomberg, Nov. 26, 2009) Taiwan’s economy contracted at the slowest pace in a year in the third quarter as Chinese demand for the island’s products spurred a recovery, economists say.

Taiwan to Set up Trade Offices in Southeast Asia
(CNA, Nov. 25, 2009) Taiwan is planning to set up trade offices in Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia, which may signal a breakthrough in the country's bid to participate in the ASEAN, a ruling Kuomintang legislator said.

Export Orders Received in Oct. Hit 12-Month High of US$31.7 Bil.
(China Post, Nov. 24, 2009) Export orders received by Taiwan's manufacturers and traders in October hit a 12-month high of US$31.75 billion, representing an annual growth of 4.41 percent, for the first positive growth of its kind seen since the outbreak of the global financial tsunami.

Taiwan Expected to Honor Beef Trade Pact
(China Post, Nov. 24, 2009) Chairman Raymond F. Burghardt of the American Institute in Taiwan said he hopes that Taiwan will honor the latest bilateral beef trade agreement while stressing that the U.S. will not change the longstanding U.S. policy toward Taiwan.

Dwindling Taiwanese Birth Rate Causes Worry
(AFP, Nov. 24, 2009) Taiwan, with a population of 23 million, now has the dubious distinction of having the lowest birth rate in the world, the ­Washington-based Population Reference Bureau think tank said.

Thousands Protest in Taiwan against US Beef
(AFP, Nov. 14, 2009) Thousands of protesters marched through the Taiwanese capital Taipei on Saturday to protest against resuming imports of certain US beef products, over fears of the spread of mad cow disease.

Taiwan Protests Exclusion from APEC Ministerial Meet
(CNA, Nov. 12, 2009) Taiwan has lodged a protest against a move by the host of this year's APEC forum to exclude its delegate from a ministerial breakfast meeting of the regional group, a Taiwan official said.

Taiwan Hopes for Investment Pact with U.S.
(CNA, Nov. 11, 2009) Taiwan hopes to sign a bilateral investment agreement (BIA) with the United States, which can serve as a precursor to the signing of a free trade agreement between the two countries, an official said.

Taiwan’s Environmental Chief in Europe for Talks on UNFCCC Bid
(CNA, Nov. 11, 2009) Taiwan's environmental chief is currently lobbying support in Europe for the country's bid to attend an upcoming United Nations climate conference in a meaningful and dignified manner, an official said.

NSC Blames Beef Panic on Poor Communication
(Taipei Times, Nov. 6, 2009) The National Security Council secretary-general, Su Chi apologized for causing panic over the government’s relaxed beef policy.

KMT Honorary Chairman Named As Envoy to APEC
(CNA, Nov. 3, 2009) Ruling Kuomintang Honorary Chairman Lien Chan has been appointed as the special envoy of President Ma Ying-jeou to the leadership summit of the 2009 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

Taiwan Slides 23 Places in Global Press Freedom Index
(Taipei Times, Oct. 21, 2009) Taiwan saw its press freedom ranking slip 23 spots in the latest report issued by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), dropping to 59th this year from 36th last year.

Taiwan Talking to U.S. on Visa Waiver Program: Minister
(CNA, Oct. 17, 2009) Foreign Minister Timothy Yang said that Taiwan and the United States are discussing the possibility of including Taiwan in a U.S. visa waiver program, but he gave no specific timetable.

Ma Pledges to Push ‘Soft Power Diplomacy’
(CNA, Oct. 9, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou said that his administration is planning to send 10,000 Taiwanese students abroad for study or goodwill visits every year as part of the government's “soft power diplomacy.”

Taiwan’s Exports Fall Least in 11 Months in September
(Bloomberg, Oct. 7, 2009) Taiwan’s exports fell at the slowest pace in 11 months in September on improved demand for telephones, computers and electronic goods from China.

Ties with China, U.S. Is a New Challenge: AmCham
(CNA, Oct. 4, 2009) Skillful managing of cross-Taiwan Strait economic relations and continuing to strengthen relations with the United States are among the challenges for Taiwan's new Cabinet, according to a Taipei-based U.S. trade group.

Fewer Allies Voice Support at UN
(Taipei Times, Oct. 3, 2009) Only 15 of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies spoke in favor of Taiwan at the General Debate of the 64th UN General Assembly, a record low since Taiwan started its bid to rejoin the UN in 1993.

Beijing Adjustments Trickle to Diplomatic Staff: Yang
(Taipei Times, Sep. 30, 2009) If China wants bilateral relations to thrive, it should not overlook the fact that Taiwanese expect international participation, Minister of Foreign Affairs Timothy Yang said.

Russian Rep Praises Taiwan’s Pragmatism
(CNA, Sep. 28, 2009) Russia's top diplomat in Taipei praised Taiwan for adopting a pragmatic diplomatic policy and said that improving cross-Taiwan Strait relations are conducive to bilateral ties between Russia and Taiwan.

Unemployment Rate Surged to Record 6.13% Last Month
(Taipei Times, Sep. 23, 2009) With new graduates continuing to enter the labor market, the nation's unemployment rate rose to a record 6.13 percent last month, the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics said.

Report Says Birth Rate in Taiwan Is Lowest in World
(CNA, Sep. 22, 2009) A study conducted by a US non-profit organization has found that Taiwan has the world’s lowest fertility rate, with an average of one child per woman, and that its fertility rate is declining.

Taiwan to Seek Participation in UN Specialized Agencies
(Taipei Times, Sep. 19, 2009) The government has identified two UN specialized agencies, the International Civil Aviation Organization and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, in which the nation would seek “meaningful participation” this year, Premier Wu Den-yih said.

New Cabinet Unveiled
(China Post, Sep. 10, 2009) Incoming Premier Wu Den-yih announced the new line-up for the Cabinet, reshuffling some key positions, but keeping most of the incumbent members.

Ma Says Allies May Pursue Economic Ties with China
(Taipei Times, Sep. 10, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou said his administration was not opposed to the country’s diplomatic allies developing economic relations with China and that both sides of the Taiwan Strait had a “tacit agreement” not to steal each other’s diplomatic allies.

Prime Minister of Taiwan Quits Over Typhoon Response
(New York Times, Sep. 8, 2009) The prime minister of Taiwan resigned after widespread criticism of the government’s response to a deadly typhoon and said that his successor would replace the entire cabinet this week.

Cabinet Reshuffle to Be Moderate: Premier
(CNA, Sep. 2, 2009) Premier Liu Chao-shiuan said that an upcoming Cabinet reshuffle will be moderate, reflecting its overall performance over the past year.

Singapore Sends Envoy to Invite Ma to APEC Forum
(CNA, Aug. 26, 2009) Singapore has sent a special envoy to Taipei to deliver an invitation to President Ma Ying-jeou to attend this year’s leadership meeting of the APEC forum.

Jobless Rate Hits All-Time High of 6%
(China Post, Aug. 25, 2009) The nation's unemployment rate rose to another record high of 6.07 percent in July, renewing the previous record of 5.94% just set in June.

U.N. Team to Assist Taiwan Reconstruction
(Bloomberg, Aug. 24, 2009) The United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs will send a team to Taiwan within a week to help with reconstruction after widespread damage was caused by Typhoon Morakot.

More Int’l Assistance Coming in to Taiwan
(CNA, Aug. 22, 2009) The international community continues to express its condolences and offer assistance for victims in the wake of Typhoon Morakot, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Taiwan Q2 GDP Data Suggests Strong Recovery
(Reuters, Aug. 20, 2009) Taiwan's economy grew for the first time in over a year in the second quarter on an annualized basis and officials said they expected rising demand from China to support a strong recovery.

Cabinet Reshuffle Set for Sept.
(China Post, Aug. 20, 2009) Premier Liu Chao-shiuan confirmed that a general Cabinet reshuffle is set for September, adding that his own position will also come under review.

Taiwan Stops Seeking UN Membership, Turns to UN Organizations (DPA, Aug. 19, 2009) Taiwan, in a major policy change, will stop seeking to join the United Nations at the upcoming UN General Assembly but will try to join some UN organizations, a newspaper reported.

Ma Will Not Resign
(Strait Times, Aug. 19, 2009) Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou said on Tuesday he would not resign and that he was still a strong leader despite mounting criticism of his government's handling of Typhoon Morakot.

Taiwan Has First Political Casualty from Deadly Storm
(Bloomberg, Aug. 18, 2009) Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrew Hsia said he took the blame for a message sent to diplomatic offices overseas that stated Taiwan wouldn’t accept foreign aid.

Relief Goods Continue Pouring in from Abroad
(China Post, Aug. 17, 2009) Relief goods continued to pour into Taiwan from abroad, while the United States is dispatching two heavy-lift helicopters to carry large crane excavators to the flood-ravaged area to help re-open blocked routes of transportation.

International Aid Arriving
(China Post, Aug. 16, 2009) The United States has promised to dispatch heavy-lift helicopters along with other relief supplies to Taiwan in the wake of Typhoon Morakot, while China will send pre-fab housing units to shelter displaced survivors.

Taiwan Seeks Foreign Aid After Typhoon Catastrophe
(Reuters, Aug. 15, 2009) Taiwan leaders, already under fire over the response to a typhoon that likely killed hundreds, have accepted foreign aid after earlier refusing the offers.

Ministry Coy on Nature of Possible UN Bid This Year
(CNA, Aug 15, 2009) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Taiwan might resort to a different approach than last year in its bid for representation at the UN.

Outpouring of Support from AIT and Overseas
(China Post, Aug. 13, 2009) The American Institute in Taiwan made a contribution of US$250,000 to the Taiwan Red Cross in response to the natural disaster.

Taiwan Says 500 Feared Dead After Typhoon Hits Island
(Bloomberg, Aug. 11, 2009) As many as 500 people are feared dead in southern Taiwan after heavy rains from Typhoon Morakot caused a mudslide that wiped out about 150 houses.

Foreign Ministry Drafting Int’l Cooperation and Development Law
(CNA, Aug. 7, 2009) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it is drafting a law to govern its engagement in international cooperation and development projects.

NSB Names Former Director As EU Envoy
(China Post, Aug. 6, 2009) Taiwan's top intelligence body has named its former director to be its new representative to the European Union.

Pres. Ma to Attend South Pacific Summit in October
(China Post, Aug. 5, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou will attend the third Taiwan-South Pacific summit at Honiara in October, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Chinese ROC Supporters in U.S. Split on China
(CNA, Jul. 26, 2009) Ethnic Chinese groups supportive of the Republic of China and Taiwan are split over the Taiwan government's call to increase exchanges with overseas Chinese groups that are loyal to the People's Republic of China.

U.S. Expert Suggests Taiwan-China Joint Membership in U.N.
(CNA, Jul. 23, 2009) A U.S. expert on cross-Taiwan Strait issues raised the possibility Tuesday that Taiwan and China could hold concurrent memberships in the United Nations in the foreseeable future as relations between the two sides continue to improve.

Taiwan Returns Chiang to Memorial
(BBC, Jul. 20, 2009) Taiwan has restored the name of the island's former ruler, Chiang Kai-shek, to a memorial hall, less than two years after it was removed.

Taiwan’s Interests Upheld in World Games: President
(CNA, Jul. 19, 2009) According to Ma, the fact that he presided over the opening ceremony of the international sports event in his capacity as president of the Republic of China is “something Taiwan could not have achieved in the past.”

Talks on Trade Pact with EU Still Stalled
(Taipei Times, Jul. 15, 2009) Taiwan will promote more robust trade relations with the EU, but so far bilateral discussions on signing a Trade Enhancement Measure (TEM) have not be launched, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Ortega Apologizes
(CNA, Jul. 6, 2009) Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega presided over a formal farewell ceremony and made an apology for missing scheduled meetings with Ma earlier.

Diplomat Suggests Clarifying Policy on Foreign Aid to Allies
(CNA, Jul. 6, 2009) A senior diplomat suggested that President Ma Ying-jeou's administration make clear its expectation that diplomatic allies will implement Taiwan's aid programs transparently, legally and efficiently.

Ma Finally Meets Nicaraguan Leader
(Taipei Times, Jul. 5, 2009) Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega failed to show up at the airport to greet Ma, snubbed him at a dinner banquet and left him waiting in a car.

Honduras Coup Is Not Democratic: President Ma
(China Post, Jul. 4, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou has described the coup in Honduras as an anti-democracy move.

Administration Backs Ou on Chinese Trade Remark
(Taipei Times, Jul. 3, 2009) The Presidential Office stood behind Minister of Foreign Affairs Francisco Ou after he said that the government did not oppose Taiwan’s diplomatic allies and China establishing economic and trade offices in each other’s countries.

Taiwan Will Not Oppose Allies’ China Links
(CNA, Jul. 2, 2009) "With Taiwan also maintaining trade offices in some countries that formally recognize Beijing instead of Taipei, why should we oppose any arrangement between China and Taiwan's diplomatic partners on reciprocal trade offices?" Minister of Foreign Affairs Francisco H. L. Ou said.

Ma Embarks on Central American Diplomatic Tour
(China Post, Jun. 30, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou departed for a visit to two of Taiwan's diplomatic allies in Central America.

Taiwan Should Stop U.N. Bid: Scholars
(CNA, Jun. 14, 2009) Several international relations scholars from National Chengchi University said that instead of seeking to join the United Nations, Taiwan should focus on applying for entry to U.N.-related agencies and programs.

MOFA Noncommittal, But Still Preparing for UN Bid
(Taipei Times, Jun. 13, 2009) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains noncommittal over this year’s UN bid but it is gearing up to pitch a proposal, Minister of Foreign Affairs Francisco Ou said.

Ma Plans to Visit South Pacific Allies
(Taipei Times, Jun. 10, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou is scheduled to make his fourth trip abroad to attend a fall leadership summit between Taiwan and its South Pacific allies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

President Ma Will Visit Nicaragua As Scheduled
(China Post, Jun. 9, 2009) There won't be any change in President Ma Ying-jeou's scheduled state visit to Nicaragua, sources close to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Taiwan May Exports Dn 9th Mo But Decline Narrows
(Wall Street Journal, Jun. 8, 2009) Taiwan's exports fell for the ninth straight month in May, but the decline eased on improved demand for electronics and other products including flat panels, with shipments to China and the U.S. both showing signs of stabilizing.

MOFA to Shift Gear on UN Bid: Source
(Taipei Times, Jun. 8, 2009) An unnamed official said that the government would likely try to repeat the WHA model in seeking participation at UN specialized agencies.

Ma and Clinton Exchange Greetings
(Taipei Times, Jun. 3, 2009) The president said he was working hard to stabilize relations with China, which the US secretary of state said Washington supported.

Ma Addresses Belize Parliament, Speaks on China Ties, Foreign Aid (CNA, May 30, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou addressed the parliament of Belize and talked about the increasingly warming cross-Taiwan Strait relations and his administration's foreign aid policy.

Ma Ying-jeou, First Lady Depart on Central America Trip
(Taipei Times, May 27, 2009) Ma, who is accompanied by his wife on a presidential mission for the first time, said he would not make public appearances during his US transit stops.

WHO Web Site Separates Taiwanese, Chinese Flu Toll
(Taipei Times, May 25, 2009) Department of Health Minister Yeh Ching-chuan said that the WHO had amended its Web site to include a separate tally for swine flu cases reported by Taiwan.

Taiwan’s Economy Shrinks 10.2 Percent in 1Q
(AP, May 21, 2009) The government says Taiwan’s economy contracted by 10.2 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2009.

Taiwan’s Status Safe at WHA: Yeh
(Taipei Times, May 18, 2009) Department of Health Minister Yeh Ching-chuan said that Taiwan’s sovereignty was not and would not be eclipsed during the annual meeting of the WHO.

DOH Delegation Leaves for WHA
(Taipei Times, May 16, 2009) Taiwan is to re-emerge on the world stage nearly four decades after quitting the UN by sending a delegation to the World Health Assembly.

Taiwan, China to Set Precedent at WHA Stage
(CNA, May 13, 2009) Health officials from Taiwan and China will meet formally for the first time under a United Nations framework at this year's World Health Assembly, which diplomatic sources said will set the stage for future cross-Taiwan Strait interactions in the international arena.

OIE to Tweak Charter: MOFA Official
(Taipei Times, May 11, 2009) The World Organization for Animal Heath (OIE) will revise its charter to change the term “member country” to “member” as a friendly gesture to Taiwan, a senior Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said.

Taiwan Can Ink FTA with Singapore: President Ma Ying-jeou
(China Post, May 10, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou recently said he hopes Taiwan can sign a free trade agreement with Singapore as soon as possible under the name of “Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu Separate Customs Territories.”

FM ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ of China Diplomatic Truce
(CNA, May 7, 2009) Foreign Minister Francisco H.L. Ou said there is evidence that China is working with the “diplomatic truce” approach of President Ma Ying-jeou and he expressed “cautious optimism” that Beijing will continue to do so.

Ma Looks to WHA Model for Red Cross Membership
(Taipei Times, May 3, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou promised to push for admission of the country’s Red Cross Society into the International Committee of the Red Cross following Taiwan’s admission as an observer at the World Health Assembly.

WHO Confirms Taiwan to Attend Health Assembly
(Reuters, May 1, 2009) The World Health Organization confirmed Taiwan will attend this month's meeting of its annual policy-setting assembly where the outbreak of the new deadly flu strain will likely top the agenda.

WHA Role Won’t Harm Status: Ma
(China Post, May 1, 2009) The nation's success in obtaining the right to attend this year's World Health Assembly has not been achieved at the expense of the country's sovereign status, President Ma Ying-jeou stressed.

Taiwan President: China Okays Island WHO Role
(AP, Apr. 29, 2009) Taiwan's president announced that China will allow the island's participation in a key World Health Organization body, a major goal in Taipei's campaign for international recognition.

President Set to Visit Central America Twice
(CNA, Apr. 24, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou will visit Central America twice between late May and July to attend presidential inaugurations in two of Taiwan's allies in the region, political sources said.

Unemployment Rate Reaches Record High of 5.81% in March
(China Post, Apr. 23, 2009) Taiwan's jobless rate surged to a new high of 5.81 percent in March, edging up 0.06 of a percentage point from the February level of 5.75 percent and jumping 1.95 percentage points from a year earlier.

Taiwan to Test China by Meeting Allies
(Reuters, Apr. 21, 2009) Taiwan will lead a summit this year with six diplomatic allies, officials said, a tough first for the normally China-friendly president as Beijing claims the island and opposes its reach overseas.

MOFA Guarded on WHA Talks
(Taipei Times, Apr. 15, 2009) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remained guarded on the status of cross-strait negotiations over Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly, but insisted that no secret talks had been launched on the matter.

Taiwan Military to Probe Bribery Claims
(AFP, Apr. 9, 2009) Taiwan's defense ministry said it had formed a task group to investigate an alleged high-profile bribery scandal which it said had seriously tarnished the military's image.

President Ma Orders Serious Action on Graft
(China Post, Apr. 9, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou reiterated his determination to come down hard on corruption after Taiwan was described in a report as an even more corrupt country than China.

Health Official Granted Access to IHR Portal
(Taipei Times, Apr. 9, 2009) Health authorities recently received the password for the International Health Regulations information portal, formally completing the country’s accession into the global health management framework, a local health official said.

Taiwan Gravely Concerned about Pyongyang’s Rocket Launch: MOFA (CNA, Apr. 6, 2009) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed grave concern over North Korea's firing of a rocket over Japan the day before, saying the move threatens peace and security in Northeast Asia.

Ou Met El Salvador President: MOFA
(Taipei Times, Apr. 5, 2009) While it would not mind El Salvador having closer economic relations with China, MOFA said it would oppose any move toward diplomatic ties.

Lawmakers Urge Protest Over 2005 WHO-Beijing Deal
(Taipei Times, Apr. 2, 2009) A parliamentary committee passed a resolution urging the government to lodge a stern protest with the WHO regarding a 2005 MOU it signed with China, which stipulates that all communications between WHO and Taiwan must proceed via Beijing.

Ou Likely to Miss Talks on WHA
(Taipei Times, Mar. 28, 2009) Minister of Foreign Affairs Francisco Ou said he would most likely be absent from upcoming negotiations with China on Taiwan’s bid to become an observer at the WHA, but hopes the talks will be launched before the Boao Forum on Apr. 17.

Jobless Rate Hits 31-Year High of 5.75% in Feb.
(China Post, Mar. 24, 2009) Taiwan's February jobless rate surged to the highest level of 5.75 percent in 31 years or since the first official unemployment survey was conducted in 1978.

Ma’s Office Denies Dual Diplomatic Recognition
(China Post, Mar. 22, 2009) The Presidential Office denied that Taipei had contacted Beijing over remarks made by Taiwan's foreign minister that were taken to imply the possibility of dual diplomatic recognition.

Uncertainty Marks Future of Nation at World Health Body
(Taipei Times, Mar. 20, 2009) Taiwan will never agree to become an associate of China at the WHO, Minister of Foreign Affairs Francisco Ou told the legislature’s Foreign and National Defense Committee.

MOFA to Follow ‘Paraguay’ Model to Keep El Salvador Ties
(China Post, Mar. 20, 2009) Francisco Ou, minister of foreign affairs, said he would follow the “Paraguay” formula to keep diplomatic relations between Taipei and San Salvador.

Taiwan’s Foreign Aid Fruitful: U.S. Charity
(China Post, Mar. 19, 2009) Robin G. Mahood, President of Food For the Poor (FFP), praised Taiwan's International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) for its expertise in helping developing countries such as Haiti and Nicaragua.

Taipei, Beijing to Discuss WHA, Ma Says
(Taipei Times, Mar. 14, 2009) The government will conduct negotiations with China at an undisclosed location outside of Taiwan next month about the nation’s bid for observer status at the World Health Assembly, President Ma Ying-jeou said in an interview published.

MOFA Calls on Beijing to Negotiate over WHA Bid
(Taipei Times, Mar. 13, 2009) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on Beijing to negotiate with Taiwan on the nation’s bid for observer status in the World Health Assembly (WHA) this year.

Taiwan’s Export Orders, Production Plunge by Records
(Bloomberg, Feb. 24, 2009) Taiwan’s export orders and industrial output fell by records in January, threatening to stoke unemployment and deepen the island’s recession.

Taiwan GDP to Contract 2.97%
(China Post, Feb. 19, 2009) The Cabinet-level Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics forecast Taiwan's GDP would shrink by 2.97 percent in 2009.

Taiwan Hopes to Join Talks of ASEAN Labor Ministers
(CNA, Feb. 13, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou proposed that Taiwan be invited to take part in the labor ministers meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations so as to allow the country to contribute to the resolution of regional labor issues.

Taiwan’s Exports Fall by a Record 44.1%
(Wall Street Journal, Feb. 9, 2009) Taiwan's exports in January fell by a record 44.1% to $12.37 billion on deteriorating demand for the island's goods due to the economic downturn.

Taiwan Calls for EU Support for WHO Status
(CNA, Feb. 8, 2009) Taiwan's representative to the European Union and Belgium called on the group to support Taiwan's bid to take part in the World Health Organization and allow the country to contribute its part to the international community.

Ma to Place New Emphasis on ‘Flexible Diplomacy’
(China Post, Feb. 6, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou yesterday announced a shifting of emphasis from “high politics” to “low politics” as part of a new direction for his administration's “flexible diplomacy.”

MOFA Says It Has ‘No Concrete Plans’ for WHA
(Taipei Times, Feb. 6, 2009) With less than four months to go before the World Health Assembly convenes, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not decided how to promote the nation’s bid for observer status, a ministry official said.

MOFA Reaffirms Sovereignty Over Spratlys
(CNA, Feb. 5, 2009) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement reiterating the Republic of China's historical claim to islands and reefs in the South China Sea, including the Spratlys.

Participation in WHA Rests with China: FM
(CNA, Feb. 1, 2009) The key to Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly — the decision-making arm of the World Health Organization — is held by China, Minister of Foreign Affairs Francisco Ou said.

Ma Promises to Lead Nation Through Crisis
(China Post, Jan. 26, 2009) President Ma Ying-jeou promised to lead Taiwan through its current economic hardship, as he spoke in a New Year address televised on the island's major networks.

Taiwan Win Landmark Access to WHO amid China Thaw
(Reuters, Jan. 22, 2009) The World Health Organization opened a formal line of communication with Taiwan this month, one of the clearest signs yet that the island's detente with political rival China is working.

WHA Result Will Test Cross-Strait Policy: MOFA
(Taipei Times, Jan. 18, 2009) The outcome of Taiwan’s bid for observer status at World Health Assembly in May will serve as an important indicator of whether the development of cross-Taiwan Strait relations can be normalized, a MOFA official said.

MOFA Plans Talks with US and EU on Piracy in Gulf
(Taipei Times, Jan. 16, 2009) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the government planned to discuss counter-piracy strategies in the Gulf of Aden with the US and EU in greater detail in the near future.

Taiwan Tops Freedom House Rights Survey
(CNA, Jan. 14, 2009) Taiwan earned the highest score for its political rights and the second highest score for its civil liberties in the 2009 “Freedom of the World” survey.

Taiwan Haunted by Plunging Exports, Job Cuts
(Reuters, Jan. 8, 2009) Taiwan announced exports plunged a record 42 percent in December from a year ago amid the worst global downturn since the Great Depression.

MOFA Mulls Easing Rules on Meeting Chinese Officials
(Taipei Times, Jan. 2, 2009) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is considering a new policy to loosen restrictions on interaction between Taiwanese and Chinese officials abroad, a senior MOFA official said.

Taiwan Welcomes China Response to ‘Truce’
(China Post, Jan. 1, 2009) Officials here welcomed the statements of Chinese President Hu Jintao as a positive response to President Ma Ying-jeou's call for “diplomatic truce.

 

Taiwan’s U.S. Beef
(Wall Street Journal, Jan. 6, 2010) Mad cow disease has claimed another victim: Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou, who was for free trade in beef, until he was against it. Chalk the decision up to a political infection.

U.S. Experts Warn of Fallout from Taiwan’s Breach of Beef Protocol (CNA, Jan. 6, 2010) Several U.S. experts on Taiwan issues warned that Taiwan's recent violation of a beef trade protocol with the United States could hamper progress in bilateral economic and trade relations.

Convergence and Divergence in Taiwan’s U.S. Policy, 2004-2008: Analysis and Recommendations By Liu Shih-chung (Brookings, November, 2009) This paper seeks to understand the variations in Taiwan-U.S. relations during President Chen’s second term. It centers on the decision-making processes regarding key foreign policy issues and their implications for U.S.-Taiwan relations.

A Switch in Diplomatic Strategy By Bernard Chou
(Taipei Times, Nov. 4, 2009) Taiwan being perhaps the biggest and strongest among these small island nations, the government would be wise to help friendly countries find a solution, for their benefit and for our ours.

Taiwan Looks Back at Nationalist Defeat in 1949 By Annie Huang
(AP, Oct. 2, 2009) In a recent editorial that would have been impossible to write only a few years ago, the United Daily News asked, "1949: Was that a pang or blessing in disguise for Taiwan?"

U.S. Expert Praises Taiwan Bid to Enter 2 U.N. Bodies
(CNA, Sep. 23, 2009) Taiwan's bid to join two U.N.-affiliated organizations, if successful, would benefit its people and the two bodies as well, according to U.S.-China affairs expert Bonnie Glaser.

The Geopolitics of Cross-Strait Disaster Relief By Drew Thompson
(China Brief, Jamestown Foundation, Sep. 10, 2009) The aftermath of this natural disaster has become enmeshed in Taiwan’s domestic and cross-Strait politics while the United States, China and others provide financial and material assistance to on-going relief efforts.

Taiwan Drops Annual U.N. Bid As China Relations Warm
(Reuters, Sep. 4, 2009) Taiwan will drop for the first time in 17 years its annual bid to join the United Nations as island President Ma Ying-jeou seeks peace with long-time rival and U.N. heavyweight China.

Taiwan’s Leader Faces Anger Over Storm Response By Andrew Jacobs (New York Times, Aug. 24, 2009) Anger, not sadness, remains the prevailing sentiment across Taiwan as President Ma Ying-jeou grapples with his worst political crisis since taking office last year.

Typhoon Turns into a Political Storm By Cindy Sui
(Asia Times, Aug. 21, 2009) Ultimately, Ma's survival will depend on whether he can meet people's demands and fix the problems in Taiwan's disaster response system.

Stanton Looks Forward to Taipei AIT Post By William Lowther
(Taipei Times, Jul. 31, 2009) William Stanton, the incoming director of the American Institute in Taiwan, said he was “honored and delighted” by his appointment and that he would work to maintain peace and security in the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan: Rebooting the Dragon By Michael Schuman
(Time, Jul. 27, 2009) The term Chaiwan was the talk of Taipei. Turns out that the word, meant to connote the growing economic ties between China and Taiwan, was supposedly coined by the South Korean press.

Taiwan Needs Clear EEZ Rights Declaration
(Editorial, China Post, May 19, 2009) The Waichiaopu should proclaim Taiwan's EEZ rights at the earliest possible date lest it should be assumed to have acquiesced without complaint.

In a Switch, Taiwan to Take Part in WHO Conference By Jane Rickards (Washington Post, Apr. 30, 2009) Margaret Chan, the WHO's director general, issued the formal invitation Tuesday night, asking Taiwan to send nonvoting observers to the Geneva gathering under the banner of "Chinese Taipei."

As Asia Builds Economic Ties, Taiwan Sidelined by China By Jonathan Adams (Christian Science Monitor, Apr. 12, 2009) It's not just that this onetime economic "tiger" now can't compete head-on with China in ports and other areas. Due to Beijing's political pressure, Taiwan is also the odd-man out amid the trend of Asian economic integration.

TVBS Public Opinion Poll
(TVBS Public Opinion Poll Center, Mar. 2, 2009) The survey was conducted on the satisfaction ratings of the Ma government and on issues associated with the possibility of signing of CECA with China.

Taiwan’s Low Profile May Aid Its Goals By Keith Bradsher
(New York Times, Feb. 13, 2009) America’s new secretary of state is preparing to visit Beijing with an agenda that barely mentions Taiwan — and that is fine with the president of Taiwan.