China’s visa tactics
The National Audit Office’s 2023 Central Government Final Accounts Audit listed 171 countries that grant Taiwanese visa-free entry, a new record.
However, at the end of April, that number had dropped to 166 countries.
In the past few years, following China’s increased pressure on Taiwan, some countries’ visa policies are being readjusted to Taiwan’s detriment. Botswana has canceled its e-visa system’s Taiwan option from its pull-down menu. It forces Taiwanese to choose “China,” leading to Taiwanese travelers being unable to truly enjoy the benefits of e-visa service and treatment.
Kazakhstan and Colombia have similar visa policies.
China is attempting to use foreign diplomatic pressure to isolate Taiwan. This not only affects travel convenience for Taiwanese, but also harms trade and human exchanges between Taiwan and other countries. This move by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) cannot stop Taiwanese support for our own democratic freedoms, but instead deepens feelings of antipathy and resentment toward China. China’s actions halt the development of peace in the Taiwan Strait.
The CCP should stop trying to suppress Taiwan’s national status. Doing so would create a foundation for mutual respect and understanding, and the pursuit of peace and prosperity.
Chang Ya-jou
Taipei
After nine days of holidays for the Lunar New Year, government agencies and companies are to reopen for operations today, including the Legislative Yuan. Many civic groups are expected to submit their recall petitions this week, aimed at removing many Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) lawmakers from their seats. Since December last year, the KMT and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) passed three controversial bills to paralyze the Constitutional Court, alter budgetary allocations and make recalling elected officials more difficult by raising the threshold. The amendments aroused public concern and discontent, sparking calls to recall KMT legislators. After KMT and TPP legislators again
Taiwan faces complex challenges like other Asia-Pacific nations, including demographic decline, income inequality and climate change. In fact, its challenges might be even more pressing. The nation struggles with rising income inequality, declining birthrates and soaring housing costs while simultaneously navigating intensifying global competition among major powers. To remain competitive in the global talent market, Taiwan has been working to create a more welcoming environment and legal framework for foreign professionals. One of the most significant steps in this direction was the enactment of the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals (外國專業人才延攬及僱用法) in 2018. Subsequent amendments in
US President Donald Trump on Saturday signed orders to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China effective from today. Trump decided to slap 25 percent tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada as well as 10 percent on those coming from China, but would only impose a 10 percent tariff on Canadian energy products, including oil and electricity. Canada and Mexico on Sunday quickly responded with retaliatory tariffs against the US, while countermeasures from China are expected soon. Nevertheless, Trump announced yesterday to delay tariffs on Mexico and Canada for a month and said he would hold further talks with
In competitive sports, the narrative surrounding transgender athletes is often clouded by misconceptions and prejudices. Critics sometimes accuse transgender athletes of “gaming the system” to gain an unfair advantage, perpetuating the stereotype that their participation undermines the integrity of competition. However, this perspective not only ignores the rigorous efforts transgender athletes invest to meet eligibility standards, but also devalues their personal and athletic achievements. Understanding the gap between these stereotypes and the reality of individual efforts requires a deeper examination of societal bias and the challenges transgender athletes face. One of the most pervasive arguments against the inclusion of transgender athletes
RSS