taiwan peoples party

UAE exits Opec, impacting global oil dynamics amid regional tensions. Ukraine escalates attacks on Russia, forcing Moscow to scale back Victory Day parades. King Charles' US trip strengthens UK-US ties. Syria begins its first transitional justice trial. China pressures African nations, forcing Taiwan's President to cancel a trip.

The Indian rupee is facing significant pressure, weakening against the US dollar due to soaring crude oil prices driven by Middle East geopolitical tensions and persistent foreign fund outflows. Despite India's robust economic growth, the currency's slide continues as the Reserve Bank of India intervenes to curb volatility rather than target a specific exchange rate.

Global helium supplies face a critical shortage due to Middle East tensions disrupting production and shipping. This invisible gas, vital for MRIs, semiconductors, and advanced tech, is irreplaceable and lost forever once released. India, heavily reliant on imports, sees soaring prices and potential disruptions in healthcare and its burgeoning chip industry.

The US trade representative's office has launched Section 301 investigations into 60 economies, including India, for failing to address forced labor in imports. This move follows a Supreme Court ruling and aims to determine if foreign governments are sufficiently prohibiting goods made with forced labor, impacting US workers and businesses. New tariffs on several countries are possible by summer.

Online retail giant Coupang, a US-registered company, is emphasizing its American identity amidst South Korean regulatory scrutiny following a major data leak. The company has reportedly lobbied the US government, with Vice-President JD Vance raising the issue with South Korean officials. This comes as Coupang faces investigations by multiple agencies in Seoul over the breach.

Taiwan holds presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday, which will be watched closely by its neighbour China which views the island as a part of its province. Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims. Taiwan's three main parties contesting the election are the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), only set up in 2019. The DPP currently has a majority in parliament, with 63 seats. The KMT has 38 seats and the TPP has five.

China announced a 7% defense budget increase for 2026, reaching $276.8 billion to bolster military capabilities and assert claims over Taiwan and the South China Sea. This move, part of a steady modernization of the PLA, aims to counter US influence and ensure diplomatic independence, though it raises regional concerns.

Taiwan's two main opposition parties have agreed to decide on a joint presidential ticket for the upcoming elections based on opinion polls. The ruling party has accused Beijing of interfering in the elections, as China considers Taiwan its territory. The issue of China's sovereignty claim has been a major concern in the elections. Vice President Lai Ching-te of the ruling party has consistently led in opinion polls, while candidates from the opposition parties battle for second place. The opposition parties have agreed to use opinion polls to determine their joint presidential bid.

China's military is undergoing a massive shake-up, with dozens of senior officers, including top generals, detained or disappearing without explanation. This extensive purge, impacting half of the PLA's senior leadership, raises serious questions about the military's combat readiness and ability to launch major campaigns, particularly concerning Taiwan. The removals are attributed to loyalty concerns, potentially hindering future leadership development.

Taiwan's opposition-controlled parliament on Tuesday approved cuts to this year's budget that President Lai Ching-te's party says will hamper its ability to govern and harm the island's security. Ahead of the final vote on Tuesday, Premier Cho Jung-tai said opposition parties had engaged in "ridiculous behaviour" and undermined confidence in the island's commitment to boost its defences.

Taiwan's opposition-controlled parliament approved Tuesday a pay increase for military service members, in a bid to address a manpower shortage and retain soldiers in the face of Chinese military pressure. The main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party and Taiwan People's Party passed amendments to an armed forces pay act granting volunteer service members an additional monthly allowance of NT$30,000 (US$1,000).

Taiwan rejected a US proposal from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to split global semiconductor production 50-50, with Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun stating it was not discussed. Taiwan's Executive Yuan and political opposition condemned the idea, calling it exploitative and against supply chain cooperation, as the US aims to onshore chip manufacturing.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te celebrates his first year in office on Tuesday as his government grapples with Chinese military pressure, US tariff threats and domestic political turmoil. Lai has seen his first term in the top job engulfed in domestic political turmoil as opposition parties seek to stymie his agenda.

Taiwan's political landscape witnesses a significant shift as opposition parties register separate presidential candidates, potentially smoothing the path for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to maintain its power. The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) initially agreed to collaborate against the DPP but failed to finalize a united presidential ticket. The split reflects differing views towards China. Foxconn founder Terry Gou's withdrawal adds another layer to the unfolding political scenario.

Taiwan denounced what it deemed as "misleading remarks" from China in response to the self-governing island's recent presidential and parliamentary elections. The exchange of words does not augur well for the prospective relationship between Taiwan and China under the leadership of the newly elected President, Lai Ching-te. Lai's triumph ensures the Democratic Progressive Party's continued presidency for a third consecutive four-year term, following eight years led by President Tsai Ing-wen. China considers the party its adversary and a significant impediment to its objective of asserting control over the island's 23 million inhabitants.

A war of words erupted the day after Taiwan's presidential and parliamentary elections, with Taiwan on Sunday accusing China of making "fallacious comments" and China criticizing the US for congratulating the winner. The verbal sparring highlighted the seemingly intractable divide over Taiwan's fate, a major flashpoint in US-China relations that risks leading to an actual war in the future.

The three candidates running in next month's Taiwanese presidential election will hold a televised debate on December 30 as the race heats up under pressure from China. The outcome of the January 13 election could have a major effect on relations between China and the United States. Current Vice President William Lai of the Democratic Progressive Party, Hou Yu-ih of the main opposition Nationalist Party, and former Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People's Party will participate in the debate.

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne promised continued backing for Ukraine and support for defence manufacturing cooperation during a trip to Kyiv on Saturday, his first official visit since starting his new role this week. "Russia hopes Ukraine and its supporters will get tired before them. We will not grow weaker," Sejourne said during a press conference in the centre of the Ukrainian capital. Kyiv is seeking to maintain flows of military and financial aid from its Western allies after nearly two years of fighting a full-scale Russian invasion.

Taiwan's main opposition parties, the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), have announced plans to team up for parliamentary elections in January. However, discussions are still needed regarding a joint ticket for the presidential vote. The issue of China's territorial claim over Taiwan looms over the elections, with the KMT and TPP emphasizing the need for dialogue with China while rejecting its sovereignty claim.

President Xi Jinping on Sunday vowed China would "never commit to abandoning the use of force" when it comes to the issue of Taiwan, in a speech marking the beginning of the Communist Party Congress in Beijing.

China's PLA raises alert over Taiwan independence plots as Taiwan's presidential elections approach. Candidates Lai Ching-te and Hou Yu-ih hold differing stances on China, while Beijing increases military presence near Taiwan. Hong Kong's situation impacts Taiwan's politics, as the TPP's Ko Wen-je emphasizes communication with China and preserving Taiwan's democracy. Taiwan, a democracy of 23 million people, is separated from mainland China by a narrow strait. The outcome of Saturday's election is of global interest, as the elected leader will navigate the island's relationship with an increasingly assertive China.

Taiwan's Nationalist Party announces Chao Shao-kang as its vice presidential candidate, as hopes for a cross-party alliance fracture and relations with China remain tense. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party recruits Bi-khim Hsiao as its candidate's running mate. The Nationalists and Taiwan People's Party fail to agree on a candidate. Terry Gou, the founder of Foxconn, also joins the race. The election's outcome could impact relations between China and the United States.

Former Taipei mayor and Taiwan People's Party leader Ko Wen-je has been indicted on multiple charges including corruption and misuse of political donations. Prosecutors seek a prison term of 28 years for Ko, accused of accepting bribes and misusing funds. Ko's party claims the charges are politically motivated, and his reputation as a reformist is at risk.

Taiwan's upcoming election will determine whether the country continues on its democratic path or aligns with China, according to Lai Ching-te, the frontrunner for the presidency. With China increasing military pressure on Taiwan, the issue of China's claim to the island looms large in the election. Lai, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's candidate, advocates for Taiwan's separate identity from China, while the opposition Kuomintang party favors closer ties with Beijing. The deadline for candidate registration is Friday, and the opposition parties have yet to register their candidates.

Taiwan's leading opposition parties, the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), have announced that they will join forces for January's presidential election. They have not yet decided which candidate will be at the top of the ticket. The parties have reached a cooperation agreement and will have three experts evaluate polls conducted from November 7 to November 17 to determine the leading candidate. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party's candidate, Vice President Lai Ching-te, is currently the frontrunner in the polls.