Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Ma Ying-jeou (
Ma made the remarks during a tea party at 228 Memorial Park with eight citizens who won an online contest for a chance to meet with the chairman. He was responding to one participant's worries over the nation's slumping economy.
"Taiwan has the most advantageous position geographically, but the ban on direct flights and Chinese tourists has put Taiwan in an inferior position compared with many other Asian countries," Ma said.
PHOTO: WANG YI-SUNG, TAIPEI TIMES
Ma once again lauded the Mainland Affairs Council's (MAC) decision to allow Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan, and called on President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) "not to interfere with the Executive Yuan's decision this time."
Ma said that allowing Chinese tourists to visit could revitalize the local tourist and service industries and create more opportunity for cross-strait exchanges. He also suggested that the government should allow Chinese students to attend college in Taiwan.
Participant Shi Jing-chuan (
But Ma defended the meeting.
"What the KMT is doing now is to build a bridge between Taiwan and China. If the DPP government is willing to walk on the bridge, then there will be positive development," Ma responded.
Besides serious issues, participants at tea party also asked about how to keep one's hair black, how to teach kids about relationships and the secret to achieving a high "EQ" or emotional quotient. Housewife Fang Ching-mei (方靜鎂) praised Ma's "charming eyes" for "making me shy when looking at me" as the chairman was answering her question, and even tried to kiss Ma when having her picture taken with him.
In response to participants' curiosity and passion, Ma lauded their input on economic and political issues.
"They shared some deep thoughts and questions on some key issues. People who are in power should never ignore the voice of our citizens or treat them as idiots," he said.
A NT$39 receipt for two bottles of tea at a FamilyMart was among the NT$10 million (US $312,969) special prize winners in the January-February uniform invoice lottery. FamilyMart said that two NT$10 million-winning receipts were issued at its stores, as well as two NT$2 million grand prizes and three NT$200,000 first prizes. The two NT$10 million receipts were issued at stores in Pingtung County and Yilan County’s Dongshan Township (冬山). One winner spent just NT$39 on two bottles of tea, while another spent NT$80 on water, tea and coffee, the company said. Meanwhile, 7-Eleven reported three NT$10 million winners — in New Taipei
Considering that most countries issue more than five denominations of banknotes, the central bank has decided to redesign all five denominations, the bank said as it prepares for the first major overhaul of the banknotes in more than 24 years. Central bank Governor Yang Chin-lung (楊金龍) is expected to report to the Legislative Yuan today on the bank’s operations and the redesign’s progress. The bank in a report sent to the legislature ahead of today’s meeting said it had commissioned a survey on the public’s preferences. Survey results showed that NT$100 and NT$1,000 banknotes are the most commonly used, while NT$200 and NT$2,000
ANNUAL EVENT: Two massive Pokemon balloons are to be set up in Daan Park, with an event zone operating from 10am to 6pm This year’s Taipei Floral Picnic is to be held at Daan Park today and tomorrow, featuring an exclusive Pokemon Go event, a themed food market, a coffee rave picnic area and stage performances, the Taipei Department of Information and Tourism said yesterday. Two massive Pokemon balloons are to be set up in the park as attractions, with an exclusive event zone operating from 10am to 6pm, it said. Participants who complete designated tasks on-site would have a chance to receive limited-edition souvenirs, it added. People could also try the newly launched game Pokemon Pokopia in the trial area, the department said. Three PokeStops are
Taiwan is concerned that China could exploit the US’ war in the Middle East, with state media citing examples from the conflict to cast doubt on the efficiency of US weapons Taiwan would use to repel an invasion. Taiwanese officials said the resumption of Beijing’s large-scale air force incursions near Taiwan after an unusual decline show that China wants to take advantage of the redeployment of US forces from East Asia to the Middle East. “This is a moment for China to exercise influence,” a senior Taiwanese security official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “What China is trying to create is a
RSS