The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislative caucus yesterday described a plan outlined by Beijing to economically integrate China’s Fujian Province with Kinmen County in Taiwan as a “trap” that was intended to save China’s failing property market under the pretense of benefiting Taiwanese.
Commenting on the plan during a question-and-answer session at the legislature in Taipei, DPP Secretary-General Chuang Jui-hsiung (莊瑞雄) said that past measures introduced by China as “beneficial” to Taiwanese have failed to produce any benefit, or have come with special conditions attached.
“China’s housing market is very sluggish at present, and the youth unemployment rate in China continues to soar. The sudden announcement of measures to benefit Taiwan is a bit unexpected, since China is facing its own purchasing-power problems,” Chuang said.
Nearly 30 cities in China have relaxed or canceled residential purchase restrictions in a bid to revive the nation’s housing market, he said, adding that Beijing has now opened up housing purchases to Taiwanese apparently toward the same end.
Xinhua news agency on Tuesday reported that Beijing would encourage Taiwanese firms in Fujian Province to list on Chinese stock exchanges, citing a statement jointly issued by the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Committee and the State Council.
It also said Beijing would support innovative ways of cross-strait capital cooperation and encourage the setup of an integration development fund, but did not give further details.
China has increased its military presence near Taiwan, while at the same time crafting long-term economic and social plans for the nation, which it envisions would one day be “reunified.”
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
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