The Chinese Nationalist Party’s (KMT) resolution to defend freedom and democracy would be demonstrated to the world, KMT Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia (夏立言) said yesterday prior to his departure on a trip to Europe.
Hsia is to depart tonight to attend the Copenhagen Democracy Summit and the IDU Forum in Brussels next week on behalf of KMT Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫), who is staying in Taiwan to address a mass recall campaign targeting lawmakers from the party.
His presence at the two international democracy conferences would not only show the world the KMT’s commitment to defend freedom and democracy, but would also stress its position as a responsible political party that continues to help promote the cross-strait relationship, stabilize the Indo-Pacific order and facilitate world peace, Hsia said.
Photo: Taipei Times
The trip was organized more than two months ago after the KMT received invitations, he said.
Aside from taking part in the summit and the forum, meetings with local political figures, overseas Taiwanese leaders, and academics and experts in Copenhagen, Brussels and London were also slated, Hsia said, adding that a forum would be held at the University of Cambridge’s King’s College to have a conversation with faculty and students.
The goal is to academically and practically communicate the voice of the KMT and the Republic of China (ROC) to elites from across the world to deepen Taiwan’s ties with Europe and the rest of the world, he said.
Given the volatile international situation, the ROC, the democratic beacon and fortress of freedom to all ethnic Chinese, must participate in the international community and contribute to it, Hsia said.
Being the largest opposition party, the KMT would seize the chance to convey its view, he said.
Asked whether he would help resolve concerns over Chu’s comments comparing President William Lai (賴清德) to Adolf Hitler and the governing party to the Nazi regime during the trip, Hsia said he would explain what Chu actually meant if anyone asks about the “democratic dictatorship” facing the ROC.
FUKUOKA SITUATION: Japanese media reported that the pathogen is expected to be identified by the summer, while the CDC downplayed the idea that it was hMPV A “mysterious cold-like illness” reported in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture does not seem to be a new disease, but Japanese authorities have been asked about the situation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday. The Fukuoka Prefectural Medical Association on Wednesday told a news conference that a “mystery cold” that has become a hot topic on social media is “highly likely to be caused by some kind of viral infection,” Japan’s KBC News reported. “Many people are experiencing symptoms starting with a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, phlegm and a severe cough,” KBC News reported, citing association officials. Health authorities are
Nvidia Corp CEO Jensen Huang (黃仁勳) arrived in Taiwan yesterday ahead of upcoming AI and technology events, saying he plans to meet with clients and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) during his visit. After landing at Taipei Songshan Airport, Huang posed for photos with fans and handed out Yakult drinks to reporters and supporters waiting at the scene, saying he has “a lot to do” during the trip. Asked about reports that Nvidia’s planned headquarters site in Taipei’s Beitou Shilin Technology Park could break ground on May 27, Huang said that if the company holds an event, he would
The Ministry of Finance this afternoon announced the winning numbers for the March-April uniform invoice lottery. The winning number for the NT$10 million (US$318,060) special prize is 19531471, and the winning number for the NT$2 million grand prize is 85941329. Three numbers were drawn for the NT$200,000 first prize: 07225810, 20231230 and 83518781. Those with receipts matching the last seven digits of any of the first-prize numbers will win the NT$40,000 second prize, while those matching the last six digits will win the NT$10,000 third prize. Those whose receipts match the last five digits of the first-prize numbers can claim the NT$4,000 fourth prize,
SIX SUBSIDIES: The monthly allowance for older farmers is to increase to NT$10,000, and NT$5,000 is to be given to homemakers under the national pension system, Lai said The government is to implement major welfare policies for disadvantaged groups, including raising the monthly allowance for older farmers to NT$10,000 and providing homemakers with NT$5,000 per month, President William Lai (賴清德) said yesterday. Lai made the remarks during a visit to Wangling Temple in Chiayi County, saying that the planned increases were being introduced amid economic growth and an increase in tax revenue. Touting a policy, in which the government plans to provide a monthly allowance of NT$5,000 for every child under the age of 18 in a bid to address Taiwan’s low birthrate, Lai said that if received for the