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TAEF BRIEF
February 16th, 2024
No. 127 |
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CONTENT
-TAEF Updates
-TAEF Media Gallery
-TAEF Commentaries
-New Southbound Policy News
-Regional Headlines |
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Seasons Greeting from TAEF |
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February 16, 2024
TAEF extends our warmest greeting to you: Happy Lunar New Year 2024!
Thank you for your unwavering support towards TAEF in the previous year. We will continue to adhere to our mission in promoting the New Southbound Policy and play our part in deepening relationships with like-minded partners. We hope for your support in the upcoming year.
May the new year be filled with abundance and luck!
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India-Taiwan Semiconductor Industry & Talent Cultivation|2022 YSF Side Chat with Ajit Manocha
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Jointly organized by the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF) and Observer Research Foundation (ORF), the first Inaugural Taiwan-India Dialogue took place on October 8th right after the 2022 Yushan Forum, bringing together a panel of leading experts to explore avenues for deepening Taiwan-India ties.
We took the opportunity to talk with Ajit Manocha, president and CEO of SEMI on the outlook of the global semiconductor industry, especially in the post-pandemic era, its talent shortage issue, and how Taiwan and India can work closer together to build resilient supply chains.
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Focus Taiwan
Chinese Coercion Expected to Continue with Lai's Win: Foreign Scholars
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January 24, 2024
We are likely to see a continuation of China's economic coercion, psychological warfare and grey zone activities.
- Dr. Sana Hashimi, Postdoctoral Fellow, Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation
The article discusses the potential implications of Lai Ching-te's victory in Taiwan's presidential election, particularly regarding China-Taiwan relations. Political scientist Sana Hashmi suggests that despite Lai's win, China's tactics of economic coercion and psychological warfare against Taiwan are likely to continue. Hashmi emphasizes that while a full-scale conflict or invasion is unlikely due to the risks involved for China, there could be other forms of retaliation or intimidation tactics. She points out that Lai's commitment to maintaining the status quo reduces the immediate incentive for China to escalate tensions. However, she warns that Beijing may still employ various strategies to exert pressure on Taiwan, including economic measures and military exercises near Taiwan's borders.
Read more
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NEW SOUTHBOUND POLICY NEWS |
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Radio Taiwan International
Taiwan will continue to develop relations with Indonesia as its election results unfold: Foreign Ministry |
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February 15, 2024
Indonesia’s current Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto claimed victory in the country’s presidential election on Wednesday. At a press conference Thursday, Taiwan Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jeff Liu (劉永健) said that the ministry will continue to follow the latest updates regarding Indonesia’s election.
Liu adds that Taiwan and Indonesia have established significant exchanges in trade, agriculture, and education and that Taiwan will continue to develop further relations in the future.
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Taiwan News
Taiwan sees no timetable for migrant workers at hotels |
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February 15, 2024
There is no timetable for a decision on allowing migrant workers to accept jobs in the hotel sector, the Ministry of Labor (MOL) said Thursday (Feb. 15).
The hospitality sector began urging the government last year to import workers, with the MOL promising to study the issue. Hotel operators said they faced a shortage of 8,000 workers, including 5,500 cleaners.
According to the MOL, the Tourism Administration submitted a proposal in early February, but a meeting of academics wanted to receive more details. The MOL is waiting for the administration’s response before holding more discussions, per CNA.
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Focus Taiwan
Migrant workers call for realistic eligibility rules in incentive program |
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February 12, 2024
Taiwan launched the Long-Term Retention of Skilled Foreign Workers Program in 2022 to address a labor shortage, allowing migrant workers to stay longer in the country. Approximately 20,000 workers have been certified as "intermediate skilled migrant workers," granting them an unlimited length of stay. The program offers higher minimum monthly wages for specific sectors and waives the restriction on the length of stay. However, many workers express dissatisfaction as they find some of the touted perks, such as permanent residency and pensions, elusive.
Concerns are raised about the program's effectiveness, with some workers feeling that the benefits are not easily attainable. The article emphasizes the need for adjustments and improvements to make the incentives, such as permanent residency and pensions, more accessible to migrant workers under the Long-Term Retention of Skilled Foreign Workers Program.
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Taiwan News
Taiwan's envoy to India vows to build 'Taiwan Town' in Dehli
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February 10 , 2024
Taiwan’s representative to India said on Friday (Feb. 9) that a special zone is being planned to lure more Taiwanese businesses to invest in the world's fifth-largest economy.
Baushuan Ger (葛葆萱) announced the plan, touted as "Taiwan Town," at a banquet on Lunar New Year's Eve in Delhi. Taiwanese business people, teachers, and Taiwanese married to Indian citizens attended the event hosted by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India, according to CNA.
The envoy said "Taiwan Town" will offer advice to make doing business in the South Asian country easier. "Taiwanese can seek advice here to find a reliable business partner or to find the Indian city that suits their business development needs.”
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Reuters
Prabowo Subianto: What to expect from Indonesia's likely new president |
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February 15, 2024
Indonesia's Defense Minister, Prabowo Subianto, has taken a commanding lead in unofficial results from the recent election and claimed victory, positioning himself as the presumed next president. Prabowo, a former special forces general, has been a polarizing figure over the years, known for his viral dance moves and fiery orations. However, concerns linger over the stability of his alliance with outgoing President Joko Widodo, as the two former rivals have collaborated strategically in the elections.
Despite Prabowo promising policy "continuity" on the campaign trail and aligning himself with the popular Widodo-ism, analysts are skeptical about the longevity of their political partnership. The alliance is seen as more of an electoral strategy than a governing one, and doubts persist about Prabowo's commitment to maintaining it once in power. Potential sources of tension include differences in opinion on cabinet appointments, the new capital project, military and social service spending, and the involvement of family members in the government.
The calculation made by many is that Jokowi's influence may persist through his son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, despite the limited power of the vice president's office. However, analysts point out that various policy disagreements and power dynamics within the government could strain the alliance and potentially lead to a marginalized role for Jokowi if Prabowo decides it is no longer in his interest to maintain the partnership.
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Al Jazeera
Thailand's former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to be freed
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February 13, 2024
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, currently serving a one-year sentence after a royal pardon reduced his original eight-year term for abuse of power, is set to be released on parole. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Tuesday. Thaksin, aged 74, had faced accusations of serious human rights abuses during conflicts in southern, mostly Muslim provinces, and a controversial "drugs war" that resulted in thousands of deaths. Following his abuse of power conviction, Thaksin went into exile, primarily residing in Dubai.
Srettha Thavisin, a member of the Pheu Thai Party led by Thaksin's youngest daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, revealed the decision to grant Thaksin parole. The Pheu Thai Party formed a government after the election in May, where the progressive Move Forward Party secured the most votes but was prevented from taking power by influential elements associated with the military and traditional elites. Srettha emphasized Thaksin's potential to offer valuable advice to his daughter in serving the country, portraying him as a figure who had previously benefited Thailand.
Thaksin's release on parole marks a significant development in Thai politics, where his influence remains divisive. The decision also comes amid ongoing political complexities, with the Pheu Thai Party navigating challenges to assert its authority and progressive forces encountering resistance from entrenched powers within the military and traditional elite circles.
Read more
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Reuters
Philippines committed to South China Sea code of conduct
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February 15, 2024
Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo expressed the country's firm commitment to negotiations for a code of conduct between China and Southeast Asian nations to prevent confrontations in the South China Sea. Manalo emphasized that tensions in the region were not solely about the rivalry between the United States and China, highlighting the legitimate rights and interests of the Philippines and other nations. He cautioned against obscuring illegal actions under the pretext of superpower rivalry and called for an honest understanding of the situation.
Manalo voiced concerns about regional tensions surrounding Taiwan and urged all parties to maintain direct contact. The proposed code of conduct for the South China Sea was initiated over two decades ago, with commitments to begin the process made in 2017. However, little progress has been achieved, and negotiations on the code's contents are yet to move forward. The issue remains sensitive, with neighboring countries advocating for the code to be based on international law, which China has been accused of disregarding in asserting its sovereignty claim over a significant portion of the South China Sea.
Amid tensions, particularly in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the Philippines and China have been at odds, with Manila accusing Beijing of aggressive acts within its EEZ. This dispute has intensified while the Philippines has increased defense engagements with the United States, conducting military exercises and patrols at sea, leading to increased friction with China. Manalo mentioned plans for a high-level "2+2" meeting involving the defense and foreign ministers of the Philippines and the United States, with specific dates yet to be finalized.
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