Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has confirmed eight new coronavirus infections and another two deaths, which brings the total number of confirmed cases here in Taiwan to 306 and the total death toll to five.

Recorded at the National Taiwan University's GIS Convention Center, this special show features regular ICRT commentator Ross Feingold, Albert Chiu, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Taichung's Donghai University and National Taiwan University Professor of Political Science Huang Min-hua -- who discuss the ramifications for Taiwan be it a Donald Trump re-election or a Joe Biden White House for the next four years. 

The contractor to build Taoyuan International Airport's much-delayed third terminal has finally emerged.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs announced that the government will continue to requisition eight million surgical face masks per day until the end of July, despite the coronavirus situation easing off here in Taiwan.

Minister without Portfolio Audrey Tang is encouraging the public to pre-order their government-issued stimulus vouchers and to choose the digital format if possible to avoid long lines when they are made available from tomorrow.

Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau says the mercury in Taipei rose to 38.9 degrees at 13:15 on Monday, 29 June, marking the highest temperature ever recorded in the capital in the month of June since the city's weather station was established in 1896.

Legislative Speaker You Si-kun says an extraordinary legislative session will run until 22 July as scheduled, during which lawmakers will vote on whether to approve President Tsai Ying-wen's nominees for the Control Yuan, among other issues.

The newly opened Taichung metropolitan rail (MRT) line has attracted hundreds of thousands of riders over its first few days of operation.

The Ministry of Labour (MOL) says young people are being paid more than before.

The Taichung District Prosecutors' Office has indicted four people involved in a labour brokerage company on charges of exploiting migrant workers through wage manipulation.

Transport Minister Wang Kwo-tsai is stressing that the government fully supports the corporatisation of the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) within three years.

Taiwan's minister of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) Wang Mei-hua is seeking to play down reports that Taiwan's leading semiconductor manufacturers could build new plants in Europe.

Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) reported that Taiwan has seen a fourth consecutive day with no new coronavirus infections.

The decennial national population and household census will begin in November, with 16,000 census workers set to visit more than 1.2 million households around Taiwan.

Researchers at National Chiao Tung University (NCTU) have developed a rapid Covid-19 test.

The Central Epidemic Command Center has announced a precautionary ban on all inpatient visits to hospitals in Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan until 9 February.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced that it is resuming regular passenger flights to Taiwan, starting on 1 September.

A testing programme for coronavirus antibodies by the National Taiwan University's College of Public Health has found low rates of exposure to the virus among high-risk population groups.

Local drug maker Adimmune has started the first phase of human trials for its experimental coronavirus vaccine.

The cabinet is accepting an agreed reduction of NT$25.5 billion from the government's proposed 2021 budget after lawmakers from the ruling and opposition parties reached a consensus on budgetary cuts during their ongoing negotiations.

Taiwan has established a connection with one of its recently launched satellites.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs says the island's food and beverage industry had its worst sales month in April since November of 2014, as more consumers opted to stay at home and eat due to concerns about the coronavirus.

Taoyuan Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan has cancelled all extracurricular winter activities at all schools in the city.

The Tourism Bureau expects fewer than one million visitors will come to Taiwan this year.

The Ministry of Labor set this year's Equal Pay Day on 21 February, two days earlier than last year, based on estimates that women needed to work that far into the year to earn the same amount that men did last year.

The ECCT is pleased to announce that the chamber has formed a news sharing partnership with ICRT. Under the new cooperative agreement, the ECCT will publish selected ICRT news stories in the News section of Euroview online as well as ICRT's weekly “Taiwan this Week” podcast. In return, ICRT will draw on or cite selected content from Euroview and the ECCT's website.

Premier Su Tseng-chang says the Executive Yuan is introducing a new employee disaster insurance bill.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has confirmed the first case of a serious allergic reaction to the AstraZeneca (AZ) coronavirus vaccine, a nurse, who has existing allergies to eggs, peanuts and antibiotics.

Lawmakers from across party lines are pushing for a new law to fight against climate change.

The Water Resources Agency has introduced tougher water restrictions from today due to shortages in some parts of the island – meaning industrial water usage in certain areas has now been cut by up to 11%.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) will be partially lifting restrictions on the entry of foreign visitors from 1 March.

The Ministry of Education says Chinese students enrolled in tertiary-level schools here in Taiwan are now allowed to enter the country. According to the ministry, the new regulation will benefit some 5,000 students from China.

The government is optimistic about Taiwan's economic growth this year. The National Development Council says the Taiwan economy could grow by over 1.8% in 2020, thanks to better-than-anticipated export orders and exports in the fourth quarter.

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says the government is hoping to procure at least 30 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine. 

President Tsai Ing-wen is voicing her hope that English proficiency here in Taiwan can improve over the next decade.

Taiwan's export orders in January 2021 increased 49.3% to US$52.7 billion year-on-year, according to a report from the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).

Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center says restrictions on flights to and from China and an entry ban on transit passengers will remain in effect after the initial end date later this month

The Fisheries Agency has issued a new draft regulation for a system to better manage derelict fishing gear that causes marine pollution.

Canada and the United States have launched coordinated sanctions against Chinese officials over human rights abuses in China's far western Xinjiang region. The sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) is continuing to administer the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine.

President Tsai Ing-wen has apologized for the handling of the coronavirus cluster infection on board a navy supply ship, saying "as commander-in-chief, she holds ultimate responsibility for the military."

Premier Su Tseng-chang says some 900,000 people will have received coronavirus relief payments from the government by the end of this week.

Taiwan's jobless rate rose slightly last month.

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says the government is moving towards lifting the ban on foreign visitors next month.

Lawmakers have voted to increase funding for a coronavirus response, relief and revitalization bill from NT$60 billion to NT$210 billion.

Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je has postponed the city's Lantern Festival and cancelled the annual Di-Hua Street Lunar New Year market due to the recent rise in coronavirus cases.

The Ministry of the Interior (MOI) has halted the plan for electronic national ID cards.

Taiwan top envoy to the US, Hsiao Bi-khim, has attended US President Joe Biden's swearing-in ceremony in Washington DC.

Electric trains have now begun running on Taiwan Railways Administration's South Link line.

A growing list of European Union nations and Canada have barred flights from the UK and others are considering similar action.

The ongoing drought in the south is likely to affect agricultural irrigation.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen was inaugurated for a second four-year presidential term today together with Vice President Lai Ching-de. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that 92 foreign dignitaries from 41 countries congratulated President Tsai Ing-wen on her inauguration via pre-recorded video messages.

The average number of people employed in the industrial and service sectors in Taiwan fell in 2020 for the first time in 11 years because of the economic disruption caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic, according to Taiwan's statistics bureau.

Reservations for self-paid coronavirus vaccinations are now open.

The new minister of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has said that his top priority on the job is to fully implement the reform plan for the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA).

Food delivery workers to unionise

The head of the European Economic and Trade Office in Taiwan says the European Union's strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific is expected to provide more opportunities for cooperation between the EU and Taiwan.

The Central Epidemic Command Center says Taiwan is in talks with Stanford University to create a protocol for travellers that will help shorten the amount of time they have to stay in quarantine when they go abroad.

Taiwan-based contract semiconductor manufacturer Taiwan Semiconductor Company (TSMC) has declined to say whether it has stopped accepting purchase orders from Huawei.

Taiwan's Air Force Chief of Staff Huang Zhi-wei says the upgrade of 42 of its 141 F-16A/B fighter jets to F-16V variants has now been completed.

Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says a much-anticipated travel bubble between Taiwan and Palau will open on 1 April, becoming the first of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region.

Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior is taking steps to ease restrictions on the opening of foreign non-profit organization (NPO) branch offices in Taiwan.

Taiwan's Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says the government plans to begin administering the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine next Monday at the earliest.

Education Minister Pan Wen-chung says more than 2,000 foreign students from 11 countries and areas, who are graduating this year, will be allowed to return to Taiwan soon.

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says business travellers arriving from certain countries will be allowed to apply to shorten the length of their mandatory 14-day quarantine upon entering Taiwan, starting from 22 June.

The Ministry of Labour (MOL) is beginning labour inspections in the logistics industry.

Representatives of teacher groups are demanding that the government raise their salaries.

The Financial Supervisory Commission says eighteen local banks are now offering bilingual services at their branches.

The cabinet says a proposal for the establishment of a Ministry of Digital Development will be submitted to the legislature during the current plenary session, which runs from February until May.

Lawmakers from the Legislative Internal Affairs Committee are moving to freeze some of the government's budget for the issuance of the new eID cards.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has announced subsidies for electric long-haul buses.

The Central Epidemic Command Center is indefinitely suspending entry to all Indonesian migrant workers amid concerns Jakarta is unable to improve the accuracy of its coronavirus test results.

Economics Minister Wang Mei-hua says the government will continue efforts to join a free trade agreement involving Japan and 10 other Asia Pacific countries, in an effort to cushion the impact of the just signed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Taiwan's front-line workers are getting ready for the first wave of AstraZeneca vaccines.

Facing a water shortage crisis, the Water Resources Agency says it is planning to invest some NT$160 billion over the next several years to secure water supply.

President Tsai Ing-wen has met with members of an American delegation at the Presidential Office, during which she reiterated Taiwan's willingness to work with the US to preserve peace and stability in the region.

Premier Su Tseng-chang has approved the resignation of transport Minister Lin Chia-lung.

Taiwan's cabinet has approved a draft amendment to a foreign talent act as part of government efforts to relax regulations governing foreign professionals in the country will attract more such talent.

Taiwan's Legislative Yuan has established an ad hoc committee tasked with revising Taiwan's constitution.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) is keeping the basic electricity rate at the current price of NT$2.6253 per kilowatt-hour.

The government has suspended a plan to cap the amounts patients pay out-of-pocket for certain special medical devices. The move follows strong opposition from the medical sector.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has announced that foreigners in Taiwan will be allowed to remain in the country for another 30 days.

​​​​​​​The Tourism Bureau is extending quarantine hotel subsidies until the end of the year.

Immigration officials are once again allowing foreigners to stay in Taiwan longer due to coronavirus travel restrictions.

The Ministry of Education is ready to allocate NT$100 million this year for developing international education at the elementary, junior high and high school level.

Premier Su Tseng-chang led the cabinet to resign en masse earlier today ahead of President Tsai Ing-wen's 20 May inauguration.

The EPA is planning to offer cup rentals on outlying islands to cut down on waste.

The National Immigration Agency has again extended the duration of stay for foreigners who arrived in Taiwan before 21 March.

The Council of Agriculture is downplaying concerns about a looming food shortage.

A new report finds that this year's average annual bonus is at its lowest in nine years.

China Airlines has cancelled its scheduled 17 April flight to Palau under the bilateral "travel bubble" due to low demand.

The Ministry of Labour has announced the government is providing 10,000 part-time positions for workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic and up to 50,000 more jobs will be made available in the future.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has revealed more details about mask donations to Europe.

Mobile payments in Taiwan have hit a new high.

The ECCT, in conjunction with ICRT, hosted a lunch on the topic "Dealing with the coronavirus outbreak - Precautions and contingencies for business".

Yang Ming-chou, a Kaohsiung City Government counsellor, took the helm today as the acting mayor of the city to fill the void left by Han Kuo-yu, who was recalled in a vote last week.

One of the world's biggest computer and technology trade shows - Computex - has been cancelled amid fears over the continuing spread of Covid-19 in other parts of the world.

The cabinet says it plans to amend the Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals. The bill is currently slated to take effect on 1 January 2023.

The National Immigration Agency has once again extended the term of stay for visitors in Taiwan who arrived before 21 March last year.

TSMC's Executive Chairman has expressed confidence that direct foreign investment can consolidate economic competitiveness.

Several industry heavyweights will be taking part in this year's Computex.

The Cabinet has approved a draft amendment to the Income Tax Act aimed at curbing short-term real estate speculation.

Taiwan's domestic carriers have been bleeding cash and reeling from the coronavirus pandemic.

Major travel agencies saw revenues plunge even further in May as border shutdowns continued.

The government is set to issue agriculture and culture stimulus vouchers later this month.

Far EasTone has become the island's second telecom operator to receive a fifth generation mobile telecommunications (5G) license.

The Central Epidemic Command Center has placed Hong Kong back on its list of regions from which business travellers can apply for shorter quarantine periods on their arrival in Taiwan.

Premier Su Tseng-chang is dismissing speculation the government could consider activating the 4th Nuclear Power Plant to produce electricity.

The Water Resources Agency says water levels in six reservoirs have fallen to below 20% of capacity and recent days of rainfall have done little to help alleviate the problem.

Taiwan's lawmakers have passed amendments meant to curb real estate speculation.

The Ministry of Labour has announced an official minimum wage hike.

The EPA is getting ready to introduce stricter controls on industrial emissions.

Private individuals may soon be able to get the coronavirus vaccine.

Taiwan's government will soon be offering preferential short-term loans to individuals who have suffered losses of income due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Taiwan's cabinet has banned government agencies from using the popular video-conferencing software Zoom.

The Presidential Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are expressing their gratitude to the G7 foreign ministers for a statement voicing support for Taiwan's inclusion in the annual World Health Assembly.

Listen in to a discussion and analysis of the important stories that affected Taiwan over the past seven days.

The Central Epidemic Command Center says Taiwan's Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) will be allowed to open its stadiums to 1,000 fans from tomorrow.

Taiwan's Minister of Interior Hsu Kuo-yung says the government will begin issuing new electronic I-D cards nationally in the middle of next year following trial runs in certain locations.

Three Taiwanese athletes are in Tokyo this week to compete in an event that could boost their chances of participation in the Summer Olympic Games.

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) says people who receive the coronavirus vaccine here in Taiwan will be entitled to take two days off work.

Taiwan's health minister Chen Shih-chung says the government has now granted authorisation for emergency use of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it will start a third round of mask donations soon, giving more than seven million surgical face masks to countries to help with their response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Tourists who took the inaugural "travel bubble" flight from Taiwan to Palau have returned to Taiwan.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) says it plans to file a lawsuit demanding compensation from the truck driver and contractor suspected of being responsible for last Friday's deadly train crash, which resulted in the death of 50 people.

Soft drink stores need to be more specific about the sugar and calories for their products in the future.

Taiwan has been ranked the second freest country in Asia with a total score of 93 points in the latest edition of the "Freedom in the World" report by the US-based NGO, Freedom House. That ranking was the same as that of last year.

The cabinet's Gender Equality Committee says a self-assessment shows that Taiwan ranks first in Asia and sixth worldwide in terms of gender equality.

Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) spokesman Zhuang Ren-xiang says Taiwan and other non-United Nations member countries will be allotted 1.3 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine in the first round of COVAX vaccine distribution.

Taiwan ranks the second freest country in Asia in the annual Freedom in the World report.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) says it plans to relax its coronavirus control measures on trains and domestic flights, as the disease continues to slow in Taiwan.

The government says slow growth of Taiwan's workforce in 2020 can be attributed to the coronavirus pandemic and the country's low fertility rate.

The Ministry of Transport says national scenic areas and theme parks island wide will be observing government mandated capacity restrictions in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus during the Lunar New Year holiday.

Taiwan has jumped 20 places in the 2020 Democracy Index rankings to 11th place globally from 31st in 2019 and now ranks top in Asia - that, according to the latest report by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung has confirmed that a total of 117,000 doses of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine have arrived in Taiwan.

Taiwanese legislators have passed amendments to the Act of Irrigation Association Organization, meaning the island's 17 irrigation associations will be combined into a new government body under the Council of Agriculture.

Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) is relaxing regulations regarding the timeframe for coronavirus testing of foreign nationals travelling to Taiwan.

Foreign governments and political leaders are sending their condolences after a train crash in eastern Taiwan earlier in the day left at least 50 people dead and scores injured.

Visiting Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil has invited his Taiwanese counterpart to visit the Czech Parliament.

The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) is planning a referendum concerning the government's plan to open to more US meat imports, which was announced earlier in the week.

The Ministry of Labour reported that a group of labour funds managed by the Bureau of Labour Funds had suffered massive losses of more than NT$470 billion (US$15.67 billion) as of the end of March, when equity markets at home and abroad plunged amid an escalation of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A slew of events and activities scheduled to be held in Taiwan have been postponed or cancelled over fears of contagion from the 2019 novel coronavirus (Covid-19), including international shows, religious, school and sporting events.

Book publications in Taiwan last year have hit a two-decade low.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has confirmed that a BBC correspondent working in China has relocated to Taiwan after facing threats.

All incoming travellers to Taiwan must now provide a negative coronavirus test. According to the new "Fall-Winter" regulations beginning today, all travellers to Taiwan, including Taiwanese citizens, must include a Covid-19 nucleic acid test before boarding their flight.