Safeguards of sexual privacy need update
Safeguards of sexual privacy need updateBy Chao Hsuey-wen 趙萃文Acts of online gender-based violence in which sexual images have been taken without consent, or through threats or violence, have increasingly been appearing in the media, showing how victims’ privacy rights are breached, as well as the pain they undergo and the damage done to their reputations. They include a new chapter added to the Criminal Code on offenses against sexual privacy and fake sexual images. Although the period of compulsory treatment for sexual assault has been amended so that it can be regularly extended without a limit on the number of times, it is not applicable to those who breach people’s sexual privacy, or make or distribute fake sexual images, as this would be unreasonable. This legislative loophole needs to be fixed as soon as possible to demonstrate the government’s determination to crack down on crimes against sexual privacy. This means that amendments to any laws would need to be reflected in changes to the Criminal Code, which complicates the issue.
Source:Taipei Times
April 06, 2022 22:12 UTC
Police warn about fake Web sites
Police warn about fake Web sitesBy Chui Chun-fu / Staff reporterPolice have warned the public about online fraudsters using fake Web sites and bogus news to deceive people after a fake Web site purporting to be the Chinese-language Liberty Times (the sister newspaper of the Taipei Times) published a phoney interview with a prominent Taiwanese chef about his investments in cryptocurrencies. The Liberty Times reported the fake Web site to the Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) when it appeared early last year and has published reports about it to alert the public to the issue. The CIB said it used IP addresses to track the fraudsters to France, Germany, the US and several other nations. She then checked the interview with the chef and realized it was a fake news page and that she had been the victim of online investment fraud, the officials added. Fake Web sites have an address that differs from a legitimate media outlet’s site, and they usually have a direct link to a page offering investment opportunities and money transfers, the officials said.
Source:Taipei Times
April 05, 2022 23:51 UTC
Only one in three Indonesians favor major investments by China: survey
Only one in three Indonesians favor major investments by China: surveyBloombergOnly one in three Indonesians favor Chinese investors buying a controlling stake in major local companies, a survey found, showing the difficulty Beijing faces to improve its image across Southeast Asia. It found Saudi Arabia the most popular with 57 percent, with the US at 42 percent and China at the bottom with 30 percent. While trust in both of the world’s biggest economies fell among Indonesians, the survey found more negativity aimed toward China. Saudi Arabia topped a “feelings thermometer” that measures perceptions about countries and territories. The survey found Indonesians have grown distrustful of major powers over the past decade.
Source:Taipei Times
April 05, 2022 23:51 UTC
Ministry launches plan to attract overseas students
Most university presidents supported the plan, but voiced concern that the incentives offered might not be enough, as the original quota for international students has not yet been filled. National Sun Yat-sen University president Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) said that learning Mandarin for a year first could help overseas Taiwanese and foreign students do better in their studies. However, providing quality education is more crucial in drawing international students, Cheng added. National Chi Nan University president Wuu Dong-sing (武東星) said that Taiwan is a stepping stone for many overseas Taiwanese and foreign students to study, work and live in Europe and the US. Apart from the special programs for international students, which focus on enrolling undergraduate students, there is another route overseas Taiwanese and foreign students can take to study in Taiwan, Chu said.
Source:Taipei Times
April 04, 2022 22:21 UTC
Carry phones, satellite devices when hiking: NCC
Carry phones, satellite devices when hiking: NCCCRISIS ASSISTANCE: Telecoms should use new frequency spectrums for emergency services, a group urged in the wake of another death in Taiwan’s perilous mountainsBy Shelley Shan / Staff ReporterPeople should carry mobile phones as well as satellite communication devices to ensure their safety when hiking in the mountains, the National Communications Commission (NCC) said at the weekend. Local telecoms have already offered personal locator beacons or satellite phones for lease, the commission said. Mountaineering enthusiasts are advised to carry mobile phones and satellite communication devices to ensure their personal safety, it said. “The Executive Yuan recently released several frequency spectrums to be used for satellite communication services. Chunghwa Telecom offers the Thuraya Mobile Satellite Communications and International Maritime Satellite services for lease, NCC Vice Chairman Wong Po-tsung (翁柏宗) said.
Source:Taipei Times
April 04, 2022 22:21 UTC
Oil posts its biggest weekly decline in more than a decade
Oil posts its biggest weekly decline in more than a decadeBloombergOil posted its biggest weekly loss in more than 10 years after the administration of US President Joe Biden ordered a release of US strategic reserves. Photo: ReutersThe US plans to release 1 million barrels a day for six months. Biden expects allies to release an additional 30 million to 50 million barrels. As much as 180 million barrels might be released this time. Also contributing to this week’s slide were concerns about Chinese demand as the world’s biggest oil importer implements a series of lockdowns to curb a resurgence of COVID-19.
Source:Taipei Times
April 02, 2022 20:45 UTC
European shares rise slightly after bank stocks rally
European shares rise slightly after bank stocks rally‘PEAK INFLATION’: When inflation passes its highest in Europe, pressure on long bond yields would ease, although the market would change, an analyst saidReutersEuropean shares on Friday rose slightly after sluggishness early in the day as a rally in bank stocks helped outweigh worries about economic growth and inflation, with Europe facing a deadline to start paying for Russian gas in rubles. Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to cut off gas supplies unless paid in local currency from Friday — a move that could exacerbate an energy crunch in the continent as Russian gas imports account for about 40 percent of Europe’s consumption. “The key question for Q2, maybe even Q3, is when are we going to get the peak inflation,” Joshi said. Technology stocks were one of the worst performers in the first quarter on inflation worries, down 17 percent. Analysts said that inflation would put pressure on the European Central Bank (ECB), which has thus far been reluctant to lift interest rates.
Source:Taipei Times
April 02, 2022 20:45 UTC
Michele Bullock named deputy governor at RBA
Michele Bullock named deputy governor at RBABloombergMichele Bullock yesterday was named as the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) first female deputy governor, propelling her to the front of the line to succeed RBA Governor Philip Lowe. Bullock was appointed to a five-year term as the central bank’s No. “Bullock will become the first female deputy governor of the RBA in their 62-year history,” Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said in announcing her appointment. “Michele Bullock is a strong appointment,” said John Hawkins, who previously worked at the RBA, Australian Treasury and the Bank for International Settlements. Ong said that unlike previous deputy governors, Bullock has not spent time overseeing economics.
Source:Taipei Times
April 02, 2022 03:24 UTC
Pakistan rack up highest run chase to level series
Pakistan rack up highest run chase to level seriesAFP, LAHORE, PakistanSkipper Babar Azam and opener Imam-ul-Haq on Thursday smashed brilliant centuries to help Pakistan pull off their highest one-day international run chase in a six-wicket triumph over Australia in Lahore. Ben McDermott cracked a maiden one-day international century in Australia’s imposing total of 348-8 on a flat pitch. Pakistan’s Babar Azam, right, plays a shot as Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey looks on in the second one-day international in Lahore, Pakistan, on Thursday. It’s a proud moment to win at my home ground,” said Azam, who is the fastest man to reach 15 one-day international tons in 83 innings, three quicker than Hashim Amla of South Africa. Haq added 111 for the second wicket with Azam off 92 balls.
Source:Taipei Times
April 01, 2022 22:26 UTC
CECC simplifies vaccination status verification
CECC simplifies vaccination status verificationBOOSTER REQUIRED: The booster vaccination rate is just below 50 percent, and most received them recently, so there is no immediate plan for fourth doses, the CECC saidBy Lee I-chia / Staff reporterThe Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) yesterday updated its application mechanism for entities seeking to verify people’s digital COVID-19 vaccination certification. The station is set to serve as a temporary vaccination station again on Saturday. They would be enabled to scan people’s digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate and immediately see whether the person has received the three doses required, he said. Chuang said people who have been vaccinated in other countries can register their vaccination status with their local health departments and their digital vaccination certificate would be updated accordingly. Meanwhile, the CECC clarified that people need to book an appointment to see a doctor at a contracted clinic before receiving a government-funded at-home rapid COVID-19 test kit.
Source:Taipei Times
March 30, 2022 20:40 UTC
Premier touts ‘substantive’ US relations
Premier touts ‘substantive’ US relationsNOT OVERNIGHT: Su Tseng-chang told legislators that establishing diplomatic or other formal ties with the US would ‘come naturally when the conditions are ripe’By Su Yung-yao and Kayleigh Madjar / Staff reporter, with staff writer and CNATaiwan is working to strengthen “substantive” relations with the US, Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) said yesterday when asked about the future of the relationship following comments from prominent US politicians calling for closer ties between the two nations. Formal diplomatic recognition “admittedly cannot be achieved overnight,” but “we take strengthening the substantive relationship between the two sides as our greatest effort at present,” Su told a hearing at the Legislative Yuan in Taipei. He was responding to a question from Taiwan People’s Party Legislator Chiu Chen-yuan (邱臣遠) over whether the government intends to maintain “pragmatic” relations with Washington, or is looking to establish more formal diplomatic ties. Pompeo repeated his call in an interview with the Washington-based Hudson Institute published on Monday. “We are committed to safeguarding Taiwan’s democracy and to working with Taiwan to safeguard democracies around the world,” Wilson said.
Source:Taipei Times
March 29, 2022 22:17 UTC
‘We’re family:’ meet Thailand’s ‘Chicano’ community
‘We’re family:’ meet Thailand’s ‘Chicano’ communityMexican-American Chicano subculture has made its way to Asia, with people adopting the sounds, styles and swagger that originated in the USBy Pitcha Dangprasith / AFP, BANGKOKThe crowd roars in the tightly packed room as the broad-shouldered, tattooed men stop pummeling a young recruit and smother him with hugs — completing his initiation into one of Thailand’s “Chicano” gangs. Dressed in baggy T-shirts and jeans, with bandanas and wraparound sunglasses only partially obscuring their intricate tattoos, Thais can now be seen on Bangkok’s sweaty streets celebrating a fusion of their own and Chicano culture each weekend. “I just want to combine a Thai touch with the Chicano style to make this lifestyle simple and accessible,” explained gang leader Chalakorn “Leng” Arttanasiri, dismounting from his Harley Davidson. We’re in Thailand.”‘LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS’“We’re law-abiding citizens who just love the Chicano subculture,” said Pongtep Singto, a lowrider car aficionado. Ultimately, the gang is about celebrating Chicano subculture together.
Source:Taipei Times
March 18, 2022 22:12 UTC
COVID-19: China weighing ‘zero COVID-19’ exit
COVID-19: China weighing ‘zero COVID-19’ exit‘A STEP WE MUST TAKE:’ Trying to coexist with the virus would likely lead to a wave of infections, due in part to the ineffectiveness of Chinese vaccines, an expert saidAP, BEIJINGEven as authorities lock down cities in China’s worst COVID-19 outbreak in two years, they are looking for an exit from what has been an arguably successful, but onerous disease prevention strategy. A statement by Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平), a study, interviews with Chinese public health staff and public messaging by government-affiliated experts indicate that China is exploring ways of slowly easing its zero-tolerance approach — with the emphasis on slowly. A health worker yesterday poses for a photograph at a COVID-19 testing site at a residential compound in Shanghai, China. “We should carve a very clear path and not spend all our time debating whether we should continue zero COVID-19 or coexist” with the virus. Moreover, China is using only domestically developed COVID-19 vaccines that are less effective than those developed by drugmakers in other countries.
Source:Taipei Times
March 18, 2022 22:11 UTC
EDITORIAL: KMT-TPP cooperation doubtful
EDITORIAL: KMT-TPP cooperation doubtfulThe Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) has not ruled out cooperating with other opposition parties in the local elections in November, especially in districts that are difficult to win, KMT Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) said on Friday. Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), who is chairman of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), said he had not talked to Chu about the issue, and that the scope of the KMT’s intended cooperation remains unclear. Taiwan’s opposition parties should also unite and “remove” the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), he said, adding that defeating the DPP would be more important than individual opposition parties’ gains. Chiang on Friday dismissed the idea of KMT-TPP cooperation, saying that the public might see it as a quid pro quo and it could lead to a decline in support for both parties. The KMT and the TPP might need to develop clearer positions before they can see whether they can cooperate.
Source:Taipei Times
March 12, 2022 22:01 UTC
Love for Ukraine and wrath for Russia at US eateries
Blocks away, at the city’s long-popular Russia House restaurant, five windows have been smashed in and owners are thinking they might not reopen. People line up outside Ukrainian-owned D Light Cafe and Bakery in Washington on Saturday last week. Anastasiia and Vira Derun, sisters and owners of D Light Cafe and Bakery, sit in front of a “Stand With Ukraine” sign in Washington on Tuesday last week. The owners had been on the verge of reopening after a two-year COVID-19 hiatus when Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine. Its former name “just brings pain to people of Ukraine and others, even Russians,” Monamour said.
Source:Taipei Times
March 12, 2022 22:01 UTC