West suspects Russia in airplane plots
Thomas Haldenwang, head of Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, attends an interview in Berlin on May 22 last year. Photo: APSeveral officials said they believe the attacks were the work of Russian military intelligence, the GRU, although Moscow denied involvement. Poland’s Internal Security Agency, or ABW, said that incidents in Poland, as well as other EU and NATO members, had intensified this year. One was at a stopover at a DHL logistics center at an airport in the city of Leipzig, according to Thomas Haldenwang, head of the Germany’s domestic intelligence agency. “We are observing aggressive action by the Russian intelligence services.
Source:Taipei Times
November 07, 2024 03:43 UTC
Brain tech is here and it is not as creepy as you think
Researchers at the University of Washington asked if he would participate in a study on a brain implant that could, maybe, treat the condition. “It occurred to me I’m getting something implanted very close to my brain,” he said. Even his family has noticed the change, Eric told me in his first interview since having the chip implanted. Inner Cosmos has found a way to address mental health without going into the brain at all. Eric’s story is another example of how the brain tech’s first steps into mainstream medicine are for now bringing hope, not dystopia.
Source:Taipei Times
November 06, 2024 18:13 UTC
Reforming justice for young people
Such a serious incident, along with the fact that the sentence for young people under the age of 18 can be reduced by half according to the Criminal Code, triggered a public outcry. According to Article 276 of the Criminal Code, the maximum penalty for a negligent death is five years in prison. The Criminal Code is meant to protect our social norms and is the last line of defense for fairness and justice. When it comes to juvenile criminal trials, Taiwan’s Criminal Code has long been based on German law. The juvenile criminal court would be the first to establish expert participation in trials.
Source:Taipei Times
November 06, 2024 17:31 UTC
Ministry moves to disband pro-unification party
Ministry moves to disband pro-unification partyBy Lery Hiciano / Staff writer, with CNAThe Ministry of Interior today said it is to collate evidence that the China Unification Promotion Party (CUPP) has developed organizations and interfered in elections on behalf of China to petition for its formal disbanding. The party has engaged in organized activities on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) that have infringed on people’s rights and endangered Taiwan’s free and democratic order, the ministry said in a news release. China Unification Promotion Party member Chang Meng-chung speaks during an event in an undated photograph. Although it is legal to form political parties, they should abide by the Constitution and conform to democratic principles, the ministry said, adding that the CUPP’s alleged crimes jeopardize national security, social order and elections’ fairness. If a party’s purpose or conduct undermines the nation or its free and democratic order, then it is unconstitutional and authorities may request the Constitutional Court to dissolve the party, the ministry said.
Source:Taipei Times
November 06, 2024 10:33 UTC
Money debate
Difficult post-typhoon commute draws ire in TaipeiCommuters in Taipei picked their way through debris and navigated disrupted transit schedules this morning on their way to work and school, as the city was still working to clear the streets in the aftermath of Typhoon Kong-rey. By 11pm yesterday, there were estimated 2,000 trees down in the city, as well as 390 reports of infrastructure damage, 318 reports of building damage and 307 reports of fallen signs, the Taipei Public Works Department said. Workers were mobilized late last night to clear the debris as soon as possible, the department said. However, as of this morning, many people were leaving messagesBy Kayleigh Madjar
Source:Taipei Times
November 06, 2024 02:15 UTC
The ‘anaconda strategy’ of the PLA
The ‘anaconda strategy’ of the PLABy Liao Ming-hui 廖明輝Navy Commander Admiral Tang Hua (唐華) said in an interview with The Economist that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has been implementing an “anaconda strategy” to subdue Taiwan since President William Lai (賴清德) assumed office. The interview reminds me of a story published in late August about the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a US think tank, mentioning that China is using an “anaconda strategy” to slowly strangle Taiwan — as an anaconda might overcome its prey — leaving no room for Taiwan to breathe or fight back. The operations would involve unprecedented levels of PLA activity, including aircraft and surface vessels encroaching into Taiwan’s territorial waters and airspace. The PLA would simultaneously cut undersea Internet cables and incapacitate Taiwan’s communications satellites to disrupt links within Taiwan and sever its connections with the international community. The PLA Navy would also position its Shandong aircraft carrier strike group southeast of Taiwan to deter US Navy vessels.
Source:Taipei Times
November 05, 2024 21:46 UTC
N Korea fires missiles toward the sea
N Korea fires missiles toward the seaAP, SEOULNorth Korea yesterday fired a barrage of short-range ballistic missiles into the sea, its neighbors said, as it continued its weapons demonstrations hours before the US presidential election. Japanese Minister of Defense Gen Nakatani said at least seven North Korean missiles flew as far as 400km with a maximum altitude of 100km. Photo: AP / Korean Central News Agency / Korea News ServiceSouth Korea’s military also detected several missile launches by North Korea and subsequently boosted its surveillance posture. The North Korean missiles could be used to target key facilities in South Korea, including US military bases there. South Korea’s military intelligence agency last week said that Pyongyang has also likely completed preparations for its seventh nuclear test.
Source:Taipei Times
November 05, 2024 17:32 UTC
Taipei residents protest demolition of Daan bridge
Taipei residents protest demolition of Daan bridgeStaff writer, with CNAResidents have called on the Taipei City Government to reconsider its plan to demolish a four-decades-old pedestrian overpass near Daan Forest Park. However, in recent days some local residents have been protesting the planned destruction of the intersection overpass that is rendered more poetically as “sky bridge” in Chinese. The pedestrian overpass at the intersection of Heping and Xinsheng roads in Taipei is pictured yesterday. “Separating pedestrians from vehicles is the safest way.”People take a selfie with the pedestrian overpass bridge at the intersection of Heping and Xinsheng roads in Taipei on Sunday. “There are 13 sky bridges exceeding 40 years old in use in Taipei City,” Lin said, adding that the oldest has been operational for 55 years.
Source:Taipei Times
November 05, 2024 17:15 UTC
Getting heated
Difficult post-typhoon commute draws ire in TaipeiCommuters in Taipei picked their way through debris and navigated disrupted transit schedules this morning on their way to work and school, as the city was still working to clear the streets in the aftermath of Typhoon Kong-rey. By 11pm yesterday, there were estimated 2,000 trees down in the city, as well as 390 reports of infrastructure damage, 318 reports of building damage and 307 reports of fallen signs, the Taipei Public Works Department said. Workers were mobilized late last night to clear the debris as soon as possible, the department said. However, as of this morning, many people were leaving messagesBy Kayleigh Madjar
Source:Taipei Times
November 04, 2024 21:42 UTC
Legal changes urged against China threat
China has been enticing active and retired military personnel to help develop espionage organizations or to engage in psychological operations, such as by filming themselves “voluntarily” surrendering to China or signing a promise of their future surrender, he said. In January 2020, Hsiang signed a “pledge of surrender.”Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Wang Ting-yu speaks to reporters in Taipei on Wednesday. The Constitutional Court said it decided not to review the case. In a separate case, eight current and retired military officers have been allegedly leaking classified military information to China since 2021. For example, the government could refuse granting funding to artists and celebrities who have made pro-China statements, Shen added.
Source:Taipei Times
November 04, 2024 21:41 UTC
Indian doctors call off protest hunger strike over murder
Indian doctors call off protest hunger strike over murderAPPEAL: The victim’s parents expressed their worries about the fasting junior doctors’ health, as well as defunct healthcare services affecting hundredsReuters, KOLKATA, IndiaJunior doctors in India’s eastern city of Kolkata on Monday called off a 17-day-old hunger strike launched in protest against the rape and murder of a colleague, in response to an appeal by the victim’s parents. People take part in a mass protest to show their solidarity with junior doctors on hunger strike over a rape and murder in Kolkata, India, on Tuesday last week. The doctors said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee agreed to most of their demands when she met them on Monday. Government hospitals across India lack basic amenities such as restrooms for doctors, security personnel and closed circuit television cameras, doctors say. The Indian Supreme Court also took up the matter, but junior doctors say its efforts have not been sufficient to ensure justice.
Source:Taipei Times
October 22, 2024 17:16 UTC
Modi meets Putin and calls for quick end to Ukraine war
Modi meets Putin and calls for quick end to Ukraine warAFP, KAZAN, RussiaIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday said that he wanted the Ukraine conflict to be resolved peacefully and “quickly” as he met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the BRICS summit in Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, embraces Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting on the sidelines of BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, yesterday. New Delhi has walked a diplomatic tightrope since the Ukraine conflict began, pledging humanitarian support for Kyiv, while avoiding explicit condemnation of Russia’s offensive. The Kremlin has touted the BRICS summit as a diplomatic triumph that shows Western attempts to isolate Moscow over the Ukraine conflict have failed. The US has dismissed the idea that BRICS could become a “geopolitical rival,” but has expressed concern over Moscow flexing its diplomatic muscle as the Ukraine conflict rages.
Source:Taipei Times
October 22, 2024 17:16 UTC
US, Canadian warships transit Taiwan Strait
US, Canadian warships transit Taiwan StraitINTERNATIONAL WATERS: Lin Chia-lung said that freedom of navigation fits not only the national interest, but also the common interest of the Indo-Pacific regionBy Ben Blanchard / ReutersA US and a Canadian warship on Sunday sailed through the Taiwan Strait together less than a week after China conducted a new round of war games around Taiwan. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins conducts bilateral operations with Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Vancouver, front,in the Taiwan Strait on Sunday. Photo: Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Trevor Hale / US Navy via AP“The international community’s navigational rights and freedoms in the Taiwan Strait should not be limited. “China firmly opposes any country provoking and threatening China’s sovereignty and security in the name of ‘freedom of navigation,’” Lin added. The US and Canadian navies last sailed such a joint mission in November last year, while the US last transited the Taiwan Strait on Aug. 22 when the USS Ralph Johnson passed through.
Source:Taipei Times
October 22, 2024 02:16 UTC
S Korea demands N Korean troops in Russia withdraw
S Korea demands N Korean troops in Russia withdrawAP, SEOULSouth Korea yesterday demanded the immediate pullout of North Korean troops allegedly deployed in Russia as it summoned the Russian ambassador to protest deepening military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow. The Russian embassy quoted Zinoviev as saying that the cooperation between Russia and North Korean is not aimed against the security interests of South Korea. Yoon said South Korea would send a delegation to NATO to exchange information about Russian-North Korean cooperation, Yoon’s office said. Russia earlier denied using North Korean troops in its war with Ukraine. Ukrainian officials released a video allegedly showing North Korean troops lining up to collect Russian military clothes and bags at an unknown location.
Source:Taipei Times
October 22, 2024 02:16 UTC
China central bank cuts two key interest rates
China central bank cuts two key interest ratesAFP, BEIJINGChina’s central bank yesterday said it had cut two key interest rates to historic lows, in the latest move by Beijing to boost sluggish spending and kickstart the world’s second-largest economy. The economy grew 4.6 percent year-on-year in the third quarter, its slowest rate in a year and a half, Chinese government data released on Friday showed. The country’s top banks on Friday cut interest rates on yuan-denominated deposits for the second time this year in another potential boost to spending. Months of sluggish spending have raised fears that China would dip back into deflation after it ended a months-long stretch of falling prices early this year. The real interest rate in China is too high,” he said.
Source:Taipei Times
October 21, 2024 17:57 UTC