'ROC unacceptable in international community,' President Chen says

The China Post - President Chen Shui-bian took a shot at Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou yesterday and said that Taiwan should stop taking the "guise" of the Republic of China (ROC) as the country's sovereign territory because the term covers only Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu but not China. Full Story

Ma vows to achieve 6 percent gross domestic product growth

The China Post - Presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou of the opposition Kuomintang yesterday said yesterday that if elected, his administration will achieve an annual economic growth of 6 percent, secure per capita income of US$20,000 by 2011, and bring the jobless rate down to under 3 percent by 2012. Full Story

Defense chief to probe distribution of United Nations flyers

The China Post - Defense Minister Lee Tien-yu promised yesterday to make a thorough investigation into the distribution of "joining U.N. in name of Taiwan" referendum flyers by military police at Wednesday's National Day celebration rally at the Presidential Plaza. Full Story

Local county, city government deficits over NT$619 billion

The China Post - Accumulated outstanding debts recorded by local county and city governments will amount to NT$619.09 billion as of the end of fiscal 2007, according to statistics compiled by the Cabinet-level Council for Economic Planning and Development (CEPD). Full Story

GIO defends advert with taxpayers' money

The China Post - The Government Information Office (GIO) placed a full-page advertisement in at least three leading daily papers in Taiwan yesterday to refute a series of reports criticizing the government's incompetency and rampant corruption. Full Story

MOFA sets budget at NT$31.56 billion for 2008

The China Post - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has set its budget at NT$31.56 billion (US$956.36 million) for next year, marking a record high, Vice Foreign Affairs Minister Yang Tzu-pao said yesterday. Full Story

Taiwan independence 'doomed to failure': China

The China Post - China said Thursday the independence drive of Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian had no chance of success and reiterated its vow to stop the island from becoming an independent nation. Full Story

Taiwan flexes its military might at National Day parade

The China Post - The 2007 National Day celebration rally was held successfully Wednesday, with the armed forces shining the brightest with an unprecedented military display. Full Story

President Chen calls for slower progress in China-Taiwan relations

The China Post - Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian yesterday reiterated the government's cautious approach to China ties, contradicting calls by the presidential candidates from both parties to fast-track the opening of three links across the Taiwan Strait. Full Story

In defiant act, Shih Ming-teh attends National Day ceremony

The China Post - Shih Ming-teh, leader of the "Red Shirts" campaign to oust President Chen Shui-bian over alleged corruption, yesterday attended the National Day ceremony in front of the Presidential Office in an act of defiance toward the head of state. Full Story

Ma: ROC's existence is threatened by DPP, China

The China Post - Opposition leader Ma Ying-jeou yesterday said the existence of the Republic of China is coming under threat both the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and China, both of whom are striving to deny it the status of a country. Full Story

Nation's advanced weaponry featured in National Day parade

The China Post - The highlight of the 2007 National Day celebration was a military parade in front of the Presidential Office, held for the first time in 16 years. Full Story

'Double Ten babies' declining in popularity

The China Post - Double Ten babies -- those born on the Republic of China's National Day of Oct. 10 -- have become out of fashion as people are turned off by the never-ending political spat between the two major parties, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), according to a local media report. Full Story

Japan calls for calm after double ten military review

The China Post - Japan appealed for calm yesterday after Taiwan showed off two home-developed missiles in a rare military parade seen as sending a message to China. Full Story

President Chen promises to attend National Press Club anniversary

The China Post - President Chen Shui-bian said Tuesday that it is his greatest honor to be invited to attend the 100th anniversary ceremony of the National Press Club (NPC) in the United States after he leaves office next year. Full Story

Hsieh to make public appearance Friday: aides

The China Post - Presidential candidate Frank Hsieh of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) will make his first public appearance after 14 days of "self-imprisonment" by holding a press conference on Friday, according to sources close to Hsieh's campaign camp. Full Story

Shih to attend National Day celebration

The China Post - Shih Ming-teh, a former Democratic Progressive Party chairman who led the March of One Million to demand President Chen Shui-bian's resignation, will attend Taiwan's National Day celebration alone today. Full Story

President Chen not to inspect troops: speaker

The China Post - President Chen Shui-bian won't inspect troops marching past him in his capacity as their commander-in-chief today, Wang Jin-pyng said yesterday. Full Story

China gamers condemned for 'bullying' incident

The China Post - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemned yesterday the actions of Chinese players during an international cyber game competition, saying they bullied a Taiwan rival because he raised the Republic of China (ROC) flag during the award ceremony. Full Story

Democratic Progressive Party standard bearer may appear in public tomorrow

The China Post - Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate Frank Hsieh will emerge from his self-imposed seclusion tomorrow at the earliest, his spokesman Chao Tien-lin said yesterday. Full Story

Ma: Is Frank Hsieh still in the race?

The China Post - Frank Hsieh, Democratic Progressive Party candidate for president, has remained secluded too long, his Kuomintang rival Ma Ying-jeou said yesterday. Full Story

Tu responds to 'napping' charge with nose-pick

The China Post - Minister of Education Tu Cheng-sheng picked his nose to get ready to answer questions at a Legislative Yuan committee meeting yesterday. Full Story

'Red shirts' to join National Day fanfare

The China Post - Shih Ming-teh's March of One Million 'Red shirts' will join in the Double Ten National Day celebration, Legislative Yuan president Wang Jin-pyng said yesterday. Full Story

Paraguay, Taiwan's staunchest supporter: President Duarte

The China Post - Paraguay is one of Taiwan's staunchest supporters and cannot be "bought" in any way, visiting Paraguayan President Nicanor Duarte Frutos said yesterday. Full Story

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Taiwan-made missiles to be shown in October 10 parade

The China Post - At least two new types of Taiwan-made missiles will be shown in a Double Ten National Day military parade, Minister of National Defense Lee Tien-yu said yesterday. Full Story

Envoy shouts 'Long live ROC' in D.C.

The China Post - Joseph Wu, Taipei's representative in the United States, sang the national anthem and shouted "Long live the Republic of China" to mark Taiwan's Double Tenth National Day in Washington, D.C., the United Evening News reported yesterday. Full Story

Hsieh posts taped footage on his blog

The China Post - Frank Hsieh, the Democratic Progressive Party candidate for president, ended his weeklong self-imprisonment by posting taped footage showing himself on his own blog yesterday. Full Story

KMT's Ma promises more water for Taoyuan

The China Post - Ma Ying-jeou, the Kuomintang standard bearer, canceled his scheduled visit to the Shihmen reservoir yesterday but promised to give residents of Taoyuan more city water, if he were elected, according to his spokesman Su Chun-pin. Full Story

Cho Jung-tai named as Democratic Progressive Party secretary-general

The China Post - Cho Jung-tai will succeed Lin Chia-lung as secretary-general of the Democratic Progressive Party, according to Formosa TV. Full Story

Ma Ying-jeou seeking Hakka votes in Taoyuan County

The China Post - Kuomintang presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou continued to canvass Hakka votes at Lungtan yesterday, winding up his 15-day "long stay" campaign to rally support for his 2008 bid. Full Story

Kuomintang leaders to attend separate National Day rally

The China Post - Ma Ying-jeou, presidential candidate of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), and top KMT leaders have decided to attend a national flag-raising ceremony to be held in Taipei County for the Oct. 10 National Day celebration activities on Wednesday. Full Story

Chen seeks esprit de corp among DPP

The China Post - President Chen Shui-bian urged yesterday members and supporters of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to set aside their differences and reunite around the party's core values before he could announce his decision on retaking the DPP's helm. Full Story

High Court prepares for Chen's appeal

The China Post - The Taiwan High Court has selected eight senior chief judges in preparation for an imminent appeal by President Chen Shui-bian to reclaim evidence held by a lower court in probes of his "state affairs fund" case, court sources said yesterday. Full Story

Chen considers offer of DPP chairmanship

The China Post - President Chen Shui-bian yesterday said he is still mulling over the offer of chairmanship by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. Full Story

Chen: 'I will fight for my rights'

The China Post - President Chen Shui-bian, in the wake of a district court rejection of his request to return "confidential" documents in a corruption trial, said yesterday he will fight for his rights through legal means. Full Story

Chen's appeal over documents rejected

The China Post - The Taipei District Court yesterday rejected President Chen Shui-bian's attempt to retrieve what he described as "confidential" documents used in a corruption trial against his wife Wu Shu-chen. Full Story

Opposition leaders attempt to boycott ceremony

The China Post - Opposition leaders said they will not attend a ceremony in front of the Presidential Office Wednesday where there are no signboards erected to indicate that the event is celebrating National Day of the Republic of China. Full Story

Chen will not address National Day rally

The China Post - Military performances will mark the climax of the Oct. 10 National Day celebration activities next Wednesday. President Chen Shui-bian will review the troops, but will not address the crowds gathered outside his office. Full Story

The Democratic Progressive Party's United Nations petition 'could make world record'

The China Post - The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) aims to collect 2 million signatures by the end of this month for the party's petition to hold a referendum on Taiwan's U.N. membership bid, "in the hope that the number can be recognized as a Guinness World Record," a DPP official said yesterday. Full Story

President Chen considering doubling as the Democratic Progressive Party chairman

The China Post - President Chen Shui-bian said yesterday he is considering doubling as chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party. Full Story

Ma barred from meeting press at airport

The China Post - Kuomintang presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou was forced to meet the press outside Taoyuan International Airport yesterday to talk about his plan for upgrading it as a means of boosting the economy. Full Story

Hong Kong model 'undesirable' for Taiwan: envoy

The China Post - The Hong Kong experience provides an undesirable and unacceptable model for Taiwan given that Hong Kong's records on human rights, freedom, and democracy have worsened since its handover to China in 1997, Taiwan's representative to the United States Joseph Wu said Wednesday. Full Story

Democratic Progressive Party to ask Chen to double as chairman

The China Post - The ruling Democratic Progressive Party's decision-makers yesterday agreed to ask President Chen Shui-bian to double as its chairman. Full Story

China ready for 'grave' scenarios, says expert

The China Post - China cannot compromise on its claim to Taiwan and is ready for "grave" scenarios, a top adviser said, days after the island's ruling party resolved to recommend a new constitution, with implications of independence from China. Full Story

Critic quits DPP: 'I'm an eyesore'

The China Post - A heavyweight yesterday quit the ruling Democratic Progressive Party after being what he said was an "eyesore" for fellow members over his frequent criticism for the DPP. Full Story

eterans Affairs Commission chief Hu Chen-Pu vows to safeguard veterans' interests

The China Post - Minister Hu Chen-Pu of the Cabinet-level Veterans Affairs Commission (VAC) pledged yesterday that he will try his best to take care of the retired servicemen in Taiwan despite attacks from lawmakers of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Full Story

National Day fireworks to be at Pingtung's Dapeng Bay

The China Post - A fireworks show prepared by the central government to celebrate the 2007 Double Ten National Day will be held in the Taiwan Strait 400m off the coast of the Dapeng Bay in Pingtung County, southern Taiwan, organizers said yesterday. Full Story

Chang urges China to serve regional peace, stability

The China Post - Premier Chang Chun-hsiung yesterday urged China to use its influence on Myanmar to persuade the ruling junta to conduct dialogue with local democracy activists for the sake of Myanmarese people's happiness. Full Story

Taisugar chair resigns to focus on election campaign

The China Post - Yu Cheng-hsien, chairman of the state-owned enterprise Taiwan Sugar Corp. (Taisugar), said Wednesday that he had tendered his resignation two weeks ago to Minister of Economic Affairs Steve R.L. Chen, so that he could concentrate on his campaign for a legislative seat. Full Story

Chen mum on doubling as Democratic Progressive Party chairman

The China Post - President Chen Shui-bian kept mum yesterday on whether he would double as chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party. If he does, it will be the second time Chen has called the shots as the party's leader. Full Story

Probe ordered for Ministry of National Defense security breach

The China Post - Premier Chang Chun-hsiung ordered a "thoroughgoing" investigation of a security compromise involving an orderly at the office of Chief of the General Staff Gen. Ho Shou-yeh yesterday. Full Story

Military colonel indicted for voyeurism

The China Post - An army lieutenant colonel was indicted yesterday for encroaching on the privacy of a lady commissar at a service school. Full Story

Two Democratic Progressive Party lawmakers blast China for visa denial

The China Post - Two ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmakers said yesterday that their failure to attend the opening ceremony of the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games being held in Shanghai Oct. 2-11 is the result of political obstruction by the Chinese government. Full Story

Lai In-jaw takes over as Judicial Yuan chief

The China Post - Lai In-jaw was sworn in as president of the Judicial Yuan yesterday. He will serve as ex officio chairman of the Council of Grand Justices, similar to the chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Full Story

Taiwan sues ISO over incorrect reference

The China Post - Taiwan has filed a lawsuit against the International Organization for Standardization, widely known as ISO, over its reference to the country as "Taiwan Province, China" instead of "Republic of China (Taiwan)," an official said yesterday. Full Story

National Security Bureau to take action against October 10 disturbances

The China Post - National Security Bureau (NSB) Director Shi Hwei-yow said yesterday that the bureau will take action against anyone attempting to disturb the Oct. 10 National Day celebrations. Full Story

Country's name is ROC: education minister

The China Post - Education Minister Tu Cheng-sheng said yesterday that Taiwan's national name is the Republic of China but claimed that the meaning of ROC "varies depending on differing historical situations." Full Story

Is Frank Hsieh malingering?

The China Post - The tongue is now wagging in Taipei: Is Frank Hsieh, Democratic Progressive Party candidate for president malingering? Full Story

Winston Wang not declaring candidacy

The China Post - Winston Wang, founder and chief executive officer of the Grace T.H.W. group, decided against delcaring his presidential candidacy a day after he said he had considered running for the position next year. Full Story

GIO chief blasts Ma over ROC sovereignty

The China Post - Shieh Jhy-wei, director-general of the Government Information, blasted Kuomintang presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou for "ignoring the dignity of Taiwan as a sovereign state." Full Story

KMT: Hsieh's China policy 'nothing but shenanigans'

The China Post - The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) charged yesterday that Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Frank Hsieh's China policy is nothing but "shenanigans." Full Story

Yu's 'normal nation resolution' voted down

The China Post - Outgoing Democratic Progressive Party chairman Yu Shyi-kun's version of the "normal nation resolution" for Taiwan was voted down yesterday, moderating Taipei's increasingly strengthening independence stand to raise the odds for its standard bearer Frank Hsieh. Full Story

Winston Wang may be Taiwan's Ross Perot

The China Post - Finally, Taiwan may see a Ross Perot. He is none other than the unanointed heir to Wang Yung-ching, founder and chief executive officer of the Formosa Plastics group. Full Story

China's Wen calls for opposing Taiwan independence in speech

The China Post - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao called on Taiwan to resist moving toward formal independence from the mainland, speaking Sunday in an annual National Day address traditionally used to appeal for unity between the rivals. Full Story

Outspoken lawmaker Lee to launch China Wisdom Party

The China Post - A new political party, named China Wisdom Party, was officially inaugurated yesterday by Lee Ao, an essayist-turned independent lawmaker known for his outspokenness. Full Story

Kuomintang vice presidential candidate to visit United States, Canada

The China Post - Opposition Kuomintang (KMT) vice presidential candidate Vincent Siew will set off for a 12-day visit to the United States and Canada Monday, the party's presidential Campaign office announced yesterday. Full Story

Hsieh Wen-ting named as judicial secretary-general

The China Post - Hsieh Wen-ting, a head prosecutor with the Supreme Prosecutors Office, will serve as new secretary-general of the Judicial Yuan, judicial sources said yesterday. Full Story

Ministry of Justice vows to continue fighting corruption

The China Post - The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) will continue its fight against corruption and malfeasance in government, with strategies including setting up an ethnic bureau and reinforcing measures against vote buying, MOJ officials said Saturday. Full Story

The Democratic Progressive Party gov't investment in economy seen as negative

The China Post - The government ruled by the Democratic Progressive Party has made "negative contribution" to Taiwan's overall economic growth through its major investment projects over the past seven years, according to an overall budget assessment report released yesterday by the Budget Center of the Legislative Yuan. Full Story

The Democratic Progressive Party remains committed to 'direct links': Hsieh

The China Post - Major presidential candidates have reiterated their commitment to expanding cross-strait direct transportation links if elected. Full Story

Hsieh has final say on campaign issues: Chen

The China Post - President Chen Shui-bian said yesterday that he absolutely agrees with presidential candidate Frank Hsieh of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), that Hsieh should have the final say on his campaign strategy for the 2008 election. Full Story

The Democratic Progressive Party rules congress to settle naming dispute

The China Post - The ruling Democratic Progressive Party yesterday decided to have its national congress settle a dispute over whether radical calls for changing the nation's title should form part of the so-called "normal nation" resolution. Full Story

Officials in Chen case granted immunity

The China Post - The Council of Grand Justices yesterday annulled part of a controversial law to punish officials who refuse to cooperate with a parliamentary commission in the investigation into a shooting that injured President Chen Shui-bian in 2004. Full Story

Inner party tensions surface at The Democratic Progressive Party's 21st anniversary

The China Post - The ruling Democratic Progressive Party yesterday marked its 21st anniversary with a ceremony that demonstrated anything but solidarity, as its chairman and presidential candidate were conspicuously absent -- reportedly amid rising tensions between them. Full Story

Chang dismisses claims of hidden agenda against Yu

The China Post - Premier Chang Chun-hsiung yesterday dismissed allegations that the prosecutors had a hidden agenda against the chairman of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, Yu Shyi-kun, while indicting him on corruption. Full Story

Gap between revenues, expenditures to fall

The China Post - Premier Chang Chun-hsiung said yesterday that the gap between central government revenues and expenditures for 2008 will fall below the NT$100 billion (US$3.03 billion) mark for the first time in nine years. Full Story

China's medical sector unattractive: local doctor

The China Post - China's medical sector is not attractive enough to make Taiwanese doctors want to work there, a noted cardiologist said yesterday. Full Story

PRC: Straits in 'period of high danger'

The China Post - A top Chinese official warned Friday that moves by Taiwan to assert its independent identity have taken relations into a "period of high danger." Full Story

Four grand justice nominees vetoed

The China Post-The Legislative Yuan confirmed yesterday President Chen Shui-bian's nominations of Lai In-jaw to serve as the new president of the Judicial Yuan and Hsieh Tsay-chuan as vice president of the government's judicial branch as anticipated. Full Story

Chen, The Democratic Progressive Party want Yu to stay on as chairman

The China Post-The decision-making Central Executive Committee of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has voted unanimously to dissuade the party's Chairman Yu Shyi-kun from resigning. Full Story

The Ministry of Justice calls for creation of new anti-corruption bureau

The China Post-The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) hopes to open an anti-corruption bureau in an effort to enhance its campaign against corruption within government agencies and local enterprises, a MOJ official said yesterday. Full Story

Four grand justice nominees grilled over Taiwan's status

The China Post - Four grand justice nominees were grilled yesterday by lawmakers over the politically sensitive issue about the status of the country, but only three of them gave a definite answer about the existence of the "Republic of China." Full Story

Legislature to hold vote over grand justice election

The China Post - The Legislative Yuan will vote Thursday on how a confirmation vote for the eight grand justice nominees proposed by President Chen Shui-bian should be held, said Legislative Yuan Speaker Wang Jin-pyng yesterday. Full Story

Party leaders approve 'normal nation' resolution, but remain wary

The China Post - President Chen Shui-bian and other ruling party leaders yesterday approved revisions to the so-called "normal nation" resolution, but avoided using more sensitive wordings concerning changing Taiwan's official title as proposed by outgoing DPP Chairman Yu Shyi-kun. Full Story

Premier respects RDEC deputy chief's resignation

The China Post - Premier Chan Chun-hsiung respects Liu Chien-sin's offer to step down from the post of deputy minister of the Executive Yuan's Research, Development and Evaluation Commission (RDEC) , over his indictment in a "special allowance fund" case, a Cabinet official said yesterday. Full Story

China reaches out to Taiwan after torch feud

The China Post - China sought to smooth over scuttled plans to include Taiwan in the torch relay for next year's Beijing Olympics, saying residents of the island were welcome to join in cultural and other exchanges surrounding the games. Full Story

Chen backs 'normal nation' resolution: Yu

The China Post - President Chen Shui-bian approves of the adoption of the controversial "normal nation resolution" at the Democratic Progressive Party's national congress, outgoing chairman Yu Shyi-kun said yesterday. Full Story

DPP candidate to sponsor 'Taiwan reform' camp

The China Post - The campaign office of Frank Hsieh, presidential candidate of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), announced yesterday it will promote a new patriotic movement through a "Taiwan reform" camp. Full Story

People First Party lawmakers complain about Kuomintang campaign assistance

The China Post - Opposition People First Party (PFP) lawmakers complained yesterday that the primary level campaign force of the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) does not show enough support for six PFP lawmakers recommended by both parties to run in the legislative elections set for Jan. 12 next year. Full Story

Ma challenges Hsieh to keep China 'links'

The China Post - Main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou yesterday urged Frank Hsieh, his ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) rival, not to deviate from his China links proposal to placate "deep green" voters. Full Story

Ma seeking Hakka votes, promises more spending

The China Post - Kuomintang presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou promised yesterday he would double the spending of the Hakka Affairs Council if he were elected. Full Story

Hsieh: Ma's Hakka policy is 'too direct'

The China Post - Ma Ying-jeou, Kuomintang standard bearer, may be misunderstood in promising to double the budget of the Hakka Affairs Council, his Democratic Progressive Party rival Frank Hsieh said yesterday. Full Story

Kuomintang calls for apology from Hsieh over Ma quip

The China Post - Frank Hsieh, Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate, has to retract a slandering quip against his Kuomintang rival Ma Ying-jeou, Ma's campaign spokesman demanded yesterday. Full Story

Taichung to have 1st mayor as special municipality in '09

The China Post - The first special municipal mayor from central Taiwan will be elected in 2009, following the completion of the integration of Taichung City and Taichung County, according to Secretary-General Chen Chin-chun of the Executive Yuan (Cabinet). Full Story

Yu to keep pushing 'normal nation' rider

The China Post - Yu Shyi-kun promised yesterday he would step down after the ruling Democratic Progressive Party concludes its national congress next Sunday. Full Story

DPP candidate prioritizes political stability

The China Post - Frank Hsieh, presidential candidate of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), said he would prioritize political stability if elected president, the Straits Times reported yesterday. Full Story

Frank Hsieh chastises his Kuomintang rival over funds

The China Post - Frank Hsieh, Democratic Progressive Party candidate for president, chastised his Kuomintang rival Ma Ying-jeou yesterday. Full Story

Su says Chen should replace Democratic Progressive Party chairman

The China Post - Democratic Progressive Party candidate for vice president Su Tseng-chang said in New York yesterday President Chen Shui-bian should take the place of Yu Shyi-kun. Full Story

Parties still wrangling over vote on grand justices

The China Post - Major political parties will hold the last coordination meeting on Wednesday in a last-ditch effort to hammer out a consensus over how to conduct the confirmation vote on nominees for grand justices of the Judicial Yuan by lawmakers the following day. Full Story

Ma wants international pig leg festival

The China Post - Kuomintang presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou urged Wanluan yesterday to host an international pig leg festival to promote tourism. Full Story

Agent, former colleague detained for China spying

The China Post - One agent of the Investigation Bureau (IB) and a former colleague were detained yesterday for their alleged espionage work for China. Full Story

Democratic Progressive Party members divided over whether Yu should stay on

The China Post - Members of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) were divided over whether or not DPP chairman Yu Shyi-kun should stay on, although Yu announced his resignation immediately after he was indicted last Friday over corruption charges. Full Story

Weng 'special fund' probe to conclude soon

The China Post - A probe into the alleged misappropriation of a "special allowance fund" by Judicial Yuan President Weng Yueh-sheng will conclude in the near future, the Supreme Prosecutors Office (SPO) said yesterday. Full Story

Judiciary is dead, but justice remains: Vice President Lu

The China Post - Vice President Annette Lu declared the death of the judiciary yesterday after she was indicted for corruption on Friday. Full Story

A lame duck seems to take off

The China Post - President Chen Shui-bian is a lame duck. He has to step down on May 20 next year. Full Story

Ma Ying-jeou to start 'long stay' to woo Hakka voters

The China Post - Kuomintang presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou will start his 15-day "long stay" campaign today to canvass Hakka votes in the counties of Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Miaoli. Full Story

Kuomintang urges Cabinet to be fair in public fund allocation

The China Post - The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and Taipei County Magistrate Chou Hsi-wei yesterday urged the Executive Yuan (Cabinet) to be fair when allocating public fund to special municipalities. Full Story

Ministry of National Defense to renew toxic gas filters at 2 air bases

The China Post - Toxic gas filtration systems at two well-guarded air bases in eastern Taiwan will be renewed as part of efforts to retain the military's counterattack capabilities in the event of a conflict across the Taiwan Strait, defense sources said yesterday. Full Story

DPP's Hsieh visits Kaohsiung county to consolidate support

The China Post - Frank Hsieh, Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate, stumped the county of Kaohsiung yesterday. Full Story

Army plans to demine 15 minefields

The China Post - Army authorities are stepping up efforts to demine 15 minefields on the Taiwan-held outlying islands of Kinmen and Matsu with a view to further developing the local tourism industry and economy, military sources said yesterday. Full Story

Chen urged to resume Democratic Progressive Party leadership

The China Post - The resignation of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party chairman over corruption charges has prompted calls from its ranks that President Chen Shui-bian resume his party leadership. Full Story

Hsieh would pardon those indicted over 'special funds'

The China Post - Frank Hsieh, the presidential candidate of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, yesterday said if elected, he would pardon over 6,000 officials who could be charged for corruption over the controversial use of their funds. Full Story

Peace to top agenda in China: former adviser

The China Post - Koo Kuan-min, former senior adviser to the president and a Taiwan independence advocate, said Saturday he envisions a policy shift on the Taiwan issue in China because peace will be at the top of China's national agenda over the next 15-20 years. Full Story

Vice President Lu, 2 top officials charged with graft

The China Post - Prosecutors investigating government officials over alleged misappropriation from their special expense accounts yesterday decided not to bring charges against Frank Hsieh, the presidential candidate of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, and his running mate Su Tseng-chang. Full Story

Olympic Torch won't come: The Mainland Affairs Council

The China Post - The Olympic torch will not stop in Taiwan en route to the Beijing Games in 2008, Taiwanese officials said yesterday after talks broke down with China, just one day after reaching the third deadline imposed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Full Story

Matsu missile deployment opposed by locals

The China Post - Members of the Lienchiang county council expressed strong opposition Friday to plans of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) to build missile bases at two locations in the Matsu island group. Full Story

Moon festival Taiwan-China flights begin

The China Post - Mid-Autumn Festival direct chartered flights between Taiwan and China took wing yesterday, with a total of 12 Taiwanese and Chinese airlines offering the holiday-only service for a six-day period covering the traditional Chinese festival. Full Story

Yu Shyi-kun may be named to run for lawmaker at large

The China Post -- Yu Shyi-kun, chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party, may be named to run for legislator at large. Full Story

The Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker involved in health fraud to run in election

The China Post -- A lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) indicted on charges of health insurance fraud vowed yesterday that he will fight it out with a DPP-nominated candidate in his constituency in Kaohsiung in the legislative election early next year. Full Story

The Democratic Progressive Party 'has raped TSU,' Huang says

The China Post -- The Taiwan Solidarity Union was raped, its chairman Huang Kun-hui wailed yesterday. It's the ruling Democratic Progressive Party that raped its tiny ally TSU, Huang charged.Full Story

Friday deadline for talks on Olympic torch relay

The China Post -- The deadline set by the International Olympic Committee for talks between China and Taiwan on whether the island will be included on the Olympic torch relay route is 7 a.m. Friday, Taipei time, an official at the Taipei-based Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee said yesterday. Full Story

Chinese basketball player banned after Taiwan game

The China Post -- Chinese basketball authorities have handed a local player a four-month ban after he was expelled from a tournament in Taiwan for breaking an opponent's nose with his elbow, Chinese media reported on Thursday. Full Story

TSU reiterates DPP ties amid KMT rumors

The China Post - The Taiwan Solidarity Union yesterday reiterated its support for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party in next year's presidential election in the wake of speculations that the opposition party was defecting to the Kuomintang. Full Story

Democratic Progressive Party chair defends 'normal nation' changes

The China Post - The chairman of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party yesterday defended his proposal to include the goal of Taiwan's independence in the so-called "normal nation" resolution that the DPP would adopt. Full Story

Awards to downplay 'KMT-Chinese' culture

The China Post - Minister Shieh Jhy-Wei of the Government Information Office (GIO) yesterday announced the nominees for the third annual 2007 Children Golden Bell Awards aimed at recognizing the best television and radio programming for children and teenagers. Full Story

Taiwan cries foul as China bars ex-security chief

The China Post - China has rejected a visa for Taiwan Vice Premier Chiou I-jen, a former national security chief, to attend a soccer forum in Shanghai as the island accused its giant neighbor of mixing politics with sport. Full Story

Weapons debut at National Day military rehearsal

The China Post - A variety of weapons made their debuts yesterday at a rehearsal staged by the armed forces at an army base in Hukou in the northern county of Hsinchu. Full Story

High court hears Kaohsiung election case

The China Post - Mayor Chen Chu's former campaign spokesman absolved her yesterday of any responsibility for the vote-buying press conferences that had been determined by the Kaohsiung district court to have caused her Kuomintang rival Huang Jun-ying's narrow defeat. Full Story

Chen trying to stop 'normal nation' changes

The China Post - President Chen Shui-bian may be buckling under pressure from Washington to stop the Democratic Progressive Party from writing in "independence of Taiwan" in its "normal nation" resolution. Full Story

Taiwan has no plans to boycott 2008 Olympics: Mainland Affairs Council

The China Post - Taiwan has no plans to boycott the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing despite the country's disagreement with China over the issue of the torch relay, a Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) official said yesterday. Full Story

Appointed Democratic Progressive Party officials to stress work over stumping

The China Post - Appointed government officials will concentrate on their own work rather than on stumping for ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) election candidates at this stage, Executive Yuan Secretary-General Chen Chin-jun said yesterday. Full Story

Kuomintang tries counterattack on 'underground' radio stations

The China Post - The opposition Kuomintang, convinced that it lost the last presidential election in 2004 because of a rumor spread by underground radio stations, is launching a counterattack. Full Story

DPP seeks to amend 'normal country' draft

The China Post - Ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairman Yu Shyi-kun said Monday that he will put forward a motion in favor of including an article on rectifying the nation's official title to Taiwan in the DPP's newly drafted "normal country" resolution. Full Story

Movie star-turned lawmaker bolts Kuomintang for Farmers' Party

The China Post - Aging movie star-turned lawmaker, Ko Chun-hsiung, bolted the Kuomintang and joined the Taiwan Farmers' Party yesterday. Full Story

Identity, China loom as top election issues

The China Post - Taiwan's national identity and relations with China will remain a major campaign issue until in the run-up to the presidential election in late March next year. Full Story

Dentists form group to support Ma

The China Post - Members of the Taiwan Dental Federation (TDF) formed an association in Taipei yesterday, pledging to support the presidential candidate of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), Ma Ying-jeou and his running mate Vincent Siew, in the March 22, 2008 presidential election. Full Story

Ma laments social issues overshadowed by politics

The China Post - Presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou of the main opposition Kuomintang yesterday lamented that the social and livelihood issues have been submerged by political issues, although he is eager to do something for society. Full Story

Impasse on Control Yuan nominees lingers on

The China Post - President Chen Shui-bian has not yet finalized a new list of nominees as members of the Control Yuan to the parliament for review and confirmation, according to officials from the Presidential Office. Full Story

Democratic Progressive Party candidate vows to help foreign spouses

The China Post - Ruling Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate Frank Hsieh promised yesterday that if he is elected president, he will help foreign spouses of local citizens resolve issues concerning residency status or citizenship. Full Story

Gynecologist files suit against the Taiwan Solidarity Union official

The China Post - A famous gynecologist has filed a libel suit against a press liaison officer of the Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) who described him as "unethical" in her blog, a local newspaper reported yesterday. Full Story

ROC Air force shows strength amid fresh tensions

The China Post - Taiwan showed off two US-made F-16 fighter jets Wednesday in a show of its intent to defend itself from any attack by China. Full Story

World leaders urged to boycott Olympics

The China Post - A statement issued at the end of an international symposium, organized by the Mongolian and Tibetan Affair Commission in Taipei, has called on political leaders worldwide not to attend the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games if China fails to take concrete actions to improve its human rights records. Full Story

Chinese missiles aimed at Taiwan exceeds 900

The China Post - China has increased the number of ballistic and cruise missiles aimed at Taiwan to more than 900 along with improved guidance and targeting systems, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said in a 2007 report to the Legislative Yuan on Chinese military strength and Taiwan's five-year military consolidation plan. Full Story

'Red Shirts' fined NT$600,000 for road damage

The China Post - The Taipei City government fined the "Red Shirt" leaders about NT$600,000 yesterday for damaging public property during their candle-lit protest in commemoration of the anti-corruption campaign of September 2006. Full Story

Vote buying prevention key to Taiwan's upcoming elections

The China Post - Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior (MOI) announced yesterday stricter penalties for police departments throughout the island that fail to detect and prevent vote buying activities in the upcoming legislative and presidential elections. Full Story

'Red Shirts' revive anti-graft protests against Taiwan's president

The China Post - Tens of thousands of anti-corruption protesters blocked the boulevard in front of the Presidential Office yesterday on the anniversary of a massive 2006 demonstration demanding that President Chen Shui-bian step down over suspected corruption. Full Story

Taipei making last try on torch route issue

The China Post - The Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee is still making a last-ditch effort concerning Taiwan's participation in the 2008 Beijing Olympics torch relay through intensive negotiations with its Beijing counterpart, Tsai Chen-wei, chairman of the committee said yesterday. Full Story

Ma to launch 2nd long-stay program in south of Taiwan

The China Post - Presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou of the opposition Kuomintang has decided to launch a second round of a "long stay" program in southern Taiwan, due mainly to the first one generating very encouraging support from grassroots people in southern counties and cities, according to Ma's campaign staff. Full Story

Independent activists push for referendum

The China Post - Members of the "908 Taiwan Republic" movement unveiled yesterday their version of the national flag and the national anthem during an event next to Taipei City Hall. They also claimed their support for the planned referendum on entering the U.N. under the name of Taiwan. Full Story

Hau reminds Red Shirts to 'abide by rules'

The China Post - Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin yesterday urged the "Red Shirts" to abide by the rules during their three-day anti-corruption demonstrations starting today, expressing the hope that the rallies will proceed peacefully. Full Story

'Red Shirts' announce Ketagalan Blvd. comeback

The China Post - The "Red Shirts" yesterday announced a comeback by holding a massive candle-lit event tomorrow near the Presidential Office to remind President Chen Shui-bian that their previous demand regarding his alleged corruption had not been taken into consideration. Full Story

Taiwan ex-businessman claims mole in MIB

The China Post - A former businessman, who was recently released from prison in China, claimed yesterday that he had been arrested in 2003 because a mole from the Military Intelligence Bureau (MIB) gave him out to Chinese authorities. Full Story

The Democratic Progressive Party chairman calls for change of national title

The China Post - Ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairman Yu Shyi-kun claimed yesterday that Taiwan independence is mainstream public opinion, adding that only by changing the national title to Taiwan and enacting a new constitution can the country survive. Full Story

Water chief, The National Taiwan University professor face charges of corruption

The China Post - A district court yesterday ordered five people, including the head of a state-run water company and a university professor, be detained in connection with alleged bribery involving several water conservation projects. Full Story

BNHI status change to save NT$100 mil.

The China Post - After the organic status of the Bureau of National Health Insurance (BNHI) is altered, the bureau is expected to save around NT$100 million (US$3.03 million) in personnel costs annually, Department of Health Minister Hou Sheng-mou said yesterday. Full Story

Activists challenge judges' political neutrality

The China Post - Activists pushing for judicial reform yesterday urged judges to renounce their memberships in political parties. Full Story

DPP hopeful questioned in graft inquiry in Taiwan: aide

The China Post - Former premier Frank Hsieh, the ruling party's presidential candidate, has been questioned by prosecutors over corruption allegations, his aides said yesterday. Full Story

Democratic Progressive Party official calls for judges to cut political ties

The China Post - Executive Yuan's Government Information Office director-general Shieh Jhy-wei yesterday called on all judges with political affiliations to withdraw from their political parties. Full Story

Kuomintang honorary chair leaves for China on private visit

The China Post - Lien Chan, honorary chairman of the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT), headed for China yesterday on a private visit, according to KMT officials. Full Story

Kuomintang urged to disclose members in judicial system

The China Post - The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) should release the numbers of its members in the judicial system during the martial law era and at present, to pursue transitional justice and eliminate public suspicion about the impartiality of judicial personnel, Shieh Jhy-wei, chief of the Government Information Office (GIO), urged yesterday. Full Story

Judicial Yuan posts to be decided on September 14

The China Post - The legislature will vote Sept. 14 on President Chen Shui-bian's nominations for Judicial Yuan posts and for chief auditor of the Ministry of Audit under the watchdog Control Yuan, lawmakers decided in cross-party consultations held yesterday. Full Story

Democratic Progressive Party, Taiwan Solidarity Union candidates to duke it out in Sanchung

The China Post - The opposition Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) named its own legislative candidate for Taipei County's Sanchung City to fight it out with an opponent from its ally, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Full Story

Taiwan Solidarity Union party denies fielding chairman in 2008 race

The China Post - The leadership of the opposition Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) denied a newspaper report yesterday that the TSU is planning to field its party chairman as a candidate in the 2008 presidential election. Full Story