Taiwan opens up to Hong Kongers after national security law
Taiwan “strongly” condemned Hong Kong’s national security law after it came into effect on the night of June 30 and warned its citizens to be careful when visiting the territory. The law, which was imposed by the Chinese government in Beijing, targets not just Hong Kongers, but anybody anywhere in the world.
Taiwan opened a dedicated office on July 1 to help Hong Kongers settle on the island.
At least 200 Hong Kong protesters have fled to Taiwan since last year. Two of them talked with the Guardian about their lives on the island nation.
Taiwan also opened up to Hong Kong and Macau visitors from June 29, who can come to Taiwan for business, trade, family, and humanitarian reasons.
Taiwan will look to strengthen its reserve forces, such as providing them with the same weapons as carried by the army.
India should boost its ties with Taiwan in trade, coronavirus and strategic cooperation, according to this Hindustan Times op-ed.
Taiwan’s economy has held up well because it actually never had to be shut down during this coronavirus outbreak. As a result, industrial production rose by in May by 1.5 percent year-on-year in contrast to South Korea and Singapore which saw decreases.
The Netherlands is actually Taiwan’s biggest foreign investor. Learn about this and more, such as the circular economy, in Commonwealth’s interview with the Dutch representative to Taiwan.
PC brand Acer is looking to diversify into becoming a lifestyle brand after releasing an energy drink. The logic is that many PC gamers, who are among Acer’s customers, often consume energy drinks for a boost while gaming.
Taiwan will attempt to tighten regulation of Chinese investment into local companies in order to prevent China from accessing vital technology and data.
Taiwan held one of the world’s few public Pride events in Taipei on Sunday, June 28. This was a special event held to celebrate Pride Month due to much of the world being unable to do so. The usual Taiwan Pride event will be held later in the year.
Here’s a rare look at Taipei’s homeless, who number around 650, according to this LA Times feature. While not that visible, a lot of them are in Wanhua, Taipei’s oldest district, (where much of this article is set) and the area around Taipei Main Station.
Taipei’s population decreased by almost 19,000 people this year as of May, as more people moved out than into the city. Factors include lower housing prices and better social benefits outside of Taipei.
Bubble tea is featured in another international media outlet, this time Al-Jazeera.