August 4:
According to the statistics released by the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), Taiwan's tourism deficit in 2023 reached NT$443.6 billion (about US$13.6 billion), a historic high. Taiwanese travelers made nearly 11.8 million trips abroad, while foreign tourists visiting Taiwan numbered only 6.4 million. Comparing this to pre-pandemic 2019, when Taiwan received 11.8 million visitors (including 2.7 million from mainland China), the decline is significant. In 2023, mainland Chinse visitors dropped to just 226,000, resulting in a loss of 2.4 million visitors and a decrease in tourism revenue by approximately NT$115 billion (about US$3.5 billion).
August 7:
In Taoyuan's Science and Industrial Park, three solid waste fuel plants have caused strong backlash. Local residents protested at the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and Presidential Office Building, demanding that these plants be removed. Scholars emphasize the need for a comprehensive health risk assessment, as concerns about residents' well-being remain unresolved.
On the same day, in Fangyuan Township, Changhua, a petition titled "Reject Photovoltaics, Protect Farmland" was initiated by the township office, representatives, and agricultural resolutions.
August 7:
A fisherman from Kinmen, who had inadvertently crossed to the mainland China, was detained for 144 days due to his military status. He has finally been released and returned home.
Another case involves a fishing boat from Penghu that was detained for crossing the boundary. Penghu County Executive Chen Yu-jen revealed that next week, the boat owner and family members will be allowed to visit, potentially leading to a breakthrough in their situation.
August 7:
Mainland China's efforts to combat separatism are becoming more concrete. The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) of the State Council and Ministry of Public Security have launched a column titled "Punishing Diehard 'Taiwan Independence' Elements." In addition, to listing previously announced names of such individuals, the mainland has also introduced an unprecedented online reporting mailbox. Chinse scholars predict that future actions against Taiwan independence will become increasingly specific, emphasizing more effective anti-separatist measures.
August 8:
President Lai Ching-te chaired the inaugural meeting of the National Climate Change Strategy Committee. He emphasized that a nuclear-free homeland is not exclusive to any political party's ideology. According to President Lai, energy issues and national climate governance offer diverse options. The current energy policy focuses on three areas: ensuring stable power supply, developing diverse green energy sources, and considering any energy solution that contributes to net-zero carbon emissions. Concerns about nuclear power were briefly discussed during the meeting.
August 9:
Large data centers have become the first major electricity consumers subject to location restrictions. If a data center requests more than 5 MW of electricity and is located north of Taoyuan, the Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) will no longer approve power supply requests. Taipower's principle going forward is to provide electricity locally, encouraging high-tech industries to develop in counties and cities which support power plants.
The MOEA recently completed an electricity white paper, urging industries to use green energy, with a certain proportion produced locally to promote renewable energy development.
August 9:
After the resumption of the Kinmen-Matsu ferry route, the first tourist group from mainland China visited Matsu. This marks the first post-pandemic visit by mainland tourists to Taiwan. Several other tourist groups are currently applying for travel permits. The MOTC stated that preparations for the return of mainland tourists have already been completed. It will continue to evaluate cross-strait tourism policies, aiming for reciprocal opening and gradual promotion of cross-strait tourism exchanges.
August 9:
Recently, two Taiwanese fishing vessels were detained by Japanese patrol boats for alleged illegal fishing. After paying fines, the vessels were released. Mainland China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs offered a rare statement, citing the China-Japan Fisheries Agreement, which states that Japan has no authority to enforce measures against "Chinse fishing vessels" in relevant waters. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded that communication between Taiwan and Japan on maritime affairs has been smooth, and there is no need for Chinese intervention or involvement.
