March 24:
To address emergencies or wartime support needs, the Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of National Defense recently revised regulations on alternative service "training convocations." If necessary, they may extend the duration, frequency, and number of days. This applies to individuals within eight years of discharge, including alternative service members. The annual limit of 60 days for "duty convocations" has also been removed.
March 24:
A major recall dispute between political parties has led to additional controversies. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) accused the Kuomintang (KMT) Tainan City branch of forging petition signatures. The Tainan District Prosecutors Office not only searched the party office but also detained party staff. The opposition questioned the disproportionate response, citing the recall case of former Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu, where prosecutors ignored over a thousand fraudulent signatures. The KMT also accused civic groups involved in recalling KMT legislators of document forgery, demanding the Taipei District Prosecutors Office to handle the matter in a similar fashion.
As chairman of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), President Lai reiterated during a DPP Central Executive Committee meeting that China is defined as a "foreign hostile force" under the Anti-Infiltration Act. He emphasized the need for more proactive measures to protect freedom, democracy, and Taiwan's way of life.
March 25:
Mainland Chinese spouse Liu Zhenya had her dependent residence permit in Taiwan revoked by the National Immigration Agency (NIA), Ministry of the Interior, after expressing support for reunification through military force on the mainland version of TikTok. This forced her separation from her three minor children. Before leaving Taiwan, Liu held a press conference with the Taiwan International Family Mutual Aid Association, accusing the NIA of violating international conventions and persecuting mainland spouses.
Additionally, Taipei First Girls' High School teacher Ou Kuei-chi faced complaints after stating in a CCTV interview that she is proudly Chinese and expressing concern over President Lai Ching-te's designation of mainland China as a hostile foreign force. The Mainland Affairs Councill even suggested that the Department of Education, Taipei City Government, and her school evaluate her suitability as an instructor.
March 26:
Academician Chen Pei-che and 75 scholars, labor groups, and cultural figures issued a joint statement accusing President Lai of demonizing mainland China and suppressing dissent through "red hat" tactics. They claimed that populism is being used to rally supporters, rapidly shrinking the space for freedom of speech. They warned that thought censorship reminiscent of martial law has descended upon Taiwan and urged the DPP administration to step back from the brink.
On the same day, Deputy Minister Hsu Hsi-hsiang confirmed in the Legislative Yuan that a special law to regulate speech is under consideration.
March 26:
After two years of site evaluation, the National Science and Technology Council announced that the first national rocket launch site will be established in Jiupeng Village, Manzhou Township, Pingtung County. In addition to being near the Jiupeng Base of the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, the site is also closer to the equator, ensuring more stable and clearer satellite signals. The Pingtung County Government stated that it plans to develop the area into a "space village," connecting the space industry chain.
March 27:
Ko Wen-je, former chairman of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), who is under detention on corruption charges, is set to remain in custody until April 1. His legal team reported symptoms such as blood in urine and vomiting, suspected to be acute kidney injury, and filed a motion to the court to release him on bail for humanitarian reasons. However, the court ruled to extend his detention for another two months. The detention facility stated that Ko's condition improved after receiving medical care under supervision.
March 27:
During a naval exercise in the early hours, vessel Zhonghe collided with an unlit mainland Chinese fishing vessel outside restricted waters. After the incident, the mainland vessel sped towards the median line of the Taiwan Strait, making it impossible to board for investigation. The military requested that the Coast Guard collect evidence and clarify maritime responsibilities, not ruling out the possibility that the vessel was spying under the guise of fishing. However, military experts noted that intelligence could be directly gathered from military satellites, making fishing vessels unnecessary for such purposes.
March 28:
Contrary to expectations, the Ministry of Economic Affairs electricity price review committee decided to freeze electricity prices. The decision was based on concerns over international tariff changes and geo-political risks, which could trigger global economic and price fluctuations. However, the Taiwan Power Company's accumulated losses have exceeded NT$432.6 billion (approximately US$12.9 billion), with a debt ratio as high as 93.1 percent. The issue of electricity prices may become a long-term challenge.
