April 22: According to the United Daily News, TikTok executives recently visited the Legislative Yuan. Besides lobbying for "fair treatment," TikTok also expressed interest in entering Taiwan's e-commerce market. Although Taiwanese users can register and watch TikTok videos, TikTok has not yet officially launched in Taiwan, and the government lacks the ability to regulate it. Given the government's remaining concerns about TikTok, whether TikTok Shop can successfully enter Taiwan remains to be seen.
April 23: Thirty-seven (37) death row inmates petitioned the Grand Justices to determine whether the death penalty is unconstitutional. The Constitutional Court held a five-hour debate, described by legal experts as the most significant death penalty debate in a century. The defense attorneys for the death row inmates argue against responding to violence with violence, while the Ministry of Justice contended that public opinion strongly opposes abolishing the death penalty. They believe that the decision on the existence of the death penalty should be made by the executive or legislative branches, rather than through judicial review. President Hsu Tzong-li of the Judicial Yuan declared that a ruling would be issued within three months, with a possible extension of two months if necessary.
April 24: The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) announced its intention to promote legislation related to extending nuclear reactor facilities, reigniting the debate on nuclear power. In response, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) emphasized that its stance and pace towards energy transition would remain unchanged while respecting the bills proposed by various legislators in the Legislative Yuan.
Meanwhile, Chairman Tzu-Hsien Tung of Pegatron, who was a top candidate for premier considered by President-elect William Lai, publicly stated that nuclear energy could be an ally rather than an enemy of renewable energy. Although he was previously an opponent to nuclear power, Tung now believes that global warming, not nuclear energy, is the real enemy.
April 24: The Taiwan Affairs Office of mainland China's State Council announced that it would take proactive measures to promote cross-strait cooperation, including tourism. It specifically mentioned that Taiwan has not lifted the ban on group tours from mainland China and has not opened up for mainland residents to visit Taiwan. Removing these obstacles would create favorable conditions for normalizing cross-strait exchanges.
April 24: President-elect Lai addressed the Chinese mainland for two consecutive days. During a DPP Central Executive Committee meeting, Lai expressed hope for mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect. He emphasized cherishing goodwill and called for responsible dialogue between the ruling parties on both sides. The following day, Lai reiterated his expectation that China should have confidence and be willing to engage with Taiwan's democratically elected and legitimate government. He emphasized that such an approach is the right path for cross-strait exchanges and expressed hope for peaceful development.
April 24: The United States Senate voted to pass a $95 billion aid package bill for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The portion related to Taiwan includes $2 billion in military funding to supplement the $1.9 billion in defense materials and services provided to Taiwan and regional partners. President Joe Biden promptly signed the bill into effect after it was sent to the White House.
April 25: The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) held its North America Technology Symposium, announcing the development of an even more advanced logic chip process called A16, surpassing nanometer technology. After the sub-2nm era, TSMC introduced A16, combining the Super Power Rail architecture with nanosheet transistors. Mass production is expected to begin in 2026.
April 27: Chairman Wang Huning of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) received a visiting delegation of KMT legislators in Beijing. Wang emphasized that people of both sides of the Taiwan Strait are all Chinese, belonging to the Chinese nation, and are one family. He encouraged frequent interactions. Wang referred to Chinese President Xi Jinping's remarks during his meeting with former President Ma Ying-jeou, emphasizing the need to adhere to the 1992 Consensus and the "One China" principle. Wang also expressed opposition to Taiwan independence activities and external interference, and his aim for the well-being of Taiwan compatriots, peace in the Taiwan Strait, and national rejuvenation.
