May 12: Due to geo-political tensions, U.S.-China trade competition, and downturn risks associated with the Chinese economy, the Financial Supervisory Commission reported a first-quarter exposure of NT$1.3 trillion (about US$42.6 billion) to mainland China. This represents a decline compared to the same period last year and the previous quarter, with expectations that the figure will fall below the trillion mark this year.
Since the U.S.-China trade war in 2018, financial exposure to the Chinese mainland has been gradually decreasing, signaling a cautious approach to the mainland market.
May 13: The World Health Assembly will be held May 27 in Geneva, Switzerland, but an invitation was not extended to Taiwan. Notwithstanding, the new Minister of Health and Welfare Chiu Tai-yuan will lead a delegation to Geneva for exchanges. He plans to express concerns that the exclusion of Taiwan as an observer is detrimental to the health rights of Taiwan's 23 million people.
May 15: According to information cited by Reuters, the United States and Taiwan navies conducted joint military exercises in the Western Pacific in April. The exercises, lasting several days, included tactical drills such as underwater target searches.
The U.S. Department of Defense declined to comment, while Taiwan's Navy adhered to the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES) proposed by the United States.
May 15: The Taiwan Affairs Office of mainland China’s State Council announced the implementation of "punitive measures" against five Taiwanese political commentators and their families. The five were accused of deliberately spreading false information about the mainland, allegedly misleading some Taiwanese citizens. The announcement emphasizes that public opinion is not beyond legal consequences, marking a notable move by the mainland against Taiwan media figures.
May 16: Plans to pardon former President Chen Shui-bian's corruption cases have hit a roadblock. According to the Office of the President, all relevant procedures must follow the law, and no decision has been made. Reports stated the administration of President Tsai Ing-wen has spent over six months simulating scenarios related to pardoning the former president and considered the possibility of pardoning without exemption from guilt. The decision to halt the process is due to Chen's failure to express any remorse for the harm caused to the nation.
Chen Chih-chung, the former president's son, responded by asserting that their overseas assets are not ill-gotten gains, and his father cannot plead guilty. However, if the Chen family ultimately has the freedom to decide how to use the funds, they are willing to contribute the entire amount to national social welfare.
May 16: Designate Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Chih-hui, during a discussion with the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association, revealed that the new administration plans to establish technology parks in key regions where Taiwan businesses have a global presence, such as Japan, the United States, and Mexico. These parks will provide services related to foreign affairs, reducing obstacles for small and medium-sized enterprises expanding overseas.
May 17: The Legislative Yuan saw a chaotic scene during a debate on legislative reform bills, resulting in several lawmakers being injured. After a marathon 15-hour session, the bill to normalize the president delivering a state report to the Legislative Yuan passed the second reading. Remaining bills related to investigative powers and hearing rights will continue to be discussed the following Tuesday.
The bill which has passed the second reading mandates that a state report takes place annually on March 1 and adds a requirement that the president delivers a state report at the Legislative Yuan within one month of inauguration and address questions from legislators for the president extemporaneously.
May 18: A delegation of legislators visited Taiping Island to assert national sovereignty. Deputy Speaker Johnny Chiang of the Legislative Yuan shared a photo on Facebook of himself mailing a letter at the Taiping Island post office, urging President-elect William Lai to publicly affirm Taiping Island as a territory of the Republic of China (Taiwan) at his inauguration ceremony. Notably, no ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmaker participated in this visit. The DPP maintains that Taiping Island is already a part of Taiwan's territory and that a public declaration during the visit could exacerbate sovereignty disputes in the South China Sea.
