new cabinet

"Old wine in new bottles" has generally been the reaction to the new Cabinet who will take up their posts when President-elect Ma Ying-jeou takes office in May.

Many are in their 70s...former ministers, or deputy ministers, including many old KMT party hands. A surprise given that there had been so much talk about the "new kmt" and how the party had turned around from its past; and was open to new directions and ideas.

But one surprise announcement today: the appoinmtent of Lai Shin-yuan, former legislator of the pro-independence Taiwan Solidarity Union, who will head the Mainland Affairs Council - the cabinet level body responsible for policy towards China.

Mr Ma had been elected partly on promises to create a better relationship with the island’s political foe, China.

Lai Shin-yuan’s appointment as chairwoman of the Mainland Affairs Council has surprised many analysts. Its being interpreted as a sign that Mr Ma wants to appease critics who fear he might compromise the island’s sovereignty in dealing with China.

The two sides are talking of pushing ahead with closer economic cooperation, including direct flights and easing many business restrictions.

The TSU favours Taiwanese independence. Lai Shin Yuan has not backed formal independence herself, though she has been a strong advocate of the need to strengthen Taiwan’s identity.

After news of her appointment, she told reporters that she supported the policy of Mr Ma in maintaining the current status quo in cross strait politics – neither seeking unification nor pushing for formal independence. She said that stand was consistent with mainstream thinking..

Ms Lai once served as an advisor to the Taiwan’s National Security council under President Chen Shui-Bian's administration in 2000, and played an important role in Taiwan’s negotiations to enter the World Trade organisation. She will take up her post after Mr Ma is sworn into office in May.

Beijing won't be happy..and it could make them question Mr Ma's sincerity in wanting a better relationship, even thinking about putting the brakes on some the expected economic breakthroughs. An interesting development for sure.



http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/static/cabinet/index_en.html
A useful link from Taiwan news with pictures of new Cabinet members to take office in May

Earth Day

A variety of events were held in Taiwan to mark Earth Day. Some seemed quite sensible (walking/cycling to work; turning off lights) others more ridiculous (eating a vegetarian lunch?! i still dont quite understand how that helps reduce global warming).

One of the cooler activities was the launch of Rolling Rose - a women's only cycling activity, touring Taiwan. Its organised by Giant - Taiwan's and the world's largest cycle company - as part of their wider plans to make cycling a national sport in Taiwan and get more women to take up cycling.

Some of the Rolling Rose team who will be cycling around Taiwan.

They invited some of Taiwan's top women ceo's to take part in the 13 day event, cycling around the island, averaging around 100 km per day.

Many had only cycled during their school days - and had just 6 weeks of training. But these career women have gotten to the top by their ability to conquer challenges - and this event is no different.

bike store for women - its at 309 Dunhua N.Rd, Taipei

Giant is trying to more actively target the female population. They've just open what they say is the world's first woman-specific bike shop, Liv, selling women's bikes and accessories.

The company plans to open other women-specific stores around the world.

And its a smart business move. As one of the Rolling Rose participants told me, women are keen shoppers..and more likely to splash out on accessories and clothing than their male counterparts.

interior of store, soft lighting and lots of pastel colours

Giant and other local bike makers have been trying to create a stronger domestic base - most of the bikes are exported, mainly to Europe. But in the last 5 years, the domestic market has grown; there are networks of cycle lanes in Taipei and other parts of the island; and the goverment has even created a national Bicycle Day.

Baoan festival

My favourite temple festival is taking place this weekend..the Baosheng Cultural Festival at Taipei's Baoan temple.
Its a beautifully restored temple - which earned a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award in 2003. Its a riot of sounds, colours and smells. Different parades, dances, floats and lion dancing. Its a chance for exhibitionists to stand out in the crowd.
And of course, great face-painting.
Its a wonderful occasion to see traditional Taiwan culture alive and thriving.
What surprises me is still how locally-rooted the whole event is. Somehow, it hasn't become overly commercialised.

Big crowd turn-out

Puppets for sale Fervent prayers in the crowd

Street fashion

Beautiful hand-made masks from the group among my favourites: the Twelve Grannies Formation from Hsuehchia, Tainan County.2 generations

Tying a maskIts hot!

Tiring day

historic meeting

Much discussion in the media about the weekend meeting between China's President Hu Jintao and Taiwan's vice-president elect Vincent Siew, who takes office in May.

In his first comments on the meeting, President-elect Ma Ying-jeou, at a press conference on Monday said the talks in China were an auspicious start, helping to break the ice. But, he also cautioned that there were many problems and challenges and said there was still a long way to go in improving relations with China, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory .

In a related move, Mr Ma announced that Chiang Pin-kung, the deputy chairman of his party, the Kuomintang, would be appointed head of a semi official organisation, the Straits Exchange Foundation, to handle future exchanges with China and charged with resuming talks with China soon after Mr Ma is sworn into office in May.

Here is an analysis piece I wrote for the BBC website:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7345260.stm


A high level meeting between China's President, Hu Jintao, and the man who will become Taiwan's next Vice-President, Vincent Siew, was historic - the highest level meeting between officials the two sides since 1949.

It was also, many analysts believe, likely to set the two sides on a path for better relations in the future.

Pictures of the men shaking hands and sitting down together in China's Hainan island, on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia, were splashed on the front pages of Taiwan's newspapers.

Among the Chinese-language papers, the United Daily News said the meeting had created a "great opportunity because of their [the two men's] pragmatism and low-key approach".

The Apple Daily called the meeting "ice-breaking", saying it had created a "win-win opportunity".

But in its commentary, the Liberty Times - which generally supports the governing Democratic Progressive Party - was critical.

"Hu Jintao prepared a trap and [Taiwan President-elect] Ma [Ying-jeou] and Siew have been caught," reads its headline.

The paper quotes a traditional Taiwanese saying, suggesting Mr Siew's visit to China was "like asking for a medical prescription from a ghost" - suggesting he was seeking help from someone who would cause harm.
"Even if this is morphine or another kind of drug which will kill pain in the short term, it will kill Taiwan in the long-term," it said.

Most analysts, though, believe the meeting has brought positive results.
"I think it was a tremendously symbolic meeting - and also one that's ice-breaking," said Chao Chien-Min, who teaches Chinese politics and cross-strait relations at National Chengchi University.

"Some issues were ironed out and it's highly likely that we will see weekend charter flights between the two sides by 4 July. We could even see Chinese tourists coming here before the end of the year."

It was noted that Mr Siew was seated among VIPs at the forum
Those were pledges that Mr Siew and Mr Ma had made as part of their campaign to revive Taiwan's stagnant economy - which helped them win last month's presidential elections by a wide margin.

But for the plan to be realised, China's co-operation is essential. And that looks increasingly likely following Saturday's meeting.

In comments carried by China's state-run Xinhua news agency, President Hu said the two sides were facing an "historical opportunity", which needed joint efforts from both sides for further progress.
He said that the economic forum had "inspired us to think deeply about cross-straits economic exchanges and co-operation under the new circumstances".

He also backed two of Mr Siew's proposals: opening up Taiwan to more Chinese tourists and allowing weekend charter flights "as soon as possible".

There has been no direct air travel between the two sides since they split amid civil war in 1949. Mr Siew and his delegation had to travel to China via Hong Kong.

Mr Siew's decision to travel to the forum was a bold step, carrying significant risks as well as opportunities. Some members of the governing Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP, had opposed the visit, saying it could undermine Taiwan's dignity and status in any future dealings with Chinese officials.

"Interaction between two hostile countries with very different ideas is good," said senior DPP legislator, Trong Chai, "but we must understand the position and ideas of the other side. The other side should respect the fact that Taiwan is an independent, sovereign country. Mr Siew didn't receive that kind of treatment."


But others disagreed. Mr Siew was attending the forum in a private capacity - as head of a private, non-government organisation promoting trade with China. Those studying the nuances of his treatment were quick to note that he was seated in the front row, reserved for VIPs, and invited to join the centre table at a state banquet.

Both sides seemed determined to avoid sensitive political issues, focusing on economics. Despite their political differences, economic ties between the two sides have grown over the past two decades. China is now Taiwan's top trading partner and investment destination.

"The atmosphere was good; the discussion was candid and they [China] didn't do anything to belittle us. It seems both sides were sincere," said veteran China analyst, George Tsai, professor at Taipei's Chinese Culture University.

"It's melting the ice a few more inches - moving things in the right direction, and that's very helpful.

Some analysts have suggested China was willing to work for a good outcome, because it was keen to get good publicity and deflect attention away from its troubles in Tibet.

Some say China may want good publicity after protests over Tibet
Certainly, there has been a positive response to the meeting, with Washington praising the start of dialogue.

Former US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, an attendee at the forum, met Mr Siew and said he believed the talks were "good news for the region". Mr Powell told reporters that "the two sides have begun down a new path".

But Beijing also realises that last month's elections in Taiwan presented a golden opportunity. When the people of Taiwan cast their ballots, they voted for change, including a less fractious relationship with Beijing than under the previous president, Chen Shui-bian, whose pro-independence rhetoric and policies had provoked and infuriated officials in China.
No-one is pretending that the task will be easy.

But the Hu-Siew meeting is an indication that if both sides are prepared to be more pragmatic, steps can be taken to build up mutual trust and increase interaction. Only then, and in the longer term, can the tougher, political issues start to be addressed.

More on the Chiang Kai-Shek legacy

I'd read that today was the last day of an exhibition at the newly re-named Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall - formerly the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. I'd meant to visit for some time - especially to view the amazing kites hanging in the hall, made by Taiwan kite master, Buteo Huang.

Later tonight they and other exhibition materials displaying events in the journey along the island's democratisation, will be dismantled. Leaving just the statue of the former late President Chiang Kai-shek standing in the main hall


The kites are going to be displayed in the US; the exhibition boards will tour various universities in Taiwan. The display was designed to mark the 60th anniversary of what's known as the 228 or February 28 Incident as well as the 20th anniversary of the lifting of martial law.
The election of Ma Ying-jeou is once again raising debate in the media about the fate of the hall...will it be renamed again? restoring its original name?

In December, the characters to the monument and those above the main gate to the square were removed...and changed to ones reading "National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall" and "Liberty Square."

The memorial hall was built in 1980.

But President-elect Ma Ying-jeou - who says he considers the name-change invalid, is also speaking quite cautiously on the issue. He says whether the hall will revert to its former name will require further evaluation and that the issue will only be decided after consensus had been reached.

http://www.buteohuang.com/
http://www.culture.tw/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=232&Itemid=157

Mass migration of butterflies

Schoolgirl helps to mark this butterfly as it makes its way from Linnei township in Yunlin county to northern Taiwan

The authorities in Taiwan have stepped up measures to protect as many as a million Purple Crow butterflies as they make their annual mass migration from southern Taiwan, where they winter in warmer climates, to their breeding grounds in the north.

For the second year running, one lane of a highway in Yunlin county will be cordoned off to traffic during the butterflies’ peak flying periods – as it lies along their migratory path. Taiwan used to be called the Kingdom of Butterflies, with more than 400 species; 40 of them unique to the island. But in recent years, their numbers have fallen. close up of this gorgeous butterfly

The authorities are closing off a 2km section of the outer lane of the motorway when the number of butterflies flying past exceeds more than 500 per minute. 4 m high safety nets have been set up to encourage the insects to fly high above the traffic. And hundreds of new trees have been planted alongside the highway to serve as natural safety nets and rest areas. Lights have been installed under an underpass to encourage the butterflies to travel below the road, avoiding traffic altogether.

Altogether, its costing around $80,000. But Lee Thay-Ming, director general of the Taiwan Area National Freeway Bureau, says its worth it.

"Its very special..only can find in Taiwan so we are proud to spend a little money to do some protection for the butterfly and environment; to protect them for our next generation. "

Many children from local schools have got involved in projects to track the butterflies and learn more about them. Jefferson Tseng is a teacher at Cheng Kung elementary school

"I want the children to know where these butterflies come from and where they are heading", he said. " The butterflies face a lot of problems, such as this highway that causes a barrier to their migration. I brought the children here to learn more about the animal, to foster more love for our land, Taiwan. "

I
Its hard filming butterflies..believe me; especially without a telephoto zoom. Anyhow, this is part of my effort!

There’s little sign of butterflies along the road when I visit But I travel to a farm, just 20 kms away, where thousands of Purple Crow butterflies are taking nectar in the woods, gathering strength before they continue their long journey. They’re highly sensitive to cloudy or cool temperatures – and will not continue their migration until the weather conditions are perfect.

"In the world, there are only 2 kinds of butterfly they migrate like a bird..and in the winter, overwinter in a particular valley", says Chan Chia-lung, a researcher from the Purple Crow Conservation Society, who has been working with the authorities to help protect the insects. "One is in Mexico, its [the] Monarch [butterfly], the other in Asia, in Taiwan, is the Purple Crow."

He tells me the health of the butterflies is an important indicator about the state of our environment. "The butterfly, the population declines over the past 5 years; its an important signal that our environment is bad. so we have to pay more attention about the butterfly and the environment."

The loss of the butterflies’ natural habitats – through road building and other human activities – is the main reason their numbers have fallen. But environmentalists hope that these latest steps to provide the purple crow a safer passage home – coupled with a greater public awareness of the threats they face – can help to reverse that trend

And this is just a pretty flower I took a photo of as we started to make our way home.

Winds of change

Frank Hsieh, the defeated candidate in Sunday's presidential elections, announced his resignation at a meeting of the DPP's central standing committee today - in line with his election pledge to quit politics if he lost.

And he offered some pointers to his party: bring in younger people to top positions; reform and renovate; and become a relevant party.

"The DPP has for so many years promoted native consciousness, which has already won consensus in society. In the future the party will no longer monopolize Taiwan."

He said the party should hold an extraordinary meeting to discuss its future, saying "We must let the sound of reform ring out."

Some analysts wonder if the party can hold together, after suffering such big election defeats - with the KMT's landslide win in January giving them a 2/3 majority of the parliament.

But maybe not much of a honeymoon for Ma Ying-jeou, either, who has some formidable tasks ahead of him. This was what I wrote in a BBC analysis piece on Sunday.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7310627.stm

The decisive win by the KMT’s presidential candidate, Ma Ying-jeou is being seen as a milestone in Taiwan’s political development, where he’ll become the first non-native Taiwanese to become President.

Mr Ma was born in Hong Kong to Chinese parents. And many had suggested that his Mainlander background could handicap him at a time of surging pride among the Taiwanese in their native roots – carefully fostered under President Chen Shui-bian’s administration to counter-balance decades of sinicisation when Taiwan was under the KMT’s one-party rule.

In previous elections, the governing Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP, had successfully highlighted national identity issues and the threats from China to mobilize grass roots supporters. This time, though, much more practical issues – the economy and good governance – were the main issues influencing people’s voting behaviour.

“Mr Ma’s success shows us that ethnic mobilization by the political parties will not get them anywhere; most people are tired of it, especially when its whipped up during election periods”, said Wu Yu-shan, at Academia Sinica’s Institute of Political Science.

“This is a turning point. Hopefully this will turn a new page in Taiwan’s domestic politics. The losing party, the DPP, will have to do a lot of soul-searching to find a new direction. This is the biggest crisis the party is facing in its recent history…and I would not exclude the possibility of it breaking up into different political groups.”

Many are hoping Mr Ma’s win will also open a new chapter in the island’s turbulent relations with its giant neighbour and political rival, China, which regards the island as part of its territory.

He had promised voters an economic revitalisation and better ties with China. In the short term, he wants to lift existing restrictions on doing business with China and push for regular direct flights. The Kuomintang, or KMT, banned direct flights with China after they fled to Taiwan at the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949. But in recent years, there have been a limited number of charter flights during the main Chinese holiday festivals.

Mr. Ma also hopes to negotiate a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement with Beijing. In the longer term, he’d like to ink a peace accord, and agree military confidence building measures to avoid potential conflicts. "These are very ambitious plans which will require the other side's goodwill, but we have no choice," he told reporters one day after his election. However, he’s also made clear that before any peace talks can go forward, Beijing must first remove missiles targeted at the island.

“He will have smoother relations with China”, predicted Ta-Chen Cheng, professor at the Graduate School of Strategic Studies at Tamkang University.

“At lot of people expect Mr. Ma to improve the situation very quickly; especially since he says he’d like to have direct air links within one year. He will work to resolve this quickly; and he has a good team in place.

But many analysts are cautioning against overly-high expectations. “Economically, we can expect better relations”, said China-watcher, George Tsai, at Chinese Culture University. “But politically, we should not expect too much. The two sides need to build up mutual trust. Improved political relations will not be his first priority.”

Emile Sheng, professor of political science at Soochow University, agrees. “He wants to put aside all political controversies, and open up direct links and investment restrictions.

“But half of it depends on the Taiwan government and half depends on the Beijing government whether it is willing to open up economic ties without any political strings attached .I think that still remains to be seen.

“We’ll be able to see a more peaceful cross strait relationship because we know Mr Ma ..is not going to do anything dramatic to provoke the Beijing government. But there are a lot of difficulties to be managed.”

The scale of Mr. Ma’s electoral victory – which netted him 2.2 million votes more than his rival – is a sign that the public wanted change and a new direction after eight years of Chen Shui-bian’s administration, which had brought the island into sharper conflict with China and, at times, also strained ties with the United States.

The US – the island’s most important ally – was among several countries that had strongly criticized a referendum backed by President Chen on applying for UN membership under the name “Taiwan”, rather than the island’s official title, the Republic of China, calling it unnecessarily provocative. The move failed to muster enough support to pass.

“In the case of the UN admission, the DPP’s proposal is tantamount to a disaster”, Mr. Ma told foreign reporters, “causing very serious downgrading of our mutual trust between Taiwan and the United States and actually antagonizing many of our friends in the United Nations”.

Mr. Ma will have to do some diplomatic fence-building. He has already said he will visit a number of foreign countries before he is formally inaugurated into office in May. He also wants to widen the island’s diplomatic space, which has been squeezed by China, which often blocks the island joining international organizations, but says he will take a flexible and pragmatic approach.

The Taiwanese electorate have voted for change. But, Wu Yu-shan, at Academia Sinica, warns that they may have overly-high expectations. “I think his honeymoon period will be very short”, he said.

Without Beijing’s cooperation, Mr Ma cannot make headway with his cross-strait plans; and a worsening global economy could make it hard for him to deliver on his economic promises of higher growth and salaries.

But Mr Ma is not so pessimistic. Only a day after his election, he’s suggested that he’ll be able to make enough progress to win a second four-year term in office.