NEW: #Taiwan has been plunged into a political showdown just as its new president settles into office, with the opposition attempting to ram through bills that could amount to a power grab. Leading lawyers have publicly warned against the rush. 1/6
asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Taiwa…

1. Legal experts harbor serious reservations about the KMT-TPP moves.
2. My quotes: the opposition is exploiting the legislature's power at the expense of the executive, and they will oppose military reforms. It will be an extremely tough situation for the incoming cabinet.

China's TAO says President 賴清德Lai Ching-te's inaugural address 'sent a dangerous signal of provocation by seeking 'independence' and destabilizing peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, thereby fully exposing his nature as a 'Taiwan independence worker'.'

🇹🇼🇩🇪 U.a. die MdBs Inge Gräßle, Katrin #Budde und Frank Schäffler sind zur Amtseinführung des neuen Präsidenten William Lai nach #Taiwan gereist. Inge Gräßle (CDU): „Ich will zeigen, dass Deutschland zum kleinen Partner Taiwan steht, der vom großen (Nachbarn) unterdrückt wird.“

Vivianne Weng Quick translation of Taipei Bar Association on Friday's plenary session at the Legislative Yuan.

About the chaos in Taiwan's legislature

Please read the full statement on our website: taiwanfcc.org/tfcc-statement…

You’re in town to cover the upcoming inauguration? Unwind and connect with Taiwan-based journalists at our special happy hour event tonight at Opéra! Starting at 7 PM, it’s the perfect chance to network and enjoy a delightful evening together.

taiwanfcc.org/pre-inaugurati…

29 years ago, PRC authorities abducted the six-year-old Panchen Lama.  We call on Beijing to clarify his whereabouts and respect the right of Tibetans to choose their own spiritual leaders.

In a Facebook post, Puma Shen says that he is alright after his fall today, but that he has a serious concussion, and has returned home

After Speaker Han had called a recess at midnight and a group of DPP legislators came out to speak to the protestors, the crowd began to disperse. The legislature is scheduled to resume its deliberation of the KMT’s controversial bills on Tuesday.

Happening now in Taipei: a few hundred protesters are gathering outside Taiwan’s legislative buildings after brawls erupted at the legislature on Friday over controversial bills

I might be the first U.S. ambassador to visit Yonaguni, but I predict I won’t be the last. Discussed economic opportunities linked with security for Japan’s westernmost island with Mayor Itokazu. #yaeyama #okinawa

Might Xi prod Putin to settle with Ukraine?

They met specially in Zhongnanhai for 'an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis'

I'm not optimistic, but Xi did tell Putin for the first time (AFAIK) China wants 'an early 早日 political settlement of the Ukraine issue' 1/

This new website, a project from Touat Books, features profiles of Taiwanese civil society groups in English--a good way to try and get a road map of Taiwanese civil society, if you're looking to build ties

taiwanrebels.org/en

Shoigu right next to Putin in the talks with Xi

Great to see such a strong US delegation to Taiwan inauguration. The group is bipartisan, distinguished, knowledgeable, close to President Biden, and expert on a range of topics. The delegation also is fully consistent with past precedent. Wise choices.
ait.org.tw/ait-announces-…

A drag show in front of symbols of the ROC, which imposed a patriarchal heteronormative Chinese identity on Taiwan for decades... this is dissertation material

1/ A big moment for #HongKong as Google's YouTube geo-blocks 32 instances of pro-democracy protest song Glory to Hong Kong following a court order. hongkongfp.com/2024/05/15/glo…

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office announces legal measures against five Taiwanese politicians and political commentators, some of which actually have more pan-blue leanings

udn.com/news/story/733…