1)
The flag of the Republic of China on Taiwan was flown once again at Twin Oaks Estate on Thursday. This historic site in Washington DC is the former residence of Taiwan’s ambassadors to the US. The flag has not flown there since the US broke off relations with Taipei in favor of ties with Beijing 36 years ago.
Taiwan’s representative to the US, Shen Lyushun, said that it was meaningful to be able to hold a flag-raising ceremony again at Twin Oaks as it symbolizes significant progress in Taiwan-US relations.
After Washington switched recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, Taiwan was able to retain ownership of the diplomatic residence. However, only cultural and social events have been allowed at Twin Oaks.
But as mutual trust between Taiwan and the US improved, Taiwan’s representative office was able to celebrate Taiwan’s national day again at the venue in 2011, the first time in 32 years. Shen said that in 2014, the national anthem of Taiwan was also sung at the national day reception held at Twin Oaks.
2)
President Ma Ying-jeou called on the ruling and opposition parties to reconcile and work together in his New Year Address on Thursday.
The president admitted that there is a gulf between the two sides of the political spectrum, but said that the two sides should put a stop to confrontation and seek to cooperate for the sake of the greater public good.
Ma urged the ruling and opposition camps to sit down together and work out their differences. The president said that not being able to bring the parties together has been his greatest regret since taking office.
Ma also urged government officials to put themselves in others’ shoes, empathize with their situations, try to understand their needs and aspirations, become familiar with their worlds, listen more attentively to their views, and reflect those views in government policies.
In the address, titled "Reconciliation, Cooperation and Peace," Ma also said that progress in cross-strait peace must be consolidated. He said his administration will continue to maintain the status quo and facilitate more peaceful relations with China in the future.
3)
A Taiwanese woman killed during a stampede at New Year’s celebration in Shanghai was identified.
On Thursday, Taiwanese authorities identified the woman as Chou Yi-an, an auditor who worked at the Taiwan office of the accounting firm Ernst & Young. She was dispatched to Shanghai recently on a short-term assignment.
The stampede, which took place along Shanghai's historic waterfront area, killed 36 people and injured 47. The cause of the stampede remains unclear.