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One of the top stories from this past week was a fatal accident on Friday connected to construction work on the first metro line in the central city of Taichung.
A 43-meter-long, 209-ton steel girder fell from a height of about three stories onto busy roads, crushing a motorist in her car and killing three workers. Four others were injured.
A preliminary finding stated the incident was caused by “human error”. At a press conference Saturday, Deputy Taipei Mayor Charles Lin said the Taipei City government will take full responsibility for the incident. That’s because the Department of Rapid Transit Systems under the Taipei City Government is in charge of the construction of the metro line in Taichung.
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Also this past week, Premier Mao Chi-kuo said that China will decide on April 15 if Taiwan will become a founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
The bank is a Chinese-proposed multilateral fund that will provide financing to infrastructure projects in Asia. So far over 40 countries have signed up to become founding members, including France, Germany, the UK, and Italy.
Taiwan made an application last week, but many people are concerned that China will deny Taiwan equal status in the organization. China sees Taiwan as part of its territory even though the two sides have been ruled separately for more than 60 years. Beijing opposes Taiwan’s participation in international organizations under designations that gives Taiwan sovereign nation status.
Taiwan is concerned about what name it will use in AIIB functions. Currently, Taiwan participates in many international organizations, such as APEC, under the name Chinese Taipei. Premier Mao said that’s the bottom line. The government will not accept “Taiwan, China” or “Taipei, China”. Mao said that Taiwan will defend its national dignity in joining the AIIB.
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And finally, this past week, the lieutenant colonel who brought civilians to an army helicopter base without approval has been given two major demerits. That’s the word from Defense Ministry spokesman David Lo on Tuesday.
The lieutenant colonel in question, Lao Nai-cheng, is under investigation for violating Taiwan’s national intelligence laws and other related codes. In late March, Lao brought 26 civilians on an unauthorized tour of an army base where Apache attack helicopters are housed.
Lao has been removed from his post and could face up to 15 years in prison. Since he was given two major demerits in one year, he is now on a list of soldiers who will be kicked out of the military.