1)
Taiwan’s GDP grew 0.64% in the second quarter, way below an earlier forecast of 3.05%. This is also the lowest growth in nearly 12 quarters.
The government statistics office said the meager growth reflected weak economic performance in the three-month period, including a 13.9% year-on-year drop in exports in June. In addition, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Taiwan also recorded a 2.92% decrease.
The statistics office also said that if the growth rates for the third and fourth quarters remain the same as forecast, the GDP growth rate for the whole of 2015 will be around 2.68%. This is lower than the 3% growth rate forecast by both the government and major think tanks.
The office said the actual result will depend on how the economy performs in the second half of this year.
2)
A high school student facing prosecution for his part in the recent storming of the education ministry building committed suicide on Thursday.
Lin Kuan-hua had been part of a movement protesting changes to curriculum guidelines for history classes in Taiwanese schools. Critics have said that the new guidelines are China-centric.
Family members found Lin dead at his home on Thursday. Lin had apparently locked himself in a room before taking his life by burning charcoal. Both Lin’s family and fellow protestors have said that Lin had suffered from depression. Lin’s family members say they do not believe his suicide is connected with the protest movement.
3)
The Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that the navy’s plan to purchase next-generation helicopters is underway.
Defense Ministry spokesman David Lo made the remarks when responding to a Defense News report about the navy’s plan to procure MH-60R Seahawk anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters.
Lo said with outdated equipment, the navy needs to purchase the next-generation anti-submarine helicopters. However, MH-60R Seahawks are not necessarily the main or only choice for the Navy Command Headquarters. He also said the navy will have an overall plan based on needs for military preparedness and anti-submarine warfare.
Meanwhile, Lo said China’s deployment of short-range ballistic missiles has posed a threat to Taiwan. He also said China’s military threat will only promote ill feelings towards China in Taiwan.