Taiwan Research Articles

The Evolution of China's Domestic Climate Policy Frames (2009–2024): Problems, Solutions, and Motivations

ABSTRACTOver the past decade, The People's Republic of China has increased its influence in global climate governance. Despite the strong interest in policy frames related to climate change at the global level, few studies have explored policy frames within China. This paper therefore adopts a frame analysis to study the evolution in framing of domestic climate policies in China over the period 2009–24. Our research finds that diagnostic frames (the “problem”) identify development pressure, energy sector, and the impacts of natural disasters, pollution and ecosystem damage/change as key issues to be addressed. Prognostic frames (the “solutions”) encompass energy system decarbonization, industry reform, nature‐based solutions, market‐oriented solutions, and international cooperation. The motivational framings (the “ideational motivations”), include green development, ecological civilization, the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), and multilateralism. The study reveals shifts in diagnostic, prognostic, and motivational frames of the national government across three periods.

Violenza di genere tra le mura domestiche: Repubblica Popolare Cinese e Taiwan

The phenomenon of gender-based domestic violence in both the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Taiwan has its roots in the traditional, highly hierarchical Confucian culture, which for centuries has subordinated women to male figures. Marriage equality, which was introduced simultaneously into the laws of the Nationalist Party and the Chinese Communist Party in the 1930s, has not been able to curb a phenomenon that has long been unable to cross the threshold of the home. Only recently has the legislature intervened with ad hoc laws to curb domestic violence. In the PRC and Taiwan, the timing was different, dictated by social conditions that influenced the need to send a signal of protection to victims, but there are still some critical issues in the laws and regulations. In Taiwan, the Domestic Violence Prevention Act dates back to 1998, while in mainland China, the first such law was enacted in 2016. This article aims to analyse the main differences and similarities that emerge from both the socio-cultural aspects and the legal texts, looking at the definitions of ‘domestic violence’ and the institution of domestic violence protection orders in both legal systems.

The Role of the Capital of the Chinese Diaspora in the Economic Development of the PRC during the Reform Period (1979 – early 2020s)

The paper focuses on assessing the influence of the Chinese diaspora (overseas Chinese, in Chinese: huaqiao-huaren) on the economic development of the People’s Republic of China in the course of the reform and opening-up policy (1979-2020s). The author has studied virtually all the key official documents of the PRC leadership, which effectively engaged the Chinese diaspora in the nation’s long-term strategy of socialist modernisation. Based on the analysis of a large body of academic literature and statistical data, the author identified three main stages in the development of overseas Chinese enterprises in the PRC: 1979-1991, original capital accumulation and the policy of labour-intensive production of export products; 1992-2007, an investment boom and the transition from labour-intensive to capital-intensive production of export products; 2008-early 2020s, the transition to high-tech production and the replacement of foreign enterprises. Each stage is characterised in the context of the PRC’s diaspora policy and key developments in China and the world. The paper analyses the sectoral structure of the business activities of overseas Chinese-owned enterprises in the PRC. It shows that for almost the entire period of the reform and opening up policy, these companies focused on manufacturing, while their interest in the service sector was also growing. In total, overseas Chinese invested USD1.9 trillion in the PRC between 1979 and 2022, accounting for more than 67% of China’s total FDI stock. The author concludes that the PRC leadership has rationally used the resources of the Chinese diaspora to ensure their full participation in China’s economic development during the reform and opening-up period.

Analysis of the Learning and Teaching of Thai Culture in Universities in Nanning City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China

Analysis of the Learning and Teaching of Thai Culture in Universities in Nanning City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China

Metformin lowers risk of hearing loss and mortality in type 2 diabetes.

To assess the association between metformin use and the risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2D), a population at elevated risk for SSNHL. This cohort study utilized data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, following T2D patients from 2008 to 202 database's baseline. Metformin use was defined as achieving ≥80% of the medication possession ratio (MPR) and ≥28 cumulative defined daily doses (cDDD) within three months. The control group included patients with ≥80% MPR from other antidiabetic agents, ensuring active treatment comparability. Propensity score matching was applied to balance covariates, while competing risk models accounted for mortality. Hazard ratios (HRs), incidence rates (IRs), and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated. Metformin users demonstrated a lower SSNHL incidence (IR: 11.48 per 10,000 person-years) compared to non-users (IR: 15.66 per 10,000 person-years), with an IRR of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.66-0.82; p < 0.0001). Adjusted HRs indicated a 27% reduction in SSNHL risk (HR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.66-0.82). Higher cumulative doses (Q4: HR 0.36; 95% CI: 0.29-0.46) and daily doses ≥1 DDD (HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.69-0.87) were linked to further risk reductions. Metformin use was also associated with lower overall mortality. Metformin use is associated with a dose-dependent reduction in SSNHL risk and lower mortality in T2D patients. The rigorous definitions of metformin exposure and an actively treated comparator group emphasize these findings, suggesting metformin's potential role in SSNHL prevention and improved survival.

&lt;u&gt;Catering and Distortion: The Construction of the "Republic of China" Concept in Cultural and Museum Venues under the Influence of Consumerism&lt;/u&gt;

This paper focuses on the negative impacts of consumerism and market orientation on the construction of the Republic of China exhibition area within cultural and museum venues. Taking the Republic of China Pavilion in Nanjing Museum as a prime example, it delves into the phenomena of distortion and alienation of the "Republic of China" concept in this context, along with their root causes, adverse effects, and explores the paths for cultural and museum venues to strike a balance between commercial interests and cultural inheritance. It thereby provides theoretical and practical references for the healthy development of the cultural and museum sector and the accurate dissemination of historical culture.

Pavlovian theory and the development of traditional Chinese medicine, 1949-1961.

After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the leadership of the new country carried out a political, cultural, and scientific campaign to "comprehensively learn from the Soviet Union," with the goal of rapid development on all fronts. In the realm of medicine, this had profound consequences. The hegemonic Soviet theory of physiology and psychology-Pavlovianism-became highly influential in China, first as Party Line and second as the basis for a reformed "traditional Chinese medicine". In the early 1950s, Pavlov's theory of higher nervous activity had the status of unquestioned orthodoxy. However, a disagreement between the Ministry of Health and national leader Mao Zedong led to an important shift in 1954. After that date, instead of adopting the Soviet theories wholesale, Chinese medical practitioners used Pavlovianism to shape Chinese medicine's underlying theoretical constructs. The influence of this reconstruction persists to this day, in practices thought of by the public as thoroughly Chinese, like acupuncture, holistic thinking, inner organs theory, and acupoint injection therapy.

Short and long-term mortality of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) remains a significant concern for patients with cirrhosis. This study aims to reevaluate the trends in both short-term and long-term mortality rates associated with SBP. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using population data obtained from Taiwan's Health and Welfare Data Science Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare. The database, derived from Taiwan's National Health Insurance program, included information from 925 cirrhotic patients discharged after an episode of SBP between January 01, 2014 and December 31, 2015. Each patient's outcomes were tracked for up to 3 years following their initial hospitalization for SBP. The overall mortality rates for cirrhotic patients with SBP at 30 days, 90 days, 1 year, and 3 years were 10.8%, 23.0%, 44.0%, and 60.9%, respectively. Following Cox regression analysis with adjustments for patient age, gender, and underlying medical conditions, the short-term prognostic factors of significance were age (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.05, P = .001), concurrent sepsis (HR = 2.73, 95% CI = 1.82-4.08, P < .001), and renal function impairment (HR = 3.28, 95% CI = 2.07-5.18, P < .001). Although the 30-day mortality rate for SBP in cirrhotic patients is around 10%, the long-term mortality remains significantly high. Renal function impairment and the presence of concurrent sepsis serve as indicators of poor short-term prognosis in cirrhotic patients with SBP.

The Role of Green Taxation Governance in China: A Review of the Development and Impacts of Environmental Protection Tax

The initiatives from China’s “ecological civilisation construction” to “promoting the modernisation of harmonious coexistence between man and nature”, and then to the dual-carbon goal of “carbon peaking – carbon neutrality”, highlight China’s firm determination to promote green development further. On January 1, 2018, the Environmental Protection Tax Law of the People’s Republic of China was officially implemented as the first new green tax focused on environmental governance in China. This marks the formal entry of China’s environmental protection into the tax era and the establishment of a green tax system with environmental protection tax (EPT) as the core. By a comprehensive review of the development, multi-dimensional effects and tax optimisation paths of China’s EPT, this paper hopes to provide an important reference for government departments to improve the construction of the green tax system, for enterprises to enhance their green governance capabilities, and for scholars to extend the study of the green tax system.

Support for Taiwan in the US House of Representatives: A New Look at US–China–Taiwan Relations

Abstract US legislators show a remarkable variation in how many bills and resolutions they sponsor and cosponsor to support Taiwan. I argue that legislators’ perception of China and their partisan identity play a crucial role in shaping their support for Taiwan. To test my hypotheses, I conducted a quantitative analysis of all Taiwan-specific bills and resolutions introduced from the 110th to 116th House of Representatives. The results indicate that legislators who view China as a security threat to the US or a non-democracy and a human rights violator exhibit a higher level of support for Taiwan. However, seeing China as an economic challenger has the least significant effect. Furthermore, although there is a general consensus that Taiwan is a bipartisan issue in Congress, my research demonstrates that Republicans display a greater level of interest in supporting Taiwan compared to Democrats.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF STORMWATER MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES: CASE STUDY OF MALAYSIA, JAPAN AND THE NETHERLANDS

Climate change and rapid population growth, which lead to urbanisation, create stormwater drawbacks. Various stormwater management (SWM) concepts, such as low-impact development (LID), green infrastructure, water-sensitive urban design (WSUD), sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS), and others are the key elements that help in mitigating flooding issues. Even though the aim is similar to each other, but the techniques and other objectives developed from the concepts may contribute to the differences in the techniques or practices implemented. There is an integration of techniques that are commonly used in SWM concepts, such as green roofs, permeable pavement, and bioretention. Meanwhile, Sponge City is one of the programmes initiated by the People's Republic of China in tackling critical flooding issues in the cities of China, which follows the LID, WSUD, and SUDS techniques. In the context of Malaysia, some of the techniques have been applied; hence, better investment and awareness from the public and government should be enhanced to improve the flash flood problems in cities.

Event II. The development of Eastern medicine in Russia in the 20th century. The contribution of scientists of the Saint Petersburg-Leningrad school

The article presents the history of the development of traditional oriental medicine in Russia and USSR in the 20th century. Information about Eastern medicine obtained in the 20th century thanks to the employees and doctors of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Beijing has been repeatedly analyzed and rethought. A great contribution to the understanding of Eastern methods of treatment was the translation of Zhud-shi made by P.A. Badmaev. At the beginning of the 20th century, V.V. Korsakov and Ya.A. Violin defended dissertations on Chinese medicine at the Military Medical Academy. In 1948, the outstanding Soviet scientist E.S. Vyazmensky created and defended his dissertation “Chinese Medicine. Its History and Theory in a Brief Essay.” This fundamental work influenced the further development of oriental medicine in the USSR. Having reworked it, the founder of the Gorky School of Reflexology V.G. Vogralik published the book “Essays on Chinese Medicine” by two authors. A contribution to the popularization of Eastern methods of treatment and disease prevention was made by the physician D.N. Stoyanovsky. Close cooperation Working partnership between the Soviet Union and the People’s Republic of China in the 1950s contributed to the development of traditional oriental medicine in the USSR. Doctors who studied the theory and practice of zhen-jiu in Beijing became leading researchers and founders of schools of acupuncture in their homeland. The foundation of the Leningrad School of Reflexology was laid by E.D. Tykochinskaya. Her endeavors were continued by A.T. Kachan, N.N. Bogdanov at the Leningrad State Institute for Advanced Medical Studies; V.V. Shapkin, M.M. Odinak — at the S.M. Kirov Military Medical Academy; R.A. Aleksandrova, Yu.D. Ignatov, Yu.N. Vasiliev, D.A. Dubrovin — at the 1st Leningrad Medical Institute; G.A. Suslova — at the Leningrad Pediatric Medical Institute. In 1997, reflexology was approved as a separate specialty by order of the Russian Ministry of Health.

A Study of Historic Urban Landscape Change Management Based on Layered Interpretation: A Case Study of Dongxi Ancient Town

In the face of external shocks from urbanization and the inherent needs of economic development, it is essential for urban and rural heritage to adapt timely to achieve sustainability in development. Employing Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) methodologies for change management holds significant implications for the sustainable preservation and utilization of heritage. This study used Dongxi Ancient Town as a case study, characterized by a distinct evolutionary trajectory and diverse layers of accumulation throughout its historical progression, making it an exemplary instance for change analysis. This paper analyzed the processes and outcomes of historic urban landscape changes through a layered historical approach. Combining historical data translation methods with ArcGIS spatial analysis, we documented and mapped the cultural and natural characteristics of Dongxi Ancient Town. The layered process of the town’s historical landscape was categorized into four stages: the primary formative period from the Western Han to the Ming dynasties, the rapid development during the Qing dynasty, the prosperous period of the Republic of China, and the transitional expansion period following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. The study analyzed the morphological changes and values of the historical landscape throughout these periods. Based on the analysis results, we suggest three transformation management strategies for historical landscapes oriented towards economic development: (1) converting cultural heritage into cultural assets, (2) implementing moderate and controlled quantitative changes, and (3) enhancing operational feasibility through collaborative efforts among multiple stakeholders. These strategies aim to establish a sustainable model that balances heritage conservation with economic growth.

Forced Distance Learning Chinese Experience Case. Some Lessons for the Ukrainian Education System

This article addresses the implementation of forced distance learning in universities across the People's Republic of China during the COVID-19 quarantine restrictions. The experience of 4 leading universities of the People's Republic of China was analyzed: Peking University (PKU), Tsinghua University, Shanghai Open University (SOU), Zhejiang University (ZJU). The study analyzes the main aspects of the introduction of forced distance learning into the educational process of the above-mentioned universities: the number of open online training courses, the availability of appropriate infrastructure, and the preparedness of teachers. The experience of Ukrainian universities in the development of distance education is considered. Based on the study, recommendations are given for organizing forced distance learning under quarantine restrictions caused by COVID-19 for Ukrainian higher education institutions. Chinese experience in forced distance learning is a great value for the Ukrainian educational system as an important source of data and information on the following issues: organizing the educational process based on the continuity of this process, accompanying participants in the educational process in the digital space, providing effective methodological instructions to all stakeholders, developing the necessary digital educational content and tools for supporting the educational process, adjusting existing methods and teaching aids to the new conditions for organizing the educational process.

Energy Transition Study of the Scheme for Replacing Steam Power Plants with Nuclear Power Plants Regarding Safety Aspects, Supporting Infrastructure, and Regulation Availability

Coal has been an essential contributor to the modern economy, but it is also a cause of global climate warming and environmental problems. Therefore, many countries have undertaken initiatives to achieve net zero emissions and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in recent years, including Indonesia, with a genuine commitment stipulated in Law Number 59 of 2024 as part of the energy transition. A literature study has been conducted on the energy transition scheme of replacing coal power plants (CPP) with nuclear power plants (NPP) and its influence on safety aspects, supporting infrastructure, and regulatory availability. The paper aims to analyze the options covered in replacing the CPP boiler with an NPP and its effect on safety aspects, supporting infrastructure, and regulatory availability. A literature study compared implementation practices in Poland, the People's Republic of China, and the United States. The results of the analysis show that the replacement of CPP to NPP is applicable due to the similarity of systems and components between the two plants. The important elements in replacing CPP with NPP are site, reactor technology, supporting infrastructure, human resources, and regulations. Keywords: coal power plants (CPP), nuclear power plants (NPP), energy transition, regulation

Polish Expatriates in Harbin

Abstract At the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, with the construction and opening of the Chinese Eastern Railway (CER), a significant number of Polish expatriates from Russian Poland arrived in Harbin. At its peak, their number exceeded 7,000. The proportion of Poles among the railway’s designers, suppliers, and engineers was notably high. After arriving in Harbin, the Polish community gradually engaged in various social activities, such as building churches, establishing consulates, forming expatriate associations, publishing periodicals, and setting up schools and charitable organizations. These activities left a profound historical imprint on Harbin. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Polish expatriates gradually left Harbin to return to Poland or migrate to other countries. The Polish “Harbinian” have become a “blood” bond in the relationship between China and Poland, playing an irreplaceable role. A deep exploration of the historical and cultural resources of Polish expatriates in Harbin and active promotion of research on this subject can enhance the study of Harbin’s expatriate history and culture, while also positively advancing the development of China–Poland relations in the new era.

Drawn by War: The Peter Townsend Collection of Modern Chinese Woodblock Prints in the National Gallery of Australia

The Peter Townsend Collection of modern Chinese woodblock prints in the National Gallery of Australia (NGA), Canberra was acquired in 1985. The collection of over 250 items dating from the late 1930s and 1940s and assembled by Peter Townsend (1919–2006) while living and working in wartime China, is one of the largest collections of modern Chinese woodblock prints outside China. Substantial research to identify and catalogue items in the collection was undertaken after its acquisition. In recent years there has been renewed interest in the formation and significance of the collection. Drawing on findings from an international workshop and archival research conducted in Australia, England and China, this essay argues that Townsend’s keen interest in art, and the aid work he undertook in wartime China which gave him access to key figures associated with the modern Chinese woodcut movement, contributed in important ways to the nature, size and quality of the collection. Rare prints in the Townsend Collection reveal hitherto unknown artistic experimentation reminding us of the diverse backgrounds and approaches of artists involved in responding to the crisis of war through art in the period prior to the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

The Practice of Managed Visibility: Insights into China’s Frontline Diplomacy from Two European Capitals

Summary The People’s Republic of China has the world’s largest diplomatic network with a total of 274 missions. Yet little is known about how Chinese diplomats engage in bilateral diplomatic communities. The often-alleged reserve of Chinese diplomats towards their diplomatic peers is particularly curious. This article adds two case studies to our understanding of China’s frontline diplomacy. Based on semi-structured interviews and observation, the article explores in-person interactions between Chinese and foreign diplomats in two European capitals. It finds remarkably different degrees of social engagement in Ankara and Oslo. I therefore propose the term ‘managed visibility’ as a carefully implemented practice driven by contextual bilateral factors. My findings suggest that (i) the diplomatic repertoire of Chinese diplomats is larger and more adaptive than generally assumed; (ii) the practices of Chinese diplomats profoundly influence foreign diplomats’ perceptions of China; and (iii) sociable interactions among diplomats are becoming increasingly securitized.

A study on the Methods And Practices for Taiwanese Companies to Withdraw Operations from the People's Republic of China (I)

A study on the Methods And Practices for Taiwanese Companies to Withdraw Operations from the People's Republic of China (I)

Re-Education as Conversion: “Thought Reform” of Buddhists on Mount Jiuhua in the People’s Republic of China, 1949–1966

Abstract: The socialist transformation of Chinese Buddhism began with socialist re-education aimed at ideologically converting the clergy into citizens of the PRC. This study focuses on the process that took place on Mount Jiuhua, a renowned Buddhist mountain. It investigates the formats, procedures, and impact of re-education on the clergy, primarily based on archival sources. It argues that local cadres used education to compel clerics to display loyalty to the CCP and the regime and endorse the policy on “freedom of religious belief.” The cadres also conducted political investigations to assign political labels to clerics. The value of the clergy for united front work led the cadres to use persuasion and sometimes coercion, rather than violent methods, in education. The clerics’ reactions varied depending on personal characteristics (e.g., age, religious qualifications, personal aspirations). This study sheds new light on the dynamics of grassroots state-religion power struggles.