Taiwan’s 2016 presidential election continues amid political tensions

TAIWAN — Taiwan’s daily activities have been stoked despite tensions between its and China’s political establishment. The Filipino community has a call to their families in the Philippines.

A few days after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, China’s People’s Liberation Army conducted a three-day live-fire drill in the ocean near Taiwan.

But Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said Taiwan would conduct a live-fire military drill on Sunday as part of what they called a ‘test combat readiness.’

But amid rising tensions, Taiwan remains peaceful. People’s daily activities are welcome and there is no elevated alert level. The Filipino community still performs events in Taiwan.

“There’s no panic going on here in Taipei, we’re getting out. Like today we’re processing papers. So our families don’t worry about ‘We’re having a war here, we’re all ok here,” said Avelina De Asis, a nursing home caregiver in Taipei.

“I think at the moment there are different voices in Taiwan about the situation. That’s a good thing because I guess that reflects democracy,” Taiwan journalist William Yen said.

For the Filipino community in Northern Taiwan, there is nothing to worry about.

“That’s why we’re calling on our people in the Philippines, especially those who have families here in Taiwan who are of COURSEWs, I’m sure that’s all right,” he said. And the Filcom leaders know that too. We are all united in how we can fix the situation here in Taiwan,” Filcom Northern Taiwan Secretary General Mercy Kuan said.

POLO-OWWA Taipei recently met with Filcom leaders for the awareness and preparedness information campaign. It’s for general preparation not only for the current tension but also, as well as the coming disasters that could affect the public.

Source: Mga Pinoy sa Taiwan, tuloy ang trabaho sa gitna ng tensyon  | ABS-CBN News