Good Morning World: President Lai to Visit Eswatini, Aiming for 3 Co-Prosperity Goals

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This article is a compilation of multiple news items. Key points include: 1. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te will visit the Kingdom of Eswatini from April 22 to 27, with the theme 'Taiwan and Eswatini Celebrate Together, Hand in Hand for Common Prosperity.' The visit aims to achieve three co-prosperity goals: security, economic, and digital. The itinerary includes meeting with the Eswatini King, signing a joint communiqué, witnessing the signing of a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement, briefings on the 'Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park' and 'Strategic Oil Storage Tank,' witnessing Taiwanese businesses sign investment letters of intent, inspecting a 'Smart Medical Outpatient Clinic,' and attending an achievement presentation for the 'Women's Entrepreneurship Microcredit Revolving Fund.' The flight will be direct, avoiding Middle Eastern airspace, with no transit in third countries. 2. The Central Review Committee of the Taiwan People's Party decided on April 13 to expel Lee Chen-hsiu, a Chinese spouse involved in nationality and legislator qualification disputes. This expulsion immediately revokes her proportional representation legislator status. Hsu Chung-hsin, a law professor at National Cheng Kung University, is expected to fill her seat. Lee denies allegations of demanding financial compensation for her resignation. 3. Labor Minister Hung Shen-han's suggestion to introduce Indian migrant workers has met opposition from the KMT legislative caucus, which demands improvements to the current system and resolution of runaway worker issues before expanding migrant worker sources. Hung reiterated that cross-party support exists for opening to Indian workers, contingent on business demand and India's implementation plan meeting Taiwan's requirements. No timetable is set if these conditions are not met. 4. The Legislative Yuan's Judiciary and Organic Laws and Statutes Committee initially passed an amendment to Article 12 of the Anti-Corruption Act. This amendment introduces provisions for exemption from punishment, in addition to reduced sentences, for minor corruption cases or those involving property valued under NT$50,000, granting more discretion to judicial bodies. 5. A global energy crisis is impacting Asian economies, with significant diesel price increases in Southeast Asia (Thailand +67%, Philippines +140%, Vietnam +110%, Malaysia +100%). The Taiwan government is monitoring energy supplies; Premier Cho Jung-tai confirmed sufficient natural gas supply from April to May, with efforts to secure supplies for June and beyond. CPC Corporation is transporting crude oil from the Red Sea, with the first shipment expected in early May. Formosa Petrochemical and CPC have secured asphalt raw material supplies. The Ministry of Economic Affairs is introducing affordable plastic bags to the market. Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics Minister Chen Shu-tzu stated that a special budget of approximately NT$130 billion is an option to cover funding gaps. 6. Hungary's conservative 'Respect and Freedom Party,' led by Magyar, won a two-thirds majority in the parliamentary elections, defeating nationalist Prime Minister Orbán. Magyar promised reforms, including constitutional amendments and anti-corruption measures, aiming for inauguration by May 5. Following Orbán's defeat, the Russian government expressed hope for 'pragmatic' relations with Hungary's new leadership, while the Ukrainian government withdrew its advice for citizens to avoid Hungary. EU Commission President von der Leyen praised Hungary's choice of Europe. 7. Australian Defense Minister Marles announced that Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will become the Chief of Army, marking the first female Chief of Army in the Australian Army's 125-year history. Coyle has 30 years of military experience, including deployments to the Solomon Islands, Afghanistan, and the Middle East. The Australian Army is undergoing modernization, incorporating long-range firepower and drones. 8. Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. stated on April 13 that the Chinese government 'very directly' asked Palau to abandon diplomatic recognition of Taiwan, but Palau refuses to let others dictate its allies. He also noted the significant impact of the global oil crisis on Palauan citizens. 9. Vietnamese idol ISAAC, Taiwan's tourism ambassador in Vietnam, performed at the Taiwan booth at the Hanoi International Travel Fair, attracting many fans. ISAAC filmed a tourism promotion video in Taiwan and composed a song, 'Trạm Dừng Của Anh' (My Heart's Stopover), incorporating Taiwanese elements. In March, he brought nearly 500 Vietnamese tourists to Kaohsiung to experience traditional culture. ISAAC expressed his desire to encourage more people to visit Taiwan. 10. The Mazu pilgrimage from Baishatun Gongtian Temple in Miaoli Tongxiao to Beigang Chaotian Temple began in the early hours of April 13. This year, the 'Luzhu Mazu' also joined, with three Mazu statues leading over 460,000 devotees on an 8-day, 7-night pilgrimage. The procession entered Dajia District, where the Mazu palanquin visited a primary school and Zhenlan Temple, drawing large crowds.