[A few minor changes…]

On its website, the US State Department said that the United States recognizes Taiwan as part of China, and that the US does not support “Taiwan independence.” That changed last week. 

[Cardi B says it’s good for kids!]

American rapper Cardi B put the spotlight on international Taiwanese dessert chain Meet Fresh a few weeks ago. According to Cardi, desserts like the one she shows are the key to longevity.

[Taiwanese man signs up for the Ukraine foreign legion]

Taiwanese people are doing all they can to help Ukraine. A dedicated bank account for taking in donations to Ukraine has received over US$30 million. However, those who can’t donate are still trying to do their part. Wang Rui-ti, an Amis man from Taiwan, went to Europe to sign up and fight for Ukraine. 

[Who are these nine people?]

A collage of nine portraits circulating the internet may look like the cast of a sitcom from the '80s, but that’s not the case. Leslie Liao gives you the lowdown on who they are, and why they may have made it onto TV later than they should have.

[Not the hero we deserve]

This week on Hashtag Taiwan: One man quenches his thirst for justice…even if that means doing so in nothing but his underwear. 

[Taiwan very much stands with Ukraine]

From politicians to artists and entertainers, people in Taiwan express their solidarity with Ukraine online.

[Money talks, but can it sing?]

Cathay United Bank, one of Taiwan’s largest financial institutions, dropped an album on YouTube in late January, which then made its way onto Spotify in mid-February. What kind of music does a bank put out? Leslie Liao tells you. 

[Lantern Festival 2022]

Images of impressive drone shows at the 2022 Taiwan Lantern Festival are circulating the internet. 1,500 drones took flight and arranged themselves into various images like tigers, lions, and more! Captivating light shows aren’t the only big hit at Taiwan’s Lantern Festival. One of the event’s souvenir accessories is going for high prices on the Internet.

[Yes, Taiwan sent athletes to the Beijing Winter Olympics]

Four Taiwanese athletes will compete in three sports at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. You might think it’s unlikely given Taiwan and China’s strenuous relationship. Or, you might think it’s unlikely because Taiwan is in a subtropical climate with little to no snow. In today’s Hashtag Taiwan, Leslie follows Taiwan’s road to Beijing 2022, which is filled with controversy, speculation, and even a bit of celebration. 

LINK:

“Taiwan-desu” Hashtag Taiwan: https://youtu.be/Gpi-JH4rBjo

[Lithuanian chocolate…made from Taiwan cocoa beans?]

A shipment of Lithuanian rum diverted to Taiwan from China is finally hitting store shelves on February 1. Leslie Liao tells you why there’s a bit of online controversy over the rum’s pricing. Additionally, chocolate from Lithuanian shop Ruta in Taipei is flying off the shelves. Leslie delves into why it might be a good idea for Lithuanian chocolate producers to begin sourcing their cocoa beans from Taiwan.