ICRT

Posted on 2026-05-09 14:14:13

Russia marked Victory Day on Saturday with its most reduced Red Square parade
in years, as the ongoing war in Ukraine cast a shadow over one of the
country's most revered national holidays.

For the first time in recent memory, no tanks or military equipment rolled
across Red Square due to security concerns over potential Ukrainian attack.

Soldiers marched, fighter jets flew over the Kremlin, and President Vladimir
Putin delivered a speech before laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier.

Russia had warned that any Ukrainian attempt to disrupt the parade would
trigger a massive missile strike on Kyiv, prompting Moscow to advise foreign
diplomats to evacuate their staff from the Ukrainian capital.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy responded with a tongue-in-cheek
decree "allowing" the parade to proceed, saying Ukrainian weapons would not
target Red Square.

A three-day ceasefire announced by U-S President Trump -- running from May 9
to May 11 -- was agreed to by both sides, along with an exchange of
1-thousand prisoners.

Trump said Friday he hoped the ceasefire could be extended significantly.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-09 14:07:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it will resume mobile consular services
in Taitung starting May 15th, after a more than year-long suspension caused
by legislative budget cuts.

The Eastern Office's mobile passport service was halted in March last year
after the Legislative Yuan cut operational funding for the Executive Yuan's
Eastern Joint Service Center.

Starting May 15th, ministry staff will travel to Taitung on the 15th of every
odd-numbered month to process passport renewals, replacements, and visa
endorsements.

If the 15th falls on a holiday, the service will be moved to the next working
day.

Number tickets will be distributed starting at 1 P-M, with service running
until 3:30 P-M.

Applicants can download forms from the Bureau of Consular Affairs website or
pick them up at the Taitung liaison office.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-09 14:07:13

The Legislative Yuan has written nurse-to-patient ratios into law, giving
legal force to a policy the Ministry of Health and Welfare introduced in
2024.

Under the amendment to the Medical Care Act, hospitals that fail to meet
staffing ratios face fines and could be ordered to suspend operations for up
to one year if they are penalized three times without making sufficient
improvements.

Fines range from 50-thousand to 250-thousand NT for district hospitals,
200-thousand to 1-million NT for regional hospitals, and 1-million to
2-million NT for medical centers.

The ratios set day, evening, and night shift targets for each hospital tier,
ranging from 1 nurse to 6 patients on day shifts at medical centers, to 1
nurse to 15 patients on night shifts at district hospitals.

All three major parties supported making the ratios statutory, but disagreed
on how the advisory committee determining them should be composed.

Taiwan has around 300-thousand licensed nurses, but only about 190-thousand
are currently working in the field.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-09 14:07:13

Starlux Airlines has updated its cabin crew uniform policy, allowing male
flight attendants to wear short-sleeved shirts and permitting crew members
with eye discomfort to wear glasses on duty.

The short-sleeve option for male cabin crew took effect in April.

Starlux says the changes are aimed at helping crew members balance
professional appearance with personal comfort.

The airline also previously opened up flat shoes and trouser uniforms as
options for female cabin crew.

On the glasses policy, Starlux joins China Airlines, Tigerair Taiwan, and EVA
Air, which had already allowed crew to wear glasses during flights.

Starlux says the uniform adjustments are part of its ongoing efforts to
improve working conditions, and that further reviews are planned.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-09 13:49:13

Two U-S senators and the State Department have welcomed Taiwan's Legislative
Yuan approval of a 780-billion NT supplementary defense budget, calling it a
signal of resolve at a critical moment for Indo-Pacific stability.

Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Senator John Curtis said in
a joint statement that the vote shows Taiwan is taking seriously the need to
strengthen its defenses against growing Chinese military pressure.

The senators also called for additional steps to boost Taiwan's asymmetric
capabilities and domestic defense production.

The State Department said the U-S supports Taiwan's acquisition of defense
capabilities commensurate with the threat it faces, but warned that further
delays in funding the remaining proposed capabilities amount to "a concession
to the Chinese Communist Party."

The budget passed 59 to zero, with 48 abstentions, falling short of the
ruling D-P-P's original 1-point-25-trillion NT request.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense separately warned that the scaled-back
budget excludes commercial purchases and commissioned development projects,
undermining long-term defense planning.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2026-05-09 13:49:13

Taiwan's exports surged 39 percent year-on-year in April to 67.6-billion US
dollars, the second-highest monthly total on record, driven by booming global
demand for artificial intelligence technology.

The Ministry of Finance says the 30th consecutive month of year-on-year
export growth was fueled by massive investment in A-I infrastructure and
next-generation computing.

Information and communications products led the way, with exports up 62.3
percent to 30.57-billion US dollars.

Electronic components added another 22.79-billion US dollars, up 38.9 percent.

Together, the two sectors accounted for nearly 79 percent of total exports.

The United States was the top buyer, purchasing 21.53-billion US dollars
worth of Taiwanese goods, up nearly 64 percent from a year earlier.

Taiwan's trade surplus nearly doubled year-on-year to 14.35-billion US
dollars in April.

The ministry forecasts May exports between 67.8 and 70.9-billion US dollars,
representing 31 to 37 percent growth from a year earlier.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-09 13:49:13

ones

The Ministry of Health and Welfare is marking Taiwan No Alcohol Day today by
urging families of people with alcohol dependency to seek professional help.

The ministry says 49 percent of callers to its alcohol addiction consultation
services are family members, not the individuals with drinking problems.

Officials say alcohol dependency is treatable, and that quitting can relieve
related conditions such as depression and anxiety.

The ministry offers a subsidy program covering up to 40-thousand NT per
person per year for alcohol addiction treatment, including outpatient care,
medication, and psychological and family therapy.

More than 4-thousand people benefited from the program this year alone.

Ministry data show that nearly 90 percent of patients who receive treatment
reduce their drinking frequency or amount.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-09 13:49:13

China says exports have risen 14.1% in April from a year earlier, despite the
Iran war and lingering impacts from higher U.S. tariffs.

The data were released today, just days ahead of a planned meeting next week
between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing.

That beat analysts' estimates and is a significant improvement from March's
2.5% year-on-year expansion.

Imports have climbed 25.3%, slower than the 27.8% growth in March but still
robust.

The Trump-Xi summit comes at a time when relations are beset by multiple
troubles, with efforts to end the war in Iran topping the list.

Posted on 2026-05-09 13:49:13

Pope Leo has marked the first anniversary of his election as head of the
Catholic Church by calling on world leaders to step back from violence and
reduce hatred.

Speaking in Pompeii on Friday, the pope asked worshippers to pray that
governments would turn away from conflict and that God would calm what he
called "fratricidal hatreds."

Leo said world peace is being endangered by international tensions and an
economy that, in his words, "prefers the arms trade to respect for human
life."

The address came a day after Leo met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at
the Vatican, where the two pledged to improve bilateral relations amid
unusual tensions with Washington.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized the pope on social media,
including over Leo's opposition to the U-S military campaign against Iran.

Later Friday, Leo visited Naples, where he praised local efforts to welcome
refugees from Gaza and urged residents to counter what he called "the logic
of confrontation."

Leo, the former Cardinal Robert Prevost and the first American pope, was
elected on May 8th, 2025, to succeed the late Pope Francis.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-09 13:13:14

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company has reported its highest-ever
monthly sales for April, driven by strong global demand for artificial
intelligence chips.

T-S-M-C posted consolidated sales of 410-point-73-billion NT for April, up
17-point-5 percent from a year earlier.

April revenues were down slightly from March, when sales hit
415-point-19-billion NT, the company's all-time monthly high.

In the first four months of this year, T-S-M-C's consolidated sales surged
nearly 30 percent year-on-year to 1-point-54-trillion NT.

Analysts say the slight month-on-month dip in April was largely due to a
stronger Taiwan dollar, which appreciated against the U-S dollar despite
central bank intervention.

T-S-M-C has forecast second-quarter sales of between 39 and 40.2-billion US
dollars, representing roughly 32 percent growth from a year earlier.

The company expects full-year 2026 sales to grow more than 30 percent in U-S
dollar terms.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2026-05-09 13:13:14

The Ministry of National Defense says it monitored 16 Chinese military
aircraft, warships, and coast guard vessels operating in areas around the
Taiwan Strait from 6 AM Friday to 6 AM today.

Eight P-L-A aircraft crossed the strait's center line into Taiwan's central,
southwest, and eastern airspace.

Six Chinese warships and two coast guard vessels were also tracked in the
surrounding waters.

According to the ministry's activity map, two P-L-A combat aircraft crossed
the center line between 10:20 A-M and 12:15 P-M yesterday.

Four additional combat and support aircraft were detected in Taiwan's
southwest airspace east of the center line between 8 A-M and 12:40 P-M.

Two P-L-A helicopters were tracked in Taiwan's eastern airspace from 8:55 A-M
to 8:35 P-M.

Taiwan's armed forces responded using mission aircraft, naval vessels, and
shore-based missile systems.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-09 13:13:14

Laura Fernandez has been sworn in as Costa Rica's new president, pledging a
major offensive against organized crime in a country long known as one of
Central America's most peaceful nations.

Fernandez, 39, took the oath of office Friday at the National Stadium in the
capital, promising deep reforms to the judiciary and security laws.

She said in her inaugural address that, quote, "Costa Rica cannot normalize
the shame of seeing its institutions penetrated by crime."

Costa Rica abolished its military in 1948, but murder rates hit record highs
during the term of her predecessor, Rodrigo Chaves, as the country became a
key transit point for cocaine shipments to the U-S and Europe.

Fernandez says she will soon open a maximum security prison modeled after El
Salvador's C-E-C-O-T detention center, which human rights groups have
criticized for alleged torture and denial of basic services.

She also promised to build one of the most modern police surveillance centers
in the world.

Fernandez won February's election with 49 percent of the vote and will serve
until 2030.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-09 13:13:14

The World Health Organization says eight people have fallen ill in a
hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship, with three of those cases
proving fatal.

Six cases have been confirmed as Andes virus through P-C-R testing, with two
additional probable cases.

The ship had 147 passengers and crew on board when the outbreak was first
reported on May 2nd, with 34 others having already disembarked.

Four patients remain hospitalized in South Africa, the Netherlands, and
Switzerland.

The W-H-O says the first case may have been infected before boarding,
possibly during travel in Argentina or Chile, with later spread occurring on
the ship.

The U-S Centers for Disease Control says it plans to evacuate the 17 American
passengers aboard on a government medical repatriation flight to Omaha,
Nebraska.

The ship left Cabo Verde on May 6th and is heading to Spain's Canary Islands,
where remaining passengers are expected to disembark.

The W-H-O says the risk to the general public remains low, but rates the risk
to those on board as moderate.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-09 12:14:14

The ruling D-P-P is expressing regret after the opposition-controlled
Legislature passed a defense budget well below what the government had
requested.

The Legislature approved 780-billion NT for U-S arms purchases Friday,
falling short of the D-P-P's proposed 1.25-trillion NT.

D-P-P spokesperson Lee Kun-cheng warned the cuts could undermine mutual trust
with Washington, weaken Taiwan's self-defense commitment, and create gaps in
future defense capabilities.

The party said some of the trimmed funding was earmarked for joint Taiwan-U-S
projects, including a multilayered air defense network known as "T-Dome," as
well as drone and counter-drone systems.

The opposition K-M-T and T-P-P defended the move, saying lawmakers must not
hand the ruling party a "massive blank check" that could invite corruption.

K-M-T Chairperson Cheng Li-wun and T-P-P Chairman Huang Kuo-chang held a
joint press conference, with both parties saying they supported prioritizing
U-S government-approved arms purchases.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2026-05-09 12:14:14

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reaffirmed his country's commitment to
its mutual defense treaty with Russia, in a message congratulating President
Vladimir Putin on the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany.

Kim said North Korea would give "top priority" to its partnership with Moscow
and fulfill its obligations under the two countries' comprehensive strategic
partnership treaty, signed during Putin's visit to Pyongyang in 2024.

North Korea sent an estimated 14-thousand troops to fight alongside Russian
forces in the Kursk region of Ukraine.

South Korean, Ukrainian, and Western officials say more than 6-thousand of
those soldiers were killed in the fighting.

Russia is holding its most scaled-back Victory Day parade in years Saturday,
due to the threat of Ukrainian attack.

Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a three-day ceasefire announced by US
President Donald Trump, running from May 9 to May 11.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-09 12:14:14

The U-S Defense Department has released around 160 previously classified
files on unidentified aerial phenomena, following an order from President
Donald Trump.

The documents include photos, videos, and reports dating back to a 1947
account of "flying discs," as well as footage and transcripts from the Apollo
12 and 17 lunar missions.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the files had been hidden behind
classifications for too long, and that the American people deserved to see
them.

Trump said the public could now decide for themselves what was going on,
adding -- quote -- "Have fun and enjoy."

Analysts say the release contained new videos of known sightings but offered
no conclusive evidence of alien technology or extraterrestrial life.

Some critics dismissed the move as a distraction from Trump's political
troubles, including the unpopular U-S military campaign against Iran.

A second tranche of declassified material is expected in about 30 days.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-09 10:52:14

The Legislative Yuan has passed a supplementary budget bill to fund purchases
of U-S military equipment, capping spending at 780-billion NT -- about
24.8-billion US dollars.

The opposition KMT and TPP used their legislative majority to pass the bill
Friday, 59 to zero, with 48 abstentions.

The bill covers two funding provisions: 300-billion NT for arms already
approved by Washington in December, and 480-billion NT for a future package
not yet announced.

Weapons in the approved package include HIMARS rocket systems, self-propelled
howitzers, and Javelin anti-armor missiles.

A second U-S arms package -- reportedly worth around 14-billion US dollars --
is expected to include PAC-3 interceptors and NASAMS air defense systems.

The bill runs from 2026 to 2033, with annual budgets subject to legislative
approval.

The opposition had blocked the ruling D-P-P's original 1-point-25-trillion NT
proposal 10 times before a scaled-back version advanced.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2026-05-09 10:52:14

President Lai Ching-te and visiting Paraguayan President Santiago Pena have
witnessed the signing of three bilateral cooperation documents.

Paraguay's Foreign Minister Ruben Ramirez signed the agreements with Taiwan's
ministers of foreign affairs, digital affairs, and justice.

The documents cover artificial intelligence infrastructure, cybersecurity,
and criminal justice cooperation.

The most notable agreement is a memorandum of understanding on a joint
sovereign A-I computing center, described as the world's first such
initiative between two governments.

It will combine Taiwan's technology sector with Paraguay's green energy
resources.

A pilot phase of around 10 megawatts is planned, with potential expansion to
up to 1 gigawatt.

The cybersecurity M-O-U focuses on policy exchanges and threat intelligence
sharing.

While the criminal justice treaty establishes a framework for evidence
sharing and cross-border law enforcement.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-09 10:52:14

The Centers for Disease Control has confirmed no Taiwanese citizens were
aboard the Dutch cruise ship M-V Hondius following a hantavirus outbreak on
the vessel.

The C-D-C said it contacted health authorities in the Netherlands and
Argentina, as well as the World Health Organization, on May 7 to verify
passenger information.

Both countries confirmed no Taiwanese nationals appeared on the passenger or
crew manifests.

The clarification came after a Spanish newspaper reported, citing an
anonymous passenger, that a traveler from Taiwan left the ship in Saint
Helena on April 24 and returned home.

The C-D-C called those claims false.

The W-H-O has identified eight ship-related hantavirus cases as of May 5,
including three deaths.

The outbreak is believed to have started with a passenger who contracted the
virus in Argentina or elsewhere in South America before boarding.

The W-H-O says the overall public health risk remains low, as hantavirus does
not spread easily between people.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2026-05-09 10:52:14

Efforts to formally end the war between the United States and Iran appear to
be stalling, as sporadic clashes continued Friday in and around the Strait of
Hormuz.

Iranian forces and U-S vessels exchanged fire in the strait, though an
Iranian military source said the situation had calmed.

The U-S military said it struck two Iran-linked vessels attempting to enter
an Iranian port.

Iran accused the U-S of breaching a ceasefire that has largely held since it
was announced on April 7.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Washington opts for military
action every time a diplomatic solution is within reach.

The United Arab Emirates said its air defenses intercepted two ballistic
missiles and three Iranian drones Friday, injuring three people.

Washington is awaiting Tehran's formal response to a U-S proposal to end the
war before talks on harder issues, including Iran's nuclear program.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday he expected a response from Iran
that day, but none had been reported by mid-afternoon Washington time.

The U-S Treasury also announced new sanctions Friday against 10 individuals
and companies, including some in China and Hong Kong, for helping Iran
acquire materials used to build Shahed drones.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-08 19:57:13

Civil groups are calling for reforms to Taiwan's paid annual leave system,
arguing that long working hours worsen gender inequality.

At a news conference ahead of Mother's Day, activists urged the government to
increase paid leave and stop linking it solely to years of service.

They say the current system places a heavier caregiving burden on women,
especially mothers.

According to researchers, women in Taiwan spend far more time on household
and family care work than men, while also balancing employment
responsibilities.

Labor advocates argue that many younger workers frequently change jobs,
making it difficult to accumulate enough years of service to qualify for
longer leave.

They also say Taiwan's statutory leave system is less generous than those in
several other developed countries.

The groups are urging amendments to the Labor Standards Act, saying more
flexible leave policies would help promote work-life balance and gender
equality.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-05-08 18:12:13

The Legislative Yuan today passed a supplementary budget bill authorizing up
to $780 billion NT in defense spending for major arms purchases from the
United States.

The funding will support a two-part arms procurement plan focused on
strengthening Taiwan's asymmetric warfare capabilities.

The first phase — capped at $300 billion NT — includes High Mobility
Artillery Rocket Systems, or HI-MARS, M-109-A7 self-propelled howitzers,
Javelin anti-armor missiles, TOW 2B missiles, and Altius-700M and 600 drones.

The second package — worth up to $480 billion NT — would fund a future U-S
arms package that has not yet been formally announced ...

... including counter-drone systems, anti-ballistic and air defense missiles,
and medium- and low-altitude air defense systems ...

... though lawmakers would still need to sign off on the purchases after
Taiwan receives formal offers from the United States.

Lawmakers say the measure is aimed at strengthening Taiwan's national defense
and asymmetric warfare capabilities.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-08 18:12:13

Taiwan has overtaken the United States and Germany in the adoption of
generative artificial intelligence.

According to new data from Microsoft, Taiwan's AI adoption rate reached
31-point-8 percent in the first quarter of 2026, placing it among the world's
top 20 economies for the first time.

That puts Taiwan slightly ahead of the U-S at 31-point-3 percent and Germany
at 31-point-1 percent.

The report says global use of generative AI continues to grow rapidly, with
nearly one in six workers worldwide now using AI tools on the job.

Among the fastest-growing markets, Asia dominated the rankings, with 12 of
the top 15 growth markets located in the region, including South Korea and
Japan.

Microsoft says advances in AI-powered coding tools are transforming software
development and helping drive a sharp increase in global code production.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-08 18:12:13

A Haitian couple stranded at Taoyuan International Airport for over a month
has finally headed home.

The National Immigration Agency says the couple had been traveling from the
Philippines back to Haiti and arrived in Taiwan on January 5th for a
connecting flight to Palau.

But Palau, the Philippines, and Malaysia all refused them entry due to
missing return tickets and other documentation issues.

Without sufficient travel funds, no US visa, and limited options due to
European transit restrictions and widespread refusals across Asia, the couple
found themselves stuck in Taoyuan Airport's transit zone with no clear path
forward.

The agency says one of its officers Kang Ching-nien took the couple under his
care, checking on them daily and providing food out of his own pocket.

On March 18th, the couple finally departed for Hanoi, Vietnam, and reached
Phnom Penh, Cambodia on March 24th, continuing their journey home.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-08 18:12:13

Starlux Airlines has launched a new direct route between Taichung and Tokyo,
expanding flight options for travelers in central Taiwan.

Taichung officials say the new service is expected to help attract more
international tourists and deepen ties with the Japanese travel market.

To promote the route, the Taichung City Government is leading a delegation of
23 travel-related businesses to Tokyo this week to market the city’s food,
accommodations, shopping and tourism attractions.

Officials say Japanese travelers are especially interested in nature, local
culture, and food tourism — areas where central Taiwan hopes to attract more
visitors.

The Tokyo service adds to Starlux's growing list of Japan destinations from
Taichung, including Kobe, Takamatsu, Okinawa, Miyakojima and Kumamoto.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-08 17:07:13

The opposition KMT and TPP have passed their version of a special defense
budget with a budget ceiling of 780 billion NT.

It includes the funds for the first round of arms purchases from the US at
300 billion NT...

while the rest is set aside for a future purchase.

Included in those purchases are M109 Howitzers, HIMARS systems, anti-tank
drone missile systems, anti-drone systems, and more.

The KMT caucus announced the joint proposal this morning, which represents a
departure from both the KMT's "380 billion N" NT proposal and the TPP's 400
billion NT proposal.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-08 17:07:13

New Taipei has launched an inspection campaign targeting hidden pinhole
cameras amid growing concerns over privacy violations at cosmetic clinics.

Mayor Hou Yu-ih says a joint task force has been formed ... to inspect
cosmetic clinics, sports facilities, fitness centers and saunas across the
city.

Officials say police will use scanning equipment to check for illegal hidden
cameras in sensitive spaces such as bathrooms, changing rooms, and shower
areas ...

The crackdown follows the alleged discovery of a pinhole camera in a smoke
detector inside a private treatment room at the Banqiao District branch of
Airlee Cosmetic Clinic.

Health authorities say clinics must clearly notify patients and obtain
informed consent before using surveillance equipment in treatment rooms.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-08 17:07:13

Taiwan's men's table tennis team has moved into the semifinals of the 2026
ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals in London.

Taiwan's top ranked player at 7 in the world, Lin Yun Ju (林昀儒)defeated the
number 2 ranked Swedish competitior.

The win guarantees Taiwan at least a bronze medal and secures the team's
second consecutive podium finish at the tournament.

The Taiwanese squad, in addition to Lin, features Feng Yi-hsin (馮翊新), Kuo
Guan-hong (郭冠宏), Hong Jing-kai (洪敬愷) and Hsu Hsien-chia (徐絃家).

The men's team has now matched the best result in its history and will next
face Japan, led by world No. 3 Tomokazu Harimoto, for a place in the final.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-05-08 17:07:13

In the US,

a federal judge says, instructions given to federal immigration officers to
make arrests without warrants should not be used as guidance.

The judge thus continues a preliminary injunction she issued in December.

She wrote that the instructions failed to instruct officers to assess
someone's community connections before concluding that they need to be
arrested.

This action marks the latest step in a lawsuit filed by four noncitizens
challenging their arrests during immigration sweeps.

She did say, however, that the government had adhered to her preliminary
injunction order on some issues.

Posted on 2026-05-08 16:49:13

Taipei prosecutors are seeking another 26 years in prison for Core Pacific
City chair Shen Qing Jing.

That's as prosecutors concluded their investigation in a case separate from
but relevant to the Core Pacific City case.

Prosecutors indicted Shen and 12 others on charges of violating the
Securities and Exchange Act.

According to the investigation, when Core Pacific land was auctioned off in
2019, the reserve price was 34.2 billion NT, breaking a record for the
highest auction price for commercial real estate in Taiwan.

Prosecutors believe that some involved in the land transaction violated the
law by committing breach of trust and taking part in irregular transactions.

Shen was sentenced in March to 10 years in prison for allegedly bribing
Taipei officials in the Core Pacific City case.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-08 16:49:13

Penghu County officials are investigating after a drone light show at the
opening of the 2026 Penghu International Ocean Fireworks Festival was
disrupted by suspected signal interference.

Deputy County Magistrate Lin Chieh-hsing and other officials expressed regret
to local residents and visitors after planned aerial formations were not
displayed correctly.

Lin says the show was disrupted by signal interference twice, with some
drones experienced positioning errors, even after recalibration and relaunch.

Officials say pre-show positioning tests and flight checks had all been
passed before the performance.

The county says it has asked the Civil Aviation Administration and the
National Communications Commission to investigate whether external signal
interference was involved, and to assist with follow-up testing and
mitigation.

Officials say all relevant data and records have been handed to police for
further investigation.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-08 16:49:13

The Taiwan Centres for Disease Control confirmed that there were no Taiwanese
passengers on the cruise ship that has experienced a deadly outbreak of
hantavirus.

Rumours had been circulating that these passengers had already returned to
Taiwan.

An unnamed Spanish passenger on board the Dutch vessel, MV Hondius, said that
Taiwanese passengers were amongst the 23 who had disembarked early on Saint
Helena, an island in the South Pacific Ocean.

But the Taiwan CDC confirmed with authorities in the Netherlands and
Argentina and with the World Health Organisation that no Taiwanese citizens
were to be found amongst the 149 people on the passenger and crew lists.

Five cases of hantavirus have been confirmed on the Hondius to date.

(JM)

Posted on 2026-05-08 16:49:13

A 39-year-old man faces charges for harassing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the
former Prince Andrew.

Authorities say that Alex Jenkinson, wearing a ski mask, ran towards Andrew
and hurled abuse at him whilst Andrew was out walking his dogs near his home
in eastern England on Wednesday.

Jenkinson is due in court today.

The 66-year-old Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles III, moved to the
Sandringham Estate after being evicted from his longtime home near Windsor
Castle.

He was stripped of his titles following scandals, including his association
with Jeffrey Epstein.

Posted on 2026-05-08 16:49:13

Toyota has reported a 19 per cent drop in its annual profit as President
Donald Trump's tariffs hurt its earnings, although its global sales grew.

Japan's top automaker said that its profit for the fiscal year that ended in
March was 3.85 trillion yen (760 billion NT).

It said that Trump's tariff policies erased some 1.4 trillion yen (280
billion NT) from its annual operating income.

Toyota said it sold nearly 9.6 million vehicles around the world in the last
fiscal year, a bit more than the 9.4 million it sold a year earlier.

The company is also keeping a relatively modest forecast for the next fiscal
year, citing potential impact from the war in the Middle East, both in its
supply chain and in its sales in the region.

It said it would grow leaner, reoganise its models, and increase local
procurement whilst cutting costs.

And Toyota reiterated that it wants to transform into a "mobility company",
adding boats and planes to its product offering.

Posted on 2026-05-08 16:49:13

Three hikers have died after a volcano erupted on one of Indonesia's Maluku
Islands this morning.

A group of twenty hikers, composed of nine Singaporeans and eleven locals,
went up Mount Dukono this morning, despite a climbing ban.

The local police chief said that two of the dead were Singaporean citizens,
whilst one was a local resident.

A local resident reported that the locations of two of the dead have been
identified, but rescuers have not yet been able to reach their bodies.

The location of the third dead has not yet been determined.

All of the survivors have been accounted for.

Mount Dukono erupted at 7:41 this morning, sending a 10-kilometre column of
ash into the sky.

It is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, having erupted nearly 200
times since the end of March, according to the Volcanological Survey of
Indonesia.

Posted on 2026-05-08 15:26:13

Two candidates for the leadership of Taiwan's most populous municipality are
trading fire over nepotism accusations.

Media reported that KMT candidate Li Si Chuan 李四川 said that his opponent,
the DPP's Su Qiao Hui 蘇巧慧, had been given her lawmaker's position on a
silver platter due to her father being the former premier Su Zhen
Chang　蘇貞昌.

But Su dismissed Li's accusations today, saying that she was not a second
generation autocrat...

adding that her generation grew up under the shadow of authoritarian rule in
Taiwan, surrounded by fear rather than assets.

The longtime lawmaker emphasized that she hoped the campaign could return to
an exchange of views on how New Taipei should be run.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-08 15:26:14

President Lai Ching-te welcomed Paraguayan President Santiago Pena with
military honors in Taipei today ...

... marking nearly 70 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

At the Presidential Office, Lai thanked Paraguay for consistently backing
Taiwan's international participation and said the two sides continue to
deepen co-operation in areas such as education, healthcare, and trade.

Pena, on his fourth visit to Taiwan, reaffirmed Paraguay's support, saying
the partnership is based on shared values including democracy, freedom, human
rights and the rule of law.

The two leaders later held talks and witnessed the signing of co-operation
agreements.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-08 15:26:14

Traffic controls are being implemented near the Ch'ihshang (池上) Bridge,
which connects Ch'ihshang (池上) to Guanshan (關山) in Taitung County along
Provincial Highway 9.

Until Monday, traffic along the flood control road running underneath the
north Ch'ihshang (池上) side of the bridge and parallel to the Peinan (卑南)
Creek will be diverted into single-lane, two-way traffic.

These controls run from 7:30 AM to 6 PM each day.

But luckily for most drivers, this will not affect the traffic on Provincial
Highway 9.

This is all because the supporting structures that hold the bridge upright at
the northern end of the bridge are being demolished.

Posted on 2026-05-08 15:26:14

Three Australian women who have returned to the country from Syria have been
refused bail after appearing in court charged with slavery and terrorism
offences.

They returned with ten other Australians whom police say are linked to the
Islamic State group.

These four women and nine children spent years in the Roj camp in the Syrian
desert.

They arrived back in Australia yesterday, despite the Australian government
warning them that they would face charges if they returned.

A 53-year-old woman and her 31-year-old daughter were charged in relation to
a female Yazidi slave whom police allege they and their family bought in
Syria for $10,000.

They travelled in 2014 to Syria, which at the time was the centre of the
Islamic State's so-called caliphate.

A 32-year-old woman was charged with being a member of a terrorist
organisation.

Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said that he had sympathy for the
returned children, but none for the parents who could expect no government
support.

Another 21 Australian women and children remain in Roj camp.

Posted on 2026-05-08 15:26:14

The death toll from an explosion at a fireworks plant in Changsha in China's
Hunan province on Monday has risen to 37, state media reported.

Local authorities said one person remains missing, according to China's
official news agency.

Authorities have said they are still investigating the cause and have ordered
the halt of all fireworks manufacturing in the surrounding area.

Posted on 2026-05-08 15:26:14

David Attenborough, the world's most famous wildlife presenter, celebrates
his hundredth birthday today.

The BBC will hold a party for him at London's Royal Albert Hall tonight.

But despite the accolades, Attenborough prefers the animals to be the stars
instead of himself.

He got his start in TV after being rejected for a job on radio with the BBC
in the early 1950s.

At the time, the station's bosses weren't sure that television even had a
future.

Over 70 years, his documentaries about evolution, animal behavior, and
biodiversity have brought the wonders of nature into homes worldwide.

He has also raised awareness about climate change and other environmental
threats.

And fun fact: Attenborough is the man behind why tennis balls today are
yellow.

In his role as Controller of BBC Two, he realised that fluorescent yellow
would be easier to see on colour TV than the traditional white.

Attenborough said, "I've been completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings
from preschool groups to care home residents and countless individuals and
families of all ages.'

Posted on 2026-05-08 14:06:13

A former acting civil affairs chief in Hualien's Guangfu has been released on
bail following questioning in an investigation into the flooding that killed
at least 19 people in September.

Hualien prosecutors conducted a search of the home of interim civil affairs
chief Li Wei and took him in for questioning...

before releasing him on bail of 100,000 NT with an ankle monitor and
restrictions on movement and residence.

Hualien prosecutors previously indicted several others in the case, including
Guangfu township chief Lin Qing Shui, and are seeking up to 10 years in
prison for the defendants.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-08 14:06:15

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has announced a citywide cleanup campaign aimed at
tackling growing concerns over rodent infestations.

The effort officially began today in Zhongshan District and will expand
across all 12 administrative districts of the city.

More than 500 sanitation workers and local volunteers were mobilized for the
first phase of the campaign.

City officials say crews will clean streets, inspect parks for rat holes, and
immediately seal any nests they find as part of a 'see a hole, fill a hole'
strategy.

The city is also sending health, environmental, and market officials to work
with vendors and businesses on improving sanitation practices.

Chiang says Taipei is also reviewing staffing plans for specialized rodent
control teams and considering whether to restart a formal rodent monitoring
program with help from outside experts.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-08 14:06:19

Taiwan Railways is set to revise its timetable on July 1st, adjusting
schedules for over 600 train trips.

Officials say schedules will be shifted for 653 train services, with over 300
of those services shifting by five minutes or more.

According to the TRC, the changes will add peak-hour commuter services on the
west line, increase capacity between Taipei and Yilan on the east line, and
help .as well as help improve efficiency overall.

The revision will also accelerate the phase-out of older Juguang express
trainsets and introduce more EMU3000 Ziqiang trains to improve ride comfort.

The TRC says passengers can check new schedules on the Taiwan Railways
website and app from May 11th.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-08 14:06:19

Asian shares are down today while oil prices climbed as the fragile ceasefire
in Iran was tested by strikes on both sides.

Taiwan shares are down as well, with the benchmark Tai ex closing at 41632
after losing 301 points.

The turnover was 1.184 trilloion NT

Posted on 2026-05-08 14:06:19

Now turning to international news...

partial results from local elections in England are showing big losses for
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labor Party...

and gains for the hard-right party Reform UK.

Reform in particular took hundreds of local council sears in working-class
areas in England's north.

The vote is largely seen as an unofficial referendum on Starmer, who took
office less than two years ago.

Results are due later today for the majority of local councils, including
Labor strongholds like London.

A poor showing for Labor may trigger moves by restive party lawmakers to oust
Starmer.

Even if Starmer survives for now, many analysts doubt he will lead the party
into the next national election, which must be held by 2029.

Posted on 2026-05-08 14:06:19

A UK border official and a former Hong Kong police officer have been
convicted of spying for China.

They allegedly helped the Chinese spy agency by conducting "shadow" policing
operations in Britain.

The two Chinese and British nationals were convicted yesterday.

Prosecutors believe they acted as "shadow" police by posing as legitimate
officers or intelligence agents to conduct surveillance and gather
information on Hong Kong dissidents and pro-democracy advocates.

Chinese officials urged the UK to stop what it called "anti-China political
manipulation."

Posted on 2026-05-08 14:06:19

Hungary has a new prime minister in town, with Peter Magyar taking office
today, ending Viktor Orban's 16 year rule.

Magyar's Tisza party defeared Orban's Fidesz in a historic landslide last
month.

This victory allows Tisza to reverse many of Orban's controversial policies.

Magyar has invited Hungarians to a "regime-change" celebration tomorrow as he
aims to tackle corruption and mend ties with the Eueopean Union.

Magyar plans to hold former officials accountable and overhaul the government
structure.

Magyar is a 45-year-old lawyer who formed Tisza in 2024 after spending years
as an insider within Orban's party.

Posted on 2026-05-08 13:06:13

The opposition KMT and TPP are proposing a joint special defense budget and
are hoping to pass three readings of the measure today.

KMT Legislative Caucus Whip Fu Kun Chi annonced the proposal, which comes
with a price tag of 780 billion NT.

He called on the DPP to support the proposal.

This comes as the Ministry of National Defense has warned that the first
installment for a HIMARS multiple launch rocket system purchase must be paid
by the end of the month, lest the deal be cancelled.

Fu was joined by other caucus leaders today when he announced the new
proposal...

which appears to depart from both the KMT's "380 billion NT N" version, as
well as the TPP's 400 billion NT version

Fu says, the joint version aims to protect Taiwan and strengthen Taiwan-US
defense ties while also deepening Taiwan-US relations.

Meanwhile DPP Caucus Whip Cai Qi Chang continued to stump for the Executive
Yuan's 1.25 trillion NT version...

while green heavyweight Wu Si Yao added that the 780 billion NT version will
create vulnerabilities in Taiwan's defense.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-08 13:06:13

Taiwan's population continues to decline, with April figures showing both a
continued drop in total population and a slight fall in births compared to
March.

The Ministry of the Interior released its monthly household registration data
today, showing Taiwan's total population stood at 23-million 262-thousand-544
people as of the end of April.

That's down just over 8 thousand from March, and marks the 28th consecutive
month of declines.

April births came in at 8-thousand-144, slightly lower than both March and
the same month last year.

Matsu's Lienchiang County recorded the highest birth rate among all counties
and cities.

Taiwan entered super-aged society status last year, with people aged 65 and
above now making up just over 20-percent of the total population.

Those aged 14 and under account for just over 11 percent.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-08 13:06:13

Taiwan Railway Corporation says, service on the Southern Link Line is being
disrupted due to a power equipment malfunction.

The issue is affecting the Chaozhou, Kanding, and Nanzhou stations.

TRC adds that they're running shuttle buses between Fangliao and Chaozhou
stations.

They say, they expect the issue to be resolved before 5pm today.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-08 13:06:17

Now turning to international news...

The United Arab Emirates says, air defenses are "actively engaging" with a
missile and drone attack.

The Ministry of Defense advised residents not to approach, photograph, or
touch debtis caused by the air interceptions.

Hours before, the US military said it had intercepted Iranian attacks on 3
Navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz...

and targeted Iranian military forces that launched the attack.

Despite these attacks, the US president told reporters that a ceasefire was
holding...

while Tehran said it was examining the latest US proposals to end the war.

Posted on 2026-05-08 08:13:14

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

C-S-B-C says the Navy's indigenous defense submarine prototype has conducted
torpedo launch trials as part of its eighth round of dive tests.

According to the shipbuilder, the Narwhal fired two torpedoes during the
weapon launch verification phase of its ongoing sea acceptance tests earlier
this week.

C-S-B-C says the weapon launch verification phase was initiated with the aim
of authenticating the Narwhal's combat capabilities in areas including combat
system reconnaissance, analysis, and torpedo system launch and guidance.

C-S-B-C has released a short video showed the submarine prototype sailing
out from the Port of Kaohsiung, accompanied by a number of support ships.

The Narwhal was originally scheduled to complete sea trials by November 2025,
but the timeline was pushed back as it underwent final adjustments ahead of
the submergence tests.

Posted on 2026-05-08 08:13:14

allowance

The Cabinet says it is working on plans to grant each parent an additional
month of parental leave allowance if both apply for the full six months of
parental leave allowance.

The move is part of the government's plans to encourage more equal sharing of
childcare responsibilities.

Under current regulations, parents may take up to two years of parental leave
before a child turns 3.

Those covered by employment insurance are eligible for parental leave
allowances for up to six months per child, receiving 60-per cent of their
insured salary plus an additional 20-per cent subsidized by the government.

The government eased parental leave rules starting on January 1 of this year
to allow leave to be taken by the day rather than only by the month.

But speaking in March, Labor Minister Hung Sun-han said his agency is
discussing raising the eligible child age for parental leave benefits to 6
years old.

Posted on 2026-05-08 08:13:14

The Internal Administration Committee has approved draft amendments to lower
the voting age from 20 to 18.

The amendments are to the Public Officials Election and Recall Act and the
Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act.

The committee is now urging the Legislative Constitutional Amendment
Committee to begin a formal constitutional revision process.

The revised bills also seek to allow citizens aged 18 and above to sign
petitions endorsing presidential and vice presidential candidates.

Although lawmakers from across party lines have expressed support for
lowering the voting age to align Taiwan with international practice, the
proposal faces a constitutional hurdle.

As Article 130 of the Constitution stipulates that citizens must be at least
20 years old to vote.

Any formal revision to the Constitution has to be passed by three quarters of
the Legislative Yuan and ratified by a national referendum in which the
revision is supported by over half of eligible voters.

The Central Election Commission says lowering the voting age would add an
estimated 410,000 eligible voters and affect election operations such as
polling station arrangements and voter registry preparation.

Posted on 2026-05-08 08:13:14

Transport Minister Chen Shih-kai says the government is considering treating
drug-impaired driving as a distinct offense separate from drunk driving -
potentially leading to harsher penalties.

According to Chen, officials from the transport and interior ministries are
scheduled to meet next Monday to discuss possible amendments to current laws,
including tougher penalties and joint liability provisions for drug-impaired
driving.

Chen says while drug use itself is already a criminal offense, driving a
vehicle under the influence of narcotics - especially when it results in
injury or death - should carry tougher penalties than drunk driving.

The statements come amid growing concern over a recent spate of serious
traffic accidents involving drivers under the influence of narcotics.

Those incidents include a drug-driving crash on May 4 that resulted in the
deaths two people.

Several lawmakers have voiced their support for criminal liability for drug
driving to be made different from that for drunk driving.

Posted on 2026-05-08 08:13:14

The Supreme Court has upheld television personality Mickey Huang's four-year
suspended sentence for purchasing sexually explicit material involving
minors.

The ruling comes after both Huang and prosecutors filed appeals against
previous sentences.

According to the Supreme Court it made its ruling based on evidence in the
case supported Huang's conviction and the suspension of the sentence was
appropriate.

The court says, neither prosecutors' appeal against the suspended sentence,
nor Huang's appeal against the conviction met the grounds for a final appeal.

Huang was found guilty by the Taiwan High Court in November of last year of
purchasing over 2,300 sexually explicit videos and images involving 37 minors
aged between 10 and 17.

He was charged with violating the Child and Youth Sexual Exploitation
Prevention Act and the Personal Data Protection Act.

The High Court later sentenced Huang under the provisions of the Personal
Data Protection Act - and handed down a one-and-half year sentence, suspended
for four years.

The High Court defended that sentence by saying Huang had no previous
criminal record and had reached settlements with the victims.

Posted on 2026-05-08 08:13:14

And finally,

President Lai Ching-te has presided over the inauguration of the Asia-Pacific
International Baseball Training Centers in Tainan.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lai described it as historic moment for Taiwan's
baseball development.

The centers is located in Tainan's Annan District.

The facility consists of two standard stadiums, one of which - the
Asia-Pacific Stadium - has a 25,000-seat capacity, two youth stadiums, two
infield training fields, six outdoor training lanes and an indoor training
facility.

Construction of the 2.2-billion N-T center began in 2018.

The Asia-Pacific Stadium is now home to the Chinese Taipei Baseball
Association's Uni-President Lions.

The Lions played their first game there on the opening day of the new C-P-B-L
season in March in front of a sell-out crowd of 23,500 - when they beat the
T-S-G Hawks 3-1.

The center's second standard stadium will host group games in the W-B-S-C
Women's Baseball World Cup in late August.

Taiwan is in that group with Japan, Venezuela, Cuba, Great Britain and one
other yet to be announced team.

Posted on 2026-05-08 06:48:14

No damage or injuries are being reported after this morning's magnitude 4.6
earthquake.

The earthquake struck at 4:57 and was centered off-shore some 30-kilometers
northeast of Hualien County Hall at a depth of 25-kilometers.

The quake was felt strongest in Hualien's Taroko National Park area - where
it registered a magnitude 4 on the Central Weather Administration's intensity
scale.

The earthquake registered a magnitude 3 in other parts of Hualien, as well as
in areas of Yilan and Nantou and it registered a magnitude 2 in Taichung's
Lishan Scenic Area.

Posted on 2026-05-08 06:48:16

Paraguay's visiting President Santiago Pena is reaffirming his country's
diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

During the second day of his visit, said Paraguay and Taiwan have been
friends for many, many decades and there is no doubt that friendship has
become stronger than ever and will continue to grow in the coming years.

Pena is here for his first official state visit to the country and his fourth
trip overall.

The Ministry of Foreign Affair says Pena is leading a delegation of business
representatives to Taiwan for a four day visit and will meet with President
Lai Ching-te and other senior government officials.

The talks will focus on investments, international industrial cooperation and
other policy measures aimed at strengthen bilateral ties.

Pena's trip to Taiwan this week follows reports that Beijing is pressuring
Paraguay to sever ties with Taiwan in favor of China.

Lai is expected to formally welcome Pena later today with full military
honors.

Posted on 2026-05-08 06:48:16

meeting

A former U-S assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security says he
believes U-S President Donald Trump will likely to focus on trade and
economic matters during his meeting with China's Xi Jinping next week.

However, Randall Schriver says the Taiwan issue is likely to be raised by
Beijing.

Schriver thinks Trump will be prepared to address the Taiwan issue during the
meeting, while maintaining Washington's longstanding policy.

The former official sayid he's confident that Trump will not just represent
Taiwan, but really represent US-Taiwan interests, "which are in most cases
shared interests."

Trump is expected to visit Beijing from May 14-15 for talks.

U-S Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier this week told a White House press
briefing Taiwan will likely to be a topic of conversation.

China has signaled that Taiwan will be a priority topic at the summit.

Posted on 2026-05-08 06:48:16

Incumbent head prosecutor of the Supreme Prosecutors Office, Hsu Hsi-hsiang
has been appointed acting prosecutor-general.

Hsu was appointed to the position in an acting capacity after the current
prosecutor-general, Hsing Tai-chao, officially completed his four-year term
that same day.

Hsu's appointment come two days after lawmakers rejected Hu for the position.

President Lai Ching-te nominated Hsu on March 13... the nomination advanced
to a floor vote following cross-party negotiations in the Legislature on
April 17.

That was eventually rejected on Tuesday - with opposition lawmakers arguing
that Hsu lacked "core experience" and previously held political roles,
raising questions about his differentiating of political and judicial
spheres.

The acting prosecutor-general serves until a new nominee is announced and
confirmed by the Legislature.

Under the Court Organization Act, the president is required to submit a new
nominee for prosecutor-general within three months of the position becoming
vacant.

Posted on 2026-05-08 06:48:16

The Cabinet has approved a proposal to tighten penalties for illegal gravel
mining.

The move double the maximum fine for offenders to 10-million N-T.

The proposed amendment to the Sand and Gravel Excavation Act will requires
local authorities to order offenders to restore excavation sites within a
prescribed period ..

.. and restoration work must be carried out using materials and methods
specified by the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

The proposal seeks to raise the maximum fine for offenders who fail to
complete restoration work by the deadline to 2-million N-T.

While offenders whose illegal mining activities cause fatal disasters could
face life imprisonment and fines of up to 100-million N-T.

The new penalties have been put forward following the discovery of major
gravel mining violation in Kaohsiung's Meinong District last year.

The proposal will now be sent to the Legislature for review.

Posted on 2026-05-08 06:48:16

Mainland Affairs Council spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh says two government
employees received visits from Chinese public security bureau officers at
their hotels during separate trips to China last month.

Liang says works at the National Immigration Agency, while the other is
employed by the Customs Administration.

They both reported the incidents after returning to Taiwan.

The council spokesman says both of them were asked about their family,
education and career backgrounds, the purpose of their visits to China, where
they work and their job duties.

Liang also says they also both had their mobile phones inspected by Chinese
police officers.

The Mainland Affairs Council is stressing that believes the incidents
indicate that Chinese authorities had prior information about their trips,
including their itineraries and the hotels where they were staying.

The council said in January that 19 government employees had been questioned
by Chinese police officers during trips to China since 2023.

Posted on 2026-05-08 06:48:16

camera case

The New Taipei District Court has ordered the chairman of a cosmetic surgery
chain, an employee and a contractor to be detained pending further
investigation into a suspected hidden camera found at an Airlee Group clinic
in the city's Banqiao District.

The New Taipei City Prosecutors' Office had requested their continued
detained after questioning them earlier this week.

Airlee Group Chairman Chang Ju-shan, the branch employee and the surveillance
equipment supplier were among eight people questioned after authorities
searched multiple branches of of the company.

The searches were carried out following allegations that hidden camera was
found in a smoke detector in a private treatment room at Airlee's Banqiao
branch.

Prosecutors the three were ordered detained on charges of invasion of privacy
and violations of the Child and Youth Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act.

At least 10 people have reportedly filed alledged invasion of privacy
complaints against the Airlee Group.

Posted on 2026-05-08 06:48:16

The Taipei City Government has opened its first five negative-pressure
smoking rooms.

Three of the five smoking rooms are in the Ximending shopping area, while the
other two are in Xinzhongshan Linear Park and at the Xingyi bus parking lot
near Taipei Main Station.

Speaking during an inspection of one of the smoking rooms in Ximending,
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an called the initiative a major milestone in his
administration's wider efforts to promote a smoke-free city.

Chiang says the smoke-free measures have the support of Taipei residents --
a majority of them backing the establishment of outdoor smoking rooms in all
public spaces.

The mayor also urged the public to give feedback on the initiative so that
the city government can make any necessary adjustments.

The city government has plans to open more negative-pressure smoking rooms
and says there are aleady 183 designated smoking areas across Taipei.

Under the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, smoking in a designated no-smoking
area may result in a fine of up to 10,000 N-T.

Posted on 2026-05-08 06:48:16

China's state run Xinhua News Agency says two former Chinese defence
ministers have been sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve over graft
charges.

Past reports indicated Wei Fenghe, who was defense minister from 2018 to
2023... was found to have accepted "a huge amount of money and valuables" in
bribes and "helped others gain improper benefits in personnel arrangements"

While Li Shangfu, who served for just months in 2023 was suspected of taking
and receiving bribes... an investigation aso claims to have found he "did not
fulfil political responsibilities" and "sought personal benefits for himself
and others".

As their death sentences have been commuted, both men will be imprisoned for
life without the possibility of further commutation or parole.

Experts say China's ongoing military corruption purges are leaving serious
deficiencies in its command structure... and are likely to have hampered the
readiness of its rapidly modernising armed forces.

Posted on 2026-05-08 06:48:16

A U.K. border official and a former Hong Kong police officer have been
convicted of assisting China’s spy agency by conducting “shadow” policing
operations in Britain.

Peter Wai and Bill Yuen are both dual Chinese and British nationals.

Prosecutors said they acted as “shadow” police by posing as legitimate
officers or intelligence agents to conduct surveillance and gather
information about Hong Kong dissidents and pro-democracy supporters.

A London jury found them guilty on charges that they violated the National
Security Act by assisting a foreign spy service.

Hong Kong's government said it wasn't a party to the case, but firmly opposed
“unfounded allegations” against it or the London trade office.

Posted on 2026-05-08 06:48:16

At the same time...

Norwegian authorities have arrested a Chinese citizen on espionage
allegations.

The arrest took place on Thursday, according to the country's domestic
intelligence service.

The accused allegedly tried to set up a satellite receiver to collect
sensitive data.

Police have seized the equipment and halted the plans.

Several others have been charged in the case, but details remain limited.

Posted on 2026-05-08 06:48:16

And finally...

The Trump Administration is floating a plan to coat the granite exterior of a
historic building next to the White House with white paint could cost
taxpayers at least $7.5 million.

That's the word from a White House official who discussed the details before
the National Capital Planning Commission as the federal agency began
reviewing the proposal on Thursday.

The White House says the Eisenhower Executive Office Building is in disrepair
and that painting it will hide stains.

But preservationists, architects and historians contend that paint damages
granite and could make things worse. Public sentiment is also overwhelmingly
against the proposal.

A lawsuit against the proposed paint job is also pending in federal court.

Posted on 2026-05-07 18:10:13

C-S-B-C Corporation released footage today showing torpedo tests involving
the Hai Kun, Taiwan's first domestically built submarine prototype.

During its eighth submerged sea trial yesterday, the submarine launched two
exercise torpedoes offshore before they were recovered aboard the support
vessel Da Wu (大武).

Military analysts said the exercise appeared to combine surface operations,
submerged maneuvers and torpedo launches under conditions closer to real
combat scenarios.

CSBC said the drill verified the combat system's capabilities in detection,
targeting calculations, launch operations and torpedo guidance control.

The footage was uploaded to YouTube earlier today before being removed about
an hour later ... which sparked discussion among military enthusiasts online.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo said testing is moving ahead step by step,
with more sea trials planned as the navy and CSBC continue safety and quality
checks.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-07 18:10:13

The government is considering breaking drug-impaired driving out as a
distinct offense from drunk driving, with harsher penalties attached.

Transport Minister Chen Shih-kai made the announcement yesterday during a
legislative committee hearing, following a string of serious accidents
involving drug-impaired drivers.

One crash on May 4th left two people dead and two others injured.

K-M-T lawmakers raised the issue, noting that drug driving and drunk driving
currently carry mostly the same penalties, despite drug use itself already
being a criminal offense.

Legislator Wan Mei-ling called for the two categories to be legally
decoupled, with stricter penalties applied specifically to drug-impaired
driving.

Minister Chen agreed the criminal liability should differ from that for drunk
driving, especially when injury or death results.

Officials from the transportation and interior ministries are set to meet
Monday to discuss possible amendments, including joint liability provisions
for passengers.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2026-05-07 18:10:13

Organizers of this year's Penghu International Fireworks Festival are calling
it the biggest edition in the event's history.

The festival, which kicked off earlier this week, features a collaboration
with the hit anime Dragon Ball Z, with themed drone and fireworks shows
running through August 25th.

Opening and closing nights feature upgraded 12-minute fireworks displays
alongside performances by 700 drones creating Dragon Ball-themed images in
the sky.

Organizers say a total of 33 events are planned across the summer.

International fireworks teams from six countries have also been invited to
take part.

Beyond the fireworks, the festival includes Dragon Ball-themed attractions,
installation art, interactive activities and pop-up merchandise shops.

Officials say the festival is designed to encourage visitors to stay longer
and strengthen summer tourism across Penghu.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-07 17:13:13

version

The DPP is continuing to urge the legislature to pass the executive yuan's
version of a special defense budget...

with a price tag coming in at 1.25 trillion NT.

That's as legislative party caucuses have again failed to reach a consensus
on the different proposals for a special defense bill.

The DPP caucus says today that polls conducted by the KMT show 70% support
for the DPP's 1.25 trillion NT version.

Presidential Office Spokespeson Karen Kuo added that she hoped the bill could
be passed ahead of an expected meeting between the Chinese and US leaders
scheduled for next week.

Meanwhile in the blue camp, Taichung mayor Lu Xiu yan appears to be
spearheading the intra-KMT movement to secure more funding than the KMT's
official "380 million NT N" proposal.

Lu says, there should be 800 to 900 millon NT allotted to that special
defense budget, which she said should be passed as quickly as possible.

She added that the government should prioritize arms procurement in a special
budget, while suggesting that commercial procurement and contract
manufacturing be included in next year's central government budget.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-07 17:13:13

The Internal Administration Committee of the Legislative Yuan has passed the
second reading of amendments to voting laws...

which would lower the voting age to 18 for elections and recalls.

At present, 18 and 19 year olds can only vote in referendums.

Although the committee itself has passed the amendments, they are still
pending interpretation by the Consitutional Court.

As a result, a supplomentary resolution was passed requesting the
Legislature's Constitutional Amendment Committee to initiate the process of
amending the constitution.

Officials say, if the change were to be made, it would add another 410,000
voters to the rolls, which would be likely to affect polling stations and
elective procedures.

As for this November's election, election announcements will be made in mid
August.

If the law is amended after August 20th, the old law will still apply, and 18
and 19 year olds will not be able to vote this year.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-07 17:13:13

Consumer complaints involving gyms and fitness centers in Taiwan nearly tripled in 2025 compared with the year before ... mainly due to the sudden closure of True Yoga Fitness.

The Department of Consumer Protection says fitness-related disputes ranked first among complaint categories in 2025, with over 5 thousand 500 cases reported.

And over 3 thousand 300 of those ... or around 60 percent ... were linked to the closure.

Overall, authorities handled more than 83 thousand complaint and mediation cases that year.

Other top complaint categories included online games, food, transportation, and clothing, leather goods and footwear.

Consumer officials urged people to avoid large upfront gym payments, pay monthly when possible, check whether businesses provide performance guarantees,.

They also advise using credit cards ... to improve chances of recovering funds if a company suddenly closes.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-07 17:13:13

Now turning to internaiotnal news...

Western intelligence officials are raising the alarm over what they say is a
campaign of targeted killings by Russia.

They believe this campaign has ramped up since Moscow launched its full-scale
invasion of Ukraine in 2022...

and is more brazen in their choice of targets than in campaigns past.

Now, they say Russia is going after Russian activists living abroad and
supporters of Ukraine.

Experts believe the campaign is connected to Russia's broader efforts to
undermine European countries that support Ukraine.

Activists face threats to their lives and families, but say that, if they go
into hiding, Russia wins.

Posted on 2026-05-07 12:30:13

Taiwan's stock market roared to a new all-time high in early trading today.

The benchmark weighted index surged nearly 993 points, briefly touching
42-thousand-131 points.

The rally was driven by chipmaker T-S-M-C, which hit a new record share price
of 2-thousand-345 NT, up 95 NT on the day.

T-S-M-C's U-S-listed A-D-R also set a new all-time high of 419-point-7 US
dollars in overnight trading, boosted by a strong earnings report from A-M-D
that sent the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index up more than 4 percent.

T-S-M-C's market cap now stands at 60-point-81 trillion NT.

The company projects second-quarter revenue between 39-billion and
40-point-2-billion US dollars, with full-year 2026 dollar revenue expected to
grow more than 30 percent.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-07 12:30:13

A 48-year-old woman has been missing in the mountains of central Taiwan for
nearly a week.

The hiker, surnamed Yao, set out alone on the Zhijiyang (志佳陽) trail on May
1 and was due back on May 3.

A friend raised the alarm on May 5 after finding Yao's car still parked at
the trailhead.

Taichung City Fire Bureau dispatched a four-person team to the area, and
rescuers found Yao's gear and car keys inside a mountain shelter that
afternoon.

Searches yesterday and today have so far turned up nothing, and a second
rescue team is now continuing the effort.

Mountaineering writer and YouTuber Huang Yu-hsiang (黃鈺翔) has shared the
missing person appeal on his Facebook page, "Vision of a Snow Ram."

Rescuers are asking anyone who hiked the route around May 2nd and noticed
anything unusual to contact Taichung police.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-07 12:30:13

The Ministry of Defense says it tracked 22 Chinese military aircraft
operating around the Taiwan Strait from 6 AM Wednesday to 6 AM today.

Of those, 18 crossed the median line and entered northern, central,
southwestern, and eastern airspace.

Six P-L-A naval vessels and one official ship were also tracked during the
same period.

The ministry says the activity began in earnest at around 3 PM yesterday,
when jets including J-10s, J-16s, and K-J-500 early warning aircraft were
detected heading out to sea alongside drones.

The military says it deployed aircraft, vessels, and shore-based missile
systems to monitor and respond.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-07 12:30:13

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Kyiv will "respond in kind" to
Russian attacks after accusing Moscow of rejecting ceasefire efforts.

In a Wednesday evening address, Zelenskyy said Russia answered Ukraine's
truce proposal with new strikes, and that Kyiv would determine its response
"depending on the situation tonight and tomorrow."

Ukraine proposed a ceasefire beginning midnight on May 6th, but Zelenskyy
says Russian forces violated it 18-hundred-20 times in the first 10 hours
alone.

On Wednesday morning, Russia struck a kindergarten in the northern Sumy
region, killing two people.

Russia had separately announced a two-day Victory Day truce for Friday and
Saturday, timed to coincide with its Red Square parade marking the end of
World War Two.

This year's parade will feature no military hardware, amid fears equipment
could be targeted by Ukraine.

Zelenskyy has not committed to holding fire during Russia's truce window.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-07 12:30:13

North Korea has rewritten its constitution to drop any mention of
reunification with South Korea, cementing leader Kim Jong Un's shift toward
treating Seoul as a permanent adversary.

The updated constitution, introduced in March, was shared this week by South
Korea's Unification Ministry and reported by Yonhap News Agency.

The revision ends a formal commitment to reunification dating back to 1948.

The new text also defines North Korean territory as bordering China and
Russia to the north, and South Korea to the south, using Seoul's official
name.

Kim Jong Un is now designated head of state, with command over the North's
nuclear forces formally vested in his office.

The constitution describes North Korea as a "responsible nuclear weapons
state."

One Seoul National University analyst cited by Yonhap suggested the changes
could form a basis for peaceful coexistence between the two Koreas.

Kim began signaling this shift in late 2023, calling Seoul the "main enemy"
and ordering the demolition of a major reunification monument in Pyongyang.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-07 08:14:14

budget vote

Defense Minister Wellington Koo is continuing to press lawmakers to pass the
Cabinet's special defense bill ...

... arguing that waiting for the U-S to issue a letter of acceptance for
weapons sales to Taiwan before lawmakers approve the special defense budget
will result in serious timing problems.

According to Koo, letters of acceptance are only valid for 45 days and arms
procurement cases normally take more than two years to negotiate, and the
defense ministry only submits budget items after confirming a U-S willingness
to supply the requested items.

Koo says requiring such letters from Washington prior to reviewing the
defense budget is impractical ...

.. as if budgets and procurement items are not reviewed in advance, but are
rushed through only after an a letter of acceptance is received, it
effectively results in a "blank check."

Legislative party caucuses yesterday once again failed to reach a consensus
on budget items and amounts for the special defense bill.

However, Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu says he still remains hopeful that
lawmakers will be able to vote on the bill by tomorrow at the latest.

Posted on 2026-05-07 08:14:14

Deputy Economics Minister Lai Chien-hsin says oil and gas supplies will
remain stable through September, despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East
and the closure of in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking at the 2026 Taiwan Energy Summit Forum in Taipei, Lai said the
government has been holding daily energy meetings since late February, and
C-P-C has already begun advance planning for winter fuel procurement.

Lai stressed the government's moves to diversify procurement ...

.. telling summit attendees that C-P-C has database of more than 180 oil
product types from over 40 countries, allowing it to quickly switch suppliers
if a source is disrupted.

The deputy economics minister also talked about the government's so-called
"second energy transition" policy - which is focuses on renewable energy
development, diversified supplies, grid upgrades, energy conservation and
storage.

According to Lai, that policy is advancing and in terms of renewable energy,
and although green electricity is currently mainly been supplied to
industries through feed-in tariff mechanisms, steps are being taken to
promote broader public adoption of green energy sources.

Posted on 2026-05-07 08:14:14

center

The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Drone Diplomacy Task Force says
the government is taking steps to make Taiwan the Asia-Pacific center of the
democratic drone supply chain.

Speaking at the "Taiwanese-German Aerospace Conference" in Taipei, Chiang
Zhen-wei said Taiwan plays a crucial role in the global non-red supply chain
of the drone industry due to its excellent manufacturing capabilities.

According to Chiang, the Drone Diplomacy Task Force is using Taiwan's
experience and expertise in "chip diplomacy" to develop the drone industry
into a key aspect of Taiwan's national defense apparatus ...

... while at the same time collaborating with allies and like-minded
countries to promote drone related projects.

The Drone Diplomacy Task Force was established in October of last year with
the aim of connecting local drone manufacturers with overseas markets.

Posted on 2026-05-07 08:14:14

The New Taipei City Prosecutors' Office has detained the chairman of a
cosmetic surgery chain after a pinhole camera was allegedly discovered in a
smoke detector at its Banqiao branch.

Airlee Group Chairman Chang Ju-shan was detained after authorities searched
multiple branches of of the company in the city.

The searches were carried out after allegations posted to social media this
past week said a customer had spotted a device on the ceiling that resembled
a smoke detector as she was changing her clothes in a private treatment room
at Airlee's Banqiao branch.

According to the social media post, the woman said the smoke detector
appeared to conceal a recording device, and although clinic staff insisted it
was just a smoke detector, she reported the matter to the police.

The woman later returned to the branch with police and office found a
recording device connected to a power source after opening the smoke
detector.

Prosecutors have questioned eight people in connection with the case so far -
and along with the cosmetic surgery chain chairman, two other suspects have
also been detained.

Posted on 2026-05-07 06:58:36

U-S Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Washington and Beijing believe that
maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait are in their shared interests.

The statement comes as U-S President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping
prepare to meet in Beijing.

Rubio said Taiwan will likely be discussed by both leaders.

The official claimed Washington and Beijing both understand each other's
positions on the Taiwan issue and... and that it is not in their interests to
see anything destabilizing happen in that part of the world.

Trump is scheduled to visit Beijing on May 14 and 15.

The meeting was postponed from March due to the U-S war with Iran.

The visit will be Trump's first to China in his second term.

Here in Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said the government will
be closely monitor the meeting.

Ministry spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei told reporters last last month that the
Trump administration has consistently reiterated its support for Taiwan and
taken concrete actions to implement the U-S government's long-standing policy
toward the island.

Hsiao also stressed that the Lai administration has been close contact with
the U-S government and policy circles in Washington regarding the issues
likely to be discussed at the Trump-Xi meeting.

Posted on 2026-05-07 06:58:36

bill

Legislative party caucuses have once again failed to reach a consensus on
budget items and amounts for the special defense bill.

It's the fourth cross-caucus meeting that has failed to yield any concrete
agreements on key points of the bill.

Lawmakers have thus far found common ground on the name of the act, the
implementation period and the implementation procedures.... but they are
still divided on the budget items and amounts.

The Cabinet is proposing a 1.25-trillion N-T defense bill over over eight
years, the K-M-T is seeking a 380-billion N-T "plus N" policy - the "plus N"
referring to funding that could be allocated after Taiwan receives letters of
acceptance for arms sales from the U-S.

While the Taiwan People's Party is proposing a defense budget bill with a
400-billion N-T cap on spending.

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu says he still remains hopeful that lawmakers
will be able to vote on the bill by tomorrow at the latest.

Posted on 2026-05-07 06:58:36

secrets

The Ciaotou District Prosecutors' Office in Kaohsiung has indicted a CTi TV
reporter for allegedly bribing bribing soldiers to leak military secrets.

Prosecutors say Lin Chen-you bribed six active-duty and retired members of
the armed forces to leak military secrets to a "foreign hostile force" and he
also produced propaganda programs on social media platforms under its
instructions.

Lin has been charged with violations of the Anti-Infiltration Act, the Money
Laundering Control Act, and the Anti-Corruption Act.

Prosecutors are seeking a combined prison sentence of up to 12 years.

Lin covered political news, mainly the Legislature for CTi News and also
hosted a political program on the outlet's YouTube channel.

He was detained on January 17.

Prosecutors say the have asked the Ciaotou District Court to impose heavy
sentences on the six military personnel involved.

They were all indicted for violating the Anti-Corruption Act, the National
Security Act, and the Criminal Code.

Posted on 2026-05-07 06:58:36

Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang has been hospitalized after suffering
complications from influenza B.

A city government spokesman says Hsieh was sent to the Taipei Veterans
General Hospital after his symptoms worsened.

The Keelung City Council has postponed the 7th regular session of the 20th
council - which was originally set to begin on Wednesday.

Keelung City Council Speaker Tung Tzu-wei says the city government's
Department of Civil Affairs informed the council on Monday afternoon that
Hsieh would be unable to attend the opening session to deliver a municipal
report.

The Taipei Veterans General Hospital says it expects Hsieh to "recover."

Posted on 2026-05-07 06:58:36

President Lai Ching-te has conferred one of Taiwan's highest honors for
foreign nationals on Michael J. Fonte - a former head of the D-P-P's mission
in the U-S.

Fonte received the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon at a ceremony
held at the Presidential Office for his contributions to Taiwan-US relations.

Fonte was recognized for his key role and "exceptional contributions" to
promoting Taiwan-US ties.

The president described Fonte as "a friend who has fought alongside the
Taiwanese people" and expressed his hope that Fonte will continue mentoring
younger generations and supporting Taiwan's democracy, peace and prosperity.

Fonte first came to Taiwan in 1967 as a missionary - where worked with
farmers in Taichung, Changhua, and Miaoli.

Posted on 2026-05-07 06:58:36

Transport Minister Chen Shih-kai says TPass 2.0 user rebates are now expected
to be credited on May 25.

The statement comes as the frequent customer rebate program have not been
issued for three months.

Those rebates total approximately 27-million N-T.

According to Chen, the rebates will be distributed once local governments
submit applications for funding to the Highway Bureau.

The Highway Bureau announced in February that cash rebates for TPass users
would be delayed, as lawmaker had failed to approve funding for the program.

The central government's 2026 budget was stalled in the Legislative Yuan.

However, lawmakers have since agreed to unfreeze parts to allow 71-billion
N-T of delayed funding to released for 38 projects, including funding for the
TPass public transportation program.

TPass users are able to take unlimited regional rides on the M-R-T, Taiwan
Railways, city and intercity buses, light rail and shared public bicycles for
periods of 30 days.

Posted on 2026-05-07 06:58:36

The Central Weather Bureau says its monitoring a tropical storm that formed
east of Philippines...

Tropical Storm Hagupit formed yesterday afternoon.

It is currently located some 700-kilometers south of Guam and moving in a
west-northwesterly direction at 15-kilometers-an-hour.

Independent meteorologist Daniel Wu says Hagupit will weaken back into a
tropical depression as it moves into waters east of the Philippines on Sunday
or Monday before dissipating.

Meanwhile, the second front of this year's plum rain season is forecast to
affect northern and central parts of the island from tomorrow and into
Saturday.

It's forecast to bring localized showers or thunderstorms, and a drop in
temperature to the areas.

However, front is expected to move away from the island on Sunday - when
we'll see clear skies and a rise in temperature islandwide.

Posted on 2026-05-07 06:58:36

The Philippines gets ready to host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
as it meets this year.

Conflicts far beyond Southeast Asia are expected to dominate discussions of
leaders with the Middle East crisis posing significant challenges for its
fuel import-dependent economies.

The meetings take place today and tomorrow, and will include leaders and
foreign and economic ministers of the 11-member grouping.

Energy and food supply security will be top priorities for the region of
nearly 700 million people.

Last month, the Asian Development Bank cut its economic growth forecast for
the region to 4.7% this year and 4.8% next year, down from earlier
projections of 5.1% for both years, due to the war in the Middle East.

Posted on 2026-05-06 19:57:13

A Taipei man has received a suspended prison sentence for posting online
threats calling for violence against President Lai Ching-te.

The Taipei District Court says the 42-year-old man, surnamed Xu, was
convicted of intimidating the public after making multiple posts calling for
violence last year.

He was sentenced to two months in prison, which can be converted to a fine,
and the sentence was suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to pay 50 thousand NT dollars to the public treasury.

Prosecutors say Xu made the comments on the social media platform Threads
while expressing dissatisfaction with recall politics and cross-strait
relations.

The court noted that although the remarks disrupted public order, Xu admitted
wrongdoing and had no prior criminal record, factors that contributed to the
suspended sentence.

Posted on 2026-05-06 19:57:13

Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang is currently in hospital after developing
complications from the flu.

City officials say his condition worsened following about two weeks of
illness, and he was admitted to Taipei Veterans General Hospital for
treatment.

They add that the mayor is receiving care and is expected to recover.

Because of his condition, the Keelung City Council has postponed its upcoming
session, as Hsieh was unable to deliver a scheduled policy report.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control says overall flu activity is
starting to ease.

The latest figures show fewer outpatient visits for flu-like symptoms,
although influenza B remains the main strain in circulation.

Health officials are reminding people to keep up preventive measures — like
washing hands regularly, wearing masks in crowded places, and seeking medical
attention if needed.

Posted on 2026-05-06 19:57:13

The Ministry of Agriculture is moving ahead with a reforestation and farmland
recovery plan, for areas affected by last year's Mataian barrier lake
overflow in Hualien.

The ministry said today that recovery efforts are focusing on direct
government land purchase, or subsidized private reforestation.

In severely affected areas, landowners who wish to retain their land can
apply for reforestation subsidies of up to $600-thousand NT per hectare over
six years.

In less damaged areas, a two-year farmland rehabilitation project targeting
300 hectares is already underway.

And the ministry says for those who wish to sell, valuation work is expected
to be completed by July, with the first round of purchase negotiations
targeted for December.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-06 19:57:13

The head of the World Health Organization says that three suspected
hantavirus cases have been evacuated from a cruise ship and are heading to
the Netherlands.

However, the W-H-O Director-General says the health risk remains low.

The Dutch-flagged M-V Hondius is stuck off Cape Verde with nearly 150 people
on board.

Three passengers have died, and at least five others have been infected with
the rare disease.

The ship left Argentina on April 1st but remains marooned off of Cape Verde.

South African and Swiss authorities have identified the Andes virus strain in
some cases.

Posted on 2026-05-06 19:01:13

vote

Defense Minister Wellington Koo said that requiring U-S letters of acceptance
before approving the special defense budget would create a serious timing
problem.

Koo says these documents are typically only valid for 45 days, leaving too
little time to pass a budget without prior groundwork.

He added that arms procurement cases normally take more than two years to
negotiate, and the ministry only submits budget items after confirming U-S
willingness to supply.

Koo warned that rushing approvals only after a letter arrives would amount to
writing a, quote, "blank check."

The special defense budget entered its fourth round of cross-party
negotiations today.

Separately, Lieutenant General Huang Wen-chi (黃文啟) reiterated that the
H-I-M-A-R-S first installment, worth around 800-million NT, must be paid by
May 31 or the deal will be cancelled.

If cancelled, restarting the process would take at least a year.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-06 19:01:13

Civil groups are calling on the government to cut daily work hours for
parents of young children without slashing their pay.

At a press conference ahead of Mother’s Day, advocacy organizations said
many parents struggle most with not having enough time to accompany their
children.

They're urging lawmakers to amend the "Gender Equality in Employment Act" to
allow parents to work fewer hours while maintaining full salaries.

Currently, parents can reduce their workday by one hour, but with a
corresponding pay cut.

Groups say that system fails to address what they describe as the biggest
challenge facing families — time to care for children.

They are also proposing government subsidies to help businesses cover the
cost, including allowances for temporary replacement workers.

Advocates argue that more family-friendly policies could improve work-life
balance, boost employee retention, and help address declining birth rates.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-06 19:01:13

In similar news,

The Ministry of Labor says payments of 100 thousand NT per child will be
issued before Mother's Day.

The payments are part of the government's expanded childbirth subsidy
program, aimed at addressing Taiwan's declining birth rate.

Officials say around 18 thousand applicants will receive back payments in the
coming days.

The policy raises childbirth benefits across different insurance systems to a
flat rate of 100 thousand NT per child, with higher payouts for multiple
births.

Disbursements had been delayed due to pending budget approval, but
authorities now say the Executive Yuan has approved the release of funds.

The ministry adds that future applicants will receive payments through the
standard process.

Separately, a new childcare leave policy offering incentives to smaller
businesses is also set to begin payouts later this month, with subsidies
provided to employers.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-06 19:01:13

New data from Agoda shows Taiwanese travelers are becoming more selective
when booking accommodation — placing greater emphasis on reviews and dining
options.

According to the platform's latest travel trends, 'reviews' have now
overtaken price and location as the top deciding factor for bookings.

Travelers are increasingly relying on other guests' feedback to ensure a
better overall experience.

Food is also playing a bigger role.

Agoda says several of the most common search terms among Taiwanese users
relate to dining options, including breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner.

That reflects a growing preference for combined lodging-and-dining
experiences.

The company says the shift highlights changing expectations, with travelers
placing greater value on comfort, convenience, and the overall quality of
their stay.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-06 17:07:48

The Ministry of National Defense says the first installment for a HIMARS
multiple launch rocket system purchase must be paid by May 31st, or the deal
will be cancelled.

Officials told lawmakers today the payment, worth around 800-million NT,
cannot be delayed further.

The U.S. side had already agreed to push back the original March 30 deadline,
but made clear in its final letter that May 31 is non-negotiable.

If the case is cancelled, Taiwan would have to restart the entire procurement
process, which could take more than eight months and would likely come at a
higher price.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo told the Legislative Yuan's Foreign Affairs
and National Defense Committee that the special defense budget, which covers
HIMARS and three other arms procurement casesm has not yet passed.

One lawmaker said approval by May 31 appears unlikely, citing the upcoming
Trump-Xi summit and the legislative speaker's planned overseas trip as
complicating factors.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-06 17:07:48

Day weekend

Kaohsiung's Shoushan Zoo is offering free admission for women and children
under 12 this weekend to mark Mother's Day.

The zoo is also running a joint activity with Neimen Wild Forest Animal
School starting Saturday, where visitors can complete tasks via the
"Kaohsiung GO!" app at designated locations to enter a prize draw.

A "World Cockroach Special Exhibition" is also now open in the zoo's Alpaca
Corridor through the end of August, featuring species from around the world
including an armored, wingless rhinoceros cockroach from Australia and a
metallic-sheened Vietnamese cockroach.

The zoo says recent new arrivals, including capybaras, miniature donkeys, and
swamp wallabies, have added to the family-friendly atmosphere.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-06 17:07:48

Now turning to international news...

Russia has launched a drone attack on Ukraine, thus ignoring a unilateral
ceasefire announced by Kyiv.

Ukrainian officials reported the attacks but Russia officials claimed Ukraine
violated their own ceasefire...

saying air defenses shot down 53 Ukrainian drones.

Moscow has shown no sign of respecting Kyiv's ceasefire, and hopes for a
pause in hostilities remain low.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the ceasefire after Russia
said it would hold its own ceasefire later this week.

Zelenskyy said any breach of the ceasefire would trigger a military response.

Posted on 2026-05-06 17:07:48

British voters are heading to the polls in an election expected to deliver a
major defeat to the ruling Labor Party.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's popularity has plunged due to a weak economy
and his decision to appoint a friend of predator Jeffrey Epstein as
ambassador to the US.

The party may lose over half of the 2500 local council seats it aims to
defend.

Labor is expected to lose to parties on both the left and right- including
the Green Party in London and Reform UK in working-class, former Labor
strongholds in the north.

A bad result could even lead to a challenge to Starmer's leadership even
though the next national election does not have to be held until 2029.

Starmer survived threats to his leadership in Feburary, but he could be
challeneged this time around by the current health secretary, a former deputy
prime minister, or the Greater Manchester mayor.

Posted on 2026-05-06 17:07:48

The US military has killed another 3 people in a strike on a vessel they
claim was transporting drugs in the eastern Pacific.

This comes just one day after they killed 2 in a similar strike in the
Carribean.

That brings the total number dead from US strikes on so-called "drug boats"
to 191.

Since the campaign began in September, the US has failed to provide any
evidence that the boats are carrying drugs.

Posted on 2026-05-06 15:52:13

Taiwan Power Company Chairman Tseng Wen-sheng (曾文生) says fuel rods used at
Taiwan's four nuclear power plants are specially designed and cannot be used
interchangeably.

Tseng made the remarks today at the 2026 Taiwan Energy Summit Forum.

He said each reactor unit requires its own specially designed fuel rods, with
even the layout inside the reactor core individually calculated.

On the question of Nuclear Power Plant 4's fuel rods, Tseng said Taipower
sent them overseas in compliance with a 2018 Legislative Yuan resolution.

Storing them abroad costs between 100-million and 200-million NT per year.

He added that keeping them on-site would actually cost more, as it would
require stationing security personnel and meeting higher on-site safety
standards.

On whether Nuclear Power Plant 3 could be restarted by 2028, Tseng said the
timeline is up to the Nuclear Safety Commission, not Taipower.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-06 15:52:13

New Taipei has identified high-risk rodent infestation zones across the city
and is stepping up prevention efforts.

The city's Environmental Protection Department says the nearly 2-thousand-600
hotspots identified include flood-prone areas, vacant lots and buildings, and
sites where recyclable materials accumulate.

Officials say they are focusing on environmental management, by eliminating
food sources and shelter, and chemical rodenticide use will be a secondary
measure.

Outdoor bait stations are enclosed and labeled with warning signs, and
residents who request rodenticides for home use will be given safety
guidelines before receiving the product.

The city says it has no data indicating a rise in rat populations, and the
list of high-risk zones will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-06 15:52:13

China Airlines has announced a new partnership with U.S. carrier JetBlue,
allowing members of both airlines to redeem miles or points for tickets on
the other carrier.

It marks the first time JetBlue has partnered with a Taiwanese airline on a
member rewards program.

China Airlines' Dynasty Flyer members can book JetBlue redemption tickets
immediately through customer service centers.

China Airlines currently flies 40 weekly flights to seven North American
destinations, and connects to more than 100 U-S cities through existing
codeshare partners.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-06 15:52:13

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo has appointed a new attorney general to
the national prosecutor’s office, putting an end to a fierce, years-long
struggle between the anti-corruption progressive and former top prosecutor
Consuelo Porras.

Porras’ prosecutor’s office repeatedly tried and failed to block Arevalo
from entering office, sparking international rebuke and a fierce struggle
with the president.

In Guatemala, the attorney general holds an independent office that is not
supposed to be allied to any given president.

This means that presidents can be effectively stuck with rivals as chief law
enforcement officers.

The office has been plagued by corruption allegations for years.

Arevalo appointed lawyer Gabriel Estuardo Garcia Luna to the post.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-05-06 15:52:13

In Austria, Gustav Klimt's early works in Vienna are now accessible to the
public for the first time.

The 10 oil paintings on the ceilings of the Burgtheater are being restored
because of water damage.

The theater is offering daily guided tours on the conservators' scaffolding.

Klimt is known for his bold art nouveau style.

He painted the works from 1886 to 1888 with his brother and another artist.

The paintings depict scenes from theater history, including a self-portrait
of Klimt.

Hundreds of art lovers are taking the opportunity to see the details up
close.

The special tours will continue until August.

General admission tickets are available on the theater's website for 25
euros, or $925 NT.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-05-06 14:28:13

The Ministry of Health and Welfare says a clinic where a hidden camera was
allegedly found could face a fine of up to 250-thousand NT if investigators
confirm a violation of medical privacy law.

A smoke detector at the Banqiao branch of Airlee Clinic in New Taipei City
was recently found to contain what appeared to be a pinhole camera.

Authorities conducted an unannounced inspection of the clinic's Taipei branch
yesterday.

The clinic says its surveillance equipment is intended to ensure medical
quality and protect medications and equipment, and denies any intent to
violate patient privacy.

The healthy ministry's Medical Affairs Division says recording in a clinical
setting requires the consent of both parties under a 2015 regulation.

Officials say local health bureaus have been asked to investigate whether the
clinic violated Article 72 of the Medical Care Act.

A preliminary assessment suggests existing law may not provide grounds for
suspension of the clinic's operating license.

(pb)

Posted on 2026-05-06 14:28:15

The central government is raising concerns about Taipei's rat problem.

The minister of agriculture said today that the government would put together
a system to report rat hotspots in the city.

That's after posters online set up a website called Rat Radar for that very
purpose.

Minister Chen Jun Ji said that the government would immediately begin using
disaster preparation apps for rat-tracking purposes as well.

Kaohsiung Lawmaker Qiu Yi Ying also said she hoped the central government
could use similar mechanisms to track damage caused by monkeys to agriculture
in her hometown and assist farmers.

But Chen said that, as the monkey problem is a near-daily occurrence in
Kaohsiung, the government will instead rely on compensation to address
losses.

Meanwhile the minister of the environment seemed unconvinced of the efficacy
of a Taipei City plan to provide residents with what Mayor Chiang Wan An
called "rodent detection specialists..."

emphasizing that dealing with rodents requires professional expertise.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-06 14:28:15

Crews were working to repair a flooded intersection in New Taipei's Xinzhuang
this morning.

The New Taipei Boulevard and Wugong Road intersection was flooded today,
since construction crews ruptured a pipe.

Flooding mostly shut down one lane of traffica the intersection, on New
Taipei Boulevard heading west.

This follows a similar incident in Feburary, causing water outages to nearby
areas and traffic slowdowns.

Mayor Hou You Yi says today that he's requested construction companies to act
more cautiously and noted that the city government would implement stronger
oversight.

The mayor added that water service to residents and businesses is currently
unaffected as crews work to fix the issue as soon as possible.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-06 14:28:20

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at 41138 after
gaining 369 points.

the turnover was 1 trillion 449 billion NT

Posted on 2026-05-06 14:28:20

An Australian man accused of killing 15 people in a shooting at Bondi Beach
now faces 19 more charges.

He was already charged with 59 counts for the Hanukkah celebration shooting,
including murder and terrorism.

The new charges are mostly weapons offenses.

Police believe the attack was inspired by the Islamic State group.

The man and his father, now dead, allegedly began their attack by throwing
explosives toward the crowd, but those faield to explode.

A larger explosive was later found in the son's car.

Posted on 2026-05-06 12:34:13

Taiwan-based freight forwarder Dimerco says rising aviation fuel costs are
prompting some shippers to shift cargo from air to sea freight, rail, or
combined transport options.

The company says Middle East tensions and restrictions in the Strait of
Hormuz have increased congestion at major Asian transshipment hubs, adding
pressure across global supply chains.

Countries including India, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the
Philippines are among those affected.

On the air side, reduced passenger flights have cut belly cargo capacity,
especially on Asia-to-Europe routes.

Despite the pressures, Dimerco posted April consolidated revenue of 2.8
billion NT, up 12-percent year-on-year.

Air freight volume for the first four months of the year rose about
20-percent, while sea freight volume was up nearly 10-percent.

The company says overall supply chain decision-making is becoming
increasingly complex.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-06 12:34:13

Researchers at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University have developed a new
luminescent material inspired by the famous "blue tears" of Matsu.

The blue tears are caused by single-celled organisms that emit fluorescence
when agitated by ocean waves.

A graduate student accidentally discovered that a soft silicone material
emits blue fluorescence when compressed or stretched, reminding the team of
the natural phenomenon.

The material also generates circularly polarized light, seen as a key
technology for next-generation 3D displays that would not require glasses.

Researchers say it could also reduce power consumption and allow for thinner,
lighter devices.

The findings were developed in collaboration with Osaka Institute of
Technology in Japan and published in an international academic journal.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-06 12:34:13

The Maokong Gondola is shut down again following a stint last month during
which it was closed for maintenance.

The operator said on their website that the gondola was shut down due to a
system irregularity.

Shuttle buses are in operation to take passengers up the mountain.

It's not yet certain when the gondola will be back in operation.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-06 12:34:13

US President Donald Trump says the US is pausing Project Freedom,
which has seen the US navy escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz,

The president wrote on social media it was due to "great progress" on
a possible deal with Iran.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

Posted on 2026-05-06 12:34:13

Antigua and Barbuda has sworn in a new Cabinet after Prime Minister Gaston
Browne's party won a fourth consecutive election.

On Tuesday, for the first time, officials of this former British colony
pledged allegiance to the country instead of the British monarch.

In December 2025, Parliament approved this constitutional change.

Browne emphasized the responsibility that comes with electoral success.

The Antigua and Barbuda Labor Party secured 15 of 17 parliamentary seats.

The main opposition party now holds just one seat.

The snap election, held two years early, focused on rising living costs and
infrastructure development.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-05-06 12:34:13

In France, a top art museum in Paris has opened a new gallery dedicated to
orphaned masterpieces plundered by the Nazis.

The exhibit went on display Tuesday at the Musee d'Orsay as part of France's
long-delayed reckoning with Nazi-era looting.

It is also the first such exhibit in France where the paintings are hung so
visitors can read the backs.

The stamps, labels, and inventory marks map how each piece of art moved from
private homes into Nazi hands.

The artworks were retrieved from Germany and Austria after 1945 and entrusted
to French national museums in the early 1950s.

They were never claimed.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-05-06 08:15:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affair says a visit to Taiwan later this week by
Paraguay's President Santiago Pena is evidence of the solid ties between the
two sides that will not be undermined by Chinese coercion.

According to ministry spokesman Hsiao Kuang-wei, Pena will be leading a
delegation of business representatives to Taiwan for a four day visit and
will meet with President Lai Ching-te and other senior government officials.

Hsiao says the talks will be focusing on investments, international
cooperation in industries and other policy measures aimed at strengthen
bilateral ties.

Pena's trip to Taiwan follows reports that Beijing is pressuring Paraguay to
sever ties with Taiwan in favor of China.

A New York Times report has claimed that China has been targeting Paraguay
with cyberattacks and bribing politicians to switch diplomatic recognition.

Posted on 2026-05-06 08:15:13

Lawmakers have voted down President Lai Ching-te's nomination of Hsu
Hsi-hsiang as prosecutor-general.

The rejection means the Ministry of Justice will now have to submit a
recommendation through the Cabinet for the president to appoint an acting
prosecutor-general once incumbent Hsing Tai-chao completes his four-year term
tomorrow.

The acting prosecutor-general is likely to be selected from among the
office's two head prosecutors, including Hsu and will then serve until a new
nominee is announced and receives legislative confirmation.

Taiwan People's Party lawmaker Wang An-hsiang says Hsu's nomination was
rejected lacked "core experience" and previously held political roles, such
as deputy justice minister, raising questions about his differentiating of
political and judicial spheres.

Hsu was nominated by Lai on March 13 and was advanced to a floor vote
following cross-party negotiations in the Legislature on April 17.

According to the Presidential Office, Hsu has more than 30 years of
prosecutorial experience and has served as head prosecutor at district
prosecutors offices in Kinmen, Hsinchu, Changhua and New Taipei.

Posted on 2026-05-06 08:15:13

Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun is protested Taiwan's designation at the
Asian Development Bank and calling for the country's equal treatment in the
organization.

According to the Ministry of Finance, Chuang issued a statement at the
A-D-B's 59th annual meeting being held in Uzbekistan this week, in which she
lodged a formal protest against that "Taipei,China" designation.

The finance ministry says Chuang also conveyed her opposition to Taiwan's
designation when she met with A-D-B President Masato Kanda.

It's the third time that Chuang had protested Taiwan's designation since she
assumed the post at the end of January 2023.

The Republic of China was one of the founding members of the A-D-B in 1966.

Its designation was changed to "Taipei,China" in 1986, after the People's
Republic of China joined the bank.

Posted on 2026-05-06 08:15:13

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an says his administration will launch a second round
of citywide sanitation measures and introduce so-called "rodent control
specialists" to help residents address rat problems.

The statement comes amid widespread concerns about growing rat populations in
parts of the city following social media posts reporting more rat sightings.

Acccording to Chiang, households will be able to apply to have rodent control
specialists visit their homes to assess infestations and provide tailored
prevention and control advice.

Chiang says the city will take a coordinated, cross-agency approach to
strengthen prevention, inspection and sanitation and he's also urging
residents to remain calm.

Officials said the specialists will focus on identifying infestation sources,
improving environmental conditions and supporting effective household pest
control.

The city government says it will also tighten sanitation at markets,
including installing mesh in drains, sealing building gaps and improving
waste handling.

Posted on 2026-05-06 08:15:13

Formosa Petrochemical says a Liberian-flagged supertanker carrying 2-million
barrels of crude oil will dock at Mailiao Port today - giving its underused
refineries a timely boost.

According to Formosa Petrochemical Corporation President Lin Keh-yen, the
F-P-M-C-C Lord is operated by Formosa Plastics Marine and carrying crude oil
from Saudi Arabia.

Lin says the arrivial of the crude oil will help ease the company's tight raw
material supplies.

Supply disruptions due to blocking of the Strait of Hormuz have resulted in
Formosa Petrochemical's overall refinery utilization rate dropping to about
43-per cent in April, as several scheduled crude shipments failed to arrive.

The rate for its naphtha cracking facilities alone was about 33-per cent in
April.

The corporation president says refinery operations are expected to gradually
recover with the arrival of the shipment - which transited the Strait of
Hormuz in mid-April after Iran temporarily reopened the waterway.

Posted on 2026-05-06 08:15:13

And finally,

The Taipei Zoo has announced the death of a leopard cat named Xiao Mu.

According to the zoo, Xiao Mu died on May 1 at the age of 19 - making her the
oldest leopard cat the zoo has ever housed.

The zoo says she had been suffering from spinal degeneration, bone spurs, and
degenerative arthritis - and had been housed in a rear enclosure since 2024.

Xiao Mu came to the zoo in 2018.

Prior to that she served as a leopard cat conservation ambassador for the
Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency's wildlife rescue and rehabilitation
program.

Posted on 2026-05-06 06:55:14

right'

President Lai Ching-te says bilateral visits between heads of state are a
"basic right" and should not be seen as "breakthroughs."

Lai made the statement at Taoyuan International Airport after he arrived
Taiwan from Eswatini ...

.. and after alleged Chinese interference that blocked his originally plans
to fly there on April 22.

Lai said while his trip was blocked at one point, his trip to Eswatini this
past weekend is evidence of "Taiwan's resolve to engage with the world."

Lai also thanked Eswatini's deputy prime minister, who escorted him on his
return flight to Taiwan on a private Airbus A340-313 owned by the country's
king.

During his trip, the king said he saw evidence of comprehensive bilateral
exchanges spanning energy security, agriculture, smart healthcare, women's
empowerment, culture and education during his visit ..

Those cooperation initiatives not only underscored the friendship between the
two countries spanning more than half a century, but also highlighted
Taiwan's concrete actions with an international partner to bring about
security, prosperity and development.

Posted on 2026-05-06 06:55:14

The Ministry of Foreign Affair says it will be holding a medical tech
exhibition in Geneva later this month to coincide with the World Health
Assembly.

The ministry's Department of International Cooperation and Economic Affairs
said the expo will showcase Taiwan's smart healthcare innovations and its
ongoing overseas medical aid programs.

The Taiwan Smart Medical & HealthTech Expo will take place in Geneva from May
17 to 19.

It expects to feature 30 Taiwanese companies specializing in smart and
innovative healthcare, as well as some of Taiwan's top medical centers.

It will also include a special section highlighting Taiwan's achievements in
providing humanitarian assistance and healthcare to its allies.

The government has said it has yet to receive an invitation to attend the
79th W-H-A.

The World Health Assembly is scheduled to take place in Geneva from May 18 to
23.

Posted on 2026-05-06 06:55:14

The Taiwan Sugar Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding with
the U-S Grains & Bioproducts Council to deepen cooperation on bioethanol
production and expand its use in transportation fuels.

The agreement was signed in Taipei.

Under the deal, Taiwan Sugar will complete an initial assessment of potential
feedstock sources by the second quarter of 2027, laying the groundwork for
future development.

Taiwan Sugar Chairman Wu Ming-chang says the government accelerating efforts
to develop sustainable aviation fuel and achieve at least 5-per cent S-A-F
blending in international flights by 2030.

Wu says the partnership will focus on advancing production technologies,
expand applications and strengthening exchanges on policy and market
information, as Taiwan builds capacity in alternative fuels and low-carbon
transportation.

Company officials says the initial phase will prioritize identifying viable
raw materials beyond sugarcane and assessing how different technologies can
be integrated into production.

Posted on 2026-05-06 06:55:14

Taiwan's major carriers have announced that they will be keeping fuel
surcharges on international passenger flights unchanged for this month.

The move means that rates for short-haul routes will remain at 45 U-S
dollars, while rates for long-haul routes stay at 117 U-S dollars.

EVA Airways and Starlux Airlines have said that surcharges implemented on
April 7 for flights departing from Taiwan will remain in effect.

China Airlines also says it would keep surcharge levels unchanged in May in
accordance with the Civil Aviation Administration's pricing mechanism.

However, China Airlines also says it will continue to monitor global crude
oil price trends.

The decision to freeze the surcharges came despite what the airlines have
been arguing is a significant gap between market fuel prices and the
industry's baseline.

Data from C-P-C shows that average aviation fuel prices reached 208.78 U-S
dollars per barrel in May, far exceeding the 40 U-S dollar benchmark on which
the fuel surcharges are based.

Posted on 2026-05-06 06:55:14

Activist groups are calling for a multipronged approach to curb what some
claim to be Taipei's fast growing rat population, even as they warn the
overuse of rat poison could breed resistant rats while killing their natural
predators.

The Taiwan Walk for Wildlife, the Reptile Conservation Association of Taiwan
and the Raptor Research Group say the Taipei City government needs to disrupt
environments that sustain rodents, rather than relying solely on chemicals.

The groups say chemical killers could contaminate the food chain, killing
raptors and snakes.

The resulting declines in those natural predators, combined with rodents'
rapid reproduction, could lead to a surge in the rat population.

The Taipei Environmental Protection Bureau defended its use of rat poison,
saying the chemical is approved by the central government and follows the
Ministry of Environment's guidelines for deployment.

The bureau says rat bait is placed in areas where rodents are active or may
enter buildings, such as warehouse corners, cluttered storage areas, wall
crevices, and around burrows ...

.. and it "does not engage in indiscriminate application."

Posted on 2026-05-06 06:55:14

The Chiayi District Prosecutors' Office is indicting three people for
stealing over 4.5-kilometers of cable from a Taiwan Semiconductor
Manufacturing Advanced Packaging Plant construction site in Chiayi.

The suspects include a downstream contractor for the site and two employees
of the same company.

Prosecutors say the accused then sold the cable for nearly 5-million N-T.

Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of 10 years for two of the suspects
and nine years for the other.

The robberies went unnoticed until March 2, when the three suspects attempted
to steal 600 meters of cable from the site.

Security guards altered authorities after seeing a large amount of cable
being loaded onto a truck, but the suspects managed to flee the scene after
crashing the vehicle through a security-gate.

The suspects were arrested by police after they tried to sell the cable to a
recycling center in Pingtung.

Posted on 2026-05-06 06:55:14

And,

Four pygmy killer whales found stranded beneath New Taipei's Danjiang Bridge
have been rescued.

The Coast Guard Administration says a 30-member rescue team involving the
Ocean Conservation Administration, New Taipei City Animal Protection Office,
and the Taiwan Cetacean Society was dispatched to scene.

Rescuers identified the animals as four pygmy killer whales, each measuring
about 2.2-meters in length.

Rescue workers righted the whales, kept them cool and moist, while
continuously poured seawater over their bodies to prevent dehydration and
overheating.

The whales were later transported to Badouzi in Keelung for further
observation and care.

Posted on 2026-05-06 06:55:14

The United States and its Gulf allies have proposed a U.N. resolution
threatening Iran with sanctions or other measures if it doesn’t halt attacks
on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, stop imposing “illegal tolls” and
disclose the placement of all mines to allow freedom of navigation.

It also demands that Iran “immediately participate in and enable” United
Nations efforts to establish a humanitarian corridor in the strait to enable
the delivery of vital aid, fertilizer and other goods.

The Trump administration is working to restore freedom of navigation in the
strait, which carried about 20% of the world’s crude oil before the war.

Posted on 2026-05-06 06:55:14

Ukrainian authorities say Russian drone and missile strikes during the night
and into daylight hours have killed at least 22 people and wounded more than
80 others.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday criticized Moscow for launching the
attacks after Russia announced a temporary unilateral ceasefire for later
this week.

Russia’s Defense Ministry declared a ceasefire for Friday and Saturday...
but it warned of retaliation if Kyiv disrupts Victory Day festivities.

Ukrainian forces have also continued their attacks on Russian areas by
targeting oil facilities.

Russia said that it destroyed 289 Ukrainian drones overnight across 18
regions.

Posted on 2026-05-06 06:55:14

The Venice Biennale has begun previewing its 61st edition, just days after
the contemporary art show's jury resigned over the participation of Israel
and Russia.

Ukrainian artists brought a statue from the front line, Russian participants
danced to house music and Palestinians marched in protest.

Curator Marie Helene Pereira said the tensions put in question the relevance
of national representation in a globalized art world.

The jury had refused to award prizes to countries under investigation by the
International Court of Justice.
Without a jury, visitors get to decide and vote for the winners.

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