ICRT

Posted on 2026-04-22 08:14:13

The K-M-T is describing the cancellation of President Lai Ching-te's planned
visit to Eswatini as being "deeply regrettable," and is calling on Beijing to
exercise restraint, "reduce its suppression," and give the Republic of China
government diplomatic space.

According to K-M-T Culture and Communications Committee Director Yin
Nai-ching, the cancellation of Lai's Eswatini trip was "not connected" to the
meeting earlier this month in Beijing between K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun
and Xi Jinping.

While Taiwan People's Party has slammed China for allegedly forcing the
cancellation of Lai trip.

The party says if Beijing continues to "aggressively constrict Taiwan's
diplomatic space and intimidate the Taiwanese people," it will only
exacerbate tensions in the Taiwan Strait and push the Taiwanese people
farther away."

The statements came after Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Men-an
announced that Lai had been forced to cancel the visit, due to what he
described as "economic coercion" by China.

Pan told reporters that the Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar
"unexpectedly and without justification rescinded overflight permission."

Those three countries are located along the flight path of the chartered
plane that Lai, his delegation and members of his national security team were
scheduled to take to Eswatini.

Posted on 2026-04-22 08:14:13

The Cabinet's 2026 general budget proposal has been sent to committee review
after Premier Cho Jung-tai briefed lawmakers on its planning.

The budget had been stalled in the Legislature for more than six months,
prior to Cho briefing lawmakers on the compilation of the budget and
answering questions during a legislative hearing on Tuesday.

According to the premier, certain budget items have been deferred due to
concerns over parity among public servants and constitutional issues.

Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang presided over the hearing - after
which he announced that the proposal would be sent to the Finance Committee
and distributed to other committees in accordance with a set schedule.

Lawmakers agreed during cross-party negotiations last week to invite Cho to
present the budget and take questions before referring it to committee.

They also agreed that the Cabinet should, within six months of the start of
the review, propose bills to provide pay raises for active-duty military
personnel and pension increases for retired police officers and firefighters.

Posted on 2026-04-22 08:14:13

The Financial Supervisory Commission has confirmed that publicly-traded
companies will be able to distribute cash dividends in foreign currencies as
early as next year.

According to the commission, the move is aimed at creating a more
investor-friendly environment and aligning local regulations with
international practices.

The F-S-C says the measure will help reduce currency exchange costs for both
the investors and securities custodians, due to foreign investors holding up
to 46.9-per cent of the total market value of Taiwan's stock market.

The announcement comes after the stock market recently overtook the U-K to
become the world's seventh-largest by total market capitalization.

Starting next year, companies listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, the Taipei
Exchange, and the emerging stock market, will be able to distribute cash
dividends in foreign currencies upon request.

However, the F-S-C is stressing that the arrangement applies foreign
shareholders only.

Posted on 2026-04-22 08:14:13

The Centers for Disease Control says the number of confirmed Mpox cases so
far this year has doubled from last year.

According to the C-D-C, a total of 12 infections have been reported as of
Monday of this week.

That's an increase from six cases during the same period of last year.

This year's cases include 11 domestic infections and one imported infection.

The C-D-C says all of the cases involve men aged between the ages of 25 and
50 and nearly 80-per cent had not been vaccinated.

The C-D-C is warning that both domestic and overseas transmission risks
remain and high of is urging people in higher-risk groups to complete the
two-dose vaccination program.

Over 107,000 people here in Taiwan have received at least one vaccine dose,
but over 31,000 still need their second shot for full protection.

Posted on 2026-04-22 08:14:13

And finally,

Barista Lin Shao-hsing says a simple request from a guest for milk tea
resulted in him discovering his passion for latte art and winning the World
Latte Art Championship title.

Lin took top honors at the event in San Diego earlier this month.

The 37-year-old beat competitors from Malaysia, China, Thailand, South Korea,
and Japan.

According to Lin, winning the long-sought title was a dream come true after
finishing third in his previous two attempts.

Lin won the title after presenting raccoon, giraffe and red panda designs on
his latte's in the final round.

The World Latte Art Championship is organized by the Specialty Coffee
Association and is now its 20th year.

The competition evaluates baristas on visual presentation, creativity,
pattern consistency, contrast and overall performance.

Posted on 2026-04-22 06:50:13

President Lai Ching-te has cancelled his planned visit to Eswatini.

Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Men-an blames the cancellation on
what he's described as "economic coercion" by China.

The Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar are said to have "unexpectedly and
without justification rescinded overflight permission."

Those three countries are located along the flight path of the chartered
plane that Lai, his delegation and members of his national security team were
scheduled to take to Eswatini.

The five-day trip would have been Lai's first visit to Africa and only his
second overseas trip since he took office in May of 2024.

The Presidential Office secretary-general has not said whether a new date is
being considered for the trip, but is describing China's move as
"unprecedented."

Posted on 2026-04-22 06:50:13

cancellation

Meanwhile,

President Lai Ching-te says "Taiwan's sincere wishes" to Eswatini's King
Mswati III on his Ruby jubilee will not be affected, despite political
interference by China forcing him to cancel a visit to the African diplomatic
ally.

Lai said via social media that he "regretted" to inform the public that he
had to suspend his trip on the advice of his national security team, but
Taiwan continues to cherish its friendship with Eswatini ...

... and he will send special envoys to attend events marking the 40th
anniversary of the monarch's accession to the throne and the king's 58th
birthday."

Lai went on to say "the Taiwanese people have the right to engage with the
world and cooperate with like-minded partners" and "China's coercion has
disrupted the status quo, to the dismay of the Taiwanese people."

Posted on 2026-04-22 06:50:13

The Ministry of National Defense has released details of a list of weapons
systems it intends to procure via direct commercial sales or commissioned
manufacturing.

The planned purchase all come under the Cabinet's proposed 1.25-trillion N-T
special defense budget proposal.

The items include drones and various types of ammunition.

The procurement process is expected to involve the National Chung-Shan
Institute of Science and Technology and the Armaments Bureau.

Defense officials say about 24-per cent of the eight-year special budget will
be allocated to direct commercial sales or commissioned manufacturing.

While 76-per cent of the proposed budget will be spent on U-S weapons
systems, including those already approved for sale to Taiwan by Washington or
identified by Taiwan as items of interest through the Foreign Military Sales
program.

The Cabinet's 1.25-trillion N-T special defense budget proposal was sent to
lawmakers for review late last year, but remains frozen in the Legislative
Yuan.

Lawmakers from the K-M-T and the Taiwan People's Party are demanding that
President Lai Ching-te brief lawmakers directly on the proposal.

Posted on 2026-04-22 06:50:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that it's in the process of
purchasing property to house its representative office in Australia.

The Department of General Affairs says it is finalizing the deal to complete
the transfer of ownership of a property in Sydney and the aim is to move into
the new office before the end of 2027.

Officials have not released any information concerning the exact location of
the property in the city.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Sydney is currenty located in a
rented office.

The foreign ministry also says it's also planning to purchase properties to
house its representative offices in Boston, Houston, and Denver, and is now
adjusting its proposals for buying properties in the three U-S cities based
on the Cabinet's recommendations.

The ministry currently operates 111 overseas offices, 19 of which are housed
in government-owned properties.

Posted on 2026-04-22 06:50:13

The Army has demoted a company commander after he was accused of using a
racial slur against a Japanese-Taiwanese conscript serving under his command.

The 6th Army Corps Command says the captain was removed from his post in the
Yilan-based 153rd Infantry Brigade with immediate effect.

Further disciplinary action could also be taken... pending the results of an
ongoing internal probe and that the case would also be referred to
prosecutors for an investigation into possible public insult charges.

The Army has stressed that all conscripts should be treated equally, without
discrimination based on ethnicity or nationality and the brigade has sent
senior officials to apologize to the conscript and his family.

The conscript involved was serving his four months of compulsory military
service.

He posted a complaint on social media earlier this week accusing his company
commander of repeatedly calling him a derogatory ethnic slur in Chinese.

Posted on 2026-04-22 06:50:13

A former gymnastics coach has been suspended by the National Taiwan Normal
University following an investigation into the alleged bullying of students.

Weng Shih-hang had coached Olympic bronze medalist Tang Chia-hung.

Weng was suspended from his post as a associate professor in the Department
of Sport and Kinesiology two years, while his assistant coach, Mai Liu
Hsiang-han has had her contract terminated.

The university says the decisions have been submitted to the Ministry of
Education for review.

The Humanistic Education Foundation is calling for stricter punishments -
arguing they were disproportionate, as the investigation committee failed to
account for Weng's position of authority.

The foundation says the students involved ranged from preschool-aged children
to university students.

The allegations against Weng include inappropriate physical contact,
humiliation and the use of overly offensive language.

Posted on 2026-04-22 06:50:13

The Centers for Disease Control says the number of enterovirus cases are on
the rise this year.

C-D-C data shows that outpatient and emergency visits totaled 3,500 over the
past week, representing an increase of more than 16-per cent from the same
period of last year.

Health officials are warning that the surge in enterovirus cases is expected
to continue - as cases are increasing by about 1,000 per week.

That could mean cases could surpass 10,000 weekly visits in early June and
exceeding the epidemic threshold of around 12,000 by mid-to-late June.

The most common enterovirus strains currently circulating are the Coxsackie
A-6, A-4, and A-16.

Officials are urging the public to take precautions by maintaining good
hygiene, and staying home if sick to help curb the spread of the virus.

Posted on 2026-04-22 06:50:13

And,

The National Immigration Agency's Hualien Service Station has hosted a
traditional batik dyeing class to mark the birthday of Indonesian women's
rights pioneer Raden Ajeng Kartini.

Rovina Wiana, an Indonesian resident who has lived in Hualien for 25 years,
led participants in a hands-on batik experience -- guiding them through the
process from sketching designs and applying wax to dyeing the fabric.

She also shared the cultural background of Kartini Day and introduced
Indonesia's batik tradition.

Officials with the Hualien service station say the event allowed participants
to experience traditional batik, deepen cross-cultural understanding and
express appreciation to immigrant women and migrant workers, with the aim of
fostering a more inclusive society.

Indonesia's batik tradition was inscribed on UNESCO's intangible cultural
heritage list in 2009.

Posted on 2026-04-21 18:12:13

Taiwan's three major carriers have announced sharp increases in cargo fuel
surcharges starting in early May.

China Airlines says that starting May 1st, cargo fuel surcharges for
shipments to Europe and the United States will rise from 41 to 81 NT per
kilogram, and from 14 to 28 NT within Asia.

While EVA Air and STARLUX Airlines say that on May 2nd they will implement
the same rates.

Industry analysts say the increases will push overall air freight costs above
300 NT per kilogram on some routes.

The price hike is expected to trigger a rush of shipments before the new
rates take effect, with demand for cargo space likely to spike in late April.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-21 18:12:13

The Centers for Disease Control says local enterovirus cases are rising
quickly.

CDC data shows that outpatient and emergency visits were up more than 16
percent in the past week to over 3 thousand 500.

Health officials warn the surge is expected to continue, with cases
increasing by about 1 thousand per week ...

... potentially surpassing 10 thousand visits in early June and exceeding the
epidemic threshold of around 12 thousand by mid-to-late June.

Officials are urging the public to take precautions, especially when caring
for infants and young children, who are most at risk.

They recommend frequent handwashing, good hygiene, and staying home when sick
to help curb the spread.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-21 18:12:13

In related news,

The CDC says Mpox cases in Taiwan have doubled so far this year, with 12
infections confirmed as of April 20th.

That's up from six cases during the same period last year, with 11 domestic
infections and one imported.

All of the cases involve men aged between 25 and 50, and nearly 80 percent
had not been vaccinated.

Officials say two new cases reported in April were linked to high-risk sexual
behavior.

The agency warns that both domestic and international transmission risks
remain, and is urging people in higher-risk groups to complete the two-dose
vaccination series.

Authorities add that more than 107-thousand people have received at least one
vaccine dose, but over 31-thousand still need their second shot for full
protection.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-21 18:12:13

Kaohsiung MRT is reporting record-high ridership for the first quarter of the
year — and is adding an extra weekday after-school service.

The metro operator says average daily ridership across the Red and Orange
lines and the light rail system topped 248 thousand passengers — up over 4
percent from the same period a year earlier.

Officials say the increase is being driven by more commuters and students, as
well as wider use of discounted monthly passes like TPASS and MeNGo.

The extra train will run from Xiaogang to Gangshan.

Services will run every five to six minutes starting at 4:12 PM, with peak
operations beginning 20 minutes earlier to help students get home.

The company says it will continue aligning with city transport policies to
provide more punctual and comfortable service as ridership continues to grow.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-21 18:12:13

Local doctors are warning that not getting enough sleep may lead to weight
gain.

They say research shows people who don't get enough sleep may consume an
extra 200 to 500 calories a day.

Those sleeping just 5.5 hours per night are more likely to snack,
particularly between 7 PM and 7 AM, often choosing high-calorie, high-carb
foods.

Doctors say poor sleep disrupts hormones that control hunger and fullness,
while also affecting the brain's reward system.

This can trigger cravings even when the body doesn't need more energy.

Doctors stress that sleep is just as important as diet and exercise for
weight control.

They recommend getting around 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-21 17:47:13

Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang says the government's proposed 2026
general budget will now be sent to relevant committees for review.

Premier Cho Jung-tai appeared before the Legislature earlier today to deliver
a report and answer lawmakers' questions.

Lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties had already reached a
consensus to move the proposal forward after the briefing.

Under that agreement, the Executive Yuan must submit within six months
proposed amendments to military and police personnel laws, along with broader
protections for civil servants.

Officials say the review will focus on fairness, sound legal and
institutional frameworks, and long-term fiscal sustainability.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-21 17:47:24

In international news,

The ex-civil servant behind the decision to approve Peter Mandelson's
appointment as British ambassador to Washington says he felt political
pressure to rush through the appointment despite security concerns.

Olly Robbins, former head of the U-K's Foreign Office, was fired by Prime
Minister Keir Starmer last week.

He told the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday that there
was an “atmosphere of pressure.”

He said there was “a very, very strong expectation” that Mandelson “needed
to be in post and in America as quickly as possible.”

He said the vetting problem did not involve Mandelson's relationship with
Epstein.

Starmer is facing calls to resign.

Posted on 2026-04-21 17:47:20

Taiwan's customs authorities are reminding travelers that carrying large
amounts of gold out of the country requires advance paperwork and a
declaration at the border.

Under current regulations, travelers leaving Taiwan with gold, including gold
bars, nuggets, coins, and pure gold jewelry, valued at more than $20-thousand
U.S. dollars must first obtain an export permit from the Ministry of Economic
Affairs.

The travelers must then declare the gold to customs before departure.

Kaohsiung Customs says several travelers have recently been penalized for
being unaware of the regulations, resulting in significant financial losses.

Officials are urging anyone planning to carry gold abroad to check the rules
carefully beforehand to avoid fines.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-21 17:47:20

The Taipei Guest House will open its doors to the public on May 9th in
celebration of Mother's Day.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the opening today, saying the venue
has been open to the public on holidays since June 2006, supported by nearly
40 volunteer guides.

And the guest house has hosted more than 200 open house events since 2006,
welcoming over 370-thousand visitors in total.

Officials say on May 9th, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung will personally
prepare carnation bouquets for visitors as a gesture of appreciation for
mothers.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-21 17:47:25

Iranian state television has issued an on-screen alert saying that 'no
delegation from Iran has visited Islamabad ... so far' as speculation about
possible talks with the United States grows.

The on-screen alert on Tuesday likely reflects the internal debate ongoing
within Iran’s theocracy as it weighs how to respond to the U-S Navy’s
seizure of an Iranian container ship over the weekend.

Iranian state TV long has been controlled by hard-liners within Iran's
theocracy.

No official has acknowledged that a delegation will be heading to Islamabad
where officials have been on standby for days now for the possible talks.

The two-week ceasefire between Iran and the U-S is due to expire Wednesday.

Posted on 2026-04-21 14:36:13

2027

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says its Taipei Economic and Cultural Office
in Sydney is in the final stages of negotiating a property purchase contract.

Ministry Director-General Chen Jin-ling (陳錦玲) said this morning that once
the contract is signed, the office will proceed with title transfer,
renovation, and equipment procurement.

The target move-in date is the end of 2027, which would mark the ministry's
first newly purchased overseas property since late 2023.

Chen said plans to acquire properties for offices in Houston, Denver, and
Boston are still being revised following feedback from the Executive Yuan,
with updates to be provided as the process moves forward.

The ministry currently owns office premises at 19 of its 111 overseas
missions, accounting for around 17 percent of its total overseas presence.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-21 14:36:15

Taipei hosts the 13th Asia International Darts Tournament this weekend, with
competitors participating from across the region.

The tournament draws participants annually from Thailand, Singapore, Hong
Kong, South Korea, Japan, and other Asian countries.

Organizers say registration is open and attendance is expected to reach a new
high this year.

The event takes place April 25th and 26th at Taipei Expo Park,

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-21 14:36:15

Policy

Japan has endorsed scrapping its ban on lethal weapons exports, a major
change of its postwar pacifist policy.

Japan is seeking to build up its arms industry and deepen cooperation with
defense partners in the face of growing security challenges in the region.

The approval of the new guideline on Tuesday by Prime Minister Sanae
Takaichi's Cabinet clears a final set of hurdles for Japan's arms sales.

The new guideline allows the export of equipment such as fighter jets,
missiles, and destroyers.

For now, exports are limited to 17 countries with defense equipment and
technology transfer agreements with Japan.

They must be approved and Japan will monitor how the weapons are managed
afterward.

Japan will not export lethal weapons to countries at war.

The policy change met with criticism from China but has been largely welcomed
by Japan's defense partners and has attracted interest from Southeast Asia
and Europe.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-04-21 14:36:19

After Iran's chief negotiator would not negotiate in the face of threats, the
prospect of a second round of talks was uncertain Tuesday.

U.S. President Donald Trump has given mixed messages about the U.S. war
against Iran, declaring that he is in no rush to end the conflict.

Trump has indicated that he still expects to send his negotiating team, led
by Vice President JD Vance, to Pakistan's capital of Islamabad.

He also says he's “highly unlikely” to renew the ceasefire before it
expires Wednesday.

Iran insists it will not take part in talks until the U.S. leader has dialed
back his demands and says it has been preparing“to reveal new cards on the
battlefield.”

(KK)

Posted on 2026-04-21 12:27:13

line

President Lai Ching-te has told a visiting delegation from the Center for
Strategic and International Studies that Taiwan stands at the front line of
democracy's defense.

Meeting the C-S-I-S group at the Presidential Office, Lai said the threat of
authoritarianism is part of daily life for Taiwan's people.

He reaffirmed Taiwan's core security belief: "peace relies on strength, and
strength is the moat of peace."

Lai said Taiwan's defense budget has already exceeded 3 percent of G-D-P by
N-A-T-O standards, with a target of 5 percent before 2030.

C-S-I-S president John Hamre said Taiwan has made significant progress on
self-defense since the group's last visit three years ago and called Taiwan's
flag "the flag of freedom in Asia."

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-21 12:27:13

Two separate water outages are set to affect more than 70-thousand households
across Taiwan.

In Keelung, around 34-thousand households in Ren'ai, Xinyi, and Zhongzheng
districts will have their water cut or pressure reduced for 23 hours starting
at 9 P-M this Sunday, April 26th.

That work is tied to sewage system construction along Zhongzheng Road and
will run through 8 P-M Monday.

The Taiwan Water Corporation will set up water supply stations at seven
locations across the affected areas, and residents are advised to switch off
water pumps during the outage to prevent damage.

In Tainan, more than 36-thousand households across the East, North, and
Zhongxi districts face a separate 23-hour outage from 9 A-M Tuesday, April
28th, through 8 A-M Wednesday.

That disruption is linked to pipeline replacement work tied to reconstruction
of the traffic circle at the plaza in front of Tainan Railway Station.

In both cases, Taiwan Water Corporation says schedules may shift if heavy
rain or a typhoon warning occurs, and updated notices will be issued
accordingly.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-21 12:27:13

averaging CEFR A2

Middle school students in Taiwan have maintained stable English scores on the
TOEIC /TOE-ick/ Bridge test, according to a 2025 report released today.

The TOEIC Bridge is designed for beginner to intermediate learners and tests
practical English in everyday settings.

The authorized TOEIC representative in Taiwan, says scores have risen
steadily with age.

8th graders averaged at the A2, or elementary level.

More than half of all test-takers reached A2 in both listening and reading.

The company credited government bilingual education initiatives for the
steady improvement.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-21 12:27:13

President

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum says she will demand explanations over
what U.S. and Mexican officials were doing in northern Chihuahua when they
died in a truck crash over the weekend.

She said Monday that any joint collaborations between the local government
and the U.S. without federal permission would be a violation of Mexican law.

The crash, following an operation to destroy a clandestine drug lab in a
rural area, has reignited a debate over the extent of U.S. involvement in
Mexican security operations.

Speculation was fueled by Sheinbaum, local officials and the U.S. Embassy
appearing to contradict each other and at times themselves, and offering
sparse details about the U.S. officials who died.

Sheinbaum insists there are no joint operations, only information-sharing.

She aims to facilitate a meeting between the U.S. Ambassador and Mexico's
foreign minister to discuss the deaths.

The incident comes as Mexico faces escalating pressure from U.S. President
Donald Trump to crack down on cartels and Sheinbaum underscores Mexico's
sovereignty.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-04-21 12:27:13

clearance scandal

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has blamed foreign ministry officials for
withholding information that he says would have stopped him from appointing
Peter Mandelson as U-S ambassador.

Starmer told parliament he was never informed that officials had overridden
advice against granting Mandelson top-secret security clearance in January
2025.

He says he would not have appointed Mandelson had he known.

Mandelson was sacked in September after revelations about the depth of his
ties to late U-S sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Last week the government revealed Mandelson had failed a security vetting
process, reigniting the scandal.

Starmer's opponents have called for his resignation, though no senior
lawmakers from his Labour party have publicly urged him to step down.

The renewed controversy comes three weeks before local elections in which
Labour is expected to suffer significant losses.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-21 11:00:13

A 64-year-old man has been indicted after approaching the Presidential Office
with a fruit knife in March.

The Taipei District Prosecutors Office says the man walked into the plaza in
front of the office at around 2:50 in the morning on March 9th.

He was heard saying he wanted to, quote, "kill Lai Ching-te, who is being
impersonated by the Chinese Communist Party," end quote.

Military police spotted him and alerted officers, who quickly arrived and
took him into custody.

No one was hurt.

Prosecutors found Li's mental state to be unstable and secured court approval
for six months of temporary placement.

He now faces charges of threatening public safety and intimidating the public
under the Criminal Code.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-21 11:00:14

Heritage Week

A documentary about Taiwan's democratic journey is set to air on America's
Public Broadcasting Service starting May 1st.

"Invisible Nation" will broadcast throughout Asian American and Pacific
Islander Heritage Month, with its premiere timed to lead into Taiwanese
American Heritage Week, which falls in the second week of May.

The Formosan Association for Public Affairs helped organize the broadcast
alongside a university campus screening tour across the U-S.

The tour has reached more than one-thousand viewers so far and is scheduled
to visit 19 universities in 11 states, including Yale, U-C Berkeley, and the
University of Florida.

Screenings include panel discussions featuring diplomats, policymakers, and
academics.

F-A-P-A president Lin Su-mei says Taiwan's struggle for democracy and its
long experience of marginalized identity resonates deeply with Taiwanese
Americans.

She says the initiative aims to help broader American audiences connect with
Taiwan's story and pass it on to younger generations.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-21 11:00:14

Japan has lifted all tsunami alerts following a 7-point-7 magnitude
earthquake that struck off the northern coast yesterday afternoon.

The quake hit near the Sanriku coast at around 4:53 PM local time at a depth
of about 19 kilometers.

Tsunami waves of up to 80 centimeters were detected within an hour, but the
Pacific Tsunami Warning Center later said the threat had passed.

More than 180-thousand people across five northern prefectures were advised
to seek shelter at one point, and bullet train services connecting Tokyo and
northern Japan were temporarily suspended.

Nuclear facilities in the region were reported intact with no abnormalities
detected.

Authorities also flagged a slightly elevated risk of a follow-on megaquake,
putting the probability at around 1 percent for the coming week, up from the
usual 0-point-1 percent.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to confirm their evacuation
routes and keep emergency supplies ready.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-21 11:00:14

Russia's Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev has arrived in North Korea
for talks on cooperation between the two allies.

Ministry spokeswoman Irina Volk said the visit will focus on law enforcement
cooperation between the two countries.

Russia and North Korea have deepened ties since Moscow's 2022 invasion of
Ukraine.

In 2024, the two countries signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Treaty during a visit to Pyongyang by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The pact includes a mutual defense provision.
Under its terms, North Korea sent around 14-thousand soldiers to fight
alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region after a large Ukrainian
incursion into western Russia.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-21 11:00:14

minister

Romania's ruling Social Democrats have voted to pull their ministers from the
coalition government and are calling on Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan to
resign.

The move leaves the four-party pro-European coalition without a parliamentary
majority and raises the prospect of months of political instability.

Bolojan has repeatedly said he will not step down.

The Social Democrats say they will withdraw their six cabinet ministers later
this week.

The crisis puts at risk roughly 11-billion euros in E-U recovery funds that
Romania stands to lose if further reforms are not implemented by August.

Bond spreads widened Monday as markets reacted to the news, though ratings
agencies had not yet commented.

The hard-right Alliance for Uniting Romanians, which leads all parties in
opinion polls, has said it will file a no-confidence motion in May.

The Social Democrats have also signaled they could do the same.

President Nicusor Dan said the parties remain aligned on E-U funds and
deficit targets, and has ruled out appointing a prime minister backed by the
far right.

Posted on 2026-04-21 09:06:13

In international news,

Donald Trump is insisting that he's not under any pressure to make a peace
deal with Iran ...

... but also claims one will be made "relatively quickly."

It comes ahead of Wednesday's ceasefire deadline - and the next phase of
peace talks remains uncertain.

Reports have been saying a U-S delegation headed by Vice-President J-D Vance
will travel to Pakistan "soon" - but no timings for that have been are
confirmed

While Iran says it has "no plans for the next round" of negotiations in
Islamabad.

Posted on 2026-04-21 09:06:14

Authorities in Japan have lifted tsunami advisories issued after a magnitude
of 7.7 earthquake hit northeastern coasts along Hokkaido and Iwate
prefectures.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued the tsunami warnings for the
central Pacific coast of Hokkaido and for Iwate prefecture, forecasting waves
of up to 3-meters.

Waves measuring 80-centimeters were observed at Kuji Port in Iwate
prefecture, while the city of Miyako recorded waves of 40-centimeters.

The agency also urged residents of the quake-hit regions to be aware over the
coming week for earthquakes of similar magnitude.

Posted on 2026-04-21 09:06:15

A key border crossing between Iraq and Syria has reopened for the first time
in over a decade.

The crossing was closed after the Syrian civil war began in 2011.

It was then seized by militants from the Islamic State group in 2014 - when
they controlled the area.

Iraqi Kurdish forces later retook it.

Officials from both countries attended the reopening on Monday, highlighting
its potential to boost trade and economic activity, including oil exports.

Syria is touting it as a safe overland route for oil exports, offering an
alternative to the embattled Strait of Hormuz.

Posted on 2026-04-21 09:06:15

And finally,

American singer-songwriter D4vd has been charged with the murder of a
14-year-old girl - who authorities say was found dismembered in his car.

The A-P's Ed Donahue reports.

Posted on 2026-04-21 08:13:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

Taiwan's top envoy in London has testified at a hearing of the U-K
Parliament's Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy.

Vincent Yao shared details of efforts to build societal defense resilience in
Taiwan, presented the Ministry of National Defense's civil defense handbook
and emphasized the Lai administration's policies to resist aggression.

The National Security Strategy Committee is composed of members of the House
of Lords and the House of Commons.

Yao told the committee about President Lai Ching-te's Whole-of-Society
Defense Resilience Committee ..

... and stressed its focus on organizing civilian personnel to support
defense and emergency efforts, protecting and maintaining essential
infrastructure and preparing shelters and ensuring medical services remain
operational in disaster scenarios.

Yao also told the committee how the Lai administration attempts to
communicate with the public in an easy-to-understand way, and seeks to
disclose as much information as possible related to security threats from
China.

The last time a top Taiwan diplomat or a senior official was invited to give
in-person testimony in the U-K parliament was in 2019.

Posted on 2026-04-21 08:13:15

Former President Ma Ying-jeou is urging a three-member task force at his
foundation to expedite its investigation into alleged breaches of financial
discipline involving two former employees.

According to Ma, the foundation presented relevant evidence and witness
information at a board meeting late last month in a case involving Hsiao
Hsu-tsen and Wang Kuang-tzu.

Ma says the materials were shared with all board members for a second time
via text messages and the LINE messaging app twice earlier this month and
were also sent by registered mail.

Hsiao is currently a vice K-M-T chairman and previously served as the
foundation's chief executive, while Wang was a foundation staff member.

Ma is also calling on Hsiao and Wang to present their case or
counter-evidence through the investigation process, rather than making media
statements that could harm the foundation or his reputation in an attempt to
influence the probe's outcome.

Hsiao and Wang left the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation in late February.

Their departure sparked claims of a "power struggle" at the foundation, which
was established by Ma in 2018.

Posted on 2026-04-21 08:13:17

And finally,

The palanquin carrying two statues of sea goddess Mazu from Bai-sha-tun
Gongtian Temple in Miaoli County returned home on Monday.

It concluding an eight-day pilgrimage to Chiaotian Temple, also a Mazu
temple, in Yunlin County and back again.

The statues were escorted into the main hall and formally seated in the
Gongtian Temple on their return by tens of thousands of devotees.

Volunteer groups and businesses set up refreshment stations, offering a
variety of drinks and snacks to ease the fatigue of those who made the long
journey over the past eight days.

The Bai-sha-tun Mazu pilgrimage set off on April 13 from Tongxiao Township,
led by a palanquin carrying three Mazu statues, one of which was from
neighboring Shan-bian Mazu Temple.

Organizers say this year's procession was joined by a record 460,000-plus
devotees.

The pilgrimage is known for having no fixed route, with directions and stops
believed to be guided by the deity's will through the movements of the
palanquin.

Posted on 2026-04-21 06:51:13

cities

Taiwan Realty says data shows that Taichung suffered the steepest decline in
completed home prices among the six municipalities in the first quarter of
this year.

The data is based on the government's price registration platform.

According to Taiwan Realty, the average transaction price for completed homes
in Taichung fell 8.0-per cent from a year earlier to stand at 299,000 N-T per
ping in the January to March period.

Taiwan Realty says the average transaction price in the city moved lower in
the first quarter as many home buyers for self-dwelling purposes tend to
choose relatively affordable used homes instead of newly built homes in
Taichung's prime property market.

A survey by realty company shows that of the six municipalities, only Taipei
recorded a 0.9-per cent year-on-year increase in transaction prices for
completed homes to 818,000 N-T per ping in the first quarter.

New Taipei, Tainan and Kaohsiung also saw decline in completed home prices.

Posted on 2026-04-21 06:51:13

And finally,

The Taiwan Space Agency says it will be hosting a major international space
industry forum in November - which will likely see the attendance of more
than 3,500 professionals from over 18 countries.

The third edition of the Taiwan International Assembly of Space Science,
Technology, and Industry will be taking place at the I-C-C Tainan from
November 8 through 11.

The event is being jointly organized by the Taiwan Space Agency and the
Tainan City government under the guidance of the National Science and
Technology Council.

A parallel exhibition will be running from November 8 through 10 - featuring
more than 75 domestic and international companies across five themed zones,
including supply chains, satellite applications, and testing.

The expo's first day will be open to the public free of charge, though
registration will be required.

The event will be held under the theme of "Trusted in Space, Resilient on
Earth."

And the Taiwan Space Agency says the event is aimed at positioning Taiwan as
a reliable partner in the global space supply chain.

Posted on 2026-04-21 06:48:13

The Ministry of National Defense says it closely monitored the movements of
China's aircraft carrier, the Liaoning as it passed through the Taiwan Strait
yesterday.

The ministry has released a black-and-white surveillance photograph showing
an aerial view of the vessel - which shows several fixed-wing aircraft and
helicopters on the carrier's flight deck.

Defense officials have not specified where or when the photo was taken .. and
have also not disclose whether it was taken by a drone, an aircraft, or radar
system.

The last time the defense ministry reported a Chinese aircraft carrier in
the Taiwan Strait was mid-December of last year - when China's newest and
most advanced carrier, the Fujian, passed through the waterway.

The Liaoning is the oldest of China's three operating aircraft carriers.

Posted on 2026-04-21 06:48:15

The General Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of China is urging the
government to "ease or lift" restrictions in response to a slate of tourism
and commercial measures announced by China.

According to chamber chairman Paul Hsu, both the government and opposition
should not be swayed by "partisan and non-economic considerations" ..

.. and the government "should not use any means to prevent us from speaking
out."

Hsu made the statements flanked by representatives from the tourism, food and
transportation sectors at a chamber event on Monday - at which he also argued
that the easing of restrictions would benefit both businesses and the public.

Beijing released its 10 Taiwan-focused measures on April 12, two days after
K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun met with Xi Jinping in Beijing.

They include the resumption of individual travel by residents of Shanghai and
Fujian to Taiwan, the "full normalization" of direct cross-strait passenger
flights, and expanded access for Taiwanese agricultural, fishery and food
products to the Chinese market.

The Mainland Affairs Council has slammed the measures and warned groups and
individuals "not to echo the Chinese Communist Party or allow themselves to
be used as tools to pressure the government."

However, speaking at Monday's event, Hsu said none of the chamber's members
have faced pressure from China.

Posted on 2026-04-21 06:48:15

K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun says she plans to visit the U-S in June and has
been invited to meet with "heavyweight" members of Congress.

Speaking during an interview on the "HistoryBro Show 2.0" YouTube show Cheng
said her team has not yet begun making formal contact with the members of the
U-S Congress who have invited her ...

... but she also dismissed claims she would be unable to meet with U-S
lawmakers.

According to Cheng, there's no evidence she won't be able to meet with
members of Congress when she travels to Washington - as some have been
expressing their hope for a visit sooner rather than later.

Cheng said she plans to take her impressions from the recent meeting with Xi
Jinping to the U-S and and he message will be that the world should not
return to Cold War-era divisions.

Posted on 2026-04-21 06:48:15

The Taichung Police Department says an investigation into an office who
repeatedly pepper-sprayed people at a local election campaign this past
weekend, was due to faulty equipment and poor judgment.

The campaign event had been organized by the Taiwan People's Party for city
councilor candidate Liu Tsen-yu.

It was attended by party founder Ko Wen-je - who was one those affected by
the pepper spray.

Liu filed an official report with Taichung police over the incident - saying
two unidentified individuals on a scooter sprayed pepper spray into the air
and towards people in the procession while she and Ko were campaigning at the
Fengchia Night Market.

According to the city's police commissioner, Ko and Liu, as well as several
T-P-P workers and supporters, were affected by the officer's leaking pepper
spray - but it was not a deliberate attack.

The commissioner says the police office was solely responsible for the
incident because he failed to immediately withdraw and handle the situation
in accordance with regulations after discovering that his pepper spray was
leaking.

Posted on 2026-04-21 06:48:16

The Ministry of Environment says it expects to collect around 4.5-billion N-T
in carbon fees by the end of May.

The statement comes as major greenhouse gas emitters are facing the first
mandatory payment deadline.

The payment window runs through May 31 and is the first collection cycle
since the carbon fee system took effect on January 1 of last year.

Under the scheme, companies emitting at least 25,000 metric tons of carbon
dioxide annually must calculate and pay fees based on their total emissions
in 2025.

Those companies are mainly in the power, gas supply and manufacturing sectors.

Based on the latest data from the environment ministry, between 512 and 550
companies have been identified as major emitters subject to the first phase
of carbon fee collection.

The standard carbon fee rate is 300 N-T per metric ton.

However, companies hat submit and obtain approval for voluntary emissions
reduction plans can qualify for preferential rates of 50 or 100 N-T per
metric ton.

The government has said the collected funds will be used to support emissions
reduction technologies.

Posted on 2026-04-21 06:48:16

The Ministry of Agriculture is insisting that individual imported processing
potatoes found to be sprouted, rotten or moldy will be discarded in their
entirety.

The statement comes amid charges the government's decision to ease import
restrictions on American potatoes used for processing has resulted in the
import of sprouted processing potatoes.

Critics are accusing the government of ignoring food safety standards to
appease the U-S as part of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade - which was
signed by the two sides in February.

According to the agriculture ministry, the "Quarantine Requirements for the
Importation of Processing Potatoes from the United States" maintain existing
standards requiring shipments to be free of eight specified pests and
diseases ..

.... while also adding stricter measures such as enhanced use of sprout
inhibitors and a requirement that potatoes be free of sprouts and soil at
export.

The ministry says any shipment found to contain sprouted, rotten or moldy
potatoes will be reported to the Food and Drug Administration, with the
affected potatoes removed and disposed of at designated processing
facilities.

Posted on 2026-04-21 06:48:16

The Ministry of Agriculture says the number of pet cats here in Taiwan
surpassed that of pet dogs for the first time in 2025.

The number of pet cats totaled 1,742,033 last year.

That's a 32.8-per cent increase from 2023.

According to the ministry, data shows the number of pet dogs declined by
1.2-per cent over the same period to 1,462,528.

However, despite the shift, households with dogs still slightly outnumber
those with cats by 1.2-per cent.

The number of households with multiple dogs has remained relatively stable,
but households keeping more than two cats have increased, contributing to the
overall rise in the feline population.

The agriculture ministry says the trend reflects broader social changes,
including a growing number of single-person households - as in urban areas,
cats are often seen as more suitable pets than dogs.

Registration rates for both dogs and cats have also risen in recent years.

Dog registration increased from 69.5-per cent in 2021 to 77.2-per cent last
year, while cat registration rose from 58.45-per cent in 2023 to 66.48-per
cent in 2025.

Posted on 2026-04-20 19:07:13

A Taichung police precinct chief is under investigation after pepper spray he
discharged drifted toward a crowd that included former TPP chair Ko Wen-je.

Police say the incident at Fengjia Night Market last Friday was not an
attack, but the result of serious negligence.

The case was initially reported as a suspected pepper spray attack.

Investigators found Precinct Chief Zhou Jun-ming (周俊銘) had been handling a
damaged pepper spray canister and tested it by spraying it toward the ground.

The spray was then carried by the wind into the crowd, causing discomfort
among campaign participants and nearby members of the public, with some
covering their noses and mouths.

Zhou has received two demerits, been reassigned to a non-managerial role, and
referred for investigation on suspicion of causing injury.

Taichung's police chief has also issued an apology and accepted
responsibility for inadequate supervision.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-20 19:07:15

More than 60 nations are sending representatives to Brussels to discuss
stability, security and long-term peace in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza
with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohamed Mustafa.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot says ongoing attacks in the West Bank
and devastation in Gaza dim the prospect for a two-state solution.

He is co-hosting the meeting Monday with the EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas.

The 27-nation European Union is the largest single donor to the Palestinian
Authority.

Outrage in Europe over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza had driven many
EU leaders to condemn Israel's war conduct.

Posted on 2026-04-20 18:47:13

The Transportation Safety Board said today that there have been 76 accidents
involving Taiwan Railway since 2019 when the T-S-B established.

The Board acknowledged that that the number is high, saying that the
accidents were moslty caused by human error.

KMT lawmaker Hung Meng-kai (洪孟楷) questioned whether the accidents are
linked to insufficient training or staffing shortages, urging authorities to
take concrete actions.

DPP lawmaker Lee Kun-tse (李昆澤) also noted that five accidents have
already been recorded in the first three months of this year, raising serious
concerns over rail safety.

He said T-S-B's investigations should include routing procedures, staff
operations, on-site guidance, communication protocols, and signal
maintenance.

In reponse, officials said it has opened five investigations into the
accidents.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-20 18:47:13

KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun is planning a visit to the United States, with June
seen as the most likely timing.

Cheng said she aims to meet high-level figures during the trip, noting that
some U-S lawmakers have already expressed interest in meeting her.

Cheng, fresh off a trip to China, said she hopes to meet a wide range of
people, including U-S officials ... emphasizing the importance of engaging
with Washington

She said she hopes to share her reflections from her meeting with Chinese
Leader Xi Jinping.

She added that Taiwan has a unique position to help promote dialogue and
encourage the international community toward peace and reconciliation.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-20 18:47:13

DBS Bank (Taiwan) has pledged 30 million NT to support a new three-year
environmental initiative aimed at restoring the Tamsui River ecosystem.

The project aims to transform the Wugu wetlands into northern Taiwan's first
internationally recognized wetland.

The initiative will focus on habitat restoration, scientific monitoring, and
environmental education.

Efforts include clearing reeds and invasive species, restoring tidal
channels, improving water flow, and rebuilding habitats for species such as
black-faced spoonbills ... and other protected wetland birds.

Officials say the Tamsui River basin is one of northern Taiwan's key wetland
ecosystems, and that long-term, systematic efforts are needed to improve its
ecological quality.

The initiative also emphasizes active ecosystem restoration over simply
reducing environmental harm.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-20 18:47:13

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami alert ... after a powerful
earthquake struck off the northern Japanese coast.

According to the agency, the quake registered a preliminary magnitude of 7.5
...

... and occurred off the coast of Sanriku in northern Japan at around 4:53 PM
local time ... at a depth of about 10 kilometers below the sea surface.

Japan's NHK public television said a tsunami of up to 3 meters could hit the
area shortly.

It also issued alerts for Iwate, Aomori, and southeastern Hokkaido, with
advisories for Miyagi and Fukushima.

Posted on 2026-04-20 18:47:13

British police have arrested two teenagers in connection with a weekend arson
attack on a synagogue in northwest London as Jewish leaders express concern
about a wave of recent incidents targeting their community.

Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes of London's Metropolitan Police Service on
Monday said officers arrested two young men, aged 19 and 17, overnight in
relation to the attack on the Kenton United Synagogue in the borough of
Harrow.

Jukes told the BBC the department has made 15 arrests related to six attacks
on Jewish targets and a Persian-language media company that occurred over the
past few weeks.

Posted on 2026-04-20 14:54:13

Confidence in Taiwan's economy weakened in April, as concerns over Middle
East conflicts weighed on public sentiment.

A survey by Cathay Financial released Monday shows more than half of
respondents felt the economy had worsened, pushing the economic optimism
index sharply into negative territory.

Expectations for the next six months also declined, reflecting growing
uncertainty.

Analysts say rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions have made the public
more cautious, despite strong domestic economic indicators.

Spending sentiment has also weakened, with fewer people willing to make big
purchases or buy durable goods.

At the same time, optimism about the stock market and willingness to take
risks both declined.

However, many respondents still expect economic growth this year, though
forecasts are more conservative than official estimates.

Inflation concerns remain, with a majority expecting price increases to
exceed the central bank's target.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-04-20 14:54:14

Police Day

Taiwan's representative office in Argentina have presented computer equipment
to two Buenos Aires police stations.

The donation was made to the District 13 and District 13A stations last
Friday, a day before Argentina's National Police Day.

Representative Hsieh Miao-hung (謝妙宏) said District 13 is a key area for
the local Taiwanese community, and that police have long helped maintain a
stable and safe environment there.

District 13 is near parks and school zones, and was one of the first areas
where Taiwanese immigrants settled in the 1990s.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-20 14:54:15

The pet cat population has surpassed pet dogs for the first time, according
to a new government survey.

The Ministry of Agriculture says the country now has an estimated
one-million-740-thousand cats, up nearly 33 percent from two years ago...

...while the pet dog population edged down slightly to
one-million-460-thousand.

The Ministry says the shift reflects growing numbers of single-person
households in cities, where smaller living spaces make cats a more practical
choice.

More people are also keeping multiple cats, which has driven the overall
count higher.

On the regulatory side, pet cat registration becomes mandatory starting
January 1st of next year, but the Ministry says many owners are still unaware
of the requirement.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-20 14:54:15

A humanoid robot has won a half-marathon race for robots in Beijing, running
faster than the human record.

A robot from a Chinese smartphone maker completed the 21-kilometer race in 50
minutes and 26 seconds, surpassing the human record of about 57 minutes.

The race took place Sunday, with the robot using autonomous navigation to
secure the win.

The race featured over 300 robots from more than 100 teams, including
international participants.

The competition highlights China's advancements in a technological
competition with the U.S.

Speeding up the development of products such as humanoid robots and their
applications is part of Beijing's 2026-2030 plan.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-04-20 14:54:16

A fire has destroyed about 1,000 homes in a Malaysian settlement on Borneo
Island, displacing over 9,000 people.

The blaze started early Sunday and spread rapidly through wooden houses on
stilts.

Strong winds and narrow access routes hindered firefighting efforts.

No deaths have been reported, but thousands are in temporary shelters.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Many affected residents are from low-income communities.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said federal and state agencies are
coordinating relief efforts, focusing on displaced families.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-04-20 13:07:13

Former TPP lawmaker Li Chen-hsiu has applied to the court for an injunction
to temporarily maintain her party membership.

She was expelled from the TPP and lost her at-large legislative seat last
week.

She filed the application with the Taipei District Court last Friday, naming
the TPP as the respondent, and the case is currently under review.

Li has been embroiled in controversy over her nationality and legislative
eligibility.

The TPP's Central Evaluation Committee revoked her party membership after she
publicly allegedly that Hsin-chu Mayor Gao Hung-an had taken 7 million NT
from then-TPP chairman Ko Wen-je.

In response, TPP chair Huang Guo-chang said today that he's "not worried
about Li's action at all, " saying that he'll leave the whole thing to the
judicial system.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-20 13:07:13

Artists from around the world are gathering in Hualien for the 2026 Pacific
Ocean International Festival of Rock Balancing and Arts.

The festival, officially opening on May 1st, centers on the philosophy of
leave-no-trace creation.

County officials say participants must build their works entirely from
materials found on site, with each piece required to span at least two meters
in diameter.

Finished works must withstand sea winds and tidal forces without any
artificial support.

Fifteen teams of competitive stone stacking specialists from across Taiwan
began their ten-day challenge this week, and international artists are in
residence through April 25th.

The county says the top spot comes with winnings of $80-thousand NT.

Online public voting opens April 28th and 29th, giving the public a chance to
weigh in on their favorites.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-20 13:07:13

In world news....

North Korea says it test-launched upgraded ballistic missiles armed with
cluster-bomb warheads for the second time this month.

The state media reported it a day after South Korea, Japan, and the U.S.
detected multiple ballistic launches from North Korea's east coast.

The testing underscores North Korea's efforts to expand its capabilities to
penetrate U.S. and South Korean defenses.

Observers say the Iran war may have prompted North Korea to display its
cluster munitions and accelerate efforts to develop better ones.

The destructiveness of cluster munitions has been highlighted in the ongoing
war, with Israel accusing Iran of using such weapons.

The warheads burst open at high altitudes, scattering dozens of bomblets that
are difficult to intercept.

More than 120 countries have signed an international treaty banning the use
of cluster munitions, but North Korea, Iran, Israel and the United States are
not among them.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-04-20 13:07:13

Baby food brand HiPP is recalling some baby food jars in Austria after
samples tested positive for rat poison in Austria, Slovakia and the Czech
Republic.

Officials believe the tampering occurred in 190-gram jars of carrot and
potato baby food for 5-month-olds sold at SPAR supermarkets.

Vendors in Slovakia and the Czech Republic have removed all of the brand's
baby jars from sale.

Police say the suspicious products likely have a white sticker with a red
circle on the bottom of the jar.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-04-20 13:07:13

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada's strong economic ties to the
U.S. were once a strength but are now a weakness that must be corrected.

Carney spoke in a video address released Sunday about his government's
efforts to strengthen the country's economy by attracting new investments and
signing trade deals with other countries.

He said the world is more“dangerous and divided”and noted the U.S. has
changed its approach to trade by raising tariffs to levels last seen in the
Great Depression.

Carney said these tariffs have impacted workers in such major industries as
auto and steel and prompted businesses to hold back investments.

The prime minister also says plans to give Canadians regular updates on his
government’s efforts to diversify (多元化) away from the U.S.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-04-20 11:05:13

An investigation is underway into the cause of fire at a residential building
in Chiayi City that resulted in the deaths of three family members.

According to the city's fire department, a couple and their 5-year-old
daughter were found unresponsive on the third-floor balcony.

They were rushed to a nearby hospital, but but all three were pronounced
dead.

Fire department officials say they blaze broke out at around 8PM yesterday in
a detached residential building located in an alleyway off Daya Road, Section
2 ....

.. and when firefighters arrived at the scene and found flames spreading from
the top floor.

The fire was brought under control roughly an hour later.

Chiayi City Mayor Huang Ming-hui visited the scene to express her concern and
has instructed the city government officials to provide necessary assistance
to other affected residents and their families.

Posted on 2026-04-20 11:05:13

The Taiwan Railway Corporation says firework debris from the Baishatun Mazu
pilgrimage has been found scattered across parts track in the Miaoli area.

According to the rail operator, the debris resulted in temporary delays to
services between Tongxiao and Xinpu - and that section was operating on a
single track in both directions until 8:30 this morning.

The rail operator says is was made aware of the firework debris from the
pilgrimage at just before 7 o'clock this morning and sent teams to inspect
the track and overhead overhead wires.

The railways corporation is advising the public not to let off firecrackers
along rail lines, as debris can disrupt operations.

The annual Bai-sha-tun Mazu pilgrimage set off on April 13 from Miaoli County
for its eight-day procession to Yunlin County.

It's set to return to the Gongtian Temple in Miaoli this afternoon.

Posted on 2026-04-20 11:05:13

In international news,

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says he has spoken with Iran's
president about the conflict in the Gulf.

It comes after U-S President Donald Trump said the American military had
seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to run its blockade on of the Strait
of Hormuz.

Iran has said it will not participate in a second round of peace talks
despite Trump's threat of renewed airstrikes.

The developments indicate that a weeks-long blockade of marine traffic in the
Strait of Hormuz - which has driven up global oil prices - might remain in
place.

A former commander in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has told the
B-B-C that Tehran will never give up control of the Strait of Hormuz and will
decide the right of passage.

Posted on 2026-04-20 11:05:13

North Korea says it has test-launched ballistic missiles armed with
cluster-bomb warheads for the second time this month.

The state media report comes a day after South Korea and other countries
detected multiple ballistic launches from the North Korean eastern coast.

The testing underscores North Korean efforts to expand its capabilities to
penetrate U-S and South Korean defenses.

State media says leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launches of five upgraded
Hwasong-11 Ra ballistic missiles with cluster bomb warheads and fragmentation
mine warheads.

Photos showed Kim observing the launches with his teenage daughter.

Posted on 2026-04-20 11:05:13

Pope Leo has been urging Angolans to overcome divisions after decades of war
while visiting site that was once a hub for transatlantic slavery.

The A-P's Donna Warder reports.

Posted on 2026-04-20 11:05:13

And finally,

Eddie Murphy has received the American Film Institute's life achievement
award at a star-studded ceremony.

The event was held at the Dolby Theatre and featured appearances from Spike
Lee, Martin Lawrence, Dave Chappelle, and more.

Murphy, known for his roles in "Beverly Hills Cop" and "Shrek" over a nearly
50-year career, expressed gratitude for his family and career.

Spike Lee praised Murphy's cultural impact, while Chris Rock and others
highlighted his influence across generations. T

The tribute also included performances by Jennifer Hudson.

Posted on 2026-04-20 08:08:13

The annual Dajia Mazu pilgrimage has arrived in Yunlin's Xiluo Township -
where police deployed an additonal 500 officers for security purposes.

The larger than normal police presence in the township came after three
police officers were injured, and two suspects arrested following clashes in
Changhua this past weekend.

The Yunlin County Police Bureau says it had originally planned to deploy
2,000 officers, but increase that number to include more plain clothed and
uniformed officers, as well volunteer police and civil defense personnel.

Forty police officers are stationed around the palanquin as it entered the
town and arrived at the Xintian Temple.

Tens of thousands of people welcomed the Mazu palanquin as it arrived at the
Xiluo Bridge at around 8 o'clock last night and made its way to the temple.

The Xiluo Township Farmers' Association and the temple prepared over a
thousand dishes for a banquet for the pilgrims.

The 9-day, 8-night Dajia Mazu pilgrimage began last Friday evening and will
end this coming Sunday after covering 340-kilometers and passing through
Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, and Chiayi.

Posted on 2026-04-20 08:08:13

C-P-C has left gasoline and diesel prices unchanged at the pump again this
week - as the government seeks to stabilize consumer prices and keep a lid on
inflationary pressures.

It marks the third consecutive week that state refiner has maintained its
fuel prices at the same level - despite global oil prices remaining volatile
due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

The move means 92 octane unleaded remain at 32.4 N-T per liter, while the
price of premium diesel stays at 31 N-T a liter.

C-P-C says it will absorb losses of 3.6 N-T per liter for gasoline and 5.4
N-T per liter for diesel prices in order to adhere to the government's policy
of ensuring that fuel prices remain lower than those of its neighboring
markets.

Under C-P-C's floating pricing mechanism, which uses a weighting of 70-per
cent Dubai and 30-per cent Brent crude, the average international oil price
last week stood at 107.44 U-S dollars per barrel.

That was down from 115.99 U-S dollars per barrel the previous week.

Posted on 2026-04-20 08:08:13

And,

The Central Weather Administration says we can expect generally stable
conditions today - but a weak northeasterly wind system is expected to bring
scattered showers to the Greater Taipei area and the east tomorrow.

Other regions will remain mostly cloudy to sunny with isolated afternoon
showers.

Conditions will briefly stabilize on Wednesday.

However, a weather front will moving through Taiwan starting on Thursday,
bringing with it an increased likelihood of showers or thunderstorms
islandwide.

Temperatures in the north and northeast are are expected to drop as the front
approaches - and rainfall likely in the north and center.

The unstable weather is expected to persist into Friday and Saturday under
the combined influence of the front and strengthening northeasterly winds -
when showers or thunderstorms are possible across the island.

Posted on 2026-04-20 06:58:13

Somaliland's foreign ministry has congratulated President Lai Ching-te on his
upcoming visit to Eswatini and his first trip to Africa since taking office
in May of 2024.

Taiwan opened a representative office in Somaliland's capital in August of
2020, and Somaliland reciprocated by opening a similar office in Taipei in
September that same year.

Lai is slated to travel to Eswatini from April 22 to 27.

The Presidential Office announced last week that the theme of the state visit
is "Celebrating Together for Taiwan and Eswatini, Working Hand in Hand for
Common Prosperity."

Lai will be attending celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of King
Mswati III's accession to the throne and his 58th birthday.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said the trip will be a direct flight
with no transits.

Posted on 2026-04-20 06:58:13

Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming says the government plans to establish a
national "urban forest" initiative to expand tree cover and create continuous
shade along daily commuting routes.

According to Peng, the plan envisions that "in 10 years, people will be able
to walk from M-R-T stations to their offices under tree shade" if planting
begins now.

Peng says the proposal will be submitted to the Presidential Office's
National Climate Change Committee next week and a full plan is expected to be
released the end of the year.

The plan will prioritize native species and biodiversity, while avoiding
unsuitable trees, and will involve coordination across central and local
governments down to the neighborhood level ....

... and a dedicated tree-planting unit is also under consideration.

Peng also says each tree could be assigned a digital "identity" for long-term
monitoring and management.

Posted on 2026-04-20 06:58:13

Premier Cho Jung-tai says Taiwan has now regained its status as free of
African swine fever.

It comes after the Ministry of Agriculture announced earlier this month that
Taiwan's self-declaration of freedom from the African swine fever virus was
officially approved by the World Organization for Animal Health.

Taiwan detected its first A-S-F case on October 21 of last year at a farm in
Taichung - that after becoming the first country in Asia to hold disease-free
status for all three swine diseases following recognition in May of last
year.

The agriculture ministry applied to regain disease-free status on February 21.

According to the premier, the government has been working actively to seeking
international certification over the past six months and he's also thanking
the pork industry for working closely with the government to maintain strict
controls.

The premier says government will continue to strengthen border controls,
disease prevention systems, and cooperation with industry.

Posted on 2026-04-20 06:58:13

pilgrimage

Three police officers were injured, and two suspects arrested after clashes
broke out in Changhua as the annual Dajia Mazu pilgrimage passed through the
city this past weekend.

According to police in Changhua, the three officers were injured when they
tried to intervene in a dispute that erupted among members of a group
welcoming the procession.

Two suspects were arrested at the scene.

The Changhua Police Precinct says other individuals involved in the violent
are still being identified and will be summoned for questioning following a
review of surveillance footage from the area.

Another altercation along the procession route in Changhua was quickly
brought under control and two men were detained then.

Authorities are reiterating a zero-tolerance stance on violence during this
year's Dajia Mazu pilgrimage ..

.. and the National Police Agency has condemned "troublemakers that
undermined public authority" - saying such actions will be clamped down on
those responsible held accountable.

The Dajia Mazu pilgrimage began last Friday and will end this coming Sunday.

Posted on 2026-04-20 06:58:13

The Navy's goodwill fleet has wrapped-up port calls in St. Lucia and St.
Vincent and the Grenadines and is now headed to Belize.

The fleet is officially designated as the 2026 Midshipmen and Cruising
Training Squadron of the Republic of China Navy.

It arrived in St. Lucia on April 11 for a three-day stop.

Two of the goodwill fleet's three vessels - the fast combat support ship
Panshi and the Kang Ding-class guided-missile frigate Di Hua - were opened to
the public there.

Taiwan's embassy in St. Lucia says the vessels draw approximately 2,000
visitors.

The third vessel, the Cheng Kung-class guided-missile frigate Yueh Fei was
not opened to the public.

The fleet then sailed to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

A formal welcoming ceremony will be held in Belize on April 22 - and that
port call will mark the first visit by the Navy's goodwill fleet in 13 years.

The fleet left Taiwan in late February for its annual training voyage.

Posted on 2026-04-20 06:58:13

And,

Veteran cinematographer Lai Cheng-ying has died.

He was 95.

Lai's death was confirmed by Lu Jun-ming, the secretary-general of the
Chinese Society of Cinematographers, following reports of Lai's passing early
Sunday on a cinematographers' group social media chat.

Lai was born in Taichung in 1931 and co-founded the association 37 years ago.

He was among Taiwan's first generation of film professionals trained by the
predecessor of Central Motion Picture Corporation.

He entered the film industry in the 1950s, working his way up from assistant
cameraman to cinematographer and later director.

He was also sent to Japan to study color cinematography and film processing,
bringing back new techniques to Taiwan.

Lai won three Golden Horse Awards for best cinematography for the films
"Beautiful Duckling," "Stars Gathering," and "Execution in Autumn."

He was awarded the Golden Horse Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.

Posted on 2026-04-20 06:58:13

Russian Oil Sanctions

Officials say Russian strikes have killed at least two people in Ukraine.

A 16-year-old boy died in a nighttime drone attack on Chernihiv that also
injured four others.

On Sunday morning, Russian drones also attacked Kherson, killing one man and
injuring another.

Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched 236 drones overnight, with
203 shot down.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's military reported hitting a Russian drone factory in
Taganrog, causing a fire.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed its forces shot down 274 Ukrainian
drones during the night.

This comes as Zelenskyy responded with dismay to the Trump administration's
decision on Friday to extend its pause on sanctions on Russian oil shipments.

The Ukrainian president argued on social media that any additional revenue
the Kremlin gets from oil sales “is directly converted into new strikes
against Ukraine."

Posted on 2026-04-20 06:58:13

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada’s strong economic ties to
the U.S. were once a strength but are now a weakness that must be corrected.

Carney spoke in a video address released Sunday about his government’s
efforts to strengthen the Canadian economy by attracting new investments and
signing trade deals with other countries.

Carney said tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump have impacted
workers in such major industries as auto and steel and prompted businesses to
hold back investments.

The Canadian prime minister's comments came days after securing a majority
government following special election wins and as the opposition
Conservatives push him to deliver a U.S. trade deal, which was among his
promises in last year’s election.

A review of the current version of the North American Free Trade Agreement
between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico is scheduled for July.

Posted on 2026-04-20 06:58:13

Baby food manufacturer HiPP is recalling some jars of its products in Austria
after samples tested positive for rat poison in Austria, Slovakia and the
Czech Republic.

Officials believe the tampering occurred in 190-gram jars of carrot and
potato baby food for 5-month-olds sold at supermarkets.

The first sample tested positive on Saturday.

HiPP says it is recalling all jars sold at several supermarket chains in
Austria as a precaution.

Vendors in Slovakia and the Czech Republic have removed all of the brand’s
baby jars from sale.

Police say the suspicious products likely have a white sticker with a red
circle on the bottom of the glass.

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