ICRT

Posted on 2026-01-17 14:08:14

The legislature has passed amendments that abolish provisions allowing Public
Television Service board members to remain in office after their terms
expire.

Lawmakers from the KMT and TPP used their numerical advantage to delete the
so-called "indefinite extension" clause from the Public Television Act.

Under the previous law, board members whose terms had ended could continue
serving until new appointees formally took office, a mechanism critics said
enabled prolonged extensions and weakened governance.

The current PTS board's term expired in May last year, but a new board has
yet to be fully installed, as nominations haven't completed the review
process.

Under the law, the PTS board consists of 11 to 15 directors and three to five
supervisors. They have to be approved by two-thirds of a review committee
composed proportionally of party representatives.

DPP lawmaker Fan Yun said the amendments could paralyze board operations by
deterring qualified candidates who might not want to go through the partisan
wrangling that would inevitably result to fill the PTS board.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-01-17 14:08:14

The Ministry of the Interior says it will start accepting applications for
R&D alternative military service on Feb. 2.

Men born between 1993 and 2004 and having at least a master's degree who
haven't yet fulfilled mandatory military service requirements can apply for
one of 2,600 spots in the R&D placement program.

The MOI said the program has placed 55,000 alternative service recruits at
more than 1,800 employers since the program began in 2008.

Most of the placements this year will be in semiconductor, machinery, IT and
electronics sectors. The employers include Academia Sinica and TSMC.

The MOI says that alternative military service recruits have been responsible
for more than 5,700 patents and publication of around 17,500 research papers
over the years.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-01-17 14:08:14

The Central Weather Administration says temperatures in northern Taiwan are
forecast to fall to as low as 12 degrees next week.

A cold air mass is expected to approach Taiwan on Tuesday, and it is likely
to strengthen from Wednesday to Thursday.

Daytime temperatures are forecast to range between 18 and 19 degrees in the
north on Tuesday before falling to 15-16 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday.

In central and southern Taiwan, highs are forecast to range between 18 and 20
degrees on Wednesday and Thursday, falling to 13-14 degrees at night.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-01-17 13:07:13

The Legislative Yuan continued to block the 2026 central government budget,
but it voted to decouple NT$72 billion for expedited review of public welfare
and infrastructure programs, including the popular TPass commuter initiative.

The KMT and TPP motion unbundled 38 items from the broader NT$3 trillion
budget deadlock. The hived-off portion accounts for 2.4% of the total.

The 38 items will bypass committee review and proceed directly to closed-door
negotiations convened by Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu.

The allocation includes NT$7.5 billion to sustain the TPass program through
2029. The program currently serves more than a million commuters.

The DPP's Rosalia Wu condemned the move as an "ambush," saying the motion was
distributed only 15 minutes before the session, leaving lawmakers practically
no time to review the details.

Cabinet Spokeswoman Michelle Lee slammed the piecemeal approach, saying,
"every item in the budget is interconnected and vital to national progress."

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-01-17 13:07:13

Venus Williams is set to make history at the Australian Open as the
oldest-ever player to contest the women's singles draw.

She received a wild-card entry to play in the tournament for the first time
in five years.

The American says she's optimistic. If she wins against Olga Danilovic
tomorrow, she could face third-seeded Coco Gauff in the second round.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-01-17 12:09:14

The KMT is criticizing the Taiwan government for keeping tariff discussions
opaque ... and calling for it to to submit all signed agreements between
Taiwan and the United States to the Legislative Yuan for review.

This follows a tariff deal annouced yesterday that includes a pledge to
invest at least US$250 billion in the US.

KMT Legislator Wu Tsung-hsien accused the government of withholding
information when opposition parties raised questions, adding that the
information provided yesterday remains severely insufficient.

According to the Executive Yuan, the US has agreed to lower tariffs on
Taiwanese goods from 20 percent to 15 percent, with the important provision
that the new tariffs won't be stacked on top of existing most-favored-nation
rates.

The agreement also grants semiconductors and related products the most
favorable treatment.

A KMT spokesperson said the government should have been more cautious in the
negotiations, citing the US Supreme Court's ongoing review of the
constitutionality of President Trump's tariffs.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-01-17 12:09:14

A survey released on Friday by job bank 1111 revealed that NTU is the
university with graduates who are most favored by employers.

National Cheng Kung University is in second place, followed by National
Taipei University of Technology and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University.

The top 10 is rounded out by National Taiwan University of Science and
Technology, National Tsing Hua University, National Chengchi University,
Tamkang University, National Central University, and Fu Jen Catholic
University.

The latest survey also found that more than half of employers prefer to hire
fresh graduates with part-time experience, reflecting their growing emphasis
on recruits' workplace readiness and emotional maturity.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-01-17 12:09:15

While TSMC's 2025 revenue and profits were supercharged by demand for
advanced wafers used for AI, its non-AI wafers performed strongly as well.

At TSMC's fourth-quarter earnings call, Chairman and CEO CC Wei said consumer
electronics are still an important part of the fab business.

Wei added that higher demand for smaller processors didn't mean the end of
its 6- and 8-nanometer chips.

The chipmaker has said it's accelerating production capacity to meet
increased demand for its smaller, more powerful semiconductors.

Posted on 2026-01-17 11:07:13

Taiwan-focused business groups have welcomed the announcement of a new trade
arrangement that lowers tariffs and expands bilateral investment between the
United States and Taiwan.

The US-Taiwan Business Council said the deal, which reduces Taiwan's baseline
tariffs from 20 percent to 15 percent, will align it with levels granted to
Japan and South Korea.

The council's president, Rupert Hammond-Chambers, described the agreement as
"historic," saying it would significantly deepen trade and technology ties,
particularly in the semiconductor sector.

Hammond-Chambers stressed that expanded US chip production shouldn't be seen
as replacing Taiwan's leadership in the sector, noting that next-gen fabs
will still be set up here before being replicated in the US.

Under the agreement, Taiwan semiconductor and technology firms are expected
to make at least US$250 billion in direct investments in the United States,
with an another US$250 billion in credit guarantees to facilitate additional
investments.

AmCham also welcomed the deal, saying it provides greater clarity and
predictability for companies operating across the US-Taiwan economic
corridor.

Both organizations urged Congress to pass the US-Taiwan Agreement on
Avoidance of Double Taxation, warning that the current tax framework
discourages cross-border investment and could limit the agreement's
effectiveness.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-01-17 11:07:13

protestors

A US judge has ruled that federal officers in Minneapolis-area immigration
operations can't detain or tear gas peaceful protesters.

US District Judge Kate Menendez ruled in a case filed in December on behalf
of six Minnesota activists.

The ruling prohibits the officers from detaining drivers and passengers in
vehicles when there's no reasonable suspicion that they're obstructing or
interfering with the officers.

According to the ruling, safely following agents "at an appropriate distance
doesn't, by itself, create reasonable suspicion to justify a vehicle stop."

Thousands of people have been observing the activities of ICE and Border
Patrol officers enforcing the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in
the Minneapolis-St. Paul area since early December.

Government attorneys have argued that agents have been acting within their
legal authority to enforce immigration laws and protect themselves.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-01-16 17:06:13

President Lai Ching-te is calling Taiwan's new trade deal with the United
States a major win for both sides.

According to Lai, the deal will deepen economic ties, and help local
industries stay rooted at home while expanding globally.

Under the agreement, U-S tariffs on Taiwanese goods will be lowered to 15
percent—now matching regional trade partners like Japan and South Korea.

Lai says this "levels the playing field", improving fairness and stability in
regional and global trade.

The deal also secures Taiwan preferential treatment for semiconductors and
related products under U-S trade law ... and establishes a new strategic
partnership in Artificial Intelligence and defense.

In return, President Lai says the government will support a massive
250-billion-U-S-dollar investment by Taiwanese firms into the U-S economy ...

... while encouraging US investment in Taiwan's semiconductor, A-I, and
defense sectors.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-01-16 17:06:14

usual

Taipei Main Station is set to hold drills Thursday to simulate a random
attack akin to the one that occurred last month.

Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation says, it will comply with the drills while
continuing service as usual.

Taipei Main Station says, the drills will be held on the 22nd at 2pm to
increase emergency preparedness.

They will hold the drills near the B3 level HSR exit, and the company says
they will dispatch staff to help guide passengers.

They also advise passengers who will be transferring to TRC or MRT trains to
allow some wiggle room in transfer times if possible.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-16 17:06:15

The Ministry of Labor is warning employers about sexual harassment risks at
year-end parties.

Labor officials say that 'weiya' celebrations can quickly become high-risk
zones for inappropriate behavior, fueled by lively atmospheres and alcohol.

They stress that under workplace equality laws, employers are legally
responsible for preventing harassment and must act immediately if an incident
occurs—or face penalites.

Officials are urging companies to vet event plans, specifically regarding
stage acts and dress codes ...

... setting clear boundaries in advance, such as banning inappropriate jokes
and unwanted physical contact.

Past controversies have seen supervisors forcing staff to perform
uncomfortable dances or requiring female employees to wear inappropriate
outfits.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-01-16 17:06:15

Now turning to internationla news...

A South Korean court has sentenced former President Yook Suk Yeol to five
years in prison on martial law-related charges.

The verdict is the first against Yoon in the eight criminal trials over his
martial law decree, amongst other allegations.

The most significant charge against him says that he led a rebellion in
connection with his enforcement of martial law, which carries a potential
death penalty.

A court sentenced him today for other charges, like his defiance of
authorities' attempts to detain him and his alleged fabrication of official
documents.

Yooon maintains that he did not intend to place the country under military
rule for an extended time...

saying the decree was only meant to inform people about the danger of the
liberal-controlled partliament obstructing his agenda.

But investigators see the decree as an attempt to bolster the former
president's own rule.

Posted on 2026-01-16 16:07:13

Institutional investors have praised the trade deal that Taiwan finally
reached with the United States after over 8 months of negotiations, saying
it's better than expected.

Tai-shin Investment says the tariff cut to 15 percent, along with
preferential treatment for semiconductors and related products, keeps Taiwan
on equal competitive footing with South Korea and Japan.

It says the two sides have also agreed on a “Taiwan model” for supply-chain
cooperation, which means companies will make independent investments totaling
up to $250 billion U.S. dollars, backed by government credit guarantees,
while the U.S. will assist with land, utilities, tax incentives, and visas.

Tai-shin says THAT plan should lower the uncertainties for Taiwanese
companies.

The firm also notes that conventional industries are the biggest winners,
especially firms producing in Taiwan and exporting primarily to the U.S.,
including machine tools, auto parts, bicycles, golf products, and sporting
goods.

Marbo Investment says overall, the tariff adjustment has limited impact on
Taiwan's technology stocks as Taiwanese tech firms had already prepared for
the changes.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-01-16 16:07:13

Kaohsiung will celebrate its annual winter Wonderland event next month
featuring the iconic Japanese superhero character Ultraman.

Mayor Chen Chi-mai announced today that the festival will run from Feb. 7th
through March 1st.

The event will take place at Love River Bay and Piers 16 through 18 of the
Kaohsiung Port.

The mayor says the festival is in its 60th year, and this year's theme,
""Ultraman Descends on the Harbor City" is a tribute to "City Heroes" who
work quietly to protect others.

The festival will feature large-scale installations, night light shows, and
interactive performances.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-16 16:07:13

Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation says 700-thouand train tickets for the
Lunar New Year period were sold in just one hour early this morning, setting
a record high.

Booking for the tickets opened at midnight this morning.

THSR says by this morning at 8am, the company had sold over 820,000 tickets
during the holiday period, an increase of 12-percent compared to last year.

The Lunar New Year period this year runs from February 14th to 22nd, lasting
9 days in total.

During that period, THSR is offering more than 2-thousand 100 train trips to
transport people.

They're also urging passengers to take advantage of non-peak hours during the
holiday, with 617 train trips having discounts during those less convenient
times.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-16 16:07:13

In world news...

China and Canada have pledged to improve relations after years of tension.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping told visiting Prime Minister Mark Carney today that
he is willing to work on better ties.

Talks have been underway since their initial meeting in October. Carney is
the first Canadian prime minister to visit China in eight years.

He says better relations could improve global governance.

He has called for cooperation in agriculture, energy, and finance.

No announcement has been made on tariffs, which is a sticking point in the
relationship.

China hopes U.S. pressure will lead Canada to pursue a foreign policy less
aligned with the United States.

Posted on 2026-01-16 16:07:13

A South Korean court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five
years in prison on some charges related to his imposition of martial law. The
verdict is the first against Yoon in the eight criminal trials over the
decree he issued in late 2024 and other allegations. The most significant
charge against him alleges that he led a rebellion in connection with his
martial law enforcement and it carries a potential death penalty. The Seoul
Central District Court in the case decided Friday sentenced him for other
charges like his defiance of authorities’ attempts to detain him and his
alleged fabrication of official documents.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A South Korean court sentenced former President
Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison Friday in the first verdict from eight
criminal trials over the martial law debacle that forced him out of office
and other allegations.

Yoon was impeached, arrested and dismissed as president after his short-lived
imposition of martial law in December 2024 triggered huge public protests
calling for his ouster.

The most significant criminal charge against him alleges that his martial law
enforcement amounted to a rebellion, and the independent counsel has
requested the death sentence in the case that is to be decided in a ruling
next month.

In Friday's case, the Seoul Central District Court sentenced Yoon for defying
attempts to detain him, fabricating the martial law proclamation and
sidestepping a legally mandated full Cabinet meeting.

Yoon has maintained he didn’t intend to place the country under military
rule for an extended period, saying his decree was only meant to inform the
people about the danger of the liberal-controlled parliament obstructing his
agenda. But investigators have viewed Yoon’s decree as an attempt to bolster
and prolong his rule, charging him with rebellion, abuse of power and other
criminal offenses.

Judge Baek Dae-hyun said in the televised ruling that imposing “a grave
punishment” was necessary because Yoon hasn’t shown remorse and has only
repeated “hard-to-comprehend excuses.” The judge also restoring legal
systems damaged by Yoon’s action was necessary.

Yoon, who can appeal the ruling, hasn’t immediately publicly responded to
the ruling. But when the independent counsel demanded a 10-year prison term
in the case, Yoon’s defense team accused them of being politically driven
and lacking legal grounds to demand such “an excessive” sentence.

Prison sentences in the multiple, smaller trials Yoon faces would matter if
he is spared the death penalty or life imprisonment at the rebellion trial.

Park SungBae, a lawyer who specializes in criminal law, said there is little
chance the court would decide Yoon should face the death penalty in the
rebellion case. He said the court will likely issue a life sentence or a
sentence of 30 years or more in prison.

South Korea has maintained a de facto moratorium on executions since 1997 and
courts rarely hand down death sentences. Park said the court would take into
account that Yoon’s decree didn’t cause casualties and didn’t last long,
although Yoon hasn’t shown genuine remorse for his action.

Posted on 2026-01-16 15:13:13

imprisonment

The National Human Rights Commission is raising concerns over the Executive
Yuan's proposed amendments to the criminal code regarding life sentence
without parole.

The Cabinet proposed the amendments, which would remove the option for parole
in serious violent crimes, if the sentence for the offender is life
imprisonment or more than 10 years' of prison time.

The Executive Yuan's version would employ the punishment only for
particularly severe crimes, like first degree murder and child abuse leading
to death.

Currently, the maximum prison sentence in Taiwan is 30 years with the option
for parole, with the only more severe option being the dealth penalty.

But the NHRC has critiqued the proposal, saying that not allowing the option
for parole does not give convicts the chance to rehabilitate.

They're calling on lawmakers to prudently examine the amendments, which are
now pending in the Legislative Yuan.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-16 15:13:13

A South Korean court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five
years in prison on some charges related to his imposition of martial law.

The verdict is the first against Yoon in the eight criminal trials over the
decree he issued in late 2024 and other allegations.

The most significant charge against him alleges that he led a rebellion in
connection with his martial law enforcement and it carries a potential death
penalty.

The Seoul Central District Court in the case today sentenced him for other
charges like his defiance of authorities’ attempts to detain him and his
alleged fabrication of official documents.

Posted on 2026-01-16 15:13:13

China and Canada have pledged to improve relations after years of tension.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping told visiting Prime Minister Mark Carney today that
he is willing to work on better ties.

Talks have been underway since their initial meeting in October.

Carney is the first Canadian prime minister to visit China in eight years.

He says better relations could improve global governance.

He has called for cooperation in agriculture, energy, and finance.

No announcement has been made on tariffs, which is a sticking point in the
relationship.

Posted on 2026-01-16 14:07:13

Vice Premier Zheng Li-jun has addressed concerns that expanded semiconductor
and supply-chain cooperation in the United States could “hollow out
Taiwan.”

She emphasized that under the “Taiwan model” of cooperation, industrial
relocation won't happen.

She also said Taiwan is participating as a high-tech partner, working with
the U.S. to advance AI industry development.

Her comments come after Taiwan and the U.S. reached a trade deal, with U.S.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick saying the goal is to shift 40 percent of
Taiwan’s semiconductor production capacity to his country.

Taiwan has long worried that TSMC could move its most advanced technologies
overseas, potentially undermining Taiwan’s competitiveness.

Zheng noted that Taiwan's semiconductor firms have expanded their overseas
investments in recent years, with the industry’s total output value rising
from $4.3 trillion NT in 2023 to $6.5 trillion last year.

She said as Taiwan’s high-tech sector becomes a global industry, it should
pursue international expansion based on customer needs, market demand, and
long-term industrial growth strategies.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-01-16 14:07:13

The National Police Agency is reshuffling its top leadership as 139
high-ranking officers prepare to take new positions this month.

The agency announced the major personnel changes today following the
retirement of several senior officials.

The current Kaohsiung Police Chief, Lin Yan-tian (林炎田), will move to the
capital to become the new head of the Taipei City Police Department.

Chao Rui-hua (趙瑞華) will take over as the police chief in Kaohsiung.

Additionally, Chiu Shao-chou (邱紹洲), who previously served as the commander
of the Seventh Special Police Corps, will take over as the director of the
Criminal Investigation Bureau.

The agency says all 139 officers are scheduled to officially start their new
assignments on January 20.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-16 14:07:13

Lemurs at the Taipei Zoo are drawing attention this winter for the ways they
soak up the sun to stay warm.

Keepers shared details about the zoo's three species of resident lemurs,
pointing out that they rely on the sun to handle Taiwan’s changing winter
temperatures.

The zoo says the ring-tailed lemurs often sit facing the sun with their arms
stretched out and heads tilted back, because their belly fur is thinner than
the fur on their backs.

Black-and-white ruffed lemurs often lay spread-eagle on the grass in a "star"
shape to warm their chests and bellies.

And common brown lemurs huddle together for warmth and wrap their long tails
around each other.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-16 14:07:13

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at 31408 after
gaining 598 points.

The turnover was 823.3 billion NT

Posted on 2026-01-16 14:07:13

Now turning to international news...

Widespread delays have plagued voting in Uganda's presidential election.

Some polling stations opened 4 hours late, with long lines of voters.

Voting has extended for one hour before polls closed in the evening.

The delays came during a days-long internet shutdown that was criticized as
being an anti-democratic tactic.

Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni has been in office since 1986, and he
faces 7 other candidates...

with one candidate, Bobi Wine, calling for political change.

Results are constitutionally required to be announced in 48 hours.

Posted on 2026-01-16 14:07:13

In the US state of Minnesota, a federal judge has ordered the release of a
man after armed immigration agents broken into his home with a battering ram.

The judge said that the agents violated Garrison Gibson's 4th amendment
rights against unlawful search and seizure.

That's as federal officials are ramping up arrests in the state, killing a
woman last week in the city of Minneapolis.

In his ruling, the judge said that agents entered the home of Garrison
Gibson, a Liberian national, without his consent and without a warrant signed
by a judge.

Posted on 2026-01-16 14:07:13

In Australia, social media companies have revoked access to over four a half
million accounts identified as belonging to kids in the country.

That's following the country's ban on platform use by those under 16.

Officials announced the numbers, highlighting the success of the law enacted
in December.

The ban has sparked debates about technology use, privacy, and child safety.

Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and X face fines if they fail to comply.

Officials say, the measure is encouraging, though some young people have
found ways to get around the restrictions.

Other countries, such as Denmark, are considering similar bans.

Posted on 2026-01-16 13:06:14

An economist says, the trade deal that Taiwan reached with the United States
is in certain ways better than what South Korea, Japan, and the EU got.

Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research President Lian Xian-ming (連賢明)
said that the government is only providing credit guarantees of $250 billion
US dollars in support of tech companies, without guaranteeing the amount of
investment in the U.S.

He said that means companies will decide for themselves whether to invest, in
line with market mechanisms.

But he also noted that the total investment by TSMC and other companies is
set at $250 billion US dollars; that's $85 billion dollars more than the $165
billion dollars previously pledged by the chipmaker giant.

Lian says according to TSMC’s report yesterday, production at the company’s
third and fourth plants in Arizona is unlikely to be completed during
President Donald Trump’s term in office.

However, he did not rule out the possibility that the investment could be
made by other tech companies.

The Taiwan-U.S. trade deal also says that Taiwan has promised that the
country will help accelerate investment by Taiwan’s semiconductor supply
chain in the U.S.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-01-16 13:06:14

Now turning to international news...

The UN Security Council in an emergency meeting discussed the deadly protests
in Iran.

That meeting was requested by the US.

Activists say, Iran's crackdown on demonstrations has killed over 2600
people.

Ahead of the UN meeting, Tehran appeared to make conciliatory statements in
an effort to defuse the situation...

after US president trump threatened to take action to stop the further
killing of protesters, including the execution of anyone detained in the
protests.

Video footage of the demonstrations has stopped appearing, likely signaling
that the protests have slowed under heavy securutiy presence in major cities.

Posted on 2026-01-16 13:06:14

In the US, A Minneapolis woman says that she was dragged from her car and
detained by immigration officers.

Video of the arrest has drawn millions of views online, highlighting an
intensifying immigration crackdown in the city.

The woman said that she was on her way to a medical appointment when federal
agents stopped her at an intersection.

She says, officers smashed her car window, cut her seatbelt and dragged her
out.

Federal officials claim that the woman, a US citizen, was obstructing
officers conducting arrests in the area.

Her lawyer said that she was hospitalized for injuries and has since been
released.

That's following ICE's fatal shooting of another woman in the city just last
week.

Posted on 2026-01-16 13:06:14

An explosion at a residential street in the Netherlands has caused a blaze
and widespread damage.

The blast, in Utrecht, sent people running away, with firefighters trying to
douse the flames but couldn't enter damaged homes due to fears of structural
damage.

Officials say at least 4 people were injured and it remains unclear if there
were any casualties.

They add that it is currently difficult to determine how many victims may be
trapped underneath the rubble.

The cause of the explosion is not immediately known, and police are actively
investigating.

Posted on 2026-01-16 08:13:13

D-P-P lawmaker Chen Ting-fei is set to be nominated as the party's candidate
for November's Tainan mayoral election after beating lawmaker Lin Jun-hsien
in the primary.

According to the D-P-P, a telephone survey showed that Chen outperformed Lin
in head-to-head matchups against the likely K-M-T candidate, lawmaker Hsieh
Lung-chieh.

D-P-P spokeswoman Han Ying says Chen's and Lin's representatives concurred
with the results, and she believes that the candidates will come together to
help the D-P-P win the local elections.

Chen served as a Tainan city councilor from 1998 to 2008 and was elected to
the Legislature during her third term on the council.

She is a five term serving lawmaker.

The D-P-P is expected formally announce Chen's candidacy during a Central
Executive Committee meeting on January 21.

Posted on 2026-01-16 08:13:17

The Hualien District Court has ordered Guangfu Township chief Lin Ching-shu
to be detained in connection with the investigation into the deaths of 19
people when the Matai'an Creek barrier lake overflowed in late September of
last year.

Prosecutors say Lin is suspected of offenses including negligent manslaughter
and falsely reporting evacuation figures.

Lin and three other township office employees suspected of the same offenses
were questioned earlier this week.

The three township office employees were released on bail.

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency issued a yellow alert calling for
preventive evacuation at 11AM on September 21 and a red alert for mandatory
evacuation at 7AM on September 22.

According to prosecutors, Lin and the three officials failed to actively
evacuate residents as required - which resulted in a "serious disaster
situation.

Prosecutors says the four suspects later submitted falsified evacuation
headcount reports to the Hualien County Government.

Posted on 2026-01-16 08:13:17

And finally,

The Chinese Taipei Baseball Association has announced that Uni-President
Lions center fielder Chen Chieh-hsien has been named as the captain of
Taiwan's national baseball team for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

The announcement comes after training camp for the tournament got underway in
Kaohsiung.

According to team manager Tseng Hao-chu, Chen was selected as captain based
his leadership during the W-B-S-C Premier 12 tournament where he led the team
to victory.

Taiwan is in Pool C in the World Baseball Classic opening group stage and
faces Japan, South Korea, Australia and the Czech Republic.

Taiwan's opening game at the 2026 World Baseball Classic is against Australia
on March 5 at the Tokyo Dome.

The top two teams advance to the knockout stage.

Posted on 2026-01-16 07:01:13

Taiwan goods entering the U-S market will now be subject to tariffs of no
more than 15 percent, down from the original 20 percent set by the Trump
Administration in April of last year.

Under the bilateral deal announced by the U-S Commerce Department, Taiwanese
companies investing in new chip manufacturing in the U-S will also be able to
avoid tariffs on some imports.

The U-S is also not expected to apply tariffs for generic pharmaceuticals,
aircraft components and unavailable natural resources.

The bilateral trade agreement is expected to further boost Taiwan
semiconductor companies' financing for U-S operations by 500-billion U-S
dollars.

Taiwan semiconductor and tech companies will make new investments totaling at
least 250-billion U-S dollars to promote energy, A-I and innovation in the
U-S ...

... and Taiwan will also offer credit guarantees of at least 250-billion U-S
dollars to expand the chip supply chain in America.

The commerce department hasn't said which companies are expected to invest in
the U-S.

The Cabinet's Taiwan-US trade working group said yesterday that a formal
trade agreement will be signed at a later date,

A full text will then be submitted to the Legislative Yuan for review.

Posted on 2026-01-16 07:01:20

Taiwan and the U-S city of Phoenix have signed a memorandum of understanding
aimed at expanding cooperation on startup-driven innovation in semiconductors
and AI-powered applications.

The MOU was signed by Startup Island Taiwan, the Industrial Technology
Research Institute, the city of Phoenix, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council
and and the Phoenix-based startup accelerator, Tesoro V-C.

Startup Island Taiwan says the M-O-U aims to support Taiwanese startups in
using Phoenix and help U-S startups connect with Taiwan's semiconductor
research and development and manufacturing ecosystem.

During the signing ceremony, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said the move ensures
that she will able to support the growth of Taiwanese startups in her city
and help such businesses grow.

Gallego said that Taiwan businesses choosing to set up shop in Phoenix have
TSMC to thank so that businesses will have all the comforts of home, and also
access to U-S markets.

Posted on 2026-01-16 07:01:20

At the same time,

TSMC has confirmed it would increase its production capacity in the United
States... in response to increased demand from its customers there.

The confirmation was made by TSMC Chairman and CEO CC Wei during the
company's earnings call... he also stressed the production hikes wasn't just
happening in the U-S, but at its other fabs as well.

Arizona media quoted a TSMC spokesperson as saying the overall plan is to
include six chip fabrication facilities, two advanced packaging facilities
and a research and development center.

We'll bring you a look at the company's earnings a bit later on in the
program.

Posted on 2026-01-16 07:01:22

The Aif Force Command Headquarters says a salvage team will be dispatched to
retrieve the Flight Data Recorder from the F-16V fighter jet that disappeared
off Hualien last week.

The black box was located after Defense Minister Wellington Koo annouced on
Monday that intermittent signals had been detected in a search area.

Reports say the Air Force is hoping to tap Singaporean or Japanese salvage
companies to help with the retrieval mission, since Taiwan firms are unable
to carry out deep-sea salvage operations.

Operations searching for the aircraft' pilot, Captain Hsin Po-yi are
on-going.

The F-16V went missing on the evening of January 6 just over an hour after
taking off from the Hualien Air Base on a routine nighttime training mission.

The Air Force is still investigating the possible cause of the incident, but
reports have been saying the aircrafts modular mission computer may have
malfunctioned, resulting in the pilot suffering spatial disorientation.

Posted on 2026-01-16 07:01:26

The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has wrapped up its investigation into
the deadly December 19 knife and smoke bomb at the Taipei Main M-R-T Station
and the nearby Zhongshan M-R-T Station.

Prosecutors say it was unable to clearly determine the attacker's internal
motive, but has classified the incident as an "expressive crime."

They added the case is now closed with a non-prosecutorial disposition, as
the sole suspect is dead.

Investigators found no evidence that Chang Wen acted with accomplices or as
part of a criminal syndicate.

Financial records showed no unexpected funding sources and communication
records and social media activity did not indicate coordination with others.

Prosecutors say that surveillance footage and transit card and YouBike data
shows Chang acted alone and he a "repressed personality" and was withdrawn
from society."

Chang killed three people during the attack and died himself after falling
from the roof of the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi department store near the
Zhongshan Station M-R-T while being pursued by police.

Posted on 2026-01-16 07:01:29

The Ministry of Health has announced new measures to ease emergency room
overcrowding during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday.

Between February 14 to 22, all 13 urgent care centers across Taiwan will
closed only on Lunar New Year's Eve and the second-to-last day of the
holiday.

Services in internal medicine, general surgery, pediatrics and orthopedics
will remain accessible during the seven days.

"Emergency responsibility hospitals" will be open from the first to the third
day of the Lunar New Year.

The moves comes after the government faced a backlash last year due to
serious overcrowding at hospitals during last year's Lunar New Year holiday.

Statistics show emergency room visits during the Lunar New Year holiday
typically increase by 1.5 times the normal daily average... most of the
visits are said to be minor health issues triggered by cold weather and close
gatherings.

The Taiwan Society of Emergency Medicine has described what occured last year
as being "unprecedented."

Posted on 2026-01-16 07:01:30

The Cabinet has approved draft amendments that raise the monthly allowance
for senior farmers from the current 8,110 NT per month to 10,000 N-T.

The ministry says the move expected to benefit more than 530,000 people.

The draft bill introduces a new review mechanism to better reflect inflation.

The amendments also propose loosening eligibility thresholds under the
program's means-testing rules, which have remained unchanged for more than 13
years despite rising prices and asset values.

The bill will now be submitted to the Legislative Yuan for review.

Posted on 2026-01-16 07:01:33

And,

The Chiayi County Government says hand-held paper lanterns featuring "OhBear"
riding a rocking horse will be handed out during this year's Taiwan Lantern
Festival.

The festival takes place at the plaza in front of the Chiayi County Hall from
3PM daily from March 3 through 15.

The lanterns were designed to combine Taiwan's tourism mascot with the
Chinese zodiac sign of the horse for 2026 ...

.... and will be handed out near the main exhibition zone at the intersection
of Taizi Boulevard and Xinyi 2nd Road in Taibao City.

Each person will be limited to one lantern and there will be a imited number
available daily.

Posted on 2026-01-16 07:01:37

The United Nations chief is lashing out at countries that violate
international law and calling the concentration of power and wealth by the
world’s richest 1% “morally indefensible.”

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke to the U.N. General Assembly on
Thursday at the start of his final year at the helm of the United Nations.

He said the U.N.'s 193 member nations are facing “a world marked by
self-defeating geopolitical divides, brazen violations of international law,
and wholesale cuts in development and humanitarian aid.”

He said all these forces are shaking the foundations of global cooperation at
a time when it is needed most.

Posted on 2026-01-16 07:01:38

Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodriguez says lawmakers in her country
should approve reforms to the oil industry that would open the doors to
greater foreign investment.

The remarks were made Thursday during her first state of the union speech.

Rodriguez navigates competing pressures from the United States and a
government loyal to former President Nicolas Maduro, who was ousted by U.S.
forces less than two weeks ago.

The speech to the country's National Assembly, which wasn't being broadcast
live in Venezuela, comes one day after Rodriguez said her government would
continue releasing prisoners detained under Maduro in what she described as
“a new political moment.”

Posted on 2026-01-15 19:07:13

Troops from NATO countries, including France and Germany, are arriving in
Greenland to boost security.

This follows talks in Washington on Wednesday between Denmark, Greenland and
the U-S that highlighted disagreements over Greenland's future.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced the deployment of French troops,
with Germany sending a reconnaissance team on today.

Denmark is also increasing its military presence.

The talks focused on U-S intentions to take over Greenland for its mineral
resources amid rising Russian and Chinese interest.

Denmark's Foreign Minister expressed concerns over U-S President Donald
Trump's intentions.

Greenlanders remain uncertain about the future.

Posted on 2026-01-15 19:07:14

Iran closed its airspace to commercial flights for hours without explanation
as tensions remained high with the United States over Tehran's crackdown on
protests.

A-P correspondent Karen Chammas reports.

Posted on 2026-01-15 19:07:14

Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia written by volunteers, is embracing
artificial intelligence to mark its 25th anniversary.

The site has signed up new AI partners, including Meta and Microsoft,
alongside existing ones like Amazon and Google.

These companies are paying to access Wikipedia content, supporting its
nonprofit mission.

Founder Jimmy Wales welcomes AI training on Wikipedia data, emphasizing its
human-curated nature.

The Wikimedia Foundation urges AI developers to pay for access, as bots
heavily tax its servers.

Wikipedia plans to use AI to assist editors and improve search experiences,
while addressing criticism of bias and competition from rivals like
Grokipedia.

Posted on 2026-01-15 18:38:13

The Ministry of Economic Affairs is downplaying concerns that Taiwan's power
grid may struggle to keep up with TSMC's rapid expansion.

The issue was raised by TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei during today's earnings
briefing ... when he emphasized that a stable power supply is "essential" for
the chipmaker to expand capacity and meet surging global demand.

In response, Deputy Economic Affairs Minister Ho Chin-tsang says the
government is making power security a top priority ... saying it conducts
"rolling reviews" of the energy landscape via the state's annual electricity
report.

According to Ho, the latest assessments show Taiwan's power supply will
remain stable through at least 2032.

He clarified that these projections already account for the massive energy
needs of AI applications and advanced semiconductor plants.

The world's largest contract chipmaker reported 2025 consolodated sales
jumped 32 percent to about 3.8 trillion NT, while net profit hit a record
1.72 trillion NT.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-01-15 18:38:13

Kaohsiung says it has made major progress in controlling dangerous dogs, as
part of strengthened efforts to protect the public and cut down on stray
animals.

The Animal Protection Office says more than 93 percent of the city's 546
registered high-risk dogs have been neutered to date ... and 35 owners have
been fined for failing to comply with the rules.

Not only that, officials say the city's overall pet neutering rate has
climbed to over 67 percent in 2025 ... up from over 61 percent in 2023 ...
off the back of government subsidies and rural outreach programs.

And almost 18 hundred cats and dogs were successfully adopted within those
three years.

They also said Kaohsiung's stray dog population has dropped sharply in recent
years, from 17 thousand in 2020 to just over 10 thousand in 2024.

Authorities say they will continue education and enforcement to improve
public safety.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-01-15 18:38:13

ONE OK ROCK is returning to Taiwan to make history at Taipei Dome this April
25th! ...

... by becoming the first Japanese artist to headline a solo concert at the
venue.

General ticket sales open January 31st at noon.

However, you can get your seat a day early if you're a Cathay United Bank
CUBE Credit Card holder.

The Taipei show is a key stop on the rock band's "DETOX Asia Tour", which
follows a massive global run that saw them sell out two nights at Japan's
Nissan Stadium, attracting over 100 thousand fans.

ONE OK ROCK is no stranger to Taiwan, having previously sold out concerts at
Nangang Exhibition Center and Kaohsiung National Stadium.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-01-15 17:30:13

TSMC has said it is "speeding up" its capacity expansion in the United States
to satisfy client needs as it reported a record high in net profit in 2025
due to the AI development boom.

During today's investor conference for the 4th quarter, TSMC Chairman C.C.
Wei said his company has had to speed up its plans in the U.S., including
pushing up the opening date of its phase 2 semiconductor fab in Arizona.

The issue was being closely watched after recent reports that Taiwan has
negotiated the lowering of the U.S. tariff on its goods to 15 percent in
exchange for the chipmaker to expand its semiconductor capacity in the U.S.

TSMC posted a net profit of $1.7 trillion NT in 2025, up 46-percent from a
year earlier.

It had earnings per share of $66, compared to $45 NT in 2024.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-01-15 17:30:15

The first tropical storm of the year has just formed some 1,630 kilometers
southeast of Taiwan's southern tip and is not expected to have much impact on
Taiwan.

The Central Weather Administration says Tropical Storm Nokaen is currently
moving in a northwesterly direction but will turn northeastward this weekend.

The storm is unlikely to strengthen into a typhoon as the environmental
conditions are not favorable.

Forecasters say while the storm won't approach Taiwan, its outer bands may
still bring some rain to eastern Taiwan in the coming days.

Less than 2-percent of the over 1,700 typhoons formed in the northwestern
Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea between 1958 and 2024 occurred in
January.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-01-15 17:30:15

And, some lucky kids in Chiayi County will get a birthday gifts from their
local township office.

That's after the Meishan township offices announced that they were launching
the program for kids between 1 and 3 years old, who can get 6000 NT for their
birthdays.

Meishan officials say, all parents have to do is head to the local township
offices to apply for the cash on the child's birthday.

They add that they came out with a birth subsidy in 2023, offering 10,000 NT
for one kid before upping the amount to 30,000 the following year.

They said, the policy has had a great effect, with 40% more babies born in
2024 than the year prior.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-15 17:30:15

Now turning to international news...

US President Donald Trump is set to host Venezuelan opposition leader Maria
Corina Machado.

Her political party is widely considered to have won elections in 2024 which
were rejected by President Nicolas Maduro.

Trump has previously dismissed Machado's ability to run Venezuela and raised
doubts about his stated commitment to backing democratic rule in the country.

Trump has also signaled his willingness to work with Maduro's Vice President
and current acting president Delcy Rodriguez.

Rodriguez has pledged to continue releasing prisoners detained under Maduro.

Posted on 2026-01-15 17:30:15

Voting is Underway in Uganda's presidential election.

The polls opened despite a days-long internet shutown that has been
criticized as an anti-democratic tactic.

Crowds have gathered and formed long lines in some areas as polling station
openings were delayed.

Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni has held office since 1986.

He faces 7 other candidates in this election.

Results in the election are required to be announced within 48 hours.

Posted on 2026-01-15 16:07:14

Taipei prosecutors have completed the investigation into Taipei Main and
Zhongshan MRT Stations attacker, Zhang Wen, saying that he acted alone but
planned extensively.

Officials also confirmed that his cause of death was suicide, noting that
Zhang's own materials did not lay out any plans for after the attack,
indicating his intent to take his own life.

Police also presented surveillance footage from November at Taipei Main
Station, in which Zhang observed commuters' activity and recorded information
on a tablet.

Prosecutors were able to conclude that Zhang acted alone given his transit
records, banking details, and evidence such as his acquisition of weapons,
which he bought online himself.

The funds that Zhang used for purchasing the weapons and other tools came
entirely from his mother and his own savings after being unemployed for
years.

They say that, as Zhang is deceased, they will not prosecute him, while
Taoyuan prosecutors will also not prosecute Zhang's alleged draft dodging.

Since Zhang's December 19th deadly attacks, prosecutors islandwide have
investigated 51 copycat cases, and no links to Zhang have been found so far..

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-15 16:07:14

A Kaohsiung food company has been fined $300-thousand NT after inspectors
found it was selling food products expired by over 8 years.

Health officials discovered the expired meat at a warehouse owned by "Orient
Marquis Company" during a routine check.

The packaging on the chicken showed an expiration date of August 28, 2017.

The Kaohsiung City Department of Health says all of the expired food was
sealed and destroyed on-site.

Investigators found no evidence that the company tried to relabel the food or
sell it to the general public.

The city has now listed the company as a priority business for future
investigations.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-15 16:07:14

In world news....

A train derailed in northeastern Thailand yesterday after a construction
crane fell on two of its carriages, killing at least 32 people and injuring
66.

The accident occurred in a province some 230 kilometers northeast of Bangkok,
when 195 people were on the train.

The crane was working on a high-speed rail project when it collapsed and hit
the passing train, causing it to derail and briefly catch fire.

Thailand's Prime Minister told the State Railway of Thailand to provide good
compensation for families of the dead, adding that his government needs to
investigate... and take legal action.

The Italian-Thai Development Public Company, which was contracted to build
the rail segment, expressed regret for the accident and said it would provide
compensation and relief to families of the casualties.

Posted on 2026-01-15 14:10:13

Australian Exchange Student

Prosecutors have dropped a murder investigation against a woman accused of
killing her British husband due to insufficient evidence.

The Taipei District Prosecutors Office announced today that it will not
charge the woman, surnamed Yang, in the death of her British husband.

The man died in January 2023, but his body was cremated before police could
test for toxins.

Yang denies poisoning her husband, claiming he died of an illness.

Prosecutors say medical records and witness statements could not confirm a
cause of death or prove the presence of rat poison.

Yang is currently on trial for the attempted murder of Alex Shorey, an
Australian exchange student.

Prosecutors say she repeatedly put rat poison in Shorey’s food and drinks in
early 2023, to stop him from returning to Australia.

In that case, prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of at least eight
years.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-15 14:10:13

Taiwan’s national baseball team began training today for the World Baseball
Classic with 31 players reporting to camp in Kaohsiung.

The first stage of training is being held at the Taiwan Sports Training
Center in Zuo-ying District.

Out of the 32 players selected for this phase, only pitcher Chen Kuan-yu was
absent today.

Chen Chieh-hsien (陳傑憲) will serve as the team captain again, with manager
Tseng Hao-chu saying that Chen is the "only choice" for the role.

Chen previously served as captain during the WBSC Premier 12 and helped it
win the gold medal of that tournament in 2024.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-15 14:10:13

Asian shares are mostly lower today after Wall Street retreated on Big Tech
losses.

Taiwan shares are down ahead of a TSMC earnings conference today.

The benchmark tai ex lost 131 points to close the session at 30,810.

The turnover was 648 billion NT

Posted on 2026-01-15 14:10:13

Now turning to international news...

Japan and the Philippines have signed a defense pact that will allow the
tax-free provision of ammunition, fuel, food, and other necessities in joint
training.

They say, that's to boost deterrence against China's growing aggression in
the region, and to bolster preparation for natural disasters.

Meanwhile Japan also announced new security and economic development
assistance to the Philippines.

Japan has faced increasing political, trade, and security tensions with
China...

while both Japan and the Philippines have had separate territorial conflicts
with China in the East China Sea and South china Sea.

Posted on 2026-01-15 14:10:13

Ukrainian officials say, emergency repair crew are working to restore power
in the Kyiv region.

Russian attacks on energy infrastucture have left Ukrainians facing the
coldest winter in years.

In Boryspil, a town in the Kyiv region, workers dismantled and rebuilt
electrical systems in an attempt to fix the damage...

working in -15 degrees celsius from early morning til midnight.

Officials say, they've managaed to restore the supply for four hours a day,
but once the power turns back on, residents rush to take advantage,
collapsing the system again.

Posted on 2026-01-15 13:06:13

Three days of DPP polling in the south have now concluded, with Tainan's Chen
Ting Fei, Chiayi's Cai Yi Yu, and Kaohsiung's Lai Rui Long taking home the
win.

Polling wrapped up just last night in Tainan, with Chen having 61% support
against KMT nominee Xie Long Jie's 14%...

While her opponent Lin Jun Xian had 58% support against Xie's 21%.

Lin today said that he would support Chen in the election and emphasized the
importance of unity.

Chen is running to replace the DPP's outgoing Huang Wei Zhe, and if she is
successful she will be the first woman mayor in the city's 400 year history.

Overall, in all three nights of polling in Tainan, Chiayi County, and
Kaohsiung, DPP contenders in Kaohsiung were far less popular against a KMT
candidate than their counterparts in Tainan and Chiayi.

Chen, Cai, and Lai are set to be officially nominated on Wednesday.

In November, Chen faces KMT lawmaker Xie Long Jie and Lai will face Ke Zhi
En...

while the KMT has not yet named a nominee in Chiayi county.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-15 13:06:13

Hualien prosecutors are seeking the incommunicado detention of the chief of
Guangfu Township for alleged negligence leading to death in the Matai-an
Barrier Lake disaster on September 23rd.

Prosecutors also searched the township offices and chief Lin Qing Shui's home
and questione Lin and other township workers yesterday.

Prosecutors believe that Lin failed to carry out evacuation orders in
accordance with government orders, ultaimtely leading to the deaths of at
least 19 people on September 23rd.

Three other township officials were released on bail with ankle monitors.

Investigators say that a preventative evacuation alert was issued on
September 21st, and a mandatory alert was issued the following day...

but Lin and 3 others failed to carry out evacuations according to law.

They also allegedly inflated the number of evacuees and reported those
falsified numbers to county officials.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-15 13:06:13

The Executive Yuan has approved a plan to increase monthly welfare payments
for elderly farmers.

The current monthly allowance is $8-thousand-110 NT, and Premier Cho Jung-tai
says the increase is necessary to help retired farmers deal with the rising
cost of living.

The new proposal includes a special rule to adjust these payments if the
Consumer Price Index rises by 3 percent.

The government also plans to relax wealth limits so that more farmers can
qualify for the financial support.

The draft amendment now moves to the Legislative Yuan for final approval.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-15 13:06:17

Now turning to internationla news and in the US,

a federal officer has shot a person in the leg in Minneapolist after being
attack with a shovel during an arrest.

That's after an immigration officer shot and killed a woman in the city just
a week ago.

Federal officials said that the officers stopped a person from Venezuela who
was in the US illegally, and said that that person drove away and crashed
into a parked car before running away.

They also said that, after officers reached the person, two others arrived
from nearby and all three attacked the officer together.

Meanwhile Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the state as being in chaos,
saying what's happening "defies belief."

Posted on 2026-01-15 08:14:14

talks

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

Senior government officials are reportedly heading to Washington D.C. in an
effort to push forward talks on reducing U-S tariffs on Taiwan products
entering the American marking and strengthening investment.

Sources are being cited by several media outlets as saying Vice Premier Cheng
Li-chiun and the government chief trade negotiator Yang Jen-ni have left for
the U-S for talks with Trump administration officials in the coming days.

It's not known which U-S officials will be attending those meetings or
whether U-S President Donald Trump will be involved.

It also remains unknown if the visit will produce a deal.

However, the trip comes after reports earlier this week said a deal is being
finalized to reduce the U-S tariff rate on Taiwan products will from 20 to
15-per cent, and commit Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing to invest
significantly more in the U-S.

The Cabinet earlier this week refusing to comment on those reports, but said
a "broad consensus" had reached the U-S and discussions are now focusing on a
timetable for a concluding meeting.

Posted on 2026-01-15 08:14:15

Lawmakers have begin public hearings to discuss impeaching President Lai
Ching-te.

The first hearing took place yesterday and a second hearing is scheduled for
today as part of the legislature's impeachment review process.

The Committee of the Whole Yuan will then hold formal review meetings on
January 21 and 22.

The lead sponsors will use those meetings to explain the grounds for
impeachment and Lai will be invited to give a 15-minute statement followed by
questioning by lawmakers.

A second review meeting is scheduled for May, after which the impeachment
case will be put to a vote in the Legislative Yuan on May 19.

Opposition lawmakers approved a motion to initiate impeachment proceedings
against Lai Ching-te on December 26 - arguing that he has undermined Taiwan's
constitutional order and democracy.

The move came after Lai failed to enact an amendment passed by the
Legislature that would have given local governments a larger share of public
revenues on December 15.

The impeachment needs a two-thirds majority of lawmakers for it to pass.

Posted on 2026-01-15 08:14:15

Parents groups says the debate over a proposed amendment to the Assisted
Reproduction Act should consider the need for greater disclosure to patients
of potential health risks associated with assisted reproduction.

The statement comes after the government proposed revisions to Article 12 of
the Act.

The article currently stipulates that a medical institution must explain "any
possible complications or hazards" of assisted reproduction to the recipient
couple, without clearly spelling out what information must be disclosed.

Parents groups argue that the "possible complications or hazards" cited in
the article mainly focus on risks to the woman during pregnancy rather than
the potential health risks for the child ...

.. and those child-related risks should be clearly included in the informed
consent form signed by both parties, and medical institutions should also be
required to ensure that applicants fully understand the information.

The groups are calling for those specific disclosure requirements to be
written into the law.

Posted on 2026-01-15 08:14:15

Taiwan's passport has risen three place in the latest Henley Passport Index
to move up to 33rd spot.

The rise means it returned to the same place it was in the rankings in
January of last year.

The index rank passports by the number of designations its holder can travel
to without a visa.

The latest survey shows that Taiwan passport holders can travel to 139
countries and territories without a visa.

The Singaporean passport was ranked the most powerful with visa-free access
to 192 destinations out of a total of 227.

The Japanese and South Korean passports were tied for second in the rankings
- with holders of them able to travel to 188 countries and territories
without a visa.

Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland were tied for third place,
with each of those passport allowing holders to visit 186 countries and
territories.

Posted on 2026-01-15 08:14:15

The Central Weather Administration says a tropical depression that formed
east of the Philippines could soon be upgraded to be the first tropical storm
of this year.

According to the administration's forecast center, the weather pattern is
currently located some 1,700-kilometers southeast of Eluanbi at the island's
southern most tip and is moving in a westerly direction at
11-kilometers-an-hour.

If its does develop into a tropical storm it will be called Nokaen.

It is currently forecast to move northwest to north, and is expected to
remain east of the Philippines.

There is ittle chance of it affecting Taiwan.

Meanwhile,

The weather administration says the next cold air mass is forecast to arrive
on Monday of next week and a strong continental cold air mass will move south
on Tuesday.

Independent meteorologist Daniel Wu says the cold front will likely hover
over the island from Wednesday through Friday and current model simulations
indicate that it will meet definition of a "strong continental cold air mass"
...

.. meaning temperatures in some low-lying areas could drop to 8-degrees.

Posted on 2026-01-15 08:14:15

And finally,

Mandopop King, Jay Chou has taken to the courts of Melbourne Park the first
time as a competitor in the Australian Open's high-stakes 1 Point Slam.

Chou was up against against 24-year-old Australian amateur Petar Jovic.

Chou had previously joked about wanting to serve first so he could at least
touch the ball, but he lost the coin toss and Jovic secured the serving
rights.

Chou failed to react to Jovic's fast serve and watched as the ball landed in
court.

The Australian Open's Point Slam was inaugurated by Tennis Australia in 2025
and is now cornerstone of the Grand Slam's "Opening Week" entertainment
festival.

The 48-player "flash" draw this year featured 24 professionals - including
world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, defending champion Jannik Sinner, and Naomi Osaka
- competing alongside celebrities and amateur qualifiers.

Posted on 2026-01-15 07:02:13

Taiwan People's Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang says he expressed reservations
about the government's proposed 1.25-trillion N-T special defense budget
during meetings in Washington, D.C. earlier this week ...

... and his party will now propose a revised budget.

After he returned to Taiwan, Huang said he met with U-S trade, defense and
State Department officials during the visit and told them about the lack of
clarity about how the budget would be spent.

Huang said he told U-S officials that the legislature of a democratic country
like Taiwan could not accept reviewing a budget with unclear or unknown
spending items, and the U-S side "understood and agreed with" his concerns.

Huang said the T-P-P will wait to hear a closed legislative committee
briefing on the special budget next week by the Ministry of National Defense,
after which it will propose its own version of the bill.

The T-P-P and the K-M-T have blocked consideration of the bill in the
Legislature six times since it was referred to lawmakers by the Cabinet for
review.

Posted on 2026-01-15 07:02:17

visit

A spokesperson for two Canadian lawmakers acknowledged tehy were encouraged
to cut short their visit to Taiwan before Canada's Prime Minister Mark
Carney's announced trip to Beijing.

A constituency manager for one of the Liberal Party lawmakers says they
returned home on "advice from the government"... as the party wanted to avoid
confusion concerning Canada's foreign policy.

Liberal Party members Helena Jaczek and Marie-France Lalonde were part of a
five-member, cross-party parliamentary delegation that had planned to visit
Taiwan from January 10 to 16.

However, the two lawmakers cut short their planned visit and left Taiwan day
before Carney was slated to arrive in Beijing.

Three other delegation members -- all with the opposition Conservative
Party-- remained in Taiwan, and met with President Lai Ching-te and other
senior government officials this week.

Posted on 2026-01-15 07:02:17

The visiting Mayor of the U-S city of Phoenix has held talks with President
Lai Ching-te at the Presidential Office.

Kate Gallego highlighted advanced air mobility, aviation and sports as key
areas for expanded cooperation... saying Phoenix sought to be a leader in
advanced air mobility.

As Phoenix is the first major U-S city to implement drone package delivery,
Gallego said she hopes to have "additional collaboration" given Taiwan's
strength in the field.

Even though semiconductor cooperation between Taiwan and Arizona has drawn
the most attention due to TSMC's investments in Gallego's home city...

.. the mayr said said the two sides have a much longer history of cooperation
in aerospace, including training military and commercial pilots for Taiwan.

She also pointed to people-to-people exchanges, citing a friendly youth
baseball game held Sunday between the Phoenix Arcadia Under 12 team, part of
her delegation, and a youth team from Tainan.

Gallego is in Taiwan this week for talks with government officials and
business leaders and to attend the inaugural ceremony of Starlux Airlines'
new nonstop Taipei to Phoenix route.

Posted on 2026-01-15 07:02:19

D-P-P lawmaker Tsai Yi-yu is set to be nominated by the party as its
candidate in the Chiayi County magistrate election after securing a decisive
victory in the party's primary.

The primary was determined by opinion polls and conducted by three polling
firms.

The DPP said Tsai performed better against the likely K-M-T candidate,
lawmaker Wang Yu-min, than the other candidate vying for the party's
nomination, Chiayi County Councilor Huang Rong-li.

WhileTsai and Huang easily beat Wang in the polls, but Tsai won by a much
bigger margin of victory.

Tsai will be formally nominated by the D-P-P at its Central Executive
Committee meeting on January 21.

The D-P-P conducted polls for its Tainan mayoral primary last night, in which
lawmakers Lin Chun-hsien and Chen Ting-fei vied to represent the party in the
mayoral race there.

The result of the Tainan poll will be announced at around 10 o'clock this
morning.

Posted on 2026-01-15 07:02:22

Medical workers unions and a live-in caregiver employer group have expressed
their opposition to a government plan to let hospitals hire foreign care
workers.

The Taiwan Nurses Union, the Taiwan Federation of Medical Unions and the
International Association of Family and Employers with Disabilities are
warning the move could increase frontline burdens and force hospitals and
some families to compete for the same labor pool.

It comes after Health Minister Shih Chung-liang announced plans to allow
hospitals to hire intermediate skilled foreign workers as care workers to
help inpatients with acute conditions with daily care needs, easing the
workload of nursing staff.

However, the medical workers unions say they "firmly oppose" the recruitment
of foreign workers, as system and support measures remain unclear and could
result in confusion.

The association says existing foreign live-in caregivers and the foreign care
workers hospitals would hire under the plan would "very likely come from the
same labor pool.

Posted on 2026-01-15 07:02:23

The Taiwan High Court Kaohsiung Branch has upheld the death sentence of a man
convicted of fatally stabbing his neighbors, whom he believed had repeatedly
made excessive noise.

The man was found guilty of two counts of murder and sentenced to death on
each count.

The ruling can still be appealed.

The Court found the man acted with direct intent to kill, meeting the
Constitutional Court's requirement that the death penalty be reserved for
"the most serious crimes."

It also cited his trivial motive for the killings and his hostile attitude
during the investigation and trial -- concluding that his prospects for
rehabilitation and resocialization were limited.

The incident occured on September 15, 2023 - when the entered the apartment
of his upstairs neighbors and repeatedly stabbed a woman in the living room
in front of her children.

He then went into a bedroom and fatally stabbed her husband.

Both victims died at the scene.

Posted on 2026-01-15 07:02:24

And,

K-Pop superstars B-T-S have announced that their comeback world tour will
bring them to Kaohsiung.

The venue for the Kaohsiung-leg of the tour has not been announced, but,
according to the schedule, B-T-S will be performing in the city on November
19, 21 and 22.

Local media is speculating that the performances will be taking place at the
Kaohsiung National Stadium - as it's the only venue in the city large enough
to accommodate the massive crowds expected for all three performances.

The stadium has previously hosted major international acts and sporting
events.

B-T-S last performed in Taiwan at the Taoyuan International Baseball Stadium
in December of 2018 as part of its "Love Yourself" world tour.

The band members were involved in a minor multi-car fender bender while in
Taiwan then - involving three of their tour buses and several cars.

The accident occured as B-T-S was heading back to its hotel after the show.

No one was injured in the accident.

Posted on 2026-01-15 07:02:24

The United States said on Wednesday it is launching the second phase of its
plan to end the Gaza war, even as key elements of the first phase - including
a complete ceasefire between Israel and Hamas - remain unfulfilled.

As part of phase two, the U-S its mediator partners will need to disarm
Hamas, which has refused to give up its arms, and deploy an international
peacekeeping force.

The first phase has been shaken by issues including Israeli airstrikes that
have killed hundreds in Gaza... as well as Israeli delays in reopening
Gaza's border crossing with Egypt.

Posted on 2026-01-14 19:45:13

Health inspectors in Kaohsiung have uncovered almost one metric ton of
expired food during a warehouse raid ...

... as part of nationwide inspections covering food importers by the Food and
Drug Administration.

The discovery included 925 kilograms of meat, oils, and seafood at one
specific company—with some items, like frozen chicken, sitting in storage
since August 2017.

Authorities hit the importer with a 300 thousand NT fine, the heaviest
penalty of the operation.

In total, seven companies were penalized for violations ... including false
reporting and poor traceability.

The FDA is now warning all importers to strengthen quality control and follow
food safety laws to protect public health.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-01-14 19:45:16

Transport service LINE GO says that Taichung High Speed Rail Station was its
busiest spot for ride-hailing in Taiwan last year.

LINE GO revealed its user base has surpased 4.85 million ... and says its
users travelled a total distance equal to 126 trips from Earth to the Moon

Users in Taichung's Xi-tun District made the most frequent use of airport
transfer services—a sign of the area's booming business and international
travel.

In addition, the data points to changes in how people move around Taiwan.

People aged 30 to 39 have become the main users of low-carbon taxis.

At the same time, the company says customer decision-making is shifting from
a focus on price to overall travel experience.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-01-14 19:45:16

In international news... and looking at Thailand...

The death toll has risen to 29 after a construction crane collapsed onto a
passenger train in the country's northeast.

Another 64 people were injured and rescuers were still searching the wreckage
and giving first aid.

The derailment occurred on part of an ambitious planned high-speed rail
project that will eventually connect China with much of Southeast Asia.

The crane was being used to build an elevated part of the railway.

The train was traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province, and the
accident took place in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

Images from the scene showed rescue workers standing on top of overturned
railways carriages and sections of the crane scattered along the track.

Posted on 2026-01-14 19:45:17

Over in the UK...

The British government has scaled back plans for mandatory digital ID cards,
initially proposed as a way of helping control immigration.

Officials confirmed Wednesday that digital ID cards won't be required for
employment, reversing a policy announced in September.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told the BBC that digital IDs will be one
way of proving eligibility to work, alongside other documents like passports.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer had argued the plan would reduce unauthorized
immigration and simplify access to public services.

The proposal faced backlash from politicians and the public.

Britain hasn't had compulsory ID cards since World War II, and the idea
remains controversial.

Posted on 2026-01-14 19:44:13

The Presidential Office is dismissing media reports that President Lai
Ching-te may attend the inauguration of Honduran president-elect Nasry Asfura
later this month.

Spokesperson Kuo Ya-hui labeled the reports 'pure speculation', stating that
any official overseas travel would be announced through standard channels at
the appropriate time.

The reports had suggested President Lai was weighing a trip to the Central
American nation, with Beijing reportedly watching whether the United States
would allow him to transit.

However, the Presidential Office maintains that any confirmed trip would be
announced through official channels.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-01-14 19:44:13

Meanwhile,

Two Canadian Members of Parliament have cut their Taiwan visit short,
reportedly to avoid overshadowing Prime Minister Mark Carney's upcoming trip
to China.

Liberal MPs Helena Jaczek and Marie-France Lalonde were part of a five-person
delegation scheduled to stay through Friday.

However, the pair departed early—just one day before Carney, their party
leader, was slated to arrive in Beijing.

That left only three Conservative MPs in Taipei who met with President Lai
Ching-te yesterday.

A spokesperson for the departing lawmakers said the move was necessary to
'avoid confusion with Canada's foreign policy'.

The decision has already sparked backlash back in Canada, with the
Conservative Party accusing the Prime Minister of 'kissing Beijing's ring' at
the expense of ties with Taiwan.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-14 19:44:13

Polling is in its final hours for the DPP's Tainan mayoral primary, as
legislators Chen Ting-fei (陳亭妃) and Lin Chun-hsien (林俊憲) battle to
succeed outgoing mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲).

Both candidates have spent the day on the campaign trail with high-profile
supporters.

Fresh off his own primary win in Kaohsiung yesterday, Lai Jui-lung (賴瑞隆)
joined Lin in Tainan today, while Taipei lawmaker Wang Shi-jian (王世堅)
stumped for Chen.

Telephone polling will continue across the city until 10:30 tonight.

Tainan is the last of three municipalities to settle its primary this week,
with results expected tomorrow before noon.

Whoever wins the green light from the DPP will face the KMT's Hsieh
Lung-chieh (謝龍介) in the November general election.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-14 19:44:13

Taipei is continuing its crackdown on ticket scalping, with nearly
$40-million NT in fines handed out in the past few years.

The city's Department of Cultural Affairs says since 2023, it has handled
more than 190 cases related to illegally reselling performance tickets at
high prices.

Officials say in the largest single case, one person was fined more than $2.6
million NT.

The department warns that it is illegal to hide extra costs by bundling
tickets with other items, such as selling tickets alongside "membership fees"
or merchandise.

Even people who are just "helping" others resell tickets can be punished, and
a transaction does not have to be finished for the seller to be in violation
of the law.

The department is encouraging the public to report scalpers through its
official website.

Informants can receive a reward of 20 percent of the total fine, with a
maximum payment of $100-thousand NT.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-14 17:08:13

The DPP is slamming the opposition KMT and TPP for going ahead with an
impeachment motion against President Lai Ching-te.

DPP Legislative Caucus Secretary General Zhong Jia Bin called on lawmakers to
carry out their responsibility of examining the 2026 Central Government
Budget...

and said that the impeachment motion had no basis in the law.

At today' public hearing, scholars and experts also clashed over the issue,
with one retired law professor saying that Lai violated the constitution by
refusing to promulgate amendments to the Allocation of Government Revenues
and Expenditures.

On the opposite side, a lawyer accused the KMT and TPP of trying to distract
voters, as they opt to launch an impeachment against the president, knowing
there are not enough votes, while refusing to introduce a vote of
no-confidence against the premier.

According to the Constitution, impeaching the president requires the support
of 2/3rds of lawmakers, representing a shortfall of 14 seats.

Currently the blue and the white camp only holds 62 seats, while the ruling
DPP has 51 seats.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-14 17:08:15

TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang says, his party will propose a revised special
defense budget.

That's after he returned from meeting with US officials in Washington DC.

Huang said he met with US trade, defense, and State Department officials.

In the meetings, Huang said that his delegation expressed reservations about
the Executive Yuan's proposed 1.25 trillion NT special defense budget, to be
spent over 8 years.

Huang said that the legislature could not accept reviewing a budget with
unclear or unknown spending items and that the US "understood and agreed
with" his concerns.

That's as the TPP and KMT have multiple times blocked a review of the bill by
Legislative Committees.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-14 17:08:15

Prosecutors in Hualien have taken away 4 people for questioning in the
county's Guangfu Township.

That's following a search of the township offices and the chief's home this
morning, on potential charges of negligent homicide and dereliction of duty.

Prosecutors summoned the chief, Lin Qing Shui林清水, his secretary, and 2
others.

They add that the investigation is looking into the monitoring and control of
the Matai'an Barier Lake and the evacuation execution units.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-14 17:08:15

Now turning to international news...

Iran's judiciary chief says, there will be swift trials and executions for
those detained in nationwide protests.

That's as activists warned that hangings of those detained may come soon.

Already, authorities have killed over 2500 in a crackdown on demonstrations.

That figure far outpaces the death toll from any other round of protest or
unrest in Iran in decades.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has said that the US may consider
military action over the killing of peaceful protesters...

just months after bombing Iranian nuclear sites.

Posted on 2026-01-14 17:08:15

China

The British governemtn is expected to approve a large Chinese embassy in
London ahead of an expected China trip by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The decision follows years of controversy over potential security risks, with
lawmakers across the spectrum urging officials to reject the application...

fearing that the embassy may be used for espionage and surveillance of
dissidents.

A group of lawmakers has raised concerns about "the recent track record of
Chinese espionage cases, interference activities and issuing of bounties
against U.K.-based Hong Kongers.”

But media reports suggest approval will come this week.

Critics argue the embassy’s location near sensitive infrastructure poses
risks.

China has complained about delays, warning of consequences if the project
isn’t approved.

Posted on 2026-01-14 17:08:15

And in the US,

Republicans in the Senate are facing pressure from President Donald Trump to
vote against a war powers resolution that would limit the president's ability
to carry out military action against Venezuela.

5 Republican Senators joined Democrats in advancing the resolution last week.

Democrats are forcing the vote, after US troops captured Venezuelan leader
Nicolas Maduro earlier this month.

The legislation, though, has almost no shot at becoming law, as it would
eventially need to be signed by Trump himself.

The vote may serve, however, as a test of Republican loyalty to the
president.

Posted on 2026-01-14 16:07:13

New Taipei City is cracking down on drug-impaired driving ahead of the Lunar
New Year holiday.

City police say new saliva rapid test kits help officers identify drug use
quickly, adn over 800 motorists were found to be driving under the influence
of drugs in just 42 days recently.

Mayor Hou You-yi says driving under the influence of drugs is like "driving a
killing tool", and warned that the risk is even higher when drugs are mixed
with alcohol.

The mayor says the city has a "zero tolerance" policy.

He has ordered police to increase checkpoints during the upcoming holiday and
year-end party season to ensure public safety.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-14 16:07:13

Pingtung Magistrate Zhou Chun Mi (周春米) is announcing that Pingtung will
offer free lunches in schools in the next school year.

Pingtung will join many other cities and counties in providing free lunches
to kids in elementary and junior high schools...

but, unlike other places, Pingtung will also include high schoolers in the
program.

Zhou says, the program is expected to benefit 50,000 students and cost 820
million NT annually.

The magistrate says, the program will begin this September.

Zhou added that she will ensure that funding for the program does not crowd
out funds for other education-related expenditures like school renovation,
bathrooms, and sports facilities.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-14 16:07:13

American free-climbing legend Alex Honnold is set to attempt a free solo
climb of Taipei 101.

Next Saturday ... on January 24th, he will scale all 508 meters of the iconic
skyscraper with no ropes and zero margin for error.

Netflix will livestream the event, titled 'Skyscraper Live', worldwide at 9
AM next Saturday Taiwan time.

In a recently released trailer, Honnold admits that while he's grown used to
fear, the unexpected can still happen.

His wife has voiced her support for the climb, noting that despite the risks
of extreme climbing as a father, Honnold's only path to safety is total focus
and a perfect execution.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-01-14 16:07:13

In world news....

China has reported its trade surplus surged to a record of almost $1.2
trillion U.S. dollars last year as exports to other countries made up for
slowing shipments to the United States.

Customs data released on today showed that China’s global exports rose 5.5%
for the whole of 2025 to $3.7 trillion, while imports flatlined at $2.5
trillion dollars.

The 2024 trade surplus was $992 billion dollars.

China’s exports for December were up 6.6% from the previous year, better
than economists’ estimates and higher than the previous month.

China’s trade surplus surpassed the $1 trillion-dollar mark for the first
time in November.

Economists expect exports will continue to support China’s economy this
year, despite trade friction and geopolitical tensions.

Posted on 2026-01-14 14:23:13

The opposition KMT and TPP are holding two public hearings today and tomorrow
as they seek to impeach President Lai Ching-te.

The Legislative Procedure Committee has also passed a decision to invite the
President to the Legislative Yuan on January 21st to deliver his response and
explanations, as well as answer lawmakers' questions.

If he doesn't show up, representatives of the political parties will speak
instead.

The Legislative Yuan passed the impeachment introduced by opposition parties
last month after President Lai and Premier Chuo Jung-tai refused to
promulgate amendments to the Allocation of Government Revenues and
Expenditures Act.

A separate impeachment targets Chuo as well.

Lai had said the impeachment proceedings against him are a waste of time.

According to the Constitution, an impeachment can only pass with the support
of two-thirds of all lawmakers.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-01-14 14:23:16

Tickets for Taiwan Railway’s Western Trunk Line are now on sale for the
Lunar New Year holiday, and officials say many seats are still available.

Bookings opened today for travel between Feb. 13th and Feb. 23rd.

And Taiwan Railways Corporation says by 9 a.m., more than 204-thousand
tickets had been sold.

The railway is adding 271 extra trains to ensure smooth travel during the
nine-day holiday, and while peak travel times on the Western and Eastern
lines only have a few scattered seats left, most other time slots still have
space for passengers.

The South Link Line currently has seats available for all time slots during
the peak travel days.

And the TRC says "real-name registration trains" for residents of Hualien and
Taitung will open for booking at midnight.

These are reserved for people who live in those counties or have specific
identification numbers.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-14 14:23:17

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex gaining 234 points to
close the session at 30941

The turnover was 658.7 billion NT

Posted on 2026-01-14 14:23:17

Now turning to international news...

12 people have died in Thailand after a construction crane fell on a
passenger train in the northeast region of the country.

The crane was being used to construct an elevated highspeed railway.

It fell onto the moving train as it was traveling from Bangkok, causing the
train to derail and catch fire.

Officials say at least 12 people are dead, with 195 on board in total.

They added that the fire had been brought under control and that rescuers
were searching for people still trapped inside.

The Thai transport minister added that he ordered an investigation into the
accident.

Posted on 2026-01-14 14:23:17

Russia has launched another major drone and missile attack on Ukraine that
targeted the country's power grid.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia fired nearly 300
drones, 18 ballistic missiles, and 7 cruise missiles at 8 regions overnight.

One of the strikes, in Kharkiv, killed 4 people, while the attack left
several hundred thousand household without power in the kyiv region.

That's as Ukraine experiences freezing temperatures.

Russia launched a similar attack just days earlier in which they used a
powerful hypersonic missile.

As the US accuses Russia of escalating the conflict, Ukraine is seeking
quicker air defense deliveries from the U.S. and Europe to counter the
attacks.

Posted on 2026-01-14 14:23:17

Activists say, the satellite internet provider Starlink is offering free
services in Iran.

A Los Angeles-based activist who helped get the units into Iran told the AP
that the free service had started.

Other activists also confirmed in messages online that the services was
working and free.

Starlink has been the only way for Iranians to communicate with the outside
world since authorities shut down the internet nearly a week ago...

as authorities cracked down against demonstrators.

That's as activists in Iran report that the death toll has surpassed 2500.

Posted on 2026-01-14 14:23:17

The leaders of Japan and South Korea agreed to deepen cooperation between the
two countries...

before Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee
Jae Myung gave a surprise performance.

The two leaders sat side by side, drumming to K-pop hits like BTS' "Dynamite"
and Kpop Demon Hunters' "Golden."

The jam session was a surprise by Takaichi, a heavy metal fan and an avid
drummer in her college days.

Lee said, just like they respected each other's differences and aligned their
rhythms gradually, he hoped South Korea and Japan will deepen their
cooperation and become closer step by step.

Posted on 2026-01-14 13:06:13

In Chiayi County, Lawmaker Cai Yi Yu has beat out opponent County Councilor
Huang Rong Li to be the DPP's nominee for magistrate.

Cai will run to replace the DPP's outgoing Weng Zhang Liang 翁章梁, who is
finishing his second term.

Cai is set to be formally nominated next Wednesday.

In the poll, Cai fared better in a head-to-head matchup against potential
opponent, KMT Lawmaker Wang Yu Min　王育敏,...

although the KMT has not yet formally nominated Wang or anyone else in the
county.

The polling results show Cai having almost 65% support against 14% support
for Wang, while Huang had only 38% support.

Meanwhile, polling will continue tonight in Tainan, with DPP Lawmakers Chen
Ting Fei and Lin Jun Xian in the running to become the next mayor.

Tainan will be the last of the three municipalities for which the DPP is
undergoing primary polling to determine their nominee, and the results are
expected tomorrow before noon.

That's after Lawmaker Lai Rui Long was named the Kaohsiung nominee yesterday,
beating out his colleague Qiu Yi Ying by just a hair.
Three separate companies are tasked with undertaking the polling, which takes
place between 6 and 10:30 pm via phone call.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-14 13:06:13

Hualien Prosecutors are searching the offices of local leaders in the
county's Guangfu Township.

That's after the Matai'an barrier lake overflowed in September, kiling 19 and
leaving 5 still missing.

Prosecutors earlier announced a probe into the incident to determine if
government oversight led to the deaths and destruction of large swaths of the
township.

This morning, prosecutors carried out a search of the Guangfu Township Office
and of the Township Chief Lin Qing Shui's 林清水 home.

Prosecutors are investigating the case under possible charges of negligent
homicide and dereliction of duty.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-14 13:06:13

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has announced additional incentives for public
school staff in Taipei.

Chiang says the extra pay is for those teachers who also take on
administrative duties at public elementary, junior high, and high schools,
with the goal of ensuring high-quality teaching and talent retention.

The monthly bonuses are $3,000 NT for principals, $2,000 for division
directors, and $1,000 for section chiefs, and will be backdated to September
last year.

This is in addition to the Education Ministry's decision last month to
increase administrative bonuses ranging from 1-thousand to 2-thousand NT for
teachers.

Taipei city's new measure will benefit some 4,300 teachers.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-01-14 13:06:13

Now turning to international news...

In Gaza, strong winds have caused at least four deaths as walls collapsed
onto flimsy tents housing Palestinians displaced by war.

The dead include three members of one family: a 15-year-old girl, her
72-year-old grandfather, and his daughter-in-law.

Another woman was killed in a separate wall collapse.

Hospital authorities reported the fatalities and highlighted the dangerous
living conditions that persist after more than two years of Israeli
bombardment and aid shortages.

A ceasefire has been in effect since October 10, but aid groups say many
Palestinians lack adequate shelter for winter storms.

Gaza's Health Ministry also reported a rise in child deaths, with a
1-year-old boy dying of hypothermia overnight.

UNICEF says over 100 children have been killed by military means since the
ceasefire began.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-01-14 13:06:13

China is urging Canadia to pursue "strategic autonomy" from the United
States...

as Canadian leader Mark Carney heads to Beijing.

That's as China is hoping US President Donald Trump's economic and military
actions against other countries will weaken the U.S.-Canada relationship.

Carney aims to reduce Canada's economic reliance on the US market by forging
new trade partnerships.

The visit comes amid tensions with China over tariffs and other issues.

While China sees an opportunity to loosen U.S. ties, it remains cautious
about how far countries like Canada will shift, given their differences with
China and historical ties with the U.S.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-01-14 08:15:13

Taiwan's senior APEC official Jonathan Sun says a delegation that visited
China for a round of meetings did not receive any kind of treatment that
downgraded Taiwan's sovereignty.

The statement comes after Sun, who also heads the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs' Department of International Organizations, led a delegation to
Shenzhen to attend the 2026 APEC Informal Senior Officials' Meeting last
month.

According to Sun, the trip went "smoothly and safely" for all of the Taiwan
delegates as the Chinese side arranged the trip in accordance with
long-standing practices.

Sun says the Taiwan group was not met with any suppression politically.

Sun also says that Taiwan has been in talks with China to make sure the APEC
host guarantees Taiwan's "equal, dignified, and safe involvement" in APEC
meetings and activities in Shenzhen ...

.. and both sides agreed to follow a mutually agreed model to facilitate the
Taiwanese delegation's visit to China.

China's foreign ministry in November of last year said it would fulfill its
obligations as the APEC host, as long as Taiwan complies with the "one China"
principle.

Posted on 2026-01-14 08:15:17

The Ministry of Transport is defending its plan to extend the high-speed rail
network to Yilan County -- saying the project has clear benefits and will
continue to be advanced in line with legal procedures.

The statement following calls for the project to be scrapped by several
former senior officials, including former Minister without Portfolio Chang
Jing-sen and former Transportation Minister Ho Chen-dan.

They argue that the distance from Taipei to Yilan on the existing rail route
is only about 40 to 50-kilometers, and it will be a huge waste of money to
build a high-speed rail network that will cost around 400-billion N-T.

They's also warning that the cost of the planned line will potentially have
negative impacts on existing rail services.

However, the Railway Bureau is insisting that the plan was thoroughly
evaluated before being submitted for Cabinet review and capacity constraints
on the existing Taiwan Railway Corporation's network limit service expansion.

The Railway Bureau is also claiming total project costs for the high-speed
rail network to Yilan are estimated at 352- billion N-T, accounting for
inflation and rising construction prices.

Posted on 2026-01-14 08:15:17

Former Legislative Speaker Su Jia-chyuan has been appointed as chairman of
the Straits Exchange Foundation.

Su had long been widely tipped for the post after his predecessor, Frank Wu,
announced his resignation on December 18.

According to Presidential Office spokeswoman Karen Kuo, President Lai
Ching-te invited Su to take the post, citing his "extensive political
experience and successful track record in international exchanges."

Kuo says Lai is expressing his hope that Su will strengthen the Straits
Exchange Foundation's operations and help promote "positive and healthy"
cross-strait exchanges.

Su most recently served as chairman of the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association
for more than three years.

He was succeeded in that role on January 6 by Frank Hsieh, Taiwan's former
representative to Japan.

It was not immediately known when Su will officially assume his new post.

Posted on 2026-01-14 08:15:17

The Ministry of Finance says the government missed its budget target for last
year by 50.5-billion N-T.

Net tax revenue last year fell 0.3-per cent year-on-year to 3.75-trillion N-T.

The three tax categories with the most significant deficits were business
tax, which fell by 26.7-billion N-T; land value increment tax, which fell by
20.9-billion N-T; and commodity tax, which fell by 18.8-billion N-T.

The finance ministry is attributing the revenue shortfall to tariffs
implemented by the Trump administration since August and government credit
control measures designed to slow down real estate transactions.

Last year marked the government's first "revenue shortfall" in five years.

However, the finance ministry says despite the downturn, nine categories of
tax revenue hit record highs last year.

They included corporate income tax, individual income tax, estate tax,
securities transaction tax, housing tax, vehicle license tax, as well as
income tax on combined real estate and land sales for enterprises.

Posted on 2026-01-14 08:15:17

And finally,

Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation has installed a permanent memorial plaque to
honor the man who was killed while trying to stop last month's deadly knife
and smoke bomb attack at the Taipei Main Station.

The plaque honoring Yu Chia-chang has been installed on a wall along the
underground passage leading to Exit M-8 at Taipei Main Station.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by Taipei Deputy Mayor Lin Yi-hua, Taipei
Rapid Transit Corporation Chairman Chao Shiao-lien and several other
officials.

The "Memorial to Mr. Yu Chia-chang's Heroic Sacrifice" plaque describes the
incident in both Chinese and English, stating that "he acted with selfless
bravery to save others."

Yu was seriously wounded and later died after trying to stop the 27-year old
man who threw smoke grenades inside the Taipei Main M-R-T Station and stabbed
bystanders near the M-R-T's Zhongshan Station on December 19 last year.

The 27-year old attacker later fell to his death from the roof of a nearby
department store after being pursued by police.

Posted on 2026-01-14 06:53:14

The Cabinet is refusing to comment on reports that Taiwan and the U-S are
close to completing a trade deal.

Reports has suggested the deal will reduce the U-S tariff rate on Taiwan
products will from 20 to 15-per cent, and commit Taiwan Semiconductor
Manufacturing to invest significantly more in the U-S.

That 15-per cent tariff rate is the same as was set for Japan and South Korea
last year.

Reports say T-S-M-C will commit to building at least five more semiconductor
fabs in the U-S state of Arizona as part of the deal.

Cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee says Taiwan and the U-S have already reached
"broad consensus" on related issues, and are currently discussing the timing
of a wrap-up meeting.

Lee added that the goals of Taiwan-US tariff negotiations have consistently
been to seek reductions in reciprocal tariffs, avoid tariff stacking, and
secure preferential treatment under Section 232 ..

.. and any confirmed arrangements will be announced publicly.

U-S authorities are investigating whether semiconductors should be subject to
"national security tariffs" under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act.

T-S-M-C has not commented on the report. but is expected to address the issue
at its investor conference tomorrow.

Posted on 2026-01-14 06:53:14

President Lai Ching-te has thanked the Canadian government for expressing its
opposition to China's recent military drills around Taiwan.

Lai made the remarks while meeting opposition Conservative Canadian
parliamentarians Shelby Kramp-Neuman, Adam Chambers and Melissa Lantsman in
Taipei.

The president said he was pleased to see the Canadian government's public
statement expressing its concern over escalated tensions with China... and
its stated opposition to any unilateral change to the status quo in the
Taiwan Strait.

Lai also stressed during the meeting that Taiwan is taking concrete steps to
demonstrate to the international community its commitment to self-defense,
including raising its defense budget.

The three Canadian opposition lawmakers met with Lai after the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs said that two Liberal delegation members said they would cut
their visits to Taiwan short on the advice from the government.

They left after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced he was visiting
China this week to meet with Xi Jinping.

We'll have more on this a bit later on in the newscast.

Posted on 2026-01-14 06:53:14

The National Development Council says new measures aimed at making Taiwan
more attractive to foreign professionals are now in effect.

The new measures include allowing international students at Taiwan
universities to work here without a work permit in the two years after they
graduate.

Foreign nationals who graduated from one of the world's top 200 universities
within the past five years can now also apply for a two-year open work
permit.

A new "fast track" permanent residency policy means that foreign nationals
who obtained an undergraduate, masters or postgraduate degree in Taiwan can
deduct one, two or three years, respectively, from the five-year working
residency requirement.

"Foreign specialist professionals" can also choose to apply for permanent
residence after just one year in Taiwan in some cases.

While spouses of foreign specialist professionals can now also apply to work
freely in Taiwan, instead of having to apply for an employer-backed work
permit.

Other measures include improving access for foreign professionals to Taiwan's
pension and employment insurance systems.

Posted on 2026-01-14 06:53:14

The Centers for Disease Control is warning that flu cases are rising and
Taiwan is likely to enter the epidemic phase within two weeks.

The CDC says the peak in is expected to coincide with the Lunar New Year
holiday... but it will likely remain lower than last year's peak.

Data shows that nearly 92 thousand people sought medical treatment for
flu-like symptoms from January 4 through 10.

The C-D-C says that's a 9.6-per cent increase from the previous week.

23 new cases of severe complications from influenza and three deaths were
recorded from January 6 through 12.

That brought the total number of cases with severe complications to 441 and
deaths to 86 since the beginning of the flu season in October of last year.

The C-D-C says around 6.65 million publicly-funded flu vaccines had been
administered as of January 12, with about 179,000 shots remaining.

Posted on 2026-01-14 06:53:14

Lawmakers have passed draft amendments to the Customs Import Tariff that will
make malt and hops duty-free... to lower costs and boost the competitiveness
of Taiwan's domestic beer industry.

Under the revisions, the existing 7.5-per cent tariff on both roasted and
unroasted malt will be eliminated.

While tariffs on hops will also be cut to zero from the current rates of
between 15 and 7.5-per cent.

The amendment proposal was reviewed by the Legislative Finance Committee in
December of last year.

The bill's sponsors say the changes are intended to support local brewers by
reducing tariffs on key imported raw materials, as domestic beer brands have
long faced pressure from foreign competitors benefiting from lower prices and
tariff advantages.

The Ministry of Finance, the tariff cuts are expected to result in a loss of
74-million N-T in customs revenue.

But the ministry also says says the measures could enhance the
competitiveness of domestically produced beer and boost demand, generating an
estimated 169-million N-T in additional tax revenue.

Posted on 2026-01-14 06:53:14

The Shilin District Prosecutors' Office has indicted two people for allegedly
recruiting more than 70 engineers in Taiwan on behalf of Chinese consumer
electronics manufacturer OnePlus Technology, without prior authorization.

Prosecutors say the two individuals are both Taiwan citizens and have been
charged with violating the Act Governing Relations between the People of the
Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area.

OnePlus was founded in China in 2013 to produce premium smartphones and
software.

The company is accused of transferring more than 72-million N-T to a
Taiwanese branch set up in March of 2015 through another Hong Kong-based
firm... under the pretext of "contracted research and revenue from selling
research results."

However, prosecutors say those funds were used between August of 2015 and
January of 2021 to recruit employees in Taiwan, pay salaries, and purchase
equipment for business operations.

Chinese companies are strictly prohibited from operating or recruiting talent
in Taiwan without government approval.

Posted on 2026-01-14 06:53:14

And,

EVA Airways has been ranked No. 8 on the world's safest full-service airlines
for 2026 by AirlineRatings.com.

Airline President Sun Chia-ming says the carrier has been ranked among the
world's safest airlines for the 13th consecutive year now... that recognition
is an affirmation of its employees' commitment to safety culture and
adherence to standard operating procedures.

Sun also says the company will continue to improve its safety management
systems and enhance risk prevention mechanisms.

Meanwhile, Starlux Airlines was ranked as number 11 in the world's safest
full-service airlines for its 2026 listing.

Starlux says that recognition reflects its employees' dedication to flight
safety and their rigorous execution of every operational detail.

Starlux also said its inclusion was exceptional for such a young carrier,
praising Starlux for an approach to safety and transparency that it described
as "exceptional."

The list of the world's top 10 safest full-service airlines for 2026 is led
by Etihad, with Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Emirates and Singapore Airlines
rounding out the top five.

Posted on 2026-01-14 06:53:14

A Seoul court says an independent counsel has demanded a death sentence for
former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The charges relate to his imposition of martial law in December 2024.

The Seoul Central District Court says the request was made at a hearing on
Tuesday.

Yoon was removed from office last April and faces trials over the martial law
incident and other scandals.
Yoon has argued that his decree was a peaceful attempt to raise awareness
about the opposition Democratic Party, which he accused of obstructing his
agenda.

The court is expected to deliver a verdict in February.

Posted on 2026-01-14 06:53:14

The Environmental Protection Agency says it will stop calculating the
economic savings of health benefits from air pollution rules.

The change means the agency will focuses only on industry costs.

It aligns with President Donald Trump's business-friendly approach.

On Monday, the agency stated it remains committed to health protection but
won't monetize impacts now.

Environmental and public health advocates called the agency’s action a
dangerous abdication of one of its core missions.

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