ICRT

Posted on 2025-12-30 17:07:14

The Ministry of National Defense says the PLA conducted live-fire drills
starting at 9 a.m. in China's Fujian area.

It says PLA long-range rocket artillery fired toward a designated northern
target zone.

The ministry says impact points were scattered around Taiwan's
24-nautical-mile line.

It says Taiwan's military is using joint arms and firepower systems to track,
monitor, and respond.

The PLA Eastern Theater Command yesterday announced it is holding what it
calls "Justice Mission-2025" drills around Taiwan.

They include at sea and in the airspace near Keelung, east of Taitung, south
of Pingtung, southeast of outlying Penghu, and northwest of Taoyuan.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo says the moves threaten regional stability
and disrupt shipping, trade, and flight routes.

He says Taiwan will follow the president's guidance not to escalate conflict,
while safeguarding security and democratic freedom.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-30 17:07:14

The government is launching a plan to turn leftover coffee grounds into
useful everyday items.

The Ministry of Environment says people in Taiwan drink more than 3.7 billion
cups of coffee every year, and the island produces about 111-thousand tons of
coffee grounds.

Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming says a new platform will connect coffee
shops with recycling companies, using existing delivery networks to pick up
the grounds.

Peng says the grounds can be used to make towels, socks, handsoap and more.

The ministry says it is now proposing laws to encourage government agencies
to buy these upcycled products, and also hopes to expand this program to
include other plant waste, such as tea dregs and fruit pulp.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-30 17:07:14

President Lai Ching-te has promulgated amendments extending tax breaks for
electric vehicles.

The Finance Ministry says the changes prolong commodity tax exemptions and
vehicle license tax reductions through the end of 2030.

It says the goal is to support energy saving and carbon cuts by encouraging
low-pollution vehicles.

The ministry also says the policy is meant to help Taiwan build out
industries tied to fully electric-powered vehicles.

Officials link the extension to the government's goal of reaching a 2030
milestone for transport electrification.

They also cite Taiwan's longer-term target of net-zero emissions by 2050.

The ministry says the tax relief can reduce transportation costs for
consumers and raise EV adoption.

It says the amended provisions will take effect on Thursday, and it will step
up public outreach on the new rules.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-30 17:07:14

China's foreign minister is slamming a record US military sale to Taiwan.

Wang Yi blasted what he called "pro-independence forces" in Taiwan and the
leaders of Japan.

The military package earlier this month represents the largest US arms sale
to Taiwan, valued at more than 11 billion US dollars.

That's as China has launched 2 days of military drills around Taiwan.

Some have said that the drills are aimed at a bill that would allocate
funding to defense spending over the next 8 years which is currently sitting
in the legislature...

while others say that it's an attempt to intimidate free and democratic
nations.

And Wang's comments come just after Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan An visited
Shanghai for the Twin Cities Forum.

Posted on 2025-12-30 15:26:13

The Taiwan High Court has ordered an extension of entertainer Mickey Huang's
travel ban by 8 months starting January 2nd, 2026.

It comes after the High Court last month sentenced Huang, also known as Huang
Zi-jiao, to 1 year 6 months with a four-year suspension for buying and
possessing explicit materials of children and youths.

It also banned him from leaving the country.

The Court said today's ruling was based on Huang’s identity, status,
financial means, the harm caused, and the risk of flight.

It noted that Huang had repeatedly traveled to and from many foreign
destinations and if he were allowed to leave the country freely, he could
take the opportunity to flee.

Prosecutors have appealed Huang's case to the Supreme Court arguing that
Huang caused serious harm to the physical and mental well-being of minors,
and should not have been granted a suspension.

According to the High Court, Huang has reached settlements with all 37
victims and completed compensation payments.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-30 15:26:13

The Freeway Bureau says drivers should not slow down or stop on freeway
shoulders to watch New Year's Eve fireworks.

It says violators face fines from $3-thousand to $6-thousand NT under the
Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act.

The bureau says it has asked the National Highway Police to step up patrols
and ticketing on 6 sections.

Those include National Freeway No. 1's Xizhi–Wugu (汐止–五股) elevated
roadway and the Houli (后里), Taichung (台中), and Daya (大雅) areas.

They also include National Freeway No. 3's Gukeng (古坑) section and National
Freeway No. 10 from Renwu (仁武) to Yanchao (燕巢).

The bureau says it may open shoulders and use ramp metering to manage holiday
traffic.

It also says New Year's Day tolls will switch to a single discounted rate,
with no free 20-kilometer allowance.

The bureau urges drivers to avoid fatigue and drunk driving, and to rest at
service areas or rest stops when needed.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-30 15:26:13

Yemen’s anti-Houthi forces have declared a state of emergency Tuesday after
Saudi Arabia launched airstrikes targeting an arms shipment for separatists
in the country from the United Arab Emirates.

The forces also issued a 72-hour ban on all border crossings in territory
they hold, as well as entries to airports and seaports, except those allowed
by Saudi Arabia.

The move follows airstrikes in Mukalla that targeted armored vehicles and
weapons for the separatist force known as the Southern Transitional Council.

The STC is backed by the UAE, which has not commented on the strike yet.

Posted on 2025-12-30 15:26:13

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has died at 80, her political
party has announced Tuesday.

Her rivalry with Sheikh Hasina defined Bangladeshi politics for a generation.

In January 2025, the Supreme Court acquitted Zia in her last corruption case,
which she claimed was politically motivated.

This would have allowed her to run in February's election.

She returned to Bangladesh in May after medical treatment in the U.K.

Zia was the first woman elected prime minister of Bangladesh.

Posted on 2025-12-30 14:09:13

Taipower Chairman Tseng Wen-sheng (曾文生) says an LNG carrier entered port
smoothly this morning, after China announced new drills around the island.

Tseng says the drills are not the first of their kind, and fuel stockpiling
work has been continuing.

China's PLA Eastern Theater Command says the so-called "Justice Mission-2025"
exercise includes live-fire activity from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. today.

Meanwhile the Ministry of National Defense says it has set up a response
center and launched immediate readiness drills.

Tseng says recent operating reserve margins have been above 10-percent during
the winter demand season.

Taipower spokesperson Huang Mei-lien (黃美蓮) says coal inventory days are
above legal requirements, and can reach 40 days.

Huang says Taipower is coordinating with CPC to keep natural gas supplies and
power generation stable.

She says Taipower will keep monitoring conditions and adjust under
regulations if the drills extend beyond a week.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-30 14:09:13

In related news...

Taoyuan International Airport says most flights are operating normally as of
this morning.

It says some international services could still face delays due to route and
airspace limits in the Taipei Flight Information Region.

The Civil Aviation Administration says the disruption could affect more than
100-thousand international passengers.

The agency says about 296 international flights are scheduled to depart
Taiwan and 265 to arrive, with about 296 more transiting the area during the
drill period today

It also says 84 domestic flights to Kinmen and Matsu have been canceled,
affecting about 6-thousand passengers.

The airport says contingency plans are in place, and urges travelers to check
with airlines for the latest updates and follow on-site guidance if schedules
change.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-30 14:09:13

The New Taipei City government says its annual "Christmasland" event has
drawn 7.4 million visitors.

The festival ended its 45-day run on December 28th, and city officials say
Christmasland has become one of the most popular year-end events in Taiwan.

City officials say this year's celebration attracted crowds through its use
of advanced technology, including 3D light shows and concert-grade projection
techniques.

Visitors also experienced mechanical art installations and immersive displays
for all five senses.

The city says the large crowds boosted tourism and local spending in the
surrounding neighborhoods, and it is looking forward to more creative designs
and cross-industry partnerships in the future.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-30 14:09:13

Taiwan shares are down today, with the benchmark tai ex losing 103 points to
close the session at 28707.

The turnover was 458.8 billion NT

Posted on 2025-12-30 14:09:13

Now turning to international news...

Saudi Arabia says, it bombed the Yemeni port city of Mukalla over a shipment
of weapons from the United Arab Emirates thst arrived for the separatist
Southern Transitional Council.

The attack signals a new escalation in tensions between Saudi Arabia and the
separatist group, which is backed by the UAE.

It also strains ties between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, which had been supporting
competing sides in Yemen's decadelong war against the Iran-backed Houthi
rebels.

A military statement announced that the ship's crew "had the disabled
tracking devices aboard the vessels" and described the weapons shipment as an
escalation threatening peace and stability.

Posted on 2025-12-30 14:09:13

Australian police say that an investigation into the two men accused of
killing 15 people at Bondi Beach has found no evidence that the two were part
of a "broader terrorist cell."

They add that they believe the father and son acted alone in their attack
earlier this month.

Authorities traced the investigation all the way to the Philippines, where
the pair spent most of last month.

Police say that they were inspired by the Islamic State group.

But officials determined that the two rarely left their hotel in Davao during
the visit.

The younger suspect has yet to enter pleas to dozens of charges.

Posted on 2025-12-30 14:09:13

Scientists from Mexico's National Autonomous University have created the
first 3D image of the inside of a volcano in the country.

After five years of climbing the PopocatEpetl volcano and analyzing seismic
data, they now know where the magma acculmulates...

giving a clearer understanding of volcanic activity.

The team uses seismographs to cover the entire perimeter of the volcano,
using AI to process the data.

The research is crucial, as millions live near the active volcano.

Posted on 2025-12-30 13:07:13

Amidst ongoing Chinese military live-fire drills, the ROC millitary is
continuing to take responsive measures.

Missile armed forces from Hualien traveled to Taitung to strengthen defense
of the area, with waters outside Taitung being one of those indicated by the
PLA as having live-fire drills today.

And troops stationed in Penghu conducted combat readiness and reconnaissance
patrol exercises.

Meanwhile, in addition to the disruption of flights into, out of, and within
Taiwan, the drills have also disrupted fishermen's activity in Hualien.

The local fishermen's association says, it hopes that tht county government
will provide subsidies for the lost income.

According to PLA officials, the live-fire drills will last until 6pm this
evening.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-30 13:07:14

The Legislative Yuan has passed amendments to the Labor Insurance Act
requiring the government to provide funding of subsidies when premium income
falls short of expenditures.

It also stipulates that the central government bears ultimate responsibility
for labor insurance payments, and that the system’s finances must be
reviewed at least once every three years.

To ensure the long-term sustainability of the labor insurance system, the
amendments have added government funding, other financial injections, and
related income as official sources of the fund.

Previously government funding was not listed as an official source of the
Labor Insurance Fund.

After the law takes effect, the central government must set aside a budget
for Labor Insurance each year, based on its finances and the fund’s
condition.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-30 13:07:14

Taichung prosecutors have indicted 13 people related to the explosion at the
city's Shin Kong Mitsu-koshi in February this year.

Prosecutors' indictment states that, when undertaking remodeling work in the
building, relevant work units failed to apply for necessary building permits
and failed to follow disaster prevention measures.

Prosecutors indicted the dozen people on charges of negligence leading to
death and injury, as well as violating the Occupational Safety and Health
Act.

Included in the indictment is the manager of the building's Zhong-gang store,
surnamed Xu 許.

5 were killed in the February explosion, while another 35 were injured.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-30 13:07:14

China is condemning the demolition of a monument honoring the local Chinese
community in Panama.

That's as the US Trump administration pushes for the Central American nation
to distance itself from Beijing.

Panama's president echoed the condemnation, blaming local authorities and
pledging that the monument would be rebuilt.

Videos circulated online showing large excavatos tearing down the monument.

The Chinese embassy in Panama accused local authorities of forcibly
demolishing the monument and damaging the relationship between China and
Panama.

Posted on 2025-12-30 07:02:13

The Ministry of National Defense says parts of all five of the drill zones
designated by China for its live-fire drills today are within Taiwan's
territorial waters.

Deputy chief of general staff for operations and planning Lt. Gen. Lien
Chih-wei has said frontline soldiers will follow the military's rules of
engagement and respond appropriately.

Lien says military has established rules of engagement and authorization
matrices at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels, outlining
response measures that include reporting, warning off, monitoring and
tracking.

Meanwhile, defense ministry spokesman Sun Li-fang says the the military
established an ad hoc emergency operations center following China's
announcement of the drills to respond to developments.

Sun is slamming Beijing's plan to hold live-fire exercises within Taiwan's
territorial waters - calling its "irresponsible" and capable of further
elevating regional tensions.

The defense ministry on Monday said it detected 89 Chinese aircraft sorties
of which 67 crossed the Taiwan Strait median line and entered Taiwan's
contiguous zone - an area that extends a maximum distance of 24-nautical
miles from the coast.

China's military drills are being be staged in five designated zones around
Taiwan.

They include at sea and in the airspace north of Keelung City, east of
Taitung County, south of Pingtung County, southeast of Penghu County, and
northwest of Taoyuan.

Posted on 2025-12-30 07:02:14

Meanwhile,

The Presidential Office is condemning China's latest military drills around
Taiwan -- saying such actions are a "unilateral provocation" that
destabilizes regional peace and stability.

And Presidential Office Spokeswoman Karen Kuo called on Beijing to
immediately stop the irresponsible and provocative actions.

The Presidential Office Spokeswoman also says the military will be closly
monitoring the situation.

National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen earlier this month
warned that China might launch another large-scale military drill before the
end of the year.

Tsai based that on China's routinely conducting separate military exercises
in November and December each year to assess combat readiness.

Posted on 2025-12-30 07:02:14

The Mainland Affairs Council is calling China's live-fire military drill
around Taiwan is a clear reflection of Beijing's "two-pronged" approach
toward Taiwan.

The council pointed out that military exercises were launched only a day
after the Taipei-Shanghai Twin-City Forum and that clearly indicate that
Beijing is was engaging in "a carefully orchestrated two-pronged strategy"
....

.... as "on one hand, it talks about getting closer, while on the other it
resorts to military intimidation."

The council is describing Beijing is a "troublemaker" and says it poses a
threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, while its military show
of force is unacceptable to the people of Taiwan and to the international
community.

Posted on 2025-12-30 07:02:14

The Centers for Disease Control has announced plans to expand eligibility for
publicly funded HIV treatment for foreign nationals from next year.

However, some details concerning how the expansion program will work have yet
to be released.

C-D-C Director-General Philip Luo said the expansion would initially
prioritize foreign nationals holding permanent residency and those under 18.

As part of this, the C-D-C says it is still assessing how many more foreign
nationals would become eligible for publicly funded treatment.

Under the existing support program, the C-D-C covers costs for an HIV
patient's first two years on medication, after which expenses are covered by
the national health insurance system.

Data shows that as of late November, 36,494 Taiwan nationals and 615 foreign
nationals in Taiwan were living with HIV.

Of those foreign nationals, 343 were already covered under the national
health insurance system, while the others have been on medication for less
than two years and were not yet eligible for national health insurance
coverage.

Posted on 2025-12-30 07:02:14

Former D-P-P New Taipei City Councilor Chen Ko-ming has been sentenced to 10
years in prison after the Supreme Court rejected his final appeal in a
bribery case.

The court said Chen violated the Anti-Corruption Act by illegally obtaining
13-million N-T through the scheme.

Prosecutors say Chen accepted requests from seven developers and exerted
pressure on New Taipei's Public Works Department and Urban and Rural
Development Department to accelerate permit approvals.

He then required the developers to award earthwork and debris removal
contracts to designated companies.

Chen was found guilty by the New Taipei District Court in his first trial and
sentenced to a combined prison term of 10 years and eight months.

The High Court upheld that original verdict.

Chen began serving as a Taipei County councilor in 2006, before the county
was upgraded to a special municipality, and later won three consecutive terms
as a New Taipei city councilor.

Posted on 2025-12-30 07:02:14

The Ministry of Culture says people aged between 13-22 will be eligible to
claim 1,200 N-T in Culture Point cash handouts from January 1.

The Culture Points can be used to spend on cultural activities or at related
venues.

The program first was launched in 2023 to encourage more young adults to
participate in cultural activities and boost Taiwan's cultural and creative
sectors... it was originally only open to those aged between 18-21-year-olds.

It was expanded in 2024 to include 16 to 17-year-olds, and earlier this year
began offering 600 N-T in Culture Points to children aged between 13 and 15
on a trial basis.

Culture Minister Li Yuan says program's latest expansion means that all
Taiwan residents aged from 13 to 22 are eligible for Culture Points.

Taiwan citizens and eligible foreign nationals born between January 1, 2004,
and December 31, 2013, will be able to claim the 1,200 N-T digitally through
the Ministry of Culture's app from this Thursday.

The points can be used at designated independent bookstores, record stores,
live music events and venues, cultural parks, bazaars and screenings of
Taiwan films.

Posted on 2025-12-30 07:02:14

And,

The Taipei City Police Department has announced that it will be stepping up
security for the city's New Year's Eve event in front of City Hall and
deploying more than 1,300 officers and two explosive-detection dogs.

Authorities are seeking to ensure public safety at large scale events
following the December 19 knife and smoke bomb attack at two Taipei M-R-T
stations.

Police say several people have been arrested since they for making online
threats related to similar attacks.

Taipei city's Xinyi Police Precinct says 27 rapid-response teams will be
deployed to handle emergencies, and the precinct has also requested 40
officers from the National Police Agency's Special Operations Group to
conduct inspections and patrols.

Fifteen crowd-control teams will be stationed in high-density areas and they
will be equipped with megaphones, loudspeakers and drones.

Police will use the main stage's broadcast system to guide evacuations in the
event of a major emergency.

The Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation says it will also increase patrols and
surveillance at major stations.

The metro operator is urging passengers to stay alert, report suspicious
activity and follow evacuation orders if necessary.

Posted on 2025-12-29 20:07:13

Massive Chinese military drills began this morning in the Taiwan
Strait—triggering a wave of political infighting in Taipei over how to
handle the growing threat from the mainland.

The People's Liberation Army launched the maneuvers—dubbed "Justice Mission
2025"—across the Strait and surrounding waters.

Live-fire exercises are expected to follow tomorrow in multiple zones
circling the island.

The ruling DPP accused the main opposition KMT of putting Beijing's interests
first, criticising KMT leader Cheng Li-wen for signalling openness to future
talks with China, including a possible meeting with President Xi Jinping.

The KMT fired back, blaming the DPP government's confrontational cross-strait
policies for provoking Beijing and increasing security risks.

Meanwhile, the Taiwan People’s Party condemned the drills outright, , saying
they would do nothing to promote cross-strait peace or regional stability and
instead deepen tensions.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2025-12-29 19:53:13

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council says China is talking peace while showing
force.

The council says Beijing launched its latest military drill around Taiwan
just one day after Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an visited Shanghai for the Twin
Cities Forum.

The MAC says China claims it wants closer ties with Taiwan, while at the same
time resorting to military intimidation.

Officials called Beijing a troublemaker and a threat to regional peace and
stability.

Meanwhile, Mayor Chiang said today that he supports dialogue, not
confrontation.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-29 19:53:13

A former DPP city councilor has been sentenced to nearly 11 years in prison
after the Supreme Court rejected his appeal in a bribery case.

Chen Ko-ming (陳科名) was found to have accepted bribes from property
developers in exchange for pressuring New Taipei City officials to fast-track
building permit approvals.

The court ruled that Chen illegally obtained more than 13 million NT through
the scheme.

Prosecutors say Chen began serving as a city councilor in 2006 and was
re-elected twice.

In 2012, Chen secretly invested in two companies, later using his influence
to pressure the Public Works Department to approve their permits.

He was acquitted on separate charges involving another four million NT.

Chen is already serving a separate prison sentence for accepting 200 thousand
NT dollars in bribes, which he began serving last April.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2025-12-29 19:53:14

The Hope Foundation for Cancer Care is set to open Taiwan's first counseling
center dedicated specifically to cancer patients and their families.

The center officially opens on New Year's Day in Taipei, offering up to six
free counseling sessions for each patient or family.

Services will include counseling for individuals, couples and families ...
provided by specialized therapists.

The foundation says emotional distress affects nearly half of cancer
patients, with anxiety and depression also taking a toll on caregivers.

While cancer survival rates continue to rise, experts stress that mental
health support is also important.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-29 19:53:14

Authorities in China's Xinjiang region are threatening to detain residents
over Uyghur-language music they consider sensitive.

The warning comes from a recording of a public meeting obtained by The
Associated Press.

The tunes, ranging from traditional folk ballads to rap songs, are being
targeted for allegedly threatening social stability, damaging the Chinese
Communist Party's reputation and bringing down the public's morale, among
other reasons.

Rights monitors say this crackdown reflects a continuation of repressive
policies in the region.

Between 2017 and 2019, those policies resulted in the extrajudicial detention
of at least 1 million Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and other ethnic minorities.

Posted on 2025-12-29 18:54:13

KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun is accusing President Lai Ching-te of pursuing what
she calls provocative cross-strait policies that are pushing Taiwan to the
brink of war with China.

Her comments come as China has announced new military drills around Taiwan,
including live-fire exercises in multiple nearby air and sea zones.

Cheng says President Lai's approach is driving tensions higher and alarming
the international community.

She says that most Taiwanese want stability and peace, not to become
casualties of rising cross-strait tensions.

-----

China's Taiwan Affairs Office this afternoon said these latest military
drills are aimed at what it calls 'Taiwan independence separatist forces' and
'foreign interference' — not the people of Taiwan.

A spokesperson said the operations are meant as a warning to pro-independence
activities and outside powers, describing them as necessary to defend China's
sovereignty.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council strongly condemned the drills, saying they
undermine cross-strait stability and prove Beijing is the main source of
tension in the region.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Defense says its forces are on high alert
... and that rapid response exercises are underway to defend the island.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-29 18:54:15

Taipei is ramping up security for New Year's Eve, deploying more than 13
hundred police officers along with bomb-sniffing dogs to keep crowds safe.

Police say security levels have been raised across Xinyi District, where
large crowds are expected for the countdown event.

Measures include armed rapid-response teams, anti-stampede units, drone
monitoring, and tighter checks for suspicious or dangerous items.

And ... for the first time, commander vehicles and floodlight trucks will
also be stationed on site to improve coordination and visibility at night.

Authorities say emergency response will be centrally coordinated if needed.

They urge everyone not to bring prohibited items ... and to follow police
instructions, so everyone can enjoy the festivities safety.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-29 17:08:14

The Ministry of Environment is expanding its plastic reduction efforts, with
new targets for 2030 and 2035.

The ministry says using 2024 levels as its base, the government aims to
reduce single-use petroleum-based plastics by 5 percent by 2030 and 10
percent by 2035.

Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming said the strategy is shifting from simple
bans to a "circular economy" model, focusing on green design and using
alternative materials.

Specific plans under the initiative include a rating system for food delivery
platforms, to encourage vendors to use less packaging and stop providing
plastic cutlery by default.

And by 2030, all large companies and chain restaurants must use reusable,
washable tableware for customers eating inside their buildings.

The ministry says it will use Jian-guo Holiday Flower Market in Taipei as a
model for reducing plastic bag use in public markets.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-29 17:08:15

A rescue helicopter has evacuated four hikers from Hsuehshan (雪山) after a
member of their team died from hypothermia.

The five-person team sent a distress call on Saturday while hiking near the
Bo-ke-er Grassland, with one member suffering from hypothermia and only one
day of food remaining.

That member died before rescuers could arrive.

A black hawk helicopter reached the remaining hikers earlier this morning,
transporting the four survivors Taichung for medical care.

Officials say transporters will wait until the weather improves on the
mountain and the snow clears, before retrieving the last hiker's remains.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-29 17:08:15

Kaohsiung MRT and the Light Rail will step up services to handle large crowds
expected for New Year's Eve celebrations.

Starting at 4:30 PM on December 31st, both systems will extend operating
hours and increase train frequency.

On the Red Line, trains will run every 3 minutes from midnight until the
system closes at 2 AM on New Year's Day.

Meanwhile, the Kaohsiung Light Rail will remain in service until 1:30 AM.

Authorities say security drills have also been carried out to strengthen
emergency response.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-29 17:08:15

A fire at an Indonesian retirement home has left at least 16 residents dead.

Police say the fire ripped through a single-story house in Manado in
Indonesia's North Sulawesi.

Officials believe that the fire started while residents were asleep.

15 survivors were being treated at two hospitals, while the bodies of victims
are being identified with family assistance.

An initial police report said an electrical fault caused the fire but
officials later said the cause was still under investigation.

Posted on 2025-12-29 17:08:15

Families of the victims of the recent massacre at Australia's Bondi Beach are
slamming government inaction over rising antisemitism in the country.

That's after two gunmen killed 15 people and wounded 40 others at a Hanukkah
celebration.

17 families today called for a federal inquiry called a royal commission to
investigate rising antisemitism in Australia since Israel launched its
barrage on the Gaza Strip in 2023.

Royal commissions are the most powerful form of public investigation in
Australia and witnesses can be jailed for deliberately withholding evidence.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has resisted these calls, opting for an
inquiry by a retired bureaucrat instead.

That inquiry would exmaine potential failings in procedures and laws that led
to the shooting, which appears to have been inspied by the Islamic State
group.

Posted on 2025-12-29 16:15:13

TPP chairman Huang Kuo-chang is condemning Chinese military drills, saying
that they do not help to uphold peace and stability in the Taiwan strait...

and only serve to alienate the Taiwanese public more and more.

He pointed out that the drills in the past did nothing to advance positive
feelings in Taiwan towards China.

Huang's remarks come after the People's Liberation Army announced that they
would conduct drills today and tomorrow around Taiwan.

Meanwhile the DPP legislative caucus says that, in light of these events, it
hopes the opposition will cease blocking a special funding bill for national
defense.

That bill and the 2026 central government's budget plan have yet to be
reviewed by the Legislative committees.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-29 16:15:14

TSMC will reportedly raise prices for advanced manufacturing processes below
3 nanometers starting in January next year.

TSMC share prices rose to a historic high of $1,530 NT per share during
today's stock exchange, bringing its market value to nearly 40 trillion NT.

Taiwan Seminconductor Manufacturing Company is scheduled to conduct an
investor conference on January 15th to release its financial report for the
4th quarter of 2025 and its outlook for the first quarter of 2026.

Market expectations are that TSMC will meet its fourth-quarter operating
targets, with a chance of outperforming forecasts.

Market sources also said todayTSMC may raise prices for advanced
manufacturing processes below 3 nanometers starting early next year.

Semiconductor experts said the move mainly reflects rising costs and
highlights that advanced chipmaking remains a seller’s market.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-29 16:15:19

In world news...

Foreign ministers from Cambodia and Thailand have convened with their Chinese
counterpart to discuss the border dispute between the two Southeast Asian
countries.

The trilateral meeting Monday was held in the Chinese province of Yun-nan
while the dispute is still simmering.

The meeting came two days after Thailand and Cambodia signed a fresh
ceasefire agreement.

It ended weeks of fighting that killed more than 100 people and forced
hundreds of thousands of people to be evacuated on both sides of the border.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for joint efforts to promote
regional peace, stability and development.

Posted on 2025-12-29 16:15:14

The Mainland Affairs Council is contradicting local newspaper China Times'
claims that nearly 1000 Chinese spouses will have their Taiwanese nationality
cancelled on January 1st.

It said fewer than 300 Chinese spouses failed to provide documentation
proving that they had renounced their Chinese citizenship.

That's out of over 12,000 people that were required to provide the documents.

The 278 Chinese spouses that have not yet done so are people whom the MAC has
been unable to contact.

But the Council emphasizes that they would not annul someone's nationality
while not knowing where they were.

The China Times report claimed that nearly 1000 of such individuals would
lose their Taiwanese citizenship before the weekend.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-29 16:15:22

South Korea is chasing a coal-free future in efforts to slash carbon
emissions, an ambitious goal for the fossil fuel-dependent country.

The new Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment aims to retire most of
South Korea's coal plants by 2040 and to at least halve carbon emissions by
2035.

But that target is contrary to the Trump administration's push for U.S.
allies to import more American natural gas.

As part of trade deals with President Donald Trump, Seoul is raising U.S.
liquefied natural gas imports.

L-N-G made up almost a fifth of South Korea’s total energy supply last year,
according to the International Energy Agency, or IEA. The government's target
was to cut that to 10.6% by 2038.

Climate activists contend this plan conflicts with South Korea's pledge to
help curb climate change.

Posted on 2025-12-29 15:24:13

KMT Chair Zheng Li Wen says, she hopes to visit Beijing next year before
visiting the United States.

Zheng says, she aims to visit during the first half of next year, as the
second half will be busy with local elections.

That's after Zheng stated over the weekend that any potential meeting with
Chinese leader Xi Jinping would have no conditions other than adhering to the
92 consesnsus and opposing Taiwan independence.

She also notes that a meeting between Xi would "carry major stragetic
significance strategic and send an important message."

Zheng says any other visits to foreign countries would likely take place
after next year's elections.

Meanwhile the DPP has slammed Zheng for making the announcement whilst China
conducts military drills around Taiwan.

Spokesperson Wu Zheng said that the chair of the largest opposition party
calling China her "priority" was representative of the KMT's idea of
cross-strait relations in general...

and criticized the party for overlooking Taiwan's security and dignity.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-29 15:24:13

TPP officials in Changhua say, they look forward to collaborating with the
KMT to decide who to nominate as the opposition candidate for Changhua
magistrate.

Current magistrate Wang Mei Hui of the KMT will step down in November after
serving two terms, while KMT lawmaker Xie Yi Feng 謝衣鳳　yesterday announced
that she would seek her party's nomination to run for the post.

The head of the Changhua TPP offices said that they respected Xie's decision,
but that they hoped to cooperate with the KMT on who to put forward.

They say, the TPP will complete their internal nomination processes in the
county next month.

Whoever the KMT and TPP nominate, they will face the DPP's Chen Su Yue in
November.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-29 15:24:13

The United States has announced a $2 billion pledge for U.N. humanitarian aid
as President Donald Trump continues to slash U.S. foreign assistance funding.

The pledge creates an umbrella fund from which money will be doled out to
individual agencies and priorities.

The $2 billion is a fraction of traditional U.S. humanitarian funding for
U.N.-backed programs, which has run as high as $17 billion annually in recent
years, according to U.N. data.

U.S. officials say only $8-$10 billion of that has been in voluntary
contributions.

The United States also pays billions in annual dues related to its U.N.
membership.

The announcement caps a crisis year for many U.N. organizations as the U.S.
and other Western donors have cut billions in funding, prompting massive cuts
in spending and jobs.

Posted on 2025-12-29 14:14:13

The Presidential Office is strongly condemning China's launch of yet another
military drill around Taiwan...

calling it a "unilateral provocation" that destabilizes regional peace and
stability.

The People's Liberation Army announced today the start of a new round of
joint exercises around Taiwan by their army, navy, and air force.

Chinese officials say that the exercises are meant to act as a "stern warning
to 'Taiwanese Independence' separatist forces."

That's as Japanese media is reporting that the drills may be aimed at warning
Japan against further supporting Taiwan...

following comments made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi seen as pro-Taiwan.

Meanwhile Chinese officials also say that they will conduct live-fire drills
in the waters and airspace around Taiwan tomorrow, warning vessels and
aircraft not to enter the drill areas.

Those areas will include the sea and airspace near Keelung, Taitung,
Pingtung, Penghu, and Taoyuan.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2025-12-29 14:14:21

The National Park Service is planning new actions to fight a massive outbreak
of crown-of-thorns starfish around the Dong-sha (東沙) Atoll National Park.

Crown-of-thorns starfish are voracious predators of live coral, consuming it
much faster than it can grow, and they have caused serious damages to the
park's corals since 2014.

The Control Yuan today called on the N-P-S to put in concrete measures to
deal with the problem.

In response, the Park Service said it has already removed about 59,000 such
starfish through large-scale manual operations since last year and has drawn
up a plan for next year to further strengthen removal, monitoring and
early-warning efforts.

It'll work in collaboration with several national universities and Academia
Sinica to do more studies on the ecosystem of Dong-shan corals as well.

It's also building a new vessel capable of carrying up to 18 people for
control and prevention operations of the starfish next year.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-29 14:14:21

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex gaining 254 points to
close the session at 28810.

The turnover was 439 billion NT

Posted on 2025-12-29 14:14:21

Now turning to internaitona news...

Syrian officials say that at least 4 people are dead following clashes on the
country's coast.

Dozens more were wounded in the fights between Alawite protesters and
counterdemonstrators.

This follows a bombing at an Alawite mosque in Homs on Fridat that killed 8
and wounded 18.

Thousands protested in coastal cities.

A little known group claimed responsibility for the attack, and said that it
meant to target members of the Alawite sect.

The Alawites are a group of Shiite musilims that some do not consider to be a
part of the faith.

Posted on 2025-12-29 14:14:21

North Korea says, it fired long-range missiles into the sea to test the
country's nuclear deterrence.

State media reported that the missile launches occurred off the country's
west coast yesterday with leader Kim Jong Un observing.

Just last week, the country test-launched new anti-air missiles off its east
coast and unveiled apparent progress in the construction of its first
nuclear-powered submarine.

And the country is expected to hold its Workers' Party congress early next
year, which will be the first of its kind in 5 years.

Posted on 2025-12-29 13:09:13

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-An, who has just come back from the Twin-city Forum
in Shanghai, has condemned "any acts of escalating regional conflicts."

The comments follow China's launch of another military drill encircling
Taiwan today, which includes the Taiwan Strait, as well as north, southwest
and southeast of Taiwan, and in waters east of the island.

Chinese military officials also said that live-fire exercises would be
carried out from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow in five designated maritime and
airspace zones surrounding Taiwan.

Mayor Chiang said his position remains firm and consistent, and that Taiwan
and China should engage in dialogue rather than confrontation, peace and
prosperity rather than turmoil.

Chiang cut short his trip to just four hours in Shanghai due to the deadly
random attack incident that took place on the 19th in Taipei.

The original plan was for him to arrive there on Saturday and depart on
Sunday.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-29 13:09:13

The Centers for Disease Control says it will plan to expand eligibility for
publicly funded HIV treatments for foreign nationals next year.

Officials say that subsidy regulations are being revised, but they have not
yet released many details on how the expansion will work.

Officials previously said that the expansion would prioritize those with
permanent residency and those under 18.

Under the current program, the CDC covers costs for an HIV patient's first
two years on medication, after which expenses are covered by national health
insurance.

As of last month, there were nearly 36,500 Taiwanese nationals and over 600
foreign nationals in Taiwan living with HIV.

Of the foreign nationals, over half are already covered under the NHI, while
the others have not yet been on medicaiton for two years.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2025-12-29 13:09:13

Now turning to international news...

In Serbia, protesting university students have collected signatures
throughout the country for their request for an early parliamentary election.

They hope to oust the autocratic government of President Aleksandar Vucic
(VOO chih ch) from office.

In freezing weather, students set up nearly 500 stands throughout the country
on Sunday for residents to sign the election demand.

The demand is not a formal petition.

Students have said that Sunday's action was meant to put further pressure on
Vucic and to be a test of support.

More than a year of street protests first started in November 2024 after a
train station disaster that killed 16 people.

Vucic has refused to schedule an immediate early vote, but has suggested that
it could be held sometime next year.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-12-29 13:09:13

In Suriname (SUR uh nahm), a knife attack outside the capital, Paramaribo,
has killed at least nine people, including five children.

Police said Sunday the victims included four of the attacker's children and
neighbors who tried to help them.

A neighbor's child was also killed.

The attack happened about 25 kilometers east of the capital

The suspect, who was injured during his arrest, is recovering in a hospital.

A sixth child and another adult are seriously injured.

Suriname, a former Dutch colony, is the smallest independent nation in South
America, with a population of approximately 600,000 people.

It has traditionally had one of the lowest murder rates in the region, but
has seen a rise in the rate recently.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-12-29 13:09:13

In Brazil, officials say that a plane towing an advertising banner has
crashed into the sea off Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach.

Local authorities said that the pilot died in the crash on Saturday
afternoon.

His body was sent to a medical examiner's office for identification.

Fire department rescue teams are working at the site using Jet Skis,
inflatable boats, divers, and aerial support.

The search includes sonar equipment to locate possible additional victims and
wreckage.

Security camera footage showed the plane diving nose-first into the sea
around 12:30 p.m.

The Brazilian air force has opened an investigation into the cause of the
crash.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-12-29 06:52:13

deter China

President Lai Ching-te says his administration will continue to raise the
cost of aggression and strengthen the island's indigenous defense
capabilities to deter China.

During an exclusive interview with Sanlih E-Television News, Lai repeated
previous comments that peace can only be secured through strength.

Lai highlighted Taiwan's response, when asked to address claims by U-S
defense officials... that Xi Jinping had instructed the People's Liberation
Army to be ready for a Taiwan invasion by 2027,

The president said that if China sets 2027 as the year to be ready for an
invasion of Taiwan, then we have only one choice - to keep raising the
difficulty so that China can never meet that standard.

He also reiterated that his administration will not provoke China and remains
"firmly committed to maintaining the status quo."

Lai further stressed that peace "must be backed by real strength," rather
than relying on an agreement or the goodwill of an aggressor, noting that
history shows negotiations without leverage inevitably lead to surrender.

And he went on to tout his plans for a multilayered "T-Dome" air defense
network, the development of a an AI-enabled battlefield intelligence support
system, and the upgrading and transformation of Taiwan's domestic defense
industries.

Posted on 2025-12-29 06:52:13

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has told delegates at the Twin-City Forum in
Shanghai that he hopes the Taiwan Strait will come to be associated with
"peace and prosperity," rather than "crashing waves and howling winds."

Chiang didn't elaborate on what he meant by "crashing waves and howling
winds" ...

.... but his statement is seen as highlighting his hopes for cross-strait
communications to continue, despite central government dialogue being largely
suspended.

The said he remains committed to the Twin-City Forum because he believes
"engagement is better than estrangement, dialogue is better than
confrontation, understanding is better than misunderstanding ...

.... and interaction is better than conflict."

It was Chiang's third time attending the forum as Taipei mayor and he led a
delegation of 120 members to the event in Shanghai on Sunday.

The theme of this year's forum was "Technology Changing Lives" and the Taipei
Mayor has said the two cities will sign new memorandums of understanding on
areas including water management and vocational training.

Posted on 2025-12-29 06:52:13

K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun is dismissing reports of the possibility of
tensions arising over local elections with the Taiwan People's Party.

This, after T-P-P Chairman Huang Kuo-chang announced his plans to seek New
Taipei's top job in next November's election.

Cheng claimed communications between herself and Huang have been very smooth
and people should not "over-interpret" or "make associations" with regard to
the T-P-P chair's decision.

Cheng says everything related to the progress and atmosphere of cooperation
between the two parties has so far been extremely positive and favorable, and
she's confident that will continue.

Huang announced that he would run for the post of New Taipei mayor at a rally
in Xinzhuang District on Saturday.

Incumbent Mayor Hou Yu-ih of the K-M-T is set to leave office next year after
serving two terms.

The KMT has yet to select a nominee in the New Taipei race, but Deputy Taipei
Mayor Lee Shu-chuan has been touted as a possible candidate, and earlier this
month he said he'd "certainly" register if primaries are held.

Posted on 2025-12-29 06:52:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says its welcomes Israel's decision to
formally recognize Somaliland as a sovereign nation.

MOFA claimed Taiwan, Israel, and Somaliland, are all "like-minded democratic
partners sharing the values of democracy, freedom, and rule of law" ...

.. and it expects the move to facilitate closer three-way cooperation on all
fronts between Taiwan, Israel and Somaliland.

Taiwan and Somaliland opened representative offices in each other's capitals
in 2020.

The foreign ministry says ties have steadily grown since the opening of those
offices -- with cooperation seen in such areas as medicine, education,
agriculture, information and telecommunications, security, and energy mineral
development.

Taiwan and Somaliland signed an agreement in July of this year to enhance
bilateral coast guard cooperation to jointly safeguard navigation safety in
the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

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

Posted on 2025-12-29 06:52:13

aftershocks

The Central Weather Administration says the limited number of aftershocks
following Saturday night's magnitude 7 earthquake that struck off the
northeast coast is due to its occurring at a greater depth in a subduction
zone.

The offshore earthquake was centered some 32-kilometers east of Yilan County
Hall offshore, at a depth of 73-kilometers.

Data shows that only three aftershocks have been reported since then.

The first of them occured about an hour-and-a-half after the initial quake
and two more were recorded on Sunday.

The weather administration's Seismological Center says the difference between
the April, 2024 Hualien quake, which was followed by frequent aftershocks,
and this past Saturday's quake off of Yilan is due to the quake's depth and
tectonic setting.

The CWA said Saturday's Yilan quake was caused by the Philippine Sea Plate
subducting northward beneath the Eurasian Plate ..

.. and such deep earthquakes generally generate fewer aftershocks and weaker
surface shaking.

However, the center is warning that aftershocks in the magnitude 5.5 to 6
range are still possible over the coming week.

Posted on 2025-12-29 06:52:13

Damage from Saturday's magnitude 7 earthquake that struck off of the coast of
Yilan County has been largely repaired across northern Taiwan.

The Taoyuan International Airport Corporation says lightweight ceiling debris
that fell in three waiting lounge areas and at baggage carousel areas in
Terminal 2 has been cleared and repairs have been completed.

The Yilan County Government says its education department had not been
notified of damage to school buildings and tourism facilities under its
management were not damaged.

The Taipei City Government has said it received 39 incident reports including
nine gas leaks, 14 water outages and leaks, one damaged traffic signal, six
instances of minor building damage, and two wall collapses.

While the New Taipei City Government reported six incidents, including
falling tiles, a water pipeline rupture, ground cracking, ground seepage and
a landslide.

Posted on 2025-12-29 06:52:13

And,

A man who rode a horse in Wuling in the Hehuanshan area has been fined by
police on Sunday for violating traffic regulations.

This, while national park authorities say they are reviewing whether
additional penalties will apply.

Police say the man was riding his horse on public road at Wuling in an
apparent attempt to see snowfall and was issued fine for violating the Road
Traffic Management and Penalty Act.

He was reportedly fined for allowing or leading an animal on a public road in
a way that obstructed traffic, an offense punishable by a fine of between 300
and 600 N-T.

The incident drew widespread public attention after the man and his horse
were spotted in a parking lot in the Hehuanshan area.

The Taroko National Park Headquarters says pets are prohibited from entering
trails, ecological protection zones, historic preservation areas and special
scenic zones.

Posted on 2025-12-29 06:52:13

At least four people have been killed and dozens wounded in clashes on
Syria’s coast.

Health officials said that the violence erupted Sunday between Alawite
protesters and counterdemonstrators.

This follows a bombing at an Alawite mosque in Homs on Friday that killed
eight and wounded 18.

Thousands protested in Latakia and Tartous.

The country has faced sectarian clashes since the fall of former President
Bashar Assad.

Posted on 2025-12-29 06:52:13

Turning to news in Asia now and...

Political parties in Thailand have registered their candidates to become
prime minister after the upcoming general election, marking the unofficial
start of campaigning.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved Parliament this month to call
early polls.

This move allows Anutin and his Bhumjaithai Party to strengthen their
position in the House of Representatives.

Voters will also participate in a referendum on whether they want a new
constitution.

The election is primarily a contest between Anutin’s conservative party and
the progressive People’s Party.

The populist Pheu Thai Party, backed by former Prime Minister Thaksin
Shinawatra, is also a major contender.

Posted on 2025-12-29 06:52:13

The state run Korea Central News Agency is reporting that North Korean leader
Kim Jong Un oversaw a long-range strategic cruise missile launching drill at
the weekend.

KCNA says Kim expressed satisfaction as the cruise missiles flew along their
orbit set above the sea west of the Korean Peninsula and hit their target.

Sunday's launch follows KCNA's report last week that Kim observed
construction of a nuclear-powered submarine and oversaw the test-firing of
long-range surface-to-air missiles with his daughter, who is seen as a
possible successor.

The flurry of military tests is seen to underscore the country's military and
economic progress before a key party congress expected to be held in early
2026.

That meeting is also meant to set a development plan for North Korea for the
next five years.

Posted on 2025-12-29 06:52:13

Preliminary results of a snap parliamentary election in Kosovo shows that the
party of Prime Minister Albin Kurti has won by a clear margin.

The snap ballot on Sunday was scheduled after Kurti’s governing
Self-Determination party failed to form a government despite also winning the
most votes in a Feb. 9 election.

The state election authorities said Kurti’s party had nearly 50% on Sunday,
which is far ahead of opposition Democratic Party of Kosovo with 21%, and the
Democratic League of Kosovo with nearly 14%.

But its still not immediately clear whether Kurti's party will be able to
form a government on their own.

Posted on 2025-12-29 06:52:13

The U.K. prime minister is facing criticism after celebrating the return of
human rights activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah from Egypt.

Critics have highlighted past social media posts by Abd el-Fattah containing
violent and antisemitic language.

On Friday, Abd el-Fattah returned to the U.K. after a travel ban was lifted.

Abd el-Fattah's family say his imprisonment was due to his opposition to
Egypt's government.

The Foreign Office emphasized that working for his release had been a
priority for successive governments but that did not mean it condoned his
past tweets.

Posted on 2025-12-27 14:07:14

Thailand and Cambodia have signed an agreement to implement a ceasefire to
end weeks of armed combat along their border over competing claims to
territory.

It took effect at noon local time.

In addition to ending fighting, the agreement calls for no further military
movements by either side and no violations of either side's airspace for
military purposes.

According to Cambodia's defense ministry, only Thailand employed airstrikes
in the fighting, as recently as this morning.

A major clause in the agreement calls for Thailand to repatriate 18 Cambodian
soldiers it has held as prisoners since earlier fighting in July.

Posted on 2025-12-27 14:07:14

Lower temperatures recently have led to reduced blood donations at donation
centers as well as an increased need for blood.

Donation centers say there was just 6 days of blood in stock islandwide as of
this morning, and they're calling for more donations. Blood banks say a safe
buffer period for blood supplies is around 7-10 days, while 4 days of stock
is considered an emergency.

Type A and Type O blood stocks are the lowest, at just over 5 days in stock
nationally. In Taichung, the levels are below 4 days.

Type AB blood is at the safe level.

CNA_zh_JvW

Posted on 2025-12-27 13:09:13

Separatists in southern Yemen are accusing Saudi Arabia of targeting their
forces with airstrikes.

The Southern Transitional Council says the strikes happened in Yemen's
Hadramout governorate.

It's unclear if there were any casualties.

The council's satellite channel aired footage that appeared to show the
strikes, with a man blaming Saudi aircraft.
Officials in Saudi Arabia didn't comment.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2025-12-27 12:10:14

In central Japan, a man has been arrested after stabbing eight people and
injuring seven others with a chemical believed to be bleach.

The attack happened at Yokohama Rubber Co. in Mishima ... in Shizuoka
prefecture.

A regional fire department said eight people were taken to hospitals with
stab wounds, and five are in serious condition.

The attacker's identity and motive remain unknown.

Seven additional people were injured by a substance believed to be bleach
thrown during the attack. Police arrested the suspect at the factory.

AP_JvW

Username
Password
Lost your password