ICRT

Posted on 2026-11-02 13:06:13

In an attempt to calm the jittery equity market, National Development Council
chair Ye Jun-xian (葉俊顯) said he believes the the effects of a pull-back in
U.S. tech stocks on Taiwan will be temporary.

He explained that Taiwan's hardware-focused technology companies have strong
orders through the end of next year and sufficient cash flow, and major
companies also have various financial management options available.

Ye added that the recent plunge in U.S. technology shares reflects concerns
about whether massive AI investments will generate sufficient returns,
particularly in the software sector.

He said determining the returns on these investments will take time and will
also depend on the pace of development in physical AI, which brings
artificial intelligence into real-world operations.

He noted that physical AI is primarily reflected in robotics and autonomous
driving, both of which require substantial computing power and a longer
period of time.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-11-02 13:06:13

The Malaysian representative in Taiwan is warning the country's students here
to be vigilant of rising scam cases involving Malaysians.

According to the Malaysian Friendship and Trade Center, the number of
Malaysians in detention in Taiwan has now increased to more than 800 from 33
in 2023, with more than 600 allegedly playing the role as money mules.

Representative Huang Yi-rui (黃奕瑞) also said that Malaysian parents should
educate their children who are either in Taiwan or planning to study there
about the risks of becoming involved in criminal activities.

Meanwhile Malaysian police have recently busted an online scam operation
based in Kuala Lumpur and arrested 18 Taiwanese nationals, including 17 men
and one woman.

Police said those suspects impersonated Hong Kong police officers and
targeted Hong Kong people.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-11-02 13:06:13

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to question last week's
elections appear to be weakening as officials say the vote won't be
undermined by allegations.

On Sunday, a court released suspects in one alleged bribery case around the
vote.

Netanyahu's Likud party claims, without evidence, that Arab-led parties
"stole" the elections, where his bloc lost its majority.

Likud has cited cases like arrests of political activists allegedly bribing
voters.

Netanyahu suggests joining with Arab parties is treasonous.

His main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, accuses him of trying to delegitimize the
vote.

Election results are due to be officially certified this week.

After consultations with each party, President Isaac Herzog will choose the
candidate — most likely Netanyahu or Eisenkot — who he believes has the best
chance of forming a coalition government.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-11-02 07:00:13

APEC

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it has lodged a protest China's has
failure to send Taiwan a formal invitation to the upcoming APEC summit in
Shenzhen.

China is said to have sent a letter to Taiwan that omitted any mention of
Chinese Taipei, which is Taiwan's official APEC designation.

The foreign ministry says the omission of title Chinese Taipei deviated from
long established APEC protocol and was an attempt to downgrade Taiwan status.

The ministry is stressing that as a full APEC member, Taiwan should be
invited to events in manners that adhere to established procedures.

China will be hosting the meeting APEC meeting on November 18 and 19.

The government has Taiwan's representative for this year’s summit has been
selected and the Presidential Office will make an announcement concerning it
choice in the coming days.

Posted on 2026-11-02 07:00:13

The Coast Guard Administration is emphasising that Beijing has no
jurisdiction over waters surrounding Taiwan.

This comes as China's Coast Guard claims to be carrying out "routine law
enforcement patrols" around the island.

A Chinese patrol flotilla carried out operations in waters off eastern Taiwan
this past weekend and has stepped up control over the surrounding waters.

The Coast Guard Administration says China is using the pretext of law
enforcement to harass Taiwan and attempting to create the false impression
that Beijing has jurisdiction over waters around the island.

It further reiterated that international law maintains that Taiwan has
exclusive sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its eastern exclusive
economic zone and that China has no corresponding rights in the area.

The Coast Guard Administration also accusing Beijing of spreading false
narratives by referring to Taiwan as "China's Taiwan Island" and describing
its activities as "law enforcement patrols," even as it attempts to harass
vessels through radio communications.

Posted on 2026-11-02 07:00:13

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and D-P-P mayoral hopeful Puma Shen were present
at an event hosted by the Federation of Taipei Trade Unions.

In his speech, Chiang pointed to improvements to municipal employees' pay,
leave and working conditions.

He pointed to the Labor Policy Advisory Committee that includes worker
representatives and engages in direct dialogue with labor unions.

For his part, Shen outlined his proposals to support working families.

The D-P-P mayoral candidate told attendees that he will help workers caring
for young children and elderly family members, including enhancing childcare
environments to prevent child abuse and increasing the number of beds in
long-term care facilities.

Shen outlined plans to reduce working hours for parents with young children
and to offer six free psychological counseling sessions for city residents.

Posted on 2026-11-02 07:00:13

The Air Force's annual Tien Lung, or "Sky Dragon," exercises began this
morning.

The drills are aimed at testing pilots' combat skills and ground-based
logistical support.

The Ministry of National Defense says the Tien Lung exercises will be taking
place from today through Friday.

They encompass air-to-air, air-to-sea, and air-to-ground combat skills
training using different fighter jets, with exercises focusing on aerial
interceptions and the use of the aerial gunnery target system.

The Air Force will also be selecting flying aces in different categories,
including aerial combat and precision as it has done in previous years.

Posted on 2026-11-02 07:00:14

Twenty people have been treated for burns to their feet after taking part in
a firewalking ceremony at the Dingfuyen Temple in New Taipei's Linkou
District.

According to the New Taipei City Fire Department, the firewalking ceremony
involves walking barefoot over a bed of hot embers and many participants
suffered "accidental" burns on the soles of their feet while crossing the
burning coals.

Paramedics were called to the scene and helped apply ointment to the feet of
those injured.

However, 20 participants were taken to Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
for further treatment.

The Linkou Dingfuyen Temple is mainly dedicated to "Master Xianyang," a Song
Dynasty Buddhist monk who later became a venerated deity in Chinese folk
religion, especially in Taiwan and southeastern China.

Posted on 2026-11-02 07:00:14

And,

Taipei's 11th Nuit Blanche arts festival wrapped up early Sunday morning
after a night of art installations, interactive performances and live music
across the city's Yuanshan area.

The overnight event ran from 2PM Saturday until 2AM Sunday.

It was co-organized by the Taipei City Department of Cultural Affairs and the
French Office in Taipei, in collaboration with Centquatre-Paris.

According to the city government, this year's festival featured more than 30
art installations and 50 performances and sound art programs.

Event took place across Tatung University, Yuanshan Natural Landscape Park,
the Yuanshan and Xinsheng areas of Taipei Expo Park, and surrounding areas
near Minzu East Road and Qingguang Market.

The festival also featured a street dance block party.

French Office in Taipei director Frédéric Laplanche said the event attracted
half a million participants last year.

Posted on 2026-11-02 07:00:14

Israeli police have released two of three suspects in an alleged voter
bribery case.

The releases on Sunday appear to accusations by Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu and his Likud party that Arab-led parties stole last week’s
parliamentary election.

Local media said that the court found no evidence to support the bribery
allegations.

Likud hasn't provided evidence for these accusations.

Netanyahu's bloc lost its majority of parliamentary seats and he appears to
be trying to block any opposition alliance with Arab parties.

The election results are due to be certified on Wednesday.

Posted on 2026-11-02 07:00:14

The U.N.'s peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara has ended after 35 years
due to a U.S.-Russia standoff.

The U.N. established the mission in 1991 to monitor a ceasefire and plan a
referendum, which never occurred.

The region remains tense, with potential for escalating hostilities... and
its end raises concerns about regional stability.

Morocco claims the mineral-rich territory, while the pro-independence
Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, seeks independence.

Russia vetoed a U.S. resolution supporting Morocco's sovereignty, leading to
the mission's abrupt end.

Morocco welcomed the decision, but the Polisario Front called it
unacceptable.

Posted on 2026-11-02 07:00:14

Buddhist masters have gathered in Gelephu, Bhutan, to witness the
construction of 108 stupas in a single day.

The newly erected sacred structures representing Buddha’s enlightenment
anchor Gelephu Mindfulness City.... and were built by over 40,000 volunteers.

Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck conceived the city as a major
hub that he hopes will help the nation's ailing economy.

His vision of the city is also rooted in Buddhist principles of
sustainability, peace and compassion.

These stupas are meant to symbolize Buddha’s enlightenment.

Posted on 2026-10-31 16:07:13

The Taipei International Blues Bash returns to Maji Square in Taipei next
Saturday.

The free concert runs from noon to 10pm.

It features and array of musicians from Europe, the Americas and Asia ...
coming together to celebrate the blues.

The headliner this year is Japanese guitarist Shun Kikuta, whose background
is in Chicago blues ... and who has played with legends like BB King and Koko
Taylor.

Japanese solo performer Yoshinobu Ozaki kicks off the proceedings ... other
acts include the pioneering blues band BoPoMoFo as well as David Chen and The
Seventh sons.

Posted on 2026-10-31 14:07:13

Kaohsiung is kicking off "Harbour Beats 2026," celebrating sister port ties
with Hamburg, Germany.

The free weekend event hosted by the Kaohsiung Music Center and the German
Trade Office Taipei features performances by German and Taiwanese artists,
including Sophia Kennedy, BOVIY, and The Chairs.

In addition, Hamburg film collective "A Wall is a Screen" makes its Taiwan
debut, projecting short films onto local waterfront architecture.

Peckish visitors can explore nearly 50 market stalls offering traditional
German sausages, pork knuckles, Bavarian beer and more.

The event starts at 3:00pm today and tomorrow at the Coral Zone, Kaohsiung
Music Center,

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-31 11:07:14

Taiwan shares plunged by just under 2.5 percent yesterday, led by major
AI-related stocks, taking a cue from tech stocks on American markets.

The Taiex fell 2.5 percent to 45,212. The electronics index dropped by 2.9
percent. That's deeper than the Nasdaq's decline of 1.4 percent on Thursday
... and it matches Nasdaq's subsequent decline overnight.

TSMC, which accounts for more than 40 percent of total market value, lost 1.9
percent to close at NT$2,370.

Among other semiconductor stocks, smartphone IC designer MediaTek shed 3.2
percent and IC packaging and testing firm ASE slipped 2.2 percent.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-10-30 20:00:13

The Legislative Yuan has passed amendments to the Criminal Code on Friday to
increase penalties for drug-impaired driving ...

... including the possibility of the death penalty for repeat offenders who
cause fatal accidents.

The amendments raise the maximum prison term for drug-impaired driving from
three to five years and increase the maximum fine to 500-thousand NT.

Repeat offenders who cause another fatal accident within 10 years of a
previous drug-driving conviction could face life imprisonment or the death
penalty.

The changes come as the family of a man killed in a drug-driving crash in
Keelung says it plans to appeal the driver's seven-year-and-eight-month
prison sentence.

The victim's daughter says the punishment is too lenient, as the driver could
be released early on parole.

The amendments will take effect once promulgated by the president.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 19:01:13

The daughter of a man killed by a drug-impaired driver in Keelung says she
plans to challenge the driver's seven-year, eight-month prison sentence,
arguing it's far too lenient.

She broke down in tears after the verdict was announced today, saying she
fears the defendant could be released after serving only half his sentence.

The man was convicted of causing her father's death after driving under the
influence of drugs and hitting several vehicles in Keelung last December.

The victim's daughter had hoped for a sentence of up to nine-and-a-half
years, while prosecutors had sought eight-and-a-half years.

Another motorcyclist injured in the crash also says he plans to challenge the
verdict.

He suffered two fractured vertebrae in his neck and permanent nerve damage,
and says he continues to experience pain and weakness.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 19:01:13

The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium will open a special
exhibition featuring a prehistoric whale fossil dating back roughly 100,000
years.

Museum officials say that the 6-meter specimen unearthed on the Hengchun
Peninsula features more than 130 bone fragments, and that roughly 80 per cent
of the entire skeleton is intact.

Experts noted that open growth plates on the vertebrae suggest the whale died
before reaching full adulthood.

The special exhibition also features decades of local fossil discoveries,
tracing the geological transition of the peninsula.

The fossil will go on public display starting this Sunday.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-30 19:01:13

The Chinese Communist Party has purged a record 33 members.

This is according to a communique they published yesterday at the end of its
annual four-day closed-door plenum in Beijing.

Some sixteen of those purged were members of the military.

They were purged for "serious disciplinary and legal violations", although
the specific details are unavailable.

China's leader, Xi Jinping, has actively tried to combat corruption, calling
it the Communist Party's "greatest threat".

But some analysts say that these words are also a pretext used to remove
those who are disloyal or "ideologically impure".

China's anti-corruption agency also said that almost 700 000 people across
the party had already been disciplined this year.

The Chinese Communist Party will vote for its next leader next year, with
most analysts expecting Xi to serve a fourth term and cement his grip on
power.

Posted on 2026-10-30 19:01:13

supremacy"

North Korea said today that it had tested attack drones, missiles, and
multiple-rocket launchers.

North Korea's official news agency said that the country's leader, Kim
Jong-il, called for speeding up the development of drones and artificial
intelligence in order to acquire "absolute superiority" in modern warfare.

The agency said that their drones and cruise missiles had hit a target on an
island with "complete precision".

This comes after earlier tests this month, that the news agency said it had
developed a new type of precision torpedo that uses AI to guide the torpedo
and detect targets, and a medium-range hypersonic missile that also uses AI
to change its trajectory in real time.

Yesterday, Seoul said that it had detected the launch of roughly ten
short-range ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean
Peninsula.

But no link has been established between Seoul's announcement yesterday and
Pyongyang's today.

Posted on 2026-10-30 19:01:13

winter

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees launched an appeal today for more
donations this winter.

They hope to raise at least 50 million USD (1.6 trillion NTD), which will be
primarily directed to Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon, and Afghanistan.

A spokesman said that costs go up when winter arrives in the northern
hemisphere.

He added that millions in fragile, wartorn countries could be exposed to bad
weather if not adequately sheltered.

The agency says that Ukraine is entering its fifth winter of war, with an
increasing number of both power cuts and Russian attacks on civilians.

Millions of Afghans have been forced to return to their country after finding
temporary refuge in Pakistan and Iran, and millions of Syrians have likewise
returned after the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

Around 120 million people worldwide were considered to be "displaced" at the
end of last year, according to the UN office.

Posted on 2026-10-30 18:38:13

Taiwan's service sector generated 15.6-trillion NT in economic output last
year, accounting for more than 55 percent of GDP and employing more than six
out of every 10 workers.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs says the sector remains a major driver of
economic growth and employment, with output rising 3.57 percent from the
previous year.

According to an AI adoption survey released alongside the M-O-E-A's
Commercial Services Yearbook 2026 ...

... almost 36 percent of businesses in the sector are now using AI, up neary
4 percentage points from last year.

Of all businesses surveyed, around 13 percent have adopted AI on a larger
scale, while another 23 percent are still in the early stages.

The ministry says it aims to raise AI adoption across the sector to 40
percent by 2028.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 18:38:13

Taiwan's manufacturing sector continued to grow strongly in September,
supported by global demand for AI-related products.

But the pace of expansion slowed slightly.

The Taiwan Institute of Economic Research says its manufacturing index edged
down 0.26 points from a month earlier to 16.22, remaining in the institute's
fast-growth category.

According to TIER, the slowdown was mainly due to slower growth in factory
production and export orders.

The electronics, computer and optoelectronics industries continued to benefit
from strong demand for advanced chips, AI servers and other technology
products.

The machinery industry also returned to the fast-growth category, supported
by orders from semiconductor manufacturers expanding their production
capacity.

However, the plastics and rubber industry lost momentum, while the auto parts
industry remained sluggish.

Looking ahead, the institute says AI investment should continue supporting
manufacturers, although rising energy prices, borrowing costs and tensions in
the Middle East could weigh on business activity.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 18:13:13

Taiwanese scholars say the latest meeting of China's ruling Communist Party
could further tighten President Xi Jinping's grip on power and reinforce his
control over the party.

The four-day meeting ended yesterday ... with the C-C-P confirming the
expulsion of 33 officials, including two senior military leaders.

A researcher from National Chengchi University describes the process as
"succession without a successor", saying Xi is cultivating a generation of
younger officials who share his views ...

... without preparing to hand over power.

Other scholars say anti-corruption purges and strict political discipline are
becoming permanent features of party rule.

However, they warn that tighter controls could make officials afraid to take
risks or make decisions, potentially hindering efforts to tackle China's
economic problems.

The party's next national congress is scheduled for the second half of 2027.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 18:13:13

Precautions

Taiwan's flu epidemic may be nearing its end ...

... with hospital and clinic visits for flu-like symptoms dropping 17 percent
in the first three days of this week compared with last week.

The Centers for Disease Control says it could declare the epidemic over in
two weeks if the downward trend continues.

However, C-D-C Director-General Lo Yi-chun warns that flu still account for
nearly half of respiratory viruses detected across Taiwan.

He's urging people attending crowded events, especially older adults and
those with chronic illnesses, to get vaccinated, wash their hands frequently
and wear masks.

Meanwhile, free government-funded flu and COVID-19 vaccinations will be
expanded to adults aged 50 to 64 starting this coming Monday.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 18:13:13

Taiwan's economy marked its fourth straight quarter of double-digit growth
... expanding by an estimated 14.36 percent in the third quarter compared
with a year earlier.

The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics says growth was
nearly three percentage points higher than previously expected.

Strong global demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing and other
advanced technologies helped drive the increase.

Growing orders for electronic components used in new consumer products also
boosted the economy.

Exports of goods and services jumped more than 21 percent from a year
earlier, while consumer spending and business investment also performed
better than expected.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 18:13:13

Hon Hai has unveiled three new electric vehicle models as it looks to expand
its presence in the global EV market.

The Taiwanese electronics giant introduced two new S-U-Vs, Model A Plus and
Model K Plus, along with a small delivery truck called Model K at its annual
technology event Friday.

The company says the vehicles are designed to appeal to different customers,
ranging from buyers seeking a more luxurious S-U-V to younger consumers
looking for a more affordable option.

Hon Hai also showcased a right-hand-drive version of its Model B urban car.

Meanwhile, Chairman Young Liu says the company's AI business is also growing
rapidly, with production of AI server racks doubling over the past year as
demand for computing equipment continues to surge.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 18:13:13

The Fair Trade Commission says Apple will cut its standard App Store
commission rate in Taiwan to 26 percent starting October 31st.

The move follows an investigation into whether Apple's restrictions on app
developers and its commission fees violated fair trade regulations.

The commission says it has agreed to suspend the investigation after
accepting Apple's commitment to lower its fees.

The reduced rate will apply to both the iOS and iPadOS App Stores, with
Taiwanese developers automatically receiving the lower rate without having to
apply.

The commission says the new rate matches those in markets including Japan and
Brazil.

It will monitor Apple's compliance and may re-open the investigation if the
company fails to honor its commitments or circumstances change significantly.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 16:44:13

ASE Technology has raised its investment budget and sales forecast for
advanced chip packaging and testing, as demand for AI chips continues to
grow.

The world's largest chip packaging and testing company now expects revenue
from its advanced operations to reach four-billion U-S dollars this year, up
from its previous forecast of 3.7 billion.

The company's chief financial officer says revenue from the business is
expected to double again in 2027.

A-S-E has also increased its capital spending budget by one-billion U-S
dollars to 11.5 billion, with half of the additional funding going toward new
factories and the rest toward equipment.

The company also reported record third-quarter net profit of nearly
27-billion NT, up 148 percent from a year earlier.

ASE expects sales to grow another six to eight percent in the fourth quarter,
with profit margins also set to improve.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 16:44:13

The Ministry of Environment has approved Taiwan's first geological
exploration plan for carbon capture and storage in Yunlin County.

Formosa Petrochemical will evaluate underground storage reservoirs and clay
caps across land and sea zones in the county through 2031.

The ministry emphasized that the exploration permit forbids carbon injection
testing and grants no exclusive rights for future storage operations.

And Formosa Petrochemical must complete a comprehensive Environmental Impact
Assessment before applying for final storage authorization.

Ministry officials say the decision marks the next phase in Taiwan's carbon
capture strategy, as part of efforts to support net-zero goals.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-30 16:44:13

Taoyuan Metro Corporation says its Airport MRT trains are cleaned and
disinfected daily, following recent complaints on social media about
unpleasant smells inside carriages.

The company says cleaning is carried out at terminal stations during
operating hours and after service ends each day.

It has also taken steps to address the problem, including replacing seat
cushions and covers, deodorizing carriages, and cleaning air-conditioning
systems.

The company added that nearby farms and livestock facilities around A10
Shanbi Station might also contribute to smells.

It says it has worked with the Taoyuan City Government to improve wastewater
treatment at nearby facilities.

The metro operator reminds passengers that they can report cleanliness
problems through QR codes inside trains or contact station staff and customer
service.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 16:44:13

More than 43 million Americans have already voted in early voting before the
US midterm elections.

This is much higher than in previous elections, with roughly 4 or 5 million
early votes each day that polls have been open.

Early voting has been particularly popular in Texas -- especially in
Latino-majority communities near the Mexican border.

The data also suggest that Hispanics and blacks are voting early more than
they have in previous years, and that the early votes seem to be going more
to Democrats than to Republicans.

These elections will decide which party will control the US Congress for the
next two years.

The election officially takes place next Tuesday, November 3rd.

Posted on 2026-10-30 16:44:13

The airplane on which the losing candidate in last weekend's Brazilian
presidential election, Flavio Bolsonaro, fled to the United States was paid
for by a broker through a US bank account.

That's according to Luis Grande, the director of the Argentinian airline
company that carried Bolsonaro away.

Grande also revealed that the broker was an Argentinian-American dual
national who paid $150 000 (4.9 million NT) from his company's bank account.

Grande refused to reveal the broker's identity but the Wall Street Journal
and the New York Times have said that the plane was chartered by Jason
Miller, an advisor to Donald Trump.

Bolsonaro has still not conceded defeat to his left-wing incumbent Luiz
Inacio Lula da Silva, and has called himself the "leader of Brazil" and the
"victim of electoral fraud" on social media.

He refused to obey a Supreme Court order mandating that he surrender his
passport and stay in Brazil, as he is involved in a money laundering
investigation there.

Posted on 2026-10-30 16:44:13

Maria Corina Machado, the once-exiled leader of Venezuela's opposition, has
called for elections to be held next year.

Machado, last year's Nobel Peace Prize winner, said that Venezuela's move
towards democracy was "irreversible".

Delcy Rodriguez, the country's interim president, also said that elections
would be held but did not set a timeline.

Rodriguez said that her government should oversee a "transition of this
magnitude", but Machado called this idea non-sensical.

Machado announced earlier this week that she had returned to Venezuela after
10 months in exile.

During those ten months, the US apprehended Venezuela's then-president,
Nicolas Maduro, and brought him to the United States, installing his deputy,
Rodriguez, as interim president.

Posted on 2026-10-30 15:41:13

The Legislative Yuan has decided to suspend plenary and committee meetings
from November 23rd to 27th ...

... to allow lawmakers to campaign ahead of the nine-in-one local elections.

Today's decision was reached during cross-party negotiations, in line with
the legislature's usual practice ahead of local elections.

Lawmakers also agreed to extend the current legislative session until January
31st next year, to allow more time to complete the review of the central
government's 2027 budget.

Meanwhile, lawmakers have agreed to complete the third reading of the 2026
supplementary budget by November 20th.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 15:41:13

Tainan Train Station has updated rules for its popular public piano after an
initial ban sparked public debate.

Station management originally posted notices barring unapproved performances
after reports of commercial promotions, banners, and loudspeakers clogging
the concourse

Authorities later clarified that casual piano playing remains open without
advance applications, and the new rules prohibit commercial recruitment,
loudspeakers, and blocking passenger walkways during piano performances.

Station officials confirm that the piano, donated by the family of the late
Tainan Police Chief Wang Wen-chung, will remain in the main hall for three
years to serve travelers and music enthusiasts.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-30 15:41:13

Some 37 athletes from Taiwan will participate in the 2026 Summer Youth
Olympics, which officially start tomorrow in the capital of the West African
nation of Senegal, Dakar.

Some events already start today -- such as the game between Taiwan's baseball
team against the host nation.

Lin Chin-ting and Chen Min-hsin will play in the boys' and girls' table
tennis competitions.

And they will also join forces in the mixed doubles tournament, which starts
tomorrow.

Lin Yung-yueh, also known as B-Boy Saturn, will represent Taiwan in
breakdancing.

And Chu Yu-en will take part in taichi, which is contested at the Youth
Olympics but not at the Olympic Games.

This is the first International Olympic Committee (or IOC) event ever to be
held in Africa.

Posted on 2026-10-30 15:41:13

The cryptocurrency firm Binance has said that 6.3 billion USD (205 billion
NT) have been affected by what might be the largest hack in history.

Binance said that roughly half of those assets have already been frozen, and
that it would "cover all losses".

Two analytics firms say that this hack resembles previous hacks conducted by
North Korean networks, including what was -- until now -- the largest hack in
history.

That took place last year, with 1.5 billion USD (50 billion NT) on the Bybit
exchange being affected.

Binance has not confirmed a connection to North Korea.

Its co-CEO said that withdrawals are currently frozen on its platform.

Two other platforms, Circle and Tether, have also frozen assets that they
issue in response to the Binance hack.

Binance said in 2024 that it manages more than $160 billion USD (5.2 trillion
NTD), and they are believed to have more than 300 million users.

Its share price fell by 4 per cent after the announcement of the hacks.

Posted on 2026-10-30 15:41:13

Two helicopters crashed midair near a small airport in northwest Oregon,
leading to the deaths of all three on board.

The crash took place yesterday afternoon, Oregon time, over a field next to a
highway near the McMinnville Municipal Airport.

On one helicopter were a 22-year-old flight instructor from Texas and a
student pilot from the United Kingdom.

The pilot of the other helicopter was from a neighbouring community.

The Federal Aviation Administration is currently investigating the crash, but
no reason has yet been identified.

McMinnville is home to the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, which houses
the Spruce Goose, a flying boat designed by famed aviator Howard Hughes that
was ultimately unsuccessful.

Posted on 2026-10-30 15:41:13

devices

Police in the Philippines can finally examine material that was removed from
the old home of Thomas Markle, the father of Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.

Meghan's half-brother handed four boxes of material to police last week after
clearing their father's house.

These include computers, phones, hard drives, and old videotapes reported to
have hundreds of images of child sexual abuse.

But the police in Cebu, described by some as a hotspot for child
prostitution, needed a warrant before being able to examine them.

And they say they have to establish how the material was obtained before
deciding whether they can file charges against Markle.

Markle denied the allegations, calling them "sick lies".

He moved to the Philippines last year after a series of strokes, but left
this past May.

It is believed Markle is now in a rehabilitation centre in Florida, learning
to walk again after his leg was amputated.

Reports say that Meghan broke off contact with her father last year, after
telling him that she knew he abused young girls.

Posted on 2026-10-30 14:12:13

Transport authorities is fining Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport over unauthorized
intercity bus trip cancellations.

The $90-thousand NT fines comes after four unapproved schedule reductions on
a route connecting Zhudong and Taipei, due to driver shortages.

The Highway Bureau officials previously fined the company NT$360,000 for
abruptly canceling over 65 trips in mid-October.

The bureau says the carrier should rent tour buses or mobilize reserve
coaches to maintain approved schedule frequencies.

Officials say they will continue monitoring Kuo-Kuang's operational capacity
to prevent service gaps across national highway routes.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-30 14:12:13

Taiwan's stock market suffered a sharp sell-off today, as concerns over the
profitability of artificial intelligence investments rattled global
technology stocks.

The benchmark TAIEX plunged 1-thousand-156 points to close at
45-thousand-211, falling below the six-month moving average.

AI-related stocks bore the brunt of the sell-off, with Delta Electronics
hitting its daily trading limit, while other major technology stocks also
posted heavy losses.

Turnover for the session topped 877 billion NT.

Posted on 2026-10-30 14:12:13

A renowned oceanographer is urging an end to krill fishing near Antarctica.

Officials from the U.S., China, Russia, and others are negotiating a deal to
expand krill fishing.

Sylvia Earle argues there's no sustainable way to extract krill without
harming whales and other marine mammals that feed on the tiny crustaceans.

Her comments come as the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine
Living Resources meets in Australia.

The group has been deadlocked over a plan to expand krill fishing.

Krill are harvested for fish feed and omega-3 supplements, but other sources
exist.

Posted on 2026-10-30 13:21:14

Keelung prosecutors launched a vote-buying investigation involving a
non-partisan city council candidate and her family.

Candidate Lee Yun-jing was released on $200-thousand bail following overnight
questioning by prosecutors.

But the prosecutors petitioned to detain Lee's husband and father-in-law,
both former city councilors, citing risk of evidence destruction and
collusion.

Investigators allege the family provided banquets and distributed campaign
gift packages worth $400 NT to influence voters.

Lee entered the council race after her husband was stripped of office over an
assistant fee fraud conviction.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-30 13:21:14

Physical Standards Take Affect

Youth groups are urging the government to honor promised welfare reforms as
Taiwan's new military physical standards take effect.

Revised medical criteria are expected to reduce Taiwan's military draft
exemption rate from 16 percent down to 8 percent.

For "Grade B alternative service" recruits, who would have been exempt from
service under previous regulations, advocates are calling for improved living
conditions, health tracking armbands, and lighter physical duties.

The youth leaders pledged to collaborate with lawmakers to monitor training
safety, service conditions, and civil defense curriculum reforms.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-30 13:21:14

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde will resign nine months
before her term ends.

The ECB announced Thursday that Lagarde will leave on February 7-th.

Her departure opens the way for European leaders to choose a successor ahead
of France's presidential election next year.

Lagarde's resignation is expected to lead to complex political negotiations
over her successor and replacements for two other top officials leaving next
year.

The ECB president leads the bank's governing council, which sets interest
rates for the 21 countries using the euro.

European Council President Antonio Costa said the selection process will
proceed without delay.EU

Posted on 2026-10-30 09:04:14

In international news,

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party are stepping
up claims that this week's election was "stolen" by Arab-led parties.

Results show that Netanyahu's bloc has lost its majority in parliament.

The opposition accuses Netanyahu of demonizing the Arab population after a
strong showing by Arab-led parties.

The head of Israel's election committee says there is "serious suspicions' of
foreign interference and the Shin Bet intelligence service has been asked to
investigate.

However, no evidence of such claims has been released.

Posted on 2026-10-30 09:04:14

French prosecutors say a man suspected of a deadly shooting near Paris last
week has admitted targeting people of "Muslim, African or North African"
appearance.

One person was killed and seven others, including a child were injured last
Friday when the man opened fire as he drove through two western suburbs.

According to the the national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office, the suspect
has been charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with a
terrorist enterprise.

President Emmanuel Macron has called it a "racist terrorist attack" and
anti-racism demonstrations have been held around France.

Three of those wounded are still in hospital with one in critical condition.

Posted on 2026-10-30 09:04:14

Haiti's government has announced new election dates.

According to the provisional Electoral Council the first round of general
elections will be held on July 18, with a second round on October 4.

Haiti has not held elections in over a decade and is run by an unelected
prime minister.

The presidency has been vacant since President Jovenel Moïse was killed in
2021.

The upcoming ballots comes as police and soldiers, backed by over 2,000
troops from El Salvador, are fighting gangs.

Experts have questioned the role of Salvadoran troops in Haiti, and Doctors
Without Borders has called for the protection of civilians amid ongoing
violence.

Posted on 2026-10-30 09:04:14

And finally,

British actor Patrick Stewart - who was best known for the "Star Trek"
franchise and the "X-Men" films - has died.

He was 86.

The A-P's Ed Donahue has more.

Posted on 2026-10-30 08:14:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

National Security Council secretary-general Joseph Wu say China has more than
50 navy and other official vessels operating in a wide area of seas from
‌southern Japan down to Taiwan and off the Philippines.

Wu is describing that as evidence the threat level to Taiwan is obvious and
says simultaneous threats to Japan and the Philippines are also obvious.

According toi Wu, the Lai administration remains vigilant about such
activities.

The statements by the head of the National Security Council were made on
social media post on X and includes a map showing the locations of 53 China
ships, including 34 navy warships and the "Liaoning" aircraft carrier.

The map Wu posted on social medis shows the "Liaoning" and its accompanying
battle group located to the east of the Philippines, with other formations
off Taiwan's east and southeast, along with three off the southern coast of
Japan.

China's defense ministry has said the "Liaoning" is carrying out annual
drills to test long-range, open-ocean combat capabilities in the western
Pacific and the drills are not directed at any particular country.

Posted on 2026-10-30 08:14:13

The Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation and the Taiwan Railway Corporation are
stressing that they both have safety systems in place designed to prevent
collisions.

The statement comes amid public concerns following a deadly train crash in
Spain this week that left at least 69 people dead and scores more injured
when a high-speed train struck another stationary train.

According to the High Speed Rail Corporation, its system follows the same
fail-safe principles as Japan's Shinkansen and its automatic control system
monitors speeds and conditions ahead, and can automatically apply emergency
brakes if signals are lost or a system fault occurs.

The Taiwan Railway Corporation says it uses warning signals and an automatic
train protection system which can slow or stop approaching trains if another
train is stopped ahead.

And corporation president Feng Hui-sheng also says his office has obtained
information about the accident in Spain and is reviewing its own safety
protection mechanisms.

Posted on 2026-10-30 08:14:13

The Ministry of Agriculture says farming loses and damage to private
facilities due to Typhoon Champi currently stand at an estimated 489-million
N-T.

According to the ministry, the highest losses were reported in Yunlin at
147-million N-T.

That was followed by Taitung with loses of 88-million N-T and Taichung, where
farming loses and damage to private facilities totals 66-million N-T.

Storm related loses going into the millions of N-T have also been reported in
Miaoli and Pingtung.

Garlic crops suffered the heaviest damage - with the agriculture ministry
saying that nearly 470 hectares were affected and losses are estimated
65-million N-T.

Sugar apples were the second-hardest-hit crop, followed by tangerines,
bananas and peanuts.

Livestock losses are currently estimated at 341,000 N-T.

Posted on 2026-10-30 08:14:13

The Ministry of Finance says the proportion of tax dependents over age 70
has risen by 8.2-percentage points over the past 10 years in a sign of
Taiwan's aging population.

The statement comes after the ministry released its latest report on trends
in consolidated income tax revenues.

According to the ministry's Department of Statistics, income tax revenues
reached record highs each year since 2021, rising to 873.7-billion N-T in
2025 - and that rise can be attributed to the steady increase to higher
salaries, stock market gains and rising interest rates.

Overall, consolidated income tax revenue accounted for 23.1-per cent of
Taiwan's total tax revenue last year, compared with 30.1-per cent in Japan,
28.8-per cent in South Korea and 18.3-per cent in Singapore.

Meanwhile, the top 20-per cent of earners accounted for 60-per cent of all
income earned in 2024, but 97-per cent of the total income tax burden.

The report also highlights increases in both the proportion of single tax
filers and filers with elderly dependents - with the finance ministry saying
those trends reflect a growing proportion of people remaining unmarried,
smaller household sizes and an aging population.

Posted on 2026-10-30 08:14:13

And finally,

A survey by the Fair Trade Commission shows that just over half of Taiwan's
adult population have used generative artificial intelligence tools in the
past six months.

The commission says the survey also found that OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's
Gemini account for more than 90-per cent of primary use and that nearly
40-per cent of users have paid for A-I services.

According to the F-T-C, it identified three key trends in the survey.

Those being widespread use of multiple A-I platforms, growing adoption of
paid subscriptions, and a tendency among users of free services to switch to
competing tools when quality declines.

ChatGPT was the most widely used tool, at 87.9-per cent of respondents,
followed by Gemini at 67.8-per cent and Anthropic's Claude at 8.9-per cent.

The survey found the most common reasons for using generative A-I were
learning and work-related tasks.

Posted on 2026-10-30 07:01:13

The Cabinet is considering legislation to penalize individuals who engage in
"transnational repression" here in Taiwan.

Cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee says amendments to the Anti-Infiltration Act
under consideration establishs penalties for individuals who engage in
transnational repression on behalf of an "external hostile force."

The amendments would make surveillance, harassment and intimidation offenses

Lee says draft amendments will be submited to the Legislative Yuan for review
after required legal procedures are completed... and says the cabinet hopes
lawmakers will review them "promptly."

The move comes amid questions concerning how the Lai administration could
respond to attempts backed by the Chinese government to pressure people in
Taiwan into making political statements.

Those questions were sparked after entertainer Kevin Tsai recently posted an
apology on social media platforms Weibo and RedNote for attending an event
marking the opening of Puma Shen's Taipei mayoral election campaign
headquarters.

Tsai has not commented on whether he made the posts due to pressure from
China.

Posted on 2026-10-30 07:01:13

In another development,

Cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee says the government deeply regrets
Pakistan's brief closure of its airspace to Taiwan airlines.

This comes after Bloomberg quoted Pakistan's defense minister as saying the
country had closed its airspace to EVA Airway and China Airlines in support
of Beijing’s "one China" policy.

Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority reversed that decision hours later -
giving both carriers permission to use the country’s airspace from October 28
through March 27 next year.

Lee also expressed the government's "regret" at Pakistan's pandering to China
by compromising flight safety, disregarding international rules and reality,
undermining our national sovereignty, and politicizing and weaponizing
airspace.

A Ministry of Transport official has said the access period coincided with
the International Air Transport Association's winter schedule, and that an
application for continued access would be filed for the summer schedule that
follows.

That official also says the transport ministry will remain in close contact
with the airlines about any changes in airspace access.

Posted on 2026-10-30 07:01:13

Saint Lucia's visiting Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says he hopes to
deepen cooperation with Taiwan, including by expanding scholarships for
students from his country.

Pierre arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday for a five-day state visit and made the
remarks during a meeting with President Lai Ching-te at the Presidential
Office in Taipei.

The visiting dignitary said education is highly valued in both Taiwan and
Saint Lucia and the Saint Lucian people are grateful for Taiwan's continued
scholarship support.

Pierre said more than 400 young people from Saint Lucia have so far received
scholarships from Taiwan to pursue higher education.

He expressed his gratitutde to Taiwan for its assistance with training,
scholarships and infrastructure. He also expressed hope that more Saint
Lucian doctors, young scholars, students and professionals will come to
Taiwan to study.

Lai also thanked Pierre for his continued support for Taiwan and also thanked
him for publicly supporting Taiwan's bid for full membership of the United
Nations at the recent General Assembly session.

Posted on 2026-10-30 07:01:13

Central Election Commission Chairman Michael You has apologized after the
national I-D numbers of over 1,500 candidates running for office in the
upcoming local elections were reportedly exposed on its website for 11 days.

You says such an incident should have have happened.

He's blaming it negligent handling by a third-party contractor.

The personal data exposure came to light earlier this week, when an alliance
of smaller political parties revealed that the personal I-D numbers of
candidates running for mayor, magistrate or councilor had been publicly
accessible on a financial disclosures database.

New Power Party Chairwoman Claire Wang says her team accessed the candidate
asset declaration and discovered the data on October 16.

The Central Election Commission initially said although an external
contractor had inadvertently exposed the national I-D numbers,the text in the
files was "scrambled" and "indecipherable" to the general public.

However, the commission head later admitted that "character encoding"
settings could be rendered into Chinese characters using the browser's
developer tools, while national ID numbers are composed of English letters
and numbers were not scrambled at all.

Posted on 2026-10-30 07:01:13

The Army has grounded its fleet of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for
inspections following a U-S technical notification about gearbox risks.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo says the Army will deploy AH-1W SuperCobra
attack helicopters and OH-58D reconnaissance helicopters to carry out
readiness missions during the inspection period.

However, he didn't elaborate on the inspection requirements or how long the
Apaches would remain grounded.

The U-S Army is said to have ordered an immediate, temporary pause in flight
operations for Apache helicopters equipped with Improved Drive System
transmissions.

The pause will remain in place while required inspections and corrective
actions are completed.

An internal U-S armed forces safety document as says an investigation had
indicated that the I-D-S transmission could experience an internal failure
that could lead to loss of tail rotor thrust, electrical power and
hydraulics.

The report said the cause was still under investigation.

Taiwan took delivery of 30 Apache attack helicopters from the U-S in five
batches, with the final six arriving in 2014.

Posted on 2026-10-30 07:01:13

And,

Professor Wang Chin-tsan of the National Yilan University has received a top
prize at the 2026 Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence ceremony in Paris.

Wang was honored in the Green and Clean Technology category for Excellence in
Sustainable and Energy - Efficient Computing due to his research on using
artificial intelligence to turn wastewater into energy.

The technology centers on microbial fuel cells and combines A-I forecasting,
real-time sensing, digital twins, and thermal-fluid analysis.

It can treat wastewater and remove pollutants while recovering electricity
generated by microorganisms as they decompose organic matter.

Wang says the award recognized his work integrating technologies across
disciplines - as his laboratory brings together researchers specializing in
biology, environmental engineering, materials science, chemistry, and
electrical engineering.

The Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence were established in 2002 and
recognize innovation across multiple categories, including artificial
intelligence, information technology, green technology, and biotechnology.

Posted on 2026-10-30 07:01:13

A localized ceasefire in Oleshky, Ukraine, held for a third day and
humanitarian aid is expected to arrive soon.

The truce between Russia and Ukraine, which began Tuesday, is allowing
military units to clear some landmines, and aid deliveries are expected to
begin Friday.

The ceasefire in the Russian-held southern Ukraine city has also brought calm
to nearby Kherson city, and both sides thanked U.S. first lady Melania Trump
for helping broker it.

No ceasefire violations have been reported.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meanwhile condemned a Russian drone
attack that hit two passenger trains in central Ukraine Thursday, killing at
least 14 people.

Russia says it downed 1,214 Ukrainian drones.

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