ICRT

Posted on 2026-05-15 18:20:13

Major flooding is being reported in parts of Hualien's Guangfu Township ...
after heavy rain caused rivers and drainage systems to overflow.

Authorities say rising water levels in the Mataian and Hualien rivers
overwhelmed the Madana (瑪達娜) Creek drainage system, triggering floods in
Dongfu (東富) Village and along Fozu (佛祖) Street.

Floodwaters trapped vehicles and flooded several homes, with water levels in
some houses reaching ankle-to-calf height ... forcing six households to
evacuate.

Officials say local tribal patrol teams helped residents leave flooded homes,
while emergency shelters have also been opened.

Local authorities and construction crews have deployed large flood-control
bags in an effort to stop more water from entering residential areas.

The Central Weather Administration has issued an Extremely Heavy Rain
advisory for Hualien County ...

... warning of intense rainfall, thunderstorms, strong wind gusts, possible
landslides, as well as flooding in low-lying areas.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-15 18:20:13

New Taipei is fining three branches of the Airelee Clinic group 500 thousand
NT over violations of patient privacy.

City authorities have also ordered the branches in Xinzhuang, Linkou, and
Yonghe districts to suspend operations for six months.

The penalties came after health authorities said investigators confirmed the
clinics used disguised surveillance equipment to record patients inside
treatment and operating rooms.

They say the clinics violated medical regulations and laws protecting patient
privacy and safety.

Authorities add that another Airelee branch in Banqiao could face the same
punishment once investigators recover and review surveillance footage that
had been formatted or erased.

New Taipei officials also say they are coordinating with prosecutors in a
separate investigation involving Glow Clinic ...

... and promise severe penalties if evidence of illegal recordings is
confirmed.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-15 18:20:13

In a related development, authorities have ordered two branches of Airelee
Clinic to suspend operations for six months ... also over allegations
involving hidden cameras.

City officials say the Da-an and Nanjing branches seriously violated patient
privacy rights after investigators confirmed evidence of concealed recording
devices through seized footage.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an says the clinics were also fined a combined
1-point-25 million NT.

Health authorities say one branch received additional penalties for improper
fee practices, including unauthorized charges.

The Taipei City Government says inspections targeting cosmetic clinics, gyms,
and saunas will continue as part of a broader crackdown on illegal hidden
cameras and privacy violations.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-15 18:20:13

New survey data shows public support for same-sex marriage in Taiwan has
risen sharply since it was legalized nearly seven years ago.

According to the poll released by the "Taiwan Equality Campaign", support for
same-sex marriage now stands at 54-point-3 percent — up 12 percentage points
from 2019.

The survey also found growing support for related issues, including adoption
rights, cross-national same-sex marriages, and gender equality education.

More than two-thirds of respondents said they support adoption by same-sex
couples, while support for gender equality education reached a record 75
percent.

The poll also found younger Taiwanese are especially supportive of
LGBT-friendly workplaces and political representation.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-15 18:20:13

Taiwan Railway Corporation says it will add 116 extra train services to
handle increased passenger demand during the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival
holiday.

The additional trains will operate between June 18th and June 22nd, covering
routes across Taiwan, including extra east coast and cross-island services.

Tickets for the holiday period will go on sale starting midnight on the
morning of May 19th — which is this coming Tuesday at early hours.

Taiwan Railway also says real-name reservation services for eligible east
coast residents and their immediate family members will begin a day later.

The operator also announced that EMU-3000 trains on the western line will
temporarily suspend non-reserved seating during the holiday rush ...

... with 200 standing tickets to be sold on the day of travel instead.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-15 18:20:13

Looking ahead,

Forecasters say to expect more stable weather islandwide through the weekend
... with mostly cloudy to sunny skies expected by early next week.

Daytime temperatures are forecast to climb steadily, reaching between 30 and
33 degrees Celsius across the island.

Current temperatures...

Taipei - 26

Taichung - 29

Kaohsiung - 31

Hualien - 22

Posted on 2026-05-15 17:11:13

Chinese President Xi Jinping used strong rhetoric regarding Taiwan during his
summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, which is rare in a diplomatic sense.

Xi told Trump that any mishandling of that critical issue could lead to
conflict and push China-U.S. relations into an “extremely dangerous
situation”.

Wen-ti Sung, a Nonresident Fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub,
has this to say about Xi's remarks.

Meanwhile U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NBC News that U.S. policy
toward Taiwan was "unchanged."

He also framed Xi's comments as standard practice.

(TB)

Posted on 2026-05-15 17:11:13

A recent survey by a KMT-run think tank suggests that mainstream public
opinion in Taiwan favours maintaining an equal distance from both the United
States and China.

The National Policy Foundation's poll shows that 44 per cent believe that
Taiwan should not lean too heavily towards either side.

27 per cent favour moving closer to the U.S., while only 12 per cent prefer
closer relations with China.

In addition, more than 40 percent of respondents said they 'somewhat
distrust' or 'completely distrust' the United States.

And a majority, at 53 per cent, said they were not worried about the Trump-Xi
summit that wraps up today.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-15 17:11:13

The Highway Bureau says traffic has been restored to the number 9 Provincial
road, also known as the Su-hua Highway.

The section between Ho-ren (和仁) and Chong-de (崇德) was shut down as a
precaution from 12:15 PM to 2 PM today due to torrential rain-triggered
mudslides.

The closure means some 40 vehicles got stuck within that section.

Highway officials say the road is currently open in both directions, but it
could close again depending on weather conditions.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-05-15 17:11:13

Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said today that a Russian missile
attack on a Kyiv apartment building yesterday killed 24 people, including
three children.

He wrote on X that emergency workers have finally finished digging through
the nine-storey building's rubble, after more than a day.

The cruise missile was part of what the Ukrainian air force said was Russia's
biggest barrage on the country since its all-out invasion began in February
2022.

Zelensky said that the assault mostly targeted the Ukrainian capital, where
48 people were wounded.

Kyiv marked an official day of mourning today.

Posted on 2026-05-15 17:11:13

The director of the CIA, John Ratcliffe, has met with Cuban officials during
a high-level visit to the island.

These include the interior minister, the head of the Cuban intelligence
services, and the grandson of former president Raul Castro.

These meetings were confirmed by both American and Cuban officials.

A CIA official said that Ratcliffe was there "to personally deliver President
Donald Trump's message that the United States is prepared to seriously engage
on economic and security issues, but only if Cuba makes fundamental changes."

This is the latest in a series of meetings between American and Cuban
officials and comes during an American energy blockade of Cuba, causing the
Cuban power grid to collapse.

Posted on 2026-05-15 17:11:13

Te Arikinui Kuini Nga Wai hono i te po, New Zealand's Maori Queen, met with
King Charles III at Buckingham Palace today.

This marks the nearly 200-year relationship between the Maori, the indigenous
peoples of New Zealand, and the British crown.

This was the first meeting between the 29-year-old Queen and King Charles
since she acceded to the throne following the death of her father, Kiingi
Tuheitia.

The monarch of the Maori is a largely ceremonial role created in the 19th
century, as different Maori tribes decided to nominate a unifying figure,
like a European king or queen, to face the incoming British.

Posted on 2026-05-15 17:11:13

Yemen's government and Houthi rebels have agreed to free more than 1,600
detainees in the largest swap of Yemen's 11-year civil war. The agreement was
signed Thursday in Amman, Jordan, after 14 weeks of negotiations. The U.N.
and the International Committee of the Red Cross observed the talks. A Houthi
official said 1,100 of the detainees are Houthi-affiliated. The swap includes
seven Saudis and 20 Sudanese. U.N. Special Envoy Hans Grundberg said it's the
largest release of conflict-related detainees. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio
Guterres welcomed the deal and called on the parties to swiftly implement it
so families could soon be reunited.

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — Yemen's internationally recognized government and the
Iran-backed Houthi rebels agreed Thursday to free more than 1,600 detainees
in the largest swap during Yemen's 11-year civil war.

The deal was signed in Amman, Jordan, after 14 weeks of negotiations observed
by U.N. officials and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the deal and called on the
parties to move swiftly toward implementing it so families could soon be
reunited, a U.N. spokesperson said.

Abdelkader al-Murtada, the Houthi head of the National Committee for
Prisoners’ Affairs, who was involved in the talks, said that 1,100 of the
almost 1,700 detainees are Houthi-affiliated, while seven Saudis and 20
Sudanese are among the 580 detainees that will be released by the other side.

The head of the government delegation, Yahya Kazman, said in a post on X that
a “number of politicians and media professionals" held by the Houthis will
also be released. He did not give details.

U.N. Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg said the deal covered the largest
release of “conflict-related detainees.” The ICRC in a statement said both
sides agreed on the identities of the detainees to be released, and added
that the Geneva-based organization is ready to facilitate their repatriation.

It was not immediately clear when the release would start.

Guterres also called on the government and the Houthis to build on the
positive momentum generated by the deal and to engage constructively toward
an inclusive political process for a just and lasting peace in Yemen,
Guterres’ deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said.

“The Secretary-General further urges the Houthis to immediately and
unconditionally release all arbitrarily detained personnel from the United
Nations, NGOs, civil society and diplomatic missions,” Haq said.

The agreement builds on negotiations held in Oman in December 2025, Grundberg
said. Both sides at the time discussed the release of 2,900 detainees.

Yemen plunged into civil war in 2014, when the Houthis seized the capital,
Sanaa, and much of northern Yemen and forced the government into exile. A
Saudi-led coalition, including the United Arab Emirates, intervened the
following year in an attempt to restore the government to power.

The conflict has pushed the economy to the brink of collapse and caused
severe food insecurity in northern provinces, according to the World Food
Program.

___

Chehayeb reported from Beirut.

Posted on 2026-05-15 16:08:13

A woman who was injured whilst performing at an "escape room" business in
Taipei has died.

Her family announced her death today, and called on the city government and
the industry to overhaul safety standards.

The 29-year-old was found suspended and unresponsive at the entertainment
facility in Xinyi District on May 10th and was rushed to hospital.

Police have referred the case to the Taipei District Prosecutor's Office on
charges of negligent injury and negligence causing grievous bodily harm.

The family's lawyer said they will file additional charges of negligent
homicide against the company's responsible person.

The familiy is demanding a comprehensive review and clear safety regulations
for escape rooms and immersive experience venues.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-15 16:08:13

June at the earliest

Officials in Hualien County announced today that pedal boats are currently
undergoing inspections and will not resume operations on Liyu or Carp Lake
until June at the earliest.

This is after a pedal boat capsized on the lake during the Lunar New Year
holiday, resulting in the death of a 9-year-old boy.

The Hualien County Government said that they have now established boat safety
inspection procedures and standards.

Businesses - which have been shut down since the incident nearly three months
ago - can apply to resume operations after passing these inspections.

Operators will also have to conduct inspections every year or every three
years, depending on the size of the craft.

It is expected that inspections of all 143 boats plying the lake will be
finished by June 10th.

(JM)

Posted on 2026-05-15 16:08:13

Taiwanese paddler Li Yu-jhun (李昱諄) claimed the women's singles title at
the WTT Feeder Istanbul 2026, a table tennis tournament, marking the first
international title of her career.

Li also reached the women's doubles final alongside Taiwan's Chien Tung-chuan
(簡彤娟), with the pair finishing as runners-up.

The 28-year-old Li faced 18-year-old South Korean Park Gahyeon in the
championship match.

Li came out firing, reeling off five consecutive points in the first game,
and kept her composure through a rough patch to dominate the fourth game,
sealing the match and the title with an 11-2 win.

She is currently ranked 61st in the world and was seeded second at the
tournament,

(CNA -NS)

Posted on 2026-05-15 16:08:13

Australia

Six passengers from the cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak have arrived
in Australia for a quarantine stricter than that implemented in other
countries.

The jet carrying five Australians and one Kiwi from the MV Hondius ship
landed earlier today outside Perth in Western Australia.

They will spend three weeks in a quarantine facility built during the
COVID-19 pandemic and that has hardly been used since.

Most American and European passengers only spent a few days in a quarantine
facility before being sent home.

The virus's incubation period is six weeks, and Australia's health minister
said no decision had yet been taken on what to do with the six passengers
during the three weeks after their quarantine.

Australia's health minister also said all six passengers have tested negative
for the virus.

Three people amongst the eleven confirmed cases of hantavirus on board the
ship have died.

Posted on 2026-05-15 16:08:13

Africa's top public health body has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the
Democratic Republic of the Congo’s remote Ituri province, which is located
far inland near the border with Uganda.

The Africa CDC has reported 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths so far.

Posted on 2026-05-15 15:14:13

The Highway Bureau has partially closed the Number 9 Provincial Road, also
known as the Su-hua (蘇花) Highway, due to mudslides triggered by torrential
rain.

The section being closed runs from Ho-ren (和仁) to Chong-de (崇德), and
vehicles are banned from entering.

The Central Weather Administration's data shows that the accumulated rainfall
in Hualien County's Sioulin Township (秀林) has already reached nearly 140
millimeters today and the rain continues to fall.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-05-15 15:14:13

The KMT's mayoral candidate in New Taipei, Lee Shu-chuan, is promoting
upgrades to the senior citizen card program, pledging that the card will
cover medical services, prescription pickups, senior care products, and daily
necessities.

Lee said that the goal is to make the program more practical and better
suited to seniors' actual needs.

Currently, the main complaint is that the card is used only sparingly,
especially amongst seniors in remote areas who do not have access to the MRT
system or sports centres.

That leaves many of the points unused.

Meanwhile Lee's rival, DPP lawmaker Su Chiao-hui, said her six major welfare
policies include increasing the number of points on the senior card to 1,000,
and extending their validity to one year.

The card now contains 480 points and expire at the end of every month.

Su said that the card could be used not only for public transportation but
also for shopping.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-05-15 15:14:13

Taipei's Mayor Chiang Wan-an says the city will complete its smoke-free city
plan by the end of the year.

Chiang says the first phase focuses on establishing negative pressure smoking
rooms and hedge-enclosed outdoor smoking areas.

These will be in two commercial districts in Zhongshan and Ximending, as well
as along Dunhua North and South Roads and Xinyi Road.

This first phase is expected to cost $100 million NT and be completed by the
end of June.

Deputy Mayor Lin Yi-hua also says eight additional negative pressure smoking
rooms will be installed before the end of June.

Lin says the city will monitor the areas' usage rates and maintenance needs
to guide future site selection, and construction costs are expected to come
down as the program scales up.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-15 15:14:13

Asian stocks are mostly lower today as investors are watching closely for
developments from the summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese
leader Xi Jinping.

Taiwan shares dropped 579 points today to end the session at 41,172 points.

The turnover remains robust, at 1 trillion 314 billion NT.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-05-15 15:14:13

The Solomon Islands has elected Matthew Wale, a noted critic of his country's
closeness to China, as its next prime minister.

The Pacific Island nation of roughly 800 000 inhabitants about 1600
kilometres northeast of Australia has been one of Beijing's closest allies in
the region in recent years.

The former prime minister was ousted last week after a no-confidence motion,
after a dozen ministers stepped down back in March.

After his victory, Wale told reporters that "Change is coming. These changes
are necessary and may be painful."

He has been the leader of the opposition since 2019, when the Solomon Islands
switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China.

Wale is an accountant by training and comes from Malaita, a province that
broke out in massive pro-Taiwan protests after the switch in allegiance.

One academic said that this election was a "seismic shift" in the Solomons'
politics, whilst others said that it would be a "delicate balancing act" for
the "pragmatic" Wale, since some of his coalition partners were pro-Beijing.

Posted on 2026-05-15 15:14:13

The prime minister of Latvia has resigned.

Evika Silina, of the centre-right Unity Party, lost the support of her
coalition partner, the left-leaning Progressives, yesterday.

This followed the forced resignation of Silina's defence minister, Andris
Spruds of the Progressives, last week, after two stray drones, thought to
originate from Ukraine, entered Latvian airspace.

One of those drones crashed into a fuel storage facility.

At the time, Silina said that Spruds had lost her trust and that of the
public.

Spruds said that these Ukrainian drones probably meant to target Russia and
ended up in Latvia by mistake, but critics said that these incidents
highlighted weaknesses in Latvia's military response.

Ukraine's foreign minister said that Russian electronic warfare was behind
the diversion of Ukrainian drones away from their targets in Russia.

Elections in Latvia are scheduled for October, but Latvian president Edgars
Rinkevics will meet with representatives from all parties in parliament
today, in his attempt to appoint a new prime minister.

Posted on 2026-05-15 15:14:13

Pope Leo XIV denounced investments in AI and high-tech weaponry, warning that
they lead to a "spiral of annihilation".

During a visit to Rome's La Sapienza University, founded by Pope Boniface
VIII in 1303, the pope criticised the increases in military spending this
last year, particularly at the expense of education and healthcare.

He said that this enriched "elites who care nothing for the common good".

Pope Leo also called for better monitoring of the development of AI and its
use in military and civilian contexts, "so that it does not absolve humans of
responsibility for their choices and does not exacerbate the tragedy of
conflicts".

Instead, he said that education and research must value "the lives of peoples
who cry out for peace and justice".

He was warmly welcomed at the university, including by young Palestinian
students who had just arrived from Gaza to continue their studies.

Italy has brought hundreds of Palestinians to the country over the past three
years, both for studies and medical care.

Posted on 2026-05-15 13:20:13

Tensions are escalating again near the Strait of Hormuz after a ship anchored
off the United Arab Emirates was seized and taken toward Iran and another was
attacked and sank near the coast of Oman.

The incidents reported on Thursday came as a senior Iranian official
reiterated his country’s claim to the waterway.

Another Iranian official says Tehran has a right to seize oil tankers
connected to the U.S.

The British military says the ship seized near the UAE was moving toward
Iranian territorial waters.

The seizure comes as U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Chinese leader Xi
Jinping in Beijing.

Posted on 2026-05-15 13:20:14

Colombian superstar Shakira and Afrobeats icon Burna Boy have released the
official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem. It is titled “Dai Dai.”

It’s a mesh of their musical landscapes. Afrobeats and Latin rhythms are
prevalent in this undeniably global pop song.

In one verse, they name a number of the world’s most famous soccer players
and countries competing in this years’ World Cup.

But lyrically, the song is about believing in yourself. The FIFA tournament
will kick off on June 11 with Mexico taking on South Africa in Mexico City.

The final is scheduled for July 19th... at MetLife Stadium just outside New
York City.

Posted on 2026-05-15 13:18:13

The opposition KMT is urging the central government to include the deleted
budget in the special defense procurement bill in the 2027 general budget.

KMT legislative caucus leader Fu Kun-qi said today that the 2027 general
budget is scheduled to send to the Legislature at the end of August, so the
Cabinet could list needed military equipment and weapons procurement funding
in it.

Fu argued that special budgets should only be used during wartime emergencies
or natural disasters, saying the current military-civilian cooperation
projects are planned over periods of eightyears, making them unsuitable for
special budget treatment.

The Legislative Yuan last week passed a special defense bill worth 780
billion NT, which is more than 400 billion short of the Lai administration’s
proposed 1.25 trillion.

The excluded funding was meant to cover commercial procurement and
commissioned manufacturing projects, including drones.

The ruling DPP caucus, on the other hand, said it supports the plans that the
Executive Yuan has proposed.

Premier Chuo Rong-tai said on Wednesday that he's considering several
options, including introducing another special bill, seeking additional
budget allocations, or expanding the annual defense budget.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-05-15 13:18:15

Cathay Pacific is tightening its boarding procedures starting June 1st.

The airline says it will close departure gates 15 minutes before takeoff —
five minutes earlier than the current practice.

Cathay Pacific says one of the leading causes of departure delays is
passengers arriving late at the gate or failing to show up at all.

The airline says the five-minute adjustment is designed to ensure smoother
boarding and help flights depart on schedule.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-15 13:18:22

Tensions are escalating again near the Strait of Hormuz after a ship anchored
off the United Arab Emirates was seized and taken toward Iran and another was
attacked and sank near the coast of Oman.

The incidents reported on Thursday came as a senior Iranian official
reiterated his country’s claim to the waterway.

Another Iranian official says Tehran has a right to seize oil tankers
connected to the U.S.

The British military says the ship seized near the UAE was moving toward
Iranian territorial waters.

The seizure comes as U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Chinese leader Xi
Jinping in Beijing.

Posted on 2026-05-15 13:18:17

In world news...

Trump said China has agreed to buy oil from the U.S. as the two nations push
for tangible wins at the two-day summit in a pre-recorded interview with Fox
News.

The interview was conducted after his first meeting with Chinese leader Xi
Jinping on Thursday.

Trump also said that the Chinese president would like to see the Strait of
Hormuz open and free of tolls.

U.S. crude oil exports to China plunged 95% from 2023 to 8.4 million barrels
in 2025.

China’s foreign ministry said today that the two leaders have reached “a
series of new consensus” during the Thursday meeting, including an agreement
to build “constructive, strategic stability” in the bilateral relationship.

Posted on 2026-05-15 13:18:22

Colombian superstar Shakira and Afrobeats icon Burna Boy have released the
official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem. It is titled “Dai Dai.”

It’s a mesh of their musical landscapes. Afrobeats and Latin rhythms are
prevalent in this undeniably global pop song.

In one verse, they name a number of the world’s most famous soccer players
and countries competing in this years’ World Cup.

But lyrically, the song is about believing in yourself. The FIFA tournament
will kick off on June 11 with Mexico taking on South Africa in Mexico City.

The final is scheduled for July 19th... at MetLife Stadium just outside New
York City.

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

Premier Cho Jung-tai says the Cabinet is considering ways to fund key weapons
programs excluded from that supplementary defense budget bill passed by
lawmakers last Friday.

Cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee says the options include proposing another
supplementary budget or increasing the Ministry of National Defense's annual
budget.

Lawmakers passed opposition-backed supplementary budget bill to fund U-S
weapons systems, including self-propelled howitzers, drones, and anti-armor
missiles.

However, the bill excluded funding for domestic contract production programs
and foreign direct commercial sales.

The head of the defense ministry's Department of Strategic Planning, says the
decision to cut funding for man-portable counter-drone systems will
significantly weaken Taiwan's ability to respond to small drone swarms.

According to Huang Wen-chi, the exclusion of funding for domestically
produced attack drones and kamikaze unmanned surface vessels will also hurt
Taiwan's defense industry.

The premier is urging lawmakers to quickly approve funding for the High
Mobility Artillery Rocket System that U-S has approved for sale to Taiwan, as
required under the supplementary budget bill signed into law by President Lai
Ching-te.

Under the legislation, both approved and future arms sales must still receive
legislative approval before funding can be made available.

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

Meanwhile,

The Cabinet says an external investigation team has completed its interviews
as part of an probe into the death of former deputy trade representative, Yen
Huai-shing.

Yen died on March 12 at the age of 53 after being hospitalized with an
unspecified illness at the beginning of the year.

News of her death was made public on March 24, after her funeral, at her
family's request.

Yen's sudden death draw allegations of work place bullying by trade
representative Yang Jen-ni - which allegedly may have contributed to Yen's
passing.

Premier Cho Jung-tai ordered an investigation into those allegations days
after reports of Yen's surfaced surfaced.

According to the Cabinet, the investigation team is compiling a summary
report and it will handle the issue appropriately once the report is
released.

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

The Kaohsiung City's Health Department has ordered two branches of the Airlee
aesthetic clinic chain to suspend medical services for six months over
multiple violations.

Those violations include the alleged unauthorized filming of patients.

The move comes amid widening scrutiny of cosmetic surgery and aesthetic
clinics following allegations of hidden-camera recordings at several clinics
across the island.

According to the health department, inspections found the two clinics had
violated the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act and the Medical Care Act, including
by allegedly recording patients without consent.

Along with being ordered to suspend medical operations for six months, the
clinics are still required to remain open to process patient refunds.

City's health department officials say inspections of 43 medical institutions
- including 40 aesthetic clinics and three municipal hospitals - have been
completed as part of a special campaign targeting high-risk cosmetic medicine
providers.

Authorities say they had received 88 complaint calls and 15 formal
complaints, all linked to the two Airlee clinics and one Dr. Shine clinic.

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

The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by a Taoyuan chemistry teacher
convicted of helping manufacture narcotics.

The man was found guilty by the Taoyuan District Court in December of 2024 of
manufacturing narcotics and mixing controlled substances in violation of the
Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act.

Two other men were convicted in the same case.

The three were found to have produced mephedrone and other drugs at a
manufacturing site in Taoyuan's Yangmei District.

The Supreme Court's ruling means that chemistry teacher will serve a prison
sentence of seven years and nine months.

It cannot be appealed.

According to prosecutors, the chemistry teacher provided technical guidance
and helped procure ingredients and equipment for the operation.

He denied teaching the other two men how to produce drugs and denied any
knowledge that they were manufacturing narcotics during his trial.

However, the court rejected those arguments, citing phone records showing the
teacher was aware of the drug operation.

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

And finally, in last night's Taiwan Professional Basketball League play-offs.

The Formosa Dreamers beat the Hsinchu Lioneers 114-106 Game 3 of their
play-off series at the Hsinchu County Stadium.

The result means the Dreamers are now leading the five game series 2-1.

Game 4 is tomorrow, also at the Hsinchu County Stadium.

Meanwhile,

The Taiwan Beer Leopards and the New Taipei Kings meet at the Hoping
Gymnasium in Taipei this evening for Game 3 their play-off series.

That series is level at one win apiece.

This evening's game begins at 7 o'clock.

Posted on 2026-05-15 06:54:13

Trump

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is calling Beijing is "the sole risk to
regional peace and stability."

The statement came after Xi Jinping told U-S President Donald Trump that
Taiwan was "the most important issue" in China-US relations.

Chinese state media reports quote Xi as telling Trump that if the issue "is
handled properly," then "the bilateral relationship" between the U-S and
China "will enjoy overall stability ...

... otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts,
putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy."

Xi also told trump that "Taiwan independence" and cross-strait peace are as
irreconcilable as fire and water"

The foreign ministry here in Taipei says Taiwan will continue to cooperate
with the U-S and other countries that uphold freedom and democracy to ensure
regional security and prosperity.

The ministry is also reiterating that Taiwan and the People's Republic of
China "are not subordinate to each other," and Beijing has no right to
represent Taiwan in any international arena.

Cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee says the government's national security and
diplomatic teams remained in close contact with the U-S side during the
Trump-Xi meeting.

While Mainland Affairs Council spokesman Liang Wen-chieh says there has been
no surprising information out of Trump's visit to China so far and the
government will continue to maintain close communication with the U-S side.

Posted on 2026-05-15 06:54:13

At the same time,

U-S Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stressed Washington's policy on Taiwan
has not changed following the summit between U-S President Donald Trump and
China's President Xi Jinping.

Rubio reiterated that it would be a terrible mistake for China to pursue what
it calls "reunification" by force or through any coercive means, and "there
would be repercussions for that globally, not just for the United States."

Rubio said Beijing raised the Taiwan issue, as it has in the past, and the
U-S responded by by saying "anything that would compel or force a change in
what we have now would be problematic, and U-S "policies on that have not
changed."

Rubio added that Xi's requesting that Trump stop selling weapons to Taiwan
had been discussed in the past, but it "did not feature prominently in
Thursday's discussion."

And the U-S Secretary of State went to say that U-S arms sales to Taiwan are
decisions "the president gets to make," and that the U-S Congress also plays
a role in the process.

Posted on 2026-05-15 06:54:13

The U-S and the European Union are both expressing support for Taiwan's
participation in international organizations.

This, after Taiwan failed to receive an invitation to the World Health
Assembly - scheduled for May 18 through 23 in Geneva.

It's the 10th consecutive year that Taiwan has been denied representation at
the annual meeting of the global health body.

A U-S State Department spokesperson says although Washington withdrew from
the World Health Organization in January, it remains supportive of Taiwan's
participation in international organizations ..

.. as the world stands to benefit from Taiwan's expertise and resources to
address some of today's most difficult global challenges.

The European Union's diplomatic service has also issued a statement saying
"Taiwan's participation in international frameworks should be allowed
wherever this is consistent with the rules or practice of the organization."

Although Taiwan has not been invited to participate in the W-H-A again this
year, Health Minister Shih Chung-liang will be leading a delegation to Geneva
to hold bilateral talks with health officials from other countries.

While Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has said he hopes to travel to Geneva to
take part in events being organized by there by Taiwan's W-H-A Action Team.

Posted on 2026-05-15 06:54:13

Premier Zhu Rong-tai has issued a crackdown government agencies on voyeurism
crimes.

The move follows lleged privacy violations involving several cosmetic clinic
chains across Taiwan.

Cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee says the directive covers the ministries of
health, sports, transportation and economic affairs - these have been ordered
to inspect cosmetic clinics, beauty salons, fitness centers and hotels to
identify potential hidden-camera crimes.

Lee says local governments have been asked to assist with those inspections.

The Cabinet spokeswoman also say authorities are studying whether buyers of
covert recording devices should be required to register their real
identities, and whether online sales of such devices should be more tightly
regulated.

Authorities are also discussing ways to strengthen oversight of contractors
responsible for installing such equipment.

The statements come afer three well-known cosmetic clinic chains and several
independent ones have been searched and pinhole cameras were discovered in
treatment rooms.

Posted on 2026-05-15 06:54:13

The Changhua District Prosecutors' Office has indicted a poultry farmer and
an egg distributor on charges related to the illegal use of fipronil and the
sale of tainted eggs.

Both the Changhua County poultry farm owner, and the Taichung-based egg
distributor have been charged with fraud and of violating the Act Governing
Food Safety and Sanitation.

Prosecutors says the farm owner mixed fipronil with other diluted pesticides
and sprayed the mixture in chicken coops and cages to treat a mite
infestation that occurred last year... they knew the insecticide is banned
for use on egg-laying chickens.

The farm owner then began selling the contaminated eggs in October of last
year to four egg dealers in Taichung and Changhua, who then sold them to
various local chain supermarkets and shopping centers.

One of those egg dealers allegedly continued selling boxes of contaminated
eggs to downstream restaurants and consumers after the illegal use of
fipronil by the poulty farmer had been reported to authorities.

Prosecutors have requested the confiscation of 3.6-million N-T in alleged
illegal gains from the poultry farm owner and 120,000 N-T in illegal gains
from the egg dealer.

Posted on 2026-05-15 06:54:13

minors

The Shilin District Prosecutors' Office has indicted a former Taipei
elementary school basketball for allegedly sexually assaulting minors and
filming sexual images involving up to 53 victims.

Prosecutors say the man was charged with violations of the Child and Youth
Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act, the Child and Juvenile Welfare and Rights
Protection Act, and the Criminal Code.

The prosecutors' office says the man created Instagram accounts in June and
July of last year and used a female profile photo to pose as a woman to
befriend underage girls and persuade them to send nude and sexually explicit
photos and videos to him.

Prosecutors say the man sexually assaulting two other children in separate
incidents in August and November 2025, and secretly filmed students in
toilets and shower areas at schools and other locations using his mobile
phone between 2024 and 2025.

The Taipei Department of Education says he was immediately dismissed from his
job when the case first came to light late last year and handed a lifetime
teaching ban.

Posted on 2026-05-15 06:54:13

And,

The Taipei Zoo says one of its Asian small-clawed otters has arrived at New
Zealand's Auckland Zoo to participate in an international conservation
program aimed at contributing to biodiversity.

The otter departed for Auckland on Tuesday evening to participate in the
program, which is being coordinated by the European Association of Zoos and
Aquaria.

The program selected the Taiwan-born otter to help conserve the Asian
small-clawed otter population by contributing to genetic diversity through
its transfer to the New Zealand zoo.

The otter is currently undergoing quarantine procedures in Auckland, after
which it will join the zoo's Asian small-clawed otter family.

The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest otter species and is commonly
found in the wetlands, rivers, and lakes of Southeast and South Asia.

It is listed as "vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of
Nature Red List of Threatened Species.

Posted on 2026-05-15 06:54:13

The Reuters News Agency says The Pentagon has canceled plans to temporarily
deploy 4,000 U.S.-based troops to Poland.

The decision comes just two weeks after the Pentagon announced it was
withdrawing 5,000 troops from NATO ally Germany, in part due to a widening
rift over the Iran war between President Donald Trump and Europe.

A Pentagon spokesperson declined comment, a lawmaker said the decision had
not yet been notified to Congress, and no formal announcement has been made.

Reuters says the U.S. has been reviewing its troop presence in Europe and has
long been expected to scale it back, following demands from Trump that NATO
take a larger role in the defense of Europe.

Posted on 2026-05-14 19:21:13

Nominees for this year's Golden Melody Awards have officially been announced
...

... with more than 22 thousand works submitted across almost 17 hundred
albums.

According to the Ministry of Culture, 167 works were selected as finalists
after a three-month review process covering 27 award categories.

Leading the nominations this year is singer Jolin Tsai (蔡依林) ... with her
album 'Pleasure' earning nine nods from the jury.

The jury also named veteran lyricist Lin Huang-kun (林煌坤) and late arranger
Max Tu (屠穎) as recipients of the Special Contribution Award ...

... saying Lin helped shape generations of Chinese-language pop culture with
his vivid lyrics.

Meanwhile Max Tu was honored posthumously for a musical style that defined an
era and inspired later generations of musicians.

Also among the standout nominees is singer and our very own ICRT DJ Erika Liu
... who is up for Best Female Mandarin Singer!

The 37th Golden Melody Awards ceremony kicks off on June 27th at Taipei Arena
... and ICRT will be covering it live on our official Facebook page that
night.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-14 19:16:14

The Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of a chemistry teacher found
guilty of helping manufacture illegal narcotics, finalizing a prison sentence
of nearly eight years.

The Taoyuan-based teacher, surnamed Liang, was convicted of assisting in the
production of a Category 3 narcotic called 'methyl-meth-cathi-none'.

Prosecutors say Liang provided technical guidance and helped obtain chemicals
and equipment for the operation.

He denied knowingly participating in drug manufacturing, arguing the
materials involved were legally available and that he was not directly
responsible for producing narcotics.

But the court cited phone records and other evidence showing Liang helped
troubleshoot chemical reactions during the drug-making process.

Judges ruled he played an essential role.

Police raided the group's manufacturing site in Taoyuan in September 2023,
seizing around 200 kilograms of narcotics and semi-finished products.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-05-14 19:16:15

The Executive Yuan says an external investigation team has completed
interviews as part of its probe into allegations ...

... that former trade official Yan Hui-hsin (顏慧欣) faced workplace
exclusion before her death.

Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee says investigators are now drafting a
report, which will be reviewed by the committee before the government decides
how to proceed.

Following Yan's death, allegations emerged that she had faced workplace
exclusion within the Office of Trade Negotiations.

Attention has focused on Taiwan’s chief trade negotiator Yang Jen-ni, who
has been linked by some critics to the allegations surrounding the case.

Lee says the external investigation committee recommended that Yang take
leave during the investigation, and that she complied with the request.

Officials say the Executive Yuan will handle the matter appropriately once
the final report is completed.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-14 19:16:15

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen says she hopes government support for Taiwan's
drone industry can be shared more evenly across different regions.

The comments came after KMT city councilors complained that major drone
testing grounds and industrial bases are being concentrated in Chiayi.

Councilors noted that the central government plans to invest more than 44
billion NT in the drone industry, and argued Taichung’s strong machinery,
semiconductor and aerospace sectors make it well suited for development.

Lu suggested Taichung could also host a drone industry center similar to
Taiwan’s science parks.

But DPP city councilors pushed back, criticizing KMT and TPP lawmakers for
cutting drone-related funding from a special national defense budget.

One councilor argued that without funding support, there is “no rising tide
to lift any boats.”

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-14 19:16:15

Authorities say that a massive Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine
has demolished an apartment block in Kyiv, killing four and wounding 33.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reports that Russia launched over
1,560 drones at Ukraine since Wednesday.

This marks the third consecutive day of large-scale aerial attacks after a
brief ceasefire.

Ukrainian officials suggest the assault is a response to U.S. President
Donald Trump’s trip to China.

The bombardment has affected multiple cities and strained Ukraine’s air
defenses.

Damage to energy infrastructure has left many without power.

Posted on 2026-05-14 19:16:15

And in British poltical news,

Pressure is mounting on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer ...

... with signs of a possible leadership challenge emerging within the ruling
Labour Party.

Reports say Health Secretary Wes Streeting could announce a bid for the party
leadership later today after reportedly securing enough support from Labour
lawmakers.

At the same time, former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner says she has
reached an agreement with tax authorities over questions related to her
taxes.

Rayner stepped down from the cabinet last September amid the controversy ...

... but her latest move is seen as potentially clearing the way for a future
return to frontline politics.

Posted on 2026-05-14 17:08:13

KMT lawmaker Hshieh Yi Fong (謝衣鳳) says, she's not giving up on running for
Changhua magistrate...

even as her party has already nominated Wei Ping-zheng to run for the
position.

Hsieh says today that she has been preparing to run and has not given up .

She also went so far as to call Wei "unable to be elected", saying that if
the KMT loses in November, the party higher-ups and Changhua party officials
should be held accountable.

Hsieh also criticized the KMT for skipping the primary process and directly
picking Wei, saying the decision was opaque and unfair as compared to the
DPP's process for picking lawmaker Chen Su Yue (陳素月) to run.

Hsieh has struggled to gain approval from her family for the magistrate's
campaign.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-14 17:08:13

Pingtung County has uncovered 10 pig farms that violate rules prohibiting
using kitchen waste as pig feed in just 7 months.

A recent offender was fined 400,000 NT for breaking relevant laws.

Pingtung officials emphasize that Taiwan's return to African Swine Fever-free
status was not easy...

and they're calling on the public to avoid becoming too lax on ASF prevention
measures.

They add that, if farmers wish to use plant-based waste for pig feed, they
need to get certified according to the law.

Pingtung officials did note that pigs at offending farms tested negative for
ASF, but they've still put movement restrictions into place.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-14 17:08:13

Doctors are warning parents that letting babies sleep on their stomachs ...
or use pillows can increase the risk of suffocation and sleep-related death.

They stress the safest sleep environment is a separate crib with a firm
mattress, no pillows or soft objects, and babies placed on their backs.

Doctors cited survey findings showing that while most parents understand safe
sleep recommendations, nearly 30 percent struggle to follow them
consistently.

They also cited Health Ministry's data from 2022 to 2023, which showed that
around half of sleep-related deaths involving children under six were
considered 'highly preventable'.

Experts say many parents still place pillows in cribs or choose
stomach-sleeping positions because they believe babies sleep better that way
or are concerned about head shape.

Child safety advocates are urging the government to strengthen public
awareness ... and expand support programs for families with newborns.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-14 17:08:13

In the UK,

allies of Health Secretary Wes Streeting say that he will make an
announcement later today after garnering enough support from lawmakers of the
Labor Party to contest the prime minister's position.

Meanwhile another potential rival of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, former
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said she had reached an agreement with
tax authorities to clear up questions about her taxes that forced her to
leave the cabinet.

Rayner told local media that Prime Minister Keir Starmer should "reflect on"
his position, saying she was ready to play her party in a leadership
election.

Pressure for Starmer to step aside or face a leadership challenge has
intensified...

But Starmer says hes committed to remain in office,

Posted on 2026-05-14 16:16:13

The Executive Yuan said today that the government is keeping close contact
with the United States during the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump
and Chinese leader Xi Jin-ping.

The Yuan also stressed that the U.S. has repeatedly reaffirmed its firm
support for Taiwan.

The Cabinet spokesperson said Taiwan welcomes any efforts that help maintain
regional stability and manage risks stemming from authoritarian expansion.

She also said China’s military threats are the only source of instability in
the Taiwan Strait, adding that Taiwan’s continued efforts to enhance
deterrence together with partners remain the key to safeguarding regional
peace and stability.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-05-14 16:16:13

Hualien City residents will receive an emergency alert message on their
mobile phones Monday morning as part of a large wave warning drill.

The Central Weather Administration will conduct the cell broadcast exercise
on May 18th from 10 a.m. to noon, covering Hualien City.

The message will clearly indicate it is a disaster prevention drill test
message from the CWA, in both Chinese and English, along with a contact
number for questions.

The drill is designed to test the disaster prevention alert system used to
warn coastal residents when waves of six meters or higher are forecast.

The Hualien County Fire Department says that when a real giant wave warning
is issued in the future, coastal residents should stay away from the
shoreline, and vessels at sea should move away from affected areas or seek
shelter in a harbor immediately.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-14 16:16:13

Russia has launched a mass drone and missile attack on Ukraine's capital and
other cities, just hours after a rare daylight barrage.

The attack early today killed one person and injured at least 33 in Kyiv.

Civilian infrastructure and residential buildings were struck in multiple
cities.

The partial collapse of a multistory building in one Kyiv district left
people trapped in the rubble.

Ukrainian military officials said air defenses shot down or jammed nearly 700
targets.

That followed the rare daylight attack Wednesday that killed at least six
people and involved at least 800 drones.

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

Taiwan Power says the warehouse fire at the now decommissioned number two
nuclear power plant, which is located in Wan-li, New Taipei, didn't affect
the plant’s reactor units.

The state-run company also says there are no concerns about any radiation
leak as the power plant's warehouse is some distance away from the reactors.

The fire broke out at around 3 AM this morning, and the New Taipei Fire
Department dispatched 17 vehicles and 51 firefighters to the scene.

The blaze was extinguished within half an hour with no injuries reported.

The Fire Department said the items burned were mainly paper documents and
miscellaneous materials, adding that forensic experts are probing into the
cause of the fire.

(JL)

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

Asian shares are mixed today as investors wait to see about takeaways from
the summit between the leaders of China and the US.

However, analysts don't expect major breakthroughs from the meeting.

Taiwan shares are up, with the benchmark tai ex closing at 41751 after
gaining 377 points.

The turnover was 1.216 trillion NT

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

Now turning to international news...

Somalia is is in the grip of a deadly drought that's being exacerbated by the
US Trump administration's cuts in humanitarian aid.

In 2022, aid funding to Somalia was sitting at 2.38 billion US dollars...

while last year it dropped to 500 million largely because of those aid cuts.

Somalia is one of the world's most vulnerable countries to climate shocks,
with rivers drying up and crops dying.

The crisis is worsened by aid cuts and rising prices from the Uran war.

Experts say this year has been the worst on record for Somalia in terms of
drought...

with an estimated 6.5 million people facing crisis levels of hunger.

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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office says that he secretly
visited the United Arab Emirates since Israel and the US began attacks on
Iran in Feburary.

But the UAE denies any such visit.

Netanyahu's office says that he met with the UAE president and that the visit
"resulted in a historic breakthrough in relations."

This comes one day after the US Ambassador to Israel revealed that Israel
sent Iron Dome air-defense weapons to the UAE along with personnal to operate
them.

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

In Gaza, a small group of remote workers has continued delivering services to
internaitonal clients despite two years of Israeli bombardment

A few workers have been able to make a coworking space where freelance
coders, graphic designers, and others can charge devices and get internet
access.

Remote work provides desperately needed income and a form of escapism.

The work is now growing steadier even as broader recovery and rebuilding
efforts remain at a standstill.

Digital freelancing become popular many years ago in Gaza, with thousands of
college graduates seeking employment abroad and becoming competitive
employees.

But the edge that workers from Gaza had was mostly erased by Israel's barrage
on the strip in which they have killed nearly 73,000 people and displaced
most of the 2 million people living in the strip.

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

The DPP nominee to run for mayor of Taipei says, he's doubtful of the
efficacy of the Twin Cities Forum.

Lawmaker Puma Shen was asked today whether he would hold the forum if
elected, and he said he would not, saying the event has proven to be
ineffective.

He also questioned why the city government should hold such events if they do
not accomplish their goals.

Shen added that he wasn't convinced that the money used to hold the forum was
being put to its best use.

Separately, when asked about the uphill battle Shen faces, given current
Mayor Chiang Wan an's relatively high polling numbers, he acknowledged the
difficulty of challenging Chiang...

but said that he hoped the public would give his vision and policy proposals
for the city a chance.

(AH)

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

Rescuers say, the body of a student who jumped into the Tamsui River to
rescue an elderly man has been recovered.

Authorities said they recovered the body of the 24 year old student, surnamed
Lee, near Dadaocheng wharf.

The body of the elderly man whom Lee tried to rescue was found Tuesday
several hours after the two went missing.

Local media has reported that Lee was jogging with a friend surnamed Kuo
Tuesday morning when they saw the man struggling in the water.

Kuo said that while he had never gone swimming his Lee, he knew Lee had
spoken about wanting to get certified as a lifeguard, and he said he was ok
to jump in.

But soon after Lee jumped in, Kuo lost sight of both of them.

Surveillance footage from earlier that morning shows the elderly man walking
out onto an emergency pier and slipping through a guardrail, falling into the
river.

(AH-CNA)

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

Penghu County has kicked off its summer lily festival, with 57-thousand lily
plants blooming across the region.

The county government says this year's festival features the Easter lily, is
a species of plant endemic to Taiwan and parts of Japan.

Officials say the flower is well-suited to Penghu's summer climate, and the
blooming season is expected to continue through June.

The county has also prepared over 10-thousand lily bulbs for residents to
take home and plant, and is asking visitors to enjoy the flowers without
picking or trampling them.

(NS)

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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition has submitted a bill
to dissolve parliament, taking a preliminary step toward holding new
elections later this year.

The proposal sets the stage for a formal vote to dissolve parliament and
schedule new elections.

Israeli media said a preliminary vote is expected next week.

Netanyahu’s coalition is near the end of its four-year term and must hold
new elections by the end of October.

The bill calls for elections “no less than 90 days” after it is approved,
giving Netanyahu flexibility to choose a date when he feels he has the best
chance of success.

Posted on 2026-05-14 08:07:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is insisting that Taiwan remains a full APEC
member.

It comes after China's Taiwan Affairs Office said Taiwan's participation in
the forum is conducted under the "one-China principle."

China is hosting this year's APEC events.

Office spokesperson Zhang Han told reporters in Beijing that it will handle
Taiwan's participation in APEC meetings in accordance with the "one-China
principle" and related APEC memorandums of understanding and practices.

The foreign ministry here in Taipei says Taiwan formally became a full APEC
member economy in 1991 under the name "Chinese Taipei" through the signing of
an accession MOU ...

.. and text of that agreement did not refer to any "one-China principle" and
made it clear that Taiwan would participate in APEC on an equal footing with
all other member economies.

The ministry is also calling on Beijing to "fulfill its duties and
commitments as APEC host in accordance with APEC guidelines, standards, and
practices," and to guarantee Taiwan's equal, dignified participation in this
year's APEC activities in China.

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

The Mainland Affairs Council is condemning Beijing for urging local media
outlets here in Taiwan to "expose" independence activities.

The statement comes after authorities in China allegedly called on
representatives of several Taiwan media outlets to 'jointly expose Taiwan
independence separatist activities.'

China's Taiwan Affairs Office reportedly made the request at the seventh
edition of the cross-strait media summit in Beijing.

According to the council, such a move "amounts to asking Taiwan media to
cooperate with the Chinese Communist Party's transnational repression against
Taiwan and restrict the freedoms of the Taiwan people through intimidation"
...

.. and is one of Beijing's tactic of "using Taiwan to control Taiwan."

The Mainland Affairs Council is also warning that Taiwan media outlets that
sent representatives to the event in Beijing could be in violation of the
Anti-Infiltration Act and National Security Act if they cooperate with
Beijing

China's state-run Xinhua News Agency says more than 100 media executives and
journalism scholars attended this year's summit, including Chou Hsi-wei, the
vice chairman of the Want Want Group, which owns CTi Television and the China
Times.

Reports also claim that other Taiwan attendees included representatives from
the United Daily News, TVBS and The Observer magazine.

Posted on 2026-05-14 08:07:16

The D-P-P's Central Executive Committee has confirmed the nomination of
lawmaker Puma Shen as it candidate for the Taipei mayoral election.

Shen is now set to run against incumbent Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an - who is
seeking re-election in the November 28 ballot.

Speaking after the party announced his nomination, Shen pledged to turn
Taipei into a top-tier international city comparable to New York, Paris and
Tokyo.

Shen highlighted his "international background," noting that he earned a
master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate from the
University of California, Irvine.

He also identified traffic congestion, limited green space and an unfriendly
child-rearing environment as being the key challenges he believes are facing
the capital.

The D-P-P has said that lawmaker Wu Szu-yao will serve as Shen's campaign
manager, while lawmakers Chen Pei-yu and Fan Yun will be in charge of
developing his campaign policy platform.

Posted on 2026-05-14 08:07:17

The Shilin District Court has found television personality Nono not guilty of
rape and forced indecency charges against two women.

According to the court ruling, although there is a strong likelihood the
accusations against the entertainer are true, there is insufficient evidence
for a conviction, and it was therefore obligated to uphold the presumption of
innocence.

The court noted that the only evidence presented was the women's accusations
without any supporting factors to back up the claims.

Nono, whose real name is Chen Hsuan-yu, was indicted by the Shilin District
Prosecutors' Office in August of last year.

Prosecutors alleged he rapes one of the woman sometime between 2011 and 2013,
while he sexually assaulted another in his car.

The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office initially refused to prosecute Chen,
but the complainants applied for reconsideration to the High Prosecutors
Office.

The cases were then transferred to the Shilin District Prosecutors' Office
for jurisdictional review and again not prosecuted.

However, the High Prosecutors Office later remanded the cases back to the
prosecutors office - ordering to move forward.

Chen has denied any wrongdoing.

Posted on 2026-05-14 08:07:18

The Taipei City Government's Department of Environmental Protection says its
stepping up efforts against rodent infestations by expanding tracking methods
...

.. while also call central government to establish a unified national
monitoring system to better assess pest control effectiveness.

According to the department, until such a system is established, the city
will expand its use of the "trap-night" method, while also tracking active
rat burrows and public reports as indicators of infestation trends.

The department also says it currently has more than 80 disinfection
specialists, each assisted by one or two cleaning workers, which should be
sufficient to meet current demand.

The Taipei City Government has announced that residents will be able to apply
for free professional rodent inspection services starting tomorrow by
downloading an application form from the website and submitting it by mail,
fax or email.

The inspection service will focus on identifying rodent access routes, while
providing residents with customized recommendations on sanitation and
environmental management to reduce food sources and nesting sites.

Posted on 2026-05-14 08:07:18

And finally,

The Taiwan Beer Leopards beat the New Taipei Kings 114-92 in Game 2 of their
five game Taiwan Professional Basketball League play-off series at the
Taoyuan Arena.

The result levels the series at one win apiece

Game 3 is tomorrow evening at the Hoping Gymnasium in Taipei.

The Formosa Dreamers play the Hsinchu Lioneers in Game 3 of their play-off
series at the Hsinchu County Stadium this evening.

That series is level at one win apiece.

This evening's game begins at 7 o'clock.

Posted on 2026-05-14 06:53:13

The U-S State Department is reiterating Washington's support for Taiwan based
on the Taiwan Relations Act, the three US-China communiques, and the six
assurances.

It comes after President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House that
he will raise the issue of arms sales to Taiwan during his meeting with
China's Xi Jinping in Beijing.

The U-S State Department is not saying whether such a move would be violate
the six assurances ...

.. with a spokesperson saying only that U-S' long-held position on dealing
with both sides of the Taiwan Strait remains unchanged and Washington is
committed to preserving peace and stability across the region.

If Trump does ask Xi about U-S arms sale to Taiwan, it would go against one
of the main tenets of the six assurances to Taiwan issued by then-US
President Ronald Reagan in 1982... which is to not to consult Beijing on arms
sales to the island.

Posted on 2026-05-14 06:53:13

More than 20 Taiwan companies are at the Taiwan Pavilion at the XPONENTIAL
2026 UAV trade fair in Detroit.

Taiwan is the largest participating country at this year's exhibition.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs' Industrial Development Administration says
companies at the event include the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science
and Technology and Thunder Tiger Technology.

Officials say the companies showcased their latest drone products and
components for commercial and military applications, as part of the
government's efforts to seek orders as part of "non-red" supply chains.

Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Drone Diplomacy task force
are also in Detroit... they say many countries are discussing joint ventures
and joint production with Taiwan due to the island's U-A-V manufacturing
capabilities.

The ministry's Global Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Academy signed a letter of
intent with the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International at
the event ..

.. and officials say that deal is aimed at jointly advancing drone
certification initiatives and fostering talent in drone-related technologies.

Posted on 2026-05-14 06:53:13

The Taichung District Prosecutors' Office has indicted five people in a case
related to unlicensed medical device vendors allegedly participating in
surgical procedures at the Taichung Veterans General Hospital.

Those indicted include Yang Meng-yin, the director of the hospital's oncology
neurosurgery division, Cheng Wen-yu, the director of minimally invasive
neurosurgery, and three medical device vendors.

The case was referred to prosecutors in January by the Taichung City Health
Bureau.

Prosecutors say all of the suspects have been charged with fraud and
violations of the Physicians Act.

Yang and Cheng are said to have undermined medical ethics and violated
patients' rights by allowing unlicensed individuals to carry out medical
procedures and its seeking heavy penalties for both of the doctors.

The indictment alleges that Yang and Cheng allowed the three vendors to enter
operating rooms for 13 surgeries between March of 2023 and October of 2025
and illegally perform some medical procedures.

Posted on 2026-05-14 06:53:13

The National Health Insurance Administration and the Center for Drug
Evaluation have renewed their partnership agreement with the U-K's National
Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

The agreement was signed virtulally by administration director-general Chen
Lian-Yu in Taipei and institute director Brad Groves in the U-K.

The signing was witnessed by Health and Welfare Minister Shih Chung-liang and
renews the partnership through 2028.

The National Health Insurance Administration says the collaboration will
further strengthen the integration of reimbursement systems, and healthcare
digitalization here in Taiwan.

The partnership agreement was first signed in 2023.

Under the updated deal, the two sides will focus on innovative healthcare
assessment frameworks, digital transformation, and talent development.

Posted on 2026-05-14 06:53:13

The Hsinchu County Labor Affairs Department says its received a plan from
cosmetic brand Taiwan Shiseido detailing major layoffs at its plant in the
county.

Labor officials have not released any details of the number of employees
expected to be laid off.

However, Japanese news media has been reporting that the closure of the
company's factory in Hukou Township will cost 170 employees their jobs.

The county's labor department confirmed Shiseido followed the law by
reporting its layoff plan and authorities will closely monitor negotiations
between the management and affected employees.

The department says it will also provide affected employees with job training
and counseling to help them find new employment.

Japan's Shiseido issued an announcement earlier this week saying it will
close the Hsinchu plant owned by its subsidiary Taiwan Shiseido in the second
half of 2027 - and production at the site scheduled to end in the first
quarter of that year.

The Hsinchu plant mainly produces skincare products for Taiwan and other Asia
Pacific markets.

Posted on 2026-05-14 06:53:13

And,

Jolin Tsai leads the nominations for this year's Golden Melody Awards - with
her album "Pleasure" earning nine nods from the jury.

Tsai was nominated for Best Female Mandarin Singer, Best Mandarin Album, Song
of the Year for the title track of the album "Pleasure" and six other
categories.

Tsai is up against ICRT'S own Erika Liu, Hung Pei-yu, Chen Hsien-ching, Julia
Peng, and Shan Yichun in the Best Female Mandarin Singer category

The nominees for Best Male Mandarin Singer are Chang Chen-yue, Crowd Lu, Nick
Chou, Gummy B and Jude Chiu.

The Golden Melody Awards ceremony happens on June 27 at Taipei Arena.

Posted on 2026-05-13 20:10:14

No damage or injuries are being reported after a magnitude 5.0 earthquake
struck Hualien County in eastern Taiwan at 6:43 PM today.

According to the Central Weather Administration, the epicenter of the temblor
was located in Hualien County, about 3.6 kilometers north of Hualien County
Hall, at a depth of 15.8 km, according to the administration.

The earthquake's intensity was highest in Hualien County, where it measured 4
on Taiwan's 7-tier intensity scale.

The quake also measured an intensity of 3 in Nantou County.

Posted on 2026-05-13 20:10:14

Puma Shen has secured the DPP’s nomination for the Taipei mayoral election
later this year ...

... and is pledging to transform Taipei into what he described as a top-tier
international city comparable to New York, Paris and Tokyo.

Shen, currently a DPP legislator, highlighted his international academic
background and said he chose to return to Taipei because he believes the city
can become a place residents are truly proud of.

He identified traffic congestion, limited green space and challenges facing
families raising children as key issues.

Shen says he plans to improve transportation, expand green corridors and
promote policies aimed at helping parents spend more time with their
children.

He is expected to face incumbent Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an of the Kuomintang
in the November election.

President Lai Ching-te praised Shen’s NGO and academic experience, saying it
would help prepare him for city leadership.

Posted on 2026-05-13 20:10:14

Authorities say that the first reported traffic accident on New Taipei's
newly opened Danjiang Bridge occurred yesterday night, just hours after the
bridge officially opened to traffic.

Police say a heavy motorcycle collided with the rear of a car while traveling
toward Bali District.

The motorcyclist, a 42-year-old man, suffered minor bruises and later sought
medical treatment on his own.

Authorities say both drivers tested negative for alcohol, and traffic resumed
shortly after the incident.

Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the collision.

Officials noted that the motorcycle involved was a heavy motorcycle legally
permitted to use the bridge’s car lanes.

Posted on 2026-05-13 20:10:14

Current temperatures...

Taipei - 22

Taichung - 26

Kaohsiung - 27

Hualien - 24

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

A cosmetic clinic at the center of a suspected hidden camera scandal in New
Taipei has vowed to establish a trust fund to protect clients.

The case emerged earlier this month, when a member of the public discovered
what appeared to be a disguised surveillance camera at one of the chain's
branch stores in Banqiao District, leading to an expanding police
investigation.

Aesthetic clinic chain Dr. Shine issued a second apology today, and says it
will set aside $80 million NT to establish a member protection trust fund, to
be supervised by lawyers and accountants.

The chain says the trust amount may be increased depending on circumstances
and details will be announced publicly once the trust arrangements are
finalized.

The case follows a separate hidden camera scandal at Airee Clinic, which
first drew public attention to the issue of voyeurism at medical aesthetics
facilities.

(NS)

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

Hon Hai has confirmed a cyberattack targeting some of its North American
facilities, though the company says operations are gradually returning to
normal.

The Taiwan-based manufacturing giant, also known as Foxconn, says its
cybersecurity team activated emergency response measures to maintain
production and deliveries.

The confirmation follows reports of a major IT system disruption at a Foxconn
facility in Wisconsin that temporarily affected several production lines.

Media reports say the Nitrogen ransomware group claimed responsibility for
the attack, alleging it stole large amounts of internal company data.

The hackers also claimed the data may include information linked to major
technology clients such as Apple, Nvidia, Intel and Google.

Foxconn has not confirmed the extent of any data breach, but says affected
factories are resuming normal operations.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-05-13 18:12:14

Expecting mothers in Taichung now have more transportation options, as Uber
Taiwan officially joins the city's maternity taxi program.

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen says the addition of Uber almost doubles the
total number of available vehicles to more than 91 hundred.

The city launched the maternity taxi program last July, offering pregnant
women subsidies for up to 30 rides, with discounts of up to 200 NT per trip.

Officials say more than 8 thousand mothers have already signed up, with
nearly 87 thousand rides completed so far.

City leaders say adding app-based ride services will make it easier for
younger users to book transportation and reduce wait times for expecting
mothers across Taichung.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-13 18:12:14

Current temperatures...

Taipei - 22

Taichung - 27

Kaohsiung - 28

Hualien - 24

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

The DPP is calling for the legislature to examine the central government
budget instead of trying to impeach the president.

The DPP Legislative Caucus slammed the KMT for wasting time on criticizing
the president rather than responding to the expectations of the public by
examining the 2026 government operating budget.

Meanwhile the opposition KMT and TPP are pushing ahead with their effort to
impeach President Lai...

saying the country needs to get back on track.

The comments come as lawmakers handle impeachment proceedings against the
president today and tomorrow before putting it to a vote on Tuesday.

Deputy Speaker Jiang Qi Chen today said that the legislature had invited the
president to appear to defend himself, but the president failed to show up.

According to the Constitution, impeaching against the president require a
two-thirds majority vote from lawmakers...

before going to the Constitutional Court.

If lawmakers vote along party lines, the opposition does not appear to have
the votes to pass the motion.

(AH)

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

A candidate for city councilor in Kaohsiung is facing accusations of racism
due to a billboard ad that he posted...

which features a "no" sign over an Indian flag and a man wearing a turban.

Many took this to be an expression of anti-Indian racism, especially due to
recent backlash to Taiwan potentially opening up to Indian migrant workers.

Li Hong Yi claims that the advertisement was only aoiming to express
opposition to bringing Indian migrant workers to Taiwan and that he did not
oppose migrant workers in general.

Li currently serves as Borough chief in Xiaogang district, and says that he
is in the TPP but will run for city councilor without the TPP's nomination.

Kaohsiung representatives of the New Power Party criticized Li for using
imagery intended to incite hatred...

(AH)

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

Now turning to international news...

Flooding is wreaking havoc in Turkiye, inundating homes and businesses and
sweeping away cars.

State media is reporting that 12 people are hospitalized with minor injuries.

Heavy rainfall caused rivers in Samsun province to overflow, turning streets
into rivers.

Firefighters, police, and disaster teams have been deployed to rescue
stranded residents and clear debris.

Video footage showed a driver standing on top of a truck waiting to be
rescued from the flood.

Posted on 2026-05-13 17:08:14

The packaging on some snacks in Japan is going black and white as the war in
Iran disrupts the supply of an ingredient in colored ink.

But Calbee snacks, which makes potato chips and cereal, says the product
inside is the same.

The change to 14 products will begin May 25th, limiting ink colors on the
packaging to just 2.

Calbee says, the decision is necessary to respond flexibly to changing
geopolitical conditions.

How long the change may last remains unclear.

Posted on 2026-05-13 17:08:14

Taipei Zoo is inviting visitors to check out changes to its new Asiatic black
bear enclosure.

The zoo announced that 18-year-old Belle is settling well in her new home in
the temperate zone, after moving there last October.

Keepers say she has displaying a range of natural behaviors including
digging, splashing in a large pool, and using enrichment props to forage for
food.

To give her more opportunities to climb, keepers added a wooden perch
structure to the enclosure.

And they say she has since been spotted rubbing her back against various
parts of the frame and using it for eating and sleeping.

Belle is one of three Asiatic black bears currently on display at the Taipei
Zoo.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-13 15:53:13

Nobel-winning economist Peter Howitt says Taiwan and other advanced economies
should look beyond manufacturing as AI reshapes the job market.

Speaking at a forum in Taipei, Howitt said manufacturing jobs have been
falling for years, even in countries where output is still rising.

He said AI may cut some jobs, but over time it should also create new ones,
especially in service industries.

Howitt described AI as a general-purpose technology, like electricity or
computers, that can disrupt labor markets before wider gains appear.

He said governments should respond with more investment in education, worker
retraining, and new energy development.

Howitt also said innovation depends on competition, trade, intellectual
property protection, and cooperation between government, business, and
universities.

After the forum, he also engaged with a student delegation from Asia
University in a discussion on AI, education, and social fairness.

He pointed to TSMC as an example of how industrial success can grow from
close coordination with government support.

At the same event, he told students not to chase only the safest jobs, but to
build skills they care about for a fast-changing AI future.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-13 15:53:14

Taipei prosecutors and police have detained 21 people in an alleged romance
scam ring that used AI voice-changing software.

Investigators say a married couple surnamed Huang helped run the group
through dating platforms and fake online relationships.

They say male staff used AI tools to sound like women, while the group used
edited photos of attractive women to lure victims.

Victims were then asked to buy expensive items, including phones, Dyson hair
dryers, gold, and beauty treatment packages.

Police say the group used excuses such as medical bills or work pressure to
persuade victims to send gifts.

Investigators say the scam ring made more than several million NT.

So far, 10 victims have reported the case, and prosecutors are investigating
possible fraud and related crimes.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-13 15:53:14

Police in Hualien are investigating the circumstances of an accident that
resulted in the death of a construction worker yesterday.

A 27 year old worker surnamed Pan was hit by a falling LED light box while
working at the Hualien County Stadium.

Pan was trapped and was found OHCA before being rushed to the hospital where
he was pronounced dead.

An investigation is still underway.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-13 15:53:14

U.S. President Donald Trump is heading to Beijing for talks with Chinese
leader Xi Jinping, saying he will press China to open more to American
business.

Trump added Nvidia chief Jensen Huang to his traveling business delegation
during a stop in Alaska, as U.S. companies push for better access to the
Chinese market.

Ahead of the summit, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met Chinese Vice
Premier He Lifeng in South Korea to shore up a fragile trade truce between
the world's two biggest economies.

The two sides are expected to discuss trade, investment, and possible Chinese
purchases of U.S. goods, while Beijing wants Washington to ease some
chip-related export controls.

The summit is also expected to touch on the Iran war and U.S. arms sales to
Taiwan.

China has again voiced strong opposition to those Taiwan arms sales ahead of
Trump's arrival.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-13 15:53:14

Spain says it will move forward with new rules to make social media and
artificial intelligence safer, despite heavy lobbying from major tech
companies.

Digital Transformation Minister Oscar Lopez says the measures would target
high-risk AI systems and force more transparency over how social media
algorithms work.

Spain is also pushing restrictions aimed at protecting minors, after earlier
plans to ban social media use by teenagers and hold platform executives
personally responsible for hate speech.

Lopez says the effort is driven by growing concern over cyberbullying, sexual
harassment, and AI-generated sexual deepfakes targeting children, especially
girls.

He says Spain wants a broader European approach, as the EU also prepares new
action against harmful and addictive platform design under its planned
Digital Fairness Act.

Spain has positioned itself as a strong supporter of what it calls
trustworthy AI, with rules aimed at protecting privacy, democracy, minors,
and public safety.

(PB)

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

Experts are warning that the legislature's failure to include funds for
developing the local drone industry in the special defense budget passed last
week poses a significant risk to Taiwan's security.

A resident fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute, Peter Layton emphasized
that Asia Pacific partners recognize the importance of drones for detering
Chinese expansionism.

He described how recent joint drills with the US, the Philippines, Japan, and
several other countries underscored the key role of drones in such drills.

For instance, Layton noted that the deployment of certain weaponry was
accomplished with intelligence provided by drones.

He stated that Taiwan's budget cuts to the domestic drone industry is good
news for China, since it will force Taiwan to rely more on the US for arms
purchases...

meaning all that China must accomplish is to convince the US not to continue
arming Taiwan.

(AH)

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

The DPP is officially nominating lawmaker Puma Shen to contest the Taipei
mayorship today.

Shen will face Mayor Chiang Wan An in November.

Shen's colleague on the DPP's Legislative Caucus and tasked with developing
Shen's campaign policy platform, Chen Pei Yu stated that the first task of
Shen's campaign will be to understand the needs of the public...

before formulating responses to their needs and understanding shortcomings of
the Chiang and Ke administrations.

DPP Spokesperson Wu Zheng said that the election committee's decision to
recommend Shen was a unanimous one.

As for Hsinchu County, where the party still has yet to nominate a candidate
to contest the magistrate position, Wu neither confirmed nor denied reports
that the party was still trying to persuade Zhubei Mayor Zheng Chao Fang to
run.

Meanwhile Wu Yi Nong, who had declared his interest to run in Taipei,
congratulated Shen and said he would fully support the lawmaker's campaign.

(AH)

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

The Taipei City government says, residents can apply for rat detection
experts to come to their homes starting Friday.

That's as the city aims to combat fears of a rat infestation.

The city's Environmental Department says, residents can visit their website
to apply...

however, they emphasize that official cases will take priority.

City officials add that they aim to extend rat infestation prevention efforts
into the private sphere...

as experts say that rats are not actually more common in markets or outside.

Rather, private residences are a significant source of food for the rats.

The Environmental Department added that they hoped the service would address
blind spots and be a more proactive form of rodent control.

(AH)

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

Taiwan shares are down today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at 41572
after losing 326 points.

The turnover was 1.143 trillion NT

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

Now turning to international news...

The International Red Cross reports that armed conflict in Colombia over the
past year has inflicted the worst impact on civilians in 10 years.

The number of people displaced by criminal gangs and rebels doubled last
year, reaching 235,000.

Lockdowns imposed by rebel groups in small towns nearly doubled last year.

For decades, rebel groups and drug traffickers have been fighting the
Colombian government for control of rural areas, including corridors linked
to the cocaine trade.

A 2016 peace deal reduced some violence but the security situation has
worsened as smaller groups vie for control.

Over the past four years under President Gustavo Petro, authorities have
tried to reduce violence in rural areas by holding peace talks with rebel
groups and agreeing to ceasefires with some of them...

But critics say ceasefires have allowed rebels time to regroup.

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

Researchers are warning that the US is experiencing a reading recession...

a trend that came even before the COVID-19 pandemic.

A new analysis of state test scores in over 5000 school districts across 38
states found that only 5 of those had significant growth in reading test
scores from 2022 to last year.

The findings allso show that students remain nearly half a grade level behind
pre-pandemic levels in reading.

Despite the fall in reading scores, almost every state in the analysis saw
improvements in math test scores over the same period...

while student absenteeism also declined in most states.

Experts are still trying to understand the cause of the fall, but some
researchers believe it's due to social media and a decline in recreational
reading.

Posted on 2026-05-13 12:31:14

Prosecutors are investigating suspected unauthorized access to sensitive
files at the National Institute of Cyber Security.

A deputy director surnamed Hsu was released on 200-thousand NT bail after
overnight questioning in Taipei.

Six others were also brought in, including managers and research staff linked
to different units at the institute.

Prosecutors say the case centers on claims that staff used an internal
loophole to view and download restricted documents.

Another employee, a woman surnamed Ou, was released on 100-thousand NT bail,
while the others were sent home.

The institute says it found improper access on an employee's work computer
and reported the case itself.

Officials are still trying to determine whether any of the material was
leaked outside the institute.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-13 12:31:14

U.S. defense-tech company Shield AI and Taiwan's Thunder Tiger Corporation
have signed a new agreement on autonomous unmanned systems.

The deal will bring Shield AI's Hivemind software into Thunder Tiger's
platforms, starting with the SeaShark unmanned surface vessel.

The companies say a live summer demonstration is planned, with Hivemind
serving as the AI pilot on the vessel.

They say the goal is to help Taiwan's maritime systems navigate, respond, and
carry out missions at sea more independently.

The project will move in phases, including simulator testing, hardware
integration, and live vehicle trials.

Shield AI co-founder Brandon Tseng, a former U.S. Navy SEAL, says the broader
aim is to support Taiwan's asymmetric defense capabilities.

Thunder Tiger says the partnership could strengthen Taiwan's domestic defense
industry and help unmanned air and sea systems operate as a coordinated team.

Shield AI also says the deal expands its growing presence in Taiwan, where it
already has agreements and an office in Taipei 101.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-13 12:31:14

Taiwan Railway Corporation says, service on the eastern trunk line is
experiencing delays due to a power equipment malfunction.

The issue is affecting stations between Shoufeng and Fenglin, including
Fengtian, Linrong, Shinkong, and Nanping.

Traffic between those two stations is currently forced to operate on one
track only.

It's not yet clear when the issue will be resolved.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-13 12:31:14

Turning to international news,

A Philippine senator says he will fight any attempt to send him to the
International Criminal Court to be prosecuted for an alleged crime against
humanity.

He adds that he never condoned extrajudicial killings when he led the
country's police force.

The ICC unsealed Monday an arrest warrant for Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a
former national police chief who first enforced then-President Rodrigo
Duterte's deadly anti-drugs crackdown.

Thousands of mostly petty suspects were killed.

Originally issued in November, the warrant charges dela Rosa with the crime
against humanity of murder of "no less than 32 persons."

The crime was allegedly committed between July 2016 and the end of April 2018.

When asked, Philippine officials suggested they were ready to enforce the
ICC's arrest warrant against dela Rosa.

They added that they could surrender him to the global court's jurisdiction
under a Philippine law enacted to address crimes against humanity such as
genocide.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-05-13 12:31:14

In Argentina, tens of thousands of protesters were flooding the streets of
major cities nationwide to protest funding cuts by libertarian President
Javier Milei to the public university system.

The system is a near-universal point of pride in this crisis-prone country.

Tuesday's protest gathered people of all ages and political persuasions as
Milei faces declining approval ratings over slumping economic activity,
falling wages and climbing unemployment.

Vast crowds marched toward the government headquarters to denounce budget
shortfalls eroding the financial foundation of higher education in Argentina.

The cuts came despite a law passed last year to fund universities'
operational costs and raise teacher salaries in line with high inflation.

Argentina's public university system is a cornerstone of its well-educated
workforce and is cherished by its large middle class.

It has been tuition-free since 1949 and produced five Nobel Prize laureates.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-05-13 11:06:13

The Tai-Ex lost ground this morning after Wall Street closed mostly lower
overnight.

The main board fell 697-point in early trading to retreat to 41,200 - which
is below the five-day moving average of 41,704-points.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing's share price lost 50 N-T, as it dropped
to 2,205 N-T - which contributed loses of approximately 397-points to the
Tai-Ex's overall decline.

Other heavyweight stocks, including MediaTek, Delta Electronics, Hon Hai, and
ASE Technology also lost ground from yesterday's closes.

And that resulted in the electronics index falling by just over by 1.8-per
cent.

Posted on 2026-05-13 11:06:14

The Kinmen Defense Command held the second phase of it "Tai-Wu" live-fire
exercises earlier this morning.

The drill was carried out at the Houhu coastal area in Jinning Township.

Defense command officials say it simulated an enemy invasion it deployed
artillery, support, armored and amphibious reconnaissance elements to conduct
live fire exercises against maritime targets.

According to the Ministry of National Defense, troops fired Javelin missiles
simulating engagements with enemy amphibious units and they were supported by
M60A3 tanks and CM21 armored vehicles.

Defense officials say the exercise also utilized Taiwan's Tactical Network
and Force Awareness Application Suite - which is aimed at enhancing command
and control resilience as well as employing drones for target reconnaissance
and battlefield control.

Posted on 2026-05-13 11:06:14

Hantavirus information

And,

The Ministry of Justice's Investigation Bureau says a suspect has been
referred to prosecutors for spreading false information about the Hantavirus
on social media.

According to the bureau, the suspect was questioned last yesterday for making
claims that the Hantavirus was caused by an adverse reaction to the
Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

Taipei District Prosecutors' Office says the suspect is under investigation
on charges of violating Article 63 of the Communicable Disease Control Act or
causing public concern about COVID vaccines and public panic about Hantavirus
infection

If found guilty of violating Article 63 of the Communicable Disease Control
Act, the suspect faces a fine of up to 3-million N-T.

Posted on 2026-05-13 11:06:14

In international news,

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer is defying calls to resign - telling
ministers he will get on with governing.

That's despite two days of growing calls from within his own party for him to
set out a timetable for his departure following the Labor Party's heavy loses
in last week's local elections.

Starmer has repeated that, while he's taking responsibility for one of his
party's worst election defeats, there has been no official move to trigger a
leadership contest.

More than 80 Labor Party lawmakers have now publicly called on Starmer to set
a timetable for leaving office and four ministers have resigned due to his
continuing leadership.

Posted on 2026-05-13 11:06:14

A Dutch hospital has quarantined 12 staff members as a preventive measure
after blood and urine from a hantavirus patient were handled without
observing strict protocols.

It comes as medical teams around the world are working to stop the spread of
the outbreak - which began on a luxury cruise ship.

Dutch health officials say the 12 hospital employees will be quarantined for
six weeks - but the infection risk is very low.

The World Health Organization has increased the number of confirmed cases in
the outbreak to nine.

However, it's also warning that more cases could be reported due to the
hantavirus' long incubation period.

Posted on 2026-05-13 11:06:14

The European Commission is planning a first meeting with Taliban officials in
Brussels.

Officials say the meeting will be focusing on ways to deport some Afghan
migrants - that, despite warnings from human rights groups that such
engagement could endanger Afghans and violate core European Union values.

Western countries have refused to recognise the Taliban since the hardline
Islamist group regained power in Afghanistan in 2021 -after overthrowing a
US- and NATO-backed government.

The commission says the planned meeting is being coordinated with Sweden, at
the request of several other member states.

However, no date had yet been set.

Posted on 2026-05-13 11:06:14

And finally,

Conan O'Brien is returning to host the Oscars for a third time in 2027.

The A-P's Ed Donahue reports.

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

Assurances

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is refusing say whether or not U-S President
Donald Trump's remarks about discussing arms sales to Taiwan with China's Xi
Jinping would violate the U-S's longstanding policy on Taiwan.

Earlier this week, Trump indicated would raise the issue of arms sales to
Taiwan when he meets with Xi.

But when asked about Trump's remarks, foreign ministry spokesman Hsiao
Kuang-wei failed to give a direct answer.

Instead he told reporters that the government is closely monitoring the
high-level meeting between the U-S and Chinese leaders and maintaining close
communication with Washington on the matter.

Hsiao also said since Trump returned to the White House in 2025, his
administration has repeatedly reaffirmed support for Taiwan's self-defense
capabilities ..

.. and that support includes a record 11.1-billion U-S dollar arms package
approved in December of last year.

Trump is slated to meet with Xi for a leaders summit tomorrow morning in
Beijing.

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

authoritarianism

President Lai Ching-te told attendees at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit that
China's recent alleged obstruction of his state visit to Eswatini is evidence
of "consolidating" authoritarian regimes worldwide.

Lai said in a pre-recorded message that world was at a "critical inflection
point" in the competition between democracy and authoritarianism, in which
autocracies continue to consolidate.

Lai said such regimes have resorted to military intimidation, economic
coercion, cyberattacks and "grey zone" operations, all of which pose "ever
more serious challenges" to peace, stability and democracy.

The president also said that such actions demonstrate that China will not
hesitate to undermine aviation safety and order for political leverage.

He thanked democratic partners which have supported Taiwan while under
pressure, for "speaking out with moral clarity in support of regional
stability."

The Copenhagen Democracy Summit is an annual international forum organized by
the Alliance of Democracies Foundation that brings together political
leaders, academics and members of civil societies.

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

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang says the government will begin fully
subsidizing newborn screening tests and add spinal muscular atrophy to the
list of publicly funded screening items starting in July.

Shih said the Health Promotion Administration is increasing the subsidy for
congenital metabolic disorder screening from the current partial coverage to
fully cover costs per test.

Currently, the Health Promotion Administration only partially subsidizes
screenings for 21 conditions, including 18 rare diseases, and parents pay for
the remaining balance.

The health minister says the expanded program will benefit the 90,000 to
100,000 babies born in annually and is being supported by a budget allocation
of nearly 100-million N-T.

Newborn screening is typically conducted 48 hours after birth and serves as
an infant's first health check.

However, because congenital metabolic disorders often lack visible symptoms
at birth, delayed diagnosis can lead to permanent neurological or physical
damage.

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

Institutions from Taiwan and the US state of Wyoming have signed memorandums
of understanding on carbon capture and sequestration technologies and on
small modular nuclear reactors.

Visiting Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon made the announcement while meeting
with President Lai Ching-te the Presidential Office.

The visiting state governor says the partnership between Taiwan and Wyoming
means the two sides have an opportunity to "lead the world" in carbon
capture, utilization and sequestration, and demonstrate the viability of
achieving net-zero emissions.

Gordon also said his administration looks forward to further economic
cooperation that will enable the construction of infrastructure in Wyoming.

The M-O-Us were signed between the University of Wyoming, Taiwan's National
Central University and the National Atomic Research Institute.

A letter of intent on cooperation on carbon capture, utilization and
sequestration technologies was also signed between the University of Wyoming
and the Industrial Technology Research Institute.

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

Moth orchids and other flowering plants grown in Taiwan have been officially
cleared for export to New Zealand through an agreement that specifies the
measures local exporters need to follow to secure access to the new market.

The agreement was signed under a free trade agreement between the two
countries.

The deal calls for exporters to take systematic management steps, including
the use of clean growing media, disease-free seedlings, and suspended yellow
sticky traps, to target pests and diseases.

The production, harvesting and transportation processes must also include
traceable records.

The Ministry of Agriculture says it began preparing pest management and risk
assessment data in 2022 as part of its application to export moth orchids and
other flowering plants to New Zealand.

New Zealand finalized the agreement after four years of technical
consultations and submissions of additional information.

The agriculture ministry says the deal will expand overseas markets for
Taiwan's flower industry.

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

The Criminal Investigation Bureau says two men have arrested for allegedly
breaking into six Shopee self-pickup stores over a nine-day period and
stealing around 1-million N-T in cash.

The thefts occurred in late March at stores in relatively remote areas of New
Taipei, Taoyuan and Hsinchu County.

The suspects used angle grinders and metal bars to force open payment
machines inside the unmanned pickup stores before fleeing with the cash.

Law enforcement officials says surveillance footage and evidence collected
from multiple crime scenes indicated the same two men were responsible for
all six robberies.

Police identified the suspects as both having prior criminal records
involving drugs and theft.

Both men are facing charges of aggravated theft.

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

The Central Weather Administration's Seismological Center is warning that
aftershocks of between magnitudes 4 and 5 could be felt across eastern parts
of the island in the coming week following yesterday's magnitude 5.6
earthquake struck off the southeast coast.

The magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck off the coast of Taitung and was located
66-kilometers northeast of Taitung County Hall, at a depth of 23-kilometers.

It was felt strongest in Hualien, nothern parts of Taitung as well as in
areas of Nantou, Yunlin and Changhua - where it registered a magnitude 3 on
the weather administration's intensity scale.

It registered a magnitude 2 in some west coast areas.

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

A protected leatherback sea turtle has been returned to sea after it was
accidentally caught by fishermen off the coast of Chiayi County's Dongshih
Township.

The 200-kilogram sea turtle was found near the Waisanding Sandbar.

A joint inspection by the Ocean Conservation Administration and a veterinary
team from the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium cleared the rare
animal for immediate release after finding only minor abrasions.

It marks the Ocean Conservation Administration's first successful live rescue
and release of a leatherback sea turtle since the institute was established
in 2018.

Sightings of leatherback sea turtles are rare because the species mainly
inhabits deep ocean waters and rarely appears in the shallow coastal areas of
western Taiwan.

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

Hungary's new Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Peter Magyar, has been sworn in,
marking a shift from Viktor Orban's administration.

Magyar's pro-European Tisza party defeated Orban’s nationalist-populist
Fidesz at an election last month, gaining a two-thirds parliamentary
majority.

Magyar aims to reverse many of Orban's policies and tackle corruption.

He's also seeking to unblock 17 billion euros of EU funds frozen due to
rule-of-law concerns.

His administration includes 16 ministries, focusing on restoring democratic
institutions and the rule of law.

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

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has welcomed the test launch of a new
intercontinental ballistic missile as a key part of efforts to modernize the
country’s nuclear forces.

Putin said that the nuclear-armed Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile
is intended to replace the aging Soviet-built Voyevoda.

He announced that the Sarmat would enter combat service at the end of the
year.

Putin’s statement comes days after his claim that the conflict in Ukraine is
coming to an end.

This comes as Ukrainian drone pilots turned a military exercise in Sweden
into a critical warning for NATO.

The pilots, playing the role of the enemy in the exercise, said they
destroyed Swedish forces with drones — and that if the exercise had been a
real life scenario, the Western forces would have been dead.

The exercise was designed to test what Sweden and its allies would do in a
scenario where they are facing increased sabotage and critical infrastructure
attacks from an enemy.

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

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is heading to the Middle East and Europe
this week in what's being seen as his most high-profile diplomatic trip of
the year.

He's expected to boost energy ties with the UAE and bolster trade relations
with Nordic countries during the five-day trip.

Ishan Garg tells us more from New Delhi.

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

Two big entertainment events kick off in Europe this week...

The 79th Cannes Film Festival has kicked off.... Tuesday marked the start of
12 days of nonstop premieres that will culminate on May 23 with the
presentation of the prestigious Palme d’Or prize.

Meanwhile, the Eurovision Song Contest is starting in Vienna with tensions
simmering over Israel's participation.

Five countries are boycotting in protest over Israel's involvement.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations are planned, and security is tight with police
from Austria and Germany.

The second semifinal takes place tomorrow, and the top finishers from both
advance to Saturday's final.

Posted on 2026-05-12 18:35:14

Seismologists are warning that aftershocks of between magnitude 4 and 5 could
strike eastern Taiwan over the coming week ...

... following a magnitude 5-point-6 earthquake off the coast of Taitung
County this afternoon.

The quake hit just before 3 PM ... at almost 67 kilometers northeast of
Taitung County Hall ... at a depth of just under 23 kilometers ... and was
felt across much of Taiwan.

Experts say the shallow depth made the shaking more noticeable, especially in
eastern areas near the epicenter, with maximum intensity reaching level 4 in
Taitung and Hualien counties.

Seismologists say the quake appears to be an isolated event, though residents
are still being advised to remain cautious.

Historical records show the area is prone to earthquakes, with 25 quakes
above magnitude 5-point-5 recorded within 30 kilometers of the epicenter
since 1980.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-12 18:35:15

Meanwhile,

The foreign ministry is also responding today to China's latest move to block
Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly … which opens in Geneva
on Sunday.

MOFA says China's Foreign Ministry yesterday incorrectly invoked the
so-called one China principle to claim Taiwan needs Beijing's approval to
participate in international organizations.

The ministry called the remarks an attempt to suppress Taiwan's sovereignty
and said they deserve strong condemnation.

MOFA says health is a fundamental human right that should not be subject to
political interference, and that Taiwan has made significant contributions to
global public health and pandemic prevention that are widely recognized.

It is urging the WHO to reject Beijing's political pressure, and promptly
invite Taiwan to attend the World Health Assembly as an observer.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-12 18:35:15

Taiwan High Speed Rail says it will add extra train services with additional
half-price discounts ahead of the summer break for university students.

The operator announced 28 additional services offering half-price student
fares between June 11th and June 17th, as students begin traveling home for
the holiday.

The extra trains include northbound and southbound services stopping at all
stations.

THSR says the added services are on top of existing student discounts, which
already include selected 50-percent, 75-percent, and 88-percent fare offers.

Tickets for the additional discounted services will go on sale from midnight
on the morning May 14th, following the regular booking schedule.

The company is also reminding passengers using student discounts to carry
valid student identification when traveling.

Posted on 2026-05-12 17:08:14

Chunghwa post office ATMs experienced n outage today across the country...

with Users unable to withdraw or transfer money.

The issue went on for about half an hour before some branches started
reporting that the ATMs were back to normal.

But some have even said that online banking remains unavailable and it's
unclear if all branches' ATMs are back to normal or not

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-12 17:08:14

Leading tire maker Bridgestone has laid off 551 employees in Hsinchu,
including 360 Taiwanese and 191 foreign workers, as the company shuts down
its factory there.

The company said it is launching an operational transformation in Taiwan in
response to adjustments in its global business strategy and long-term market
development needs.

It has promised to offer a severance package that's better than what the
labor law requires.

The company arranged buses yesterday to take workers to four locations for
severance negotiations, with the first round of layoffs expected to begin in
July.

Bridgestone, a well-known Japanese tire company, established the factory in
Hsinchu 44 years ago, and most of the employees are middle-aged or older
people who have worked there for more than a decade.

Facing fierce competition from China and Southeast Asian countries, the
company said it had to make the decision, but it'll still operate sales and
services here in Taiwan.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-05-12 17:08:14

Protests in Nantou's Mingjian township have continued today, with protesters
being stopped by police after climbing over barriers separating panelists
from the public.

Nantou County is Taiwan's only municipality without its own incinerator, and
has in the past been forced to rely on neighbors for help.

But as those neighboring municipalities have no longer been able to help, and
trash continues to accumulate, the county government is looking to build its
own incinerator.

The plan has encountered opposition from local residents, who've raised
concerns about how an incinerator would affect the township's tea industry,
which employees one third of residents.

At today's meeting, residents asked the county government if they "had ever
asked Mingjian people if the incincerator should be built there" and called
for the head of the environmental department to be removed.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-12 17:08:14

Now turning to international news...

Pakistani police say, 9 people were killed in a bomb attack at a market.

The attack took place in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in northwest
Pakistan.

Officials added that more than 2 dozen other people were wounded in the
attack.

No group has yet claimed responsibility but suspicion is likely to fall on
the Pakistani Taliban.

That group is separate from by allied with the Aghan Taliban government and
has intensified its campaign against Pakistani security forces in recent
years.

The Pakistani Taliban and other militant groups have grown more emboldened
since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021.

Posted on 2026-05-12 17:08:14

New Taipei City is offering free admission to its public museums and historic
sites on May 18-th to celebrate International Museum Day.

The city's Cultural Affairs Department says on that day, visitors can enjoy
six public museums for free, including the Tamsui Historical Museum, the
Yingge Ceramics Museum, and the Pinglin Tea Museum..

The New Taipei City Art Museum will also offer free entry to its main
sections, though some special exhibitions may still require a fee.

Special activities are planned throughout the city, including guided tours of
the Danjiang Bridge and an interactive event at the Lin Family Mansion.

The department says the initiative is part of its campagin this year to make
art and history accessible to everyone.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-12 16:15:14

An earthquake shook the east coast just before 3pm today with a magnitude of
5.6.

The quake was centered nearly 70 kilometers northeast of Taitung County Hall,
in the ocean.

The earthquake took place at a depth of nearly 23 kilometers.

It was felt at a maximum intensity of 4 in Taitung and Hualien. In greater
Taipei, the intensity level was 1.

Posted on 2026-05-12 16:15:14

U-S President Donald Trump has said he will raise the issue of arms sales to
Taiwan during his meeting with China's Xi Jinping later this week.

It comes as Trump was asked by reporters at the White House whether the
Taiwan issue wil come up during the meeting.

Posted on 2026-05-12 16:15:14

In a related news...

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is warning that China is trying to distort
the issue of U-S arms sales to Taiwan ahead of the upcoming summit between
U-S President Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

The statement follows Trump saying he plans to discuss American arms sales to
Taiwan with Xi.

MOFA said that Beijing has repeatedly expressed what it called "unreasonable
and untenable positions" opposing the sales.

As China has continued to escalate threats to Taiwan and regional stability,
MOFA says it will work closely with Washington to strengthen deterrence.

It also welcomed recent statements by U-S Secretary of State Marco Rubio
reaffirming that U-S policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-12 16:15:14

National Taiwan Library has announced the publication of the first complete
Chinese translation of a 17th-century book documenting Taiwan.

The work, originally published in 1669, was written by Swiss painter and
soldier Albrecht Herport during his travels with the Dutch East India
Company.

The book includes detailed descriptions of Taiwan's environment, agriculture
and diverse communities during the Dutch colonial period.

It also contains firsthand accounts of the siege of Fort Zeelandia by Zheng
Chenggong, along with historical illustrations from the era.

The library said the new edition provides valuable insight into Taiwan's
early connections to global trade and history during the Age of Discovery.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-05-12 16:15:14

Turning to world news...

The US has been holding regular negotiations with Denmark to expand its
military presence in Greenland, according to a BBC news report.

The report also said that the talks between the two sides are progressing in
recent months.

US officials are seeking to open three new bases in the south of the
territory, a semi-autonomous part of Denmark, as they work to resolve a
diplomatic crisis sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump when he threatened
to seize Greenland by force.

Trump said in January that the US should "own" Greenland to prevent Russia or
China from taking it.

The White House confirmed the administration was engaged in high-level talks
with Greenland and Denmark, but declined to comment on details of the
negotiations.

A White House official said the administration was very optimistic about the
talks .

Posted on 2026-05-12 16:15:14

The global maritime industry is facing a looming shortage of the fuel that
powers ships as the Iran war chokes off the Strait of Hormuz.

About 80% of globally traded goods are transported by sea.

Ship operators rely on a sludgelike substance known as bunker fuel to move
those goods.

The world’s largest ship refueling hub is Southeast Asia, which places the
region at the center of growing concerns as prices skyrocket.

Experts say consumers and companies should brace for price spikes to shipping
costs and impacts to bottom lines.

They also say that Interest in so-called “green” fuels, which are more
expensive, could grow.

Posted on 2026-05-12 14:12:13

The DPP is expected to formally name Lawmaker Puma Shen to run for Taipei
Mayor tomorrow.

Members of the DPP's Election Strategy Committee were notified last night
that the committee would meet tomorrow morning to approve Shen's nomination.

Shen's eligibility is, though, contingent upon approval by the Central
Executive Committee.

A party spokesperson noted that Shen's campaign team has quitely begun
operations, naming Shen's colleagues to key positions, including Wu Si Yao,
Wu Pei Yi, Chen Pei Yu, and Fan Yun.

Shen is a freshman party list lawmaker known for being vocal on defense
issues.

He faces an uphill battle against current Mayor Chiang Wan An.

Local media began to speculate that Shen was considering a run after he cut
his trademark shaggy hair in favor of a neater style and began appearing at
city council campaign events.

Shen has previously taught criminology at NTU, founded a civil defense
organization, and directed a lab that investigates disinformation against
democracies.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-05-12 14:12:15

Taiwan's real average regular wage posted its strongest first-quarter growth
in 11 years in 2026, as pay increases continued to outpace inflation.

The Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics says average
monthly regular wages in the industrial and service sectors rose nearly
2-point-7 percent from a year earlier ... averaging 48-thousand-706 NT per
month.

After adjusting for inflation, average real wages increased 1-point-4-5
percent, the fastest pace for a first quarter since 2015.

Average total earnings, at $57,500 with bonuses and overtime pay, also
recorded their strongest first-quarter growth in eight years.

Officials say continued expansion in AI-related industries helped boost
overtime, performance bonuses and overall salaries.

Median wage figures, which better reflect typical earnings, stood at a little
over $39-thousand NT in March.

Officials warned that rising global energy prices linked to Middle East
tensions could increase inflationary pressure in the months ahead.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-05-12 14:12:15

Now turning to international news...

US President Donald Trump is set to leave for Beijing for talks with his
Chinese counterpart.

The US has been trying to persuade China to use its influence over Iran to
reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

China insists it wants the war to end... even as the US accuses Chinese firms
of aiding Iran's military.

The US side has set lot expectations for the visit to change China's stance.

Instead, they're framing the focus on keeping trade relations stable.

Analysts say a win for leader Xi Jinping would mean a validation of China'
superpower status, stability vis a vis tariffs, and to reaffirm that Trump
has to deal with Beijing on Beijing's terms.

Posted on 2026-05-12 14:12:15

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at 41898 after
gaining 108 points.

The turnover was 1.378 trillion NT

Posted on 2026-05-12 14:12:15

A new wave of gang violence in Haiti has forced hundreds of people to flee,
leaving them scattered along a road.

Clashes erupted over the weekend in northern neighborhoods of Port au Prince.

Gangs have overtaken more than 90% of the city since the assassination of the
president in 2021.

Police say they have now expanded activity into the countryside.

The U.N. Security Council has approved a 5,550-member force to help quell the
violence, but it has not fully arrived.

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

Legislative Speaker Han Guo-yu, who's leading a delegation of lawmakers on a
trip to France, visited the Paris-based French Institute of International
relations on Monday.

During a speech there, Han said Taiwan faces a great deal challenges and
threats, and if the situation in the Taiwan Strait were to change, the most
unpredictable factor would be the level of support from the international
community.

He said the more friends Taiwan has internationally, and the more attention
it receives, the safer Taiwan will be.

The Speaker also said he hopes more people from various sectors in France
will visit Taiwan to deepen bilateral ties, and that French universities
could establish branches in Taiwan.

The delegation will visit the U.K. after completing their trip to France.

(JL)

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

The Ministry of Culture is responding to controversy over a new logo for
TaiPower, saying that design is a highly specialized field, involving many
different considerations.

The comment comes after Taipower decided to change its company logo and font
design at an estimated cost of 960,000 NT.

The state-run company said the change is part of a broader transformation and
modernization of the company.

But the change has come under fire as some said that the new designer was
chosen due to their political leanings.

Some also criticized the company as wasting money on unnecessary changes,
seeing as it's already deep in the red.

Culture Minister Li Yuan, on the other hand, said today that people often
have different perceptions of a design and such matters are best left to
professional judgment.

(AH)

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

Taipei firefighters were called to Dadaocheng Wharf this morning after two
people fell into the river.

An elderly man fell in, leading a much younger bystander to jump in to try to
save him.

The two were both swept away, however, firefighters were able to retrieve the
unconscious elderly man a few hours later.

The man was OHCA on arrival and was sent to the hospital.

Rescuers are still searching for the younger man.

(AH)

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

10/7 attack

Now turning to international news...

Israeli lawmakers are moving to authorize death sentences for Palestinians
convicted of taking part in the October 7th, 2023, attack on Israel.

The measure to set up a special tribunal that would hear such cases passed
unanimously.

Rights groups have criticized the measure, saying it makes the death penalty
too easy to impose...

without enough safeguards to ensure a fair trial.

Defendants can appeal sentences, but the appeals have to be heard by a
separate and specific appeals court, rather than a regular one.

The bill is separate from a law passed in March that approved the death
penalty for Palestinians convicted of murdering Israelis...

a measure harshly condemned by the international community and rights groups
as discriminatory and inhumane.

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

And in related news in the Occupied West Bank ...

A Palestinian family says that Israeli settlers forced them to dig up the
body of a relative that had just been buried.

The Israeli military gave permission to the family to use the cemetery, but
armed settlers claimed the land.

They then threatened to dig up the grave, forcing the family to move the
body.

The incident highlights the influence extremist settlers have gained during
the past four years of Israel's current government...

and the Israeli military's inability or unwillingness to halt settler
violence and land seizures.

Separately, a Palestinian man that Israeli police said was armed with a rifle
was shot and killed by Israeli forces near a school for refugees on the
outskirts of Jerusalem.

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

France and Kenya are cohosting the Africa Forward Summit this week as France
looks to push a new Africa policy that it calls a "partnership of equals."

This comes as France completes a military withdrawal from West African
countries.

France has long maintained a policy of economic, political, and military sway
over former colonies, called "francafrique," which included keeping thousands
of troops in the region.

But years of criticism from some in those countries led France to withdraw
most of the troops.

Kenya's newly ratified defense agreement with France has been criticized by
civil groups as granting too much immunity from local law to French troops...

a sensitive issue in a country where a similar agreement with the UK that
left a trail of hard-to-prosecute crimes.

Posted on 2026-05-12 11:06:13

A-I related stocks pushed the Tai-Ex to a new intraday high in early trading
the morning.

The main board added 367-points to reach 42,157 -- surpassing the seven-day
high of 42,156.

The markets four major heavyweights were mixed.

With Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing rising 15 N-T to 2,250 N-T and
MediaTek adding 30 N-T to hit 3,910 N-T.

However, Delta Electronics fell 25 N-T to settle at 2,220 N-T and Hon Hai was
marginally lower from Monday's close.

Analysts says investors are keeping a close eye on the pending US-China
summit as news from that meeting is expected dictate the market's direction
towards the end of the week.

Posted on 2026-05-12 11:06:13

The Ministry of National Defense is reporting nine Chinese Air Force sorties
operating near Taiwan between 6AM Monday and 6AM today.

Of those sorties, five aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan strait
and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern air defense identification
zones.

The aircraft included fighter jets, support planes and helicopters.

Seven Chinese Navy vessels and one maritime patrol vessel were also spotted
operating in Taiwan Strait over the same 24-hour period.

Posted on 2026-05-12 11:06:13

And,

Taiwan powerlifters have bagged the gold and silver medals in the women's
under 48-kilogram division at the 2026 Asian Weightlifting Championships in
India.

Huang Yi-chen secured the gold with a total lift of 193-kilograms, while Fang
Wan-ling followed closely behind by just 1-kilogram at 192-kilograms for a
silver medal.

Taiwan sent 15 competitors to this year's Asian Weightlifting Championships.

Taiwan's women's weightlifting ace and Olympic champion Kuo Hsing-chun chose
not to participate in this year's championship.

She has said she's preparing for the 20th edition of the Asian Games - which
will be taking place in Japan in mid-September.

Posted on 2026-05-12 11:06:13

In international news,

U-S President Donald Trump says the ceasefire with Iran is "on life support"
after Tehran's response to Washington's proposal to end the war made clear
the two sides were still far apart on a number of issues.

The A-P Sagar Meghani reports.

Posted on 2026-05-12 11:06:13

The Dutch luxury cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak is now heading to
the Netherlands after the last six passengers and some crew members were
evacuated from the vessel.

The ship now carrying 25 crew as well as a doctor and a nurse.

The Dutch Foreign Ministry says crew will complete their quarantine in the
Netherlands.

A Dutch couple and a German national have died since the start of the
outbreak on the ship of the virus.

The hantavirus is usually spread by wild rodents but can also be transmitted
person-to-person in rare cases of close contact.

Posted on 2026-05-12 11:06:13

Britain's Prime Minster Keir Starmer is coming under renewed pressure to step
down.

It comes after more than 70 Labour party lawmakers have publicly called for
the prime minister's resignation after his appeal for another chance
seemingly fell on deaf ears.

Starmer made an impassioned plea to both his party and voters to stick with
him in order to avoid a leadership contest he said would only bring chaos.

The four ministerial aides said they were resigning as they believe Starmer
was not fit to lead Labour into the next national election, which is due in
2029.

That could trigger a leadership contest that could last weeks, if not months.

Posted on 2026-05-12 11:06:13

And finally,

The Beatles are returning to one of their iconic sites with a new fan
experience in London next year.

The A-P's Haya Panjwani reports.

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

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung says the government remains confident that
Taiwan-US ties will remain stable, but will be closely watching how the
Taiwan issue will be addressed when U-S President Donald Trump meets with
China's Xi Jinping later this week.

Trump is scheduled to arriving in Beijing on Wednesday evening and hold a
summit with Xi on Thursday morning.

U-S Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last week that although Taiwan will
likely be on the agenda, both Washington and Taipei view maintaining
stability in the Taiwan Strait as being in their interests.

According to the foreign minister, the government is maintaining close
communication with Washington through all available channels, and U-S
officials have provided repeated reassurances that U-S policy on Taiwan has
not and will not change.

Lin says Washington has indicated it wants to focus on issues related to the
trade war, fentanyl and the Middle East during the summit, while it is
Beijing that has been insisting on raising the Taiwan issue.

The foreign minister also says that while Trump may be less conventional in
his rhetoric, both his first administration and his current term have
continued to approve arms sales to Taiwan and view Taiwan as an indispensable
partner ...

.. and the government should be concerned, but not overly worried.

Posted on 2026-05-12 08:13:16

Tai-Power has announced that it will implement its annual summer electricity
rates for residential users from June through September.

The average monthly bill is expected to rise to 1,084 N-T during that period.

Summer rates for approximately 15-million residential and small commercial
users will begin June 1 and end on September 30.

While seasonal pricing for around 26,000 high-voltage and extra high-voltage
users begins this Saturday and runs through to October 15.

According state-generator, the average monthly household usage throughout the
year is about 345-kilowatt-hours, while the average monthly domestic usage in
the summer rises to 418-kilowatt-hours - pushing bills up by nearly 70-per
cent.

Tai-Power says higher costs to residential consumers during the summer, are
due largely to increased electricity usage rather than the rate hike ... and
electricity usage accounts for 73-per cent of the increase, while the higher
seasonal rates make up 27-per cent.

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

The Taipei City government is continuing a cleaning and sanitation drive
across all 12 administrative districts this week, as it seeks to combat
concerns about recent increases in rat sightings.

According to the city government, the cleaning drive that began last Friday
in Zhongshan District is is now being expanded to other city districts
through Thursday.

City officials say sanitation work focused on Datong, Wanhua and Zhongzheng
districts on Monday, and will focus on Nangang, Wenshan and Neihu districts
today.

It will continue tomorrow in Songshan, Daan and Xinyi districts, before
concluding on Thursday in Shilin and Beitou districts.

The city government says the sanitation drive will be carried out by teams of
disinfection and sanitation workers, as well as by local volunteers, who will
focus on cleaning parks and clearing debris piled up in alleys.

While some Taipei residents say they have noticed more rats recently, the
Centers for Disease Control says there is currently no indication of
increased disease risk.

Posted on 2026-05-12 08:13:20

The Ministry of Health says it plans to review the possibility of tightening
medical privacy regulations.

The statement comes after D-P-P lawmaker Lin Shu-fen warned that current
guidelines fail to adequately protect patients from illicit filming and the
potential leakage of sensitive medical footage.

Lin made that comment amid widening hidden-camera scandal involving several
major aesthetic clinic chains, where recording devices were allegedly
concealed inside smoke detectors.

According to Lin, the health ministry's current privacy guidelines as overly
loose and vague and lack a clear legal basis and impose no specific penalties
for violations.

Lin says relying primarily on the Personal Data Protection Act is
insufficient due to the particular sensitivity of medical privacy issues.

She is now calling on the health ministry to consider classifying medical
recordings as part of official medical records to ensure stricter safeguards
and security standards.

Posted on 2026-05-12 08:13:21

An employee at a horror-themed entertainment venue in Taipei's Xinyi District
has almost died after being accidentally strangled while playing the role of
a ghost who had died by hanging.

The employee at the escape room was found in a state of cardiac and
respiratory arrest when first responders from the Taipei City Fire Department
- who rushed to the scene after receiving an emergency call.

Paramedics administered C-P-R to the woman and took her to a nearby hospital,
where she regained her vital signs.

An investigation into the incident has found that the woman was strangled by
a prop rope around her neck.

Police have questioned several witnesses and examined surveillance video
footage - ruling out foul play.

However, the woman's family filed a criminal complaint for bodily injury.

The Yongchun Hospital escape room run by Rostart Games has been referred to
authorities for labor and workplace safety inspections.

Posted on 2026-05-12 08:13:22

And finally,

The National Taxation Bureau is warning about a rise in fake tax refund
notifications during the current filing season.

The bureau says scammers are sending unsolicited emails and text messages
claiming recipients can collect large or overdue refunds.

According to officials say fraudsters are using A-I-generated messages that
impersonate government agencies and create a false sense of urgency.

The bureau has issued a list of four warning signs regarding fake tax refund
notifications ..

.. and they include unsolicited refund messages, pressure tactics like
"expires soon" or "act now," fake websites using non-government domains, and
requests for personal data such as I-D numbers or bank account details.

Officials says the tax bureau would never contact taxpayers about refunds by
text, email, or social media ... and will never ask for banking or credit
card information.

Anyone who receives a suspicious message are being urged to call the
anti-fraud hotline at 165 or contact their local tax office.

Posted on 2026-05-12 06:57:13

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is trying to arrange a trip to Geneva to take
part in events being organized by the government and N-G-O's there to
coincide with the annual World Health Assembly.

This comes after the government said Taiwan has yet to receive an invitation
to attend the event.

Yesterday, China said it had decided against letting the "Taiwan area"
attending this year's W-H-A - effectively ending the government's hopes of
getting and invitation.

It's the 10th consecutive year that Taiwan has been shunned by the W-H-A.

The foreign minister says his agency is drafting plans for a possible trip to
Geneva, but he didn't provide additional details, saying only that the
foreign ministry will publicly announce the visit if the plans are finalized.

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang has said along with the regular side events
and seminars, this year's Taiwan W-H-A action team will also be holding an
exhibition showcasing the island's smart healthcare innovations and overseas
medical aid programs.

The 79th World Health Assembly is scheduled to take place in Geneva from May
18 to 23

Posted on 2026-05-12 06:57:13

K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun says Taiwan should move beyond its Cold War-era
role as part of the "first island chain" in pursuit of regional prosperity.

Cheng said Taiwan's role as part of the first island chain mirrored its
position on "the front line of war" between eastern and western blocs during
the Cold War - and she believes that's a situation that should change.

The KMT chairperson said she hopes areas stretching from Japan and South
Korea to Taiwan, China's southeastern coast, Hong Kong and Singapore can
become peaceful and prosperous regions instead of strategic front lines
shaped by rivalry between major powers.

Cheng said she became more convinced of the possibility of peace and
stability across the Taiwan Strait after meeting with China's Xi Jinping in
Beijing in early April.

The K-M-T chairwoman went on to say that support from the U-S would be
crucial to such a shift in the geopolitical landscape -- and reconciliation
and cooperation between Washington and Beijing would be the "greatest
blessing to the world."

Posted on 2026-05-12 06:57:13

The Ministry of Health has announced draft amendments to Sexual Assault Crime
Prevention Act and the Child and Youth Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act.

The planned revisions seek to change the starting point for the statute of
limitations in sexual assault cases involving minors to when a victim turns
20.

... and they are aimed at ensuring victims can seek justice after gaining a
better understanding of their victimization and having greater resources to
speak out.

Under current regulations, the statute of limitations begins from the date an
offense was committed, making it difficult for victims abused as minors to
pursue legal action after reaching adulthood.

The draft amendments will now undergo a 30-day public notice period before
being reviewed by the Cabinet and submitted to the Legislature.

The Ministry of Health is insisting that amendments align with a separate
Cabinet proposal in January to revise the Criminal Code that also addresses
the statute of limitations for sexual assault cases involving minors.

The statute of limitations in Taiwan for sex crimes involving minors
currently varies depending on the type of offense.

Posted on 2026-05-12 06:57:13

An appeal by a Chinese woman married to a Taiwanese national to obtain
"settlement residency" in Taiwan has been denied due to her past employment
in Chinese state-linked entities.

The Cabinet's appeal committee also upheld a previous Ministry of the
Interior review committee ruling that barred the woman from reapplying for
settlement residency for three years.

The woman can file an administrative appeal within two months of receiving
the decision.

The woman first applied for "settlement residency" in August 2025, but the
interior ministry's review committee rejected her application in early
November.

The Cabinet's appeal committee upheld that committee's view that her previous
employment "clearly" fell within the restricted category.

"Settlement residency" is intermediate status granted to Chinese spouses in
Taiwan, allowing them to apply for household registration in Taiwan within a
30-day window and thereby obtain Taiwanese citizenship.

Under laws governing residency applications by Chinese nationals, people who
currently or previously held posts in Chinese Communist Party, government,
military or political entities in China may be denied "settlement residency."

Posted on 2026-05-12 06:57:13

National Development Council Minister Yeh Chun-hsien says Taiwan
Semiconductor Manufacturing's investment project in Arizona is progressing
better than expected, but faces challenges such as water and labor shortages.

After a trip to the facility, Yeh said the chipmaker's Arizona site turned a
profit of 16.14-billion N-T in 2025 -- its first full year of mass
production.

T-S-M-C executives have reportedly said the company was surprised by the
smooth trial run of the first fab, which has left it optimistic about the
project's outlook.

But Yeh says the company is also voicing concerns about several challenges,
including water shortages, as Arizona's climate has made securing sufficient
water resources a major concern.

Yeh says T-S-M-C hopes to receive support from the Arizona state government.

The first fab at T-S-M-C's Arizona campus began mass production in the fourth
quarter of 2024, while construction of a second fab has been completed, with
mass production scheduled to begin in the second half of 2027.

Construction of a third fab started earlier this year.

Posted on 2026-05-12 06:57:13

Taiwan's tertiary student population fell to 1.057 million in the 2025-2026
academic year - a decline of about 21.8-per cent over the past 14 years.

Ministry of Education data shows that Taiwan currently has 139 universities
and colleges in the 2025-2026 academic year, including 47 public and 92
private institutions.

The total number of tertiary institutions has fallen by 13, with the closure
of one public and 12 private institutions.

The ministry says there are 1.057 million tertiary students in the 2025-2026
academic year, including 208,000 postgraduate students and 849,000
undergraduates.

Compared with the 2011-2012 academic year, total tertiary enrollment has
dropped by about 295,000 over 14 years, or 21.8 percent.

The education ministry attributes the decline to a drop in undergraduate
enrollment.

Posted on 2026-05-12 06:57:13

Taiwan inventions have won 11 gold medals at the 125th edition of the
Concours Lepine.

The annual invention fair and competition is held in Paris and brought
together several hundred inventors from around the world.

Entries included categories such as daily life, artistic creation, health and
inclusiveness, and transport and industry.

Taiwan's delegation presented 64 inventions at this year's fair.

One of Taiwan's gold medal-winning daily life-oriented inventions was the
"StellartMag" created by junior high school student Kao Hsing-hang that uses
magnets to help cyclists attach their everyday shoes to pedals.

Other gold medal-winning Taiwan inventions included a one-handed injection
aid, an automatic sink-cleaning system, and sound-absorbing curtains.

The Concours Lepine was founded in 1901.

Posted on 2026-05-12 06:57:13

Philippine lawmakers overwhelmingly voted to impeach Vice President Sara
Duterte.

Duterte was accused in an impeachment complaint of misusing public funds,
accumulating unexplained wealth and threatening the lives of President
Ferdinand Marcos Jr, his wife and the former House speaker.

Duterte denies the charges.

The complaint by activists, religious groups and lawyers was backed on Monday
by 257 lawmakers, easily passing the required threshold of one-third of house
seats, with 25 voting against and nine abstentions.

The Senate must now convene a trial with its members as jurors and if
convicted, she faces removal from office and a ban from politics.

Duterte's father is former president Rodrigo Duterte... who now awaits trial
at the International Criminal Court over a his war on drugs that killed
thousands of people.

Posted on 2026-05-12 06:57:13

Ukrainian authorities on Monday named President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's
powerful former chief of staff as a suspect in a major corruption probe.

In a statement, Ukraine's anti-graft agencies said Zelenskyy's right hand man
Andy Yermak is suspected of participating in a criminal group that laundered
around $10.5 million through an elite housing development outside the capital
Kyiv.

The agencies did not name Yermak, in line with Ukrainian law, but he was
widely identified by local media.

Yermak denies the allegations.

The case is part of a broader probe into high-level graft first unveiled last
November, when a former Zelenskiy business partner was accused of running a
$100 million kickback scheme at the state atomic agency.

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