ICRT

Posted on 2026-06-26 20:08:49

At least two people have died as torrential rain entered a second day in
Taiwan, triggering widespread flooding and emergency rescues across the
island.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs had said nearly 500 flooding incidents have
been reported since yesterday, with Kaohsiung, Pingtung, Taipei and Tainan
among the hardest-hit areas.

Officials say floodwaters have stranded residents, inundated homes and forced
rescue teams to carry out evacuations in parts of southern Taiwan.

Forecasters say the heavy rain is being fueled by a seasonal weather front,
strengthened southwesterly winds and the outer bands of Tropical Storm
Mekkhala.

Forecasters warn that heavy rain is expected to continue through this evening
... although conditions should gradually improve over the weekend.

Posted on 2026-06-26 20:08:49

New Taipei's long-awaited Sanying Metro Line will officially open on June
30th, or this coming Tuesday ... with free rides for passengers using transit
smart cards through the end of August.

The new 14.3-kilometer line has 12 stations linking Tucheng, Sanxia and
Yingge, and is expected to cut travel times between the Sanying area and
central Taipei by about 20 minutes.

Passengers will be able to transfer to Taipei Metro's Blue Line at Dingpu
Station and Taiwan Railway services at Yingge Station.

Ahead of the opening, Taipei Metro says it is reconfiguring Blue Line trains
to handle an expected increase in passengers transferring at Dingpu during
the morning rush.

The trains are being modified with fewer seats and more standing room,
allowing each train to carry about 72 additional passengers.

Taipei Metro is also adjusting train schedules and deploying extra staff at
busy stations.

Posted on 2026-06-26 20:08:49

Only certified domestically produced milk will be allowed to use the term
"fresh milk" in its Chinese product name beginning July 1.

The Ministry of Agriculture says imported liquid milk labeled as "fresh milk"
in Chinese could face fines of up to 4 million NT under the new rules.

Officials say the changes are intended to help consumers more easily
distinguish between locally produced and imported milk.

Certified products will also begin carrying a Taiwan Fresh Milk logo printed
directly on their packaging instead of the stickers previously used.

The ministry says the new system will apply to about 330 companies and 13,000
retail outlets.

Posted on 2026-06-26 19:00:15

The New Taipei District Court was expected to decide today whether Airlee
Group President Chang Ju-shan (常如山) should remain in custody after
prosecutors indicted him yesterday ...

... over hidden camera allegations at cosmetic clinics.

Prosecutors have charged Chang and six others with secretly recording
customers at multiple clinic branches and are seeking a prison sentence of at
least 14 years for Chang.

Chang and two other suspects were transferred to the court this morning after
spending nearly two months in detention.

Investigators allege cameras disguised as smoke detectors were installed in
consultation rooms to secretly record customers changing clothes or exposing
intimate body parts.

Police say they identified 99 alleged victims, including four minors, and
believe the suspects attempted to remove cameras and recording equipment
after the scheme was uncovered.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-26 19:00:17

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai was out inspecting flood control projects this
afternoon ... as torrential rain continued to affected southern Taiwan.

Chen visited projects Jiading and Hunei, where he instructed officials to
continue strengthening drainage operations and closely monitor local
conditions.

He also called for faster progress on flood control projects in low-lying
coastal areas that are especially vulnerable when heavy rain coincides with
high tide.

The city says more than 1,400 cleanup workers have been deployed since
Tuesday to clear drains and remove debris.

Officials say several districts, including Meinong, Dashu and Cishan, have
recorded more than 500 millimeters of rain in recent days, while parts of
Kaohsiung's urban districts have received more than 350 millimeters.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-26 19:00:17

An Evergreen-operated cargo ship has safely exited the Strait of Hormuz after
being struck by an unidentified object while transiting the strategic
waterway.

Evergreen says the crew, vessel and cargo were all unharmed.

The Singapore-flagged Ever Lovely was damaged on the starboard side of its
bridge late Wednesday near the coast of Oman.

Media reports citing unnamed sources say the ship was hit by a projectile,
while Reuters quoted U.S. officials as saying Iran fired on the vessel.
Another security source suggested it may have been struck by a drone.

Evergreen says two other ships in its fleet also passed safely through the
strait and that none of its vessels remain in the Persian Gulf.

(MW)

Posted on 2026-06-26 19:00:17

In related news,

The European Union is moving to extend temporary protection for millions of
Ukrainians who fled Russia's invasion.

The proposed one-year extension would keep the program in place until March
2028, but would exclude some new arrivals who are eligible for military
service.

Ukraine has been seeking to strengthen its armed forces as the war continues.

More than 4.4 million Ukrainians have received temporary protection in the
European Union since 2022, with most living in Germany and Poland.

The Council of Europe says Ukraine remains too dangerous for many people to
return and has warned against scaling back protections.

Posted on 2026-06-26 19:00:17

Heavy rain has triggered flooding in parts of western Japan as two
approaching tropical storms combine with a seasonal rain front.

Japan's weather agency says Tropical Storms Mekkhala and Higos are expected
to bring more heavy rain as they move toward the Tokyo region on Saturday.

Flooding alerts have been issued in parts of Kyoto, Osaka and other areas in
western Japan.

Officials say more than 30 homes have been flooded, while heavy rain has also
disrupted some train services and flights.

One man was injured after falling into a waterway in Nara, according to
Japan's public broadcaster NHK.

Posted on 2026-06-26 18:46:13

Forecasters warn that heavy rain is expected to continue across much of
western Taiwan through Friday night.

They say a weather front, southwesterly winds and the outer bands of Tropical
Storm Mekkhala are continuing to bring unstable weather.

Torrential rain warnings remain in effect for Kaohsiung and
Pingtung, while heavy rain advisories cover much of northern, central and
southern Taiwan.

The weather agency says rainfall is expected to ease in northern Taiwan
overnight, though rainy conditions are likely to persist in parts of the east
and south.

Forecasters say some areas in western Taiwan could still see heavy rain on
Saturday before conditions begin to stabilize on Sunday.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-06-26 18:46:13

In related news,

Taipei could be on track to record its wettest June since weather records
began.

The Central Weather Administration says the Taipei Weather Station has
recorded more than 800 millimeters of rain so far this month, surpassing the
previous June record set in 1991.

The weather agency says the figures will be officially confirmed after the
data is verified early next month.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-26 18:46:13

Most Taiwan Railway services are back to normal after two days of heavy rain
...

... although part of the Neiwan Line in Hsinchu County remains closed due to
a rockfall.

Officials say it was caused by the weather ... forcing the closure of the
section between Zhuzhong and Zhudong.

Rail replacement bus services are operating while crews work to clear the
route.

Meanwhile, services on the Pingxi Line in New Taipei between Ruifang and
Jingtong resumed at 2 PM ... after rainfall eased and inspections confirmed
the line was safe to reopen.

Taiwan Railway is advising passengers to check the latest service information
before traveling as weather conditions continue to be monitored.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-26 18:46:13

Taipei Metro is modifying Blue Line trains ahead of the June 30 opening of
the New Taipei MRT Sanying Line, which will connect with the Blue Line at
Dingpu Station.

The transit operator says it expects about 1,500 additional passengers to
transfer at Dingpu during the weekday morning rush.

To increase capacity, Blue Line trains are being reconfigured with fewer
seats and more standing space, including designated areas for strollers.

According to the metro operator, the changes will allow each train to carry
about 72 more passengers and improve the flow of people boarding and exiting
the trains.

Taipei Metro says it is also adjusting train schedules and deploying
additional staff at busy stations, with the remaining train modifications
expected to be completed by the end of the year.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-26 18:46:13

The American Institute in Taiwan is reminding US citizens now is the time to
prepare for the upcoming mid-term elections.

All US citizens can vote in federal elections… for US House and Senate seats…
and may be able to vote in local elections in their home state too.

The first step is for US citizens to register in their home state, and
request an overseas absentee ballot.

The federal web site, "triple w dot FVAP dot gov" (www.fvap.gov), can help
American voters… and direct them to their respective state office for
completing registration and ballot request.

If voters need to return any registration applications, or ballots… they can
mail them through the post office, or drop them off at AIT’s Taipei or
Kaohsiung offices. Materials dropped off at AIT need US postage, or a
postage-free return envelope.

AIT warns that transit times can take up to three weeks, so act early to
ensure the vote is counted.

US midterm elections are on November 3rd this year.

(TB)

Posted on 2026-06-26 17:11:13

Premier Zhou Rong Tai headed to the Water Resources Agency's disaster
response center today.

Zhuo says, as heavy rain continues in many areas across the country, he's
asking local officials to re-inspect pumping equipment to make sure it's up
to snuff.

The premier says, over one hundred sites across Taiwan remain flooded.

He also urged continued prudence in monitoring the Wanli river barrier lake.

That's after over 200 Hualien residents were evacuated due to overflow risk.

Meanwhile...

the situation is especially severe in Pingtung, where some parts of the
county got over 900 milimeters of rain over the past 2 days.

In that same time period, some parts of Kaohsiung exceeded 630 milimeters,
and Tainan and New Taipei exceeded 400.

Pingtung Magistrate Zhou Chun Mi says, the rainfall accumulation in the
county is second only to that of Typhoon Morakot.

She says, it's currently most important to wait for the water to recede.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-26 17:11:14

The KMT is opting against pursuing a referendum on caning for the time being.

The party says it wants to wait until there's greater consensus on the issue
before bringing it to a public vote.

KMT Lawmaker Hong Meng Kai, who's been vocal in his support for the corporal
punishment tactic, says today that he's "unable to understand" but respects
the party's decision.

Hong says, if there can't be a referendum, he will propose an amendment to
the law instead.

Originally, the party had planned to push for a referendum on the issue
alongside this fall's elections.

The KMT says, it's prioritizing issues with greater social consensus at this
stage.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-26 17:11:15

The DPP is slamming the opposition for stalling the central budget, saying
the failure to pass the 2026 budget means that the central government is
unable to dispatch several billion NT in disaster preparedness funds.

A spokesman today said that opposition lawmakers have delayed the general
budget for over 300 days...

affecting disaster prevention, relief, and flood control projects.

The spokesman added that the government is currently legally only allowed to
utilize funds from the previous year's existing plans.

But, the truly crucial emergency funds are unable to be used.

The KMT has said that the government should explain how disaster funds are
being used...

rather than saying there's no money for disaster relief.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-26 17:11:15

Now turning to internaitonaln ews...

Russia says it intercepted 660 Ukrainian drones overnight over 12 regions as
well as the illegally annexed Crimea.

It appears to be one of the biggest drone attacks on Russia and Crimea since
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

In recent months, Ukraine has stepped up its aerial campaign against Russian
military installations and energy facilities.

Its success has caused fuel shortages and disrupted army supply lines,
stalling Moscow’s war efforts after more than four years of fighting.

The major attack came hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
said on X that he had ordered “a 40-day influence operation。。。”

believed to mean an escalation of attacks, aimed at “compelling (Russia) to
end the war” after U.S. peace efforts over the past year yielded no
breakthrough.

Posted on 2026-06-26 17:11:15

Authorities in Myanmar have burned more than 600 million US dollars worth of
seized illegal drugs.

That's double the amount destroyed last year.

Massive stockpiles of heroin, methamphetamine, and ketamine were destroyed in
nation-wide events, marking the U.N.’s International Day Against Drug Abuse.

Experts say that illicit drug production in Myanmar has surged since the 2021
military takeover and resulting civil war.

The ruling government claims that ethnic militias are complicit in the
narcotics trade as a means of funding insurgency.

Some of these armed groups may have been involved in the drug trade, but
others have begun their own drug crackdowns in areas under their control.

Posted on 2026-06-26 15:31:13

Authorities are warning the public not to swim, fish, or engage in other
activities around rivers and ponds downstream of the Shihmen Reservoir in the
south of Taoyuan City.

That's because water has been released from the reservoir, which will
increase the water level and the speed of the water flowing through certain
sections of the river.

This water has been released in order to discharge the roughly 250,000 cubic
metres of silt that has recently fallen into the reservoir and its downstream
ponds and river channels.

That’s about 7500 shipping containers, or about a third of how much
Evergreen’s Ever A-class container ships can hold.

This is the sixth time since its construction that the Amuping Silt Removal
Tunnel has been opened.

The operation should extend the usable lifespan of the reservoir.

As of 8 AM today, the water level of the Shihmen Reservoir was at 245 metres;
that's 99.8 per cent of its total storage capacity.

(JM)

Posted on 2026-06-26 15:31:13

New Taipei's long-awaited Sanying Metro Line is set to officially open on
June 30th (next Tuesday), with free rides for passengers using transit smart
cards through August 31st.

Mayor Hou Yu-ih says the two-month trial period is intended to gather
passenger feedback while officials continue refining services and station
facilities.

The 14.3-kilometer line has 12 stations linking Tucheng, Sanxia and Yingge,
cutting travel times between the Sanying area and central Taipei by about 20
minutes.

Passengers will be able to transfer to the Taipei Metro's Blue Line at Dingpu
Station and Taiwan Railway services at Yingge Station.

City officials say the opening will expand New Taipei's metro network to 108
kilometers, making it the longest in Taiwan.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-26 15:31:13

Opens Sunday

The annual "Yehliu Night Tours See the Queen's Head Illuminated at Night" is
returning to Yehliu Geopark starting this weekend.

Starting this Sunday through to July 12th, the event blends advanced
audiovisual technology with the park's iconic coastal rock formations.

Tours travel through themed zones before ending at the Queen's Head area,
with a synchronised light and sound display.

Live performances are scheduled for opening night and then across the next
two weekends, from Thursday through Sunday.

Tickets are available for purchase and free shuttle buses run on weekends.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-06-26 15:31:13

memory (RAM)

Apple hiked the price of its iPads and MacBooks yesterday, and Microsoft did
the same for its Xbox gaming console.

Apple said "the consumer electronics industry is facing an unprecedented
challenge", and attributed the price hikes to the wildly increasing cost of
memory and storage chips.

The world's major memory manufacturers, such as Samsung, Micron, and SK
Hynix, have diverted their production towards AI chipmakers like NVIDIA.

That has led to record profits for these manufacturers, but also reduced
production capacity for consumer electronics.

Apple's cheapest laptop, the MacBook Neo, is now roughly 950 USD (30 000 NT),
up from 800 USD (25 000 NT).

Microsoft's Xbox could cost as much as 800 USD (25 000 NT), up from 600 USD
(19 000 NT) less than a year ago.

However, Apple did not raise the price of its main product, the iPhone.

Micron has said that it expects the memory shortage to last until at least
2027.

Posted on 2026-06-26 15:31:13

Brooke George, a 23-year-old influencer from England, is facing death by
firing squad after being charged with the death of her boyfriend in Dubai.

She met the man online and was on her second visit to the Middle Eastern city.

Advocacy group Detained in Dubai says that she grabbed a kitchen knife in
self-defence after a violent attack by the man.

They say that she was forced to strip naked in front of male officers,
without the presence of a female officer.

The group adds that the United Arab Emirates "has a well-documented history
of criminalising and revictimising women who report violence".

Posted on 2026-06-26 15:31:13

The Supreme Court of the United States has given the Trump administration
another immigration-related victory.

In a 6-3 ruling, the court decided that only migrants who physically "arrive"
and step foot on American soil can apply for asylum and not those who simply
stop on the Mexican side of the US-Mexico border.

In the majority opinion, Justice Samuel Alito said that "in ordinary speech,
no one would say that a person 'arrives' in a place ... before the person
enters that place".

But dissenting Justice Sonia Sotomayor said that "more people will die; more
people will attempt to cross the border illegally, and some will make it
while others will not".

The policy dates from the Obama era, was rescinded during the Biden
presidency, and was revived by Trump in his second term.

Posted on 2026-06-26 14:33:13

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan An has visited Neihu today, where he pledged
compensation for residents affected by the severe flooding in the district.

He promised that applications from these residents would be given priority.

Chiang and other city officials inspected the areas hardest-hit in the
flooding yesterday, including Jinlong road and Section 3 of Neihu Road.

He assured the public that affected Neihu residents would have applications
for compensation given preferential treatment.

The city government says, if floodwaters reach 50 to 100 centimeters,
households can get 10,000 NT in compensation.

If they exceed 100 centimeters, each household can get 20,000 NT.

District offices will proactively conduct site inspections, and residents are
encouraged to take photos as evidence of the flood level.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-26 14:33:15

The Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation says, a downed tree was what likely
set off a slope landslide detector on the Hsinchu section of the track this
morning.

No trains were located in the affected area at the time, but trains were
forced to slow down, causing slight delays.

Personnel dispatched to the scene found that a downed tree had set off the
detector.

THSR says, ongoing heavy rain is hindering maintenance capabilities, so
trains will continue to operate at slower speeds through affected sections...

which may cause small delays.

THSR apologizes for the inconvenience.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-26 14:33:15

Major League Baseball's New York Yankees are betting on a Taiwanese teenager.

18-year-old pitcher Lai Chien-Fan 賴謙凡officially signed with the Yankees,
inking a deal worth up to a million US dollars including bonuses.

That's on top of an 875,000 dollar signing bonus alone.

The Yankees held a press conference in Taipei to introduce him, calling him a
future big-league talent.

Lai didn't start formal baseball training until junior high, but turned heads
at last year's Under-18 World Cup.

He posted a 1.00 ERA across seven relief innings with 14 strikeouts, helping
Taiwan capture bronze.

The Yankees' international scouting director praised Lai, calling the signing
proof of the team's renewed investment in Taiwan and the broader Asian
market.

(MW)

Posted on 2026-06-26 14:33:15

Taiwan shares are downt oday, with the benchmark tai ex suffering huge
losses, ending down 1683 points to close the session at 44571

The turnover was 1.549 trillion NT

Posted on 2026-06-26 14:33:15

Now turning to international news...

A new study has found that record-breaking heat in Europe this month would
have been impossible without climate change.

The study says that the heat would have been virtually impossible only 50
years ago...

and is 200 times more likely than 20 years ago.

That's as millions of people in France, Italy, Spain, the UK and elswhere are
experiencing temperatures and humidity this week associated with a heat dome.

Daytime temperatures have exceeded 40 degrees celsius in many places...

while high nighttime temperatures have also made it harder to cool down and
recover.

Reseachers say, it's the most severe heat wave to have ever been recorded in
that part of Europe.

Posted on 2026-06-26 13:08:13

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che 黃偉哲 says that the city is utilising all of its
water pumps to clear extreme flooding.

Huang visited flooded locations this morning and said that a high tide had
exacerbated the floods caused by extreme rain.

That's as Tainan's Guiren district has received nearly 290 milimeters of rain
today as of 12:30.

Huang said that although the tropical storm didn't directly hit Taiwan, the
storm's outer bands still caused heavy rain to fall on Tainan, leading the
city to cancel work and classes for the day.

Huang added that the city government has exhausted all means of flood
control, but that the Rende Retention Basin has demonstrated its efficacy in
alleviating flood conditions.

However, he added that local governments still require support from the
central government to address such extreme conditions.

Huang said that he hopes the Legislature will expedite the central
government's 2026 general budget to faciliate the upgrading of local flood
control standards.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-26 13:08:17

Officials are reminding the public to expect extra traffic during tomorrow's
Golden Melody Awards in Taipei.

Motorists should brace for extra traffic near the Taipei Arena tomorrow
between 5 and 7 pm.

Dunhua North Road, Nanjing East Road, Bade Road, and Beining Road will be
affected.

Officials also note that parking - even for a short time - will be strictly
prohibited in the area, with patrols in place.

Drivers and motorcyclists are encouraged to exercise patience if transiting
through the area tomorrow, and are urged to consider taking public transit if
possible.

Posted on 2026-06-26 13:08:17

Turkey has just defeated the United States, 3 to 2, for their first win at
the FIFA World Cup.

That was due to a literally last-minute goal by Kaan Ayhan, a defender born
in Germany, in the eighth minute of stoppage time at the end of the match
held at the Los Angeles Stadium.

But Turkey lost its first two games, so despite this win, Turkey finishes
last in its group and is going home.

In the other Group D fixture, Paraguay and Australia played to a goalless
draw, 0-0, in San Francisco.

The United States finish first in their group and will play Bosnia and
Herzegovina in their round-of-32 match next Thursday.

Australia finish second in their group and will also move on.

Paraguay finish third in their group and are in the running to be one of the
eight top third-place teams that will also move on to the elimination round.

Posted on 2026-06-26 13:08:17

Parisians will be unable to drink alcohol in public from noon today until 7
AM tomorrow, as authorities try to reduce the pressure on hospitals during a
heat wave hitting Europe right now.

France experienced its hottest day ever on Tuesday, before breaking that
record again on Wednesday.

At night, the temperature in Paris only went down to 26.4 degrees.

And a three-year-old child left alone in a car just outside the city was
found dead by its parents.

Three nuclear power plants have been taken offline because of the heat.

And 61 of France's 96 departments (or subnational divisions) are still on a
red heat alert today, down from 72 yesterday.

Temperatures are now expected to go down in France, but only because of
severe thunderstorms coming in from the Atlantic that have already caused the
cancellation of a music festival.

A global monitoring unit says that Europe is the fastest-warming continent,
with temperatures going up twice as fast as the global average.

Posted on 2026-06-26 13:08:17

France

And staying in France, more than fifty women have formed a collective to
demand the removal of the statute of limitations that currently applies to
rape and sexual assault cases in the country.

Currently, such cases have to be brought within 20 years of the date of the
crime if the victim was an adult, and within 30 years if the victim was a
minor.

These women have alleged that they were raped by, amongst others, Jeffrey
Epstein and his former business associate, model scout Jean-Luc Brunel.

Others have accused Egyptian businessman and owner of London's Harrods
department store, Mohammed Al-Fayed, who was the father of the boyfriend of
Princess Diana at the time of her death.

All three of these men have passed away.

One woman was quoted as saying, "Rape doesn't expire, trauma doesn't expire",
and the collective says that the statute of limitations makes them feel that
their cases "don't matter simply because of the date" when they took place.

Posted on 2026-06-26 12:17:13

All of Hsinchu City and parts of Hsinchu County are suspending work and
classes starting this hour, as heavy rainfall is causing flooding in many
areas.

This comes after two local schools called off classes earlier today, and
schools and offices are already closed in Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung due
to the rain.

Some trains on the High Speed Rail are also experiencing delays, amid
slowdowns for safety reasons.

And the Taiwan Railway Corporation suspended services between Tainan's
Yongkang and Kaohsiung's Gangshan stations, with some railway tracks flooded
in southern Taiwan.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-06-26 12:17:13

EVA Airways is inaugurating it first-ever non-stop flight between Taoyuan
International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport today.

The carrier says the new route means its North American network will grow to
include 10 gateways.

It also means EVA Airway's now has the most destinations and the largest
flight network from Taiwan to North America.

The Taipei–Washington D.C. route will be operated by Boeing 787-9 aircraft
featuring a three-class configuration - Royal Laurel Class, Economy Class,
and the new fourth-generation Premium Economy Class.

American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene has described the new
route as a milestone and says it is a vital upgrade to US-Taiwan bilateral
ties, technology exchanges, and cultural trade.

A cross-party delegation of lawmakers led by Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu
is scheduled to return to Taiwan from the U-S on EVA Airways's inaugural
flight following a six-day trip.

Posted on 2026-06-26 12:17:13

And finally in sports news and the Chinese Professional Baseball League.

Where last night's game between the Rakuten Monkeys and the C-T-B-C Brothers
at the Intercontinental Stadium in Taichung was rained off.

In this evening's games.

The Rakuten Monkeys play the Fubon Guardians at the Xinzhuang Stadium in New
Taipei.

And the C-T-B-C Brothers meet the T-S-G Hawks at the Intercontinental Stadium
in Taichung.

Both games, weather permitting, begin at 6:30.

However, fans are being advised to check the C-P-B-L's website before heading
to the stadiums.

Posted on 2026-06-26 12:17:13

Parts of India are facing severe water shortages due to poor rains and a weak
monsoon weather system.

Mumbai has already cut water supply to construction sites as its reservoirs
run low.

Farmers in the rural north of India are delaying planting their seeds, while
they plan nationwide strikes in August.

Farmers are already trying to deal with uncertainty caused by fertilizer
supplies interrupted by the Iran war, a federal trade agreement with the US,
and below-average rain predictons.

Climate experts say, the El Nino weather phenomenon combined with climate
change is likely to result in weak, erratic rainfall across India.

The rainy season in India usually begins in June but has been less
predictable in recent years.

Monsoon rains reached Mumbai earlier thsi week, about two weeks later than
normal.

The city has put in place water restrictions to try to bolster the city's
dwindling reservoirs.

Posted on 2026-06-26 12:17:13

And,

Formula 1 drivers will be carrying extra cooling gear for this weekend's
Austrian Grand Prix after "heat hazard" rules were activated as hot weather
causes disruption across Europe.

It's the first time Formula 1's heat rules have been used for a race in
Europe after being introduced last year.

A heat hazard applies when temperatures above 31-degrees are forecast for
race day.

It can get much hotter inside the cramped cockpits where drivers sit wearing
layers of flameproof clothing.

A forecast on Formula 1's website says the maximum temperature expected for
Sunday's race is expected to be 32-degrees.

Posted on 2026-06-26 11:09:13

Hsinchu county is warning motorists against transiting through some areas due
to heavy flooding.

They say, Hukou township's Shanye 山葉underpass, Sanyuan road三元, and Dasheng達生
underpass are currently flooded.

They say, the same goes for Xinfeng township's Datong underpass and Qiedong
茄苳road...

as well as in Qionglin芎林 township's Wende 文德road, and many areas of Xinpu新埔
and Zhubei.

Officials say, they've blocked off the affected roads and are carrying out
traffic controls.

They urge the public to abide by the traffic controls and take alternative
routes if possible.

The county government is also advising the public against going near
mountains and rivers...

while those in low-lying areas should be wary of flooding.

This comes as parts of the county have already gotten over 230 milimeters of
rain since midnight today.

The county government previously announced that some schools in Xinpu and
Wufeng townships will suspend work and classes.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-26 11:09:14

Some trains on the High Speed Rail are experiencing delays at this hour due
to ongoing heavy rain.

The THSR says that a slope landslide detector on the Hsinchu section of the
track activated this morning, suspending train traffic.

No trains were located in the affected area at the time, but trains passing
through will be moving at lower speeds for safety reasons.

After control center staff were able to confirm that there were no
abnormalities at the site, maintenance personnel were dispatched for furhter
observation.

THSR apologized for any inconvenience to passengers.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-26 11:09:14

North Korea says that leader Kim Jong Un has observed major weapons tests and
called for strengthening the military's "deadly and destructive offensive
posture."

State media said that the tests were meant to evaluate the power of a
"special mission" missile warhead.

According to the state news outlet, Kim said the results of the tests were
proof of the technological progress achieved in a push to bring about a
change in the fire posture on southern areas...

implying that the tested weapons systems target sites in South Korean
including US military bases there.

South Korea's Defense Ministry later said that it would drastically boost its
drone warfare capabilities.

Their statement also said that the north had received technological
assistance from Russia.

The plans include developing long-range exploding drones, acquiring more than
20,000 low-cost reconnaissance and attack drones and training the country's
entire 500,000 troops as “drone warriors.”

Posted on 2026-06-26 08:07:13

Meanwhile,

Residents of seven areas in Hualien Fenglin and Wanrong townships have been
evacuated after a flood alert was issued for a barrier lake in the upper
reaches of the Wanli River.

The "yellow" alert was issued by the Hualien branch of the Forestry and
Nature Conservation Agency and warned that the barrier lake could overflow
within 48-hours.

Authorities notified residents through public broadcasts and door-to-door
notices, informing them of the mandatory evacuation.

In Fenglin Township, local government officials say military personnel were
mobilized to assist with the evacuation process there.

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency says aerial surveys have shown
that the barrier lake currently contains about 780,000 cubic meters of water
- and is close to its maximum capacity.

The barrier lake is located about 30-kilometers upstream from the Wanli River
Bridge.

Posted on 2026-06-26 08:07:16

acquitted

The High Court has reduced the prison sentences of three former D-P-P
staffers convicted of passing classified information to Chinese intelligence
agents and acquitted a fourth.

The ruling overturns a lower court verdict issued last year.

The High Court sentenced Huang Qu-rong to six years in prison for violating
the Classified National Security Information Protection Act and money
laundering, reducing the Taipei District Court's sentence of 10 years.

The court also reduced former D-P-P staffer Chiu Shih-yuan's sentence from
six years and two months to five years, and Wu Shang-yu's sentence from four
years to three years.

While Ho Ren-chieh, a former adviser to then-Foreign Minister Joseph Wu was
acquitted, after being sentenced to eight years in prison by the Taipei
District Court.

The High Court has not explained the reasons why it chose to reduce the
original sentences imposed against Huang, Chiu and Wu or why its
acquitted Ho.

All four defendants were expelled from their local DPP chapters in May 2025,
before the Taipei District Court handed down its ruling in September last
year.

The High Court rulings can be appealed.

Posted on 2026-06-26 08:07:16

The Cabinet is proposing measures to deny parole to repeat drunk drivers and
drug drivers who re-offend within a five-year period.

The measures will also apply to those convicted of felonies who are sentenced
to life imprisonment or terms exceeding 10-years.

Premier Cho Jung-tai says the proposed amendments were drafted by the
Ministry of Justice with the aim of deterring such criminal activities.

According to the bills, anyone violating Article 185-3 of the Criminal Code
will be ineligible for parole if they re-offend within five years of their
previous conviction.

The amendments also extended the parole ban to include individuals convicted
of homicide, attempted murder, or child abuse resulting in death or severe
injury, who are sentenced to life imprisonment or terms of 10 years or more.

Individuals sentenced to life imprisonment are currently eligible for parole
after serving 25 years, while first-time offenders must serve half of their
sentence and repeat offenders two-thirds before they can apply for parole.

Posted on 2026-06-26 08:07:16

And finally,

Taiwan Irwin mangoes have entered the U-K market - and British consumers
sampled the fruit at a Taiwanese specialty supermarket in London this week -
praising their delicate texture and sweet flavor.

One British shopper described the Irwin mango as "absolutely beautiful,"
saying it was "perfectly ripe and very, very sweet" and stood out from
mangoes typically sold in British supermarkets.

Another said said he liked mangoes and noted that the Taiwan Irwin mangoes
are less fibrous than those commonly available in grocery shops across
London.

The mangoes have been introduced to the U-K by LingerMart, a supermarket in
London's Richmond district founded and operated by a Taiwanese entrepreneur.

LingerMart already sells a variety of products from Taiwan including snacks,
drinks, noodles and condiments, and recently imported a box of 14 Irwin
mangoes from Taiwan as a trial run to test how they perform in the local
market.

Posted on 2026-06-26 06:59:13

Torrential rain caused has been caused widespread flooding and landslides
across Taiwan -- stranding residents, disrupting traffic and prompting work
and school suspensions in several cities and counties.

Schools and offices are closed today in Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung due to
the rain.

The outer bands of tropical storm Mekkhala and strong southwest winds brought
heavy rain across most of Taiwan on Thursday, forcing localized school and
office closures.

The Central Weather Administration is warning that heavy rain and
thunderstorms are expected to continue in the south today, while nothern and
central parts of the island could also see heavy rain or localized torrential
downpours.

It has issued rain warnings for much of the island.

Torrential or extremely torrential rain advisories are effect for Kaohsiung
and Pingtung.

Extremely heavy or torrential rain advisories have been issued for Tainan and
the Hengchun Peninsula.

Heavy rain or extremely heavy rain advisories are in effect for the North
Coast area, Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu County, Changhua, Yunlin,
Chiayi, mountainous area of Taitung as well for Penghu.

While heavy rain advisories are in effect for Keelung, Hsinchu City, Miaoli,
Taichung, Nantou and low-lying areas of Taitung.

All of the rain warnings are currently in effect through tonight.

The rainfall is expected to gradually ease from tomorrow as the weather front
begins moving northward, but intermittent showers and thunderstorms are
likely continue across western Taiwan.

More stable weather is expected from next Monday as the Pacific high-pressure
system strengthens.

Posted on 2026-06-26 06:59:13

U-S lawmakers pledged support for Taiwan during a meeting with Legislative
Speaker Han Kuo-yu, during his visit to Washington D.C. as the head of a
cross-party delegation.

More than 30 House representatives attended a reception organized by Taiwan's
representative office in the U-S capital.

They included Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, former chair of the House Foreign
Affairs Committee Michael McCaul and Ted Lieu who serves as the vice chair of
the House Democratic Caucus.

Several U-S lawmakers showed their support for a stalled 14-billion U-S
dollar arms sale to the island - with Lieu criticizing the Trump
administration for holding up the package.

Han urged the U-S to help Taiwan gain more international space during the
reception - saying the current situation for Taiwan is "like being able to
date but not marry."

The delegation is scheduled to return to Taiwan on EVA Airways's inaugural
nonstop flight between Washington D.C. and Taoyuan International Airport.

Posted on 2026-06-26 06:59:13

quo

President Lai Ching-te is reiterating his administration's aims to strengthen
Taiwan's self-defense capabilities and repeating arguments that China, not
Taiwan, is the party undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and
the Indo-Pacific.

Speaking at the eighth meeting of the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience
Committee, Lai said Beijing has intensified gray-zone activities, coercion
and infiltration targeting neighboring countries, including Japan, Taiwan and
the Philippines ...

.... fueling concerns across the Indo-Pacific and internationally.

According to Lai, China is the one changing the status quo in the Taiwan
Strait, and his administration's efforts to strengthen elf-defense
capabilities, preserve the peaceful status quo and protect our democratic way
of life are not acts of provocation.

Lai cited last week's Group of Seven leaders' summit, saying its joint
statement reaffirmed the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific based on
the rule of law and opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo
in the Taiwan Strait by force or coercion.

And he went on to thank members of the armed forces and the Coast Guard
Administration for responding to China's activities.

Posted on 2026-06-26 06:59:13

C-S-B-C says its first domestically built submarine remains on track for
delivery in the second half of this year.

The statement comes as the shipbuilder has been accumulating daily fines
since missing an initial November 2025 deadline for delivery of the Narwhal
to the Navy.

Speaking after a shareholders meeting, C-S-B-C Chairman Chen Cheng-hung said
the submarine has not encountered any major technical obstacles during sea
trials, and is currently undergoing detailed fine-tuning and functional
verification.

According to Chen, although seasonal monsoons and typhoons could cause minor
delays of a few days, those delays are not expected to significantly derail
the overall schedule and the completion of testing.

The C-S-B-C chairman says the submarine program has been a highly complex
defense R&D project, and because Taiwan had no experience building
submarines, it had to build its expertise in design, systems integration, and
sea testing completely from scratch ...

... which introduced timeline uncertainties.

The Narwhal began its latest round of sea trials that included dive tests,
earlier this month.

Posted on 2026-06-26 06:59:18

The Cabinet is proposing fines of up to 100,000 N-T for individuals found in
possession of electronic cigarettes as part of efforts to curb the use of
etomidate.

The proposed amendment to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act also recommends
the same maximum fines for individuals found in possession of electronic
cigarette components.

However, it does not define what constitutes such components.

Electronic cigarettes are illegal here in Taiwan.

However, there are currently no penalties for possessing them.

Another proposal is to introduce criminal penalties for the manufacture and
importation of electronic cigarettes - meaning those who manufacture or
import more than 1,000 units would face up to seven years in prison and a
potential fine of up to 5-million N-T.

Premier Cho Jung-tai said earlier this week that the widespread use of
electronic cigarettes has fueled the spread of etomidate and other emerging
narcotics, posing a serious threat to society and schools.

Posted on 2026-06-26 06:59:18

The New Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has indicted seven people for
their involvement in a hidden-cameras scandal linked to aesthetic clinic
chain Airlee.

Those indicted include Airlee Group Chairman Chang Ju-shan, group president
Liu Chen-hua and equipment supplier Hsieh Chin-heng.

According to the prosecutors' office, five of the suspects have been charged
with secretly recording non-public activities of customers without
justification, unlawfully recording sexual content, filming sexual content
involving minors ....

.... and of violating the Personal Data Protection Act.

The equipment supplier's wife and son have also been indicted on charges of
destroying evidence after allegedly assisting him to remove and deleting
recordings.

Prosecutors say the clinic's chairman and group president had cameras
disguised as smoke detectors installed in at least seven of Airlee's branches
between 2019 and 2025, secretly recording customers while they were changing
or their private parts were exposed.

Prosecutors have identified 99 victims, including four minors, across the
seven branches involved in the case.

Investigations into other Airlee branches are ongoing.

Posted on 2026-06-26 06:59:18

The Jiji railway line has resumed full operations after services were
suspended in August of 2021 after torrential rainfall triggered a slope
collapse that blocked a tunnel section running adjacent to Provincial Highway
16.

The rainfall also disrupted the Jiji Line railway improvement project, which
was launched in 2019 and cost 3.5-billion N-T.

The popular 29-kilometer branch line connects Changhua and Nantou.

Partial services resumed in January.

Transport Minister Chen Shih-kai says tourist arrivals in Jiji Township
declined by about 80-per cent during the line's four-year closure and he
hopes the reopening of the line will help revive tourism in Jiji, Shuili and
Checheng townships.

According to Chen, the century-old Jiji Line was originally built to support
the Sun Moon Lake hydroelectric project and transport bananas and timber in
the Japanese colonial period.

Posted on 2026-06-26 06:59:20

A United Nations agency paused the evacuation of ships through the Strait of
Hormuz after the British military said a vessel was hit by a projectile off
the coast of Oman.

The strike reported by the British military followed the passage of several
tankers that used a route backed by the U.N.

The head of the International Maritime Organization says the vessel that was
attacked was not part of the evacuation effort, but the plan to move stranded
ships out of the Persian Gulf through the strait will be on hold until the
agency can confirm safety guarantees.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said the vessel sustained
damage, but it reported no injuries or environmental effects from the attack
off the coast of Oman.

It was unclear who launched the projectile or the type of vessel that was
targeted.

Posted on 2026-06-26 06:59:20

From the US.....

The Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to end legal
protections for migrants fleeing violence and natural disaster in Haiti and
Syria.

The decision Thursday blocks lower court orders and allows the Department of
Homeland Security to swiftly end temporary protected status.

That program protects a total of 1.3 million people from 17 countries, and
the move exposes hundreds of thousands more people to potential deportation.

The administration had argued that Homeland Security can revoke protections
without court interference.

Immigration lawyers say the decision to end the program ignored the law and
was tainted by racial animus.

Posted on 2026-06-26 06:59:20

From the UK....

King Charles III has revealed that he paid $12.2 million pounds in 2024-2025
taxes, becoming 1st British monarch to reveal tax details.

At a briefing on royal finances, the king released the details of his
personal taxes when he was Prince of Wales paid the equivalent of $16.1
million Us dollars in income and capital gains taxes in that financial year.

Royal officials also revealed that the king will not live at Buckingham
Palace after the completion of a 10-year, $487 million dollar refurbishment
program as the monarchy seeks to increase public access to the historic
building that has been the center of royal life for almost 200 years.

Royal officials stress that the king and Queen Camilla would continue to work
out of the palace, which will remain “the ceremonial and operational center”
of the monarchy.

But for the rest of Charles’ reign, the king and queen will remain in nearby
Clarence House.

Posted on 2026-06-25 20:08:13

The Kaohsiung City Government has announced that schools and government
offices in ten districts will be closed tomorrow because of torrential rain.

Officials say the latest forecast from the Central Weather Administration
shows rainfall in the mountain districts of Taoyuan, Namasia, Maolin,
Liouguei and Jiasian is expected to meet the official threshold for work and
class suspensions.

Five neighboring districts -- Meinong, Cishan, Neimen, Shanlin and Tianliao
-- will also suspend work and classes due to the risk of flooding and other
rain-related hazards.

City officials say the closures are a precaution ahead of another day of
heavy rain.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-25 20:08:13

In related news,

Taipei's Office of Disaster Management is warning that northern Taiwan could
see more intense, short-duration downpours from tonight through tomorrow
morning.

The warning comes after torrential rain flooded parts of Neihu and Nangang
today, leaving some streets under knee-deep water.

Officials say emergency crews have cleared flooded roads and traffic has
largely returned to normal, but police and transportation authorities will
continue monitoring conditions during the evening commute.

The city is urging residents to follow the latest weather updates and clear
leaves and debris from drains, balcony outlets and roadside gutters to help
reduce the risk of flooding.

-----

The city's Department of Social Welfare says households with floodwaters
reaching at least 50 centimeters may qualify for emergency assistance of 10
thousand NT, while homes flooded by one meter or more may receive up to 20
thousand NT.

-----

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-25 20:08:13

Similarly,

The Centers for Disease Control is urging people cleaning up after flooding
to follow a three-step disease prevention plan to reduce the risk of
infection.

The agency says residents should wear protective gear, make sure food and
drinking water are safe, and remove standing water where mosquitoes can
breed.

Health officials warn that exposure to contaminated floodwater and mud can
increase the risk of diseases such as leptospirosis, melioidosis and
intestinal infections.

They add that standing water left behind by flooding can also increase the
risk of dengue fever.

The CDC advises people to wear gloves, boots and masks during cleanup, boil
drinking water and throw away any food contaminated by floodwater.

It also says anyone who develops a fever, rash or other symptoms after
exposure to floodwater should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-25 20:08:13

The Cabinet has approved amendments to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act
that would sharply increase penalties for electronic cigarettes.

Under the proposed changes, manufacturing, importing, selling, supplying or
displaying e-cigarettes would become criminal offenses punishable by up to
seven years in prison and fines of up to five million NT.

People caught possessing or using e-cigarettes would also face administrative
fines ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 NT.

The Executive Yuan says the measures are part of a broader crackdown on drugs
and drug-impaired driving after e-cigarettes became the primary device used
to consume etomidate - the narcrotic commonly found in so-called "zombie
vape" cartridges.

The amendments will now be sent to the Legislative Yuan for review.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-25 19:14:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says no Taiwanese citizens or expatriates
have been reported affected after two powerful earthquakes struck western
Venezuela ...

The ministry says it has been in contact with Taiwan's representative office
in Colombia, which is responsible for Venezuela, as well as embassies in the
Caribbean, to monitor the situation.

Venezuelan authorities have declared a nationwide state of emergency after
the earthquakes caused widespread damage west of Caracas.

The foreign ministry says it will continue monitoring developments and
advises any Taiwanese in Venezuela who need assistance to contact Taiwan's
representative office in Colombia or its emergency assistance center.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-25 19:14:17

The National Taichung Theater is launching a summer performance series,
featuring choral music, string quartets, traditional Chinese instruments, and
more.

The series opens July 17th with a string quartet concert presented by the
Cellibam performing Schubert's "Death and the Maiden" and Beethoven's
Razumovsky quartets.

The Singing Star Choir from Penghu takes the stage July 31st with a concert
centering on an adapted picture book depicting the bond between a grandfather
and his grandchildren, preceded by a program of world classics and songs
connected to their island home.

Kaohsiung City Ballet presents their new creation "The Road" on August 11th.

And closing the series from September 25th to 27th, Daxien The Illusionist
brings a large-scale magic show to the theater, combining his most popular
online routines with new illusions performed up close for a live audience.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-06-25 19:14:19

In sports news,

Taiwanese professional Go player Wang Yuan-chun (王元均) has won the Speed Go
Championship, claiming his first major title since 2023.

Wang defeated defending champion Hsu Ching-en (徐靖恩) 2-0 in the best-of-three
final in Taipei.

The victory also avenged his loss to Hsu in last year's championship final.

Wang received prize money of 700,000 NT.

The 30-year-old says the title is especially meaningful after several
runner-up finishes in recent years.

He is next scheduled to compete in Japan at the GLOBIS Cup World Go Under-22
Tournament.

(AT-CNA)

Posted on 2026-06-25 19:14:19

Meanwhile,

China is defending its recent patrols in waters east of Taiwan after Britain,
France and Germany raised concerns about the activity.

The three European countries say the patrols threaten regional stability.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson says the operations are intended to
maintain stability and maritime order.

The patrols followed announcements that Japan and the Philippines were
discussing maritime boundaries in disputed waters.

Taiwan says Chinese coast guard vessels have harassed commercial ships in the
area, while the United States has also expressed concern.

Posted on 2026-06-25 19:14:19

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia is redeploying air
defense systems to protect key targets, including Moscow, as Ukrainian drone
strikes reach deeper into Russian territory.

Zelenskyy says the shift could leave other parts of Russia more vulnerable to
long-range drone attacks.

He also says Ukraine's aerial campaign has disrupted Russian supply lines and
contributed to fuel shortages.

U-S President Donald Trump praised Zelenskyy, calling him "courageous".

Ukraine is seeking continued support from Group of Seven leaders as the war
continues, while tensions with neighboring Belarus also remain high.

Posted on 2026-06-25 18:33:13

Heavy afternoon rain triggered flash flooding and localized landslides across
Taipei, with Neihu District among the hardest-hit areas.

The city's Office of Disaster Management says it had received 150 reports by
mid-afternoon, including more than 100 flooding incidents and 22
landslide-related reports ... including a slope collapse on Chenggong Road
that partially buried a parked car.

But no injuries were reported.

Officials say floodwaters have receded in some areas, while crews continue
pumping water from flooded basements and clearing debris.

The city's Department of Social Welfare says households with floodwaters
reaching at least 50 centimeters may qualify for emergency assistance of 10
thousand NT, while homes flooded by one meter or more may receive up to 20
thousand NT.

Forecasters warn that another round of heavy rain is expected this evening in
the capital ... urging commuters to take extra care.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-25 18:33:15

The heavy rain is also disrupting daily life in southern Taiwan ...

Schools and government offices in Kaohsiung's Maolin District were ordered to
close from 4 PM after heavy rain caused flooding and hazardous road
conditions.

City officials say persistent downpours and severe flooding have made local
roads hazardous.

Residents are being urged to avoid mountain areas, river valleys and other
high-risk locations, and to check the latest weather and road conditions
before traveling.

-----

Elsewhere, partial work and class suspensions were also announced earlier in
the afternoon for parts of Chiayi County, Kaohsiung's Qishan and Meinong
districts as well as Pingtung because of flooding, hazardous road conditions
and the threat of debris flows.

It's currently unclear whether these suspensions to work and classes will
continue into tomorrow.

-----

The severe weather has also caused power outages in Changhua County, where
more than 16 thousand households lost electricity after intense thunderstorms
damaged power lines.

TaiPower says crews have restored service to most affected customers, with
the utility's website showing that only a few hundred households remain
without power as repair work continues.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-25 18:33:15

New Taipei prosecutors have concluded their investigation into an alleged
hidden-camera scheme at cosmetic clinics, indicting seven people after
identifying 99 alleged victims, including four minors.

Those charged include Airlee Group president Chang Ju-shan (常如山) and general
manager Liu Chen-hua (劉貞華), as well as two relatives of an equipment supplier
accused of helping destroy evidence.

The investigation began in early May after a hidden camera disguised as a
smoke detector was discovered at an Airlee clinic in Banqiao District.

Police later seized concealed cameras from at least seven clinic branches.

The defendants face charges including recording intimate images without
consent, child and youth sexual exploitation offenses, personal data
protection violations, and destroying evidence.

Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of more than 14 years for Chang,
saying he orchestrated the scheme and directed efforts to destroy evidence
after it was uncovered.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-25 18:33:15

Taiwanese shipbuilder CSBC says it remains on track to deliver the country's
first domestically built submarine in the second half of this year. ...

... despite what it describes as "persistent pressure" from China on overseas
suppliers.

Company Chairman Chen Cheng-hung (陳政宏) says some foreign suppliers have
canceled deliveries at the last minute due to the political pressure, even
after contracts were signed and equipment had been completed.

Chen says the Hai Kun has not encountered any major technical problems, but
engineers are continuing to fine-tune and integrate its onboard systems.

He says the rainy season and possible typhoons could delay sea trials by a
few days ...

... but CSBC still expects to complete testing and deliver the submarine (in
the second half).

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-25 18:33:15

The Cabinet has approved a three-part tax reform package aimed at easing the
financial burden on families and encouraging people to have children.

Under the proposed changes, the annual income tax deduction for each minor
child will increase by 50 percent to 151 thousand 500 NT, effective from
January 1st this year.

Taxpayers will be able to claim the higher deduction when filing their income
tax returns next May.

Premier Cho Jung-tai says local governments would also be allowed to give
property and land value tax breaks to eligible families with children who own
and live in their homes.

The Ministry of Finance estimates the higher child tax deduction will benefit
about 2.7 million people and reduce tax payments by around eight billion NT
per year.

The proposals now head to the Legislative Yuan for consideration.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-25 17:08:13

Residents of seven villages in Hualien's Fenglin and Wanrong have evacuated,
as the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency warns of a potential barrier
lake overflow.

The roughly 170 people evacuated after authorities issued a flood alert for
the lake in the upper reaches of the Wanli river.

They warn that the lake may overflow within 48 hours.

Wanrong chief Liang Kuang-ming (梁光明) says that authorities notified residents
through public broadcasts and door-to-door notices...

informing them of a mandatory evacuation scheduled for 5pm.

Evacuation centers have been set up at Mingli Elementary School and Mingli
Village Activity Center for the roughly 90 evacuees.

Meanwhile in Fenglin, local officials say emergency supplies were dispatched,
with military personnel mobilized to assist with the evacuation process.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-25 17:08:13

Kaohsiung has activated its level 3 disaster response center amid heavy
torrential rain.

Heavy rain overnight hit Neimen, Qishan and Meinong Districts particularly
hard.

Some neighborhoods in the area have reported flooding, and the city has
deployed pumps to clear the water.

Mayor Chen Chi-mai says intense rainfall in mountainous areas has already
exceeded the city's flood prevention standards.

He says relevant agencies have been ordered to closely monitor potential
landslide hazards and secure high-risk mountain communities.

The city's has also ordered construction sites to secure tower cranes,
scaffolding, and drainage systems

The warning comes as Typhoon Mekkhala travels north along Taiwan's eastern
coast, combined with strengthening southwest winds.

(MW/NS)

Posted on 2026-06-25 17:08:13

Taipei has escalated its disaster response as heavy rain from Typhoon
Mekkhala batters the city.

Officials are also warning that the Nanshen Bridge on Yanjiuyuan Road in
Nangang has reached warning water levels.

With crews already stationed there, drivers are urged to check road
conditions before heading that way in case the bidge is closed.

The warnings come as Neihu logs heavy rainfall today, with some parts of
Neihu getting over 250 milimeters of rain since midnight.

The pace is expected to continue through tomrorow morning.

(MW/AH)

Posted on 2026-06-25 14:21:13

President Lai Ching-te is urging lawmakers to pass the central government
budget, saying disaster relief funding could be at risk.

Lai spoke today in Nantou at a ceremony marking the full reopening of the
Jiji Line.

He says the rainy season is already here, and typhoon season is approaching.

Lai asked what money the central government would use for disaster relief if
a disaster happens.

He also said central funding for Nantou has topped 30-billion NT for the
first time.

Lai said recent trade talks with the U.S. secured zero tariffs for exports
including tea, mangoes and orchids.

He called on ruling and opposition lawmakers to support the budget, saying
local development and the economy would benefit.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-25 14:21:13

The Executive Yuan has approved draft legal changes that would sharply raise
penalties for e-cigarettes.

The proposal would make manufacturing, importing, selling, supplying or
displaying e-cigarettes a criminal offense.

The heaviest cases could bring up to seven years in prison and fines of up to
5-million NT.

Possession or use of e-cigarettes could bring administrative fines from
30-thousand to 100-thousand NT.

Officials say the changes are aimed at tobacco control and drug-impaired
driving.

They say some vape cartridges are being used to carry etomidate.

Travelers bringing small amounts into the country could still face fines of
at least 200-thousand NT.

The draft will now go to the Legislative Yuan for review.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-25 14:21:13

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says Kyiv will carry out preemptive
attacks on facilities Russia uses for its war.

Zelenskiy says he has ordered intelligence and military officials to act
ahead of Russian expansion efforts.

The comments come as Ukraine increases drone strikes on Russian energy
infrastructure.

Reports say Ukrainian drones knocked out power in the biggest city in
Russian-held Crimea on Wednesday.

They also targeted facilities in central and southern Russia.

Industry sources say the Moscow oil refinery could be offline for at least
six months after drone damage.

Official Russian data show petroleum product and coke output fell 13.5
percent in May from a year earlier.

Kyiv is trying to put more pressure on Moscow as it pushes for talks.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-25 14:21:13

Hong Kong police have arrested two bookshop owners suspected of selling
publications with "seditious" content.

Authorities say the arrests were made Wednesday, and the two suspects are a
33-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man.

Police say the publications allegedly incited hatred against the Hong Kong
government, the judiciary and law enforcement agencies.

Authorities also say the suspects may have received money from foreign
political organizations.

Police seized books, documents and other items from the shop and a residence.

The arrests came one week before the anniversary of Hong Kong's 1997 handover
to Chinese rule.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-25 14:21:13

Vietnam's state power utility is urging people and businesses to save
electricity as extreme heat pushes demand to a record high.

EVN says peak electricity demand reached 58-point-46 gigawatts on Wednesday.

Temperatures are forecast to top 40 degrees Celsius in several parts of the
country.

The utility is asking consumers to set air conditioners no lower than 26
degrees.

It is also urging people to use more natural light and ventilation.

EVN says Vietnam is increasing electricity imports and running power plants
at full capacity.

The utility says saving power can cut costs and ease pressure on the national
grid.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-25 14:11:13

The Central Weather Administration has activated a severe torrential rain
response as Typhoon Mekkhala and southwest winds bring heavy rain.

The agency says Jiuru Township in Pingtung has recorded 473 millimeters of
rain as of 10:30 a.m.

Damage has already been reported in southwestern areas.

The CWA says Pingtung could see local torrential or extremely torrential rain
today.

Kaohsiung and the Hengchun Peninsula could also see heavy rain or torrential
rain.

Work and classes are suspended in Pingtung starting from 2PM.

While Kaohsiung has opened its disaster response center at Level 3.

The city says floodgates and pumps are being adjusted to manage drainage in
Meinong and nearby areas.

**The CWA is scheduled to hold a briefing at 3:30 p.m.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-25 14:11:16

A former DPP aide who is accused of spying for China was given a lighter
sentence in a second ruling today...

while his alleged co-conspirator was found not guilty.

That's after the Taipei District Court sentenced Huang Qu Rong黃取榮 and He Ren
Jie何仁傑 to 10 years and just over 8 years, respectively.

Two others were also handed reduced sentences.

Huang and He, along with Wu Shang Yu吳尚雨 and Qiu Shi Yuan邱世元 are accused of
collaborating to pass along classified information and itineraries to Chinese
intelligence agents...

with Huang and He both receiving 2-5 million NT in illicit gains.

Prosecutors accuse them of violating the Classifed National Security
Information Protection Act and money laundering.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-25 14:11:16

The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology says a new
underwater drone will boost seabed sensing and undersea security.

The institute has bought Anduril's DIVE-L-D unmanned vehicle, which is due to
arrive in August.

Anduril has already provided the same model for handover training at the
Naval Zuoying Base in Kaohsiung.

Officials say the vehicle can dive to 6-thousand meters and operate
underwater for 10 days at low speed.

Its sensors can map the seabed, inspect undersea cables, detect metal objects
and support maritime accident investigations.

The training vehicle also helped search for an F-16V fighter that went
missing off Hualien in March.

NCSIST says the work will help it improve autonomous navigation, sensor
integration and future underwater drone development.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-25 14:11:16

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex gaining 467 points to
close the session at 46511.

The turnover was 1.194 trilion NT

Posted on 2026-06-25 14:11:16

Now turning to internaitonal news...

At least 32 people have died following back to back earthquakes in Venezuela.

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez says that the toll is expected to rise as
rescuers search for survivors.

She added that another 700 were injured, and said that the state of La Guaira
was the hardest hit.

Rodriguez said that the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes caused damage in
several states.

The two quakes are among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than one
hundred years.

Posted on 2026-06-25 14:11:16

The elderly leader of a secretive South Korean church has been arrested on
suspicion of election influence.

Authorities believe that he illegally recruited thousands of followers into
the People Power Party to influence elections in the country.

The Shincheonji Church has denied the accusations against Lee Man-hee.

Since January, a special team of prosecutors has been investigating alleged
ties between religious groups like Shincheonji and the Unification Church and
politicians.

The inquiry is part of broader investigations under South Korea’s current
liberal government into the presidency of former conservative leader Yoon Suk
Yeol.

Posted on 2026-06-25 14:11:16

Shiite Muslims around the world are marking Ashoura, a holy day symbolizing
sacrifice and martyrdom.

The day holds special significance this year after months of attacks on Iran
and Lebanon, both Muslim-majority countries.

Ashoura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet
Muhammad.

Imam Hussein was killed with his family and companions after refusing to
pledge allegiance to the Umayyad caliphate.

The event cemented the schism between Sunni and Shiite Islam and remains a
powerful symbol of resistance against oppression and injustice.

Posted on 2026-06-25 13:07:13

The central government has raised the alert level for a barrier lake in
Hualien's Wanli.

They're urging residents of 7 villages nearby to preventatively evacuate.

The Central Weather Administration has said that the barrier lake is at risk
of overflowing.

Officials in Fenglin and Wanrong are instructed to carry out evacuations
immediately.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-25 13:07:20

The Health Promotion Administration says e-cigarette possession could bring
fines of up to 100-thousand NT under a proposed law change.

The agency says e-cigarettes are increasingly being used as carriers for
illegal drugs, including etomidate.

HPA Director-General Shen Ching-fen (沈靜芬) says use and possession could bring
fines from 30-thousand to 100-thousand NT.

Those found to be importing, manufacturing, selling or supplying e-cigarettes
could face criminal penalties of up to seven years in prison.

The agency says it also found 35-thousand-776 illegal online posts selling or
promoting vapes from January last year through the end of May.

Officials say 99.8 percent of those posts have been taken down.

The HPA also worked with Taiwan's internet registry to block or freeze more
than 6-thousand-500 illegal domains.

Shen says officials plan a one-month grace period for people to hand in
e-cigarettes for recycling before fines begin.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-25 13:07:24

Now turning to international news...

The Supreme Court of Cambodia has upheld the treason convictions and 14 year
prison sentences for two journalists.

The two were accused of posting photos related to border clashes with
Thailand last year.

The journalists deny the charges, claiming they had permission to be in the
area.

One image showing land mines was widely republished by Thai media outlets and
bolstered Thailand's claims that Cambodia had laid new mines along the border
that wounded patrolling Thai soldiers.

Cambodia had denied using land mines in the conflict.

The case comes amidst growing concerns about the court's independence.

Critics have said the case is emblematic of Prime Minister Hun Manet's
government using the courts to quash criticism and control the media.

Posted on 2026-06-25 13:07:20

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications is outlining security
changes on rail networks following a deadly random attack on the Taipei Metro
last December.

The ministry held its first rail disaster prevention coordination meeting of
the year yesterday, setting four concrete steps to improve safety.

Officials say relevant agencies will revising joint emergency response plans
for shared station facilities and improving real-time communication between
stations and nearby venues.

They will also improving practical training for staff, standardize
cross-agency command structures, and introduce technology-assisted
surveillance to eliminate blind spots.

This comes after the random attack in December, when a man threw smoke
grenades and attacked passengers near Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan
Station, leaving three dead and several injured.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-06-25 13:07:28

A study has found that living in many attic apartments in Paris during heat
waves can carry increased risk of death.

The picturesque yet heat-conducting rooftops make the problem even worse...

while building regulations that aim to preserve Paris' achitectural charm
make it harder to have insulation.

Often times, those living in the attic apartments cannot afford bigger,
lower-floor apartments that would be less impacted by direct sun.

A study of a record-breaking 2003 heat wave blamed for 15,000 heat-related
deaths found that living in a Paris attic room directly under the roof
increased the risk of death by more than fourfold.

Posted on 2026-06-25 13:07:28

In the US,

the governor of the state of New Mexico is calling for a criminal
investigation itno whether federal authorities broke state law by allowing
fentanyl pills to reach the streets.

That's following an investigation from the Associated Press which claimed
that the US Drug Enforcement Administration allowed major shipments of
fentanyl to go unseized in order to build bigger cases.

Current and former DEA agents told the AP that it was a gamble with public
safety that may have violated Justice Department rules.

The DEA denies the claims.

Victims' groups have also criticized the DEA's actions, highlighting the
contradiction with the adminstration's "one pill can kill" campaign.

Government data shows that overdose deaths across the US as a whole fell 14%
last year, while data in New Mexico showed a 21% rise.

Posted on 2026-06-25 08:13:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

The Financial Supervisory Commission says it's closely monitoring expanding
personal credit as more and more retail investors are opting to borrow money
to invest in the local stock market amid the current equity boom.

According to the commission's Financial Examination Bureau, it's now
conducting regular reviews of the local banking sector and will continue
monitoring lending activity.

The statements come amid concerns over possible risks caused by retail
investors using personal loans to buy stocks, and that once the stock market
faces volatility, borrowers could fail to repay their loans, pushing up the
number of non-performing loans shouldered by banks.

The Stock Exchange's benchmark index has surged this year amid the A-I frenzy
and that's prompted many individual investors to enter the market, using
borrowed money.

The F-S-C has imposed a debt burden ratio since the local financial crisis of
2005-2006, when banks scrambled to issue credit cards and debit cards, which
led many individuals to borrow heavily but fail to repay their loans.

As a result of that, banks are now prohibited from extending unsecured loans
exceeding 22 times a borrower's average monthly income.

Posted on 2026-06-25 08:13:13

A delegation lawmakers led by Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu is now in
Washington D.C. on the second leg of its six-day trip to the U-S.

The delegation was greeted on its arrival by Taiwan's representative to the
U-S Alexander Yui

Reports have said the delegation will be meeting with U-S senators, members
of the House of Representatives and senior U-S government officials while in
Washington.

However, the full itinerary for this visit has not been released.

Prior to traveling to Washington, the delegation visited Taiwan Semiconductor
Manufacturing's campus in the state of Arizona, where they met with T-S-M-C
Arizona C-E-O Ray Chuang.

The delegation is scheduled to return to Taiwan on Friday aboard EVA Airways'
inaugural direct flight from Washington, D.C. to Taoyuan International
Airport - which Han said reflects deepening bilateral ties.

Posted on 2026-06-25 08:13:13

The Cathay United Bank says an altercation between founder Tsai Chen-yu and
chairman Kuo Ming-jian was due to a "misunderstanding" about Kuo's multiple
positions outside the bank.

The bank says Kuo disclosed his work outside the bank as he is legally
obliged to do and these positions have never affected his duties and the
chairman has not made any illegal profits from such positions.

According to the bank, the incident on Tuesday came about because Tsai
misunderstood Kuo's jobs outside the bank.

It's urging the two men to enter into rational communications to narrow their
differences.

Local media has reported that the men first insulted each other during a
meeting in Kuo's office in Taipei before the situation became physical and
police were called to the scene.

Posted on 2026-06-25 08:13:13

And finally,

The New York Yankees have signed 18-year-old Taiwan right-hander Lai
Chien-fan.

He follows former pitcher Wang Chien-ming and infielder Kuo Fu-lin as the
third Taiwanese player to join the club.

Lai's signing bonus is expected to reach 850,000 U-S dollars, putting him
among the highest-paid pitching prospects in this year's international
signing class.

Lai is regarded as one of Taiwan's top international prospects in 2026.

He drew international attention at last September's Under 18 Baseball World
Cup, where he helped Taiwan win bronze.

The Yankees are scheduled to hold an introductory news conference for Lai in
Taipei on Friday, after which he will report to the club's Dominican Summer
League academy to begin his professional career.

Posted on 2026-06-25 06:52:13

The representative offices of the U-K, France and Germany in Taiwan are
expressing their concerns over China's recent "special maritime law
enforcement operations" in waters east of the island -- saying such behavior
threatens regional stability.

In a joint statement, the British Office Taipei, the German Institute Taipei,
and the French Office in Taipei, said they had "noted with concern novel
Chinese activity in the waters east of Taiwan" ...

... and those "actions threaten regional stability and the freedom of
navigation and safety of international shipping."

They also expressed their "opposition to any unilateral change to the status
quo, particularly by threat or use of force or coercion ...

..... and stated that its "fundamental that all navigational rights and
freedoms and the safety of seafarers and vessels" be "guaranteed and
respected."

The Coast Guard Administration has said that over the past weeks, Chinese
coast guard and other official vessels have been operating in waters east of
Taiwan and around Taiwan-controlled islands in the South China Sea, and
intercepting passing merchant ships.

In Europe, the UK, Germany, and France are members of E3, an informal,
influential forum for coordinating military, intelligence, and foreign
policy.

Posted on 2026-06-25 06:52:13

Defense Minister Wellington Koo says the Ministry of National Defense is
looking into the need to increase drone operation training for reservists in
refresher programs.

This, after lawmakers questioned whether the current two-hour course, which
was added to reservist refresher programs in October 2025, is sufficient.

Koo says reservists who previously served in drone units are expected to
focus on drone-related refresher training and the defense ministry aims to
improve the quality of that training.

In addition to drone operations, reservist refresher programs also include
specialty refresher vourses in marksmanship training, and training in the
execution of operational plans.

Koo says the defense ministry will assess how much additional time can be
allocated to drone-related training.

Posted on 2026-06-25 06:52:13

The Hakka Affairs Council is condemning what it says was Chinese pressure on
the World Symposium on Choral Music after the event's organizers renamed the
National Taiwan Hakka Children's Choir as the "China Taiwan Hakka Children's
Choir."

The council is demanding the name be corrected immediately and says the choir
will pull out of the event if the name is not changed.

The event takes place in Macau from August 23 to 28.

The Hakka Affairs Council says it lodged a formal protest with the event's
organizers after discovering its website had altered the choir's country
designation from "Taiwan" to "China Taiwan."

The council says the choir was listed under its original name as of March and
April this year, before the change was made on June 22.

Council Minister Ku Hsiu-fei says the name "National Hakka Children's Choir"
represents the institution's identity and autonomy and is the world's only
Hakka children's choir.

Posted on 2026-06-25 06:52:13

The chairman of an aesthetic clinic chain has been indicted on charges of
attempted rape and violating a protection order.

Prosecutors in Taipei say there was ample evidence to charge Chang Ju-shan,
including testimony from the complainant, suspect and witnesses, surveillance
footage, communications records, DNA forensic reports and medical documents.

A female acquaintance accused Chang of attempting to rape her earlier this
year and he was summoned for questioning in February, when a protection order
was issued against him.

However, prosecutors says he violated the protection order by contining to
harass the woman.

Chang has been detained since May 8 over his alleged involvement in privacy
violations at Airlee Group cosmetic clinic chain.

That was launched after a customer took to social media to accused the clinic
of putting a camera in a smoke detector mounted on the ceiling of a treatment
room at the chain's Banqiao branch.

Several other branches of the clinic chain have since been fined or ordered
to suspend operations over violations that include the alleged filming of
patients without authorization.

Posted on 2026-06-25 06:52:13

Agriculture Minister Chen Chén Jùnjì says his office is seeking to increase
mango exports by between 2.5 and 2.6 times year-on-year, with the aim is of
expanding sales to all 27 European Union member states.

Chen said agricultural trade depends on building long-term, stable and
reliable partnerships rather than competing solely on price.

He described France as an important distribution hub and said Taiwanese
exporters have established long-term relationships with local trading
partners whose networks extend into other European markets.

The agriculture minister also said that beyond Europe, exports to South Korea
have also performed strongly and the government aims to build overseas demand
through product quality and value.

Data shows Taiwan exported 325 metric tons of fresh mangoes between January
and May 2026, compared with 836 metric tons for all of 2025.

Taiwan mangoes entered the French market earlier this month and a Taiwan
trader announced earlier this week that a shipment has now arrived in London.

Posted on 2026-06-25 06:52:13

The Food and Drug Administration says Taiwan has not imported a batch of
Nissin Foods instant noodles recently recalled in Japan over concerns that it
may contain plastic fragments.

The Nissin Foods Group recalled its Nissin Sauce Yakisoba Cup with Chicken
Soup.

The product is sold under the company's refrigerated food brand... the
company issued its recall after foreign material, identified as synthetic
resin fragments, was found in the product.

The F-D-A said a review of the agency's Import Food Information System found
no record of the affected product being imported into Taiwan over the past
three years.

The agency is advising travelers to Japan not to purchase or consume the
affected product.

Posted on 2026-06-25 06:52:13

Ambassadors from Guatemala, Belize and Paraguay are promoted their countries'
agricultural products and specialty foods at the annual Food Taipei Mega
Shows 2026.

The three diplomatic allies have opened a joint pavilion at the event,
featuring 26 companies.

Guatemala is showcasing specialty coffee, white shrimp, macadamia nuts and
tropical sauces, Belize is featuring its world-renowned hot sauces, cocoa
products, and seafood, while Paraguay is highlighting its premium beef, rum,
chocolate and grains.

The Food Taipei Mega Shows brings together five major food-related
exhibitions, including Food Taipei, Foodtech Taipei, Bio/Pharmatech Taiwan,
Taipei Pack, and Taiwan HoReCa.

All five shows are being held concurrently across the Taipei World Trade
Center and the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Hall until Saturday.

Posted on 2026-06-25 06:52:13

And,

The Central Weather Administration is warning of torrential or heavy rain
across parts of the south as a frontal system from the north approaches
Taiwan and southwesterly winds strengthen.

Other parts of the island will see localized showers or thunderstorms.

The frontal system will affect all of Taiwan tomorrow and Saturday - and the
rainfall will be most intense on Friday, when western parts of the island
will be see localized short-term torrential downpours.

The weather conditions are forecast to gradually stabilize on Sunday.

Typhoon Mekkhala is now located some 400-kilometers east of Hualian and will
gradually move into waters south of Japan this evening, as it moves away from
Taiwan.

Posted on 2026-06-25 06:52:13

A team of independent experts commissioned by the United Nations has accused
Israel of deliberately shooting children in Gaza and committing genocide.

Israel denies these claims, calling the report a "libelous sham."

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied
Palestinian Territory reports that from October 2023 to October 2025, 30% of
over 20,000 Palestinians killed were children.

The report suggests war crimes and genocide, highlighting precision attacks
on children.

Israel denied targeting civilians, stating it takes precautions to limit harm.

Posted on 2026-06-25 06:52:13

Hong Kong police have arrested two people on suspicion of selling seditious
publications and receiving funds from foreign political organizations.

The arrests come under a national security law, just before the 29th
anniversary of Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule.

Those arrested Wednesday were not identified.

Local media suggest one of those arrested is Leticia Wong, owner of Hunter
Bookstore and a pro-democracy former district councilor.

Wong has been outspoken despite many activists being jailed after big
anti-government protests in 2019.

The government claims the security laws are essential for stability.

Posted on 2026-06-25 06:52:13

The 95-year-old leader of a secretive South Korean church has been arrested
as authorities widened an investigation into allegations that he illegally
recruited thousands of followers into the conservative People Power Party to
influence elections.
The Shincheonji Church has denied the accusations against Lee Man-hee.

The self-proclaimed messenger of Jesus founded the congregation in the 1980s.

The church says it has about 200,000 followers.

A special team of prosecutors and police has been investigating alleged ties
between religious groups such as Shincheonji and the Unification Church and
politicians since January.

Posted on 2026-06-25 06:52:13

A strong earthquake has shaken Venezuela, swaying buildings in the capital
city of Caracas.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported a 7.1 magnitude with the epicenter about
28 kilometers west of the community of Moron, located along the country’s
Caribbean coast.

It had a depth of 13 kilometers.

People evacuated swaying buildings and homes in the capital, Caracas.

Authorities did not immediately report injuries or damages.

Posted on 2026-06-24 20:07:13

The Ministry of Education is warning schools of possible problems linked to a
stress-relief doll called Natasha.

The toy has become popular in China, where online videos show people damaging
the dolls as a form of venting.

Some lawmakers say similar toys are already available in Taiwan, including in
claw machines.

DPP lawmaker Chen Hsiu-pao (陳秀寶) says the trend could encourage copycat
behavior among children.

She says Taiwan could discuss restrictions, but students should also
understand the concerns.

Deputy Education Minister Chang Liao Wan-chien (張廖萬堅) says the trend has not
become popular among children in Taiwan ... but says the ministry will ask
schools to pay attention and respond if similar behavior appears.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-24 20:07:13

Taiwan Railway says passengers can now manage multiple tickets more easily
through an updated version of its e-booking app.

The railway operator says tickets from the same booking can now be grouped
together, making them easier to store and organize.

Passengers can also switch between boarding barcodes for different travelers
with a simple swipe on the screen.

The update includes a redesigned interface, new ticket status indicators and
a separate section for meal orders.

Other improvements include easier access to transferred tickets, more
flexible online ticket exchanges and a new home button to simplify navigation
within the app.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-24 20:07:13

And in news from the world of sport,

The New York Yankees have signed Taiwanese pitching prospect Lai Chien-Fan
(賴謙凡) to a minor league contract.

The 18-year-old right-hander received a signing bonus of over 870,000 U-S
dollars.

Lai helped Taiwan win bronze at last year's Under-18 Baseball World Cup,
striking out 14 batters over seven innings in three relief appearances.

He becomes one of only a handful of Taiwanese players to sign with the
Yankees, following former pitcher Wang Chien-ming (王建民) and infielder Kuo
Fu-lin (郭阜林).

Lai will report to the Yankees' academy in the Dominican Summer League.

(MW)

Posted on 2026-06-24 20:07:14

China has detained two Japanese citizens on suspicion of smuggling prohibited
items, in a case reportedly linked to rare earth materials.

Japan's chief Cabinet secretary says the detentions took place in May and
that the two individuals are in good health.

He declined to provide further details, citing privacy concerns and the
ongoing investigation.

China's Foreign Ministry has confirmed the detentions and says foreign
nationals in the country are expected to comply with Chinese laws.

The case comes amid continuing tensions between China and Japan, including
trade restrictions and broader regional disputes.

Posted on 2026-06-24 20:07:14

Large parts of the United Kingdom are under a rare heat warning as a heat
dome brings extreme temperatures to Western Europe.

Authorities have issued a red heat health alert for much of central and
southern England and Wales, warning that the high temperatures could pose a
risk to life.

It is only the second time such a warning has been issued in the U.K.

The previous red alert came in July 2022, when temperatures topped 40 degrees
Celsius.

Authorities in France, Italy and Spain have also issued warnings as extreme
heat affects tens of millions of people across Europe.

Posted on 2026-06-24 20:07:14

Archaeologists in Denmark say they have uncovered a large Viking Age textile
production site dating back more than 1,000 years.

Researchers say the site covers more than one million square feet and
includes an area used to process flax, a plant used to make linen.

The excavation also revealed more than 80 pit houses, semi-buried structures
that served as workshops and dwellings during the Viking era.

Experts say the discovery highlights the sophistication of Viking society and
its ability to produce goods on a large scale.

Historians believe materials from surrounding communities were brought to
sites like this before being distributed through extensive trade networks.

Posted on 2026-06-24 19:44:13

President Lai Ching-te is calling on ruling party officials and local service
teams across Taiwan to help with flood prevention efforts as Typhoon Mekkhala
approaches.

Lai says the storm is expected to make its closest approach to Taiwan
tomorrow.

Although it's not expected to make landfall here, forecasters warn its outer
bands could bring increased rainfall across the island.

Lai also noted that a seasonal weather front and a strengthening southwest
monsoon later this week could further raise the risk of heavy rain,
particularly in central and southern Taiwan.

He says government agencies have been instructed to complete flood-control
preparations ... ahead of the expected rainfall.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-24 19:44:13

Women's rights groups are calling for greater awareness of violence in
non-marital intimate relationships ... as today marks the 28th anniversary of
the Domestic Violence Prevention Act.

The Taipei Women's Rescue Foundation says domestic violence reports topped
190 thousand cases last year, with intimate partner violence accounting for
about half.

The group reviewed 11 major intimate partner violence cases reported over the
past year and found that most involved current or former romantic partners
rather than married couples.

It says eight of the cases occurred after a breakup, separation or while the
couple was living apart, highlighting the risks that can arise when
relationships end.

It also found that only two of the cases involved prior reports to
authorities or protection orders.

The foundation is urging the government to strengthen public education
efforts and raise awareness that breakups and separations can be warning
signs for escalating violence.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-24 19:44:14

New Taipei's long-awaited Sanying MRT line is expected to begin service
during the summer vacation period.

New Taipei Metro Corporation says the opening date has been approved
internally and will be announced soon.

The company also says promotional fares have been prepared, with
trial-operation discounts expected to be more generous than those offered
during previous MRT launches.

The line received approval from the Ministry of Transportation and
Communications to begin operations yesterday ... after years of construction.

City officials say the line, which connects Sanxia and Yingge districts, will
improve transportation links and support regional development.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-24 19:44:14

Researchers at National Cheng Kung University Hospital say improving sleep
habits could help reduce the risk of fatty liver disease - which affects
around 7 million people in Taiwan.

They say poor-quality sleep is associated with conditions such as obesity,
diabetes and high blood pressure, all of which can increase the likelihood of
developing the disease.

They cite the case of a 45-year-old man who regularly slept less than six
hours a night and was later diagnosed with obesity, abnormal blood sugar and
cholesterol levels, and moderate-to-severe fatty liver disease.

According to the researchers, insufficient sleep can disrupt hormone
function, increase inflammation and affect the body's ability to regulate
sugar and fat metabolism.

They say fatty liver disease is often reversible in its early stages through
lifestyle changes, including better sleep, regular exercise, weight control
and a healthier diet.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-24 17:08:13

The chairman of Airlee Clinic has been indicted on charges of attempted rape
and violating a protection order.

That's as the aesthetic clinic was already under scrutiny for privacy
violations.

Taipei prosecutors say there was ample evidence against Chang Ju-shan (常如山)
for the attempted rape charge...

including testimony from the victim, suspect, and witnesses, as well as
security camera footage, communications recrods, DNA evidence, and medical
documents.

The indictment states that a female acquaintance accused Chang of trying to
rape her, and a protection order was issued against him in February.

But prosecutors say that he continues to harass her.

Chang has been detained incommunicado since May 8 over his alleged
involvement in privacy violations at Airlee.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-06-24 17:08:17

The Hakka Affairs Council is threatening to pull a children's choir from a
major international choir event.

This comes as the group says China pressured organizers into changing the
name of the National Taiwan Hakka Children's Choir.

The group had been listed under that name on the World Symposium on Choral
Music's website as recently as April.

But on June 22nd, organizers quietly changed it to "China Taiwan Hakka
Children's Choir," swapping out "Taiwan" for "China Taiwan."

According to the council, the event's organizing body said the change was
required by the Macao government, from which the event receives subsidies.

Council chair Ku Chiu-fei 古秀妃 condemned the move, saying it represents
China's trampling on Taiwan's dignity...

adding that the council will boycott the event entirely unless the name is
restored.

The World Symposium on Choral Music is held once every three years and is
widely considered one of the most prestigious choral competitions in the
world.

(MW)

Posted on 2026-06-24 17:08:22

The DPP is sounding the alarm over a new Chinese law set to take effect next
week.

They say, the law is designed to police speech far beyond China's own
borders.

The Ethnic Unity Progress Law was passed by China's National People's
Congress back in March and takes effect July 1st.

Under Article 63, the law claims jurisdiction over organizations and
individuals outside China who are deemed to have undermined ethnic unity or
promoted separatism.

Critics say it could be used against ordinary Taiwanese citizens.

DPP Caucus Legislative Secretary-General Chuang Jui-hsiung says that China's
oversight over the entire world is designed to trigger censorship, and that
the international community will judge it harshly.

DPP spokesperson Lin Chu Yin went further, calling it a tool for
transnational repression and warning it could create a chilling effect
globally.

The party says Taiwan is now working with democratic allies to build
countermeasures against what they call cross-border intimidation.

(MW)

Posted on 2026-06-24 17:08:22

China is looking to help Iran reconstruct following an ened to the US/Israeli
war against the country.

Nikkei Asia reports that the economic and diplomatic support may help Beijing
secure more oil from Tehran.

That's after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with the deputy secretary
of Iran's Supreme National Security Council in New Delhi.

Wang says, China will continue to provide assistance to Iran while supporting
reconstruction and peacebuilding efforts in the region.

China has mostly focused on providing humanitarian aid, and will soon deliver
medical supplies to Lebanon, which has recently been attacked by Israel.

Iran is similarly optimistic about Chinese economic support, with Tehran's
lead negotiator affirming that they are a "full-fledged partner" with
Beijing.

Posted on 2026-06-24 15:25:13

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu has taken his cross-party U.S. delegation to
Washington for meetings on Taiwan-U.S. ties.

The Legislative Yuan says the group is expected to meet U.S. lawmakers, think
tanks, overseas Taiwanese, and executive branch officials.

The delegation traveled to Washington after meeting Arizona commerce
officials in Phoenix.

Han says Taiwan hopes to expand cooperation with Arizona beyond
semiconductors.

Arizona Commerce Authority head Sandra Watson says Taiwan is a reliable and
valuable partner.

She says Taiwan became Arizona's second-largest trading partner in 2025, with
trade reaching 21-billion US dollars.

The Legislature says lawmakers also raised issues including work visas,
talent needs, infrastructure, and the investment environment.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-24 15:25:15

The Defense Ministry wants to expand reserve recall training to include all
female reservists in the future.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo says the current system only allows voluntary
training for women.

He says 79 women completed voluntary reserve training from 2023 to 2025.

This year, 10 female reservists were approved to take part, and three have
finished training so far.

Koo says women in the military have performed very well and can continue
contributing after leaving service.

He says the ministry hopes to amend the law to cover retired female volunteer
officers, noncommissioned officers, and soldiers.

The ministry says it will discuss the timing and legal details with the
Executive Yuan.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-24 15:25:15

Taiwan Railway will change 653 train services from July 1st as part of its
annual timetable adjustment.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications says the changes are meant
to improve service and overall capacity planning.

They will also support the planned opening of Pingzhen Station in October.

The ministry is asking passengers to check schedules before traveling.

Meanwhile...also from July 1st, the Central Weather Administration will
launch typhoon-related large wave alerts.

The alerts will be sent through cell broadcast messages to coastal areas
facing waves higher than 6 meters.

Officials say the system is meant to warn people against watching waves or
doing coastal activities during typhoons.

The ministry says the goal is to reduce injuries and deaths caused by huge
waves.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-24 15:25:15

Keiko Fujimori is on track to become Peru's next president after taking an
unbeatable lead in the runoff election.

Peru's electoral authority says Fujimori has 50.11 percent of the vote.

That puts her more than 43-thousand votes ahead of leftist rival Roberto
Sanchez.

Officials say fewer than 41-thousand possible votes remain to be counted.

The electoral authority has not officially declared a winner, and says that
may come in mid-July.

Sanchez has alleged fraud without giving evidence, and says he will not
recognize the result.

Fujimori would take power in a country facing deep inequality, rising crime,
and years of political instability.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-24 15:25:15

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is beginning a Middle East trip aimed at
calming Gulf allies over a new Iran deal.

Rubio arrived in Abu Dhabi for a three-day visit after the U.S. and Iran
reached a preliminary accord last week.

The deal is meant to end a four-month U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

But Gulf states are worried about a proposed 300-billion US dollar
reconstruction fund for Tehran.

They fear Iran could use the money to rebuild its military.

The deal also does not address Iran's ballistic missile program, a key
concern for Gulf countries.

Rubio says those concerns will come up in his talks, along with issues not
covered in the agreement.

His trip includes the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, both key U.S. partners
that were hit by Iranian missiles during the war.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-24 15:25:15

China says it has the right to target people overseas under a new ethnic
unity law taking effect July 1.

The law allows legal action against people or groups outside China accused of
undermining ethnic unity or inciting separatism.

Vice Justice Minister Hu Weilie says the measure is legal, necessary, and in
line with international practice.

The law covers China's 55 ethnic minority groups, including Tibetans and
Uyghurs.

It has raised concerns in Taiwan and among rights groups over possible use
against political critics abroad.

Hu says the provision will not affect normal exchanges, academic discussions,
or trade cooperation.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-24 14:47:13

Matsu is inviting travelers to see more than its famous Blue Tears through
the new 2026 Glimmers in Matsu event series.

The program highlights wartime heritage, Eastern Fujian culture, religion,
and nature across Matsu’s four townships and five islands.

It opens in spring with Matsu’s Grand Birthday Celebration at Magang’s
Tianhou Temple, an important pilgrimage site renowned for its sacred cave.

In summer, visitors can join the Laser War Game, held in historic battlefield
settings.

In early autumn, the Tipsy Music Festival will bring live music, local food,
products, and raffle prizes to the islands.

The event series ends on New Year’s Day 2027, when visitors climb Mount Bi to
Welcome the Sunrise.

Tourism officials say the series reflects a long-term effort to promote Matsu
as a destination worth visiting across the seasons.

Posted on 2026-06-24 14:42:13

Taiwan High Speed Rail's new train sets could enter service earlier than
planned, as officials seek to ease crowding.

The Railway Bureau says it hopes the new N-700-S-T trains can begin joining
service by mid-2027.

The first train set is expected to arrive from Japan in mid-August.

T-H-S-R has ordered 12 new train sets in total.

Officials say the new trains could raise capacity by about 25 percent.

Lawmakers say passengers often stand in reserved-seat cars during peak travel
periods.

The Railway Bureau also says it has enough expert support to investigate
recent delay incidents.

Officials say high-speed rail extension plans to Yilan and Pingtung will
continue moving through environmental review.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-24 14:42:15

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an says the city will keep expanding temporary
childcare capacity for families.

His remarks came after DPP mayoral candidate Puma Shen proposed free weekly
temporary childcare for children ages 0 to 6.

Shen's plan would give preschool children four free hours of temporary
childcare each week.

It also includes more free counseling for parents and free in-home parenting
guidance.

Chiang says Taipei can currently provide about 130-thousand hours of
temporary childcare service each week.

City officials say Shen's plan would require 414-thousand hours each week.

They say the gap could strain staffing and service supply, while Chiang says
the city will expand sites in a practical way.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-24 14:42:20

Taoyuan police say a man was referred to prosecutors after allegedly damaging
a convenience store while unclothed.

Police say the case happened at about 6 p.m. Tuesday in Taoyuan City.

Officers were called after a store reported that a man had smashed the glass
door of a freezer.

Police say they found the man sitting outside the store and brought him under
control.

Officers and store staff used a red cloth to cover his body.

Police say they later found amphetamines and a smoking device in a plastic
bag he was carrying.

The case was referred to prosecutors on suspected drug and property damage
offenses.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-24 14:42:22

Matsu is inviting travelers to see more than its famous Blue Tears through
the new 2026 Glimmers in Matsu event series.

The program highlights wartime heritage, Eastern Fujian culture, religion,
and nature across Matsu’s four townships and five islands.

It opens in spring with Matsu’s Grand Birthday Celebration at Magang’s
Tianhou Temple, an important pilgrimage site renowned for its sacred cave.

In summer, visitors can join the Laser War Game, held in historic battlefield
settings.

In early autumn, the Tipsy Music Festival will bring live music, local food,
products, and raffle prizes to the islands.

The event series ends on New Year’s Day 2027, when visitors climb Mount Bi to
Welcome the Sunrise.

Tourism officials say the series reflects a long-term effort to promote Matsu
as a destination worth visiting across the seasons.

Posted on 2026-06-24 14:42:27

Russian-held Sevastopol and Moscow-controlled parts of Ukraine's Kherson
region faced power outages today after reported Ukrainian attacks.

Russian-installed officials say Sevastopol lost power after energy facilities
were hit.

The city's governor says Sevastopol was under drone attack earlier today.

He says trolleybuses will not run, and asked parents to keep children at home.

Officials in Russian-held Kherson also reported partial or full power cuts,
but gave few details.

Kyiv has increased strikes on supply routes to Russian-annexed Crimea, adding
pressure during a fuel shortage.

Russian officials also reported drones over an industrial site in Orenburg,
and a deadly drone attack in Belgorod.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-24 14:42:27

Archaeologists say they have discovered a huge Viking Age textile production
site in Denmark that dates back more than 1,000 years and underlines the
sophistication of Viking society.

Experts from the Moesgaard Museum said this week that the sprawling, more
than 1 million square-foot site features an area for processing flax as well
as more than 80 pit houses.

The semisubmerged huts were used as workshops and dwellings in Viking times.

A historian says goods and resources were likely brought from the countryside
and settlements like this one before entering an extensive international
trade network.

Posted on 2026-06-24 13:11:13

Today is the 3rd day of the military's "Immediate Combat Readiness
Exercises..."

with today's drills bringing troops to the mouth of the Tamsui River to
practice defending against a Chinese invasion.

The 53rd Engineering Group set up three lines of defense to defend against
enemy vessels...

with one of those lines being made up of explosive fuel drums spaced in a way
so as to maximize efficiency.

The drills are being conducted all throughout this week, and aim to prepare
troops for initial stages of a potential invasion.

The military has long conducted drills at the mouth of the Tamsui River, as
it's seen as a crucial point for any attempt at seizing Taipei.

The drills continue through Friday.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-24 13:11:14

A 34-year-old local diver was found dead early today after going missing off
Xiaoliuqiu.

Authorities say the man entered the water yesterday near the Houshi (厚石)
coral reefs.

He was reportedly heading toward offshore waters, but did not return to shore.

Pingtung firefighters received the report at 6:53 p.m. and joined Coast Guard
teams and rescue workers.

Relatives, friends, and volunteer divers also helped search the area.

The man's younger brother reported at 2:17 a.m. that he had been found about
300 meters offshore.

Officials say a fishing boat found him floating on the water, and the case
has been handed to police and his family.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-24 13:11:14

Police are investigating a man who allegedly absconded with part of a banner
promoting KMT Taipei City Councilor Zhong Pei Jun.

According to police, the suspect is a French national in his 30s, who claimed
that he thought the banner would prove useful to his artwork.

The incident allegedly took place during the early hours of Friday morning in
the city's Da'an District.

Zhong says that she was dismayed to hear that the banner that had been up for
less than a month was vandalized...

but she said that she was amused upon hearing that the suspect thought that
her image would hold artistic value.

Zhong said that the man confessed and was willing to pay 12,000 NT as
compensation, but requested to keep the image of her face.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-24 13:11:14

Now turning to international news and in the US,

primary elections in New York City have shown that Mayor Zohran Mamdani has
kingmaking power, as his picks went three for three in Democratic House
primaries.

Two of his endorsed candidates are democratic socialists, like Mamdani
himself.

The primary wins basically ensure that they will be elected to Congress in
the deeply Democratic-leaning districts.

Mamdani said it was a question of electing "better Democrats" who would "put
working people back at the heart of politics.”

The approach frustrated some in Democratic leadership, but the outcome
showcased Mamdani's rising influence in the Democratic Party.

Posted on 2026-06-24 13:06:13

A delegation lawmakers led by Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu has arrived in
Washington D.C. on the second leg of its six-day trip to the U-S.

They delegation was greeted on its arrival by Taiwan's representative to the
U-S Alexander Yui

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Washington will be
hosting a congressional Taiwan-China reception to welcome Han and the
delegation and reports say members of the U-S are expected to attend that
event.

Reports have also said the delegation will be meeting with U-S senators,
members of the House of Representatives and senior U-S government officials
while in Washington.

However, the full itinerary has not been released and speaking briefly to
reporters in his arrival in the U-S capital Han said only that he will
"report back later" on the matter.

Prior to traveling to Washington, the delegation visited Taiwan Semiconductor
Manufacturing's campus in the state of Arizona, where they met with T-S-M-C
Arizona C-E-O Ray Chuang.

The delegation is scheduled to return to Taiwan on Friday aboard EVA Airways'
inaugural direct flight from Washington, D.C. to Taoyuan International
Airport.

Posted on 2026-06-24 13:06:13

New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih returned to Taiwan earlier this morning following
his trip to the U-S.

Speaking to reporters briefly after arriving at Taoyuan International
Airport, Hou said along with attending an automation technology exhibition,
he also visited two Major League Baseball stadiums.

According to Hou, those visits to baseball stadiums were aimed at leaning
about how best to plan construction of the New Taipei City Dome.

Hou was leading a delegation of representatives from 20 companies
specializing in smart manufacturing, automation, industrial AI, and key
components to participate in AUTOMATE 2026 in Chicago.

New Taipei was the only Taiwan city to establish a pavilion at the event.

Posted on 2026-06-24 13:06:13

Several Taiwan startups are visiting Belgium this week to seek cooperation
and to expand their global exposure.

The delegation is being led by the National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University's
Center of Industry Accelerator and Patent Strategy.

According to the university, the 10 startups include those involved in the
medical, sustainable agriculture, smart manufacturing, and sports technology
sectors.

The university says along with holding meetings with local Belgian companies,
representatives form the startups are also receiving briefings from the
Belgian Technology Industry Alliance to better understand the county's
technology industry structure.

The Center of Industry Accelerator and Patent Strategy says all all 10
participating startup teams are seeking to expand into the European market.

Posted on 2026-06-24 13:06:13

The Central Weather Administration says the outer bands of Typhoon Mekkhala
will bring rain to northeastern, western, and southern parts of Taiwan from
tomorrow through Saturday.

The storm is forecast to be closest to Taiwan tomorrow ..

... and occasional showers or thunderstorms can be expected in the northeast
and west, while residents of mountainous areas in the south will likely see
localized heavy rain.

The storm is currently located some 400-kilometers southeast of Eluanbi at
the island's southern tip and is moving in a northerly direction at
9-kilometers-an-hour.

The weather administration says as the typhoon moves away from Taiwan on
Friday and Saturday, a weather front to the north will keep conditions
unstable across islandwide ....

... and that will bring occasional showers or thunderstorms to the north and
center and localized rain in other areas.

Posted on 2026-06-24 13:06:13

The 37th Golden Melody Awards will be taking place this Saturday at the
Taipei Arena.

The main ceremony is being hosted by singer A-Lin, while Gu Gu, also known as
Lu Si-wei, and Chen Ming-chu will be hosting the red carpet event.

There will be live performances by Karen Mok & The Masters, Hebe Tien, Nick
Chou and Trash.

This year's awards event is heavily dominated by Jolin Tsai, whose album
"Pleasure" secured a 9 nominations including for Best Album, Best Single, and
Best Music Video.

Veteran lyricist Lin Huang-kun and late arranger Max Tu will be this year's
recipients of the Special Contribution Award.

The red carpet event begins at 5PM, and the main awards ceremony kicks off at
7PM.

Posted on 2026-06-24 13:06:13

And finally in sports news and last night's Chinese Professional Baseball
League.

The T-S-G Hawks beat the first half-season champion Wei Chuan Dragons 2-1 at
the ChengChing Lake Stadium in Kaohsiung.

The C-T-B-C Brothers beat the Fubon Guardians 6-3 at the Intercontinental
Stadium in Taichung.

While the Uni-President Lions beat the Rakuten Monkeys 1-0 at the Rakuten
Stadium in Taoyuan.

In this evening's games.

The Wei Chuan Dragons play the Rakuten Monkeys at the Rakuten Stadium in
Taoyuan.

And the Fubon Guardians play the T-S-G Hawks at the ChengChing Lake Stadium
in Kaohsiung.

Both games begin at 6:30.

Posted on 2026-06-24 13:06:13

A Japanese employee of a major heavy electric machinery manufacturer's China
unit has been detained in China.

According to Nikkei Asia, the worker was detained in May in the northeastern
port city of Dalian, possibly over attempts to take rare earth-related
products out of the country without authorization.

Details of the alleged violation remain unclear.

The detention comes as Beijing has tightened export controls on rare earths
and dual-use items, including restrictions on Japan-bound shipments
introduced in January.

China dominates the global supply of rare earths, which are essential for
manufacturing everything from electric vehicles to weapons.

Posted on 2026-06-24 13:06:13

Also from the US.....

The Army’s commander of its forces in Europe and Africa is unexpectedly
stepping down after just 18 months in the job.

The Army confirmed late Tuesday that Gen. Christopher Donahue, commanding
general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa and commander of NATO’s Allied Land
Command, will relinquish his command on July 2nd.

Donahue was famously the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan in 2021.

He is the latest in a line of nearly two dozen top military leaders to either
retire or depart their jobs early under the leadership of Defense Secretary
Pete Hegseth, who has undertaken an effort to thin the ranks of the
military’s top brass.

Posted on 2026-06-24 13:06:13

The leaders of four Central European countries have revived their regional
alliance, the Visegrád Four, during a meeting in Hungary.

The prime ministers of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia
gathered for the first summit in over two years.

The alliance had been strained by former Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán's
pro-Russian stance.

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar hosted the summit and proposed
initiatives like a high-speed rail line linking the capitals.

The leaders discussed energy security, agricultural policy, and illegal
immigration.

Magyar emphasized expanding cooperation to include nearby countries and
coordinating positions for EU summits.

Posted on 2026-06-24 08:15:13

talks

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun says she believes the cross-strait status quo
is based on the "one China" political formula and is key to restarting
dialogue between Taipei and Beijing.

According to Cheng, restarting dialogue and exchanges based on the "1992
consensus" and an "anti-Taiwan independence" stance is the only way to ensure
a peaceful and stable cross-strait relationship.

The statement comes after American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond
Greene told the United Daily News in an interview published yesterday that
over 70-per cent of Taiwan's public backs the status quo ...

.... a consensus he described as the best basis for Taipei's elected leaders
to conduct talks with Beijing.

The K-M-T chairwoman says a decade of deteriorating cross-strait ties has
brought the region to the brink of war, where any action could spark a
conflict and her policies are gaining traction due to widespread concern
internationally about the situation.

She's also insisting there is "no alternative way" to ensure cross-strait
peace and stability other than what she has proposed to resume cross-strait
dialogue, but enhancing Taiwan's defense capabilities and resilience remain
vital to that and has her support.

Posted on 2026-06-24 08:15:13

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency's Hualien Branch says there are
now concerns that a newly formed barrier lake could begin overflowing in 10
to 20 days.

Authorities are now identifying households in at-risk areas and urging
residents to evacuate before the designated deadline.

The warning comes after the agency discovered the new barrier lake on Sunday.

It's located upstream of Wanli River and some 7-kilometers north of where the
Matai'an barrier lake burst in September of last year.

Aerial surveys found that the area of the landslide that created the barrier
lake covered about 45-hectares and rockfalls were continuing in the area.

Minister Without Portfolio Chi Lien-cheng says barrier lake is located about
20-kilometers upstream from Wanrong Township at an elevation of roughly 1,000
meters and has an estimated capacity is 6-million cubic meters of water ..

.. and if a breach were to occur, Mingli Village in Wanrong Township would be
the first area affected.

According to Chi, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency has established
a response task force to assess the situation and it will travel to the area
next week to provide guidance on disaster preparedness efforts.

Posted on 2026-06-24 08:15:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Taiwan managed to establish APEC's first
healthcare sub-fund in late May despite months of Chinese obstruction.

It was created to address rapidly aging societies and Taiwan donated
1.5-million U-S dollars to establish the fund.

According to Jonathan Sun, the head of the ministry's Department of
International Organizations, it is the first large-scale initiative Taiwan
has launched within APEC in a decade, but it faced numerous difficulties
because of China.

Sun says it took 10 months of "challenging and lengthy" discussions for APEC
economies to reach a consenus on the fund, as China persistently offered
"advice and suggestions," some of which "were not that reasonable."

An APEC press release says the Taiwan-initiated sub-fund ...

.... "will support the development of future-ready healthcare systems by
deploying A-I, other emerging technologies and innovative policies to improve
accessibility, efficiency and equitable health access for all communities in
the Asia-Pacific."

Posted on 2026-06-24 08:15:13

C-P-C has confirmed that a an oil tanker it chartered is expected to arrive
in Taiwan in mid-July after exiting the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the state-refiner, the "Dubai Energy" is carrying 2-million
barrels of crude oil.

The statements come after Reuters reported that the Dubai Energy left the
Strait of Hormuz overnight and is bound for Kaohsiung.

The vessel had been stranded in the Strait of Hormuz for over three months
due to the Iran war.

C-P-C says the Dubai Energy completed the loading of 2-million barrels of
crude oil before the US-Israel war against Iran broke out at the end of
February and had previously planned to pass through the Strait in early
March.

The crude oil being shipped to Taiwan will be assigned to C-P-C's refinery
plants in Kaohsiung and Taoyuan based on market demand.

Posted on 2026-06-24 08:15:13

The High Speed Rail Corporation has issued an apology to passengers for power
outage late late night that caused delays to four trains.

The network operator says a brief power outage occurred between Taoyuan and
Hsinchu at 11:24PM, and power was restored at 11:29PM - causing delays of
approximately 5 minutes to the four affected trains.

The apology came after several passengers took to social media to say their
trains suddenly stopped and the all the lights and air conditioning went out.

While other passengers said they were in a northbound train while passing
through the Hsinchu section when the incident occured and it was
"terrifying."

Last night's incident occured a month after the High Speed Rail line
experienced a signal problem on a section of track near Miaoli on May 25 that
forced the cancellation and rescheduling of trains for that entire day.

Posted on 2026-06-24 08:15:13

And finally,

The Ministry of Environment has announced that it will be holding a
heat-response drill next Monday.

According to the ministry, the exercise will simulate the government's
response in the event of temperatures reaching 40-degrees.

The ministry conducted its first heat-response drill last year based on a
temperature threshold of 38-degrees.

The environment ministry says the drill will simulate an extreme heat event
in which temperatures exceed 40-degrees Celsius and persist for more than
three consecutive days.

The exercise will incorporate multiple government agencies and simulate a
range of impacts associated with prolonged heat waves, including surges in
patients seeking medical treatment, power outages, traffic disruptions and
overheated railway tracks.

The ministry says drill will assess interagency coordination mechanisms,
clarify the division of responsibilities among participating agencies and
strengthen preparedness and emergency response capabilities.

Posted on 2026-06-24 07:06:13

President Lai Ching-te is renewing calls for closer international cooperation
to counter transnational repression as he described it as a growing challenge
facing democracies around the world.

Lai told participants at a Global Cooperation and Training Framework workshop
in Taipei, that threats facing democratic countries today have gone beyond
traditional military domains and geographic boundaries.

The president said authoritarian regimes are increasingly using emerging
technologies, illicit financial flows, cyberattacks and information
manipulation to carry out cross-border surveillance and repression, undermine
social trust and erode democratic sovereignty.

He added that when authoritarianism seeks to export fear, democratic
societies must build resilience and when authoritarian forces seek to divide
unity, democratic partners must work together.

Organizers say the event brought together experts and scholars from 29
countries to exchange views on safeguarding democracy, freedom, human rights
and the rule of law.

The Global Cooperation and Training Framework was established by Taiwan and
the United States in 2015, and has since been expanded to include Japan,
Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom as official partners.

Posted on 2026-06-24 07:06:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the suspension of talks between
Taiwan and Lithuania on a new economic cooperation project as a new coalition
government takes power in Vilnius.

Ministry spokesman Hsiao Kuang-wei says the government remains committed to
deepening bilateral economic and trade cooperation with Lithuania based on
shared democratic values.

Lithuania's Foreign Ministry originally proposed an action plan in March
outlining priority economic sectors and potential projects aimed at
strengthening cooperation with Taiwan.

That was put on hold after the country's ruling Social Democratic Party
formed a new governing coalition .

Lithuanian media on Monday quoted Lithuania's Foreign Ministry as announcing
the decision to suspend talks with Taiwan.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs here in Taiwan said in April that most of the
projects listed in the proposal build on existing cooperation between Taipei
and Vilnius in sectors such as lasers, medical A-I, and fintech.

Posted on 2026-06-24 07:06:13

The Ministry of National Defense says China's newest aircraft carrier, the
Fujian transited the Taiwan Strait on Tuesday.

The ministry has released a black-and-white photo of the vessel.

No aircraft are visible on its deck.

The defense ministry has not said where or how the picture was taken - saying
only it that used joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
methods to monitor the vessel as it sailed through the strait.

The Fujian is believed to be China's most advanced aircraft carrier and,
unlike China’s first two carriers, it has electromagnetic catapults to launch
aircraft from its flat flight deck.

The Fujian last sailed through the Taiwan Strait in December of last year.

Posted on 2026-06-24 07:06:13

The Ministry of Labor says new rules defining workplace bullying and
requiring employers to establish prevention and complaint-handling mechanisms
takes effect July 1.

The new rules are related to amendments to the Occupational Safety and
Health Act.

The ministry's Occupational Safety and Health Administration says related
regulations were introduced with the intent to clarify the criteria for
identifying workplace bullying... and to outline prevention and response
measures.

The new provisions define workplace bullying as repeated "inappropriate words
or behaviors" by colleagues and superiors who abuse "their positions or
powers" and act "beyond the necessary and reasonable business scope," causing
a worker physical or mental harm.

The new framework establishes procedures for complaints, investigations and
appeals, and allows local labor authorities to handle complaints when the
alleged perpetrator is the company's top responsible person.

The amended Act also requires employers to take "adequate punishment or
relevant discipline" against perpetrators if workplace bullying is
substantiated... without saying what these disciplinary measures should be.

Posted on 2026-06-24 07:06:13

The Centers for Disease Control has confirmed Taiwan's first domestic case of
cholera since 2023.

The C-D-C says it involves a woman in her 70s with no recent overseas travel
history.

Officials say the woman lives in southern Taiwan and developed diarrhea,
vomiting, nausea and convulsions in early June.

She initially sought medical treatment at a clinic... but was then was rushed
to an emergency department after her condition worsened, where stool samples
were collected for analysis.

She has since improved and she was discharged from hospital following
treatment, but the source of infection is still under investigation.

The C-D-C says six close contacts have been identified, all of whom have so
far shown no symptoms.

Taiwan recorded one domestic cholera case in 2023 and two in 2022.

Cholera is a Category 2 notifiable infectious disease and is mainly
transmitted through contaminated food or water.

Posted on 2026-06-24 07:06:13

The Taiwan Expo in Europe 2026 in underway in Warsaw.

Taiwanese and European officials say there is growing cooperation in sectors
including artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and advanced
manufacturing at the event.

Deputy Economic Affairs Minister Cynthia Jiang said Poland has become a key
partner for Taiwan's entry into the European market and the two countries are
preparing to sign a new M-O-U on research and development cooperation.

More than 100 Taiwan companies are participating in the expo, and
representatives from the European Union, Japan and Ukraine are also in
attendance.

The Taiwan Expo in Europe was first launched in 2017 and is being held in
Poland for the first time this year.

The Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association has announced
plans to build a new technology and AI park in MYEN-keen-yah just outside the
city of vrot-swaaf in southwestern Poland...

Association Vice President Kevan Tsai says the town was selected over other
potential locations in the Czech Republic and Germany.

Posted on 2026-06-24 07:06:13

And,

The Ocean Conservation Administration says a critically endangered shark ray
has been fitted with a satellite tag and released into waters off Taitung.

The shark ray is said to have been born in Singapore to a mother originally
from waters off eastern Taiwan.

The administration says the juvenile shark ray arrived in Taiwan on June 4
and was cared for at facilities in Taoyuan and Pingtung before being
transported to Chenggong Fishing Port in Taitung County.

Researchers attached a satellite tag before taking the fish offshore aboard a
research vessel and releasing it into the wild.

Ocean Conservation Administration Director-General Lu Shiau-yun says the
initiative is an attempt to conserve the species... data gathered from the
satellite tag on its behavior and habitat use will help inform future
conservation planning.

Shark rays are distributed from the Indian Ocean to the western Pacific and
here in Taiwan they are found mainly in waters off the east coast and around
Penghu.

Posted on 2026-06-24 07:06:13

The leaders of four Central European countries have revived their regional
alliance, the Visegrád Four, during a meeting in Hungary.

The prime ministers of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia
gathered for the first summit in over two years.

The alliance had been strained by former Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán's
pro-Russian stance. Hungarian

Prime Minister Péter Magyar hosted the summit and proposed initiatives like a
high-speed rail line linking the capitals.

The leaders discussed energy security, agricultural policy, and illegal
immigration. Magyar emphasized expanding cooperation to include nearby
countries and coordinating positions for EU summits.

Posted on 2026-06-24 07:06:13

Germany’s national railway operator says it has halted trains across the
country because of a problem with its internal communications system.

There was no immediate word on the cause of the problem.

Deutsche Bahn would only say its technicians were working to remedy the fault.

It didn’t specify how long that might take or say how many trains were
affected.

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:45:13

Taiwan says new investment talks with Lithuania are on hold as Vilnius forms
a new coalition government.

The Foreign Ministry confirmed the pause Tuesday.

Spokesman Hsiao Kuangwei (蕭光偉) says Taiwan still wants deeper trade and
economic ties with Lithuania.

Lithuania had proposed a new action plan in March.

The plan aimed to boost cooperation with Taiwan in key economic sectors.

Lithuanian media says the pause follows changes in the country's political
situation.

A new coalition was formed on June 18 after a far-right party left the
previous ruling alliance.

Taiwanese officials say earlier proposals focused on areas such as lasers,
medical AI and fintech.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:45:15

A Taiwanese startup has won a major AI prize at VivaTech 2026 in Paris.

NunoX Tech took the AI title in the Global Deep Tech Battle.

The contest was held during VivaTech, Europe's largest startup and technology
trade fair.

Taiwan's startup agency says NunoX uses AI and a high-precision scanner to
turn real fabrics into digital materials.

It says the technology can cut clothing development from 14 days to 48 hours.

NunoX was part of a 34-member Taiwan group at the event.

The delegation also visited France and Belgium to seek new partners in AI,
health care and green technology.

Taiwanese officials say the trip aims to help local startups grow in the
European market.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:45:16

Nearly 200 volunteers removed 160 kilograms of trash from Sun Moon Lake today.

The Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration says teams worked both
on water and on land.

They collected about 955 pieces of waste from the lake surface, shoreline and
nearby trails.

Plastic made up the biggest share, at 56 kilograms.

That included bottles, plastic bags, caps, straws, drink cups and food
packaging.

Officials say low rainfall exposed hidden trash, while holiday crowds added
pressure to the area.

The event also promoted water safety for stand-up paddleboarding and other
lake activities.

The administration says the cleanup supports safer travel and more
sustainable tourism at Sun Moon Lake.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:42:13

The DPP says, it's hoping for the swift passage of an Executive Yuan proposal
targeting drone acquisition and production.

DPP Spokespeson Lin Chu Yin says today that the bill would demonstrate
Taiwan's commitment to self-defense, and would anchor national defense
locally by investing in local manufacturing.

She added that the bill is in line with international trends seeking to
divest from Chinese manufacturing of drone technology.

Lin says, the bill, with a budget ceiling of 210 billion NT, would have the
added benefit of increasing cooperation with the US.

The proposal came after a previous Executive Yuan bill for additional defense
spending coming in at 1.25 trillion NT encoutered opposition from KMT and TPP
lawmakers...

who removed funding for drones.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:42:16

The Ministry of Agriculture is issuing a clarification on Taiwanese
businesses having contracts with Chinese ones...

with Minister Chen Jun Ji saying that contracts between two private
businesses are permissible, but ones with political motives would be against
regulations.

That's after China helds its Straits Forum recently, where 5 Taiwanese
agricultural groups signed contracts with China.

The Mainland Affairs Council called on the Ministry of Agriculture to
investigate whether or not the contracts violated the law.

Chen says today that Article 33 of the Cross-Strait Relations Act states that
Taiwanese citizens traveling to China cannot sign Memorandums of
Understanding with politically-affiliated organizations without approval.

Chen says, no consensus has been reached on this particular case yet.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:40:13

Taiwan has launched the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation's first health care
fund for aging societies after months of delays it blamed on China.

The Foreign Ministry says Taiwan donated 1-point-5-million US dollars to set
up the fund in late May.

Taiwan takes part in APEC as "Chinese Taipei."

Jonathan Sun, Taiwan's senior APEC official, says it is Taiwan's first major
APEC project in 10 years.

He says China gave advice during the review, but some of it was not
reasonable.

The proposal took 10 months to win approval, much longer than some other APEC
projects.

APEC says the fund will support AI, new technology and better policy to
improve health care access across the region.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:40:13

The Taiwan Expo in Europe 2026 opened yesterday in Warsaw.

There, Taiwanese and European officials hope to promote cooperation in
emerging industries including artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and
advanced manufacturing.

The Taiwan Expo in Europe is a significant trade event that showcases
Taiwan's industrial, technological, and cultural strengths that began in
2017.

This is the first time the event has been held in Poland.

Poland has become a key trade partner for Taiwan's entry into the European
market, with bilateral trade growing by 20% since 2018.

Many Taiwanese companies have established branches in Poland, expanding
sectors such as green energy and information technology.

Furthermore, the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association
announced the construction of a technology park in the town of Miękinia,
facilitating battery manufacturing, smart infrastructure, and new residential
areas.

(AT-CNA)

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:40:13

The Centers for Disease Control reports a new imported malaria case involving
a foreign man in his 20s.

The CDC says the man lives in northern Taiwan.

He was diagnosed with malaria in Pakistan last year and arrived in Taiwan in
late January.

He developed fever and vomiting in early June.

Doctors later confirmed he had a recurrence of vivax malaria.

The CDC says the illness can return because the parasite may stay hidden in
the liver.

The man has received one week of treatment and is now stable.

Health officials are urging travelers to malaria-risk areas to seek medical
advice early and finish all medicine as directed.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:40:14

Kaohsiung International Airport will start allowing pre-booked taxi pickups
from June 25.

The airport says passengers can book rides through online platforms.

Eight operators have passed review, including Uber partner fleets, Taiwan
Taxi 55688, yoxi and LINE GO.

The change follows years of complaints that travelers had too few taxi
choices at the airport.

Some foreign visitors said the old system made communication harder.

Some families also wanted more options, including cars with child seats.

The new pickup area will be between the international and domestic terminals,
near the MRT station's Exit 2.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:10:13

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu led lawmakers to T-S-M-C's Arizona campus to
discuss the chipmaker's U.S. expansion.

The Legislative Yuan says Han met T-S-M-C Arizona CEO Zhuang Rui-ping (莊瑞萍)
in Phoenix on Monday.

They discussed talent, technology, production capacity and possible effects
on Taiwan's industry.

Chuang said T-S-M-C will keep its most advanced technology and core research
in Taiwan.

The company began mass production at its first Arizona fab in late 2024.

A second fab is set to start mass production in late 2027, and a third is
under construction.

T-S-M-C has announced 165-billion US dollars in total Arizona investment.

Han's delegation will next visit Washington to meet U.S. lawmakers and senior
officials before returning Friday.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:10:15

A second drowning in just three days has struck the same stretch of river in
Taoyuan's Fuxing District.

A 17-year-old boy died Sunday after being swept under by a strong current
while wading near the Youxiayun Waterfall with two friends.

He was pulled from the water without a pulse and pronounced dead at the
hospital.

It is about two kilometers upstream from where a 20-year-old college student
drowned after diving into the water on Friday.

Authorities are urging the public to prioritize safety when swimming in
rivers or coastal waters, especially as summer heat continues to draw crowds
to the water.

According to Taiwan's National Fire Agency, rivers are consistently the most
dangerous spot for drowning nationwide...

accounting for 44% of all incidents

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:10:20

Taiwanese Go star Hsu Hao-hung (許皓鋐) has won the Taiwan Meijin title for the
fourth time, winning his second major domestic championship so far this year.

He defeated veteran player Wang Yuan-chun (王元均) by 4-0 in a best of seven
final, earning a 1.8 million NTD prize.

Hsu has seen outstanding success in the past several years, taking gold at
the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games and winning his fifth consecutive Taiwan Tengen
title earlier in March.

He hopes to secure a fifth consecutive victory at the Go Grandmaster
Tournament later this year, and plans on competing internationally,
potentially continuing his success in Hangzhou.

(AT)

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:10:20

Now turning to international news...

Much of France is experiencing another day of extreme heat that's expected to
last until at least the end of the week.

High temperatures are expected to exceed 40 degrees celsius.

In a country without comprehensive air-conditioning, schools, trains, and
sporting events are impacted, with some 20 drowning deaths reported since the
weekend.

The extreme weather is being compared to a notorious heat wave in 2003, in
which 15,000 people died.

Europe is warming at twice the pace of the global average, with human-caused
climate change linked to increasingly extreme weather.

The UN climate agency projects more heat records over the next five years.

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:10:20

Iran says, there's no visit scheduled for inspectors from the International
Atomic Energy Agency to see nuclear sites earlier bombed by the US.

The remarks appear to conflict with those made by the US vice president, who
said negotiations in Switzerland won an agreement for the IAEA to visit
Iranian sites.

The IAEA has been in and out of Iran since Israel launched attacks on Iran
last year, but has not been granted access to the bombed enrichment sites
targeted by the US in that 12 day war.

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:10:20

An Australian man has been named the world's loudest person.

Guinness World Records says, Joseph McGrail-Bateup recorded the loudest ever
shout by one person, yelling "now" at 122.4 decibels.

The professional air conditioner cleaner broke the record set by Northern
Ireland schoolteacher Annalisa Flanagan in 1994.

Flanagan had yelled "quiet" at 121.7 decibels.

McGrail-Bateup says, there's no way to practice for the shout, adding "you
have to just keep it for the day."

He became competitively loud when he was appointed the official town crier of
the national capital Canberra in 2017.

It’s an honorary and part-time role established by the local government which
he considers “a bit of fun.”

Posted on 2026-06-23 16:12:13

The military is carrying out the second day of the "Immediate Combat
Readiness Exercise" today...

with the 5 day drills seeing ground forces move into New Taipei's Bali, the
Taipei Port, and Taoyuan International Airport.

The exercises began with patrols in Taoyuan, where military tanks were seen
on streets and highways.

Officials say, the drills are meant to strengthen preparedness through
familiarization with the "iron triangle."

They differ from the annual Han Kuang Exercises in that they specifically
target initial combat readiness for a scenario in which the Chinese military
begins to take action but has not yet dispatched boats.

Military experts say that the coastal areas of Taoyuan and New Taipei are
significant landing zones for enemy ships in a combat scenario.

The drills will continue through Friday.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-23 16:12:13

Kaohsiung Metro has completed a $20 million NT upgrade at World Games Station
and is adjusting platform arrangements to better handle rising passenger
numbers.

The Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation announced that from today, passengers
heading toward Xiao-gang on Platform 1 at R17 World Games Station will wait
on the northern side of the platform.

The corporation said the northern platform provides much more standing room
and will improve passenger flow and comfort during busy periods.

The upgrade work included signal system modifications and verification,
additional gates, improved waiting area layouts, better ventilation, and
updated signage.

The corporation said additional staff will be on hand during the initial
adjustment period to help travelers familiarize themselves with the new
layout.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-06-23 16:12:13

Mexicans are reclaiming the FIFA World Cup with street celebrations as high
ticket prices keep many out of stadiums.

Fans gather in plazas and neighborhoods, watching games on TVs set up in
public spaces.

The tournament co-hosted by Mexico, the U.S. and Canada has sparked social
tensions due to the cost barrier.

Tickets have soared to some $33-thousand U.S. dollars a piece for the final
game, that's more than on million NT.

Despite this, local festivities thrive with fans creating their own vibrant
gatherings.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has criticized the pricing and encouraged
public watch parties to keep the spirit accessible to all.

Posted on 2026-06-23 14:06:13

A new barrier lade has formed upstream of Hualian's Wan-li River, and
Minister without Portfolio Ji Lian-cheng (季連成)
said today that it poses an overflow risk within 10 to 20 days.

Ji said if there's heavy rain, the risk would be higher, and he has asked
households in the designated areas to prepare for preventive evacuation.

According to the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, the landslide that
created the lake covers about 45 hectares, and while the newly-formed lake
has not yet filled to the point of overflowing, small rockfalls continue to
occur sporadically.

Ji said the lake, at an elevation of 1,000 meters, is some 20 kilometers
from Wan-rong (萬榮) Township .

A preliminary estimates suggest that it could hold as much as six million
cubic meters of water.

Ji said they have invited a research team from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung
University to conduct analyses and assessments, adding that evacuations will
be carried out in two stages.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-06-23 14:06:13

One person has been injured folowing a fuel explosion at the Hsinchu Air
Force base.

Authorities say, the explosion was likely caused by a fuel pump malfunction.

The blast apparently originated in a fuel storage tank belonging to the Army
Logistics Command's Third Regional Support Command.

The explosion happened as cleaning work was being performed by a contractor.

One mechanic was injured in the accident and is now in the hospital in stable
condition.

Hsinchu firefighters were able to put out the blaze.

An investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-06-23 14:06:14

Firefighters on Orchid Island brought a fire at a landfill under control in
the early hours of the morning following an all-night firefighting effort.

That's after a landfill on the Taitung island broke out yesterday afternoon
when some discarded items began to emit smoke.

Orchid Island Fire Chief Leng Zhen Shan 冷鎮山says that the fire started at the
recycling section of the landfill in an area of about 30 square meters.

Leng added that firefighters worked together with the environmental
protection department and local officials to handle the matter,

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-23 14:06:14

Asian shares are mixed today, as recent enthusiasm cools and markets face
uncertinaty about efforts to end the war in Iran.

Benchmarks rose in early trading in Tokyo and Shanghai but fell in Seoul and
Hong KOng.

Taiwan shares are down today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at 47275
after losing 466 points.

The turnover was 1.486 trillion NT

Posted on 2026-06-23 13:07:14

The Health Promotion Adminsitration is raising the alarm over rising youth
rates of nicotine usage.

They say, new data shows that 3.7% of- or about 40,000 teenages- use vapes.

They're looking into proposing amendments to the law that would strengthen
punishments against those who possess the illegal products.

The warning comes as there has been a spate of drug-impaired driving cases
recently, most notably related to so-called "zombie vapes."

Officials add that some users may be under the misconception that such
products only contain nicotine...

but actually, the more concerning thing is that there may be other things, or
even drugs, mixed into the product that can be more dangerous.

Officials encourage those trying to quit nicotine products to join a free
program to work towards their goals.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-23 13:07:14

The Transport Safety Board is due to complete its investigative report in
August on Taipei city's first electric bus fire that took place last year.

The 262 route electric bus, operated by the Metropolitan Transport
Corporation, caught fire while stopped at a bus stop outside Chang-Geng
Memorial Hospital on northbound Dunhua North Road in June last year.

The vehicle was completely destroyed, but no one was injured as the driver
and all 7 passengers evacuated in time.

Preliminary findings show the bus had experienced battery problems and
continued displaying warning alerts even after repairs.

The bus later lost power, exploded and burst into flames.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-06-23 13:07:14

Now turning to international news...

Ship traffic has picked up in the Strait of Hormuz since Iran and the US
signed an interim deal to end the war there.

However, questions surrounding control of the waterway and tolls to cross it
may interfere with ongoing negotiations.

A temporary agreement allows Iran to manage the strait while holding
discussions with Oman and other gulf states on the future administration of
the passage.

Iran agreed not to charge transiting vessels for 2 months...

while the US has suggested that it may impose its own tolls if a final peace
deal is not reached.

But legal experts say, a toll regime would turn decades of international
trade precedent on its head.

Posted on 2026-06-23 13:07:14

As Britain gets ready to have its seventh prime minister since 2016, experts
say the "subterranean trace of Brexit" still runs through British politics.

Britain voted in 2016 to leave the European Union 52 to 48%.

Since then, most prime minister have grappled unsuccessfully with the
consequences of that break.

The latest example is Labor Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who yesterday
announced that he was stepping down after 2 years of a struggling economy.

Experts say Brexit was fueled by a bundle a motives, including nostalgia for
"an imagined past."

But after the break, even those in favor of Brexit had to grapple with bold
promises made regarding immigration controls, trade deals, and public
funding.

And, academics say, Brexit caused fractures within the Conservative Party
regarding relations with the rest of Europe.

Ultimately, experts say that, until politicians are willing to face the
legacy of Brexit, Britan faces a perpetual "undertow of low-grade crisis."

Posted on 2026-06-23 13:07:14

A new study shows that many parts of the world are getting one to two months'
more heat stress than several decades ago.

Even regions previously unaffected by heat stress are now feeling it, too.

Researchers believe that places that might see about 50 more days each year
of at least strong heat stress- defined at 32 degrees- include parts of
Southern and Eastern Africa, as well as parts of Mexico and Central America.

Meanwhile, areas that will get up to 40 more days compared to 50 years ago
are concentrated around the mediterranean.

Even now, they say that one billion more people face at least one more day of
extreme heat stress each year than they did in the 1970s.

Posted on 2026-06-23 11:09:13

The Tai-Ex broke more records after breaking through 48,000 point mark this
morning.

The main board added 477-points in early trading to reach 48,218 -- setting a
new intraday record.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing rose 15 N-T to 2,525 N-T, after briefly
touching a new record high of 2,535 N-T.

However, other heavyweight tech stocks were mixed in early trading - as
MediaTek rose, but Hon Hai and Delta Electronics both lost ground from
Monday's close.

The electronics sector index rose 0.6-per cent.

The rise came after the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index rose by just over
2-per cent overnight to reach new historic high.

Posted on 2026-06-23 11:09:14

The Ministry of National Defense is reporting six Chinese Air Force sorties
operating near Taiwan between 6AM Monday and 6AM today.

Of those sorties, three aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan strait
and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern air defense identification
zones.

Seven Chinese Navy vessels and seven official maritime patrol vessels were
also spotted operating in Taiwan Strait over the same 24-hour period.

The latest incursions come as the Ministry of National Defense is holding a
five-day combat readiness drill through Friday.

Posted on 2026-06-23 11:09:14

And,

The Central Weather Administration has issued heat warnings for parts of the
island again today.

A "red" heat alert is in effect for Pingtung - where the mercury could reach
38-degrees for three consecutive days.

"Orange" heat alerts are in effect for New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu County,
Changhua, Nantou, Yunlin, Tainan and Hualien Count - where the mercury could
reach 36-degrees for three consecutive days.

While "yellow" heat alerts have been issued for Keelung, Taichung, Chiayi and
Kaohsiung - where the daily maximum temperature today could reach 36-degrees.

All of the heat alerts are currently slated to remain in effect through this
afternoon.

Posted on 2026-06-23 11:09:16

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resigned.

The move paves the way for frontrunner Andy Burnham to become Britain's
seventh leader in 10 years as early as next month.

In an emotional speech on the steps of his Downing Street office in London,
Starmer said ‌he had listened to his governing Labour Party and realized that
he was no longer the man who should lead it into a national election - which
is due in 2029.

Starmer says he will ask the Labour Party's organizing committee to set out a
timeline for a leadership contest to find his replacement.

Nominations will be open on July 9, close by mid-July, and if there is a
contest, a new leader will be in place by September.

Posted on 2026-06-23 11:09:17

The United States has authorized Iranian oil sales in a move that eases
decades-old sanctions.

It comes as Washington in ‌pushing toward a final peace deal with Tehran in
return for commitments on nuclear inspections and free transit through the
Strait of Hormuz.

The general license was announced by the Treasury Department and allows the
sale of crude oil and petrochemical and petroleum products of Iranian origin
through August 21.

The license says Iranian oil can be imported into the U-S when necessary to
complete its sale, delivery or offloading.

The U-S has not meaningfully imported Iranian oil since Washington imposed
measures after the 1979 revolution.

Posted on 2026-06-23 11:09:18

The number of confirmed cases of Ebola in Congo has now reached more more
than 1,000.

Congo's government says the confirmed death toll currently stands at 254 more
than a month after the declaration of the outbreak of the new rare strain of
the disease.

The speed of its spread across three provinces of eastern Congo has prompted
warnings from African health experts that the outbreak could eventually
surpass the epidemic that killed more than 11,000 people across West Africa
from 2014 to 2016.

A much smaller number of cases have also been reported in neighbouring
Uganda.

Posted on 2026-06-23 11:09:18

Authorities in France say at least 18 people have died, including two
children left in a hot car, as a heatwave hang over Europe and broke
temperature records in several cities on Monday.

The temperature in Bordeaux in France's western wine country rose to
41.9-degrees on Monday - breaking a record set last August.

Italy on Monday issued heatwave red alerts for 12 cities.

Britain's national weather forecaster says a four-day heatwave there could
push temperatures above 39-degrees in some places, easily breaking the June
record of 35.6-degrees set in 1957 and 1976.

While in Spain's traditionally cooler north, the temperature reached
40-degrees - more than double historic average for June 22.

Posted on 2026-06-23 08:15:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

The Ministry of National Defense is scrapping its previous dual-track
reservist training system, and all reservists are now required to undergo a
14-day intensive training program.

The military launched the dual-track reservist training system in 2022.

It allowed reservists to choose between the traditional program of five to
seven days of training conducted four times over eight years or a more
intensive 14-day program conducted twice over the same period.

Defense officials at the time said the move was intended to improve
reservists' combat readiness and ensure that Taiwan's reserve forces could
more effectively support regular troops in defending the country amid
increased Chinese military activities around Taiwan.

However, the defense ministry says reservists have no longer been allowed to
choose between the two training options since January.

Under the current system, all reservists are required to undergo 14 days of
training and a reservist may be called up for a maximum of four two-week
training sessions over eight years.

The defense ministry also says it's still reviewing relevant laws to
determine whether it would be feasible to require discharged female military
personnel to participate in reservist training alongside their male
counterparts.

Only male veterans are currently required to participate in regular reservist
training.

Posted on 2026-06-23 08:15:13

The Ministry of Health says cancer remained the leading cause of death here
in Taiwan in 2025 - maintaining that trend for the 44th consecutive year.

According to the ministry, data shows cancer, heart disease, and pneumonia
remained the top three causes of death last year.

That was followed by cerebrovascular disease and diabetes.

Cancer claimed 54,838 lives in 2025 accounting for 27.5-per cent of all
deaths and the cancer mortality rate was 234.9 deaths per 100,000 people.

The average annual increase of cancer deaths over the past decade has been
1.5-per cent.

A total of 199,576 people died in Taiwan last year, down 1,807 from the
previous year, resulting in a mortality rate of 854.7 per 100,000 people - a
decline of 0.6-per cent from the previous year.

The overall number of deaths fell for a third straight year.

Posted on 2026-06-23 08:15:13

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Administration says it has discovered a
new barrier lake in a mountainous area of Hualien.

According to the agency, the newly formed lake is close to the Wanli River
and 7-kilometers north of where the Matai’an barrier lake breach disaster
occurred last year.

It is located in an deep in the mountains in an area not accessible by road.

It's some 22-kilometers from Wanrung Village.

Administration officials say they are now closely monitoring the site and an
emergency response team has been formed to check water levels and the
possibility of a breach if the area is battered by heavy rains.

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Administration has been closely
surveying the area since a barrier lake on the Matai'an Creek overflowed in
September of last year.

That overflow sent some 60-million tons of water and debris through Guangfu
Township - flooding over 1,600 homes and leaving 19 people dead.

Posted on 2026-06-23 08:15:13

new high

The Financial Supervisory Commission says data show local banks exposure to
countries incorporated in the government's New Southbound Policy hit
2.25060-trillion N-T at the end of May.

According to the commission, that figure was an increase of 21.1-billion N-T
from April and saw banks' exposure to the countries hitting a new record
high.

The F-S-C says cumulative growth from the January to May period stood at
251.2-billion N-T and that figure was more than three times the full-year
growth target of 80-billion N-T.

Broken down by New Southbound Policy markets, local banks exposure to
Australia recorded the largest increase at 88.5-billion N-T.

That was followed by Singapore at 54.8-billion N-T and Vietnam at 50-billion
N-T.

Local banks exposure to India hit 30.1-billion N-T.

The F-S-C says local banks are attributing the strong growth to strengthening
regional economic activity and rising demand for corporate loans.

Posted on 2026-06-23 08:15:13

C-T-B-C Brothers shortstop Chiang Kun-yu has been voted the most popular
all-star of the Chinese Professional Baseball League.

The vote came as the league officially announced the rosters for its 2026
All-Star Game weekend.

According to the C-P-B-L, Chiang received 579,003 online votes.

That makes him the league's most popular player for the second consecutive
year and the third time overall after previously earning the honor in 2023
and 2025.

The C-P-B-L has also announced that Rakuten Monkeys manager Tseng Hao-jiu
will be head coach of the fan-voted Team Star, while Uni-President 7-Eleven
Lions coach Kao Chih-kang will lead Team Taiwan during the All-Star Game
weekend.

Team Taiwan will be built around players eligible for the 2026 Asian
Professional Baseball Championship and is expected to serve as a preview of
the squad that will represent Taiwan at the tournament later this year.

The two teams will play two games at the Taipei Dome on July 18 and 19.

It will be the third consecutive year that the event will be held at the
indoor venue.

Posted on 2026-06-23 07:00:13

The Ministry of National Defense's five-day "Immediate Combat Readiness
Exercise" is underway - with combat units moving to designated defensive
positions across the country in preparation for repelling invading enemy
forces.

The defense ministry says the week long exercise is aimed at ensuring troops
are prepared to respond swiftly should China escalate its gray-zone
activities into a full-scale military attack.

The exercise is intended to help military units at all levels strengthen
their ability to transition more quickly from peacetime to wartime
operations.

The "Immediate Combat Readiness Exercise" was first launched in March of last
year.

Posted on 2026-06-23 07:00:14

The Ministry of Health says the Lai administration has no plans legalize
euthanasia... instead, it wants to improve long-term care and palliative
services.

The statement comes amid renewed public debate over assisted dying and after
former Taiwan People's Party Chairman Ko Wen-je took to YouTube this past
weekend to make the case to legalise assisted dying.

In that video, Ko talked about a man in his 40s, who, along with his older
sister, had a genetic neurological disease, and decided to travel to
Switzerland in May to undergo assisted dying.

Ko said the case highlights not only the debate over euthanasia but also
whether Taiwan's long-term care system is sufficient for patients with severe
illnesses.

The health ministry is defending the government's decision not to consider
legalizing euthanasia by saying euthanasia aims to end a patient's life to
relieve suffering, while palliative care seeks to relieve suffering without
ending life.

The ministry said any future review on the matter will focus on better
integrating palliative care, patient autonomy and long-term care services,
including daily living support, symptom control, pain relief and caregiver
assistance, rather than legalizing euthanasia.

Posted on 2026-06-23 07:00:14

A delegation from Paraguay's Alto Parana Department is visiting Taiwan this
week for talks on trade, technology and public health development.

The delegation led by Provincial Council President Gustavo Soria and includes
the council's first political secretary and a provincial councilor.

The group is scheduled to meet with members of the Taipei City Council and
the Yilan County Government during their four-day trip.

They will also visit the Department of Foreign Trade, the National Health
Insurance Administration and the International Cooperation and Development
Fund.

Alto Parana Department is hub for Paraguay's foreign trade, and a major
business location for Taiwan companies in the country, as its home to the
Taiwan-Paraguay Smart Technology Park.

The foreign ministry says the Lai administration is hoping that more Taiwan
businesses can expand into Paraguay's market.

Posted on 2026-06-23 07:00:15

A man suspected of carrying out a knife attack on C-T-B-C Brothers' Passion
Sisters cheerleading team member, Wang Ching-wen is now in detention.

The 52 year old man was picked up after the Shilin District Court approved a
request for a detention order submitted by the Shihlin District Prosecutors'
Office.

The court says it accepted the request based on strong evidence of attempted
murder and assault, as well as the risk that he could reoffend.

Wang, who is known by her stage name Wen Wen, was taking part in a private
photo shoot at a photo studio in Taipei on Saturday when she was attacked by
a man with a knife.

She sustained a 5-centimeter wound to her neck and is in stable condition
following surgery at a local hospital.

Prosecutors say the suspect has a criminal record for theft, regularly
attended related events and spent large sums of money on the cheerleading
team's merchandise.

The motive for the attack remains under investigation.

Posted on 2026-06-23 07:00:15

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan‑an has announced plans to begin trials of autonomous
buses.

Chiang says city's autonomous bus initiative will be rolled out in three
phases, the first of which is scheduled for later this year and will involve
trials of autonomous shuttle services in enclosed areas such as Taipei Zoo.

Chiang says the the city will launch an AI-powered autonomous vehicle
demonstration zone at Beitou-Shilin Technology Park in the first half of next
year ..

.. which will see an initial use of unmanned cleaning and watering vehicles
before passenger shuttle but services are introduced.

The third phase is set for the second half of next year.

That will involve pilot operations of autonomous buses on 15 dedicated bus
lanes across Taipei and after upgrades to road infrastructure, traffic
signals and sensor systems.

No details concerning who will be manufacturing or supplying the autonomous
vehicles to the city for the planned trials has been released.

Posted on 2026-06-23 07:00:15

The Central Weather Administration says Typhoon Mekkhala is likely to come
closest to Taiwan on Thursday - when residents of western and northeastern
parts of the island can expect to see localized rain or thundershowers.

The storm is currently located some 750-kilometers east-southeast of Eluanbi
at the island's southern tip and is moving in a northwesterly direction at
15-kilometers-an-hour.

Typhoon Mekkhala still has a radius of 180-kilometers but its strengthening
... and is now packing sustained wind speed of 183-kilometers-an-hour, with
gusts of up to 226-kilometers-an-hour.

According to the weather administration's forecast center, Mekkhala will
still between 400 and 500-kilomters away from Taiwan when it comes closest to
the island on Thursday.

Mekkhala is forecast to move in a northeasterly direction toward Japan from
Friday and will weaken as it moves northward.

Posted on 2026-06-23 07:00:17

And,

Taiwan's Tseng Jing-hua has won Best Lead Actor at the 2026 Global OTT Awards
in Busan, South Korea, for his performance in the Netflix distributed
coming-of-age romantic thriller "Had I Not Seen the Sun."

Tseng beat out other nominees in the category including Hyun Bin and Kim
Seon-ho of South Korea, Ryoma Takeuchi of Japan and Song Weilong of China to
take the top prize.

The Taiwan fantasy series "Agent From Above" won the prize for Best Visual
Effects at the annual streaming-content awards.

Taiwan Creative Content Agency chair and deputy culture minister, Sue Wang
says the participation of Taiwan actors reflects the strength and resilience
of the island's film and television industry.

The government is now hoping to bring more homegrown talent onto the global
stage.

Posted on 2026-06-23 07:00:17

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asked law enforcers to boost
security in schools and public areas... after two students opened fire in a
high school.

The students were armed with pistols and were students of the San Jose
National High School in Tacloban city, where the mid-morning shooting
happened.

An investigation was underway to determine the cause of the shooting in the
government-run school, which has more than 1,500 students.

The suspects, who were close friends, said in initial questioning that they
were bullied in school.

Although guns are prolific in the country, school shootings are relatively
rare in the Philippines.

Posted on 2026-06-23 07:00:17

North Korean leader Kim Jong ‌Un said exercising the country's position as
a nuclear weapons state is the only way to cope with an unpredictable and
complicated global security ‌situation.

The comments were made at a Central Committee meeting of the ruling
Workers' Party and reported by state media.

North Korea is loooking to permanently strengthen its nuclear forces and
frame its nuclear status as irreversible.

Recent developments—including advanced weapon tests and expanded fissile
material production—underscore Pyongyang’s accelerating military capabilities
and reinforce its narrative of regime survival and strategic deterrence.

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