ICRT

Posted on 2026-11-07 14:07:13

The Tourism Administration has extended a program that provides vouchers to
people transiting Taiwan for another couple years.

The program was introduced a year ago. Any passenger transiting through the
Taoyuan International Airport for less than 24 hours has been given a 600-NT
voucher ... for an initial period that ended Oct. 31.

The Tourism Administration has extended that period to Dec. 31, 2028.

It said the program gives travelers an incentive to explore Taiwan during
their short stay. The extension is expected to benefit the opening of
Terminal 3 in Taoyuan, which is slated for completion at the end of 2027.

The agency says that an initial run of 40,000 vouchers will be distributed by
the end of this month, and an additional run of 40,000 is being ordered.

CNA_zh_JvW

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

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Taiwan will close its representative
office in Papua New Guinea and withdraw all personnel stationed there.

This was after PNG recently reiterated its demand that Taiwanese staffers
leave the country by a set deadline.

MOFA said the decision was made in consideration of Taiwan's national
dignity, diplomatic autonomy and overall interests.

PNG unilaterally announced in July that it would close Taiwan's
representative office, prompting Taiwan to suspend spot-market purchases of
LNG from the Pacific nation.

MOFA said PNG's actions had seriously undermined mutual trust built through
years of cooperation. It also accused China of using political pressure and
economic influence to interfere in other countries' diplomatic decisions and
restrict Taiwan's international space.

The ministry said that along with closing the office, Taiwan will terminate
all technical cooperation and assistance programs in PNG, including medical
missions, scholarships and personnel training.

KMT caucus secretary-general Hsu Yu-chen (許宇甄) said today that the government
can't limit its response to condemning external forces.

She said it needs to conduct a deep review of its diplomatic and cross-strait
strategies ... and return to what she calls "pragmatic diplomacy."

CNA_JvW

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

The Central Weather Administration says the next wave of the northeast
monsoon is expected to arrive on Monday, sending temperatures in parts of
northern Taiwan down to as low as 16 degrees

It said the wave will start to weaken on Thursday.

In addition to lower temperatures, the northeast monsoon is bringing
moisture, with the possibility of heavy rain in the northeast today.

A heavy rain advisory has been issued for mountainous areas of Yilan, where
accumulated rainfall could exceed 200 millimeters within 24 hours or 100 mm
within three hours.

Meanwhile, the CWA says a tropical depression currently around Guam is likely
to intensify into a tropical storm today or tomorrow.

Independent meteorologist Wu Der-rong (吳德榮) said the system could strengthen
into a typhoon on Monday before making a U-turn and moving east-northeast,
posing no threat to Taiwan.

CNA_JvW

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

One of Haiti's most powerful gangs says it has reached out to the state
agency responsible for dismantling armed gangs in a push for peace.

The 400 Mawozo gang says that it plans to participate in a peaceful
demonstration later this month "to lay the groundwork for a national dialogue
and peace negotiation process."

Haiti's National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization, and
Reintegration has confirmed that an individual contacted them on behalf of
the armed group.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-11-07 12:08:14

The Legislature has passed amendments that would raise the monthly allowance
for senior farmers from just over 8,000 NT to 15,000 NT ... while easing
eligibility requirements.

The changes would take effect retroactively from July 1.

The amendments also introduce a mechanism to review the allowance every two
years based on cost-of-living changes.

The Cabinet approved its own version of the amendments in January, proposing
10,000 NT as the new allowance.

The KMT and TPP jointly proposed the steeper increase, citing the need to
keep pace with inflation.

DPP caucus deputy whip Chen Pei-yu (陳培瑜), said the Cabinet version was a more
fiscally responsible approach that would have also expanded eligibility and
introduced inflation-based adjustments.

She said higher payments could require additional borrowing and divert
funding from other public spending.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the 5,000-NT difference between the
executive and legislative versions amounts to 32 billion NT in annual
spending.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-11-07 12:08:14

Paraguay's ousted president, Santiago Peña, has been placed under house
arrest on suspicion of breach of trust, as prosecutors investigate the
collapse of Ueno Bank.

The Senate removed Peña from the presidency in a unanimous vote by the 44
senators present.

His vice president, Pedro Alliana, was sworn in to serve out the term through
August 2028.

Lawmakers accused Peña of using his influence to direct public funds to Ueno
while regulators overlooked risky lending.

He denies wrongdoing.

Prosecutors also ordered the arrest of former central bank chief Carlos
Carvallo, whom Peña appointed.

The *new* president is also under investigation.

Public outrage over the scandal has triggered mass protests in recent days.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-11-07 12:08:14

Macanese former pro-democracy lawmaker Au Kam San has been sentenced to 12½
years in prison.

The sentencing followed a closed-door trial that raised concerns about
fairness.

Au's arrest last year was the first publicly known prosecution under Macao's
national security law since it was enacted in 2009.

A Macao court found him guilty of subverting state power and establishing
contacts outside Macao to commit acts endangering national security.

Critics said that his case reflected Beijing's emphasis on security and
intolerance of dissent.

Macao's pro-democracy movement has never been as influential as the one in
neighboring Hong Kong.

AP_JvW

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

Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) won't countersign an amendment requiring the
central government to cover NHI premiums for certain seniors.

Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝) laid out three reasons for the
premier's decision not to ratify the legislature's move to waive premiums for
seniors who meet a means test.

The first is the 40 billion NT a year it would cost to fully subsidize around
80 percent of people aged 65 and older. She said this would likely divert
funding from elderly care, long-term care and other welfare programs

Lee said the second concern is that low-income seniors could lose access to
medical assistance because no other law requires local governments to cover
their medical expenses.

Thirdly, she warned that the cost would continue to rise as Taiwan's
population ages, placing a greater financial burden on younger generation

This brings to nine the number of bills passed by the Legislature that have
been blocked from taking effect amid a political standoff between the ruling
DPP and opposition parties.

CNA_JvW

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

In Taiwan, the National Financial Stabilization Fund has authorized a market
intervention to ease volatility and prop up investor confidence after the
local stock market suffered its fourth-steepest single-session point decline.

This will be the 10th market intervention since the government established
the 500 billion-NT stabilization fund in 2000 as a buffer against disruptive
external events.

The TAIEX tumbled 1,873 points, or 4.5 percent, yesterday ... tracking heavy
losses in US markets the night before.

The Taiex has shed more than 10,000 points, or 21 percent, since an intraday
high of nearly 50,000 on Oct. 6.

Meanwhile, the Financial Supervisory Commission said in a separate statement
that it had encouraged listed companies to buy back their shares ... and also
placed restrictions on short-selling trades.

CNA_JvW

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

The Taipei International Blues Bash returns to Maji Square today.

The festival runs from noon until 10pm, featuring country blues, Chicago
classics, swing, British pub rock and more.

Acclaimed Japanese guitarist Shun Kikuta headlines the main stage at 9:00 PM,
while the daytime lineup includes sets by BoPoMoFo, Cooky & The Blues Boys,
and David Chen and The Seventh Sons.

Visitors can also join an interactive blues dance performance and a taster
class starting at 7:05pm.

The event is free and open to the public.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-11-06 20:06:13

Taiwan shares plunged more than four percent on today ...suffering their
fourth-largest single-day point loss and closing below the 40,000-point mark.

The benchmark TAI-EX fell 1,873 points to finish at 39,701, after dropping as
much as 3,700 points in early trading.

The sell-off followed heavy losses on Wall Street, as concerns grew over
possible restrictions on AI data center development in the United States
after Democrats won the midterm elections.

However, the market recovered some ground in afternoon trading after the
Financial Supervisory Commission said it would discuss possible measures to
support stocks.

TSMC also rebounded from an earlier 10-percent drop, helping the broader
market recover around 920 points.

Foreign institutional investors remained heavy sellers, offloading a net
91-billion NT worth of shares.

Posted on 2026-11-06 19:49:13

Police in Kaohsiung said today that they have arrested a man in connection
with the alleged theft of more than 230,000 pieces of personal information
using generative AI.

The suspect, a port worker surnamed Lin (林), is alleged to have used AI to
write an automated hacking program to steal membership and customer
information from websites in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Thailand.

He is believed to have then sold this information on the dark web.

Officials found high-performance computer equipment, cloud storage devices,
network switches and other evidence at Lin's home last month.

The Criminal Investigation Corps warned that generative AI and AI agents
lower the technical threshold for computer programming and could be easily
abused by criminals.

It thus urged government agencies, businesses and website operators to
routinely update their systems, to conduct cybersecurity checks and
vulnerability scans, and to encrypt and back up important information.

Posted on 2026-11-06 19:49:13

A man who hoped to run for Taipei City Council this November has been barred
from running.

The Central Election Commission disqualified Yu Chih-pin (游智彬) from running,
as he only provided proof of his having given up Chinese household
registration earlier this year.

That's in conflict with the Act Governing Relations between the People of the
Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area.

This act states that Chinese nationals must submit proof of their having
given up Chinese household registration 10 years before they can run for
public office.

Yu, of the New Party, previously ran for city council and lawmaker in Taoyuan
but failed.

He earlier appealed the CEC's decision, an appeal which was rejected by a
lower court before he appealed a second time.

His disqualification is now final.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-11-06 19:49:13

US Senate races in Alaska and Mississippi, two states that have historically
heavily leaned Republican, are still too close to call today.

In Mississippi, Democrat Scott Colom leads Republican incumbent Cindy
Hyde-Smith by just 1100 votes with more than 930 000 votes cast – a
difference of roughly 0.1 per cent.

Colom would be the first black senator from Mississippi in more than 150
years if he wins.

And in Alaska, Democrat Mary Peltola leads Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan
by 600 votes with 200 000 vote cast – a difference of 0.3 per cent.

But her victory has been marred by controversy, as she has been accused of
recruiting another candidate, also named Dan Sullivan, to confuse voters.

Trump loyalist Lauren Boebert, running for re-election to the House of
Representatives in Colorado, is slightly behind her Democratic opponent
Eileen Laubacher, with 7 per cent of votes in the district still to be
counted.

And in Kansas, Democrat Cindy Holscher has a narrow 7000 vote lead over
Republican Ty Masterson in a vote for state governor.

That race is also still too close to call.

Posted on 2026-11-06 19:49:13

after the shooting

Eva Geller, a Holocaust survivor who was shot during last December’s
anti-Semitic terror attack on Sydney’s Bondi Beach, has passed away in
hospital.

She was 90 years old.

A rabbi from her synagogue said that Geller had remained “positive, loving,
and strong throughout her life, right until the end.”

He added that “She was told she would never walk again, but miraculously and
with incredible determination she did walk again.”

Two gunmen attacked a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach last December 14th,
killing 15 people on the spot between the ages of 10 and 87.

It was Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in almost 30 years and led to
stricter gun control and anti-hate speech laws.

Posted on 2026-11-06 19:49:13

lived rent-free

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the disgraced former Prince Andrew, could have
received up to £2,000 (88 000 NTD) per month by subletting three cottages at
Royal Lodge, his former home.

This was despite Andrew not paying rent on Royal Lodge himself.

The United Kingdom’s Public Accounts Committee, which oversees public
spending, did not know how often Andrew sublet the cottages or how much money
he made in total over the 20 years he lived at Royal Lodge.

Any income from subletting went to Andrew himself instead of to his landlord,
the Crown Estate.

Royal Lodge is in Windsor Great Park, just 5 kilometres south of the official
royal residence of Windsor Castle.

Andrew was forced to leave Royal Lodge earlier this year due to his
association with American child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Posted on 2026-11-06 18:18:13

Taiwan's Coast Guard says four Chinese coast guard ships entered restricted
waters near Kinmen this morning, despite rough sea conditions.

The vessels were spotted around 9 AM, prompting Taiwanese patrol boats to
intercept and monitor them ... while repeatedly broadcasting warnings in
Chinese and English.

All four ships left the restricted waters by 11:13 AM.

The Coast Guard says the Chinese vessels created navigation risks for other
ships in the area ... and has called on Beijing to stop what it describes as
harassment.

It also warned China against using law enforcement as a pretext to expand its
authority ... and undermine regional peace and stability.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-11-06 18:18:13

The Taiwan Creative Content Agency has signed a memorandum of understanding
with Wētā FX, the visual effects company behind "The Lord of the Rings" and
James Cameron's "Avatar" ...

... to promote investment in Taiwanese productions and develop local talent.

The agreement was signed today at the Taiwan Creative Content Fest ..... with
Wētā FX CEO Daniel Seah (謝安) representing the company.

Seah says the partnership will begin with investment in "Moonshine Studio" -
a Taiwanese animation studio - with plans to support more local film and
television productions.

Another key goal is to give young Taiwanese filmmakers opportunities to
exchange ideas and collaborate with Wētā FX teams.

Seah, who grew up in Taiwan, says the island has outstanding technical and
creative talent, along with a leading position in the global semiconductor
industry.

*The Taiwan Creative Content Fest is running through Monday ... at Taipei
Nangang Exhibition Center.

(IG)

*can omit

Posted on 2026-11-06 18:18:13

Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister François Wu (吳志中) is urging European
countries to deepen industrial cooperation with Taiwan ...

... saying the partnership could strengthen both sides' economic and security
interests.

Wu proposed moving beyond "Made in Taiwan" to a "Made 'with' Taiwan"
approach, combining Europe's strengths in research and design with Taiwan's
manufacturing capabilities.

He made the remarks at the Berlin Security Conference held earlier this week,
where officials discussed European defense, the war in Ukraine and security
threats from China.

Wu says closer cooperation would help Europe strengthen its manufacturing
industry while supporting a democratic partner in Asia.

He also says Taiwan wants to build long-term economic partnerships without
using trade as a tool of political pressure.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-11-06 18:18:13

U-S chipmaker Micron says its Taiwan operations are continuing as normal,
following reports that it has suspended plans for a new factory in Taoyuan
amid a labor dispute.

The company did not directly address the reported suspension, but said it was
confident it could maintain stable operations without disrupting customers.

Micron says it will continue negotiating with its Taoyuan workers' union,
which is demanding a specific profit-sharing system.

The dispute remains unresolved despite Micron reaching an agreement with its
Taichung union last month.

The Taoyuan union held a 24-hour strike in October and has since received
authorization for further industrial action.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economic Affairs says it will help facilitate
negotiations, describing Micron as a major foreign investor and an important
partner in Taiwan's AI industry.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-11-06 17:10:15

Defense Minister Wellington Koo has confirmed that a second batch of three
U-S-made F-16V Block 70 fighter jets is expected to arrive in Taiwan soon.

Koo told reporters today that the Ministry of National Defense would announce
the exact arrival date once confirmed.

Sources familiar with the matter say the aircraft are expected to follow the
same route as the first batch, flying via Hawaii and Guam before arriving at
Chihhang Air Base in Taitung.

Taiwan has ordered 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighters from the United States
under a procurement program worth over 247 billion NT.

The first two single-seat jets arrived in Taitung on October 2nd.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-11-06 17:10:16

Kao Jin Su Mei says, she hopes to present evidence that will clear her of
charges leveled against her.

That's as High Prosecutors seek 14 years in prison for the independent
lawmaker, accusing her of corruption and working for China.

Kao Jin denies that she developed organizations in Taiwan at China's behest
or took money from Beijing.

She claims that the entire indictment is full of falsehoods and pledged to
clarify the truth during the judical process.

The lawmaker makes the comments as her former aide, Zhang Jun Jie, jumped
bail two months ago and is believed to have left the country at the end of
last month...

with prosecutors saying he took two boats to the median line of the Taiwan
Strait before getting on a Chinese fishing boat.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-11-06 17:10:17

The DPP legislative caucus is continuing to push back against opposition
calls to increase universal handouts to 30,000 NT per person.

That's as KMT Communications Chair Chen Yi Xin has touted the tack taken by
candidates for local office to say that a vote for the KMT will win 30,000 NT
handouts...

while one for the DPP will get only 10,000 NT in cash.

Chen says, the line has been "particularly effective."

As a result, he says the party will double down on this line of messaging.

DPP Caucus Secretary-General Zhuang Rui Xiong says, the Executive Yuan will
not bend on this issue...

and accused the opposition of seeking to score political points with cash.

In other words, Zhuang said, even if the KMT wins several local government
positions in this month's elections, the Executive Yuan will not allow 30,000
NT handouts to happen.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-11-06 17:10:17

And in international news

Myanmar says, it will hold special elections in April to fill vacancies in
parliament.

That will be the first vote since this year's general elections which critics
say were designed to cement military rule and were not legitimate elections.

This vote will also include areas that were previously unable to vote due to
conflict.

The vote is unlikely to change the balance of power in the national
partliament which is currently controlled by a military backed party.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military seized power from the elected
government of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, triggering widespread opposition.

After security forces suppressed peaceful protests with lethal force, many
opponents of military rule took up arms, plunging large parts of the country
into conflict.

The Union Election Commission said the April 4 by-elections will be held in
55 constituencies, including 34 seats in the lower house, five in the upper
house and 16 in regional and state parliaments.

Posted on 2026-11-06 15:20:13

escape

Prosecutors are seeking to detain a Chinese national who is believed to have
helped former legislative aide Zhang Jun Jie 張俊傑 escape Taiwan.

Authorities believe that Zhang, former aide to lawmaker Kao Jin Su Mei 高金素梅,
fled the country at the end of last month from Keelung.

Prosecutors have been speaking to suspects believed to have helped Zhang
escape, questioning the crew of the ship, the Man Rui Fu 滿瑞富 No. 6,
yesterday, one of whom is a Chinese national, surnamed Chen.

Prosecutors believe that Chen received hundreds of thousands of dollars in
payment from a Chinese national to help Zhang escape.

They've requested that a court approve Chen's detention.

Prosecutors are also seeking to detain the other four crew members, all of
whom are Indonesian nationals, as well as the captain.

The Taiwanese ship owner has been released on bail of 100,000 NT.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-11-06 15:20:13

President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) repeated today that Taiwan aims to generate more
than NT$1 trillion in annual tourism output, with 10 million annual
international visitors by 2030.

This was at the opening of the Taiwan International Travel Fair (ITF), which
runs through Monday at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre.

Lai said that these targets would be supported by improved services, stronger
branding, and digital transformation.

He added that the Taiwan Tourism Institute, established earlier this year,
would bring together public- and private-sector resources to improve Taiwan’s
competitiveness in the tourism sector.

And Lai said that the government would help tourism businesses use AI and big
data to better understand travelers’ preferences, improve efficiency, and
develop appealing tourism offerings.

(JM_CNA)

Posted on 2026-11-06 15:20:13

Donald Trump has won approval to build a “triumphal arch” in Washington.

His administration said that construction of this 72-metre-high arch could
begin as early as this week.

The arch, nicknamed the “Arc de Trump” after Paris’s Arc de Triomphe, is
meant to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary.

A draft shows a golden statue of Lady Liberty on top of the arch, with two
gold eagles on either side of it.

The administration also said that military equipment could be stored inside
the arch.

However, opponents say that it will block the view of Arlington National
Cemetery, where thousands of fallen American soldiers and servicemen and
women are buried, and of the Lincoln Memorial.

Some protestors say they will chain themselves to bulldozers or otherwise
impede construction.

Lawsuits have already been filed against the construction of the new arch.

Posted on 2026-11-06 15:20:13

New Zealanders will vote tomorrow to elect a new government.

The centre-right incumbent prime minister, Chris Luxon, faces namesake
centre-left opponent, Chris Hipkins, in a rematch of 2023’s election.

Voters’ key concerns include inflation, unemployment, and health care.

Luxon was elected on a pledge to “build the economy”, while Hipkins – who
took over from Jacinda Ardern – focussed on lowering living costs.

Preliminary results should be available tomorrow, but the Electoral
Commission will first verify the vote-counting and only formally declare
final results at the end of the month.

Neither party is expected to win outright in New Zealand’s proportional
representation system, and a tight race means that coalition talks – and a
clear indication of who will rule New Zealand for the next three years –
could be delayed.

Posted on 2026-11-06 15:20:13

An Italian chef in Australia was fired because he, amongst other complaints,
refused to put pineapple on top of pizza.

Davide Tamburella refused to prepare Hawaiian, or ham and pineapple, pizza,
three time in the last four years.

Tamburella said that orders from a boss "need not be followed when it is
offensive to his culture" as an Italian.

And he had asked his boss to "check how important it is for Italians not to
put pineapple on pizza".

Tamburella works in Brisbane, the capital of the state of Queensland, which
produces all of Australia's commercially-grown pineapples.

Tamburella was also sacked for his language and aggressive actions in the
workplace.

His LinkedIn profile shows that he is now working at another Brisbane
restaurant that does not serve pineapple.

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

High prosecutors are seeking 14 years behind bars for lawmaker Kao Jin Su Mei
on accusations that she took money from and worked for Beijing.

Kao Jin, who already faces corruption charges for allegedly fraudulently
taking assistant fees, is accused of developing organizations in Taiwan at
the behest of China.

Prosecutors believe she and three others took 170 million NT from China in
the scheme.

Kao Jin, as well as aide Zhang Jun Jie and two assistants, are believed to
have violated the National Security Act.

Prosecutors say that the four would work together to campaign for Kao Jin as
well as go between China and Taiwan to receive and relay instructions from
Chinese officials from 2005 to 2016.

Zhang Jun Jie would use money received from China to put towards construction
projects in tribal communities to curry favor with Indigenous voters...

while the rest of the funds would be used for Kao Jin's reelection campaigns.

He allegedly used the bank accounts of friends and family to transfer about
170 million NT into Taiwan from the CCP.

Prosecutors also believe that Kao Jin formed a delegation to go to meetings
of the United Nations to protest against Japanese representatives and arms
bills...

all at China's behest.

Prosecutors say that Kao Jin used her power as a lawmaker to influence
legislative proceedings on cross-strait and other issues.

They add that Kao Jin failed to show remorse during the investigation,
leading prosecutors to request a heavy sentence.

(AH)

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

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is closely monitoring political
shifts in Paraguay following the resignation of President Santiago Peña.

Peña resigned amid intense political unrest caused by a major banking
collapse that impacted nearly three million citizens.

Vice President Pedro Alliana has assumed office as president following
standard constitutional guidelines.

Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi stated that diplomatic teams maintain
strong ties with ruling party officials and key political figures.

A foreign ministry officials assured lawmakers that bilateral relations and
diplomatic communications remain stable and under control.

(NS)

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

and in other internationalnews...

Rohingya Muslim refugees who fled persecution in Myanmar now face new
challenges in Malaysia.

Some face discrimination at local mosques, while others avoid the mosques
altogether for fear of immigration detention.

Malaysia is a Muslim majority country, but it does not legally recognize
refugees.

As a result, some refugees struggle with limited access to education,
healthcare, and work...

as well as family separation and loss.

Advocates seek better protections while families aim to preserve their faith
and pass traditions on to the younger generations.

In 2017, about 700,000 Rohingya Muslims fled a military crackdown in Myanmar
and crossed into Bangladesh.

More have sought refuge in other countries across Asia, with about 126,000
registered in Malaysia.

Posted on 2026-11-06 13:17:14

Hsinchu Prosecutors have been busy today, cracking down on vote buying with
less than a month to go before election day.

In the county's Xiong Lin township, prosecutors detained a candidate for
township representative.

That candidate, surnamed Qiu, is believed to have gifted rice and cash to
voters.

A court approved Qiu's and an accomplice's detention incommunicado last
night, following a search that turned up over 17,000 NT in cash, five bags of
rice, cell phones, and other evidence.

Meanwhile, Hsinchu prosecutors also charged three in an investigation into
vote buying in the county's E Mei township.

A candidate for village chief in E Mei, surnamed Xu2, is suspected of paying
voters 3000 NT cash to secure his election.

Xu is believed to have given out a total of 87,000 NT to 11 voters to secure
their or a family member's support.

Two accomplices are believed to have also paid out 63,000 NT to four other
voters.

Prosecutors are seeking to confiscate that 150,000 in bribes as well.

All the suspects are believed to have violated the Public Officials Election
and Recall Act.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-11-06 13:17:14

Kaohsiung City unveiled its initial 2027 New Year's Eve concert lineup
featuring Golden Melody winners Sun Shu-may and Henry Hsu.

Both Kaohsiung locas will return home to perform on Dec. 31st at Dream Mall
to welcome the new year.

The city says Sun will deliver the evening's opening show, while Hsu plans an
interactive, energetic setlist with hometown fans.

City officials say additional headliners for the holiday countdown
celebration will be released in the coming weeks.

Mayor Chen Chi-mai encouraged residents and visitors to reserve travel plans
early to welcome the new year in Kaohsiung.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-11-06 13:17:14

Netanyahu's rule

Now turning to international news...

A veteran Arab lawmaker in Israel says, his bloc is willing to break with
decades of precedent and join forces with Jewish-led parties in a shared bid
to end Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's extended rule.

But such a partnership could be politically fraught for both sides, as
Arab-led Joint List would have to back a government unlikely to end Israel's
wars on other countries or curb settlement expansion in the occupied West
Bank.

For Jewish opponents of Netanyahu, meanwhile, it would mean aligning with
parties that reject Israel's identity as an exclusively Jewish state.

Lawmaker Ahmad Tibi says that his bloc is willing to do things that they
would not in the past in order to remove the "criminal" government.

This comes as historic voter turnout in Israel's election gave Arab-led
parties a record amount of seats in Israel's parliament.

Only one Arab party has ever served in an Israeli government, in 2021.

But that party, is considered to be more conciliatory than the Joint List and
held fewer seats.

Posted on 2026-11-06 08:13:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has says it's expanded an
investigation into how a legislative aide involved in a corruption case who
jumped bail in September was able to flee Taiwan by boat.

According to the prosecutors' office, a second fishing boat has been seized
in connection with the case.

The "Man Jui Fu 6" was seized at Zhengbin Fishing Port in Keelung and five
crew members, including a Chinese national and four Indonesians were
questioned.

Prosecutors say the crew members, the boat's captain and its owner will be
further questioned over their suspected involvement in the case.

It comes after reports surfaced saying that Chang Chun-chieh, a former
legislative office director for independent lawmaker Kao Chin Su-mei, managed
to leave Taiwan in October on a boat from Keelung.

Chang had been indictment on corruption charges and was allegedly seen first
boarding a fishing boat called "Chien Chun 168 at Zhengbin Fishing Port on
the night of Oct. 28 before being picked up at sea by the "Man Jui Fu 6."

Chang was among 24 people indicted by the in June on charges of conspiring
with Kao Chin Su-mei to misappropriate public assistant fees, in violation of
the Anti-Corruption Act.

Posted on 2026-11-06 08:13:13

Defense Minister Wellington Koo is insisting that U-S congressional support
for Taiwan's efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities has long been
bipartisan.

The statement comes amid questions over the Republican Party's major losses
in Tuesday's U-S midterm elections.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a legislative hearing, Koo said the
U-S Congress has consistently supported Taiwan's efforts to beef up its
defense capabilities on a bipartisan basis.

The defense minister went on to say that his office will continue to engage
with members of Congress and maintain close contact with the U-S Department
of War to help keep arms sales to Taiwan on schedule.

Posted on 2026-11-06 08:13:13

A Vietnamese migrant worker indicted for fatally stabbing another Vietnamese
man during a fight in Chiayi County in July has been released on 50,000 N-T
bail.

According to the Chiayi District Prosecutors' Office, the victim had been
drinking with the suspect's younger brother in Chiayi's Liujiao Township on
July 13 when the two argued before going their separate ways.

The victim later tracked down the suspect's brother and beat him with a
hammer.

After learning what had happened, the suspect went looking for the victim and
stabbed him multiple times.

The victim died the following day of a neck injury.

The suspect was indicted on a charge of causing injury resulting in death.

Posted on 2026-11-06 08:13:13

And finally,

The Central Weather Administration says the first surge of a northeasterly
wind system will affect Taiwan today and tomorrow -- bringing cooler weather
to northern and northeastern parts of the island.

Areas north of Taoyuan, eastern Taiwan and the Hengchun Peninsula are
expected to see intermittent showers.

Heavy rain is possible in Yilan, Hualien and Taitung.

According to the weather administration's forecast center, conditions are
expected to improve slightly on Sunday as the northeasterly winds weaken,
allowing temperatures in to edge higher.

However, parts of Greater Taipei and the east could still see brief showers.

A stronger surge of northeasterly winds is forecast to arrive on Monday,
bringing cooler weather to the north, northeast and east.

That second weather system is expected to keep temperatures noticeably lower
through Wednesday.

Posted on 2026-11-06 07:01:13

Wong

The Presidential Office is condemning the 10-year prison sentence handed to
Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong and is urged Beijing and Hong Kong authorities
to release detained pro-democracy figures.

Presidential Office spokeswoman Karen Kuo says Beijing and Hong Kong
authorities have used the National Security Law to prosecute activists under
the pretext of safeguarding national security, violating residents' rights
and freedoms.

According to Kuo, seeking democracy should not be a crime, and young people
should not have to sacrifice their freedom for their ideals.

The Presidential Office spokeswoman also says the Lai administration would
continue to stand with those defending freedom and democracy.

Meanwhile, the Mainland Affairs Council says China's National Security Law
had been used to bring fabricated charges against activists, damaging Hong
Kong's international reputation and undermining the rule of law.

And the council is also calling for the release of those it says have been
wrongfully detained.

The statements come after the Hong Kong High Court sentenced Wong to for
conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under the National Security Law.

The reduced from 13 years in light of his guilty plea and other mitigating
factors.

Posted on 2026-11-06 07:01:13

A senior faculty member at the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research
says Taiwan's growing trade and investment ties with the U-S are unlikely to
be derailed by increased congressional scrutiny of Taiwan-US trade agreements
following this week's midterm elections.

According to Roy Lee of the institute's Center for International Trade
Policy, supply-chain shifts are already deepening economic integration
regardless of progress on the Taiwan-US trade agreement.

Lee says even if congressional oversight in the U-S takes longer, or Taiwan's
review takes longer than expected, he doesn't believe that will affect the
ongoing economic integration between Taiwan and the U-S.

The statements come as Democrats are expected to strengthen congressional
oversight of the Trump's administration, and will have the power to block
legislation and reject his nominees to ministerial posts.

Posted on 2026-11-06 07:01:13

The Hsinchu County Fire Bureau says the bodies of two employees at Panasonic
Holdings overseas production sites in Hukou Township have been recovered.

The two men had been unaccounted for following a fire at the plant on
Wednesday.

According to bureau, firefighters discovered their bodies of the two
Taiwanese employees while digging through debris using heavy machinery.

The company has said there were 20 people in the building at the time of the
fire.

Three Taiwanese and two Vietnamese employees were injured in the blaze.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, but it is believed to
be linked to flammable chemical solvents.

The factory, which is run by Panasonic Industrial Devices Materials Taiwan,
conducts research and development and manufactures printed circuit boards and
semiconductor packaging materials.

The Hsinchu County Fire Bureau says it passed a fire safety inspection in
August.

Posted on 2026-11-06 07:01:13

The Shilin District Court has sentenced two Chinese nationals who illegally
entered Taiwan after sailing across the Taiwan Strait in a rubber dinghy to
prison terms.

One of them received a nine month sentence, while the other was handed a
six-month prison term that can be commuted to a fine of 180,000 N-T,
calculated at 1,000 N-T per day.

The men illegally entered Taiwan in July,

According to prosecutors, the two men set out by car from Qingdao in China's
Shandong Province, on July 19, buying an outboard motor in Jinhua, Zhejiang
Province, along the way.

They departed from the coast of Fuzhou, Fujian Province, in the early hours
of July 22 in a rubber dinghy equipped with the motor.

The two arrived near Taipei Port at around 2AM on July 23 and later traveled
to several locations in northern and central Taiwan before being arrested by
the Coast Guard Administration on July 30.

The two men were indicted in September under the Immigration Act and the
Cross-strait Relations Act.

Prosecutors were seeking sentenced of two-years.

The district court rulings can be appealed.

Posted on 2026-11-06 07:01:13

The Ministry of Education is defending its scholarship program for
international students at Taiwan universities.

The ministry is insisting they are merit based and false claims concerning
the scholarship have been circulating on social media for years despite
repeated clarifications.

According to the ministry, the recipients are selected by Taiwan's overseas
representative offices through a competitive review process, subject to
annual quotas and eligibility requirements.

The statements come after amid charges that Vietnamese nationals
automatically receive financial assistance.

The education ministry says scholarship recipients enrolled in bachelor's
degree programs are eligible for tuition and miscellaneous fee subsidies of
up to 40,000 N-T per semester, along with a monthly living allowance of
15,000 N-T.

Students are also prohibited from simultaneously receiving scholarships or
subsidies from other government agencies or educational institutions.

Posted on 2026-11-06 07:01:13

The Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office has indicted operator of a lunchbox
shop in the city's Zhongli District over an April food poisoning outbreak
that sickened 155 people.

The store operator has been charged with violating the Act Governing Food
Safety and Sanitation.

Prosecutors say the operator failed to store ingredients properly or maintain
sanitary conditions in the kitchen, resulting in the sale of lunchboxes
contaminated with golden staph - is a bacterium that commonly lives on human
skin and inside the nose

Authorities say customers experienced symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea,
stomachaches and nausea.

Laboratory tests detected the bacteria in samples from four victims.

While the Taoyuan City government's Department of Public Health also found
the bacteria in potato salad served in the lunchboxes.

The lunchbox shop operator admitted to negligence and paid compensation to
several victims and plans to compensate other affected customers.

Posted on 2026-11-06 07:01:13

And,

Premier Cho Jung-tai has announced that weekday hotel subsidies and a theme
park accommodation promotion program will be extended until December 31.

According to the premier, the Ministry of Transport chose to extend the
tourism incentives as part of ongoing efforts to encourage more people to
travel on weekdays.

The 3.33 billion N-T programs include subsidies for weekday hotel stays and
special offers combining amusement park visits with overnight accommodation
and are aimed at both local and international visitors.

The transport ministry says the initiative is expected to generate
4.4-million tourist visits and 37.4-billion N-T in tourism revenue by the end
of this year.

The premier also says he's instructed to the transport ministry to prepare a
second round of half-price Taiwan PASS travel packages.

The transport ministry has said that its weekday accommodation subsidy has
been particularly popular, with more than half of subsidized stays involving
two consecutive nights.

Hualien, Penghu, Taitung have proven to be some of the top locations for
people opting to make use of the program.

Posted on 2026-11-06 07:01:13

Turkish legislators have approved a defense cooperation agreement with
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

This agreement, signed in August, commits the countries to regard an attack
against one as an attack on all three.

It aims to deter threats, deepen military cooperation, and strengthen defense
industry ties.

The agreement comes amid regional tensions with Iran-backed Houthi rebels and
concerns about U.S.-Iran conflicts.

Despite opposition, the Turkish parliament passed the agreement.

Officials stress that the agreement is defensive and does not target Iran.

Any deployment of Turkish troops would require separate parliamentary
approval.

Posted on 2026-11-06 07:01:13

Paraguay’s Attorney General has ordered three criminal investigations into
the Ueno Bank crisis, including allegations involving President Santiago Peña
and other current and former government officials.

The announcement Thursday followed Peña’s resignation after the collapse of
Ueno Bank, a major digital lender tied to his government.

The crisis froze millions in savings, sparked widespread protests, weakened
the country’s currency and cost Peña the support of his Colorado Party.

The lower house voted to impeach him, while the Senate was expected to accept
his resignation.

Many Paraguayans blame official corruption and reckless banking practices for
the turmoil.

Posted on 2026-11-06 07:01:13

Posted on 2026-11-05 19:13:13

A lunchbox shop operator in Taoyuan's Zhongli District has been indicted over
a food poisoning outbreak in April that sickened 155 people.

Prosecutors say the 44-year-old man, surnamed Wu, failed to store ingredients
properly and maintain sanitary conditions in his kitchen.

Tests found the bacteria in samples from four victims and in potato salad
served in the lunchboxes.

Affected customers reported symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea,
stomachaches and nausea.

Wu has admitted to negligence and has already paid compensation to some
victims. He also plans to compensate others affected by the outbreak.

He has been charged under the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation.

Posted on 2026-11-05 19:13:13

A borough chief seeking reelection in Taoyuan's Guanyin District has been
released on bail amid a vote-buying investigation.

Prosecutors say the candidate, identified by her surname Feng (馮), allegedly
offered households 5-thousand NT in cash in July in exchange for votes.

Investigators searched five locations yesterday, including residences and
offices linked to Feng and a local campaign organizer.

Five people were summoned for questioning over suspected violations of
election bribery laws.

Prosecutors say the suspicions are serious but detention was unnecessary.

Feng was released on bail of 150-thousand NT, while the other four people
were released without bail.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-11-05 19:13:13

The Ministry of Education says scholarships for international students are
awarded based on academic merit ...

.... rejecting claims that Vietnamese students automatically receive
government subsidies.

The ministry says applicants are selected by Taiwan's overseas representative
offices through a competitive process, with annual quotas and eligibility
requirements.

Under the Taiwan Scholarship program, undergraduate recipients can receive up
to 40-thousand NT per semester towards tuition and fees, plus a monthly
living allowance of 15-thousand NT.

However, they cannot receive other scholarships or subsidies from Taiwanese
government agencies or educational institutions at the same time.

The ministry says false claims risk distorting public understanding of
education policy and unfairly stigmatizing Vietnamese students in Taiwan.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-11-05 19:13:13

Several flights across Europe have been diverted or forced to make emergency
landings following bomb threats on Thursday, although all the aircraft
involved landed safely.

An Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Rome was diverted to a military air base
in Normandy, France, while a Finnair flight from Helsinki to Rome landed
normally in the Italian capital.

Finnish broadcaster Yle reported that nothing suspicious was found on board.

Three Ryanair flights bound for the Bulgarian capital Sofia also made
emergency landings following threats.

The incidents come amid a wider wave of bomb threats targeting European
airlines this week, including LOT and Scandinavian Airlines.

The threats are adding to security concerns across Europe, which has also
faced drone incursions and attacks on supermarkets.

Posted on 2026-11-05 19:13:13

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has been sentenced to an
additional 10 years in prison under a national security law imposed by
Beijing.

Wong, who rose to prominence as a student protest leader, was already serving
a prison sentence in a separate national security case.

He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to collude with foreign forces.

Judge William Tam cited Wong's calls for sanctions against China and Hong
Kong when handing down the sentence.

Wong expressed regret and said he hoped to become a better person during his
imprisonment.

The U-S condemned the sentence and called for his release, while critics say
the case highlights Beijing's continuing crackdown on Hong Kong's
pro-democracy movement.

Posted on 2026-11-05 19:13:13

A veteran Arab lawmaker in Israel says his political bloc is prepared to
break with decades of precedent and form an alliance with Jewish-led parties
in an effort to end Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long rule.

The proposal could bring together parties that have traditionally remained
politically separate, but it also carries significant risks for both sides.

For the Arab-led Joint List, joining a government could mean supporting
policies that do little to end Israel's wars or halt settlement expansion in
the occupied West Bank.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu's opponents would have to work with parties that
strongly criticize Israeli government policies and reject the country's
identity as a Jewish state.

Any such partnership would therefore face difficult political compromises,
even among those united in their opposition to Netanyahu.

Posted on 2026-11-05 18:08:13

Taiwan's former representative to Washington is urging an urgent reassessment
of congressional support following the U.S. midterm elections.

Stanley Kao says retirements and election defeats will remove members of
congressional groups that support Taiwan.

He says Taiwan's offices in the United States must prepare for the turnover
and review their relationships with lawmakers.

Speaking at a Taipei forum, Kao says Taiwan has invested heavily in building
those ties.

Trade expert Roy Lee says the election results are unlikely to fundamentally
change Washington's push to bring manufacturing back to America.

He expects greater use of investment incentives, while predicting continued
bipartisan pressure on China over advanced technology.

Lee also says closer Taiwan-U.S. economic ties are likely to continue despite
potentially longer legislative reviews.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-05 18:08:13

Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) says Taiwan's Coast Guard
has intercepted or driven away Chinese vessels on 618 occasions so far this
year.

Kuan gave the figures at a Cabinet meeting today, ahead of Coast Guard Day on
November 8th ... saying that Chinese coast guard ships have continued to
enter restricted waters around Taiwan's outlying islands.

The Coast Guard has responded to 13 incursions near Dongsha and 39 near
Kinmen, while detaining 15 Chinese vessels and confiscating 12.

Fines topping 10-million NT have also been imposed.

Kuan says Coast Guard personnel follow a policy of avoiding provocation and
confrontation, while standing firm in enforcing the law.

She adds that the agency has released vessel tracking data and images to
counter disinformation.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-11-05 18:08:13

The Shilin District Court has sentenced two Chinese men to nine and six
months in prison, respectively, for illegally entering Taiwan aboard a rubber
dinghy.

The two men landed near the Port of Taipei in New Taipei's Bali District in
the early hours of July 23rd, after sailing from Fuzhou in China's Fujian
Province.

They had reportedly set off from Qingdao in Shandong Province several days
earlier, using a rubber dinghy fitted with an outboard motor.

After landing, the men travelled through several parts of Taiwan, including
New Taipei, Taipei and Hsinchu, before being arrested by coast guard officers
on July 30th.

Prosecutors charged the pair under Taiwan's immigration and cross-strait
laws, and had sought two-year prison sentences for both men.

Both men can appeal the ruling.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-11-05 15:31:13

Premier Cho Jung-tai is calling for a comprehensive review of expanded health
insurance subsidies for seniors, warning of funding and fairness concerns.

The amendment passed last month would cover premiums for older adults meeting
income tax criteria.

Cho says more than 80 percent of people aged 65 and over would qualify,
costing about 40-billion N.T. annually.

He says lawmakers did not identify a funding source.

He also criticizes the removal of provisions requiring local governments to
help disadvantaged seniors pay copayments and medical expenses outside
insurance coverage.

Cho has asked the health ministry to review the impact and gather views from
different sectors.

The Cabinet says it will respond within the law and Constitution, but has not
announced a specific course of action.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-05 15:31:13

Taiwan's financial regulator says it has seen no abnormal fund movements at
Bank SinoPac following a hacking incident affecting more than 400 customers.

The Financial Supervisory Commission says the bank refunded all affected
funds on Tuesday afternoon, the day of the attack.

It says customer confidence appears unaffected.

The incident involved 427 unauthorized transfers totaling nearly 42-million
N.T. dollars.

SinoPac says hackers exploited a supplier's security settings in its new
online banking transaction system.

The bank says evidence so far shows no signs of personal data leakage.

Taipei prosecutors have opened an investigation.

SinoPac has apologized and says it will seek compensation from the system
provider.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-05 15:31:13

The government aims to complete an environmental review for a new science
park in Tainan by the middle of next year.

National Science and Technology Council Minister Wu Cheng-wen (吳誠文) says the
Shalun park could provide land for future one-nanometer chip production.

The project is undergoing a second-stage environmental impact assessment,
with construction planned after the review is completed.

Wu says ecological protection requirements will be incorporated, and water
and electricity needs are already included in planning.

He stresses the park is not exclusively intended for one-nanometer chips.

It could also accommodate more advanced semiconductor processes, alongside
smart robotics, space technology, advanced medicine and biotechnology.

Wu says preparing land ahead of demand will help Taiwan maintain its
semiconductor industry advantage.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-05 15:31:13

Several Indonesian political parties are considering a parliamentary inquiry
into Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka's educational qualifications.

Three parties in President Prabowo Subianto's coalition and the main
opposition party are weighing their next steps.

The Constitutional Court says it found no convincing evidence that Gibran's
overseas qualifications were equivalent to a high school diploma.

But it dismissed the challenge on procedural grounds and did not remove him
from office.

Lawmakers are considering seeking a government explanation, launching an
investigation or formally stating parliament's position.

None of the parties has called for impeachment.

The dispute comes amid growing tensions between Prabowo and former President
Joko Widodo, Gibran's father.

Posted on 2026-11-05 15:31:13

Australia is sending two aircraft to help Indonesia fight wildfires that have
been burning for months.

Indonesia's disaster agency says a Hercules water bomber and a Cessna support
aircraft will operate in East Kalimantan from tomorrow through November 12.

The aircraft are supplied by the New South Wales Rural Fire Service.

Australia's ambassador says the water bomber can drop up to 15-thousand
liters per flight, with up to six flights expected daily.

Indonesia is also using ground crews and cloud seeding to tackle the fires.

The assistance comes after an Indonesian military helicopter crashed during a
firefighting mission in Central Kalimantan on Wednesday.

Posted on 2026-11-05 15:31:13

South Korean television industry groups are seeking a government investment
fund worth about 746-million U.S. dollars to support drama production.

Twelve groups representing producers, writers, actors and crew say rising
costs and shrinking broadcaster investment are putting production at risk.

Research shows the number of Korean dramas fell from 141 in 2022 to about 115
last year.

The groups blame competition with global streaming platforms for driving up
costs, including pay for leading actors.

They warn that fewer productions mean fewer opportunities for emerging talent.

But one business professor says the problems largely reflect the decline of
traditional television broadcasting, rather than the entire industry.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-05 14:44:13

Rescuers have found a body at a Panasonic factory in Hsinchu County, while
the search continues for another missing worker.

The explosion and fire broke out early yesterday in Hukou Township, injuring
five employees and leaving two missing.

The fire bureau says the deceased's identity has yet to be confirmed.

More than 20 people were working on production lines when the fire broke out.

Three Taiwanese workers and two Vietnamese workers were injured and taken to
hospitals.

Crews are using heavy machinery to clear debris while firefighters extinguish
remaining pockets of fire and protect search teams.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-05 14:44:13

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang warns that expanding health insurance
subsidies for older adults could increase pressure to raise premiums.

Lawmakers passed an amendment last month requiring the central government to
cover premiums for seniors meeting income tax criteria.

Shih says the extra spending would squeeze funding for the wider health
insurance system.

He says government funding has helped keep premiums unchanged despite rising
medical demand.

His comments follow reports that he sent text messages asking medical and
welfare groups to oppose the amendment.

Shih did not directly address those reports.

But the DPP legislative caucus is defending him.

Caucus secretary-general Chuang Jui-hsiung (莊瑞雄) says describing the contacts
as pressure goes too far, and explaining the amendment's impact is part of a
minister's responsibility.

Some civic groups reportedly objected, saying they felt they were being used
in an election campaign.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-05 14:44:13

A childcare advocacy coalition is urging lawmakers to pass parental leave
reforms, saying a TPP proposal could discourage shared caregiving.

The party wants maternity leave extended from eight to 14 weeks, compared
with 12 weeks under the Cabinet's proposal.

Both versions would double combined leave for spouses attending prenatal
appointments and childbirth to 14 days.

But the coalition says the party's plan lacks a key incentive for fathers to
take longer parental leave.

Under the Cabinet's proposal, both parents must each receive six months of
allowances before qualifying for three more months each.

The coalition says the TPP would allow one parent to receive all nine months
without the other's participation.

It warns this could keep mothers out of work longer, and urges passage of
reforms this session.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-05 14:44:13

Restaurant group Wowprime is investigating unusual data access involving an
outsourced shopping website for its subsidiary, Wan Hsien (萬鮮).

The company says the service provider has blocked the activity, but the scope
of affected data remains unclear.

Wan Hsien activated its cybersecurity response procedures after receiving
notice from the provider.

It has asked the contractor to identify the affected systems and data, and
strengthen security.

Wowprime says the website remains operational, with no interruption to
service.

Its initial assessment found no major impact on business operations.

The group says it will seek compensation from the provider if losses are
confirmed, and strengthen oversight of outsourced services.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-05 14:44:13

France is preparing for nationwide protests and strikes over living costs,
public services and education.

Hundreds of thousands are expected to march today, with trade unions and
student groups joining the demonstrations.

Unions warn of disruptions to trains and public transport.

The Education Ministry expects about one in six public primary school
teachers to strike, while energy workers are also expected to join.

President Emmanuel Macron held a security meeting yesterday as authorities
sought to prevent a repeat of October's riots and looting.

BFM television reports that around 70-thousand police will be deployed
nationwide.

The government says it remains highly vigilant after the October 17 unrest
damaged shops and public buildings across the country.

Posted on 2026-11-05 14:44:13

South Africa's African National Congress holds a narrow lead in early
municipal election results, with most votes still to be counted.

An early tally put the ANC at about 32 percent, just ahead of the Democratic
Alliance on 31 percent.

The picture could change significantly, with few districts reporting in two
heavily populated provinces.

The ANC won 46 percent in the last municipal elections in 2021.

It faces voter frustration over crime, corruption and unreliable water and
electricity services.

Major cities, including Johannesburg, are expected to need coalition
governments.

The results could also influence the race to succeed President Cyril
Ramaphosa as ANC leader when his party leadership term ends next year.

Posted on 2026-11-05 14:15:13

Train seats are still available for people heading home to vote in the
November 28 local elections.

Taiwan Railway and Taiwan High Speed Rail will add a combined 110 services
from November 27 to 30.

As of this morning, high-speed rail bookings stood at about 42 percent,
compared with about 24 percent for Taiwan Railway.

The transport ministry expects the biggest rush on November 27, with
high-speed rail demand peaking between 5 and 9 p.m.

Another busy period is expected from the afternoon of November 29, as
travelers return.

Passengers using nonreserved high-speed rail seating may face longer waits.

The ministry recommends booking ahead, traveling outside peak hours, or
considering Taiwan Railway and intercity buses.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-05 14:15:13

New Taipei prosecutors have indicted a city councilor for vote buying over
allegations that she handed out laundry detergent to voters in an effort to
secure their support.

Yang Chun Mei楊春妹 currently represents Lowland Indigenous voters in the New
Taipei City Council and is running for reelection this year.

Prosecutors today indicted Yang, of the KMT, as well as her husband and
assistant for allegedly violating the Public Officials Election and Recall
Act.

According to the indictment, Yang and her husband and assistant visited
Indigenous tribal culture and health stations wearing campaign gear to hand
out laundry detergent to voters while asking for voters' support.

Prosecutors estimate that the bottles of laundry detergent are worth about
100 NT.

The visits apparently took place in New Taipei's Shulin, Luzhou, and Linkou
in July.

During questioning in September, Yang admitted to handing out the detergent
but denied that it amounted to vote buying.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-11-05 14:15:13

scrutiny

Taiwan and other Asian stocks fell today with tech shares under pressure
after the Democrats' emphatic victory in the US midterm elections stoked
fears of tighter scrutiny on AI.

Analysts say that, with Democrats taking back the legislature, AI and data
centers are likely to face more pushback.

Taiwan shares dropped sharply, with the benchmark tai ex losing 1374 points
to close the session at 41574

The turnover was 926 billion NT

Posted on 2026-11-05 14:15:13

Now turning to international news...

Chinese state media says, a former member of one of the country's top
decision-making bodies has been formally charged with accepting bribes.

That's one week after the CCP confirmed Ma Xingrui's expulsion from the
party.

Prosecutors accuse Ma of using his leadership positions to accept
"exceptionally large" bribes and to secure benefits for others.

Ma had been named to the Politburo in 2022 and his downfall became public in
April, when authorities said he was being investigated.

He's the latest senior official to fall from grace under Xi Jinping's
long-running anti-corruption campaign.

Leaders at a meeting last week also ratified the expulsions of more than 30
senior officials from the CCP.

Analysts have said that the campaign is a way to enforce loyalty to Xi as
well as root out corruption.

Posted on 2026-11-05 13:01:13

Defense Minister Wellington Koo says support for strengthening Taiwan's
defenses crosses party lines in the U.S. Congress.

His comments follow Democratic victories in the U.S. midterm elections,
giving the party control of both the House and Senate.

The results have raised questions about whether U.S. arms sales to Taiwan
could be affected.

Koo says his ministry will continue talks with U.S. lawmakers and maintain
close contact with the Pentagon.

He says those efforts aim to keep arms sales on schedule.

Koo spoke before lawmakers reviewed the government's supplementary budget for
this year.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-05 13:01:13

Some high-speed rail trains are still delayed after a signal fault at Banqiao
Station this morning.

Taiwan High Speed Rail says the problem has been resolved, and services are
gradually returning to normal.

Its latest update lists delays affecting some trains in both directions
between Nangang and Zuoying.

Average delays are estimated at no more than 30 minutes, though actual delays
vary by train.

The disruption began with a fault in the signaling system for a track switch
at Banqiao.

The operator says station displays carry the actual delay information.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-05 13:01:13

A community effort to protect land crabs on Xiaoliuqiu has earned
international recognition.

The project was selected for this year's Green Destinations Top 100 Stories
at a conference in Slovenia.

Local volunteers and conservation groups helped organize 82 nights of road
closures near Beauty Cave this year.

The closures give female crabs a safer route to the sea, where they release
their larvae.

The Dapeng Bay scenic area administration says heavy nighttime scooter
traffic puts the crabs at risk.

The community-led effort expanded from 11 nights of closures last year, with
support from local authorities and police.

One volunteer says that once traffic falls silent, the crabs' tiny footsteps
sound like tap dancing on the road.

Organizers hope to connect conservation with local jobs and working holidays.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-05 13:01:13

A Hong Kong court has sentenced pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong to 10
years in prison for conspiring to collude with foreign entities.

The 30-year-old pleaded guilty in September under the city's national
security law.

Prosecutors said Wong conspired with exiled activist Nathan Law and others in
2020 to seek foreign sanctions against Hong Kong and China.

Wong became one of the best-known figures in Hong Kong's democracy movement.

He was already serving a separate sentence for conspiracy to commit
subversion and had been due to complete that term in January.

Beijing says the national security law is needed for stability, while critics
say it is used to silence dissent.

Posted on 2026-11-05 13:01:13

Paraguay's President Santiago Pena faces an impeachment push after a bank
collapse left about three million customers unable to access their accounts.

Thirty-five lawmakers have filed accusations against him, and the lower house
has scheduled a special session for Thursday.

Opposition lawmakers allege conflicts of interest, misuse of pension funds
and a cover-up linked to digital lender Ueno.

Pena previously held shares in the group controlling the bank.

He has not publicly addressed the impeachment effort, but says depositors
must come first and anyone responsible for wrongdoing will face justice.

The central bank intervened after finding Ueno had fallen below minimum
financial requirements.

The impeachment effort still lacks the two-thirds majority needed to advance
in the lower house.

Posted on 2026-11-05 13:01:13

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hopes Democratic victories in the
U.S. midterm elections will bring more support for Ukraine.

Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress and will take over next
year.

Speaking to Germany's ZDF television, Zelenskiy thanked Republicans but said
Democrats had clearly supported aid and closer ties with Europe.

He said stronger U.S. financial and military backing could influence Russian
President Vladimir Putin.

His comments come ahead of planned U.S.-mediated talks between Ukraine and
Russia in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff says the discussions will cover security
arrangements after the war and steps to reduce tensions.

Posted on 2026-11-05 13:01:13

NASA's Swift space telescope has re-entered Earth's atmosphere over
Indonesia, ending nearly 22 years in orbit.

The U.S. Space Force confirmed it came down over North Sumatra yesterday.

NASA expected most of the spacecraft to burn up, though some components may
have survived.

Launched in 2004 for a planned two-year mission, Swift studied powerful
cosmic explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.

It also observed exploding stars, black holes, comets and asteroids.

Posted on 2026-11-05 12:24:13

Taipei prosecutors have questioned 7 more people in the case of an escaped
former legislative aide who's facing corruption charges.

Zhang Jun Jie is believed to have left the country via ZhengBin 正濱Port late
last month after jumping bail 2 months ago.

Prosecutors yesterday questioned the captain of the boat that Zhang is
believed to have escaped on, and today have questioned seven others in the
case.

Prosecutors also seized a vessel called "Man Rui Fu 滿瑞富 number 6" and
questioned crew members, one of which is a Chinese national and four of whom
are Indonesian.

Zhang was an aide to independent lawmaker Kao Jin Su Mei, who has been
charged with corruption in an assistant fees case.

Prosecutors also later discovered thet Zhang likely received funds from China
to develop organizations in Taiwan, in what would be a violation of the
National Security Act.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-11-05 12:24:13

Taipei mayoral hopeful Puma Shen is urging voters to turn out on election
day, saying that he will keep working to reach different sectors of Taipei to
urge support from voters.

Shen made the comments this morning while visiting the Huannan Market with
local candidates for city council to campaign.

Shen said, his campaign has gone from trailing Mayor Chiang Wan an in the
polls by 30 points to being a competitive opponent.

He added that, with less than a month to go before the election, the final
battle is voter turnout.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-11-05 12:24:13

A Threads user has been charged for allegedly disseminating a deepfake video
of Taipei City Councilor Chien Shu-pei,

The woman, surnamed Cui崔, was charged with violating the Personal Data
Protection Act and defamation.

The deepfake in question shows Chien asking city officials for one million
pages of documents during a city council interpellation session.

The video was not made by Cui herself, and it's not clear where she got the
video from.

After Cui allegedly posted the video on Threads in July, Chien reported the
incident to police, saying it had caused her great harm.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-11-05 12:24:13

And finally,

Independent meteorologist Daniel Wu says successive waves of northeasterly
monsoons will bring cooler weather to the island next week.

According to Wu, a northeast monsoon is set to arrive tomorrow and last into
Saturday morning - bringing rain and a drop in temperatures to the Greater
Taipei area and east.

The weather pattern is forecast to weaken on Saturday - resulting in clear
skies and rising temperatures and only only brief localized showers in the
east.

However, a stronger northeasterly monsoon will begin effecting Taiwan next
Monday and is expected to bring significant rainfall to the windward side of
Taiwan proper with a stronger cold air mass resulting in much cooler weather.

That northeasterly monsoon is forecast to weaken on Wednesday.

Posted on 2026-11-05 12:24:13

Prominent Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong has been sentenced to 10 years in
prison for his second conviction.

Wong was charged in 2025 with conspiracy to collude with foreign forces to
endanger national security under a Beijing-imposed national security law.

In September, he pleaded guilty to the offense, a move that can typically
reduce the sentence.

The 30-year-old is already serving a prison term for the city’s biggest
national security case linked to an unofficial primary after entering a
guilty plea in that case.

Before being prosecuted for the collusion-related charge, Wong had been
expected to be freed in January 2027.

Posted on 2026-11-05 12:24:13

Turkey is spotlighting its renewable energy efforts as it hosts the upcoming
U.N. climate summit.

The country is expanding solar and wind power, but critics point out its
continued reliance on coal.

Turkey's Energy Ministry says coal accounted for 33% of electricity last
year, while solar and wind made up nearly 23%.

The Kalyon Karapınar Solar Power Plant in Konya, operational since 2023, is a
key part of this shift.

However, campaigners argue that Turkey lacks a clear plan to phase out fossil
fuels.

The COP31 summit, which starts on Monday in the coastal city of Antalya, will
focus on turning climate commitments into action.

Posted on 2026-11-05 11:30:13

Meteorologist Wu Der-rong says showers and cooler weather is headed for
northern and eastern Taiwan starting tomorrow.

Wu says a weak cold front will bring localized rain and cooler weather to
Greater Taipei and eastern areas through Saturday.

And a stronger second wave of cold air will arrive Monday, increasing
rainfall and dropping temperatures further

Central and southern Taiwan will continue to enjoy mostly sunny skies with
noticeable day-and-night temperature differences.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-11-05 11:30:13

Authorities in British Columbia say more than one grizzly may have been
involved in a bear attack that relatives say left a mother and daughter dead
along the province’s central coast.

One body was found Monday and the other the next day.

Family members of the women reported them missing on Sunday.

Efforts to capture the bear or bears involved continue.

Authorities have imposed a curfew on the community, about 1,000 kilometres
north of Vancouver, as the search for the animal or animals behind the attack
continues.

Officials say if the bear is captured, it will be killed to protect public
safety.

The attack comes nearly a year after a grizzly attack on a group of 20
elementary school students and teachers in the same area, which left one
adult and three children badly hurt.

Posted on 2026-11-05 08:14:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

Lawmakers have unfrozen funding for 74 budget items under the Ministry of
National Defense's 2026 general budget.

However, several major items, including the procurement of National Advanced
Surface-to-Air Missile Sysyems and follow-up submarines under the Indigenous
Defense Submarine program, remain unresolved.

Lawmakers agreed to unfreeze funding for 54 of 201 frozen items, after
certain conditions were met following a meeting of the Legislative Yuan's
Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee.

Funding for another 20 items was unfrozen after the defense ministry
submitted written reports to the committee.

Among the items unfrozen were 5-million N-T in funding for more than 1,900
man-portable Stinger missiles and 200-million N-T in funding for missile
systems for attack drones requested by the Army

Another 100-million N-T for the second phase of a Navy project to construct a
prototype of a "next-generation light cruiser," as well as 80-million N-T for
the procurement of US-made submarine-launched MK48 torpedoes, were also
unfrozen.

Posted on 2026-11-05 08:14:13

The National Police Agency says it is actively taking measures to crack down
on suspected foreign interference ahead the upcoming local elections.

According to the agency, there are currently nine active investigations under
into alleged election interference involving external forces working with
criminal organizations.

Prosecutors have handed down indictments in four of those cases.

Law enforcement authorities say the N-P-A is working to identify individuals
or entities involved in politically motivated election interference and
uncovering the networks behind them.

Police agency is also warning warning of the spread of election
disinformation - saying that's taking place via social media and messaging
apps.

Police has reported 184 suspected cases of disinformation and of that number
112 have been referred to prosecutors for further investigation.

Posted on 2026-11-05 08:14:13

transactions

Bank SinoPac says it has found no evidence of customer data or personal
information being leaked following over 400 unauthorized transactions
involving 419 customer accounts earlier this week.

According to the bank, an investigation has found that the transactions
resulted from external hackers breaching security settings at suppliers of
the bank's new mobile banking system.

The incident involved 427 unauthorized transactions.

Each one saw about 100,000 N-T transferred from SinoPac accounts to a single
account at another bank.

The total amount transferred stood at approximately 41.76million N-T.

Financial Supervisory Commission has temporarily frozen the receiving account.

Bank SinoPac has said it had immediately reported the incident to authorities
after being notified of the irregularities and hired an independent
cybersecurity team to identify the source of the breach.

It has also confirmed that all affected customers have been reimbursed.

The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has opened an investigation into the
case as a computer security offense.

Posted on 2026-11-05 08:14:13

The National Immigration Agency has deported Chinese national who arrived at
Taoyuan International Airport earlier this week from Thailand and had sought
asylum here in Taiwan.

According to the agency, Cheng Wan-jun remained at the airport after arriving
on a connecting flight from Bangkok Monday before being deported back there
yesterday.

The immigration agency says he as held in a designated area at the airport,
where he was provided with meals and a place to rest but and was not allowed
to move about freely.

Cheng took social media shortly after arriving in Taiwan to say he a former
host at China Central Television and was seeking temporary humanitarian
protection in Taiwan.

Cheng said he was sentenced to six years in prison in 2019 for criticizing Xi
Jinping and that he was forced to go into exile abroad after his release he
in order to publish writings he had produced while in prison.

The immigration agency says it consulted with the Mainland Affairs Council
and determined Cheng was not eligible to seek asylum because he lacked valid
entry documents and had not provided strong enough evidence to back up his
claims.

Posted on 2026-11-05 08:14:13

The Coast Guard Administration says a man has been indicted after being
caught entering Kinmen from China with a marmot and eight turtles taped to
his inner thighs.

According to the administration, the man was stopped as he returning to
Kinmen by ferry from Quanzhou in China in mid-July based on intelligence
reports concerning the smuggling of "prohibited items."

Officers found eight black-breasted leaf turtles, each wrapped inside elastic
stockings and a marmot stuffed inside a mesh bag taped to his inner thigh.

He was arrested on suspicion of violating the Act on Wildlife Conservation
and the Act on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Animal Diseases.

Officials say the man admitted to purchasing the turtles in China for 200 N-T
and could have sold them for between 9,000 and 30,000 N-T here in Taiwan.

The seized animals were handed over to the Kinmen County Animal and Plant
Disease Control Center.

Posted on 2026-11-05 08:14:13

And finally,

A survey by the National Taiwan Normal University has found that braised pork
rice is the food most representative of Taiwan's cuisine.

According to the university, the survey showed that 29.2-per cent of
respondents chose braised pork rice, while Stinky tofu ranked second with
11.8-per cent of respondents saying that dish exemplified Taiwan cuisine.

Bubble tea was third 10.5-per cent.

The research team says the three leading choices were not typically served at
formal banquets, suggesting that what Taiwan people like to eat reflects
their everyday eating habits.

Other choices included Taiwan fried chicken, oyster omelets, beef noodles,
rice balls and gua bao listed in the same category, rice dumplings,
stir-fried dishes and braised dishes.

The survey also asked respondents about their preferences for foreign
cuisines, which found that Japanese cuisine ranked first followed by Thai
cuisine and Western food.

Posted on 2026-11-05 07:02:14

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Taiwan continues to enjoy bipartisan
support in the United States Congress and will work with both major parties
to strengthen Taipei-Washington ties following the Democrats' midterm
election victories.

According to the ministry, the government has consistently taken a
nonpartisan approach in its dealings with the Republican and Democratic
parties and has long enjoyed bipartisan support in Congress, as well as
consistent backing from the U-S executive branch.

The ministry says building on that foundation, the Lai administration will
continue to deepen cooperation with the U-S across various sectors and work
to maintain support for Taiwan-US relations in Congress and among local
governments.

The statement comes after Democrats won majorities in both the Senate and the
House of Representatives this week's midterm elections, taking control of
Congress for the remainder of President Donald Trump's term.

Posted on 2026-11-05 07:02:14

The Coast Guard Administration has seized two fishing boats in Keelung as
part of an investigation into the disappearance of an legislative aide who
jumped bail in September after being indicted on corruption charges.

According to the administration, a fishing boat suspected of helping
transport Chang Chun-chieh out of Taiwan was intercepted in waters near
Pengjia Islet, while a second vessel was seized at at Zhengbin Fishing Port
in Keelung.

The captain of the boat seized near Pengjia Islet was questioned, but denied
any involvement in assisting in Chang's escape.

While the crew of the other boat has also been questioned and its voyage data
recorder has been handed to the Fisheries Agency for examination.

The seizes of the fishing boats comes amid reports Cheng fled Taiwan from
Keeling in late October.

Ocean Affairs Council head Kuan Bi-ling says whether the vessels and the
captain were directly linked to Chang's flight remains to be clarified by
prosecutors.

Chang has been on the run for nearly two months after breaking his electronic
monitor at Daan Forest Park in Taipei on September 6 after being released on
10-million N-T bail.

Posted on 2026-11-05 07:02:14

Taiwan's AerosoarX has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ukrainian
unmanned systems company UFORCE to explore ways to cooperate on supply
chains.

According to AerosoarX, the agreement allows the two companies to use
Taiwan's technology and manufacturing capabilities to help UFORCE diversify
its component suppliers and build a more flexible and resilient supply chain.

AerosoarX Chairman Lo Cheng-fang says his company hopes to use Taiwan's
capabilities to meet UFORCE's global needs, at a time when unmanned systems
companies worldwide are facing difficulties securing reliable supplies of
critical parts.

Lo also says the two companies will explore potential suppliers and consider
other ways to work together under the deal.

UFORCE specialized in unmanned systems technology, develops unmanned
platforms for maritime, land and aerial applications, as well as artificial
intelligence software and command-and-control systems.

Posted on 2026-11-05 07:02:14

The Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation has confirmed that eight employees
have been found to have falsified inspection records for the Yunlin section
of line over a five-year period.

According to corporation president Chen Hui-yu, an investigation into the
incidents remains ongoing, but all eight employees have since resigned.

The statement comes after reports surfaced suggesting that the employees
resigned within the past month.

All eight of the employees were part of a team responsible for track and
power maintenance on the Yunlin section of the high-speed rail line and they
falsified records of "nighttime track inspections," over multiple years.

The case was uncovered in August after discrepancies were found between G-P-S
data from vehicles used by maintenance personnel responsible for the Yunlin
section and their inspection records.

The corporation president says supervisors at the time had been negligent in
overseeing routine nighttime inspections because they expected maintenance
vehicles to conduct more thorough inspections every month.

Deputy Transport Minister Chen Yen-po says his office will instruct the
Railway Bureau to step up its oversight of the high speed rail corporation.

Posted on 2026-11-05 07:02:14

Taichiung's two main mayoral candidates have both attended the opening
ceremony for a new bus transfer center.

Speaking at the opening of the Taichung Transfer Center, outgoing Mayor Lu
Shiow-yen said the complex is expected to make transfers safer and more
convenient for commuters.

The center cost of more than 2.1-billion N-T to build.

It has two above-ground floors and three underground levels as well as 12
parking spaces for large buses and serves 27 intercity and city bus routes.

K-M-T mayoral candidate Johnny Chiang told reporters that center "serves not
merely as a transit hub, but as a landmark in the oldest part of the city"
and said he believes Taichung needs more transportation hubs.

While the D-P-P's Ho Hsin-chun called on city authorities to ensure the
center provides clear transfer information and better coordination of bus
routes and schedules to minimize passenger waiting times and improve
efficiency.

Posted on 2026-11-05 07:02:14

An investigation is ongoing into the cause of an explosion and fire at
Panasonic Holdings overseas production sites in Hsinchu County's Hukou
Township.

Five people were injured in a fire, while two people remain missing.

The Hsinchu County Fire Bureau says three Taiwanese and two Vietnamese
employees were conscious and were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Two Taiwanese employees remained missing.

The company says there were 20 people in the building at the time of the
fire.

Local officials say smoke and pollutants from the fire affected more than 100
nearby households and the Hukou Township head says he will
assist local residents seek compensation.

The factory, which is run by Panasonic Industrial Devices Materials Taiwan,
conducts research and development and manufactures printed circuit boards and
semiconductor packaging materials.

Posted on 2026-11-05 07:02:14

And,

The National Taiwan University has maintained its 23rd place ranking in the
2027 Q-S Asia University Rankings.

It means the university remains Taiwan's highest-ranked institution in the
rankings, which are published by British higher education research firm
Quacquarelli Symonds.

The National Taiwan University was Taiwan's top performer in the academic
reputation and employer reputation categories, ranking ninth and 19th in
Asia, respectively.

This year's rankings placed seven Taiwanese universities among Asia's top
100, including four in the top 50.

The National Cheng Kung University posted the biggest jump among the local
schools, climbing 10 places to 33rd.

The National Tsing Hua University and the National Yang Ming Chiao Tung
University also made the top 50.

A total of 59 Taiwanese institutions were included in this year's rankings
and Q-S says internationalization remains Taiwan's biggest weakness

The University of Hong Kong retained the top spot in the rankings, followed
by Peking University and Tsinghua University in Beijing.

Posted on 2026-11-05 07:02:14

village

Russian attacks on critical infrastructure have caused power and water
outages in Kyiv and surrounding areas that lasted hours.

Rescuers are still searching for survivors in southern Ukraine after a deadly
attack there on Monday.

Russian bombs hit a former school and shelter in Komyshuvakha, and President
Volodymyr Zelenskyy says 40 people are believed to have been killed, while 30
others could still buried in the rubble.

Officials from the U.S., Germany, France, Britain, NATO and the EU are
meeting in Brussels to discuss post-war support for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy also honored U.S. first lady Melania Trump for efforts to broker a
ceasefire to help evacuate civilians trapped in a Russian-occupied city last
week.

Posted on 2026-11-05 07:02:14

Israel's election commission says no fraud has been found in last week's
national vote.

AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports

Today, Israeli President Isaac Herzog accepted the certified results of last
week’s parliamentary elections as legally binding and began consultations
with party representatives on forming a new government.

Posted on 2026-11-05 07:02:14

could join soon

The European Union has offered Serbia fresh hope for membership talks if a
new student-led government strengthens democracy.

The EU's annual enlargement report suggests Montenegro could join by 2028,
with Albania and Moldova following in 2029.

Ukraine is unlikely to join before 2030.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says some candidates have
made significant progress, paving the way for Europe to start expanding
again.

Serbia's recent election of a diverse opposition movement provides a chance
for a reset.

However, forming a government there could take months, and corruption rather
than EU membership is the opposition's current priority.

Posted on 2026-11-05 07:02:14

French authorities have reported a cyberattack on several blood banks that
attempted to raise temperatures to dangerous levels.

The attack was caught before any damage occurred to blood products or
samples.

The French Blood Establishment said on Tuesday that temperature thresholds
were raised on Monday at three cold-storage sites for plasma.

No health consequences have been identified, and no blood products were lost.

The incident follows similar attacks on supermarkets in Europe, leading to
spoiled food worth millions.

France’s national cybersecurity agency and the Health Ministry are
investigating the incident.

Posted on 2026-11-05 07:02:14

A U.S. cruise ship that suspended its operations in Cambodia has left with
only crew aboard, according to Cambodian officials.

The MV Odyssey's planned three-year voyage was halted due to rising fuel
costs.

It had been docked in Sihanoukville when all 203 passengers were forced to
disembark.

The ship departed Tuesday night with an unclear destination.

Nearly 100 passengers remain in Sihanoukville, while others have traveled
elsewhere.

Media reports suggest a creditor may have taken over the ship's management,
possibly sailing it to Singapore.

Rising fuel costs have been a significant issue, with the company unable to
offset expenses despite efforts.

Posted on 2026-11-04 19:07:13

A Chinese national who sought asylum in Taiwan after arriving at Taoyuan
International Airport has been deported to Thailand.

The National Immigration Agency says Cheng Wanjun (程萬軍) was sent back early
today after authorities determined he was not eligible to seek asylum because
he lacked valid entry documents and had not provided concrete evidence to
support his claims.

Cheng identified himself as a former host at China Central Television and
said he had been jailed for criticizing China's leadership before going into
exile.

He also claimed the U-N refugee agency in Thailand had classified his case as
high risk and could not guarantee his safety.

The N-I-A says Cheng was provided with food and a place to rest while his
case was reviewed.

However, he sustained injuries while resisting attempts to board the flight
back to Thailand.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-11-04 19:07:13

Eight Taiwan High Speed Rail employees have resigned after being found to
have falsified nighttime track inspection records in Yunlin County over a
five-year period.

Company President Chen Hui-yu (陳惠裕) told lawmakers today that the case was
uncovered in August after investigators found discrepancies between vehicle
GPS data and inspection records.

Chen says the employees failed to carry out required checks, while
supervisors were also negligent in overseeing the inspections.

The company says it has reviewed records across its entire network and found
similar irregularities only in Yunlin.

It is continuing its investigation and says supervisors involved will also
face disciplinary action.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications says it will ask the
Railway Bureau to strengthen its oversight of the high-speed rail operator.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-11-04 19:07:13

Russian attacks on critical infrastructure in Ukraine have caused power and
water outages in the capital Kyiv and surrounding areas.

Meanwhile, rescuers are still searching for survivors after a deadly Russian
attack on a school and shelter in the southern town of Komyshuvakha on
Monday. Authorities say 37 people were killed and another 38 may still be
trapped.

Separately, officials from the U-S, Germany, France, Britain, NATO and the
European Union are meeting in Brussels on Wednesday to discuss long-term
support for Ukraine after the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also awarded U-S First Lady
Melania Trump the Order of Princess Olga .....

.... who helped broker a six-day ceasefire in the Russian-occupied city of
Oleshky in the Kherson region, allowing a humanitarian mission to reach
residents.

Posted on 2026-11-04 19:07:13

Indonesia's military is deploying more than 20,000 troops and personnel to
the capital, Jakarta ...

.... amid an investigation into an alleged illegal wiretapping operation
targeting President Prabowo Subianto and other senior officials.

Authorities announced Wednesday that three senior police generals have been
detained as suspects, including the president's chief of staff.

Officials have not confirmed whether the troop deployment is connected to the
investigation.

The military describes it as a routine measure to maintain national security.

The suspects could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Posted on 2026-11-04 19:07:13

Thailand says China must submit a formal extradition request if it wants two
Uyghur men held in Bangkok returned, amid growing concerns over their safety.

The men were detained in 2014 and have spent more than a decade in Thai
custody.

In letters shared last week, they pleaded not to be sent back to China.

Human rights activists warn they could face abuse or torture if deported,
while some Thai politicians have also urged the government not to send them
back.

The two men are currently being held at an immigration detention center in
Bangkok, with rights groups fearing their deportation could be imminent.

Thailand deported 40 Uyghurs to China last year, drawing international
criticism.

Posted on 2026-11-04 18:20:13

A civic group from Penghu staged a protest outside Taipei City Hall today ...
against relocating Taipei Songshan Airport.

The group .... known as the "Penghu Exploring for the Future Development
Association" .... is concerned the proposal could disrupt transportation
links between Taipei and the outlying island.

Separately, KMT Penghu magistrate candidate Chen Chen-chung (陳振中) has again
voiced his opposition ... rejecting Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an's claim that
he had reached a consensus with candidates from Taiwan's outlying islands.

Chen says Penghu was not included in those discussions and no agreement was
reached.

Meanwhile, Penghu KMT County Party Committee Chairman Chen Shuang-chuan (陳雙全)
has raised concerns with the party's central leadership, warning the proposal
could affect Penghu's interests and hurt the election campaign.

Penghu County Council Speaker Chen Yu-jen (陳毓仁) says any decision to relocate
the airport would ultimately rest with central government agencies, including
the transportation and defense ministries.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-11-04 18:20:13

The Taipei District Prosecutors Office has launched an investigation after
hundreds of Bank SinoPac customers reported unauthorized transfers from their
accounts.

The Financial Supervisory Commission says the bank has identified 427
suspicious transactions affecting 419 customers, involving more than
40-million NT.

Each transfer was worth around 100-thousand NT, with the money sent to a
single account at Taipei Fubon Bank, which has since been temporarily frozen.

The Criminal Investigation Bureau says police had received 68 reports by noon
yesterday, and the case is being investigated as a possible computer-related
crime.

Meanwhile, Bank SinoPac has notified affected customers and advanced its own
funds to restore the money taken from their accounts.

The F-S-C says it has instructed the bank to ensure that customers' interests
are protected.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-11-04 18:20:13

China Airlines is giving passengers a chance to ring in 2027 at 30-thousand
feet with its first-ever New Year's Eve themed flight from Taipei to Bangkok.

The airline says flight C-I-837 will depart on December 31st aboard an Airbus
A321neo, with tickets going on sale tomorrow at 10 AM through its official
website and app.

Passengers can look forward to an in-flight celebration, special meals and
drinks, commemorative certificates and a chance to win airline miles and
Pikachu aircraft models.

Economy-class passengers will also be treated to Thai-style grilled chicken
rice, along with specially designed desserts and drinks.

And not only that ...

Passengers arriving in Bangkok will receive free transport cards for the
city's Skytrain system and complimentary Thai tea, along with discounts on
spa treatments and selected hotels.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-11-04 16:11:13

Interference in Relationship

China’s Foreign Minister has warned his Philippine counterpart about alleged
interference in their nations’ relationship and urged caution in their South
China Sea dispute.

China's statement followed a call Tuesday night between the two.

The Philippines' foreign secretary said they had “a frank and constructive”
discussion on the direction of their bilateral relationship.

China and the Philippines have overlapping claims to the South China Sea,
which have escalated into physical clashes between sailors and collisions
between navy vessels in recent years.

The tensions over their territorial claims have surfaced in their diplomatic
exchanges lately.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:56:13

Czech public media workers have gone on a one-day strike to protest a
government plan to change how public broadcasters are funded.

The plan, led by populist billionaire turned Prime Minister Andrej Babiš
(aan-DRAY BA-buhs), would finance public radio and television from the state
budget instead of regular fees from individuals, households or businesses.

The media would receive about 15% less money, which could lead to staff
layoffs, limited production and program cancellations.

Critics say this plan could threaten media independence.

On Tuesday, Czech TV and radio aired limited programming, while university
students and others planned rallies in support of the strike.

Labor unions, international media organizations, and Czech athletes have also
backed the strike.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:40:13

Ukrainian officials say Russian missile and drone strikes have knocked out
power in Kyiv and at least six other regions.

Ukraine's largest private power producer says three of its plants stopped
generating electricity after the attacks.

The outages also disrupted water supplies and transport in the capital.

In a separate attack Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says
Russian strikes killed at least 33 people at a school being used to
distribute aid in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.

The United States has scheduled talks with Ukraine and Russia for November
10th and 11th in Abu Dhabi.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is urging Moscow to take the negotiations
seriously and says Europe should be part of the process.

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:40:13

Meanwhile in Europe...

Bomb threats disrupted at least seven flights across Europe on Tuesday and
prompted a search of a cruise ship in Greece.

Authorities found no explosives on the planes, and initial checks of the ship
found no device.

A flight from London to Warsaw was diverted to a nearby airport, which
briefly closed while authorities searched the plane.

The Italian Air Force escorted a flight from Dublin into Rome, and
authorities also checked planes arriving in Bulgaria and Spain.

On the Greek island of Syros, crews searched an Israel-bound cruise ship
after someone claimed a device had been attached to its hull.

Greek authorities said further checks were planned.

No one has claimed responsibility, and authorities have yet to establish
whether the threats were linked.

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:40:13

Spain's transport minister says he's stepping down after a high-speed train
crash killed 69 people last week.

Óscar Puente told lawmakers he could not stay in office after two deadly
crashes on the same rail line this year.

The first killed 46 people in January.

Puente says a signaling failure stopped several trains on the
Madrid-to-Seville line last week.

He says controllers then cleared one train to move, even though another was
stopped on the tracks ahead.

The government has approved emergency aid for victims and their families.

It also plans to cut services on the line during a safety review and speed up
work on a new signaling system.

Puente's announcement comes less than four weeks before Spain's early
parliamentary election.

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:32:14

Taiwan shares are down today, with the benchmark tai ex losing 358 points to
close the session at 42948.

The turnover was 1.114 trillion NT

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:13

The New Taipei District Court has sentenced a man who robbed a bank in the
Banqiao District with a pair of stolen scissors to 7 1/2 years in prison.

The incident took place June 17.

According to the court verdict, the 50-year-old man stole the scissors
pan-fried dumpling and pot sticker store before entering a nearby branch of
the Taishin Bank, where he brandished the scissors and shouted for a teller
to "take out the money."

He then grabbed a customer and threatened to kill her if the bank staff did
not comply with his demands.

Bank tellers handed the man 404,200 N-T in cash, which he put in his pockets
and then sat in the waiting area until he was arrested by police.

Along with sentencing the man to 7 1/2 years for armed robbery, the court
also sentenced him to three months in prison for theft, commutable to a fine.

The district court rulings can be appealed.

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:13

The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has indicted a Taipei couple and
their son for allegedly beating, drugging and sexually molesting an
Indonesian caregiver in their home following a dispute in September.

Prosecutors says the female caregiver had been hired to help care for the
husband's elderly mother.

According to the indictment, the couple become unhappy with how the caregiver
was doing her job and attacked her inside their home in early September.

The husband molested the woman at knifepoint and the caregiver was also
forced to drink a beverage spiked with sedative.

Police went to the house three days later after the caregiver's friends
reported her missing and found her unconscious and with cuts and bruises all
over her body.

The son was arrested at the scene, while his parents were summoned for
questioning.

All three were later detained.

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:13

The Tai-Ex opened up 141-points this morning from yesterday's close, at
43,449 on turnover of 11.4-billion N-T.

The market recorded its 7th steepest single-session point fall on Tuesday, as
selling was triggered by a plunge among tech stocks on Wall Street overnight
amid lingering concerns over massive A-I spending.

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:13

The Tai-Ex rebounded from yesterday's decline in early trading as investors
were buoyed by a rise for Nvidia and other U-S big tech stocks on Wall Street
overnight.

The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index, which shares a strong correlation with
the Taiwan Stock Exchange - rose 2.6-per cent overnight, which also lent
strong support to the local main board this morning.

The weighted index added 434 point to reach a high of 43,741.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, MediaTek, Delta Electronics, and A-S-E
Technology all made solid gains in early trading - which saw the
overall electronics index rising by more than 1-per cent.

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:13

The Ministry of National Defense is reporting 22 Chinese air sorties
operating near Taiwan between 6AM Tuesday and 6AM today.

Of those sorties, 14 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait
and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern air defense identification
zones.

The aircraft included fighter jets, bombers, support planes and helicopters.

Seven Chinese Navy vessel and five official maritime patrol ships were also
spotted operating in Taiwan Strait over the same 24-hour period.

The number of aircraft is a marked decline from the 49 sorties operating
around Taiwan in the 24 hours leading up to 6AM yesterday.

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:13

The Ministry of Labor is proposing a new set to policies aimed at reversing
the island's declining birth rate.

The plan includes increasing the maternity leave policy to 12 weeks and
increasing paid pregnancy check-up leave to 10 days.

The government currently offers eight weeks of maternity leave and seven
days of paid pregnancy check-up leave.

Labor Minister Hung Sun-han says his office is currently working to have the
policies take effect by early next year.

The statements come after President Lai Ching-te announced his national
family support strategy in May.

Along with extending maternity leave paid pregnancy check-up leave, that
strategy also proposed extending marriage leave to 14 days and spousal leave
to accompany wives to prenatal exams to 14 days.

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:13

Bank SinoPac is still investigating the cause of over 400 unauthorized
transactions yesterday.

The bank says the 427 unauthorized transactions totaling more than 40-million
N-T and affected 419 customers.

According to the Financial Supervisory Commission, it was notified by the
Bank SinoPac that customers had reported unauthorized transfers from their
accounts despite not having logged into the bank's new mobile banking app.

The F-S-C says an initial review by the bank found that all the transfers had
been sent to a single account at another bank.

Each transaction involved about 100,000 N-T.

The commission also says Bank is using its own funds to reimburse affected
customers and has taken its new mobile banking app offline.

Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation Bureau says it received nearly 70
emergency notifications for deposit withdrawals.

The bureau, says Bank SinoPac reported that funds from several individuals'
E.Sun Bank accounts were transferred directly to Fubon Bank accounts and it's
been asked to conduct a full audit to determine whether any criminal activity
occurred.

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:13

Independent meteorologist Daniel Wu says we can expect to see sunny skies
across the western half of the island today and tomorrow.

Daytime highs will be around 30-degrees islandwide, but the mercury will drop
overnight and into the early mornings.

According to Wu, weak northeasterly monsoon will begin to affect parts of the
island on Friday and into Saturday.

That weather front is expected to bring localized showers on the windward
side of the island push temperatures down in the north.

A stronger northeasterly monsoon is expected to move south and affect the
island from next Monday through Wednesday - and that will push the mercury
down across the north.

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:13

Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling says a former legislative aide
who jumped bail earlier this month in a corruption case has fled Taiwan.

Chang Chun-chieh was a former aide for independent lawmaker Kao Chin Su-mei.

According to Kuan Chang, is suspected of leaving Taiwan illegally by sea from
Keelung’s Zhengbin Fishing Harbor in late October.

The case is currently being handled the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office
and details of its ongoing investigation remain confidential.

However, the Ocean Affairs Council minister says that her office is also
investigating how Chang was able to leave Taiwan and the Coast Guard
Administration is working closely with police - who have questioned several
people believed to have assisted Chang to flee the island.

The 70-year old disappeared on September 6 after police found his broken
electronic wrist monitor in Taipei's Daan Forest Park.

An arrest warrant and a 1-million N-T reward for information leading to the
arrest were both issued for Chang.

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:13

The National Symphony Orchestra will be celebrating its 40th anniversary with
a series of events including concerts and a special exhibition.

The highlights include a concert led by N-S-O Music Director Jun Märkl
alongside a special exhibition on the ground floor of the National Concert
Hall that chronicles the orchestra's major achievements over the past four
decades.

The 40th-anniversary concert - which is part of the "Pinnacle of
Craftsmanship" ommemorative concert series - will be taking place on November
5 at the National Concert Hall.

The orchestra will be presenting Tchaikovsky’s "Violin Concerto in D major,"
Bartok's "Concerto for Orchestra" and the world-premiere of Kuo En-fu's
"Orches cha."

The National Symphony Orchestra is considered to be one of the leading
orchestras in Asia and was founded in 1986, the orchestras of National Taiwan
Normal University, Taipei National University of the Arts were combined to
form the United Experimental Orchestra.

It war renamed National Concert Hall Symphony Orchestra in 1994 and rebranded
as the National Symphony Orchestra in 2002.

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:13

The Coast Guard Administration is questioning a ship captain believed to have
helped a former legislative aide escape the country.

That's after the Ocean Affairs Council said this morning that they believe
Zhang Jun Jie張俊傑 left the country from Keelung at the end of last month.

Zhang is suspected of conspiring with lawmaker Gao Jin Su Mei, who faces
corruption charges for allegedly embezzling assistant fees.

The CGA says, they were able to track down the captain of the ship that is
believed to have helped Zhang escape, although the ship that is believed to
have aided the escape did not turn up any clues as to Zhang's whereabouts.

Zhang jumped bail nearly two months ago and has been on the run ever since.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:13

A fire at a Panasonic factory in Hsinchu County has left 2 missing and 5
injured.

Three of the injured are Taiwanese nationals, while 2 are Vietnamese.

The two missing are both Taiwanese nationals.

The Hsinchu County government is warning of poor air quality and is advising
residents against outdoor exercise.

Residents are also advised to steer clear of the area where the fire took
place, which is on Hukou Township's Guangfu Road.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:13

Braised pork rice is the food that best represents Taiwan, according to a new
survey by National Taiwan Normal University.

Nearly three in ten respondents picked the dish.

Stinky tofu came in second, followed by bubble tea.

Beef noodle soup drew just under three percent.

The researcher who led the survey says the results show how closely people
identify Taiwanese food with what they eat every day.

He points out that braised pork rice and stinky tofu rarely appear at formal
banquets.

Japanese food was the clear favorite among foreign cuisines, with 44 percent
of respondents choosing it.

Thai food came in second, followed by Western food.

The university surveyed just over a thousand people by phone in August.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:13

The Coast Guard has brought in a fishing boat and its captain as authorities
investigate whether a wanted legislative aide fled by sea from Keelung.

Ocean Affairs Council Chair Kuan Bi-ling says the boat went to sea on October
28th.

She says no one was found in the cabin and the captain denies involvement.

Prosecutors are still checking whether the boat is linked to the case.

The aide, Chang Chun-chieh, worked for independent lawmaker Kao Chin Su-mei.

He was charged in a corruption case and is also suspected of involvement in a
Chinese espionage case.

A court issued a warrant after he went on the run while out on bail in
September.

Taipei prosecutors have directed police to review video footage to check
reports that Chang left from Zhengbin Fishing Harbor.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:13

Prosecutors have charged a Taipei borough chief with corruption.

Xia Wan Lang夏萬浪 allegedly used fake receipts to get reimburesement for what
he claimed were borough expenses, but wherein he allegedly took in over
44,000 NT in illegal gains.

Prosecutors charged him under the Anti-Corruption Act.

Xia, chief of Zhongzheng's WangXi allegedly made the claims under the guise
of Mother's Day events from 2016 to 2019.

Prosecutors say that he collected blank receipts from local shops, filled in
items that did not match what those stores actually sold, inflated unit
prices and quantities, thus inflating total expenses.

He then asked a resident who was unaware of the scheme to submit the receipts
for reimbursement.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:13

Starting in late December, drivers aged 75 and older who cause a crash by
breaking traffic rules will have to pay for training before they can renew
their licenses.

The Ministry of Transportation says those drivers must complete hands-on
training at a driving school.

The requirement follows a change in May that lowered the age for routine
license renewal from 75 to 70.

Drivers who turn 70 can renew through age 75 after passing a medical exam and
taking a free safety course.

From age 75, licenses are renewed every three years.

The changes are part of a broader overhaul that also adds questions on
spotting hazards to the written driving tests.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:13

The Taipei International Blues Bash returns to Maji Square this Saturday for
a ten-hour live music event.

The festival runs from noon until 10:00 PM, featuring country blues, Chicago
classics, swing, British pub rock and more.

Acclaimed Japanese guitarist Shun Kikuta headlines the main stage at 9:00 PM,
while teh daytime lineup includes sets by BoPoMoFo, Cooky & The Blues Boys,
and David Chen and The Seventh Sons.

Visitors can also join an interactive blues dance performance and taster
class starting at 7:05 PM.

The event is free and open to the public.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:13

The Ministry of Agriculture says Taiwan should have enough pig feed through
the end of the year, despite a shutdown at a major soybean oil producer.

The plant remains closed after tests found excessive levels of a
cancer-causing chemical in its oil.

The shutdown has cut supplies of soybean cooking oil and soybean meal, a key
ingredient in pig and chicken feed.

Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) says the ministry has asked other
producers to increase output.

It's also adjusting feed formulas to use less soybean meal and helping
companies import enough to cover any shortfall.

Separately, the ministry is helping pig farmers switch to other types of feed
ahead of a nationwide ban on feeding pigs food waste.

The ban takes effect January first.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:13

The Coast Guard Administration says a man attempting to smuggle animals into
Kinmen has been indicted.

Officials say the suspect was stopped after returning to Kinmen by a ferry
from Quanzhou, China earlier this year.

Officers found he had concealed eight black-breasted leaf turtles, each
wrapped inside stockings and taped to one thigh.

And a marmot, a kind of large ground squirrel, was sedated and secured to his
other thigh.

If successfully smuggled into Taiwan, each of the turltes could have sold for
up to $30-thousand NT on the black market., or passed off as a rarer species
and sold for up to $75-thousand NT.

As for marmots, the Coast Guard noted that the species serves as a primary
natural host for the pneumonic plague, creating a risk of the deadly disease
spreading if the animal did not undergo proper quarantine.

Officials add that suspected smuggling and other illegal activities can be
reported via the Coast Guard's 24-hour "118" hotline.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:13

The 7th Taiwan Science Festival kicks off Saturday, showcasing environmental
and renewable energy at the National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung

Officials say this year's festival, themed "Sharing science, launching
sustainability", emphasizes climate change awareness and green energy.

Special exhibition highlights include a limited-edition "Geothermal Coffee"
and geothermal exploration documentary screenings on Nov. 14-th.

The museum will also unveil an exhibition on the Zhuoshui River basin
exploring how river ecology shapes human communities.

Jointly organized by the Ministry of Education and the museum, the nine-day
science festival also includes interactive showcases across five national
science museums.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:13

The Taiwan International Assembly of Space Science, Technology, and Industry
opens Sunday in Tainan, with a space industry expo that offers free public
admission on the first day.

The conference runs through Wednesday at the International Convention Center
in Tainan.

The expo's public day runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and requires advance
registration.

Test equipment maker Keysight Technologies says it will show how it tests
satellites and checks that their communications systems work.

The company also plans to hold a forum on satellite testing and networks that
use satellites to provide coverage beyond ground-based systems.

Keysight says it has joined a Taiwan Space Agency initiative to support local
satellite startups through seminars and technical exchanges.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:13

Officials say, 2 pilots on a T-34 trainer aircraft are safe after a bumpy
landing at Gangshan Air Force Base in Kaohsiung.

The plane itself apparently sustained "minor damage" to its nose during a
training exercise.

Officials confirmed the reports about DPP Lawmaker Luo Mei Ling asked about
the incident during a legislative meeting.

Officials add that the military has ruled out mechanical failure and
determined that the incident was caused by "technical error."

The runway was closed following the incident but was expected to reopen
shortly.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:14

A Keelung city councilor has posted bila in a vote buying investigation after
being questioned

基隆議員蔡旺璉涉送高粱酒賄選 10萬元交保

（中央社記者王朝鈺基隆4日電）國民黨基隆市議員蔡旺璉遭檢舉在重陽餐會贈送高粱酒並拜票賄選，基隆地檢署昨天發動搜索，經移送複訊後，諭令新台幣10萬元交保。

基隆地檢署接獲檢舉，蔡旺璉涉嫌於10月間，在某協會舉辦的重陽餐會，贈送高粱酒給參加餐會的基隆市七堵區選民，並在席間拜票，賄求有投票權的選民投票支持，從事個人競選活動。

檢察官吳季侖指揮法務部調查局基隆市調查站、基隆市警察局第三分局及內政部移民署北區事務大隊基隆市專勤隊組成專案小組，昨天前往蔡旺璉服務處、住處等4處搜索，查扣相關證物，傳喚、通知蔡旺璉及選民等共24人到案說明。

經檢察官複訊後，認蔡旺璉涉違反公職人員選舉罷免法對有投票權人交付賄賂罪嫌，犯罪嫌疑重大，但無羈押的必要，諭令10萬元交保，其餘選民及證人均請回。

蔡旺璉在臉書（Facebook）發文表示，第1，這場餐會不是由他及里長設宴邀請大家，他與里長也是受邀前往，當天在場還有其他民意代表、秘書；第2，餐費由長青協會會員每年繳交的年費支付，這是每年固定舉辦的重陽餐會，不是今年才舉辦。

蔡旺璉說，第3，選舉進入關鍵階段，有心人士利用片段資訊、不實謠言，嚴重傷害民主法治與選舉公正性，他嚴正譴責栽贓抹黑，呼籲回歸正當選舉。（編輯：李亨山）1151104

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:14

（中央社記者陳婕翎台北4日電）「老人福利法」修法逾8成長者免繳健保費，7大醫療團體今天共同聲明，健保非社會福利，勿從地方擴大到中央釀一錯再錯，籲行政與立法部門邀集相關團體審慎再議，切勿倉促定法。

立法院10月16日三讀通過「老人福利法」第22條修正案，規定65歲以上長者，最近1年綜合所得未達所得稅申報標準或適用稅率未達20%者，全民健康保險保險費由中央主管機關全額補助，衛福部預估達83%長輩符合免繳資格，行政院副署與否6日前決定。

台灣醫院協會、台灣私立醫療院所協會、台灣醫務管理學會、台灣醫學中心協會、中華民國區域醫院協會、台灣社區醫院協會、台灣醫療社團法人協會等7大醫療團體今天共同聲明指出，不論過去地方政府競相補助長者健保費，或這次改由中央負擔，只要傷害健保永續，都應檢討。

聲明進一步提到地方政府為討好長者，率先開了補助健保費的破口，引發各縣市跟進，如今僅剩6個縣市未補助；各地待遇不一，成為要求中央統一負擔的理由。若這種「破窗效應」不止，免繳對象可能擴及6歲以下兒童、18歲以下青少年，甚至以生活壓力為由擴及勞動人口。

這份聲明指出，健保是「保險」不是「福利」，不應混為一談，日本、韓國與台灣同為社會保險國家，長者仍須繳納保費，485萬名65歲以上長者中，約400萬人將免繳，自行繳費者減少，政府須以更多稅收支應，壓力將落在勞動人口、尤其薪資所得者身上。

醫界團體嚴正表達反對這次「長者免健保費」修法內容，並提出4大訴求，第1點是行政院及立法院正視各界疑慮審慎再議，邀集醫界、健保會、精算與財政學者、長者及青年團體共同研商，舉行公聽會，就補助對象、財源與配套重新審慎檢討切勿倉促定法。

第2點為不論過去地方政府競相補助長者健保費，或這次立法院修法改由中央負擔，只要傷害健保永續，都應檢討，回歸「福利歸福利、保險歸保險」；第3點是新制定案前，衛福部應優先確保約6.6萬名弱勢長者原有醫療補助不中斷，避免政策漏接。

第4點為擔憂免繳對象可能從65歲以上長者，擴及6歲以下兒童、18歲以下青少年，甚至15歲至64歲勞動人口，也可能以生活壓力大為由要求免繳。健保財務調整必須交由精算專業評估，檢視整體資產而非單看所得稅率，將資源精準集中於經濟真正拮据的長者。（編輯：李亨山）1151104

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:14

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) is scheduled to list NT$14.8
billion (US$450 million) in green bonds on Nov. 12, the Taipei Exchange
(TPEx) said Wednesday.

According to the TPEx, which runs local bond listings on the over-the-counter
(OTC) market, since the world's largest contract chipmaker issued its first
batch of green bonds worth NT$12.0 billion in December 2020, its outstanding
green bonds have totaled NT$229.1 billion, making the company the top green
bond issuer in Taiwan.

TSMC is also known as the largest buyer of renewable energy in Taiwan.

In a statement posted Tuesday on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, where its shares
are traded, TSMC said it had completed pricing for the NT$14.8 billion green
bond issue.

TSMC said the green bonds will be made up of two tranches: NT$12.4 billion of
five-year bonds with a coupon rate of 2.30 percent, and NT$2.4 billion of
10-year bonds with a rate of 2.42 percent.

TSMC said Taishin Securities Co. has been hired as the major underwriter of
the upcoming green bond sale, with Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank Co. serving
as the trustee.

It added that the proceeds of the upcoming green bond sales will be used to
finance spending on green architecture and environmental protection projects.

At a board meeting in February, TSMC secured approval to issue up to NT$60
billion worth of unsecured bonds in Taiwan this year to help fund production
expansion and green projects.

The NT$14.8 billion green bond issue is part of the planned NT$60 billion
bond sales for 2026 and the third such sale this year.

Taiwan's capital markets and financial authorities have intensified efforts
to encourage enterprises to issue green bonds to enhance their
environmentally responsible corporate behavior.

According to the TPEx, the value of outstanding green bonds issued in Taiwan
currently stands at NT$604.8 billion after the first batch of such bonds was
listed on the OTC market in May 2017.

In Taiwan, green bonds are listed on the sustainability bond market along
with social bonds, sustainability bonds and sustainability-linked bonds.

Green bonds currently account for over 70 percent of the total outstanding
value of NT$826.0 billion on the sustainability bond market, according to the
TPEx.

Posted on 2026-11-04 14:05:14

針對荒野保護協會公布最新河川廢棄物調查結果，經濟部水利署第四河川分署今天表示，感謝團體及志工關心河川環境，已全面採納調查數據，啟動應對處置機制。

荒野保護協會今年首次進入濁水溪流域，調查平均每公里有361袋廢棄物，累計3萬9213.5袋，遠高於過去調查的頭前溪、北港溪及烏溪等。

第四河川分署發布新聞稿表示，轄管濁水溪主流約186公里及彰化海堤約63公里，近5年平均每年清除河川廢棄物約370公噸、海岸廢棄物約1500公噸。

這次調查所列西螺大橋至自強大橋區段，分署已辦理熱點列管、清理及加強巡查；大義崙大排中段將轉請轄管地方政府辦理清理及源頭管理，並協調追蹤改善情形。

第四河川分署說，轄管河川公地種植許可約1萬件、越堤路178處，已針對垃圾熱點與周邊種植活動、越堤路出入動線，加強公地種植許可使用人管理，並透過多國語言宣導、出入口管制及夜間巡查，減少垃圾流入河川。

此外，第四河川分署在濁水溪支流東埔蚋溪等設置攔污索，攔截漂流垃圾並加強清理，同時建議地方政府在排水出口適當位置設攔污索，落實清理維護。

第四河川分署指出，將持續結合河川駐衛警、護水志工、保全人員及無人機等，加強巡查，如發現違規棄置案件，會立即蒐證移請環保機關查處；涉及疑似犯罪者移送檢警偵辦，呼籲民眾勿隨意丟棄垃圾。

Posted on 2026-11-04 08:15:14

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

The Financial Supervisory Commission says Bank SinoPac is still investigating
the cause of 427 unauthorized transactions totaling more than 40-million N-T
and affecting 419 customers.

According to the F-S-C's Banking Bureau, it was notified by the SinoPac
shortly before noon that customers had reported unauthorized transfers from
their accounts despite not having logged into the bank's new mobile banking
app.

An initial review by the bank found that all the transfers had been sent to a
single account at another bank.

Each transaction involved about 100,000 N-T.

The F-S-C says the receiving account has been temporarily frozen.

The commission also says Bank SinoPac proactively notified affected customers
and was is its own funds to reimburse them.

The bank has also taken its new mobile banking app offline and is directing
customers to use the older version of the app or ATMs for transactions.

Posted on 2026-11-04 08:15:14

The Cabinet's 607.6-billion N-T supplementary budget bill has advanced to
committee review after Premier Cho Jung-tai briefed lawmakers on the plan and
answered questions.

The spending plan was proposed in September as part of the 2026 general
budget.

It will push government expenditure for fiscal year 2026 47.55-billion N-T
above revenue.

Legislative party caucuses have agreed to review and vote on the package
before the of this month.

The largest portion of the supplementary budget includes capital injections
and subsidies for C-P-C and support for Tai-Power due to rising energy costs.

The plan includes defense spending for the procurement of unmanned systems
and a new surface-to-air defense system.

And it also includes funding for cost-of-living stabilization, enhancements
to social welfare programs as well as increased compensation for civil
servants, military personnel, and teachers.

Posted on 2026-11-04 08:15:14

Financial Supervisory Commission Chairman Peng Jin-lung says momentum in
Taiwan's capital markets has accelerated over the past year, driven by
soaring tech stocks boosted by the A-I boom.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of Taiwan Weeks 2026, Peng said Taiwan's
markets have soared over the past year as listed companies have set new
records for sales and profits.

The value of Taiwan's stock market has surged more than 60-per cent from a
year earlier as of the end of October, with the Tai-Ex climbing from around
28,000 points at the end of October 2025 to above 45,000 points a year later.

Peng told attendees that lifted the market's capitalization to 158-trillion
N-T at the end of October - an increase of about 61-per cent from a year
earlier.

The annual Taiwan Weeks event is aimed at showcasing the development of
Taiwan's financial sector and Peng said it's expected to help investors
around the world better understand investment opportunities in Taiwan.

This year's theme is "From Tech Island to Capital Hub: Where Capital Meets
Technology."

Taiwan Weeks 2026 runs until November 13.

Posted on 2026-11-04 08:15:14

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that it has now purchased a
property in Sydney to house its new representative office there.

According to the ministry's Department of General Affairs, a deal was signed
to purchase a property in Sydney in April.

Department director-general Chen Jin-ling says ownership of the property was
officially transferred to the government in October and the ministry is
currently seeking a contractor to renovate the property.

Chen says renovation work could take several months, and the office is
expected to move to the new location before the end of 2027.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Sydney is currently located in
rented office space.

The foreign ministry also says it plans to build its own embassy compound in
Belize.

The project was approved by the Cabinet last year.

It was originally estimated to cost 123-million N-T and take 25 months to
complete.

However, Taiwan's embassy in Belize said earlier this month that additional
funding would be needed for the project, citing soaring construction costs
due to conflicts in the Middle East.

Posted on 2026-11-04 08:15:14

The Centers for Disease Control says flu activity has been declining, but
could pick up again ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays in February.

According to the C-D-C, a total of 95,916 people sought medical treatment for
flu-like illnesses from October 25 through 31 and that was decline of 7.3
percent from the previous week.

The C-D-C says flu activity last week fell below the threshold for an
epidemic and if it remains below that level for a second consecutive week,
Taiwan will have exited the epidemic phase.

However, health officials say based on past trends, flu activity could begin
rising again around the Lunar New Year holidays.

The CDC recorded 151 new severe flu cases and 46 flu-related deaths last
week, most involving people who had not been vaccinated.

The publicly funded flu and COVID-19 vaccination programs have now been
expanded to all adults aged between 50 and 64.

The C-D-C is urging seniors, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses
and healthy adults aged 50 and older, to get vaccinated against flu and
COVID-19 as soon as possible to reduce the risk of severe illness and
complications.

Posted on 2026-11-04 08:15:14

The National Immigration Agency is refusing to comment on a case involving a
former Chinese television host who's looking for temporary asylum in Taiwan.

According to the agency, it's working with other government agencies to
handle the case through existing protocols

The statements come after former China Central Television talk show host
Cheng Yuan-jun yesterday took to social media to say he's seeking temporary
asylum on humanitarian grounds as he looks for permanent resettlement in a
third country.

Cheng arrived at Taoyuan International Airport on Monday on a flight from
Thailand.

He claims to have hosted legal affairs programs Chinese state television and
says he was detained in 2019 in Beijing and sentenced to six years in prison
on charges of illegal business operations.

Cheng social media posts say he moved to Thailand following his release, but
was concerned Thai authorities could send him back to China.

Posted on 2026-11-04 08:15:14

And finally,

The Taipei City Government has suspended work at the demolition site of the
Old Beitou Market after four people were injured when scaffolding collapsed.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an says the contractor will be fined maximum
contractual penalty of 2.5-million N-T.

According to Chiang, the city's Construction Management Office is
investigating the incident to determine responsibility, while structural and
civil engineering experts are inspecting the site and determine the cause of
the collapse

The accident occurred at the three-story demolition site on Xinshi Street in
Beitou District.

A section of scaffolding spanning three stories and measuring about 5 meters
by 18 meters collapsed at the site.

A male construction worker fell from the third floor but remained conscious
despite suffering serious injuries, while three passersby sustained minor
injuries.

All four were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Posted on 2026-11-04 06:55:13

The government is said to be working to secure formal invitation from China
to attend the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen.

This, according to Premier Zhu Rong-tai who also says the Lai administration
will not rush into a decision on whether to attend the summit.

Lai administration officials say China sent a letter, instead of a formal
invitation, for Taiwan to attend the upcoming APEC summit.

The letter did not refer to Taiwan by its official APEC title of "Chinese
Taipei"... which the government says downgraded Taiwan's status.

Zhu is urging China to follow established APEC practices by sending a special
envoy to personally deliver invitations to member economies.

The APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting takes place on November 18 and 19.

President Lai China-te has reportedly chosen a representative for this year’s
summit and officials say the Presidential Office will make an announcement
concerning its choice in the coming days.

Posted on 2026-11-04 06:55:13

Nasdaq Executive Vice Chairman Edward Knight says Taiwan stands at the center
of artificial intelligence development.

Knight said Taiwan's A-I exposure stands at 71-per cent, the highest in the
region, while Taiwan's equity market capitalization has become the fourth
highest globally, surpassing the U-K and India because of that A-I exposure.

The Nasdaq Executive Vice Chairman added that equity markets can accelerate
A-I development by directing capital toward productive investments and help
companies fund research, build facilities and hire workers - a process that's
evident in Taiwan.

Knight also expressed his optimism about Taiwan's future and said that Taiwan
shared values of optimism, innovation and leadership with the United States
and Nasdaq.

Knight's comments were made during Taiwan Weeks 2026. which runs until
November 13.

Posted on 2026-11-04 06:55:13

Five opinion polls released since early October have shown different levels
of support for Taichung mayoral candidates Johnny Chiang of the K-M-T and the
D-P-P's Ho Hsin-chun.

Four of the polls put Chiang ahead, while one shows Ho in the lead.

The most recent survey was released on Tuesday by the Taipei Trust in
Democracy Association and conducted by polling expert Tai Li-an.

It shows Ho with 41.1-per cent support, compared with Chiang's 30.4-per cent.

Two of the earlier poll put Chiang leading Ho by between 38.3 and 39.8-per
cent, while the two other polls, showed Chiang ahead of Ho by 1.9 and
6-percentage points.

Ho told reporters that the results reflects a growing public demand for
change and she attributed the sentiment to stalled municipal development and
unresolved problems affecting residents' daily lives.

Meanwhile, Chiang's campaign office said in a written statement that it
respected the findings of various opinion polls and would take them into
consideration.

However, it stressed that the most accurate measure of public opinion would
be the votes cast on election day.

Posted on 2026-11-04 06:55:13

The Army has removed the commander of the Hsinchu-based 206th Brigade amid an
ongoing investigation into allegations that one of the unit's soldiers took
her own life after being bullied.

The Army Command Headquarters says the brigade's commander and director of
political warfare were removed from their posts... an internal investigation
found them to have been derelict in their duties in connection with the death
of the lieutenant.

Both the brigade's commander and director of political warfare are colonels.

Army Command Headquarters added that civilian prosecutors have also launched
an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the death of the
lieutenant.

The command also says Army will cooperate with prosecutors and take
responsibility for the incident.

The soldier was found dead on September 30 after falling from an on base
building in what was suspected to be a suicide.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts in Taiwan, please call the 1925,
1995, or 1980 hotlines for help.

Posted on 2026-11-04 06:55:13

The Taipei City Parks and Streetlights Office has released details of a
Songshan Airport transition plan.

The plans were devised after Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an announced the
proposal last month.

Chiang's plan called for the 300-hectare site to be redeveloped into a
100-hectare AI industry cluster, a 90-hectare residential area and a
110-hectare "Taipei Central Park" that would be more than four times the size
of Daan Forest Park.

Park officials say a feasibility study and preliminary planning would need to
be done before proceeding to the park's basic design due to the scale of the
project.

But the office says based on preliminary plans, the park could feature an
agricultural zone with "hands-on farming experiences" and extensive
tree-planting to create an "urban forest."

The park may also include a central lawn for recreation activities, a wetland
conservation area, a management center and an area commemorating the site's
history.

Posted on 2026-11-04 06:55:13

Most men and women of childbearing age say they would need over 1-million N-T
in savings before considering having children.

That's according to the 2026 Taiwan Childbearing Needs Survey conducted by
the Taipei Fertility Clinic.

About 37-per cent of respondents said they would need at least 1.5-million
N-T in savings that could be used flexibly, excluding funds set aside for
buying a home.

The clinic says another 22.4-per cent of respondents said they would need
between 1-million and 1.5-million N-T in savings before considering having a
child.

The survey also found that nearly 67-per cent of respondents earn around
700,000 N-T a year.

Vivian Chen, an attending physician at T-F-C's reproductive center, says that
highlights the gap between financial circumstances and the conditions most
men and women of childbearing age consider necessary to have children.

Posted on 2026-11-04 06:55:13

A National Central University student has captured images of rare red sprites
on three occasions... a move that could help scientists understand them
better.

The university says the student, Wang Tung, recorded the phenomena between
May and September using camera equipment set up on a dormitory rooftop.

The university says the three events were linked to thunderstorms near
China's Fuzhou, off the coast of Wenzhou, and north of Shantou, respectively,
all hundreds of kilometers from Taoyuan.

Red sprites are dramatic red streaks of lighting that happen in a cluster 50
to 90-kilometers above thunderstorms.

Posted on 2026-11-04 06:55:13

Greenlandic lawmakers have approved an agreement with Denmark and the United
States to strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic.

This decision follows months of pressure from the Trump Administration, who
sought to control the semiautonomous territory of a NATO ally.

The trilateral deal allows for more U.S. bases in Greenland while easing
tensions over Trump's calls for the island to become part of the United
States.

The agreement aims to bolster the U.S. military presence on Greenland but
keeps the island under Danish control.

Danish lawmakers are set to debate it later this month.

Posted on 2026-11-04 06:55:13

The death toll from a Russian attack in southern Ukraine has risen to 31,
with dozens still missing.

People had gathered to receive humanitarian aid when the attack occurred
Monday.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia launched 289 attack drones, 17
ballistic missiles and 59 cruise missiles overnight across nine regions.

He noted the barrage coincided with U.S. midterm elections.

Monday's attack in a village in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region targeted a
former school being used as an aid distribution site and a nearby shelter.

In Kharkiv, a combined missile and drone attack injured at least 62 people.
In the Dnipro area, a Russian attack killed one person and wounded 17.

Posted on 2026-11-04 06:55:13

Spain’s transport minister announced his resignation following a deadly train
collision south of Madrid that killed 69 people.

Óscar Puente made the announcement after addressing lawmakers about the
crash, which was the second such incident this year.
The Oct. 28 crash occurred when a high-speed train collided with another that
had stopped on the tracks.

The communication system had failed, leading to the disaster.

Earlier Tuesday, Puente announced new safety measures, including improvements
in control centers and a faster rollout of the European Rail Traffic
Management System.

The crash has raised concerns about the safety of Spain’s rail network.

Posted on 2026-11-04 06:55:13

Mysterious cyberattacks on European supermarket fridges have officials
scrambling to understand what happened.

Supermarkets in countries like Sweden, Belgium, and Italy reported their
fridges were remotely taken over, leading to spoiled food.

On Monday, supermarket chains in at least six European countries experienced
refrigeration issues.

Even small businesses, like a butcher shop in Greece, were affected.

Experts say outdated technology and weak passwords are to blame. British
officials say AI wasn't involved, as attackers exploited longstanding
vulnerabilities.

Authorities are investigating but haven't identified the culprits or motives
yet.

Posted on 2026-11-04 06:55:13

Indonesian police have detained three senior police generals for allegedly
wiretapping President Prabowo Subianto and other prominent figures.

Asep Safrudin, head of the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency,
says the suspects are accused of illegal communication interception and
unauthorized data access.

Police allege the wiretapping occurred between 2025 and 2026. The suspects
face charges under Indonesia’s Criminal Code and Electronic Information and
Transactions Law.

Authorities have not disclosed the motive, and the inquiry is ongoing.

Username
Password
Lost your password