ICRT

Posted on 2025-12-16 14:16:13

The Ministry of the Interior says, suspended Hsinchu Mayor Gao Hong An can be
reinstated in accordance with the law...

after they receive her application for reinstatement.

That's after the Taiwan High Court acquitted Gao on charges of corruption,
although they upheld the lower court's ruling on forgery charges, which hold
a 6 month jail time that can be commuted to a fine.

After she was found guilty of corruption charges by the district court, the
Interior Ministry suspended her from office under the Local Government Act,
appointing Deputy Mayor Qiu Chen-yuan (邱臣遠) as acting mayor.

However, now having been cleared of that charge, Kao is able to hold public
office again.

In a statement, she said she would submit her application as soon as possible
and return to her post as Hsinchu Mayor, as she had promised voters.

Meanwhile prosecutors say they'll appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court,
meaning her tenure could once again be in jeopardy.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-16 14:16:13

An education NGO is calling for upgrades to drug testing systems after a
recent high-profile case involving a student using an e-cigarette with
suspected drugs tested negative.

The incident occurred at a junior high school in Taoyuan City, where a
student showed symptoms after using an e-cigarette in class.

School officials suspected the substance was etomidate, often referred to as
a "zombie vape"

, but tests on the seized e-cigarette, the liquid, and the
student's urine all returned negative results.

The Action Alliance on Basic Education contends that the incident is not a
false alarm, but rather a sign that the current testing tools cannot keep up
with the constant change in the chemical makeup of new illicit drugs.

The alliance is advocating for a two-tiered detection and reporting system to
combat new drug variants in schools, involving saliva rapid screening, then
verification using more advanced technology involving liquid chromatography
to avoid misjudgment.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-16 14:16:13

Taiwan shares are down today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at 27536
after losing 330 points

The turnover was 425.9 billion NT

Posted on 2025-12-16 14:16:13

In the US,

leadering Jewish groups are urging Jewish organizations to up security at
public events.

That's after the mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia.

The groups say Jewish public events over the coming days should be open only
to those who have preregistered and been screened.

But some Jewish community leaders and rabbis say that they will proceed with
large-scale celebrations.

Two attackers killed at least 15 people in the attack at Sydney's Bondi
Beach, fueling criticism that authorities weren't doing enough to combat
antisemitism.

Posted on 2025-12-16 14:16:13

Two dozen sea turtles are rehabilitating in Florida after cold waters left
them with frostbite and penumonia.

They arrived at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center earlier this month...

and are expected to stay through spring before being released back into the
Atlantic.

Experts say the turtles are suffering from a condition called cold stunning,
which requires antibiotics and fluids.

Cold stunning occurs in extremely frigid temperatures and causes the
cold-blooded sea turtles to become lethargic and lose mobility

Posted on 2025-12-16 13:06:13

The Taiwan High Court has overturned a lower court ruling that found
suspended Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao guilty of corruption, effectively clearing
her of those charges.

The court did, however, convict her of forgery and imposed a much lighter
six-month sentence that can be commuted to a fine.

According to the District Court, Kao fraudulently claimed some $116-thousand
NT in assistant salaries and overtime pay when serving as a TPP legislator
at-large between 2020 and 2022.

The court sentenced her to seven years and four months in prison under the
Anti-Corruption Act, and also stripped of her civil rights for four years.

She was suspended from official duties in July last year, less than two years
after being elected as Hsinchu Mayor in 2022.

Meanwhile the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office says it plans to appeal the
case, while the TPP is calling for it to "stop political persecution."

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-16 13:06:13

The Mayor of New Taipei is calling for stricter enforcement against driving
under the influence during the holiday season.

Hou You Yi says that he's asking the city's police department to step up
enforcement against driving while drunk or high in order to protect
pedestrians.

He also encourages the public to take advantage of public transit during the
holiday season, especially as 2 dozen MRT stations in the Taipei area are
offering sick bags from now until March.

Hou also said that his administration is asking relevant work units to step
up public awareness around driving under the influence ahead of the holidays.

Hou, a former police officer himself, also emphasized the city government's
zero-tolerance policy against drunk and drugged driving, and encouraged those
who've had even one drink to find a different way home.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-16 13:06:13

Taichung City Police says online shopping scams are rising and victims are
getting younger.

Police say people aged 20 to 29 made up the largest proportion of victims
from January to November.

The precinct says cases tied to the social media app Threads have grown, as
more young people use the platform to buy and sell.

It says November alone saw 44 reports, up 14 from October.

Police say many scams involve cheap concert tickets and celebrity
merchandise, using "limited-time" sales pitches.

They say scammers often push buyers to leave the platform and trade
privately, including through the messaging app LINE.

Officials urge three rules: too cheap is a trap, add-LINE "customer service"
is a scam, and OTP or ATM requests are always fraud.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-16 13:06:13

Now turning to international news...

The US military says it has attacked three boats they claim were "smuggling
drugs" in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

They killed another 8 people in that attack.

The military said in a statement that the strikes targeted "designated
terrorist organizations."

The Trump administration has previously said that the US is engaging in armed
conflict with drug cartels in order to stop the flow of illegal drugs into
the country.

Critics, however, have likened the strikes to extrajudicial killings.

Posted on 2025-12-16 13:06:13

Chile has become the latest Latin American country to make a rightward turn,
electing the deeply conservative Jose Antonio Kast.

Kast has expressed nostalgia for the 17-year military dictatorship of Augusto
Pinochet, opposed his country's 2021 legalization of same-sex marriage, and
railed against abortion.

But Kast won by a landslide through tapping into a well of resentment in a
country that's seen a huge rise in organized crime.

The election in Chile follows 2024, a year in which roughly half of the
global population voted in elections.

And in dozens of those elections, the incumbents lost power.

Experts say, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, incumbents have been removed
from office in 40 out of 54 elections in Western democracies.

Posted on 2025-12-16 13:06:14

India's anti-terrorism agency has charged militant Islamist groups based in
Pakistan over the April attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir
that killed 26 people and triggered fighting between the two countries.

The two groups have been charged for their alleged role in planning,
facilitating, and executing the attack.

The fighting was the worst between the neighbours in decades.

It was sparked when militants opened fire on Hindu tourists in
Indian-administered Kashmir.

New Delhi has said the attack was backed by Pakistan, but Islamabad has
denied that allegation.

Posted on 2025-12-16 08:15:13

edge of dictatorship

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

President Lai Ching-te recorded a public address late last night in which he
accused opposition lawmakers of forcibly pushing forward legislation that
poses - what he described as - being a significant threat to the nation and
its people.

According to Lai, the central government's general budget for next year not
yet been reviewed ...

... the special defense budget has been deliberately shelved, and opposition
lawmakers are forcibly pushing through controversial amendments to laws such
as the decriminalizing of the embezzlement of assistant funds ...

... all which Lai said will push Taiwan to the brink of "legislative abuse of
power and an opposition dictatorship."

Lai said the legislative actions being taken by the opposition lack
sufficient discussion or oversight and such actions violates constitutional
principles.

The president also said the abusive legislation sends a dangerous signal - as
if the bills are passed and take effect, Taiwan's security, democracy,
economy, and the rights of its people, will be jeopardized.

And he went onto say the opposition's actions are not a demonstration of
democracy, but an erosion of it.

Lai's address was released after Premier Cho Jung-tai defended his decision
not to enact amendments to the Act Governing the Allocation of Government
Revenues and Expenditures - saying the Cabinet has exhausted all available
constitutional remedies.

Lawmakers from the K-M-T and the Taiwan People's Party passed the amendments
on November 14 - stating that local governments will receive a larger share
of the central government revenue each year.

According to the premier, the amendments violated constitutional principles,
undermined the separation of powers and encroached on the executive branch's
authority over budget formulation.

Cho says his decision to not countersign the amendments represents the
Cabinet's final means to correct what it considers to be legislative
wrongdoing.

The opposition led Legislative Yuan could now initiate a no-confidence vote
against the premier.

Posted on 2025-12-16 08:15:13

tourism

The Tourism Administration says Beijing is ignoring repeated calls for
dialogue on issues related to cross-strait tourism.

According to the administration, the Taiwan Strait Tourism Association has
reached out to the Association for Tourism Exchange Across the Taiwan Straits
to discuss such cooperation on numerous occasions beginning in February of
this year, but China has not replied.

The Tourism Administration says it has been seeking to normalize travel
exchanges between the two sides through dialogue between the tourism
associations following the COVID pandemic.

The statement comes after the China Times reported that Taiwanese had made
more 4.2-million trips to China as of October this year and Beijing estimates
the number of Taiwanese tourists in China could reach 4.5 million for the
whole year.

The newspaper said only 500,000 Chinese tourists are expected in Taiwan this
year and those figures equate to gap of nearly 3.8 million cross-strait trips
and a tourism deficit of about 152-billion N-T.

The report also said that local travel agencies are hoped for a breakthrough
regarding cross-strait tourism during the Taipei-Shanghai Twin-Cities Forum
in Shanghai, which is scheduled to take place on Friday and Saturday next
week.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an leading the delegation to Shanghai for the summit.

Posted on 2025-12-16 08:15:13

K-M-T Taoyuan City Councilor Ling Tao has filed a complaint with the Taipei
District Prosecutors' Office alleging the Ministry of National Defense
improperly awarded a contract for ammunition primers in 2024 to a
Tainan-based shoe company.

The 205-million N-T tender was for 5.56-millimeter ammunition primers was
awarded to Big Stone International - a company that mainly sells sneakers and
leather shoes.

According to Ling, the bidding process may have violated the Anti-Corruption
Act and Article 131 of the Criminal Code, related to bribery of public
officials.

Ling says Big Stone International completed a change to its business
registration in June of 2024 to add "ammunition primers" to the items it was
allowed to handle and then won the tender for the item just 41 days later.

Ling also says several other vendors winning military tenders in recent
months had undergone similar business registration changes.

The defense ministry is dismissing the charges, saying Big Stone delivered
the contracted ammunition primers in March 2025 and that the goods had been
accepted by the military.

The complaint has been filed a week after the defense ministry granted a
tender to Home-Max Furniture Trading to import military grade explosive for
around 590-million N-T.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo is defended the tenders and winning trading
companies, saying that any qualified international trading company can submit
a bid.

Posted on 2025-12-16 08:15:13

The central bank is expected to leave its key interest rates unchanged for a
seventh straight quarter following its next policymaking meeting on Thursday.

Analysts say the central bank will not be influenced by the U-S Federal
Reserve's decision last week to cut interest rates for a third consecutive
policymaking meeting ...

... as Taiwan is still seeing strong economic growth and stable inflation.

The central bank opted to kept the local discount rate at 2-per cent
following its previous policymaking meeting in September.

That figure is already the highest level in 15 years.

According to economists, the bank has little incentive to adjust its key
interest rates, as the island's economy is forecast to grow by 7.37-per cent
this year, while the government has also cut its inflation forecast to
1.67-per cent for this year.

Economists says unless Taiwan's exports show signs of decline, it will be
hard for the central bank to find a reason to cut interest rates in the near
term.

Posted on 2025-12-16 08:15:13

The Taiwan Health Alliance is calling on the the Lai administration to add
the shingles vaccine to government-funded vaccination programs for adults.

According to alliance director Wu Yu-chin, adult vaccinations are more
important than ever now, as Taiwan is projected to become a super-aged
society by the end of this year - when at least 20-per cent of the population
is aged 65 or over.

Wu says cases of shingles are more common amongst the elderly as rates
significantly increase with age due to weakened immune systems.

The call comes as the Taiwan Health Alliance has released its adult
vaccination program white paper.

The paper cited studies and suggested the government offer subsidized vaccine
for preventing shingles as part of the Lai administration's Healthy Taiwan
policy.

Shingles causes rashes and blisters and can result in patients suffering
intense nerve pain that can last years after rashes and blisters heal.

The Tainan Municipal Annan Hospital earlier this year said about 32-per cent
of individuals are likely to develop shingles at some point in their lives.

The shingles vaccine costs between 8,500 to 10,000 N-T per dose and requires
two doses.

Posted on 2025-12-16 08:15:13

And finally in sports news,

Rakuten Monkeys captain Lin Li is nearing a record-breaking contract
extension worth more than 1-million N-T a month.

The team has confirmed that offered Lin a contract exceeding five years as he
becomes a free agent after next season.

The deal could set a new record for extended contracts in the Chinese
Professional Baseball League.

His contract is expected to surpass that of Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions star
Chen Chieh-hsien and could potentially set a new benchmark for C-P-B-L
extended contracts.

The Monkeys aim to finalize the agreement later this month.

Posted on 2025-12-15 18:47:13

The Tourism Administration says Taiwan's tourism exchange body has shown
goodwill, but China has not responded.

It says the Taiwan Strait Tourism Association contacted China's counterpart
in February 2025 to propose talks through a "mini two-associations" channel.

Officials say any restart of group tours should first cover safety, quality,
stability, and fairness.

A China Times report estimates a 2025 gap of nearly 3.8 million cross-strait
trips and a tourism deficit of about $152 billion NT.

The report says Taiwanese travel to China has continued, while direct flights
have fallen and airfares have risen.

It also notes Shanghai officials discussed possible tour groups to Taiwan at
last year's Twin-City Forum in Taipei.

This year's forum is set for December 27th and 28th in Shanghai, with the
travel industry watching for progress.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-15 18:47:13

The Hualien County Government is reminding residents affected by the Mata'an
barrier lake overflow to collect their disaster relief payments before the
application deadline this Friday.

Officials say they have already disbursed relief funds to 4,470 households
severely impacted by the September 23rd disaster, with each eligible
household receiving $50-thousand NT.

The county says the majority of affected households have claimed the funds,
and the final deadline is December 19th.

They say relief efforts are now transitioning to the long-term recovery and
reconstruction stage, and thanked the public for their patience and support.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-15 18:34:13

Premier Chuo Jung-tai has defended his decision of withholding its
countersignature for the amendment to the Allocation of Government Revenues
passed by the Legislature, arguing that "it's the only option left."

As a press conference, Chuo said the Cabinet "has exhausted all available
constitutional remedies" after the Legislative Yuan rejected his request for
lawmakers to reconsider on December 5th.

According to the Constitution, the Premier is obligated to countersign the
bill for the President to promulgate it within ten days.

But Chuo stressed at today's press conference that the power to refuse to
countersign does not amount to executive dominance or authoritarianism,
noting that the Legislative Yuan retains the right to check the Cabinet by
initiating a no-confidence vote against him.

He made the move after President Lai Ching-te met with the DPP lawmaker last
Thursday and came to the conclusion that refusing to countersign and
promulgate the bill does not violate the Constitution.

The opposition KMT and TPP, however, have rejected the idea of a
no-confidence vote as it could lead to the Legislature being dissolved,
triggering new elections, while a new Premier is not likely to change
anything.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-15 18:34:13

The mayor of Tainan is raising concerns over the contentious revenue-sharing
amendment passed by the legislature.

Mayor Huang Wei Zhe says, that's as Taiwan's oldest city is aiming to make
improvements to its water infrastructure.

Huang says, he worries about impact the amendment will have on what services
and upgrades the city government is able to provide to residents.

Huang met with local and central leaders today, saying that he hopes the
central government will continue to subsidize irrigation improvements.

This comes as the Executive Yuan has refused to promulgate amendments passed
by the legislature, setting the stage for a face-off over the
constitutionality of the move.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-15 18:34:13

Officials say floods triggered by torrential rains have killed at least 37
people in the Moroccan coastal city of Safi.

Heavy rain and flash floods overnight inundated about 70 homes and businesses
and swept away 10 vehicles.

Local outlets reported that schools announced three days of closures.

Rains also caused flooding and damage elsewhere throughout Morocco.

Videos shared on social media showed cars stranded and partially submerged as
floodwaters surged through Safi's streets.
Climate change has made weather patterns more unpredictable in Morocco.

Posted on 2025-12-15 18:34:13

Power

Investigators have concluded that South Korea's ousted President Yoon Suk
Yeol plotted for over a year to impose martial law to eliminate rivals and
monopolize power.

Yoon's attempt in December 2024 lasted only hours and led to his downfall. On
Monday, independent counsel Cho Eun-suk announced the findings of a six-month
probe.

Cho accused Yoon and military allies of provoking North Korea to justify
martial law.

Yoon is in jail, facing rebellion charges, and claims his actions were
against the liberal opposition.

Meanwhile, police raided the Unification Church headquarters, probing bribery
allegations involving politicians.

Posted on 2025-12-15 18:34:13

European leaders are expected to cement support for Ukraine as it faces
Washington's pressure to swiftly accept a U.S.-brokered peace deal.

After Sunday's talks in Berlin between U.S. envoys and Ukrainian President
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian and European officials are set Monday to
continue a series of meetings in an effort to secure the continent's peace
and security in the face of increasingly assertive Russia.

Washington has tried for months to navigate the demands of each side as Trump
presses for a swift end to Russia's war and grows increasingly exasperated by
delays.

The search for possible compromises has run into major obstacles.

Posted on 2025-12-15 17:56:13

Economists say the Central Bank is likely to keep interest rates unchanged at
its policy meeting on Thursday.

They expect a seventh straight quarter with no rate move, despite recent U.S.
rate cuts.

Forecasters point to solid growth and inflation that is now seen below the
bank's 2-percent alert line.

The central bank held its discount rate at 2-percent in September, its
highest level in 15 years.

Experts say the bank will closely watch the Taiwan dollar after a rapid rise
last May that squeezed exporters.

They also warn future U.S. policy could add upward pressure on the Taiwan
dollar.

On housing, economists expect selective credit controls to stay for now, with
any easing more likely in the first half of 2026.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2025-12-15 17:56:13

The Ocean Conservation Administration is providing details on recent changes
to step up protection for the whale shark.

The OCA says the "Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species"
agreed by consensus to impose the highest level of international trade
protection on the whale shark, banning all international commercial trade,
and reserving trade only for special, non-commercial circumstances.

The administration says Taiwan listed the whale shark as "protected" under
the Wildlife Conservation Act, and harassing, abusing, hunting, or
slaughtering whale sharks is punishable by up to five years in prison, along
with fines up to $1.5 million NT.

And the OCA says in 2021, it established a notification network for fishermen
to immediately report accidental catches for proper handling, resulting in
over 360 accidentally caught whale sharks rescued and safely released.

The OCA welcomes the CITES decision and plans to continue sharing Taiwan’s
conservation efforts with the international community.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-15 17:56:13

Now turning to international news...

Dense toxic smog has blanketed New Delhi, pushing air pollution levels to
their worst in weeks and disrupting travel.

Air pollution reached hazardous levels, with more than 3 dozen flights
canceled.

Commuters are reporting slow-moving traffic and healthcare experts warned
residents to avoid outdoor activities.

Hospitals have seen an increase in patients with breathing difficulties and
eye irritation.

Authorities have imposed construction bans and restricted diesel generators...

but critics say long-term solutions are needed.

New Delhi routinely ranks among the world's most polluted cities, with air
quality worsening every winter.

Posted on 2025-12-15 17:56:13

Israeli military raids and strikes in Syria have raised tensions over the
last year...

frustrating locals and appearing to dissolve hopes of warming relations
between the neighboring countries.

Interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa says, he has no desire for conflict
with Israel, and his country has struggled to push Israel to stop its attacks
and pull its troops out of a buffer zone.

Al-Sharaa took over as temporary leader after a rebel group-of which he was a
part- toppled the regime of former leader Bashar al-Assad.

Israeli forces quickly moved to impose a new reality on the ground.

They mobilized into the U.N.-mandated buffer zone in southern Syria next to
the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria during the 1967 Mideast
war and later annexed — a move not recognized by most of the international
community.

Israel claims its presence is temporary, and a means of clearing out
pro-Assad forces, but its given no indication that its forces will leave
anytime soon.

Posted on 2025-12-15 17:56:13

Merriam-Webster dictionary says, its 2025 word of the year is "Slop."

The word has its origins in the 1700s, meaning soft mud.

But it later evolved to mean something of little value.

According to Merriam Webster, the definition has expanded to now mean
"digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity by means
of artificial intelligence."

In other words, they say, slop is "absurd videos, weird advertizing images,
cheesy propaganda, [and] fake news that looks real."

Posted on 2025-12-15 17:29:13

Legislative Yuan

Premier Chuo Rong-tai has announced his refusal to countersign and promulgate
amendments to the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures passed
by the Legislative Yuan last month.

Chuo said at a press conference this afternoon that the amended law
"infringes upon the rights of the Executive branch," and that the amendment
process "violated democratic principles of openness, transparency, and
substantive deliberation."

The Premier also said that if the government carries out the law, it would
"cause irreparable and serious harm to national development."

The decision prevents the amended bill from taking effect and has sharply
escalated tensions between the Cabinet and the Legislature.

This is the first time ever in the nation's constitutional history that a
Premier has chosen not to follow the procedures stipulated in the 37th
article of the Constitution.

The article says the President shall, in accordance with law, promulgate laws
and issue mandates with the counter-signature of the leader of the Executive
Yuan.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-15 17:29:13

President Lai Ching-te says Taiwan stands with Australia and the Jewish
community after a deadly shooting in Sydney.

Australian authorities report the attack happened during a Hanukkah event at
Bondi Beach on Sunday.

16 are reported dead, including one of the alleged gunmen.

Police say 40 people remain in hospital after the attack, including 2
officers.

In a post on social media platform X, Lai said he was offering his deepest
condolences to the victims and all those affected.

He also says Taiwan strongly condemns terrorism and stands with Australia at
what he calls a difficult time.

The case remains under investigation, as officials confirm casualties and
assess what happened.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-15 17:29:13

Prosecutors today told the Taipei District Court that the Core Pacific City
(京華城) case involved an illegal, tailor-made zoning plan.

They say the detailed plan violated legal authorization rules, misapplied
urban renewal incentives, and breached equal-treatment principles.

Prosecutors argue the benefits were unique, with only Core Pacific City able
to qualify nationwide.

The case includes former Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), Core Pacific City
Group chairman Sheen Ching-jing (沈慶京), and KMT councilor Ying Hsiao-wei
(應曉薇).

Prosecutors say Ko and others were indicted on corruption-related charges,
and they are seeking a combined 28 years and 6 months for Ko.

They cite past court rulings and witness testimony to argue detailed plans
cannot create floor-area ratio incentives.

Prosecutors also question whether the public benefits promised by the
developer match the value of the incentives.

The court has begun oral arguments and the case remains under trial.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-15 16:28:13

Taichung Mayor Lu Xiu-yan has congratulated Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny
Chiang for his decision to join the Taichung Mayor's race next year.

Chiang declared his candidacy for the election last night, a move long
expected by the media and the public.

But it happened several days behind veteran KMT lawmaker Yang Qiong-ying
(楊瓊瓔), who made it clear that she hopes to win the KMT nomination.

Mayor Lu today declined to answer the question whether she'll be involved in
coordinating between Chiang and Yang.

It's currently not clear if the KMT will hold a primary for prospective
candidates in Taichung city.

Meanwhile DPP's Taichung Mayor nominee Ho Xin-chun (何欣純) said she will do
everything she can to garner Taichung people's support.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-15 16:28:17

DPP legislator Chiu Chih-wei (邱志偉) says he will visit Japan's parliament
to seek continued support for Taiwan’s C-P-T-P-P bid.

Chiu leads a Legislative Yuan task force promoting Taiwan's entry into the
trade pact.

He spoke at a news conference on Taiwan's possible timeline and key
conditions for moving into substantive review.

Chiu says Japan is a core member of the Comprehensive and Progressive
Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and a key player in high-standard
regional trade rules.

He says Taiwan has pushed legal and institutional reforms since applying in
September 2021 to align with C-P-T-P-P standards.

Chiu says while Taiwan was not included in accession procedures at a
C-P-T-P-P ministerial meeting held in Australia in November, member economies
have recognized that Taiwan meets the pact's standards.

Taiwan will keep explaining this through parliamentary diplomacy as well.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-15 16:28:17

The Taiwanese Representative to Japan is pledging ongoing support for Japan
amidst tensions between Tokyo and Beijing.

Li Yi Yang says, Taiwan will be a reliable partner to Japan in confronting
Chinese economic measures against the country.

He emphasizes that Taiwan and Japan already cooperate in areas of
semiconductors and drones as a means of promoting a "non-red supply chain..."

and he adds that he welcomes the next wave of economic cooperation.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-15 16:28:18

A quarterly survey of major Japanese manufacturers shows business sentiment
improving to its best level in four years, even after U.S. President Donald
Trump raised tariffs on goods from the U.S. ally to a baseline level of 15%.

The Bank of Japan is likely to take the results of its quarterly “tankan”
survey into account at a policy meeting this week, when it's expected to
raise its benchmark interest rate to 0.75%.

While the U.S. Federal Reserve has been trimming rates to counter a weak jobs
market, Japan's central bank is contending with inflation and weakness in its
currency.

The economy contracted at an annualized rate of 2.3% in July-September.

Posted on 2025-12-15 15:38:14

The United States Senate has recently passed the so-called Porcupine Act to
include Taiwan in a list of countries eligible for shorter notification and
reporting periods in terms of arms purchases.

The Porcupine Act, which stands for Providing Our Regional Companions
Upgraded Protection in Nefarious Environments Act, is meant to amend the Arms
Export Control Act to speed up licensing for allies transferring military
equipment to Taiwan.

It stipulates that within 90 days of the law taking effect, the U.S.
Secretary of State must assess whether an expedited approval process can be
created for third-party transfers of defense equipment and services to
Taiwan.

The review would cover transfers from NATO countries, as well as Japan,
Australia, South Korea, New Zealand, and Israel, including U.S.-origin
weapons sold or granted through military sales or commercial channels.

The bill will go to the House of Representatives and it must be approved in
identical form by the House before it can be signed by the president and
enacted into law.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-15 15:38:17

Reporters Without Borders is condemning the conviction of former Hong Kong
media mogul Jimmy Lai, and calling on democratic leaders worldwide to secure
his release.

Lai, an outspoken critic of Beijing, was found guilty of conspiring with
others to collude with foregin forces to endanger national security and
conspiracy to publish seditious articles, under Hong Kong's sweeping national
security law.

He is facing up to life imprisonment.

RSF emphasizes Lai has been in prison since December 2020, subjected to
solitary confinment, and his health is deteriorating.

RSF Director General Thibaut Bruttin calls the conviction "unlawful", and
warns that if democracies do not act fast, "Lai will die in jail, and they
will send a clear signal to the Chinese regime that it can spread its
authoritarian model and violate international law, scot-free."

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council also denounced the verdict against the
founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, criticizing
the Hong Kong government for using its national security law to restrict
freedom of speech and the press and politically persecute democratic figures.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-15 15:38:20

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has proposed tougher national gun
laws after a mass shooting in Sydney.

He said Monday he would propose new restrictions including limiting the
number of guns a licensed owner can obtain.

Albanese told reporters that “People’s circumstances can change. People can
be radicalized over a period of time." and "Licenses should not be in
perpetuity

This comes after a father and son gunmen attacked a Hanukkah celebration on
Bondi Beach on Sunday, killing 15 people and wounded dozens of others.

The attack is being called an act of antisemitic terrorism.

Authorities say they had recovered six guns that were legally owned by the
50-year-old man who was shot dead.

Posted on 2025-12-15 15:38:20

Japanese police say they arrested a man in connection with the alleged
stabbing of two people at an entertainment complex housing the female pop
music group HKT48 in the southern city of Fukuoka, leaving them with
non-life-threatening injuries.

Fukuoka police say they arrested a 30-year-old suspect for allegedly stabbing
a 44-year-old man at the facility on Sunday.

Police said they are investigating the case as possible attempted murder but
declined to give further details.

Japanese media said the injured man, who worked for the HKT48 theater inside
the complex, was stabbed when he saw the suspect in an unauthorized area and
told him to leave.

Media reports say the suspect also allegedly stabbed a 27-year-old woman in
the back in an elevator hall at the facility before he fled the scene, media
reports said.

HKT48 said the group's fan event scheduled for Sunday night was canceled.

Posted on 2025-12-15 14:07:13

Premier Chuo Rong-tai said he'll announce the Cabinet's reactions to the
Legislative-Yuan's amendments to the Allocation of Government Revenues and
Expenditures at a press conference this afternoon.

Titled "Defending Constitutional Order", the press conference will also see
the presence of Vice Premier Zheng Li-jun and Finance Minister Zhuang Cui-yun
莊翠雲.

Today marks the deadline for President Lai Ching-te to promulgate the
amendments, and based on the Constitution, Lai is supposed to do so after
lawmakers on December 5th rejected the Cabinet's request for the Legislative
Yuan to reconsider.

However, Lai convened a DPP meeting last week and concluded that his
administration will neither countersign nor promulgate the law, saying it
does not run against the Constitution.

The opposition KMT and TPP have slammed the Lai Administration, accusing it
of "destroying the Constitution and pushing the government toward disaster,"
and say that they are preparing countermeasures..

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-15 14:07:17

The Bureau of Labor Insurance says its 2026 relief loan program opens from
today.

Applications are accepted through January 2nd of next year to help workers
before the Lunar New Year.

Eligible workers must have at least 15 years of Labor Insurance coverage and
no overdue premiums or late fees.

The bureau says loans of up to $100-thousand NT are available, with a term of
3 years.

The annual interest rate is just over 2-percent, and borrowers pay interest
only for the first 6 months.

From month 7, borrowers repay principal and interest in equal monthly
payments.

Officials say people can apply online, in person, or by mail, and the Land
Bank's digital system works on holidays as well.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-15 14:07:17

Deputy Legislative Speaker Jiang Qi Chen says, he hopes he will have the
chance to realize his hopes for Taichung's future.

That's after the long-time lawmaker declared his interest in the mayor's
position over the weekend.

However, KMT lawmaker Yang Qiong Ying has also stated his interest in getting
his party's nomination for the role.

After Jiang made his announcement, Yang emphasized that this stage of the
race is ultimately a cooperation- not a contest.

Whoever wins the KMT's nomination, they will face DPP Lawmaker He Xin Chun in
the November elections.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-15 14:07:18

Taiwan shares are down today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at 27866
after losing 331 points.

The turnover was 436.7 billion NT

Posted on 2025-12-15 14:07:18

Jimmy Lai has been convicted in a landmark national security trial in a Hong
Kong court.

The former media mogul and outspoken critic of Beijing could be sent to
prison for the rest of his life.

Three government-vetted judges found Lai, 78, guilty of conspiring with
others to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security...

and of conspiracy to publish seditious articles.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Lai’s trial, conducted without a jury, has been closely monitored by the
U.S., Britain, the European Union and political observers as a barometer of
media freedom and judicial independence in Hong Kong.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he has raised the case with China, and U.K.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said his government has made it a priority to
secure the release of Lai, who is a British citizen.

Posted on 2025-12-15 13:09:13

The hunger for semiconductors and the supercharged artificial intelligence
boom fueled Taiwan's economy in ways few could have predicted in 2025...

I-N-G's Bank's Chief Economist for Greater China Lynn Song tells I-C-R-T how
AI demand turned Taiwan into an Asian economic success story.

But Song warns it isn't all good news.

That was I-N-G Bank Chief Economist for Greater China Lynn Song.

Posted on 2025-12-15 13:09:13

Once hailed as the “jewel box of Taipei’s East District,” the Far Eastern
Sogo Dun-hua Department Store has shut down for good as its lease is due to
expire at the end of the year.

Sogo Dun-hua had been in operations for 31 years and many international
brands, including Tiffany, first entered Taiwan through the store.

Chairperson Sophia Huang said the store had formed close relations with
customers due to its smaller size and refined atmosphere.

While the Dunhua store is closing, Huang said it also signals the start of a
new chapter for Sogo, with its new Garden City outlet at the Taipei Dome
scheduled to open in March.

Meanwhile, Huang Hsiang (皇翔) Construction, which purchased the SOGO Dunhua
building five years ago for $13 billion NT, said it was planning to seek
another operator to continue the department store business.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-15 13:09:13

Now turning to international news...

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo (ah REH vah loh) has declared a state
of emergency in two western municipalities after armed men attacked a
military post and police station.

Criminal gangs are trying to force security forces to withdraw and take
control of the region.

Arevalo, alongside top officials, showed videos of the violence.

He said the criminal groups are linked to extortion and drug trafficking and
pose a threat to local communities.

The 15-day state of emergency limits public gatherings and protests, and
restricts carrying weapons.

Officials say five people have died in the violence.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-12-15 13:09:13

Egypt has unveiled two colossal statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III
(ah-men-HO-tep the third) in Luxor.

The alabaster statues, known as the Colossi of Memnon (kuh-LAH-sai of
MEHM-naan), were reassembled after a two-decade renovation project.

Amenhotep III, whose mummy is showcased at a Cairo museum, ruled ancient
Egypt about 3,400 years ago.

The statues, which were toppled by an earthquake in 1200 BC, have been
restored to revive the appearance of his funerary temple.

The unveiling comes six weeks after the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum,
part of efforts to boost tourism.

A record 15.7 million tourists visited Egypt in 2024, contributing about 8%
of the country's GDP.

Egypt hopes to attract 18 million tourists this year, with a goal of 30
million annually by 2032.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-12-15 13:09:13

In the U.S., director and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle have been
found dead by their daughter at their Los Angeles home with wounds consistent
with a knife.

One of the couple's two sons, Nick Reiner, who has long struggled with drug
addiction and bouts of homelessness, is suspected of killing them.

Rob Reiner, the son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, gained fame as Meathead in
the classic TV sitcom "All in the Family."

Reiner went on to direct such iconic films as "This is Spinal Tap," "When
Harry Met Sally" and "The Princess Bride."

He met his wife while directing "When Harry Met Sally."

(KK)

Posted on 2025-12-15 11:06:13

The Tai-Ex plunged over 500-points in early trading this morning.

The decline came after tech heavyweights caught up in the
artificial-intelligence frenzy lost ground on Wall Street last Friday.

The main declined from the 28,000-point mark and hit a low of around
27,684-points.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufactiuring lost 30 N-T, as it fell to 1,450 N-T,
reflecting weakness in heavyweight stocks.

Hon Hai fell nearly 3-per cent, while MediaTek and Delta Electronics both
fell over 1-per cent.

While A-I heavyweights Quanta and Wistron also both lost over 1-per cent.

Posted on 2025-12-15 11:06:13

tensions

Taiwan's top envoy in Tokyo is pledging Taipei's ongoing support for Japan
amid tensions between Tokyo and Beijing.

According to Li Yi-yang says, Taiwan will be a reliable partner to Japan in
confronting Chinese economic measures against the country.

Li is stressing that Taiwan and Japan already cooperate in areas of
semiconductors and drones as a means of promoting a "non-red supply chian and
he welcomes the next wave of economic cooperation.

Li also says the economic and trade relationship between China and Japan is
quite deep - making Japan very susceptible to retaliatory measures from
Beijing.

Posted on 2025-12-15 11:06:13

The mercury fell islandwide this morning as a continental cold air mass
affected the island.

The Central Weather Administration issued the first cold surge advisory of
this winter overnight and into this morning - and the warning covered parts
of New Taipei, Hsinchu, Miaoli and Yilan.

According to the weather administration, the lowest temperature in low-lying
areas this morning were recorded in Hsinchu's Guangxi Township, where the
mercury dropped to 7-degrees.

That was followed by Touwu Township in Miaoli, where a low of 8.5-degrees was
recorded.

The cold air system is expected to weaken tomorrow - bringing rising
temperatures and mostly sunny skies and stable conditions through much of
this week.

Posted on 2025-12-15 11:06:13

In international news,

Former Hong Kong media mogul, Jimmy Lai has been convicted in a landmark
national security trial in the city's court ...

which could send him to prison for the rest of his life.

Three government-vetted judges found Lai guilty of conspiring with others to
collude with foreign forces to endanger national security and conspiracy to
publish seditious articles.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Sentencing is expected to come on a later day.

Under Hong Kongs national security law, Lai could face up to life
imprisonment.

Posted on 2025-12-15 11:06:13

Thailand's military says it's considering blocking fuel exports to Cambodia.

The move comes as fighting between the two countries spread to coastal areas
of a disputed border region two days after U-S President Donald Trump claimed
he sides had agreed to a new ceasefire.

Authorities say military commanders have been discussing blocking fuel
exports to Cambodia, including asking the navy to be "vigilant against" ships
carrying strategic supplies and designating maritime zones near Cambodian
ports as "high-risk."

A spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy says the matter will be discussed at a
security meeting later today.

Thailand exported 2.2-billion litres of fuel to Cambodia last year.

Posted on 2025-12-15 11:06:13

Tens of thousands of Brazilians have protested against a bill that could
reduce former President Jair Bolsonaro's prison time.

The bill, which passed the lower house on Wednesday, is now with the Senate.

Demonstrators in Rio de Janeiro chanted against the legislation, which they
see as protecting those involved in the January 2023 coup attempt.

The bill would shorten sentences for those convicted, including Bolsonaro, by
allowing concurrent sentencing.

President Lula da Silva has said he would veto it.

The protests reflect growing discontent with Congress and fears of
undermining democracy.

Posted on 2025-12-15 11:06:13

And finally,

A French supermarket's Christmas advertisment has captured hearts worldwide
without using generative A-I.

The two-and-a-half-minute film, "Unloved" was created for Intermarche.

It tells the story of a lonely wolf who chooses to change.

Instead of hunting, he learns to cook and brings a homemade dish to a
Christmas feast, earning friendship and acceptance.

The ad's hand-crafted animation and emotional narrative have resonated with
millions since its December debut.

Posted on 2025-12-15 07:00:13

The Cabinet is set to refuse to countersign and enact amendments to the Act
Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures today.

The Presidential Office says President Lai Ching-te will address the public
over the issue later today and explain why he isn't countersigning the bill.

The Act governs how tax revenue is allocated between the central and local
governments.

The amendments were passed by lawmakers from the K-M-T and the Taiwan
People's Party on November 14 and state that local governments will receive a
larger share of the central government revenue each year.

The Cabinet had requested a reconsideration, arguing that the changes could
not be implemented.

That request was rejected on December 5, requiring the Cabinet to promulgate
the legislation by today at the latest under normal procedures.

However, the Cabinet has said the amendments will force the central
government to borrow beyond the legal debt ceiling starting in 2026, making
them unworkable.

The Executive Yuan's refusal to countersign and promulgate the amendments is
being by opposition lawmakers.

Posted on 2025-12-15 07:00:15

Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang has announced that he will seek the
K-M-T's nomination to represent the party in next year's Taichung mayoral
race.

Chiang made the announcement in response to a question by reporters, while
attending a Christmas concert in city's Fengyuan District.

Fengyuan is Chiang's legislative constituency and hometown.

Chiang claims there has been growing talk about next year's local elections
and that he doesn't disappoint members of the public who wanted him to run.

He added that would do everything in his power to win the party's nomination,
and strive for the opportunity to realize his vision for Greater Taichung.

K-M-T lawmaker Yang Qiong-ying has also expressed interest in running for the
nomination, while the D-P-P has already selected lawmaker Ho Hsin-chun as its
nominee for Taichung's top job in next November's election.

Incumbent K-M-T mayor Lu Shiow-yen is termed out and cannot run for
reelection.

Posted on 2025-12-15 07:00:17

A batch of 42 M-1-A-2-T Abrams main battle tanks from the United States in
July will begin a month-long testing program today.

Reports indicate the testing will be taking place at an Army base in northern
Taiwan and include multiple live-fire drills using the tanks' 120-millimeter
main guns.

The tanks were recently deployed to an Army training ground in the Kengzihkou
area of Hsinchu County for training sessions ahead of the testing phase.

The testing program is set focuses on evaluating the tanks' observation and
targeting systems, as well as their integration with the ammunition system.

Reports say the month-long tests are expected to conclude by the end of
January, after which the tanks will enter active service with the Army.

The 42 Abrams tanks are the second batch of a total of 108 tanks that Taiwan
purchased from the U-S for about 40.5-billion U-S dollars.

The first batch was commissioned into the Army's 584th Armored Brigade in
Hsinchu County in late October after completing required training and
testing.

The remaining 28 tanks are expected to arrive in Taiwan early next year.

Posted on 2025-12-15 07:00:17

Police in Taipei have arrested a man for allegedly filming and confronting
D-P-P lawmaker Puma Shen while he was out walking with his daughter earlier
this month.

Authorities say the 45-year-old suspect has been referred to prosecutors on
suspicion of coercion, defamation and violations of the Child and Juvenile
Welfare and Rights Protection Act.

Police say the incident occurred on the evening of December 7 near the
National Concert Hall, when Shen was out with his daughter.

The man allegedly approached the pair from the side, shone a bright mobile
phone flashlight at Shen and his daughter, recorded them on video and
verbally confronted the lawmaker.

Shen later reported the incident and described it in a Facebook post as
"precisely the darkness we must confront."

Police says the suspect was traced after they reviewed nearby surveillance
footage and the man was identified resident of the Zhongzheng District
through his EasyCard transit records.

Posted on 2025-12-15 07:00:17

Law enforcement agencies in Kaohsiung have raided a mephedrone manufacturing
site - arresting three suspects and seizing drugs with an estimated market
value of 100-million N-T.

Kaohsiung City Police say the site was located in the city's Dashu District
and was being used to produce "meow meow."

Police say the site was raided following a tip-off.

The raid was led by the Ciaotou District Prosecutors' Office.

Police say they seized drug manufacturing equipment, more than 47-kilograms
of finished mephedrone, and about 300-kilograms of unfinished product during
the raid.

The case has been transferred to the Ciaotou District Prosecutors' Office for
potential indictments under the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act.

Posted on 2025-12-15 07:00:18

track

Taiwan-France and Indian teams won the international track of the 2025
Presidential Hackathon.

The awards were handed out at a ceremony at the Presidential Office.

The winners were Beyond Hearing, a Taiwan-France collaboration, and CropNow
from India.

They were selected from among nine international finalists who were competing
under the theme "Digital Innovation for Resilience and Sustainability."

Beyond Hearing presented smart glasses that use artificial intelligence and
augmented reality to help people with hearing loss visually identify
surrounding sounds.

CropNow developed an AI-driven Internet of Things solution, called the NEST
device, which monitors soil conditions, microclimate changes and crop health
to provide farmers with data-driven cultivation advice.

The awards ceremony was hosted by President Lai Ching-te and attended by both
the French and Indian representatives to Taiwan.

Lai congratulated the winners and praised local teams - saying the government
will review hackathon proposals for possible use in governance.

Posted on 2025-12-15 07:00:18

And,

The Manila Economic and Cultural Office has held its Christmas event in
Taipei - drawing around 1,500 Filipinos living in Taiwan.

MECO Chair and Resident Representative Corazon Avecilla-Padiernos says the
turnout reflects the "strong friendship and cooperation between the
Philippines and Taiwan."

She also praised Filipinos in Taiwan for their contributions to Taiwanese
society.

Ministry of Labor official Huang Wei-cheng is also thanked Filipinos workers
for their contributions - expressing hope that those unable to return home
for Christmas would see Taiwan as a "second home."

Government data shows more than 190,000 Filipinos were living in Taiwan as of
October, with around 170,000 of them working in blue-collar jobs such as
caregiving and manufacturing.

Posted on 2025-12-15 07:00:18

Former Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai is scheduled to hear the verdict in
his years-long trial on national security charges.

Lai, 78, has been in custody for more than five years, much of it in solitary
confinement, and his health has suffered.

The former owner of Next Magazine and Apple Daily was once listed among
Forbes' 40 wealthiest Hong Kong people with a fortune of HK$1.2 billion...

At the same time...

Hong Kong's biggest pro-democracy party has voted to dissolve after more than
30 years of activism.

Democratic Party chairperson Lo Kin-hei said Sunday this is the best way
forward for its members.

Lo expressed deep regret but noted the decision was based on the current
political situation.

Some members were warned of consequences if the party didn’t shut down.

Posted on 2025-12-13 14:57:14

Taiwan has helped inaugurate a new semiconductor research and experiment
center in Slovakia.

The center is part of the Taiwan–Slovakia Strategic Industry Development
Plan launched in 2023.

The project is led by Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute in
cooperation with Slovak universities and research bodies.

Slovak officials say the center will boost the country's semiconductor
industry and support long-term economic growth.

Taiwan's representative says Slovakia could play a key role in Central and
Eastern Europe's semiconductor supply chain.

Both sides say cooperation will continue, with a focus on talent development
and expanded technology partnerships.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2025-12-13 14:57:14

The Food and Drug Administration has identified 18 more cosmetic products
containing banned Sudan dyes.

The discovery brings the total number of affected items to 39, including
products from major international brands.

Among the newly listed items are a moisturizer made by U.S. brand NARS and a
balm produced by South Korea's Atomy.

TFDA officials say all 310 units of the NARS product have been recalled,
along with more than 1,200 units of the Atomy balm.

Authorities also found four batches of contaminated raw materials linked to a
Singapore-based supplier.

The materials affected at least 12 local manufacturers, and inspections are
still ongoing.

Under Taiwan law, companies using banned dyes face fines of up to $5 million
NT.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2025-12-13 14:57:14

Temperatures across Taiwan are set to fall steadily today as a continental
cold air mass moves south.

The Central Weather Administration has issued a heavy rain warning for parts
of Keelung, New Taipei, and Yilan County through early Sunday.

Daytime highs will reach about 21 degrees in the north and Yilan, while
central and southern Taiwan see 25 to 28 degrees.

Colder air arriving later Saturday will push temperatures down further in
northern and central regions.

From Sunday into early Monday, lows could drop to between 11 and 15 degrees
in the north and central Taiwan.

Meteorologists say this may be the first continental cold air mass of the
season, with some lowland areas possibly dipping below 10 degrees.

The cold system is expected to weaken by Tuesday, bringing sunnier and warmer
weather later in the week.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2025-12-13 14:57:14

Thailand's prime minister says the country will continue military action
along its disputed border with Cambodia.

The statement comes hours after U.S. President Donald Trump said he had
brokered a ceasefire.

Thai fighter jets and artillery struck targets earlier today, with Bangkok
saying it was responding to heavy weapons fire.

Cambodia accuses Thai forces of hitting bridges and buildings overnight.

Neither side has confirmed any ceasefire agreement, and Thailand says there
is no truce in place.

Cambodia says it is seeking a peaceful solution and has asked the U.S. and
Malaysia to help determine who fired first.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-13 14:57:14

The Philippine coast guard says Chinese ships used water cannons against
Filipino fishing boats in the South China Sea.

Officials say three fishermen were wounded and two vessels suffered
significant damage near Sabina Shoal.

Manila says Chinese coast guard ships also blocked and cut anchor lines,
putting crews at risk.

China says it took control measures and drove away Philippine vessels, a
claim Manila calls an admission of wrongdoing.

The Philippines has urged China to follow international rules and protect
lives at sea.

The incident happened inside the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, in
waters also claimed by China.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-13 13:45:13

The opposition KMT has passed legislation raising pensions for retired civil
servants and public school teachers.

The amendments reverse a 2018 reform under former president Tsai Ing-wen
(蔡英文) that gradually reduced pension benefits over 10 years.

Under the new law, income replacement ratios return to 2023 levels, ranging
from 39 to 71.5 percent.

The measures passed with KMT support, while DPP lawmakers voted against them
and the Taiwan People's Party was absent.

The Cabinet says the changes will speed up the depletion of pension funds and
shift the burden to taxpayers.

Officials say the government will pursue legal and constitutional action to
protect the system's long-term sustainability.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2025-12-13 13:45:14

The High Court has rejected an appeal by former Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je
(柯文哲) to broadcast his court case live.

Ko is among 11 defendants indicted in a corruption case linked to a property
development deal.

He had argued that live coverage would allow him to explain his position
directly to the public.

The court ruled that only a delayed broadcast of the final ruling is
permitted under current regulations.

Oral arguments in the case are scheduled to begin on Monday.

Ko faces up to 28.5 years in prison over alleged bribery and embezzlement
charges.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2025-12-13 13:45:14

The Control Yuan says traffic accidents involving foreign nationals have
risen sharply in recent years.

Auditors say more than 13,000 foreign nationals were killed or injured last
year, more than double the number in 2019.

An investigation found key causes include weak driver training, flaws in
licensing systems, and language barriers.

Control Yuan member Yeh Ta-hua (葉大華) says nearly 90 percent of foreign
nationals were unaware of driving training subsidies.

The report also cites unclear traffic signs and difficulties enforcing rules
for micro electric vehicles.

The Control Yuan is urging the Executive Yuan and local governments to review
enforcement, education, and road design.

It says stronger protections are needed for foreign nationals and other
vulnerable road users.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-13 13:45:14

European Union countries are set to vote next week on whether to approve a
major trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur.

The agreement would link the EU with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay,
creating the bloc's largest trade accord.

Supporters say the deal would boost market access and reduce tariffs amid
global trade tensions.

Opponents, including France and Poland, warn it could harm European farmers.

Approval requires backing from a majority of EU states representing 65
percent of the population.

EU officials say the vote will determine whether the agreement can be signed
before the end of the year.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-13 13:45:19

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has welcomed home an army engineering unit
after a deployment to Russia.

State media say the unit carried out combat and engineering tasks in Russia's
Kursk region during the war in Ukraine.

Kim praised the soldiers for what he called heroic conduct and absolute
loyalty to the ruling party.

He said nine troops were killed during the mission and announced state honors
for the fallen soldiers.

The regiment was awarded a top national order at a ceremony in Pyongyang.

North Korea has increasingly publicized the role of its troops fighting
alongside Russian forces.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-13 12:43:13

U.S. officials say international troops could deploy to Gaza as early as next
month under a U.N.-authorized plan.

The proposed stabilization force would not fight Hamas but would work to
maintain security as Israeli forces gradually withdraw.

More than 25 countries are expected to join planning talks in Doha later this
month.

Indonesia says it is preparing up to 20,000 troops for health and
reconstruction roles.

The force is part of the second phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's Gaza
peace plan.

Key questions remain over how Hamas would be disarmed and how
demilitarization would be enforced.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-13 12:43:18

Britain's King Charles the Third says early diagnosis has allowed doctors to
reduce his cancer treatment in the new year.

The 77-year-old monarch shared the update in a recorded message promoting
cancer screening programs.

He said early detection helped him continue leading an active life while
undergoing treatment.

Buckingham Palace says his care is now in a precautionary phase, with doctors
monitoring his recovery.

The king has not revealed what type of cancer he has, a decision aimed at
supporting awareness of all cancers.

Charles has used his diagnosis to encourage early screening, which charities
say has boosted public interest in cancer checks.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-13 12:43:18

Archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered a rare fresco of Jesus depicted as
the "Good Shepherd."

The artwork was found in a 3rd-century underground tomb near Iznik, a key
site in early Christian history.

The fresco shows a youthful, Roman-style Jesus wearing a toga and carrying a
goat on his shoulders.

Researchers say it reflects early Christian symbolism before the cross became
widely used.

The tomb also contains decorative motifs and the remains of five individuals.

Scholars say the discovery offers rare insight into the transition from pagan
beliefs to early Christianity in Anatolia.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-13 11:45:13

China has held a low-key memorial ceremony for the 1937 Nanjing Massacre in
the eastern city of Nanjing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping did not attend the event, despite rising
diplomatic tensions with Japan.

The ceremony comes after Japan's prime minister said a conflict over Taiwan
could trigger a response from Tokyo.

A senior Communist Party official warned against reviving militarism and
challenging the postwar international order.

China says 300,000 people were killed when Japanese troops captured Nanjing
in 1937, a figure disputed in Japan.

Xi last attended the national memorial in person in 2017, and the event has
been observed annually since 2014.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-13 11:45:13

Researchers say fossils from a giant prehistoric shark off northern Australia
are much older than previously believed.

Vertebrae from the shark have been dated to about 115 million years ago, deep
in the Cretaceous period.

The find makes it the earliest known mega-predator in the modern shark family.

Scientists say the shark, a relative of today's great white, may have grown
to about 26 feet long.

The discovery pushes the evolution of giant sharks back by around 15 million
years.

Researchers say the finding offers new insight into how modern sharks evolved.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-13 10:56:14

The ruling DPP says it will fully support Cabinet action against a disputed
revenue allocation amendment.

The pledge followed a meeting between President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and all
51 DPP lawmakers on Friday.

The amendment, passed by the KMT and Taiwan People's Party, would send more
central government funds to local governments.

The Cabinet says the measure cannot be implemented because it would add
$264.6 billion NT to 2026 borrowing and exceed the debt ceiling.

DPP caucus leaders say Lai has asked Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) to
consider not countersigning the bill or declining to enforce it.

They argue both options remain within constitutional limits given the
Constitutional Court's current paralysis.

The dispute has delayed review of the 2026 national budget and drawn sharp
criticism from the opposition.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2025-12-13 10:56:15

Taiwan's deputy representative to India, Hsieh Bor-huei (謝伯輝), has died
after collapsing at an event in New Delhi.

He was 52 years old and was hosting guests on Friday when he began to feel
nauseated.

A reporter at the scene says Hsieh later suffered a seizure during the
gathering.

Hotel staff provided emergency assistance and performed CPR before he was
taken to hospital.

Doctors were unable to save him, and he was later pronounced dead.

The event was held to congratulate the cast and crew of the India–Taiwan
film "Demon Hunters."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed condolences and says the cause
of death remains unclear.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-13 10:56:15

Opposition lawmakers have moved motions seeking a defense briefing by
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) to a second reading.

The KMT and Taiwan People's Party want Lai to answer questions on a proposed
$1.25 trillion NT special defense budget.

They argue the plan lacks transparency and could eventually cost up to $4.5
trillion NT, squeezing social and economic spending.

The Taiwan People's Party says defense spending for 2026 is already
unprecedented and marks a major fiscal shift.

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party calls the motions political and says
on-the-spot questioning of the president is unconstitutional.

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) ruled the motions would bypass a vote
and enter cross-party negotiations.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2025-12-13 10:56:15

The European Union has agreed to indefinitely freeze Russian central bank
assets held in Europe.

The decision secures about 210 billion euros frozen since Russia's 2022
invasion of Ukraine.

EU officials say the move will help finance Ukraine's military and civilian
needs in 2026 and 2027.

The plan would use the frozen assets to back loans to Ukraine, repayable only
if Russia pays war damages.

EU leaders say this removes the risk of individual member states blocking the
asset freeze in future votes.

Russia's central bank has called the move illegal and says it is suing the
Belgium-based firm Euroclear.

EU leaders are set to finalize the loan plan at a summit later this month.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-13 10:56:20

Cambodia says Thai forces continued bombing targets along their disputed
border on Saturday morning.

The fighting comes hours after U.S. President Donald Trump said he had
brokered a ceasefire.

Thailand'ss military denies the claim and accuses Cambodia of attacking
civilian areas and laying landmines.

Neither government has publicly confirmed any agreement to halt the fighting.

The two sides have exchanged rockets and artillery fire since Monday along
their 817-kilometer border.

Cambodia says it is seeking a peaceful resolution and has asked the U.S. and
Malaysia to verify which side fired first.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-13 10:56:20

A Bolivian judge has ordered former president Luis Arce to be held in
pre-trial detention for five months.

Arce is under investigation for alleged embezzlement linked to funds for
Indigenous community projects.

Prosecutors say the case involves irregular payments from the Indigenous Fund
during his time as economy minister.

Arce denies any wrongdoing and told the court the charges are politically
motivated.

He will be held in a La Paz prison while the investigation continues, with a
hearing scheduled for May 2026.

The case follows October elections that ended nearly two decades of rule by
Arce's MAS party.

(PB)

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