ICRT

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

In international news,

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

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

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

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

However, no evidence of such claims has been released.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Haiti's government has announced new election dates.

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

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

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

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

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

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

And finally,

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

He was 86.

The A-P's Ed Donahue has more.

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

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And finally,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The amendments would make surveillance, harassment and intimidation offenses

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

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

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

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

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

In another development,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You says such an incident should have have happened.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The report said the cause was still under investigation.

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

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

And,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No ceasefire violations have been reported.

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

Russia says it downed 1,214 Ukrainian drones.

Posted on 2026-10-29 19:12:13

The Ministry of Finance says Taiwan's aging population is reflected in income
tax returns ...

... with the share of dependents -- those whom a taxpayer financially
supports -- aged 70 and over rising by 8.2 percentage points over the past
decade.

In 2024, people aged 70 and above made up 27 percent of all claimed
dependents ... while those under 18 accounted for 37 percent.

The ministry says claims for the special tax deduction for long-term care
also hit a record high that year ... with 400-thousand households claiming a
total of nearly 52-billion NT.

The ministry says future tax policy will need to do more to support families
caring for children and older relatives ...

... as Taiwan faces low birth rates, an aging population and a growing number
of single-person households.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-29 19:12:14

DPP Penghu magistrate hopeful Wu Shu-chin (吳淑瑾) is reaffirming her opposition
to Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an's proposal to relocate Songshan Airport.

Wu says the airport is a vital transportation link for residents of Taiwan's
outlying islands, particularly those needing urgent medical treatment on the
main island.

She notes that her KMT opponent, Chen Chen-chung (陳振中), has also publicly
opposed the plan.

However, Chiang has said he discussed the proposal with KMT magistrate
candidates from the outlying islands and reached a consensus.

Wu is questioning the apparent contradiction and says she will firmly oppose
any relocation that threatens the rights and interests of island residents.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-29 19:12:14

A new Fair Trade Commission survey puts Taiwan's generative AI usage rate at
just over 50 percent.

Generative AI refers to tools that can create new content, such as text,
images and answers to questions, based on user prompts.

ChatGPT was the most commonly used tool at almost 88 percent ... followed by
Gemini then Claude .... while nearly 40 percent of respondents had tried paid
versions.

The main reasons for using AI were learning and work-related tasks.

The survey also found that more than three-quarters of paid-service users
would stick with their current provider even if prices rose by 10 percent.

However, when asked what they would do if free AI services became less
useful, a similar proportion said they would switch to another free platform,
rather than pay for an upgrade.

The commission says it will continue monitoring developments in the
generative AI market.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-29 19:12:14

A Russian jet-powered drone has struck two passenger trains at a railway
station in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, killing at least 13 people
and injuring 10 others.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described the attack as
“horrific” in a post on X.

The strike hit a platform where a commuter train and a scheduled passenger
train were stopped.

Emergency crews are responding at the scene.

Posted on 2026-10-29 19:12:14

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has announced she will
resign on February 7th, nearly nine months before her term was due to end in
October 2027.

The decision will allow European Union leaders to choose her successor while
French President Emmanuel Macron is still in office.

There had been speculation for months that Lagarde would leave early, with
reports suggesting she could take up a new role at the World Economic Forum.

Lagarde took over as head of the E-C-B in 2019, after previously serving as
managing director of the International Monetary Fund.

The E-C-B president serves an eight-year, non-renewable term. The bank's
leadership plays a central role in setting interest rates and managing
monetary policy across the eurozone.

Posted on 2026-10-29 17:14:13

Taipei prosecutors are questioning Taipei City Councilor Lin Shi Zong林世宗 in
an investigation into violations of the Public Officials Election and Recall
Act.

Prosecutors believe Lin to be involved in another investigation into a local
borough chief candidate surnamed Su, who allegedly held banquets for voters.

Lin, of the DPP, has represented Taipei City's first district since 2010.

He is running for reelection in Shilin and Beitou.

The investigation is ongoing.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-29 17:14:13

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan An has canceled his schedule for the day due to
illness, with his wife, Shi Fang Gen 石舫亘 helping out with campaigning today.

Chiang's campaign office says, they made the decision to cancel the mayor's
schedule over considerations for his health and preparation for Saturday's
debate.

So, Shi headed to a local market this morning to campaign in his stead,
accompanied by KMT lawmakers and city councilors.

Meanwhile, Chiang's campaign manager, Lu Xiu Yan defended the mayor, saying
that Chiang had felt unwell since before Typhoon Champi rolled through...

and that his condition worsened in recent days.

Lu advised Taichung mayoral candidate Jiang Qi Chen to wear a jacket to avoid
befalling a similar fate.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-29 17:14:13

Now turning to international news...

The housing secretary of Hong Kong has resigned following an investigation
into a deadly fire that revealed inadequate oversight.

The fire broke out nearly a year ago, engulfing 7 buildings in an apartment
complex.

The fires killed 168 people and displaced thousands more.

Former residents have spent months waiting to see how the government would
address accountability for the disaster.

The leader of the city government today apologized after his housing
secretary announced their resignation.

An independent committee found that the Housing Bureau’s independent checking
unit failed in its duties supervising the maintenance work.

Posted on 2026-10-29 17:14:13

A container ship in the Black Sea has been struck by three drones.

The attack on the Liberian-flagged ship took place off the coast of Bulgaria.

The vessel was evacuated and all sailors were rescued by the Bulgarian Navy
and police ships.

The incident took place as defense ministers fromo Bulgaria, Romania, and
Turkiye were meeting for talks on secuity in the Black Sea.

Recent drone attacks in the rregion have raised concerns among NATO members
about potential threats to global shipping routes and the risk of escalating
Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Posted on 2026-10-29 15:01:14

Pakistan has approved China Airlines and EVA Air to use its airspace after
reports it had barred Taiwanese carriers.

The permissions run from October 28 through March 27 next year.

Bloomberg had quoted Pakistan's defense minister as saying Taiwanese airlines
were excluded under its "one China" policy.

Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee today expressed deep regret, accusing
Pakistan of politicizing airspace and undermining Taiwan's sovereignty and
flight safety.

However, the approval documents do not mention an earlier ban or explain
whether Pakistan reversed its policy.

Taiwan's transportation ministry says the authorization covers the winter
flight schedule, with seasonal applications being standard practice.

It says officials will stay in close contact with airlines, which will choose
routes based on safety, weather, flight time and costs.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-10-29 15:01:14

Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) has pledged to review school safety
procedures after a Taipei elementary teacher was charged with sexually
abusing 38 boys.

Prosecutors allege the abuse began in 2010 and included producing sexual
images of students.

They indicted the teacher yesterday and are seeking a 30-year prison sentence.

D-P-P lawmaker Kuo Yu-ching (郭昱晴) today questioned how the alleged abuse
could have gone undetected by education authorities for 16 years.

Cheng promised to clarify the case by the end of today and discuss safety
procedures with local governments.

Taipei's education department says the teacher has been dismissed and
permanently barred from teaching.

It also says it imposed administrative fines totaling 13-million-500-thousand
N.T.

The ministry has asked city officials to enter him into its database of
teachers deemed unfit to teach.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-10-29 15:01:14

Typhoon Champi has caused more than 446-million N.T. in agricultural damage
across Taiwan.

The Ministry of Agriculture's estimate covers agricultural products and
privately owned facilities as of yesterday afternoon.

Strong winds and flooding damaged crops, fishing equipment and livestock
buildings.

Premier Cho Jung-tai today called for stronger agricultural insurance
coverage and a review of disaster assistance.

Five weather-based insurance products have triggered estimated payouts
totaling 81-million N.T.

The government has also announced cash assistance and low-interest loans for
eligible farmers and fishing businesses.

Qualifying disaster loans will be interest-free through August 25 next year.

The ministry says insurance participation remains low for most crops, despite
much higher enrollment among rice farmers.

Cho also directed officials to maintain adequate food supplies and stable
prices.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-10-29 15:01:14

At least six people have died after Cyclone Arnab hit India's eastern coast,
with some areas still without power.

An Andhra Pradesh government official confirmed the toll, although local
media report higher figures.

The storm made landfall in the state early yesterday, bringing heavy rain and
strong winds.

State authorities say at least 15-thousand electricity poles were damaged.

Power has been restored in most districts, but disruptions continue in two
coastal areas.

Meanwhile, officials say a cargo ship carrying 20 crew members remains
grounded off Andhra Pradesh.

Rough seas have prevented the vessel from being moved.

The cyclone also damaged homes and crops as it swept through the region.

Posted on 2026-10-29 15:01:14

North Korea has fired around 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea
off its east coast, according to South Korea's military.

It says the missiles were launched near the coastal city of Wonsan at about
12:30 p.m. local time.

South Korea has stepped up surveillance and is preparing for possible
additional launches.

It is also sharing information with the United States and Japan.

Japanese authorities say a suspected ballistic missile fell outside Japan's
exclusive economic zone.

The launches come amid heightened tensions following a border-area mine
explosion that wounded South Korean soldiers last month.

North Korea's previous reported ballistic missile launches were on October
12.a

Posted on 2026-10-29 14:51:14

22 websites have been temporarily taken offline as authorities address
serious security flaws in PHP, a programming language used to run websites.

The Administration for Cyber Security says nearly 800 websites and systems
across almost 300 government agencies were affected.

As of yesterday, 460 had been patched.

The flaws could let attackers run code remotely without logging in, putting
services and data at risk.

Officials say older systems have slowed repairs.

Most of the websites taken offline belong to local governments or academic
research institutions.

The Ministry of Digital Affairs says there is no single deadline for
completing the remaining work, because systems need testing after repairs.

Agencies must report their progress daily.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-10-29 14:51:14

Meanwhile,

Puma Shen says, his office is responding to attempted attacks on his website
from foreign IP addresses.

The Taipei mayoral hopeful says, his office will adhere to the highest data
protection standards.

Shen says, in the first attempt, hackers attempted to access the official
system but failed to do so...

adding that, in the second attempt, hackers attempted to interfere with the
ability to download certain materials.

Shen stressed that his team had upgraded verification mechanisms to improve
cybersecurity.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-29 14:51:14

The Consumers' Foundation released a report showing gaps in 5G network
coverage along Taiwan High Speed Rail.

On-train testing commisioned by the foundation finds that Chunghwa Telecom
leading in 5G availability at nearly 93 percent.

Taiwan Mobile reached just over 90 percent availability while Far EasTone
registered 85 percent along the high-speed rail corridor.

Test results highlighted call disruptions and forced downgrades to 4G in
tunnel sections including Miaoli, Changhua, and Tainan.

The foundation urged carriers to accelerate network optimization, while rail
officials confirmed that telecom infrastructure upgrades in underground
sections and tunnels are scheduled for completion by later this year.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-29 14:51:14

Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro has declared himself Brazil's rightful
leader after arriving in Miami, despite losing Sunday's presidential
election.

He alleges President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and the Supreme Court stole
the vote, but has provided no evidence.

Official results show Lula won by more than 4-million votes.

Bolsonaro left Brazil after defying a Supreme Court order to surrender his
passports. The order concerns a money-laundering investigation. He denies
wrongdoing.

Brazil's electoral chief says the election met all legal and constitutional
requirements.

Bolsonaro initially called himself the elected president in an online letter,
then replaced that wording with "leader."

He thanked U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei
for helping him reach the United States.

Posted on 2026-10-29 14:51:14

El Salvador says its military deployment to Haiti will involve more than
2-thousand soldiers to rescue missing personnel and support operations
against gangs.

Four Salvadoran aircraft technicians remain missing after their vehicle was
ambushed near the capital, Port-au-Prince.

President Nayib Bukele has already sent troops, but their command structure
and length of stay remain unclear.

Haiti's government says the two countries will strengthen security
cooperation.

It has not clarified whether the new troops will join the U.N.-backed
anti-gang force or operate separately.

Meanwhile, Haiti has postponed its presidential and legislative elections
from December to July 18 next year.

A second round and local elections are scheduled for October.

Haiti has not held elections since 2016.

Successive transitional governments have delayed voting as armed gangs expand
their control.

Posted on 2026-10-29 14:51:14

Hello Kitty maker Sanrio has cancelled a merchandise partnership with
Japanese spy drama VIVANT following a backlash in China.

The range included soft toys of Hello Kitty and other characters dressed as
spies from the show.

Its latest season depicts a fictional Chinese intelligence agency capturing
and torturing Japanese agents.

The scenes drew criticism on Chinese social media and condemnation from state
media.

Sanrio's Chinese subsidiary apologised, saying content associated with the
collaboration conflicted with the group's values.

It says all related future projects and promotional activities have also been
cancelled.

Broadcaster TBS says the drama is entirely fictional and is not intended to
insult any country.

The dispute comes amid strained relations between Japan and China, which
remains an important market for Sanrio.

Posted on 2026-10-29 14:15:13

The Administration for Cyber Security says, it has dispatched staff to
correct a weakness in the Central Election Commission's wesbite that made it
possible to see some candidates' ID numbers.

They said that the problem involves website program processing and data
transmission issues.

The ACS adds that they are taking steps to help the CEC improve their website
and patch up potential weaknesses that could be vulnerable to hackers.

This comes after a coalition of smaller pan-green parties pointed out that
anyone looking at the CEC website could see the ID numbers of over 1500
candidates for mayor, magistrate, city councilor, and other positions.

The CEC emphasizes that the numbers were only visible to people who had
enough technical knowledge to be able to open a web developer application and
sort through the numbers on the back end of the website...

and were not directly visible upon just opening the website.

The ACS says that the issue occured because a data transmission workflow
failed to properly filter data fields.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-29 14:15:14

investigation

Prosecutors are seeking to detain New Taipei City Councilor Liao Yi Kun in a
vote-buying investigation.

Liao, of the DPP, is suspected to have offered free knife-sharpening services
to voters, as well as hosting banquets.

Prosecutors believe Liao and a campaign officer, surnamed Hsu, to have
violated the Public Officials Election and Recall Act.

Liao and Hsu allegedly formed "knife-sharpening teams" and would go door to
door, offering the service to voters.

An investigation determined that the market price of such a service is 150 to
200 NT.

On top of this, prosecutors also believe that Liao hosted banquets for voters
for them to attend free of charge.

Proescutors believe Liao may abscond or collude with others, and they've
applied for his detention.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-29 14:15:14

Nearly 4.7 million heart failure tablets are being recalled after testing
found excessive impurities.

The Food and Drug Administration says the recall covers eight batches of
Cidincor (心肯膜衣錠), sold in 1.25-milligram and 2.5-milligram strengths.

The medicine is used to treat stable, moderate to severe chronic heart
failure.

Officials say the problem was detected during testing at the end of the
medicine's two-year shelf life.

They suspect the impurities formed as ingredients broke down, potentially
affecting the drug's quality and effectiveness.

The company reported the findings and is recalling related batches as a
precaution.

It must complete the recall by November 6 and submit an investigation report
and measures to prevent further problems.

The FDA says alternative medicines are available, so shortages are not
expected.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-10-29 14:15:14

Taiwan shares are down today, with the benchmark tai ex losing 667 points to
close the session at 46368.

The turnover was 789.1 billion NT

Posted on 2026-10-29 14:15:14

Now turning to international news...

The US and Japan have agreed to establish a facility for producing
medium-range air-to-air missiles.

That's according to an announcement from the Japanese defense minister.

Minister Shinjiro Koizumi made the announcement after a meeting with his US
counterpart.

The missiles that will be produced at the Japanese facility are part of a
joint effort called "Operation Supercharge," and are apparently critical for
F-35 fighter jets.

That's as both Japan and the US continue to raise concerns over Chinese
military posturing in the Asia-Pacific.

Posted on 2026-10-29 12:44:13

The Army has grounded its Apache attack helicopters following a U.S. warning
about possible transmission problems.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo confirmed the suspension today, saying Taiwan
has received a technical notice from the United States.

He says Super Cobra attack helicopters and OH-58D reconnaissance helicopters
are taking over combat readiness duties.

Koo says officials hope to complete inspections quickly to confirm the
Apaches are safe to fly.

The U.S. Army ordered a temporary grounding earlier this month for AH-64E
Apaches fitted with a particular transmission system.

It says those aircraft require inspections and any necessary corrective work
following technical and flight safety assessments.

The U.S. announcement did not specify how many helicopters were affected.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-10-29 12:44:13

Taipei City Councilor Chen Chong-wen 陳重文 has posted bail in a vote buying
case.

Chen, of the KMT, is suspected of paying for voters' meals at a banquet in
Yangming Shan.

Investigators conducted searches last night and brought Chen and 20 others in
for questioning before releasing him on 800-thousand NT bail this morning.

Chen claims that he was only participating in the event and that someone
maliciously reported him for vote-buying.

He called the investigation "judicial interference."

Chen has already been sentenced to 9 years behind bars in a corruption case,
the appeal for which is being heard by the Taiwan High Court.

He's currently running for reelection as an independent in Taipei's first
district, representing Beitou and Shilin.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-29 12:44:13

The Railway Bureau announced a special walking tour to commemorate the
retirement of Tainan's century-old ground railway tracks.

The tours give 100 registered participants rare access to walk along
decommissioned ground-level rail lines.

Guided walks starting at historic Tainan Station will highlight century-old
railway infrastructure, turntable sites, and historical landmarks.

Online registration opened yesterday, and will remain open through Nov. 5-th,
or until all 100 participant slots are filled.

Following the completion of the Tainan Urban District Railway Underground
Project, surface rails will be dismantled for urban redevelopment.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-29 12:44:13

At least 68 people have died after a high-speed train hit another that had
stopped on the tracks in central Spain.

Regional authorities say 58 people were receiving hospital treatment after
Wednesday's crash near Urda, in Toledo province.

Both trains were traveling from Madrid to Seville.

Transport Minister Oscar Puente says a control center allowed the rear train
to resume its journey after a safety system failed.

He says it was given no speed restrictions, even though a stop signal
remained active.

The circumstances remain under investigation.

Spain has declared three days of national mourning, and high-speed services
between Madrid and Andalusia have been suspended.

The crash comes nine months after another collision involving the same two
rail operators killed 46 people in southern Spain.

Posted on 2026-10-29 12:44:13

Benjamin Netanyahu is set to remain Israel's caretaker prime minister after
an election left neither major bloc with a parliamentary majority.

With nearly 90 percent of votes counted, his right-wing alliance is projected
to win 53 seats in the 120-seat parliament.

Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot's bloc is projected to take 48.

Both fall short of the 61 seats needed for a majority.

Arab-led parties are projected to win the remaining 19 seats.

Their support could help the opposition form a government, but some of
Eisenkot's potential partners oppose such an alliance.

Netanyahu will remain in office while efforts to form a coalition continue.

Final results are still pending, and another election remains possible if no
government can be formed.

Posted on 2026-10-29 08:16:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

Central Bank Governor Yang Chin-long says inflation remains under control,
but consumer prices could face renewed pressure if government subsidies for
Tai-Power and C-P-C are withdrawn while global oil prices continue to rise.

Speaking at a hearing of the Legislative Finance Committee, Yang told
lawmakers that although consumer price index growth remains above 2-per cent,
the central bank considers inflation manageable because forecasters expect
global energy prices to moderate.

Consumer price index growth has been above the government's 2-per cent
inflation warning threshold for five consecutive months through September.

According to Yang, inflation should remain manageable if the government
continues its energy price stabilization measures even without the budget
allocations.

However, he also warned that if both budget support and energy subsidies are
withdrawn while global oil prices continue to rise, inflation could increase
further.

The statements come as the government is seeking support for a supplementary
budget bill aimed at stabilizing energy prices under C-P-C and Tai-Power in
response to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Posted on 2026-10-29 08:16:13

Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority has given approval to China Airlines and
EVA Airways to use the country’s airspace.

The moves comes only hours after a report surfaced saying that Islamabad had
barred the two carriers from its airspace in support of Beijing’s "one China"
policy.

Two documents dated Wednesday approve passenger and cargo flights operated by
EVA Airway and China Airlines from October 28 through March 27 next year.

The approval documents do not mention an earlier restriction or explain
whether the authorizations represent a reversal.

An initial report by Bloomberg quoted Pakistan's defense minister as saying
the country had closed its airspace to Taiwan carriers.

The Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar all withdrew overflight permissions
in April of this year for President Lai Ching-te's planned flight to
Eswatini.

The Lai administration has blamed pressure from Beijing for that denial.

Posted on 2026-10-29 08:16:13

China's Taiwan Affairs Office is denying involvement in a stage traffice
accident that targeted comedian, Huang Yi-hao in Taipei.

Five people were indicted in connection with the case last week.

Prosecutors have described it as an example of Chinese cross-border
repression intended to silence opposing political views, while the Lai
administration has accused Beijing of being behing the attack on the comedian
because he mocked Xi Jin-ping.

However, Beijing is acccusing the Lai administration of "provoking
confrontation" and stirring anti-China sentiment - saying the transnational
repression narrative promote Taiwan independence and arised every time there
is an election on the island.

Speaking to reporters in Beijing, Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen
Binhua said the D-P-P fabricates all kinds of pretext to stir up anti-China
sentiment, and provoke cross-strait confrontation, in an attempt to win
political power by misleading the Taiwanese public.

Chen went on say its "tired routine” repeated year after year."

The New Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has said evidence shows that
those involved in the attack were paid by a Chinese national who was upset by
Huang's performances mocking China's leader.

Posted on 2026-10-29 08:16:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Taiwan's ambassador to the Marshall Islands,
Herbert Hsu has returned home and will leave his post.

Hsu's being summond back to Taiwan comes amid controversy over a proposed
National Day drag show.

Reported earlier this month said the foreign ministry had rejected Hsu'
suggestion for the October 10 performance as "inappropriate."

Hsu was later criticized by lawmakers when video of a rehearsal for the event
emerged, showing him lying on a wooden bed that was being carried by eight
Marshallese men acting as litter bearers.

The head of the foreign ministry's Department of East Asian and Pacific
Affairs says Hsu was informed that an ambassador, he was expected to wear
formal attire and maintain a solemn demeanor when addressing attendees and
hosting the National Day celebrations.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung says his office had managed to "avert a major
controversy before it happened."

According to the foreign minister, Hsu was recalled to clarify the incident
and conduct related reviews to ensure that a similar incident would not
happen again.

He also says that the Lai administration remains in close contact with the
Marshall Islands government over the incident.

Posted on 2026-10-29 08:16:13

Pioneering children's book illustrator Cheng Ming-chin has died.

He was 95.

Cheng was born in Taipei and graduated from the art department of Taiwan
Provincial Normal School, before working as an elementary school art teacher
for 25 years.

He later took on various roles in children's publishing, including writing,
translating, editing and helping popularize picture books here in Taiwan.

Cheng helped lay the foundation for Taiwan's picture book industry by
introducing notable works from around the world and serving as a book
selector, translator and consultant.

He also wrote about prominent Taiwanese and international illustrators in
newspapers and magazines.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Cheng published nearly 50 illustrated
books, several of which have become classics of Taiwanese children's
literature.

Cheng was a recipient of a Golden Tripod Award for Outstanding Contributions
to Publishing.

Posted on 2026-10-29 08:16:13

And finally,

The Central Weather Administration says temperatures in the north are
expected to rise slightly today, as seasonal northeasterly winds weaken.

Some areas will see daytime highs reaching around 30-degrees, but overnight
temperatures will still fall to around 20 degrees.

Rain is still expected along the north coast and area in the eastern today
and afternoon showers remain possible in mountainous areas of the center and
south.

The rest of the island will see mostly cloudy to sunny skies.

The seasonal northeasterly winds are expected to strengthen again tomorrow
and into early Saturday - bringing showers to areas north of Taoyuan and
eastern Taiwan.

The rest of the island will remain mostly cloudy to sunny.

The winds are expected to weaken during the day on Saturday and bring mostly
cloudy to sunny conditions across Taiwan through the weekend.

Posted on 2026-10-29 06:59:13

President Lai Ching-te is warned against possible Chinese interference in the
upcoming local elections.

says Lai is said to have told the party's Central Standing Committee that
public should remain vigilant against China's cognitive warfare and attempts
to influence the vote through organized criminal groups or local
collaborators.

D-P-P spokesman Wu Chen quoted Lai as saying Beijing's election interference
has evolved beyond traditional propaganda ...

.. and it now includes artificial intelligence, cross-border repression and
coordinated online campaigns aimed at spreading disinformation, deepening
social divisions and eroding public trust in Taiwan's democratic
institutions.

The D-P-P spokesman also says Lai is urging party officials and candidates
not to be overly optimistic about their electoral prospects and to counter
false information through fact-checking and rational communication with
voters.

Posted on 2026-10-29 06:59:13

Meanwhile ,

K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun urged party supporters to turn out to vote in
the upcoming local elections as campaigning enters its final month.

While the opening of Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an's campaign headquarters may
have boosted party morale, Chent said K-M-T members should not get
complacent, as turnout will be critical to the election outcome.

She added the Taipei mayoral race has entered a "close combat" stage, with
different opinion polls showing the K-M-T and D-P-P candidates alternating in
the lead.

Cheng asked supporters to go back to their registered residences to vote on
November 28, as D-P-P supporters have traditionally had stronger voting
habits, while K-M-T supporters are less consistent, making mobilization
especially important.

She revealed plans for the K-M-T establish an islandwide election monitoring
system to observe polling and vote counting and is describing the election as
an "asymmetric war" and an "unfair" contest, arguing the D-PP has mobilized
the "machinery of the state."

Posted on 2026-10-29 06:59:13

European Parliament member Rihards Kols has presented President Lai Ching-te
with a joint statement signed by more than 30 lawmakers from across Europe.

The statement was issued at the October 24 annual meeting of the Formosa
Club, a group of European and Canadian lawmakers that works to strengthen
relations with Taiwan.

Kols, the statement addresses the pressures faced by democratic societies,
including military intimidation, economic coercion, disinformation, and
attempts at cross-border repression.

Kol says the statement outlines areas in which the partnership between Taiwan
and Europe should deepen, including cooperation on trusted supply chains for
artificial intelligence, drones, advanced semiconductors and other critical
technologies.

Lai thanked Formosa Club members for taking concrete action in support of
Taiwan, including speaking up for Taiwan at international assemblies, passing
legislation in support of Taiwan and issuing joint statements.

Kols is from Latvia's National Alliance.

Posted on 2026-10-29 06:59:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Greg Lee has been removed from his post
as head of Taiwan's representative office in Geneva after an investigative
team found he had engaged in workplace bullying.

The statement comes after reports said the Cabinet had approved the
ministry's recommendation to recall Lee to Taipei, and that he began working
at it Department of Treaty and Legal Affairs on Monday of this week.

Lee's removal from his post in Geneva followed a ruling by an ad hoc
investigative team that he had engaged in workplace bullying.

The team's findings were released on October 7 and found that Lee frequently
"shouted and yelled" during meetings and repeatedly criticized or obstructed
some of his subordinates in the office.

The team concluded that Lee had abused his position of power, exceeded the
necessary and reasonable scope of his duties, and continuously created a
hostile work environment through threats, offenses, insults or other means.

Lee was also accused of misusing public resources for personal purposes in
late July.

The foreign ministry has not said if the allegations are being investigated.

Posted on 2026-10-29 06:59:13

The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has indicted an elementary school
teacher for allegedly sexually assaulting 38 students.

The male teacher was employed at the school from 2010 until earlier this year.

Prosecutors say the teacher exploited his position at an after-school Lego
club and other activities to sexually assault and molest male students.

The incidents reportedly took place across several locations including his
home and at school.

The teachers also made video recordings of the victims' private parts or
sexual acts, which he then saved to his computer and portable hard drives in
files labeled with each child's name and a description of the contents.

The man has been charged with multiple violations of the Child and Youth
Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act and Criminal Code.

Prosecutors are seeking a 30 year prison sentence - citing the severity of
his crimes, the impact on the victims and their families, and the legislative
intent to increase penalties for child abuse.

Posted on 2026-10-29 06:59:13

Uber has launched an hourly vehicle charter service in Taipei, New Taipei,
Keelung, Taoyuan and Hsinchu.

The service allows users to book a driver and vehicle for a set period rather
than a single point-to-point trip.

Uber says the service operates in partnership with local transport companies
and means users can book vehicles for periods ranging from two to 10
hours.... and is suited to sightseeing tours, outings with family or friends
and travel between cities.

Users can customize their itineraries and book trips between 48 hours and 90
days before departure.

Uber says it plans to expand the service to other cities and counties.

Posted on 2026-10-29 06:59:13

And,

The Taipei Metro will extend operating hours at three stations and run
additional trains for this year's Nuit Blanche arts festival this Saturday at
Taipei Expo Park.

Yuanshan, Minquan West Road and Zhongshan Elementary School stations will
remain open for entry and exit until 2AM on Sunday.

While nearby Shuanglian, Zhongshan and Taipei Main stations will allow
passengers to exit only, but will not permit entry or transfers during the
extended service period.

After regular services end on Saturday night, additional trains will run
approximately every 20-minutes, operating one-way from Yuanshan to Taipei
Main Station and from Zhongshan Elementary School to Minquan West Road.

The Taipei Metro will also be reducing train intervals on the Bannan Line to
approximately 2.5 to 3-minutes on Saturday to accommodate several events,
including concerts at Taipei Dome and the annual Taiwan L-G-B-T Pride parade.

Posted on 2026-10-29 06:59:13

Two Conservative activists have been charged with unlawful voting and
identity theft in Minnesota.

A prosecutor says James O'Keefe and Cam Higby allegedly gave false names to
poll workers during the state's primary election.

The men wore costumes similar to attire worn by some Muslims and used fake
accents during the incident, which they recorded for a YouTube video.

Poll workers noticed their behavior and alerted election officials, who
contacted police.

Prosecutors say the system worked well to identify and respond to misconduct.

Posted on 2026-10-29 06:59:13

Legendary labor organizer Dolores Huerta has died at the age of 96.

She co-founded what would become the United Farm Workers union with Cesar
Chavez...

Huerta made headlines this year... and she shocked the Latino community and
activist circles by revealing that Chavez had sexually abused her in the
1960s, leading to the birth of two children.

Huerta said she'd kept it secret because she feared coming forward would
compromise her life’s work and unravel the progress made.

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham
Clinton called Huerta a champion of working Americans.

Posted on 2026-10-28 19:43:13

Prosecutors have brought Taipei City Councilor Chen Chong Wen (陳重文) in for
questioning over potential violations of the Public Officials Election and
Recall Act.

Chen, of the opposition KMT, was already sentenced to 9 years behind bars on
corruption charges, and his appeal is currently being heard by the Taiwan
High Court.

Having failed to secure the KMT's nomination in this year's elections, Chen
is running as an independent for reelection in Taipei's first district,
representing Shilin and Beitou.

Following searches, prosecutors brought Chen and others back for questioning.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-28 19:43:13

Taiwan People's Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang is calling on authorities to
identify those responsible for a series of cyberattacks on the party's
website and internal systems.

Huang made the remarks as he visited the Criminal Investigation Bureau to
file a criminal complaint.

He described the attacks as targeted and systematic, saying hackers had
attempted to seize control of the party's website and lock out its
administrators.

Huang says the attacks also targeted a policy database containing sensitive
information, including meeting records and party policy documents.

He says the latest attack forced the party to temporarily shut down its
official website.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-28 19:43:13

Uber has launched an hourly car-hire service in five cities in northern
Taiwan, allowing customers to book a driver for up to 10 hours.

The ride-hailing platform says the service is available in Taipei, New
Taipei, Keelung, Taoyuan and Hsinchu, through partnerships with local
transport companies.

Customers can book a vehicle for between two and 10 hours, customize their
itineraries and arrange trips from 48 hours to 90 days in advance.

Uber says the service is designed for sightseeing, family outings and travel
between cities, and it plans to expand to other parts of Taiwan.

The company says independent travelers account for more than 90 percent of
domestic tourism in Taiwan, while nearly 80 percent of trips are day trips.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-10-28 19:43:13

At least 10 people have been killed after a high-speed train crashed into the
back of another train in central Spain ... with authorities warning the death
toll could rise.

The collision happened in Toledo province, on a route connecting Madrid with
the southern city of Seville.

Both trains were traveling in the same direction when one struck the other,
which had stopped.

The crash derailed two carriages and is disrupting train services between
Madrid and southern Spain.

Emergency crews are working to rescue survivors and recover bodies.

The cause of the crash remains unknown.

The trains were operated by state-owned Renfe and private company Iryo ....
which were involved in a separate deadly collision in southern Spain in
January, which killed 46 people.

Posted on 2026-10-28 19:43:13

China says it has taken note of an apology from French soccer star Kylian
Mbappé {em-BAH-pay} over comments about Mao Zedong, the founding leader of
Communist China.

China's Foreign Ministry said today that it takes the apology seriously,
while state media warned that celebrities risk losing business if they cross
political red lines.

Mbappé apologized yesterday after an online interview in which he appeared to
refer to Mao as a dictator - which sparked a backlash in China.

Three Chinese companies have ended commercial partnerships with the Real
Madrid forward, while state television has suspended broadcasts of Spanish
league matches.

The incident was the latest in which China has used its market to compel
foreign brands and individuals to apologize for perceived slights.

Posted on 2026-10-28 19:43:13

South Korea has fined Google and Apple a combined 47.6 million U-S dollars
for abusing their dominance in app stores by restricting developers' payment
options and unfairly delaying app reviews.

The country's media and telecommunications regulator fined Google 32 million
U-S dollars and Apple 15.5 million dollars after an investigation into
possible violations of a 2021 law designed to prevent app stores from forcing
developers to use their own payment systems.

The regulator says both companies imposed fees and restrictions that made
alternative payment methods less attractive, while also delaying app reviews
without clearly explaining the reasons.

It has ordered Google and Apple to allow South Korean developers to link to
external payment options within their apps and improve their review
procedures.

South Korea was the first country to introduce a law prohibiting app store
operators from requiring developers to use their own in-app payment systems.

Posted on 2026-10-28 18:58:13

The Taiwan Alzheimer Disease Association is urging candidates in the upcoming
local elections to address regional gaps in dementia diagnosis and care.

The association cited the latest data from the National Health Research
Institutes ...

.... which show that ten counties and cities fall below the national average
of 67.6 percent in estimated dementia diagnosis and care coverage.

Those include Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan and Taichung.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare estimates that nearly 400-thousand people
in Taiwan will be living with dementia this year ... with that number
expected to approach 600-thousand by 2036.

The association has put forward six policy demands, including earlier
detection, better access to diagnosis and care, stronger support for family
caregivers and more dementia-friendly communities.

It is also calling for greater protection of patients' rights and better
coordination between government departments.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-28 18:58:13

Taoyuan Mayor Chang San-cheng (張善政) says a feasibility study for the Taoyuan
Metro Orange Line will be submitted to transport authorities this month.

The proposed 34.5-kilometer transit network includes 36 stations and a
dedicated line serving the Longtan Science Park.

Chang confirmed that construction will prioritize the Pingzhen and Longtan
segment to meet industrial and transit demands.

The system is expected to serve over 80 percent of Taoyuan's population while
cutting commute times by one-third.

The mayor says city officials will work closely with the central government
through the review processes, in order to secure Executive Yuan approval and
expedite construction schedules.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-28 18:58:13

In other transport news,

Taipei Metro will extend operating hours at three stations this Saturday to
accommodate visitors attending the Nuit Blanche arts festival at Taipei Expo
Park.

Taipei Metro says Yuanshan, Minquan West Road and Zhongshan Elementary School
stations will remain open for entry and exit until 2 AM Sunday.

Additional trains will run about every 20 minutes after regular service ends,
connecting Yuanshan with Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan Elementary School
with Minquan West Road.

Nearby Shuanglian, Zhongshan and Taipei Main stations will allow passengers
to exit, but not enter or transfer between lines, during the extended hours.

The metro operator will also run trains more frequently on the Bannan Line to
handle crowds attending concerts at Taipei Dome and the annual Taiwan LGBT
Pride parade.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-10-28 18:58:13

Registration is now open for the Ministry of Education's Taiwanese-language
proficiency test next March ... with applications accepted until November
23rd.

The exams will take place on March 6th and 7th next year, and are open to
people of all nationalities and ages.

The registration fee is 250 NT, but applicants aged 19 and under can take the
test for free.

The exam has three levels, with Level A scheduled for March 6th and Levels B
and C taking place the following day.

The ministry says the test is now fully computer-based, except for the
writing section, which remains paper-based.

Children aged six and under, along with seniors aged 65 and over, can apply
for special assistance if they have difficulty using a computer.

An online practice platform is also available to help candidates prepare.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-28 17:09:13

Prosecutors have brought in New Taipei City Councilor Liao Yi Kun for
questioning in a vote buying investigation.

Liao, of the DPP, is suspected of offering free knife sharpening services to
residents and paying for their meals.

The case is being investigated under the Public Officials Election and Recall
Act.

Liao has served as a city councilor for New Taipei's 8th electoral district
since 2018...

representing Tucheng, Shulin, Sanxia, and Yingge.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-28 17:09:13

The Directorate General of Personnal Administration says, it will raies
salaries of civil servants both this and next year in order to stem
resignations.

That's as DPP Lawmaker Zhang Ya Lin has raised concerns over a lack of civil
servants.

She noted that, between 2022 and last year, over 10,000 civil servants across
the country handed in their resignations, with over half not having been in
the job for 5 years.

Meanwhile over 40% of those resignations were due to having found another job
or opportunity.

The Executive Yuan says, the shortage can be chalked up to two main reasons,
the first being low birth rates...

and the second being that they say the hiring environment has been too
competitive in recent years.

So, the DGPA says, it will make the salaries more attractive to improve
retention rates.

They say, next year, civil servants can expect their salaries to increase by
4% to bring them more into the range of private sector jobs.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-28 17:09:13

The Taiwan High Speed Rail says, it's adding 40 more trains for election
day...

as voters head home to cast their ballots.

Those added trains will be from Friday, November 27th to Monday the 30th...

with the election taking place on the 28th.

THSR says, the tickets will go on sale tomorrow evening.

Of the 40 added trains, just over half will be northbound trains, while the
rest will be southbound ones.

Passengers can get the tickets starting at midnight on the 30th on the T-EX
app or on THSR's website.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-28 14:50:13

The Taiwanese representative to Switzerland, Greg Lee, has been removed from
his post following an investigation that concluded he had engaged in
workplace bullying.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that Lee has returned to Taiwan and is
now working at MOFA's Taipei offices.

The statement comes after reports said that the Cabinet had approved the
ministry's recommendation to recall Lee to Taipei.

An investigation determined that Lee frequently "shouted and yelled" during
meetings and repeatedly criticized some subordinates.

The team concluded that Lee had indeed abused his position of power and
created a hostile work environment.

As to accusations that Lee had misused public resources, MOFA did not say if
those allegations were being investigated or not.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-10-28 14:50:13

Researchers in Taiwan are warning of a nearly untreatable "superbug" with
global public health implications.

Researchers at Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang Ming Chiao
Tung University have identified a new mutation in a drug-resistant strain of
"Klebsiella pneumoniae" ...

... a common cause of infections in hospitals ... that can cause pneumonia
and urinary tract infections.

The mutation changes the structure of a protein targeted by antibiotics,
making several classes of drugs less effective.

The strain was found in samples from two hospitalized COVID-19 patients in
2021.

Both patients recovered.

However, the researchers warned that the bacteria could become even harder to
treat if they develop further mutations .... or gain the ability to break
down antibiotics that work against a wide range of bacteria.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-10-28 14:50:13

Haze

Indonesia and Singapore have agreed to work together more closely to tackle
illegal land burning, which has blanketed Southeast Asia with a toxic haze in
recent weeks.

On Tuesday, the foreign ministers of the two countries agreed to form a task
force to enhance enforcement of regulations and explore new regulations.

The haze mainly comes from fires started to clear land for farming in western
Indonesia.

This year’s fires are the worst on record, partly because of hotter and drier
weather attributed to the El Niño weather pattern.

The situation has raised health concerns and public backlash in the region.

Singapore has sent warning letters to Indonesian companies that may be linked
to the fires, while Indonesia has taken legal action against individuals and
companies.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-10-28 14:50:13

A U.S. cruise ship on a residential world voyage has suspended its operations
in Cambodia due to fuel costs, forcing hundreds of passengers to abandon
their floating homes.

The Odyssey set sail two years ago on a 3 and a half-year voyage marketed as
combining long-term living at sea with global travel.

Florida-based Villa Vie Residences said monthly fuel expenses per cabin that
once averaged $1-thousand-800 US dollars, or 58-thousand N-T, have reached an
estimated $6,000 to $8,000 dollars, or $194-thousand N-T to $260-thousand
N-T, in parts of Asia during the war in Iran.

The ship carried 203 passengers with 15 nationalities, mostly Americans, and
156 crew members.

Passengers have been told to leave the ship, but the crew’s status was
unclear.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-10-28 14:19:13

bikes

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications says, it will propose
amendments to the law that will aim to strengthen penalties for driving
electric mini scooters while under the influence.

The ministry says, it will pass the proposal over to the Executive Yuan next
month.

The MOTC adds that the amendments will aim to equalize penalties for driving
the e scooters while impaired to those for driving a car or motorbike.

This comes as statistics from the Ministry of the Interior show a 717%
increase in the first 9 months of the year for drugged driving on the e
scooters...

as compared to the same time last year.

The MOTC notes that availability of rapid saliva testing for drugs has
contributed to the ability to confirm drug-impaired driving.

According to the ministry, proposed penalties will be the same as those for
driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol...

with vehicles confiscated and license plates impounded.

The ministry says it will submit the proposals to the Cabinet by the end of
next month.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-28 14:19:13

Taipei prosecutors are seeking 30 years behind bars for a Taipei teacher
accused of molesting nearly 40 students.

The elementary school teacher, surnamed Zhou, is accused of assaulting and
taking inappropriate videos of male students as far back as 2010.

He allegedly used opportunities to get close to students, like playing video
games or basketball with them, in order to take advantage of them.

Zhou is believed to have taken the kids to several sites around Taipei and
New Taipei to carry out the assaults and take explicit videos.

He allegedly organized the video files by the child's name and the time it
was taken and stored them all on a computer and hard drive.

The case came to light when victims grew up and recognized the incidents as
assault and reported it to police.

Authorities in July and August carried out searches of Zhou's home and
workplace and ultimately received permission to detain him incommunicado.

Zhou is believed to have assaulted 38 children, and prosecutors are
requesting that he receive the maximum sentence permissible under the law.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-28 14:19:13

Taiwan shares shot up today, with the benchmark tai ex gaining 939 points to
close the session at 47035.

The turnover was 722.1 billion NT.

Posted on 2026-10-28 14:19:13

The United Nations is set to vote on a resolution condemning the decades-long
US economic embargo on Cuba.

That's as the Trump administration intensifies its campaign to undermine the
Cuban government.

The vote is aimed at calling out the US' so-called "maximum pressure policy"
and the resolution has been put before the UN General Assembly for the past
34 years.

All of those 34 times, the measure has received overwhelming support from UN
member states.

The condemnation is expected to again pass by a large margin this year, but
it's not clear if the Trump administration's overt campaign to influence the
vote will result in more oppositions than before.

Such resolutions are not legally binding, but do reflect public opinion.

The vote comes as Cuba is weathering deepening financial crises while the
U.S. increases its already punishing economic campaign.

Posted on 2026-10-28 08:15:14

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

The central government's proposed 2027 general budget has now been referred
to committee review in the Legislative Yuan.

The bill advanced after Premier Cho Jung-tai answered lawmakers' questions
about the government's spending plan.

The 3.92-trillion N-T general budget proposal includes 235.7-billion N-T for
the cash handouts of 10,000 N-T each.

The government says those cash handouts will be funded entirely by higher tax
revenue from growth in technology-related industries amid forecast economic
growth of 11.05-per cent this year.

The government is stressing that the handouts are intended to let the public
share in the benefits of economic growth driven by Taiwan's booming high-tech
sector.

Under the Cabinet's proposal, eligible recipients of the 10,000 N-T one-time
cash handout include citizens with household registration and nationals
without household registration who have obtained residence permits.

Foreign nationals with permanent residence permits will also be eligible, as
will spouses of Taiwanese nationals from China, Hong Kong, Macau or other
countries who hold residence permits.

The K-M-T has submitted a competing bill, which would require the government
to issue 20,000 N-T cash handouts.

Posted on 2026-10-28 08:15:14

The Nuclear Safety Commission says the latest discharge of treated wastewater
containing tritium from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is not
expected to affect waters around Taiwan.

According to the commission the 25th round of discharges began Monday and is
expected to continue for 19 days, with about 7,800 metric tons of wastewater
to be released.

The commission says the wastewater is expected to mainly affect waters off
eastern Japan, while tritium concentrations in waters around Taiwan are
forecast to remain below the minimum detectable level of monitoring
instruments.

That forecast is based on date provided be the Central Weather Administration
here in Taiwan and information from Japan's Tokyo Electric Power Company.

Japan began releasing treated wastewater from the disabled plant in August
2023.

It has since completed 24 rounds of discharges, releasing a total of about
188,000 cubic meters of wastewater.

The Nuclear Safety Commission says is has been monitoring radiation levels
in surrounding waters.

Authorities have analyzed more than 20,000 samples since 2017 and no abnormal
radiation detected.

Posted on 2026-10-28 08:15:14

Defense Minister Wellington Koo is accusing Beijing of waging "cognitive
warfare" over its coverage of this past weekend's Retrocession Day holiday.

It commemorates the end of 50 years of Japanese colonial rule and the
transfer of Taiwan to the Republic of China in 1945.

However, China marked the anniversary by releasing high-resolution satellite
pictures of Taipei, including the city's main train station and the National
Palace Museum.

China's Eastern Theatre Command also published a poster with a map of Taiwan
superimposed on images of fighter jets and warships, with the title
"Remember the history of the restoration."

Speaking to reporters prior to a legislative hearing, Koo said China is using
the anniversary to carry out "cognitive warfare" against the island and the
Republic of China's status in 1945 had nothing to do with the People's
Republic of China - as it wasn't established until 1949.

According to Koo, the release of pro-unification imagery by China is further
evidence that Beijing's determination to annex Taiwan by force has never
changed ... and people should be even more vigilant.

Posted on 2026-10-28 08:15:14

The Tainan District Court has ordered a Taiwanese man suspected of
involvement in his wife's death in Japan last week to be detained.

The order was issue following a request by Tainan District Prosecutors'
Office, who sought his detention citing concerns that he posed a flight risk
and could destroy evidence.

According to the prosecutors' office, the man is suspected of being involved
in the apparent murder of his wife and attempted fraud.

The man's Taiwanese wife was found stabbed to death at a hotel in a resort
town in the northern foothills of Mount Fuji on October 19.

Japanese police later arrested a Taiwanese woman for her alleged involvement
in the case.

Prosecutors in Tainan opened it own investigation into the case at the
request of the Criminal Investigation Bureau's International Affairs Division
on October 22.

The investigation found that the man traveled to Japan after his wife's death
to handle the funeral arrangements, and was found to have taken out two
travel insurance policies before her death, worth 10-million and 20-million
N-T.

He was arrested on his return to Taiwan.

Posted on 2026-10-28 08:15:14

The Financial Supervisory Commission says number of clients of Taiwan-owned
banks with assets of more than 100-million N-T surpassed 32,000 at the end of
September.

According to the F-S-C, data shows the local banking sector had 32,326
high-asset clients at the end of September and that's up 1,730 from a month
earlier.

Although the high-asset clients have assets of over 100-million N-T, not all
of their assets are entrusted to banks because their wealth portfolio
includes real estate or other property holdings.

However, the actual assets of these wealthy clients under management by
Taiwan-owned banks still averaged just over 100-million N-T to total
3.24-trillion N-T at the end of September.

That was up from 129.4-billion N-T from a month earlier.

The Financial Supervisory Commission says the growth in financial asset
holdings and high-wealth clients reflects a sustained increase in the values
of stocks and other financial assets, with the Tai-Ex's benchmark index up 4
percent in September alone.

Posted on 2026-10-28 08:15:14

And finally,

The Central Weather Administration says residents of northern and eastern
Taiwan will see rain today, as northeasterly winds continue to strengthen,
bringing cooler weather to the island.

The seasonal winds are expected to bring localized showers to areas north of
Taoyuan, the east and the Hengchun Peninsula in the south.

Partly cloudy to sunny skies are forecast for elsewhere across the island.

Areas north of Taoyuan will also see a drop temperature today - with highs
reaching reaching only 23 degrees.

The northeasterly winds are expected to weaken tomorrow and Friday, but brief
scattered showers could still occur along the coast of Keelung and in eastern
Taiwan.

The northeasterly winds are forecast to pick up again on Saturday, once again
bringing brief scattered showers to areas north of Taoyuan and the Yilan
areas, with isolated showers possible in the east.

Those brief showers could persist in parts of northern and eastern Taiwan on
Sunday and into Monday, while other areas could see partly cloudy to sunny
skies.

Posted on 2026-10-28 06:53:13

European experts are urging closer cooperation on artificial intelligence and
drones between Europe and Taiwan in order to avoid overdependence on China.

The call was made during the "Trusted Technology Forum for Democracies"
forum, co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Formosa Club,
a network connecting pro-Taiwan parliamentarians across Europe.

John Hemmings, of the UK-based Henry Jackson Society, said the Russians and
the Chinese are already cooperating on their technology.

Hemmings stressed the need for Taiwan and Europe to agree on what constitutes
a "red-free supply chain model," develop a list of certified suppliers and
then establish a policy-oriented drone supply chain office to draft
reciprocal testing and evaluation protocols.

Meanwhile, Antonio Calcara, of the V-U-B research university in Brussels,
called on both sides to combine their respective strengths to boost
cooperation on A-I.

Calcara said Europe is known for its industrial engineering and research and
development capabilities, as well as its potentially huge A-I market, while
Taiwan produces some of the world's most advanced semiconductors and the
servers needed to power advanced AI models.

Posted on 2026-10-28 06:53:13

Saint Lucia's Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has arrived in Taiwan for a
five-day state visit.

He's leading a delegation that includes are Saint Lucia's Attorney General
Leslie Mondesir, Senator Allison A. Jean, and chairman of the Saint Lucia
Development Bank, Daryl Raymond.

It is the Saint Lucian leader's fourth visit to Taiwan since taking office in
the summer of 2021.

President Lai Ching-te will host a military honors ceremony to welcome
Pierre, and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung will host a banquet for him.

Both sides are also hold talks on issues of mutual interest and prospects for
future cooperation.

The Saint Lucian delegation will also visit Cathay General Hospital, the
Taipei 101 skyscraper and the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Museum of
Innovation in Hsinchu.

Posted on 2026-10-28 06:53:13

The Taiwan Equality Campaign says 191 candidates running for local government
posts have expressed support for gender equality by signing up for its "Pride
Watch" website.

The group said after registering on the "Pride Watch" website, candidates
need to complete a "Friendly Candidate Questionnaire" to indicate their
positions on gender equality issues

Candidates can also use the website to list their relevant policy pledges and
past proposals or inter-pellations raised during council sessions.

The Taiwan Equality Campaign, says "Pride Watch" has attracted over 100,000
views each election cycle since the website was first launched in 2018.

A total of 245 candidates registered on the website in the 2022 local
elections and of that number 87 were ultimately elected as local councilors.

Those elected councilors put forward at least 233 gender-related proposals
and 104 inter-pellations in local councils over the following four years.

Posted on 2026-10-28 06:53:13

The Centers for Disease Control says vaccination rates for flu, COVID-19 and
pneumococcal disease have risen this year for both publicly funded and
self-paid vaccines.

Data shows about 2.725-million adults aged 18 and older received publicly
funded flu vaccinations between October 1 and 26, while 288,000 other adults
paid out of pocket for the shots.

More than 1.17-million people received publicly funded COVID-19 vaccinations
and 188 had paid out of pocket, while 104,000 people had received publicly
funded vaccinations and 3,000 had paid out of pocket for pneumococcal disease
vaccinations.

The C-D-C says the rise in people choosing to get vaccinated is partly due to
a health token initiative.

That initiative was launched on October 1 and means that people receive 450
tokens for getting a flu shot, 900 for a COVID-19 vaccination and 600 for a
pneumococcal vaccination.

The second phase of the government's publicly funded flu and COVID-19
vaccination programs begins on November 2 - expanding eligibility to people
aged 50 to 64 without chronic illnesses.

Posted on 2026-10-28 06:53:13

An elementary school resource teacher in Pingtung is under investigation amid
allegations they repeatedly brought a fruit knife onto campus, climbed
through classroom windows and took special education students out of class
without permission.

The school reported the teacher's actions through the campus safety system
and convened a meeting to determine whether the teacher is fit to continue
teaching.

The National Federation of Education Unions says accounts from classroom
teachers and parents show the teacher at the school in Changzhi Township had
been behaving erratically since the start of the school year.

The teacher allegedly refused to teach classes that provide extra help to
students with special needs and failed to draw up legally required
individualized education programs.

The National Federation of Education Unions says those actions severely
impacted students' education and it's criticizing the school's handling of
the case - saying the principal failed to keep the teacher away from
students.

Posted on 2026-10-28 06:53:13

The Civil Aviation Administration has fined Tigerair Taiwan 200,000 N-T after
it failed to repair an Airbus A320neo within a designated timeframe.

Regulatory records show the airline exceeded the required maintenance
timeline for the combustion chamber on one of the aircraft's engines.

The aircraft was allowed to fly in September of 2025, that's despite problems
with its No. 2 engine.

The C-A-A it mandated immediate corrective actions following the violation.

Tigerair Taiwan says an error during flight rescheduling meant the aircraft
wasn't repaired by the deadline, but after it's internal safety system
identified the issue, the Airbus A320neo was inspected and repaired
immediately.

The carrier says it informed the Civil Aviation Administration the same day
the repairs were carried out.

However, Tigerair Taiwan also says it will step-up its verification and
repair check controls.

Posted on 2026-10-28 06:53:13

And,

Vehicle owners will soon have a chance to bid for lucky license plate numbers.

The license plate numbers up for auction include combinations of repeating
digits.

The Hsinchu City Motor Vehicles Office is running an online auction from
November 3 though 5.

The auction includes 820 license plates for commercial passenger vehicles and
more than 6,500 for motorcycles.

Starting bids for the most sought-after combinations will be 6,000 NT for
commercial vehicles and 3,000 for motorcycles.

The office says repeating numbers such as "1-1-1-1," "7-7-7-7," "8-8-8-8" and
"9-9-9-9" are especially sought after combinations because of their
auspicious meanings in Chinese.

"1-1-1-1" symbolizes having a successful career, "7-7-7-7" is meant to bring
good fortune, "8-8-8-8" also symbolizes great wealth, while "9-9-9-9"
signifies peace and longevity.

Bidders must register on the Hsinchu Motor Vehicles Office website and the
winning bidders must pay for the license plates within 24-hours of the
auction's conclusion.

Posted on 2026-10-28 06:53:13

In Europe...

Thousands of people are protesting against Portugal's deepening housing
crisis, gathering outside Parliament in Lisbon.

Recent demonstrations have been inspired by similar protests in Spain over
unaffordable housing.

Police have used batons and dogs to break up protests in the capital's main
squares.

Housing costs in Portugal have surged, with one-bedroom apartments in Lisbon
costing around 1,500 euros monthly.

The government has introduced measures like lowering taxes on new
construction and restricting short-term rentals, but the effects won't be
immediate.

Posted on 2026-10-28 06:53:13

Indian authorities have evacuated tens of thousands of people from vulnerable
coastal areas in the eastern state of Andhra Pradesh... as a severe cyclone
over the Bay of Bengal is expected to make landfall along the country’s east
coast.

The India Meteorological Department says Cyclone Arnab strengthened into a
“very severe” cyclonic storm and was expected to make landfall along the
Andhra Pradesh coast in the coming hours with gusting winds and heavy rain.

At least 89,000 people have so far been evacuated in Andhra Pradesh.

The state’s disaster management authority said more than 12 million people
live along the cyclone’s expected path.

Posted on 2026-10-27 19:07:14

The Civil Aviation Administration fined Tigerair Taiwan NT$200,000 over an
overdue engine inspection on an Airbus aircraft.

Regulatory records show the airline exceeded the required maintenance
timeline for the combustion chamber on one of its engines.

The CAA mandated immediate corrective actions following the civil aviation
law violation.

Tigerair Taiwan stated the issue resulted from a time calculation discrepancy
during flight scheduling in September 2025.

The airline emphasizes that it discovered the error, completed the inspection
the same day, and voluntarily notified aviation regulators.

Tigerair is promising enhanced verification controls moving forward.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-27 19:07:14

The Central Bank says that foreign institutional investors have been a
primary factor behind the Taiwan dollar's recent sharp depreciation against
the U-S dollar.

In a written report to the Legislative Yuan, the bank revealed that foreign
investors recorded over $54 billion U-S dollars in net fund outflows since
July ...

... driven by global tech stock sell-offs amid AI spending concerns and
escalating Middle East tensions.

In response, the central bank said it sold over $17 billion U-S dollars in
foreign reserves during the first half of the year to curb foreign exchange
market volatility.

Officials stress that despite capital flight, the Taiwan dollar's 3.23
percent decline this year through mid-October remains less pronounced than
other currencies, including the the euro, and the Thai baht.

The bank says it aims to keep the Taiwan dollar as stable as it can ... to
help Taiwanese exporters stabilize prices and secure orders, while supporting
the broader economy.

Posted on 2026-10-27 19:07:14

A Taiwanese man surnamed Lee has been detained incommunicado following the
suspicious death of his wife at a hotel in Japan.

The Tainan District Court approved the detention order on Monday after
prosecutors raised concerns that Lee might flee or destroy evidence.

Lee’s wife, surnamed Ching, was found fatally stabbed on October 19th in
Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture.

Japanese police initially arrested a 27-year-old Taiwanese woman surnamed
Yang at the scene after finding her in possession of a kitchen knife.

Tainan prosecutors launched an investigation after discovering that Lee had
taken out two travel insurance policies on his wife shortly before her death,
totaling 30 million NT.

Contact records between Lee and Yang were also uncovered, pointing to
potential coordination.

Lee was arrested upon returning to Taiwan from Japan on October 24th, and his
role in the alleged murder and insurance fraud remains under investigation.

Posted on 2026-10-27 19:07:14

U.K. prosecutors say that two men have been charged with national security
offenses over last month’s incident at RAF Fairford ....

.... a U.S.-run military base in England.

The Crown Prosecution Service said that 24-year-olds Mohmed Abdulkarim and
Nouman Essghir were both charged under the National Security Act.

Abdulkarim is charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service and
Essghir with entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the
U.K.

The base has been used for strikes on Iran.

Scores of residents were evacuated from their homes near the base late
September .... as armed police officers and army bomb-disposal experts
swarmed the rural area.

Posted on 2026-10-27 19:07:14

A report into why Iranian warships took part in naval drills off South
Africa’s coast this year against the instructions of the country’s president
has been finalized.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's office said Tuesday the report
would remain confidential while he reviews it.

The participation of Iran alongside Chinese and Russian ships off Cape Town
in January came at a time of heightened tensions between the United States
and Iran.

It sparked harsh U-S criticism of South Africa.

The South African investigation looked at whether senior members of the armed
forces ignored Ramaphosa's instructions that Iran be excluded from the
drills.

Posted on 2026-10-27 19:07:14

Russia and Ukraine have started a localized ceasefire in the southern
Ukrainian city of Oleshky ... through to Saturday.

The pause began Tuesday at 3 AM local time to allow a humanitarian mission,
brokered by U-S first lady Melania Trump, to deliver aid.

The situation in Oleshky is dire, with food and medical supplies running low
for the 2,000 people stranded there.
Despite the ceasefire, Russia continues missile attacks on other Ukrainian
cities.

Posted on 2026-10-27 19:07:14

Meanwhile,

Finland's president and Norway's prime minister have spoken on the phone with
Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The call was confirmed today by the offices of Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas
Gahr Støre {YO-nahs gar STUR-uh} and Finnish President Alexander Stubb
{ah-lek-SAHN-der stoob}.

It followed an Oct. 20 meeting in Oslo between the two Nordic leaders,
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U-S special envoy Steve Witkoff.

Officials said that the call was held in consultation with Ukraine.

Stubb {stoob} and Støre {STUR-uh} initiated the call to discuss the war and
upcoming trilateral talks involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States
that are expected to take place in United Arab Emirates in November.

Posted on 2026-10-27 18:18:13

Taiwan's road safety appears to be improving, with traffic deaths down almost
3 percent year-on-year in the first eight months of 2026.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications reported 1,777 deaths
within 30 days of traffic accidents, down almost 11 percent from 2023.

Deaths involving drunk driving, young people and motorcycle crashes all fell
by at least 10 percent, with drunk-driving and youth fatalities dropping by
more than half.

However, deaths among older people rose 3 percent to 790.

Most of these deaths involved older people riding motorcycles or walking.

Officials also urge drivers in minor accidents to photograph the scene, move
to the roadside and report the incident afterward to help prevent secondary
collisions.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-27 18:18:13

The number of clients at Taiwanese banks with assets exceeding $100 million
NT has topped 32-thousand ...

... as rising stock prices and a wider range of investment options fuel
demand for wealth management services.

The Financial Supervisory Commission says the number of these clients rose by
1-thousand-730 in September to 32-thousand-326 ...

... while the total value of financial assets they held through banks reached
$3.24 trillion NT, up around $129 billion NT from the previous month.

Bank deposits remained their largest single asset category, but their share
of total holdings edged down as more money flowed into mutual funds and
insurance products.

The regulator says 25 banks have been approved to serve these high-asset
clients, while wealth management activity at securities firms has also grown
sharply.

The number of wealthy clients served by securities firms rose 40 percent from
a year earlier, with their investments jumping 78 percent to nearly $686
billion NT.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-10-27 18:18:14

Drivers and motorcyclists in Taiwan will soon have a chance to bid for lucky
license plate numbers that include combinations of repeating digits.

The Hsinchu City Motor Vehicles Office is running an online auction from 2 PM
on November 3rd until 2 PM, November 5th.

The auction will offer 820 plates for commercial passenger vehicles and more
than 65-hundred for motorcycles.

Starting bids for the most sought-after combinations will be 6-thousand NT
for commercial vehicles and 3-thousand for motorcycles.

The office says repeating numbers such as "7-7-7-7" and "8-8-8-8" are
especially popular because of their auspicious meanings in Chinese culture.

Bidders must register on the Hsinchu Motor Vehicles Office website ... and
winners must pay within 24 hours of the auction's conclusion.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-27 17:16:13

The Centers for Disease Control says the government's Health Coin program is
boosting vaccination rates.

CDC data shows that public flu vaccinations passed four million doses by late
October, reaching the highest level since 2021.

And self-paid flu vaccinations rose 70 percent while pneumococcal vaccine
uptake grew over three times compared to pre-policy levels.

Under the incentive program, adults receiving flu, COVID-19, or pneumococcal
vaccines earn between 450 and 900 Health Coins per dose.

Health officials are urging adults aged 50 to 64 to receive their shots when
phase two public coverage starts Nov. 2nd.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-27 17:16:13

Both the candidates vyiing for Taichung's top job have drawn lots this
morning to determine their electoral numbers.

The DPP's Ho Hsin-Chun took number 1, while KMT opponent Jiang Qi-chen drew
number 3.

Ho's accompanying slogan is "new mayor, Taichung number 1!"

Meanwhile Jiang chose "rely on Jiang Qi Chen!" for his own.

There are three candidates in total running in the mayoral election.

After the draw, Ho sid she was pleased to have picked number 1, while Jiang
said he had wanted 3 from the start.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-27 17:16:13

Nearly 200 candidates running for office across the country have signed onto
the Taiwan Equality Campaign's "Pride Watch" website to indicate their
positions on key LGBT-related issues.

They can use the site to list their relevant policy pledges or past
proposals.

The Taiwan Equality Campaign says that Pride Watch has attracted at least
100,000 views each election cycle since being launched in 2018.

Voters can also use the site to submit records of candidates' past statements
regarding LGBT issues.

(AH_CNA)

Posted on 2026-10-27 17:16:13

Puma Shen's campaign team has put out another promotional pamphlet, with this
series aimed at pushing the Taipei mayoral hopeful's policy bedrock through
literature, imagery, and poetry.

The "Ocean Current Zine" contains contributions from 20 artists that explain
policies like "transportation" and "city diplomacy."

Shen's campaign team announced the new zine this morning, saying that the
candidate himself established the basis for the five major policies included
in the zine, and then invited artists of different disciplines and
generaitons to collaborate.

His campaign expects to make the paper versions available soon, while those
who can't get their hands on a copy can visit Shen's campaign website to view
the digital version.

Shen says, the Ocean Current Zine, also called 洋流誌 in Mandarin, and his Soon
Daily aim to make policy proposals understandable by the average joe.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-27 17:16:13

Chinese companies are pulling ads with French soccer superstar Kylian Mbappe
after he made comments referring to Mao Ze Dong as a dictator.

Three companies made similarly worded statements ending agreements with
Mbappe, saying that opposed "words and actions that hurt national sentiment,"
though they did not specify was prompted the decisions.

This comes after a clip went viral showing Mbappe being interviewed before
appearing on an online talk show.

In the video, Mbappe is asked about his favorite meme of himself, and he
references videos comparing him to dictators including Mao.

Fans jokingly call Mbappe a dictator for overshadowing teammates and teams he
plays on.

Posted on 2026-10-27 16:13:13

The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia is visiting Taiwan this week.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says, PM Philip J Pierre has arrived in the
country today for a 5 day visit.

The ministry adds that Pierre is scheduled to meet with President Lai
Ching-te and other officials to discuss bilateral issues.

Lai will host a military honors ceremony to welcome Pierre, and Foreign
Minister Lin Chia-lung will host a banquet for him.

This is the Saint Lucian leader's fourth visit to Taiwan since taking office
in 2021.

Pierre's delegation is scheduled to visit the Cathay General Hospital and the
Taipei 101.

Saint Lucia is one of Taiwan's 12 diplomatic allies, having first established
relations in 1984 before Saint Lucia switched to recognizing Beijing
in1997...

before then switching back 10 years later.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-10-27 16:13:13

In Kaohsiung,

candidates for the city's top job have drawn lots to determine the numbers
that will accompany their names on next month's ballot.

The DPP's pick, Lai Rui Long, drew number 5 this morning, shouting in
Taiwanese that "Kaohsiung's future is you and me"...

while KMT opponent Ke Zhi En took number 3, with her slogan being a play on
"fan out miracles, turn over a new leaf in Kaohsiung.

Both Lai and Ke did the drawings themselves as opposed to sending proxies
instead.

The candidates each expressed that they were happy with their draws and were
counting down the days to the vote.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-27 16:13:13

Now turning to international news...

Tensions are rising between Indonesia and Singapore as Jakarta threatens to
cut energy exports to Singapore following spats over recent forest fires.

Nikkei Asia reports that the foreign ministers of each country are set to
meet today, after the Indonesian energy minister said that "Whether
electricity exports proceed or not depends on Singapore's attitude."

Indonesia last week announced cuts to pipeline gas exports to Singapore by
about 8%.

Before that, Singapore said that it would send warnings to seven companies in
Indonesia over fires and transboundary haze.

While droughts due to a severe El Nino are believed to have exacerbated the
fires, multiple palm oil and pulp and paper companies operating in Indonesia
have come under scrutiny for hot spots.

Posted on 2026-10-27 16:13:13

Environmentalists, Indigenous groups, and climate scientists are breathing a
sigh of relief after Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's
reelection.

They hope Lula will continue to protect the Amazon rainforest and champion
action on climate change.

Lula defeated far-right Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in the runoff yesterday.

The victory reflects shifts in voter support and higher turnout, especially
in the Amazon, where Indigenous communities got out the vote.

Lula's government recently announced the lowest Amazon deforestation rate on
record...

but he faces a Congress dominated by the far right and agribusiness
interests, which tend to back measures weakening environmental protection.

Bolsonaro, meanwhile, has refused to concede and says that he will ask for
the results to be annulled.

Posted on 2026-10-27 14:07:14

Agriculture losses due to Typhoon Champi have reached nearly 270 million NT
...

That includes damage to crops, livestock ... as well as farming and fishing
facilities.

According to the Ministry of Agricultre, Yunlin County was by far the hardest
hit ... having recorded 140 million NT worth of losses as of this morning ...

.... followed by Taichung with 42 million ... then Miaoli with 25 million.

Garlic was the worst-hit crop, with damage affecting over 450 hectares of
farmland and leaving around a third of the land with no harvest.

Other damaged crops include peanuts, pears, onions and ponkan oranges.

The ministry estimates damage to private facilities, including greenhouses,
livestock sheds, fishing vessels and fixed fishing nets, at around 22 million
NT.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-27 14:07:14

Taoyuan candidates for mayor have drawn lots to decide which numbers will
accompany their names on this year's ballots.

DPP candidate Huang Shi Jie picked number 1, while current mayor Zhang Shan
Zheng, of the KMT, drew number 2.

Both mayoral hopefuls did the drawing in person,

Zhang noted that, in his first bid for mayor, he drew "one," and thanked
constituents for their support in his four year term.

He added that he hoped he would be able to continue to serve Taoyuan in a
second term.

TPP representatives joined KMT supporters in cheering Zhang on.

Meanwhile Huang noted that he has been nicknamed "Penguin uncle," saying that
his slogan would be "the penguin will perservere, Taoyuan number 1!"

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-27 14:07:14

KMT Candidate for Pingtung Magistrate Su Qing Quan is apologizing again over
comments he made in which he criticized his opponent for not having kids.

Su made the comments over the weekend, saying that current magistrate Zhou
Chun Mi could not know the pains of raising a child due to having none of her
own.

The comments produced swift backlash, with Zhou's campaign office saying that
they condemned the remarks as discriminatory, adding that details about
politicians' private lives should not become political fodder.

He apologized shortly after making the comments Sunday, saying he was sorry
"if his remarks were offensive to his opponent."

Today he stated that his statements were inappropriate.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-27 14:07:14

Asian shares are mostly higher today, with benchmarks in Tokyo and Seoul
lifted by buying of AI-related stocks.

That's as traders watch for any major announcements from a closed-door
meeting of the Chinese Communist Party.

Meanwhile here in Taiwan, the benchmark Tai ex is slightly up, gaining 54
points to close the session at 46096.

The turnover was 976.5 billion NT

Posted on 2026-10-27 14:07:14

Indonesia

Now turning to international news...

Indonesians are increasingly turning against data centers being implanted
in the country, as residents begin to face water and power supply issues.

Nikkei Asia reports that local residents on Batam island, for instance, have
been facing water supply issues, and in recent weeks have only gotten water
at nighttime.

That's as nearby Nongsa Digital Park began operations.

Batam is just a short ferry ride away from Singapore, and the island is now
becoming a new hub for data center investment, drawing new projects as land
and power constraints prevent too much development in Singapore.

As more data centers spring up, more local residents are rejecting them,
particularly as a new drought brought by the El Nino weather pattern is
straining resources.

Posted on 2026-10-27 13:08:13

Both candidates running to lead Taiwan's biggest municipality have drawn
numbers this morning to determine their ballot ordering.

The proxy for the DPP's Su Qiao Hui drew number 1, while her KMT opponent Li
Si Chuan's proxy drew 3.

The teams for both candidates announced accompanying slogans to go along with
their numbers, with Su's being a play on her name, saying that she would
definitely win...

while Li's encourages voters to pick three to support Si chuan.

Another candidate, an independent, is also running for New Taipei's top job.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-27 13:08:13

Now turning to international news...

Israelis are heading to the polls in the first vote since Hamas attacks on
October 7th 2023 and Israel's ensuing barrage on the Gaza Strip as well as
attacks on neighboring Syria and Lebanon.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a strong challenge from former
military chief Gadi Eisenkot.

Polls show neither candidate's party likely to garner enough support for a
parliamentary majority...

leading to possible weeks of negotiations over forming a winning coalition.

The election will serve as a referendum on Netanyahu's leadership.

There is a chance that neither Netanyahu's coalition nor the group of parties
looking to remove him will have enough support to win a parliamentary
majority...

potentially setting off weeks of negotiations before a leader is declared.

Israel's Arab-led parties could then emerge as kingmakers if they agree to
support one candidate over another.

Posted on 2026-10-27 08:17:13

The Taiwan Roadkill Observation Network is proposing using artificial
intelligence to simulate and predict road sections at high risk of
wildlife-vehicle collisions.

According to the group, that system will work alongside a early warning
network to help prevent roadkill and related traffic accidents.

Citing government statistics, TaiRON says over the past eight years, an
average of 3,000 traffic accidents per year involving animals suddenly
running onto roads have been reported.

Motorcycles accounted for 95-per cent of those cases, and the accidents
caused a total of 25,345 injuries over the period.

However, TaiRON says the actual number of such accidents is likely much
higher, as the available statistics cover only major cases.

It's estimating that collisions involving medium- to large-sized mammals
alone number between 500,000 and 1-million annually.

TaiRON says its proposal aims to proactively identify high-risk road
sections, including those previously not recognized, rather than relying on
static warning signs installed after roadkill has occurred.

Posted on 2026-10-27 08:17:13

Taiwan Railway Corporation's revenue from its bento boxes hit a record
876-million N-T last year.

It's signature pork chop bento remained the best-selling item.

According to the corporation, it sold 9.42 million bento boxes in 2025, or
about 25,800 boxes a day.

Although sales volume fell short of the record 10.54 million boxes sold in
2019, revenue rose 9.07-per cent from a year earlier to an all-time high.

Pork chop bentos topped sales with 7.18 million boxes sold, far ahead of
chicken drumstick bentos in second place with 560,000 boxes.

The Kaohsiung Double Happiness bento, which features two main dishes came
third with 260,000.

By location, the Taipei Main Station sold the most bentos last year, at 2.65
million bentos, followed by New Zuoying Station in Kaohsiung with 800,000 and
Banqiao Station in New Taipei with 680,000.

Posted on 2026-10-27 08:17:13

And finally,

The Wei Chuan Dragons beat the C-T-B-C Brothers 6-0 in Game 6 of the Taiwan
Series at the Taipei Dome - to take their sixth Chinese Professional Baseball
League title.

The win gave the Taipei-based Dragons their fourth win in the best-of-seven
series, securing the title 4-2.

Dragons starter Cristopher Mercedes pitched eight scoreless innings, striking
out six and allowing two walks and two hits.

Offensively, the Dragons erupted for five runs in the bottom of the eighth
inning to take a commanding 6-0 lead.

They collected five hits in the inning, including a two-run home run by
catcher Jiang Shao-hong, even as the Brothers brought in two relievers to try
to contain the damage.

Mercedes was named Taiwan Series M-V-P after winning two games and allowing
one earned run over 14 innings, for an earned run average of 0.64.

Despite losing the title, the Brothers put up a strong fight.

After dropping the first three games of the series, the Taichung-based team
made history as the first C-P-B-L team to win two straight games in a Taiwan
Series after trailing 3-0.

No team in the Taiwan Series' 37-year history has overcome a 3-0 deficit to
win the championship.

Posted on 2026-10-27 07:00:13

The Ministry of Agricultur says farming loses due to Typhoon Champi has
surpassed 200 million NT... with the figure expected to rise in the coming
days.

The ministry has so far identified hardest hit crops as corn, garlic, onions,
peanuts and tangerines.

Storm damage to crops accounted for 210-million N-T, while livestock losses
currently stand at 90,000 N-T.

Farms in Yunlin County reported the heaviest agricultural losses at
137-million N-T.

That was followed by Miaoli, Taichung, New Taipei and Yilan.

Posted on 2026-10-27 07:00:13

The Ocean Affairs Council and the National Cheng Kung University are jointly
developing an intelligent drone system aimed at strengthening maritine
defense.

The system will utilise artificial intelligence to control fixed-wing drones
capable of vertical takeoff and landing.

The team has already completed synchronized flight simulations involving two
groups of the unmanned vehicles.

The team will be conducting hardware real-world flight tests to assess the
system's reliability in different sea conditions.

Posted on 2026-10-27 07:00:13

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an is calling attention to his administration's
achievements even has he pledges to continue moving the capital forward at
the opening of his campaign headquarters.

Chiang touted Taipei's receipt of a Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Special
Mention earlier this year and Nvidia's decision to establish its first
overseas headquarters in the capital.

He also cited initiatives including free milk for schoolchildren, free school
lunches, measures to reduce smoking in public spaces and progress on six
M-R-T projects.

Chiang says as mayor, he's not just looking at the next few weeks of the
election campaign, but at Taipei's future 20 years from now.

Chiang was joined at the rally by several prominent political figures,
including K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun, Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu and
Taiwan People's Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang.

Posted on 2026-10-27 07:00:13

Meanwhile,

D-P-P Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen is proposing to revitalize the
capital's waterways, saying it draws inspiration from Singapore's approach to
urban water management.

Shen says his plan focuses on five priorities -- Active, Beautiful, Clean,
Detention and Ecosystem -- collectively known as "A-B-C-D-E."

Specific measures include improving waterfront facilities along the Tamsui
and Keelung rivers to make them more accessible to the public, using wetlands
and vegetation to improve water quality.

Shen is also looking to develop small-scale floodwater retention facilities
in schools and parks to strengthen the city's flood control capacity.

The initiative aims to reconnect residents with the waterways and make water
a central consideration in urban planning.

Posted on 2026-10-27 07:00:13

Members of Taiwan's Asian Para Games team are back... and they've been
welcomed by President Lai Ching-te at the Presidential Building.

Lai thanked Sports Minister Lee Yang for protecting athletes' rights and
national dignity during venue disputes abroad and said his administration
will continue improving sport's environments and supports athletes towards
the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Taiwan finished the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan in 13th
place in the overall medals table with four gold, seven silver and nine
bronze medals.

The 13th place finish was the same as the same as Taiwan achieved at the 2022
Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China.

Taiwan's athletes secured medal honors across seven sports, including
taekwondo, badminton, table tennis, swimming, and wheelchair tennis.

Team Taiwan was made up of 71 athletes competing across 12 sports.

Posted on 2026-10-27 07:00:13

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim says businesses, organizations, and experts need
to work with the government to improve care for the island's fast aging
society.

Hsiao made the call at the Super-Aged Society Action Summit in Taipei.

Hsiao stressed that Taiwan became a super-aged society last year and that has
resulted in the island healthcare system facing new challenges to both the
workforce,and family support systems.

The Vice President said that although Taiwan has a world-class healthcare and
national health insurance systems, there is still room for improvements,
especially in regards eldercare.

Hsiao said the Lai administration's annual budget for long-term care has
grown to more than 110-billion over the past decades and the government is
implementing policies aimed to improve chronic disease prevention and build
age-friendly communities.

Hsiao thanked businesses and experts for supporting older adults through
technology, insurance, and senior housing, in order to create a better life
for them.

And she also touted the use of artificial intelligence applications and
innovative devices to ensure the future of Taiwan's healthcare system for the
elderly.

Posted on 2026-10-27 07:00:13

And,

"The World Between Us: After the Flames" has won Best Television Series at
the 61st Golden Bell Awards.

The series follows six families whose lives become intertwined after a
supermarket arson attack.

Spanning 20 years, it explores grief, revenge and redemption through
characters, including a psychiatrist whose wife and child died in the fire.

The show collected a total four prizes to finish as the night's
third-most-awarded production.

The drama earned Best Directing for Lin Chun Yang, Best Writing for Lu
Shih-yuan and Best Leading Actress for Yang Kuei-mei.

Its prequel, "The World Between Us," won six awards at the 54th Golden Bell
Awards in 2019, including Best Television Series, Best Directing and Best
Leading Actress.

Kaiser Chuang won Best Leading Actor in a Television Series for playing a
construction crew foreman in "City Founding Pioneer," a drama drawing on the
experiences of workers building Taipei's MRT system in the 1990s.

While "Forget You Not" led the night with six awards - lighting,
cinematography, editing, art and design, costume design, and Best Actor in a
Miniseries or Television Film for veteran actor Chin Han.

The awards ceremony took place at the Taipei Music Center on Monday, after
Typhoon Champi forced its postponement from Saturday.

Posted on 2026-10-27 07:00:13

Turning to other... non-election related news now and...

A Swiss woman being treated for Ebola in Nigeria has been medically evacuated
to Switzerland with her husband.

Nigerian Health Minister Muhammad Pate said Monday that the woman left Abuja
with his approval. It is Nigeria’s first confirmed case in the current
outbreak.

The woman's condition has improved significantly, but she remains infectious.

Her husband, a Swiss diplomat, has shown no symptoms.

The World Health Organization said Nigeria has no remaining Ebola cases but
continues to monitor 52 contacts.

The woman tested positive after returning from Uganda, where she likely
contracted the virus.

The spread of Ebola beyond Congo has heightened fears of rapid transmission.

Posted on 2026-10-27 07:00:13

Ukraine's military has started using specialized aerial rescue drones to
evacuate wounded soldiers.

The StarGate drone, developed by Ukrainian company SkyFall, has been deployed
for the first time by the 475th Separate Assault Regiment.

It successfully rescued two soldiers stranded near the Russian border.

The drone features an enclosed evacuation capsule and can carry up to 150
kilograms. It aims to reduce rescue times from hours to minutes, especially
in high-risk areas.

The regiment plans to create a dedicated medical aviation unit to expand
these aerial rescue operations.

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