ICRT

Posted on 2026-04-14 19:49:13

TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang says the party's decision to dismiss former
lawmaker Li Zhen-hsiu had nothing to do with her nationality.

He says Li had asked the party to continue paying her salary and benefits for
the remainder of her term in exchange for stepping down.

Huang says he was shocked by the request and that it was impossible for the
party to accept.

His comments come after the TPP's Central Review Committee revoked Li's
membership yesterday.

Li says she accepts the decision, but insists she will not take a single
dollar from the party and is not seeking any position.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-14 19:49:13

New Taipei Metro is launching a commemorative light rail day pass to mark the
upcoming completion and opening of the Tamsui River Bridge.

The limited-edition pass will go on sale this Thursday, celebrating what
officials call a new international landmark spanning the Tamsui River
estuary.

Two special designs will be available — one capturing the bridge at sunrise,
and another highlighting Tamsui's famous sunset views.

The pass will cost 50 NT and allows unlimited rides on the Danhai Light Rail
for one day.

It will be available at Hongshulin Station and Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf
Station.

Officials say the pass will give visitors an easy way to travel to the area
and view the new bridge.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-14 18:24:13

The Ciaotou District Prosecutors Office has indicted ten people for allegedly
leaking sensitive information to China.

Those charged include active and former military personnel, with ranks as
high as major across the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

Prosecutors say the case centers on a civilian suspect accused of working
with Chinese intelligence, recruiting financially vulnerable officers and
arranging payments.

Authorities say some personnel were pressured into pledging allegiance to
China after taking loans, while others provided videos of military facilities
and sensitive documents in exchange for money.

The suspects face multiple charges, including violations of national security
and anti-corruption laws, with prosecutors seeking the harshest penalties.

The case will also mark Taiwan's first national security trial to involve
citizen judges.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-04-14 18:24:13

Officials have stopped a shipment of imported truffle cheese from Italy ...
after it tested positive for excessive levels of E. coli bacteria.

The Food and Drug Administration says multiple samples from the batch
exceeded allowable limits, and the shipment will be returned or destroyed.

The importer will also face stricter inspection requirements on future
imports.

In a separate case, two shipments of asparagus from Thailand were found to
contain pesticide residues above legal limits.

Authorities say the importer will now face 100 percent inspection on future
shipments.

Officials say asparagus imports from Thailand remain subject to enhanced
inspection rates of 20 to 50 percent until mid-May.

The food watchdog also flagged other non-compliant imports, including
products from Indonesia, Chile, China, Vietnam and Egypt.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-04-14 18:24:13

Tainan is one step closer to launching its first-ever MRT line .... as the
city's Blue Line project enters its final review stage.

Officials say the central government has begun on-site inspections and design
reviews, with hopes of awarding construction contracts by the end of this
year.

The first phase of the line will span about 8.5 kilometers, featuring 10
elevated stations and a depot, connecting key districts across the city.

Authorities say the project is a major step forward for Tainan's public
transportation development, with future extensions planned to link with
high-speed rail and neighboring transit systems.

If approved on schedule, construction is expected to take around six years to
complete.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-14 17:07:13

The DPP is urging calm following concerns from the general public over the
possibility of Taiwan opening to some Indian migrant workers later this year.

DPP Legislative Caucus leader Fan Yun said they would strictly supervise any
future developments and added that they're hoping the public would not
discriminate against any one people or country.

The Ministry of Labor previously said that the first batch of migrant workers
from India may arrive this year.

Minister Hong Shen Han also reiterated that opening up to Indian migrant
workers has bipartisan support...

and said that these workers must both fill a need by local businesses and
also be properly vetted by New Delhi.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-14 17:07:13

Activists of Nantou's Mingjian township today showed up at another
environmental impact assessment meeting to propose alternatives to the
contentious incinerator project.

The Mingjian Township Anti-Incinerator Self-Help Group said that they believe
the county governemtn should do more to find alternative means of dealing
with waste in a sustainable means rather than relying on just an incinerator.

At today's meeting, activists and other Mingjian residents said that there
should be more emphasis on sorting and reducing waste as well as regional
cooperation...

echoing an earlier proposal made by DPP magisterial candidate Wen Shi Zheng.

Activists voiced their concerns over how the incinerator may impact fruit and
tea crops in a township that is significantly economically reliant on
agriculture.

Meanwhile New Power Party Chair Claire Wang accused the Nantou County
government of becoming an "incinerator public relations company" and
attempting to prevent citizens from participating in public affairs.

County officials say they have advanced cooperation with other municipalities
but it hasn't been enough to combat the waste problem.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-14 17:07:13

Doctors are warning that cutting calories alone may not be an effective or
healthy way to lose weight.

Medical experts say many people focus too much on the number on the scale,
while ignoring body composition.

They caution that extreme dieting can lead to muscle loss, causing weight to
drop while body fat remains high.

Doctors say this can lead to fatigue, hair loss, brittle nails and other
health issues, as well as rapid weight regain once normal eating resumes.

Instead, experts recommend combining a balanced diet with regular exercise,
along with sufficient protein intake to help maintain muscle mass.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-14 17:07:13

Now turning to international news...

a gunmen has injured at least 16 people in a school shooting in Turkiye
before killing himself.

The attacker, a former student, fired at a vocational high school in
Sanliurfa province before hiding inside the building.

The motive for the attack remains unclear.

Police special operations units were deployed after the assailant refused to
surrender, and all staff and students were evacuated.

Posted on 2026-04-14 17:07:13

The capital city of Afghanistan is rapidly running out of water.

Experts say climate change has caused issues in Kabul, but so have massive
population growth and resource mismanagement.

Residents are forced to buy clean drinking water and collect partly salty
water from communal taps before carrying it to their homes.

The Taliban government says it has implemented a series of measures to tackle
the growing crisis.

But two major projects that would significantly contribute to a solution have
been delayed...

and residents say that the Taliban cut pipes residents had laid to siphon
water just after they seized power in 2021.

Posted on 2026-04-14 17:07:13

Now turning to international news...

Pakistani officials say that they've proposed a second round of talks to the
US and Iran.

The US said earlier that negotiations made some progress and that Iran had
contacted them to work on a deal.

Meanwhile a senior Hezbollah official said the Lebanese militant group will
not abide by agreements resulting from direct Lebanon-Israel talks set to
start tomorrow in the US.

Lebanese officials hope to broker a ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war, in
which Israel has killed over 2000 people in Lebanon.

Prime minister benjamin netanyahu says, he's aiming for Hezbollah's
disarmament.

Posted on 2026-04-14 16:14:13

The DPP Election Strategy Committee has announced that it plans to nominate
Huang Shi-jie 黃世杰, the deputy Justice Minister, to run for Taoyuan mayor
and Zhuang Jing-cheng 莊競程 for Hsin-chu city.

DPP spokesperson Wu Zheng said that Huang, a former lawmaker is deeply rooted
in Taoyuan, with experience primarily in legal affairs.

He'll face incumbent KMT's Simon Zhang.

Meanwhile Zhuang Jing-cheng, also a former lawmaker, comes from an academic
background with experience in technology and engineering, making him
especially fit for Hsinchu city.

He will be pitted against Gao Hong An, who's an independent.

The DPP is yet to decide on a name to run the capital city.

Meanwhile in Hsinchu County, it is understood that, although calls have been
rising for Zhubei Mayor Zheng Chao Fang to run, he is still considering.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-14 16:14:13

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu is set to host negotiations tomorrow on the
proposed special defense budget and the central government budget.

The DPP legislative caucus says, they're optimistic, but still say they hope
their KMT counterparts will step up to the plate.

DPP Caucus leaders Fan Yun and Chen Pei yu noted that KMT lawmakers recently
did not show up for talks at the Legislative Defense and Foreign Affairs
committee over the budget.

Meanwhile, Han is planning to lead a cross-party delegation to Europe next
month at the invitation of France and the U.K., and the DPP caucus says it
will encourage its lawmakers to join.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-14 16:14:13

Taiwan Railway is urging passengers to be extra careful with power banks ...
after one exploded on a commuter train this morning ... filling the carriage
with smoke.

The incident happened just after 6:30 AM at Hsinchu Station.

Station staff and police quickly extinguished the flames and evacuated
passengers onto the platform.

No injuries were reported.

However, the blast caused a 32-minute delay on the Nei-wan Line as forensic
teams collected evidence ... and the affected train was replaced.

Officials remind travelers to only use certified power banks.

They also warn against charging devices inside bags where air cannot
circulate, as poor ventilation can lead to dangerous overheating ...

... and to avoid using phones while they are plugged into a power bank to
prevent overheating.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-14 16:14:13

The bling is back, but the war in the Persian Gulf has tarnished the outlook
for the luxury watch industry.

Starting Tuesday, Geneva hosts the annual “Watches and Wonders” fair, a
premiere gathering in an industry eager for a rebound after two years of
market contraction, hopefully including sales in oil-rich Gulf Arab
countries.

The U.S.-Israeli war against Iran that began Feb. 28 has had sweeping impacts
across the world economy.

Soaring prices for precious metals like gold and silver over the last year
and U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs already affected the market.

Posted on 2026-04-14 15:07:13

Tai-nan city officials are looking forward to awarding the contract of
building the city's first MRT line by the end of this year.

According to the city’s Transportation Bureau, the 8.5-kilometer line will
run through Yong-kang (永康), East District, and Ren-de (仁德), forming a
Y-shaped route with 10 elevated stations.

The line will eventually connect to extensions reaching the high-speed rail's
Tai-nan station and link with other metro lines, with future integration into
Kaohsiung’s MRT system.

The Public Construction Commission today conducted an on-site inspection and
review of the first-phase Blue Line.

According to the Executive Yuan–approved plan for the project, the total
cost is estimated at $32.7 billion NT.

Of that, $19 billion will be funded by the central government, with the
Tainan City government covering the remaining $13 billion NT.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-14 15:07:13

The New Taipei Reading Festival is set to kick off this weekend, moving
outdoors for the first time with a lively reading market party in
San-chong.

Organized by the New Taipei City Library, this year’s festival runs under
the theme “Hear the Joy of Reading,” with main events taking place on April
18th and 19th at Sunflower Plaza, and activities continuing through the end
of May.

Visitors can enjoy six hours of non-stop music, including live jazz bands,
vinyl DJ sets, swing dance sessions, and unplugged performances.

There will also be a stamp-collecting challenge across 25 booths and winners
can join a lucky draw to win iPad or Bluetooth speakers.

There are fun activities designed for children as well, with registrations
starting at noontime tomorrow.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-14 15:07:13

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has pledged to deepen ties with Lithuania, as
the Baltic nation calls for increased Taiwanese investment.

Lin met Lithuania’s new trade representative, Karolis Pili-pauskas, in
Taipei this week, saying Taiwan is ready to expand cooperation in key areas
such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, green energy, and drone
technology.

The move follows a Lithuanian proposal aimed at boosting Taiwanese
investment, building on growing ties since both sides opened representative
offices in 2021 and 2022.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-14 15:07:13

In world news...

China’s exports grew 2.5% in March from a year ago, significantly slowing
from the previous two months as uncertainties rose from the Iran war.

Analysts are also measuring the war's impact on energy prices and global
demand.

The March export data released today missed analysts’ estimates and was
sharply down from the 22-percent export growth recorded for January and
February.

Technology-related exports, including a jump in semiconductor shipments from
China on the global AI boom, have powered its robust exports, but economists
say impacts from the prolonged Iran war could affect overall global demand
this year.

But economists, including those from Bank of America, also noted that the
energy supply disruptions could further strengthen global demand for China’s
renewable energy technologies such as solar cells, wind turbines and electric
vehicles.

Posted on 2026-04-14 14:06:13

The management committee of the National Financial Stabilization Fund has
decided not to step in to support Taiwan's stock market despite disruptions
caused by ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The Ministry of Finance said there's no such need due to Taiwan's sound
economic fundamentals and the government's price-stabilization measures.

The MOF also said Taiwan's exports remained strong and many listed companies
continued to report growth in sales and earnings.

The fund, worth 500 billion NT, withdrew from the market earlier this year on
Jan. 12 after an intervention period lasting 279 days to limit volatility
caused by the Trump administration's tariff policies.

Finance officials said the benchmark Taiex had risen about 16 percent as of
Monday, indicating the fund's withdrawal did not affect the market.

In the first quarter of this year, the stabilization fund disposed of some of
the shares it bought and cleared a net profit of $8 billion NT.

(CNA-JL)

Posted on 2026-04-14 14:06:13

The DPP is calling for Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu to "put his money where
his mouth is" and act to expedite review of the 2026 central government
budget.

Spokesperson Lin Chu Yin noted that its now been over 200 days since the
budget was handed off to the legislature for examination.

She accused the KMT of intentionally delaying review of the budget due to the
meeting between the leaders of the KMT and Chinese Communist Party.

She added that the failure to examine the budget proposal does not only
affect internal government operations but also is a blow to public welfare in
the form of birth subsidies as well as disaster preparation measures.

Han and deputy speaker Jiang Qi Chen expressed their intention earlier this
month for the Legislature to review the budget as quickly as possible.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-14 14:06:13

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at 36296, a new
record high, after gaining 838 points.

The turnover was 971.7 billion NT

Posted on 2026-04-14 14:06:14

The outcome of the Pervuian presidential election is still unclear after
issues with a ballot delivery issue forced authorities to extend voting by a
day.

Early results show two right wing candidates leading; Keiko Fujimori and
Rafael Lopez Aliaga are ahead with 62% of votes tallied.

Fujimori has just under 17% of the vote, while Lopez Aliaga has nearly 14%.

Voting is mandatory for Peruvians aged 18 to 70.

A runoff in June is likely due to a divided electorate.

The votes comes amidst rising crime and corruption concerns.

Voters were also asked to choose the members of a bicameral Congress for the
first time in more than 30 years, following recent legislative reforms that
concentrate significant power in the new upper chamber.

Posted on 2026-04-14 14:06:14

Pope Leo has arrived in Algeria for the first ever papal visit to the North
African country.

He called for peace and an end to "neocolonial tendencies" in world affairs
today.

He will aim to promote Christian-Muslim coexistence in the majority Muslim
country at a time of global conflict.

Leo's visit dominated news headlines in Algeria, where a tiny Catholic
community of around 9,000 people made up mostly of foreigners exists
alongside the Sunni Muslim majority of about 47 million.

The pope visited the country's Great Mosque and thanked the mosque rector for
receiving him in this “divine space, space of God."

Posted on 2026-04-14 13:07:13

Former DPP lawmaker Chen Ou Po 陳歐珀 has been sentenced to 16 years in
prison on corruption charges.

Chen is accused of taking bribes and embezzling assistant fees, earning 8.7
million NT in illegal profits... according to Taipei prosecutors.

Prosecutors sought 24 years for Chen, but the Taipei District Court sentenced
him to 16 years with 6 years' deprivation of civil rights.

Prosecutors say that, from 2012 to 2023, Chen not only used his position as a
lawmaker to provie special benefits to private companies but also took
millions in fraudulent assistant fees together with his wife.

She was sentenced to 4 and half years in the same case.

The ruling may still be appealed.

Menawhile the DPP says it will discuss next week whether or not to strip Chen
of his party membership.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-14 13:07:16

Many pilgrims taking part in the Bai-sha-tun Mazu Pilgrimage, which set off
from Miao-li on Sunday, have been treated for exhaustion, dehydration, and
muscle cramps.

Da-jia (大甲) Lee’s General Hospital says 12 pilgrims in their 20s to 50s
sought treatment at its emergency room yesterday alone when the procession
reached Taichung.

Doctors said one patient was diagnosed with Influenza A, which is highly
contagious.

Doctors said some pilgrims collapsed after walking through the night or being
exposed to the sun for too long.

They remind people that drinking too little water can result in heat
exhaustion, while more severe cases may develop into rhabdomyolysis, a
serious, potentially fatal syndrome caused by rapid skeletal muscle
breakdown.

Doctors are urging the public to drink plenty of water and rest when tired,
and not to push themselves too hard.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-14 13:07:17

A senior Belizean education official is in Taiwan this week for a visit aimed
at deepening academic and educational ties.

Belize Deputy Minister of Education Dian Maheia is leading a four-person
delegation that includes University of Belize President Vincent Palacio.

The group is in Taiwan from Sunday through Wednesday.

Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi hosted a luncheon for the delegation
yesterday, calling education a key pillar of the bilateral relationship, and
expressing hope that the visit would open new avenues for cooperation and
further strengthen the partnership.

Maheia previously visited Taiwan in May 2024, accompanying Belizean Prime
Minister John Briceno to attend the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te
and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-14 13:07:17

A super typhoon in the pacific ocean has slammed Guam with heavy rain and
strong winds ahead of its arrival.

Super Typhoon Sinlaku is on track to pass over the Northern Mariana Islands
today, bringing destructive winds and heavy rain with it.

Guam itself itsn't expected to take a direct hit, but it may still see
damaging winds.

The storm is expected to weaken slightly but should cross near the islands of
Tinian and Saipan as a Category 4 or 5 typhoon.

The tropical typhoon — the strongest on Earth so far this year — was
producing sustained winds of 278 kph as it neared the islands of Rota, Tinian
and Saipan.

Posted on 2026-04-14 11:07:14

Southern Taiwan is under heat advisories again today, with parts of Tainan
and Pingtung at risk of temperatures hitting 36 degrees Celsius or above for
extended periods.

The Central Weather Administration has issued a heat warning, with Tainan and
Pingtung under an orange alert, meaning sustained highs of 36 degrees or
above are possible throughout the day.

Kaohsiung is under a yellow alert, with temperatures also expected to reach
36 degrees.

Independent meteorologist Wu Der-rong says a strong southern air mass is
keeping skies clear and hot across the island today.

But Wu says a weak front drifting near northern Taiwan on Wednesday and
Thursday will bring slightly cooler temperatures to the north along with
occasional brief showers, while the rest of the island stays warm.

Another weak front expected on Friday and Saturday will bring intermittent
showers to the north and east, with central and southern areas staying partly
cloudy.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-14 11:07:14

The Mao-kong Gondola system will be halted for annual maintenance work
between April 20 and 24, as well as between June 8 and 28.

Taipei Metro Recreation Company, which operates the system, says the
gondola's cable has gradually elongated over time due to its own weight and
the load from cabins and passengers.

The company says in accordance with the manufacturer’s manual, a
second-stage cable shortening needs to be carried out.

The annual maintenance work also includes overhauls and testing of key
equipment such as gearbox and main motor.

Opened in July, 2007,the gondola system stretches 4 kilometers and includes
four stations: Taipei Zoo, Taipei Zoo South, Zhi-nan (指南) Temple, and
Maokong.

The system was designed to ease weekend traffic congestion in the Maokong
area, while also boosting the local tea industry and tourism.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-14 11:07:15

In world news....

U.S. President Donald Trump says the American military has blockaded Iranian
ports to try to force Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump's statement on Monday was part of his effort to pressure Iran to accept
a deal to end the war that has raged for more than six weeks.

Iran responded with threats on all ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of
Oman, taking aim at U.S.-allied countries.

That set the stage for an extraordinary shutdown that posed serious risks for
the global economy and raised the specter that the ceasefire could collapse.

Posted on 2026-04-14 11:07:15

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has secured a majority government,
allowing his Liberals to pass legislation without the support of opposition
parties.

Voters cast ballots Monday for three vacant seats among the 343 districts
represented in Parliament.

Liberal candidate Danielle Martin won the election for a Toronto district.
Carney won Canada’s national elections last year fueled by public anger over
U.S. President Donald Trump’s annexation threats and trade war.

His Liberal party could stay in power until 2029 after Monday’s results.

Five recent defections from the opposition parties to Carney put his Liberals
on the cusp of the coveted majority.

Posted on 2026-04-14 09:05:14

The Taiwan People's Party has expelled a lawmaker over repeated disciplinary
violations — a move that will also cost her her seat in the Legislature.

The TPP voted Monday to remove Li Chen-hsiu, the first China-born naturalized
Taiwanese national to become a democratically elected lawmaker in Taiwan.

The party's Central Review Committee found she had made statements and taken
actions that harmed the party's reputation and damaged party unity.

Li only entered the Legislature in February under the TPP's two-year term
rotation rule for at-large legislators.

Her short tenure was dominated by a dispute over whether she had completed
the legally required process to renounce her Chinese nationality — a
standoff that led government officials to refuse to take her questions in the
Legislature.

Li will be replaced by National Cheng Kung University law professor Hsu
Chung-hsin.

Posted on 2026-04-14 09:05:14

Labor Minister Hung Sun-han says the potential introduction of Indian migrant
workers will proceed only after careful review, as public debate over the
policy intensifies.

Hung says any implementation would depend on industry demand and whether
India's proposed framework meets Taiwan's requirements.

He had told lawmakers last week that the first group of Indian workers could
arrive as early as the end of 2026.

Taiwan and India signed an agreement in 2024 to address Taiwan's labor
shortage, but a petition launched earlier this month calling on the ministry
to halt the plan and prioritize public safety and gender equality had
gathered more than 34-thousand signatures as of Monday afternoon.

The petition cited concerns about sexual violence and questioned whether
police clearance certificates are sufficient to screen for risks.

Posted on 2026-04-13 20:08:13

Taiwan stocks closed at a record high today, bucking a broader regional
downturn.

The benchmark Tai-ex rose 39 points to close at 35,457, with turnover topping
780 billion NT.

Most Asian markets fell and oil prices climbed after the U-S threatened to
blockade the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route amid tensions with
Iran.

Concerns over energy supplies weighed on sentiment earlier in the session.

However, dealers said that late-session buying helped lift the index, with
T-S-M-C leading the rebound.

Analysts say investor confidence remains strong, with hopes tensions could
ease and optimism ahead of upcoming tech sector outlooks.

Posted on 2026-04-13 20:08:13

The Taiwan People's Party (TPP) voted to expel China-born lawmaker Li
Chen-hsiu (???) from the party on Monday over repeated disciplinary
violations, which means she will also be removed from the Legislature.

In a statement, the TPP said an investigation by its Central Review Committee
found that Li had made numerous statements and actions that harmed the
party's reputation and damaged party unity.

The statement went on to say that Li showed a "disregard for public office"
by telling TPP officials on April 7 that she would only resign from her seat
in the Legislature in return for money.

The decision to expel Li from the party means that she will also lose her
seat in the Legislature and be replaced by National Cheng Kung University law
professor Hsu Chung-hsin (???), the next person on the TPP's party list.

Posted on 2026-04-13 18:37:13

Taiwan's machinery industry is seeing strong momentum, with exports in March
reaching nearly 2.97 billion U-S dollars.

That's a jump of about 28 percent from February, and marks 14 consecutive
months of growth.

The Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry says demand for semiconductor
and AI-related equipment continues to drive exports, particularly in
electronic equipment.

Despite disruptions caused by the U-S-Israel war on Iran .... including
shipping delays and higher energy costs, officials say the impact on March
exports has been limited.

Electronic equipment exports saw strong gains, rising more than 70 percent
year-on-year, helping boost overall industry performance.

However, the association warns that global uncertainty remains, and a
relatively strong Taiwan dollar compared with weaker regional currencies
could continue to weigh on export competitiveness.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-13 18:37:13

The National Development Fund says it has no plans to sell its holdings in
TSMC, even as the contract chipmaker's stock reaches record highs.

Deputy chair Kao Shien-quey (高仙桂) says after years of stock and cash
dividends, the government's cost basis for its TSMC shares is now almost
zero.

The fund currently holds around a 6.5 percent stake in the company, making it
one of the largest shareholders.

Officials say TSMC remains a core strategic asset, given its key role in the
global semiconductor supply chain.

They add that no shares have been sold in recent years, and there are no
short-term plans to do so.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-13 17:14:13

The CPC Corporation says the first of four oil tankers carrying crude oil
from the Middle East is expected to arrive in Taiwan in early May.

The shipment comes as the U-S-Iran conflict continues to disrupt transport
routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

The state-run utility says it has coordinated alternative shipping routes,
with tankers now traveling via the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Officials say the remaining three tankers are scheduled to arrive at a rate
of one per month.

The shipments, totaling about 8 million barrels of crude oil, are expected to
help ease pressure on Taiwan's energy supply.

Authorities add that current oil and natural gas reserves remain above legal
safety thresholds, and operations have not been seriously affected so far.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-13 17:14:13

A group of KMT lawmakers are aiming to push for a referendum on the
introduction of caning as punishment for serious crimes including sexual
assault, child abuse, and large-scale scamming.

Hong Mong Kai (洪孟楷) and others announced today that they aim to respond to
what he called the public's hopes for safety and protection.

Hong and several opposition lawmakers said the measure aims to deter those
serious crimes.

They stressed that the proposal follows the Referendum Act by putting a major
policy direction to a public vote, so as to establish a clear, legitimate,
and democratically grounded mandate from the people.

They also claimed that most respondents in polls support introducing caning
as a punishment for crimes such as sexual assault and child abuse.

They said that, in the process of the referendum, the public can debate
"whether the human rights of criminals are more important than the well-being
of the general public."

Posted on 2026-04-13 17:14:13

Now turning to international news...

Iran is threatening ports in gulf states following the US announcement of a
blockade on Iran's ports and coastline.

State media said that security in the persian gulf and sea of oman is for
everyone or for no one.

Meanwhile intelligence indicates that ships have stopped moving through the
Strait of Hormuz.

The US has said that the blockade will involve all Iranian ports but would
allow ships traveling between non-Iranian ports to transit through.

Meanwhile Iran has said that the strait remains under Iran's full control,
and is open to non-military ships.

Posted on 2026-04-13 17:14:13

Logistical issues have forced a delay in deciding Peru's election. Thousands
of people in Peru and abroad were unable to cast ballots.

Electoral authorities have extended voting to Monday for more than 52,000
residents in Lima and Peruvians registered in Orlando, Florida, and Paterson,
New Jersey.

Voting is mandatory for Peruvians age 18 to 70, with fines for noncompliance.

Thirty-five candidates, including a former minister, a comedian, and a
political heiress, are vying for the presidency amid rising crime and
corruption.

A runoff in June is likely due to the divided electorate.

Posted on 2026-04-13 14:07:13

Drivers on two wheels in Kaohsiung will soon begin noticing it's getting
easier to turn left.

ICRT's Southern Taiwan reporter Michael Smith has more:

Posted on 2026-04-13 14:07:13

New Taipei City says the new Sanying MRT line is targeting a June opening,
though the timeline remains up in the air.

The new line will connect with the Taipei Metro’s Ban-nan Line at Ding-pu
頂埔 and the under-construction Tao-yuan Metro Green Line, cutting travel
time between the Sanxia/Yingge area and central Taipei city by about 20
minutes.

Mayor Hou You-yi says dynamic testing has been completed, and the system has
been submitted for initial inspection.

The next step will be a final inspection by the Ministry of Transportation
and Communications before the line can open to passengers.

He said the Sanying line is expected to boost development in the
San-xia/Ying-ge (鶯歌) area to the tune of nearly 49 million NT in
investment.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-13 14:07:13

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex gaining 39 points to
close the session at 35457.

The turnover was 778.7 billion NT

Posted on 2026-04-13 14:07:13

Following Viktor Orban's failed reelection bid, other European leaders hail a
new era for Hungary.

Orban has been in power for 16 years, and his playbook for reshaping
political institutions to his advantage and pressing minority rights and
media freedoms has become known by the global far-right movement.

His critics have called him a threat to European democracy.

Orban was Russia strongest ally in the European Union, repeatedly blocking
aid to Ukraine.

Following Orban's defeat, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said
Ukraine was "ready to advance our cooperation with Hungary."

The EU will also be breathing a sigh of relief, with President Ursula von der
Leyen saying that "Europe's heart is beating stronger in Hungary tonight."

Posted on 2026-04-13 14:07:13

And,

Pope Leo the fourteenth is heading to Algeria on what will be the first ever
papal visit to the country.

He aims to promote Christian-Muslim coexistence at a time of global conflict.

Algeria is the first stop on Leo's 11 day tour of 4 African countries, the
other 3 of which are Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.

Algeria has a small Catholic community compared to the Sunni Muslim majority.

Algerian law recognizes multiple religions, but some Christians have faced
persecution from authorities.

Some are looking forward to the pope's visit, but wonder if it will have a
lasting effect on the stigma faced by Christians in the country.

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

President Lai Ching-te will travel to Eswatini later this month for a state
visit marking twin milestone celebrations in the African kingdom.

The Presidential Office announced today that Lai is scheduled to visit from
April 22nd to 27th.

Officials say the president is set to hold bilateral talks with King Mswati,
sign a joint communique, and witness the signing of a customs cooperation
agreement between the two countries' foreign ministers.

The trip comes as Taiwan and Eswatini mark 58 years of diplomatic relations,
and as the kingdom holds a series of celebrations for King Mswati the Third's
40th anniversary on the throne and his 58th birthday.

The Presidential Office says the visit reflects the two countries'
partnership at a significant moment and their commitment to deepening
cooperation.

(NS)

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

Two of Taiwan's largest petrochemical companies say a shortage of raw
materials caused by the U.S.-Iran conflict and the blockade of the Strait of
Hormuz could accelerate a recovery for Asia's petrochemical industry

Formosa Plastics says the conflict has dealt severe blows to energy
production infrastructure across the Middle East, and even after the conflict
ends, energy and petrochemical raw material supplies will remain tight,
benefiting Asian producers as global supply contracts.

Formosa Chemical and Fiber Corporation says the supply shortage will likely
last through year end, and the company will prioritize domestic customers for
now, encouraging them to stock up while supplies are available.

The company says it will keep inventories lean in the second quarter to avoid
exposure to high raw material prices.

(NS)

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

TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang says, at-large lawmaker Li Zhen Xiu has failed to
meet supporters' expectations.

This comes as the China-born lawmaker has been embroiled in controversy over
her qualifications to hold office.

Li recently said on a live broadcast that Hsinchu Mayor Gao Hong-an, formerly
of the TPP, had accepted 7 million NT from founder Ke Wen Zhe, leading Li to
be referred to the party's Central Review Committee.

Huang says that at-large lawmakers- of which all TPP lawmakers are- are meant
to respond to the hopes of those that voted for them, rather than advocating
for their own person gain.

He added that the case was ultimately up to the TPP's Central Review
Committee to decide.

Huang emphasized that it was not to do with Li's citizenship status, rather
said that her performance as a lawmaker was the issue at hand.

(AH)

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

And in international news...

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said the U.S. has no valid reason to
attack the island or to try to depose him.

In an interview aired on NBC News on Sunday, he warned that an invasion would
be costly and affect regional security.

He said Cubans would defend themselves if necessary.

The interview comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries.

Diaz-Canel has accused the U.S. of a hostile policy and expresses willingness
for dialogue without conditions.

He blamed a U.S. energy blockade for Cuba's deepening woes, with a lack of
petroleum affecting its health system, public transportation, and the
production of goods and services.

However, he noted that Russia has sent oil shipments to help.

(KK)

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

The U.S. military says it blew up two boats accused of smuggling drugs in the
eastern Pacific Ocean.

It says the strikes killed five people and left one survivor.

The attacks are part of the Trump administration's campaign against alleged
traffickers in Latin America.

As with most of the U.S. military's statements on the dozens of strikes in
the eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea...

...it said it targeted the alleged drug traffickers along known smuggling
routes.

It did not provide evidence that drugs were being ferried.

Videos posted online showed small boats moving across the water before each
was engulfed by a bright explosion.

Saturday's attacks bring the number of people the U.S. military has killed in
boat strikes to at least 168.

The Trump administration began targeting those it calls "narcoterrorists" in
early September.

Critics have questioned the overall legality of the boat strikes and their
effectiveness.

(KK)

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

Wu An-qi, a veteran anchor woman at TVBS, has confirmed that she was laid off
by the local cable company.

Wu, who's 57, said the media landscape is rapidly changing, with many demands
and approaches now differing from those of traditional media.

TVBS issued a brief announcement saying it will continue to move forward with
adjustments in a prudent and pragmatic manner.

TVBS, a leading TV news network in Taiwan, is reportedly undergoing
restructuring as traditional TV advertising revenue declines.

Layoffs have extended to senior staff and management, with speculation that
more veteran anchors could be affected in the next round.

Those already let go include some field-based and technical personnel, and
they said reporters are now being asked to use AI tools themselves, raising
concerns among staff about professionalism and quality.

(JL)

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

Taiwan's three major international airlines are all aggressively expanding
their fleets and route networks, with a particular focus on new openings in
North America.

From the second half of 2025 to the present, China Airlines has added Phoenix
as a new destination, EVA Air has expanded into Dallas and will soon launch a
new Washington, D.C. route, while Starlux Airlines has moved into Ontario,
California and Phoenix.

These routes will add around 20 direct flights per week between Taiwan and
the United States, a market in which Taiwanese carriers have also worked out
codeshare agreements with domestic U.S. airlines.

Analysts say the aim of those three carriers is to find new sources of
customers as they are now relying more on transit passengers.

They say Taiwan's aging population is bound to contrain future growth in the
outbound tourism market, and while a surge in travel to Japan and South Korea
pushed that number to nearly 19 million last year, it did not change the
underlying trends.

Taiwan's geographic location positions it as a natural transit hub linking
North America and Southeast Asia

(CNA)

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

Hungarian voters have ousted long-serving Prime Minister Viktor Orban after
16 years in power, rejecting the authoritarian policies and global far-right
movement that he embodied.

In stead, they are in favor of a pro-European challenger in a bombshell
election result with global repercussions.

It was a stunning blow for Orban — a close ally of both U.S. President
Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin — who quickly conceded
defeat after what he called a 〃painful〃 election result on Sunday night.

Election victor Peter Magyar, a former Orban loyalist who campaigned against
corruption and on everyday issues like health care and public transport, has
pledged to rebuild Hungary’s relationships with the European Union and NATO.

Posted on 2026-04-11 16:11:14

Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh has been reelected for a sixth term,
winning 97.81% of the vote.

The 78-year-old Guelleh has ruled the Horn of Africa nation for more than two
decades.

Opposition groups often boycott elections, citing restrictions on political
freedoms.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-04-11 15:08:13

A US delegation led by US Vice President JD Vance has landed in Pakistan for
high-level talks with Iranian representatives.

The talks beginning today will be the first such meeting since the war began
more than a month ago.

The meeting will test whether the sides can shore up a fragile ceasefire and
pave the way for peace.

The ceasefire brokered by Pakistan still faces hurdles, as Israel and
Hezbollah militants have been trading fire along the border of southern
Lebanon.

Iran has said negotiations can't begin until frozen assets are released and
Israel agrees to a ceasefire with Lebanon.

Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon were expected to begin on Tuesday in
Washington.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-04-11 14:08:13

Lion Travel says rising airfares and geopolitical tensions are reshaping
travel demand, with bookings shifting away from routes that transit the
Middle East ... toward Asia, Oceania and North America.

The travel agency says bookings have remained strong despite higher costs,
with group tour bookings rising about 15 percent on year since last month.

Demand for Australia and New Zealand has surged around 40 percent, while
bookings to the United States and Canada have also increased.

Lion Travel said Japan tour bookings are up about 40 percent, with South
Korea up around 20 percent.

Rising global oil prices linked to Middle East tensions have led airlines to
increase fuel surcharges, which took effect on April 7.

Lion Travel says it has raised the cost of short-haul group travel trips by
less than NT$2,000 and long-haul tours by about NT$4,000.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-04-11 14:08:13

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has voiced support for China's push to build
a multipolar world and called for deeper ties between the traditional allies.

North Korean state media reports that Kim met yesterday with Chinese Foreign
Minister Wang Yi.

Kim said his government will fully support Chinese efforts to achieve
territorial integrity based on its one-China principle -- a reference to
Beijing's official position that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China.

He told Wang that sustained development of ties between the two countries has
become more crucial in the current geopolitical environment.

Wang said the countries' relations were entering a "new phase" following a
summit last year between Kim and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

CNA_JvW

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