ICRT

Posted on 2025-12-03 17:13:13

Taiwan could see its first regulated local cryptocurrency as early as the
second half of next year.

Financial Supervisory Commission Chair Peng Jin-long says that's provided
legislation for a new 'stablecoin' moves smoothly.

He told lawmakers the proposed Virtual Assets Service Act should be placed on
the agenda this session and passed in the next.

The Cabinet is set to review the draft this week after three meetings Peng
says produced a high level of consensus.

The bill draws on European Union crypto-asset rules and doesn't explicitly
require stablecoins to be issued by financial institutions.

But for risk-management reasons, regulators and the central bank agree that
only financial institutions will be allowed to issue them at first.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-03 17:13:15

KMT Lawmaker Hong Meng-kai says, he will support changing the law to legalize
caning as a state-sanctioned punishment.

That comes as Singapore has made amendments to their laws to allow caning as
punishment for fraud.

Hong says, the Taiwanese government should consider legalizing caning for
those who commit child abuse, rape, and fraud.

He also says that he's considering proposing a referendum vote on the
practice for next year, and even said he would propose an amendment to the
Criminal Code.

Hong also claims that 70% of the public supports caning as state-sanctioned
punishment.

Meanwhile the Ministry of Justice says, the legalization of such a practice
would require long-term consideration...

as it constitutes a form of torture.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-03 17:13:15

The Digital Affairs Ministry has reassured people that online retail company
Coupang's recent personal data leak does not appear to involve users in
Taiwan.

The Ministry said it has been monitoring reports of a major data leak from
South Korea’s e-commerce platform Coupang, after the company confirmed that
33.7 million accounts had been compromised.

Officials say they received intelligence on the incident in late November and
contacted Coupang immediately.

According to the ministry, Coupang responded that the breach occurred on the
Korean side and that there is currently no evidence of leak involving
Taiwanese users.

Coupang Taiwan also said it is continuing to investigate the case and is
working with leading independent cybersecurity experts to assess the impact.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-03 17:13:15

Now turning to international news...

Amnesty Internaitonal is accusing Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces
of committing war crimes in the country.

That's after the group attacked the Zamzam displacement camp in April,
killing civilians and destroying infrastructure.

The RSF seized the city of el-Fasher in Octover as part of its war with the
Sudanese military.

Amnesty's new report highlights the RSF's disregard for human life and calls
for an investigation.

The civil war, which began 2 and a half years ago, has killed over 40,000 and
displaced millions.

The RSF denies targeting civilians, claiming the Zamzam camp was a military
base.

That's as the International Criminal Court is actively investigating war
crimes in the region.

Posted on 2025-12-03 17:13:15

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung says, he's considering apologizing to
North Korea.

That's over suspicions that Seoul's former conservative leader intentionally
sought to raise military tensions between the two countries in the buildup to
his martial law declaration nearly one year ago.

Lee is stressing his desire to repair ties with North Korea, but when
speaking to reporters, he seemed unclear on the details of Pyongyang's
detention of several South Korean nationals.

This comes after former President Yoon Suk Yeol was indicted over allegations
that he ordered drone flights over North Korea to intentionally stoke
tensions.

South Korean media also reported that the country's military under Yoon flew
propaganda leaflet balloons over the border.

Lee says, he's considering an apology, but he says he's concerned he will be
smeared as pro-North Korea.

Posted on 2025-12-03 17:13:15

And in the US,

local animal control officials say that a raccoon broke into a closed liquor
store in Virigina, and drank alcohol from low-to-the-ground shelves over the
weekend.

The raccoon was found Saturday passed out next to the store's toilet.

Officials say, the raccoon sobered up after a few hours, and he was released
back into the wild.

They add that he did not display any signs of injury following the break-in.

Posted on 2025-12-03 16:07:13

Taiwan Water Corporation has reassured Keelung’s Nuan-nuan District
residents that the Xi-shi (西勢) Reservoir can maintain water supply for
around 10 days instead of three as originally speculated.

The statement comes after oil pollution in the Keelung River has triggered
renewed concern over drinking-water safety.

Environmental protectioin officials say one major source of contamination was
traced to a Guo-guang Motor Transport maintenance plant, which had allegedly
been discharging untreated wastewater directly into the river.

The facility has been shut down, and investigators are continuing to search
for additional pollution sources.

The Corporation has halted all river intake and is relying instead on the
Xi-shi Reservoir, backed by additional supplies from the Xin-shan Water
Treatment Plant.

Cleanup work is underway, and mobile labs have been deployed to conduct
rapid chemical testing.

Water officials say they hope to resume drawing from the river once results
confirm the water is safe, but contingency plans, including rerouting intake
from upstream, are ready if pollution persists.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-03 16:07:13

Officials say that over 900 million NT has been paid out to victims of the
Matai'an barrier lake disaster.

That's after a donation account opened by the Ministry of Health and Welfare
collected nearly 1.4 billion NT.

Some of the funds have been used to alleviate funeral expenses for 18 killed
in the disaster, and to assist 2500 households in rebuilding and cleaning up
their homes.

Affected residents have received 50,000 NT each to aid in cleanup, while
families of the deceased receive 800,000.

Officials express their thanks to those who helped out with cleanup in
Guangfu following the disaster.

They pledge to continue to keep the public updated regarding distribution of
funds.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-03 16:07:13

LINE Pay's new e-payment service, LINE Pay Money, launches today.

Users can activate it by updating the LINE app, then completing identity and
banking verification.

The first one million users who finish the onboarding steps will get three
years of withdrawals at partner banks free of charge.

All previously linked credit cards will transfer automatically, so users
won't need to re-link them.

LINE Points will also continue working as before, offering discounts and
point rewards at more than 650 thousand LINE Pay locations.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-03 16:07:13

In world news...

In Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia, emergency crews are racing to
reach survivors and recover bodies after catastrophic floods and landslides.

The death toll has surged past 1,300, with nearly 1,000 people missing.

Days of heavy monsoon rains have left thousands stranded.

On Tuesday, authorities reported 753 deaths in Indonesia, 410 in Sri Lanka,
181 in Thailand and three in Malaysia.

In Indonesia, rescuers are struggling to access villages on Sumatra island
due to washed-out roads and collapsed bridges.

Helicopters and boats are deployed, but worsening weather and damaged
infrastructure are slowing operations.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-12-03 14:20:13

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan today proposed a companion Senate resolution that
documents the historical cooperation between the United States and the
Republic of China during World War II, following a similar proposal by
Representative Chris Smith.

The resolution also counters the Chinese Communist Party’s attempts to
rewrite wartime history.

Smith and Sullivan, both republicans, are co-chairs of the
Congressional-Executive Commission on China.

Smith introduced the resolution after the C-C-P held a military parade on
September 3rd in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the “Victory in the
War of Resistance Against Japan and the World Anti-Fascist War."

It denounced the C-C-P's “stolen valor” and commemorating the ROC’s
contributions to the Allied victory.

Sullivan introduced the Senate version today, which echoes Chris's proposal.

According to the text of the resolution, the C-C-P and its forces conducted
very limited combat operations against Imperial Japan, leaving ROC soldiers
to shoulder the vast majority of the fighting and casualties.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-03 14:20:13

The restaurant group WowPrime is set to hold its year-end feast on December
18th, saying that nearly all of its 400-plus outlets will be closed that day.

The group said except for those working at its 13 branches inside department
stores, some 10-thousand employees are expected to attend the event at Taipei
Nan-gang Exhibition Center.

The group has arranged 179 tour buses to transport employees from across
Taiwan to the venue, and the banquet catering will be provided by the Regent
Taipei.

WowPrime also said it expects to open five more stores next year with the
focus on hot pot and barbecue brands, and hire1,200 people.

The group, established 32 years ago, has recorded stable growth this year,
posting consolidated revenue of $17 billion NT in the first three quarters
and nearly $1 billion in net profit.

Its earnings per share stood at $12 NT.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-03 14:20:13

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at 27793 after
gaining 228 points.

The turnover was 439.6 billion NT

Posted on 2025-12-03 14:20:13

NNow turning to international news...

Malaysia's transport ministry says the deep-sea hunt for Malaysia Airlines
Flight 370 will resume on December 30.

The Boeing 777 vanished over a decade ago with 239 people, mostly Chinese
nationals. on board.

Satellite data showed the plane turned from its flight path from Kuala Lumpur
to Beijing and likely crashed in the southern Indian Ocean.

The U.S.-based marine robotics firm Ocean Infinity will resume the search
intermittently for 55 days at a new 15,000-square-kilometer site in the
ocean.

Malaysia's government earlier this year approved a "no-find, no-fee" contract
with Ocean Infinity, which will be paid $70 million only if wreckage is
found.

Previous searches have failed to locate the aircraft.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-12-03 14:20:13

Truning to Hodnuras' presidential election,

Salvador Nasralla of the conservative Liberal Party holds a slight lead over
Nasry Asfura of the National Party with votes from about 62% of polling
places counted.

It was the first update from electoral authorities since the website tracking
the vote count's progress crashed Monday.

Honduran electoral authorities blamed "technical problems."

The National Electoral Council announced Tuesday that the site had been
updating results since Sunday night but went down midday Monday.

The council is working with the contractor to fix the issue and is creating a
space for media outlets to observe the vote counting.

Both candidates claim they are favored to win.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-12-03 14:20:13

Dozens of couples in the Gaza Strip have held a mass wedding following over 2
years of bombardment.

Although it was a rare moment of hope, celebrations were dampened by the
ongoing crisis across Gaza.

Most of Gaza's 2 million residents have been displaced by Israel's war on the
strip, with entire areas of cities been flattened and aid shortages and
outbursts in conflict plaguing the daily lives of people.

Weddings are a key part of Palestinian culture, but became exceedingly rare
in Gaza during the war.

They are a tradition that some couples have been able to restart in the wake
of a fragile ceasefire, even if the weddings are different from the elaborate
ceremonies once held in the strip

(KK)

Posted on 2025-12-03 13:07:13

The supplier of PX-Mart's problematic Taiwan tilapia fillets said its own
commissioned tests found no traces of the banned animal drug.

The Kaohsiung city government, on the other hand, said the samples that the
Yun-lin Kou-hu (口湖) Fisheries Cooperative sent for tests were different
from the original one.

Officials said the supplier can apply for a re-test in accordance with the
law.

The city's health officials announced Monday that Taiwan tilapia fillets sold
in Kaohsiung's PX-Marts contained residues of the animal drug and ordered the
chain store to remove the product, notify consumers and offer refunds.

Further investigations traced the source of the fish to Kou-hu Fisheries, who
said it sent retained samples of the same batch of fish to S-G-S for
re-testing, and the results found no traces of the drug.

It also sent samples of different batches of the same product to SGS, with
the same outcome.

PX Mart outlets in Kaohsiung received 4,488 packages of the product and had
sold nearly 90 percent before the contamination was announced.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-03 13:07:17

The New Taipei City government says those affected by a water outage in
Tamsui can apply for compensation.

Officials say that's in addition to having fees waived by Taiwan Water
Corporation.

Authorities add that the city government is coordinating the reimbursement
mechanism together with the construction contractor responsible.

Members of the public can apply online for compensation or head to a Tamsui
government office and provide proof of purchase for water or related
equipment through next Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the mayor also says that Tamsui's water infrastructure needs
updates, and has suggested that Taiwan Water consider adding backup water
supply pipelines.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-03 13:07:17

Now turning to international news...

Hong Kong is setting up an independent committee to determine the cause of a
deadly high-rise fire that shocked the city and to recommend changes to
prevent a future tragedy.

The city leader announced the creation of the committee...

and pledged to overcome vested interests and to bring about systemic change
in the construction industry.

The fire started in scaffolding at an apartment complex and spread rapidly.

It burned seven apartment buildings and killed at least 156 people with about
30 people still missing a week after the fire.

The fire left many of the 4,600 residents homeless.

Authorities have cited high winds and substandard materials as factors.

Police and anti-corruption investigators have arrested at least 15 people,
including construction company directors.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-12-03 12:17:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is thanking U-S President Donald Trump for
signing the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act.

The U-S Senate passed Act on November 18 after which it was sent to the White
House for signing on Tuesday of this week.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is expressing his sincere gratitude for the
U-S support, while the foreign ministry says it will to build on the good
relations between Taiwan and the U-S and uphold the principles of mutual
trust and mutual benefit.

The bill requires the U-S State Department to regularly review and update the
rules governing Washington's engagement with Taiwan and directs the State
Department to "identify opportunities and plans to lift self-imposed
restrictions on relations with Taiwan."

It also requires that the guidelines take into account that Taiwan is
"governed by a representative government peacefully constituted through free
and fair elections."

The bipartisan act passed the U-S House of Representatives in May.

Posted on 2025-12-03 12:17:15

Details of a secret intelligence exchange between Taiwan and the Netherlands
earlier this year have been made public and images of the Military
Intelligence Bureau personnel have been posted online.

The details released include flight information, the trip's itinerary,
meetings with Dutch intelligence personnel,and information concerning the
agendas of those meetings.

According to the leaked information, the Military Intelligence Bureau sent
personnel, including two colonels to the Netherlands in May of this year to
conduct intelligence exchanges with their Dutch counterparts.

A photograph released online shows the Taiwanese intelligence officials at a
restaurant and each of their names has been listed.

Details of a visit to Taiwan last month by Dutch intelligence agency
personnel has also been leaked online - and that also includes their
itinerary and the content of the meetings.

Posted on 2025-12-03 12:17:20

The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has questioned 13 people as part on
an investigation into corruption related to the construction of C-P-C's
Guantang LNG terminal in Taoyuan.

It follows raids by prosecutors and officials from the Agency Against
Corruption on 11 locations including C-E-C-I's Taichung office, the office of
C-P-C' s procurement division and C-P-C's L-N-G engineering office.

Those questioned included the former chairman of C-E-C-I Engineering
Consultants and several employees of C-P-C's procurement office.

All 13 were released without bail either late last night or earlier this
morning.

According to the prospectors' office, 10 of those questioned have been listed
as witnesses in the case, while three others have been listed as defendants.

The investigation comes after Mirror Media reported that C-P-C pressured
external contractors to repeatedly increase the project's cost estimates.

According to reports, the estimated cost of the project was set 9.4-billion
N-T, but that allegedly rose to 25.3-billion N-T after repeated revisions.

Posted on 2025-12-03 12:17:23

The Keelung City Government says a new pollutant has been discovered in a
drainage ditch in the city's Nuannuan District.

City officials say the area had not been affected by the recent oil spill in
the Keelung River that contaminated water supplies to over 100,000
households.

According to officials, the city government will establish a forward command
center tomorrow to monitor the situation and trace the source of the
pollution.

They're also warning that if the water quality does not improve, some 35,000
households the Nuannuan and Renai districts will be affected and could face
water outages, as the Xishi Reservoir only has only about three days' worth
of water supply remaining.

The two districts are supplied with water from the reservoir.

The city's Environmental Protection Bureau has taken samples of the polluted
water for testing, while the Taiwan Water Corporation says it will take steps
to divert water resources to the effected areas.

Posted on 2025-12-03 12:17:25

following water outage

New Taipei City Councilor Chen Wei-chieh is proposing providing a minimum
subsidy of 50,000 N-T per household for those affected by the recent water
outage in Tamsui.

The outage was caused after a water pipe was ruptured last Thursday during
construction work on the Danbei Road project.

According to the Chen, it affected approximately 62,000 households and many
of them went days without water, as full services were not restored until 6AM
Tuesday morning.

Chen says it caused a major inconvenience to residents and significant losses
to resturants and catering businesses located across 16 neighborhoods of of
the Tamsui District.

The city councilor argues that the proposed subsidy differs from
compensation, as it is seen as "consolation payment" or funds for "livelihood
assistance" - which fall under the category of social welfare.

New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih has said the city will hold the contractor behind
the road project accountable.

Posted on 2025-12-03 12:17:30

And over to Honduras' presidential election, Salvador Nasralla of the
conservative Liberal Party now appers to be leading in the polls.

That's with about 62% of polling places reporting.

In a close second place is Nasry Asfura of the National Party, who is
endorsed by the US president.

Only about 2000 votes separate the two conservative canddiates.

Meanwhile Rixi Moncada of the ruling democratic socialist party, LIBRE,
trails in a distant third place.

This is the first update from electoral authorities since the website
tracking progress crashed.

The website, set up by Honduran electoral authorities, experienced technical
problems.

Posted on 2025-12-03 12:17:35

In the US, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is defending the double strike
on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean.

He cited the "fog of war" as reason for his not seeing any survivors in the
water when the second strike was ordered and launched.

Legal experts say the US military would have committed a crime if survivors
had been killed.

Lawmakers have also announced congressional reviews of the strikes.

The Trump administration claims that the strike was lawful, and was ordered
by Navy Vice Admiral Frank Bradley.

Bradley is expected to provide a classified briefing to lawmakers overseeing
the military this week.

Posted on 2025-12-03 12:17:30

Finally in sports news ...

The Taiwan Professional Basketball League resumes this evening after a
weeklong break for the opening 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualification
games.

The second place Hsinchu Lioneers play the fifth place Taipei Mars at the
Hoping Gymnasium in Taipei.

And that game begins at 7 o'clock.

Posted on 2025-12-03 12:17:37

A beloved albino alligator in California has died at the age of 30.

The alligator, named Claude, lived at the California Academy of Sciences in
San Francisco.

Claude was an unofficial mascot and appeared in children's books and ads.

He captivated visitors with his "quiet charisma" during his 17 years at the
museum.

Claude was born in 1995 in Lousiana.

He was born with albinism, which made him appear white, with pinkish eyes.

The museum is planning a public memorial, and Claude's fans can share
memories via email or snail mail.

Posted on 2025-12-03 06:52:13

President Lai Ching-te has told army reservists that there is no room for
compromise when it comes to Taiwan's security.

He made the comments as he visited a base in Yilan to oversee a reservist
training exercise.

Lai said the values of freedom and democracy are not about ideological
disputes, but are the common position of all the people of Taiwan.

Lai said peace cannot be achieved merely by signing a peace treaty achieved
by yielding to the demands of an aggressor.

He also defended his proposed 1.25-trillion N-T special defense budget.

Lai said his administration has to spend more on defenses due to China's
coercion and harassment - and it's better prepare should the worst case
scenario occur.

Posted on 2025-12-03 06:52:13

Lawmakers have passed a 27-billion N-T special budget to fund reconstruction
in parts of Hualien battered by September's flooding from the Matai'an Creek
barrier lake overflow.

The budget cleared the Legislature with the initially proposed amount of
funding from 2025 to 2030 intact.

The bill also included a 3-billion N-T reserve fund permitted under the
30-billion N-T ceiling set by a special reconstruction act, which was
approved by lawmakers on October 31.

The special act was designed to fast-track long-term recovery and funding
will be available through 2030.

The bill calls for 19.2-billion N-T to be earmarked for economic development,
5.6-billion N-T for community development and environmental protection,
1.5-billion N-T for contingency funding, and 600-million N-T for general
administration.

Funds will be used to cover water resource and river management projects,
building fortified levees capable of withstanding debris flows, repairing
damaged bridges, rebuilding agricultural and public infrastructure,
supporting temporary housing, and reinforcing the power grid.

Funding for special budgets will be raised through government borrowing.

The passed bill also includes a clause requiring Premier Cho Jung-tai to
deliver a special report to the Legislature within two months on such issues
as barrier-dam safety, upstream sediment removal, river-basin treatment
plans, and fund use.

Posted on 2025-12-03 06:52:13

At the same time,

The Legislature has passed amendments to the Occupational Safety and Health
Act.

The revisions define workplace bullying and require employers to take steps
to prevent it.

Workplace bullying is defined as repeated harassment, threats, isolation,
insults or other inappropriate conduct carried out by someone using their
position or authority, causing physical or psychological harm to a worker.

In severe cases, it does not need to be repeated to constitute bullying.

Workplaces with more than 30 employees must establish and publish prevention
guidelines, while those with more than 10 employees must provide a publicly
accessible reporting channel.

Employers are also required to support workers who file complaints and report
cases and outcomes to a government-designated website. Larger workplaces must
form investigation committees in which external members make up at least half
of the panel.

Under the amendments, the person in charge of a company will be fined up to
1-million N-T if they engage in workplace bullying.

While failure to provide support or conduct an investigation will result in
fines of upto 75,000 N-T.

Posted on 2025-12-03 06:52:13

The government has congratulated St. Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre
and his ruling Labour Party on securing re-election in Monday's general
election.

Voters in the Caribbean nation elected all 17 members of the House of
Assembly on Monday.

The S-L-P won 14 seats, delivering a decisive victory that ensured the party
would retain control of the legislature and re-elect Pierre as prime
minister.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Ambassador to St. Lucia Nicole Su has
conveyed congratulations on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan to
Pierre and the newly elected lawmakers.

The ministry has praised St. Lucia for holding an "open, transparent and
peaceful" election - saying the result reflected the St. Lucian people's firm
commitment to democratic values ..

.. and says Taiwan looks forward to continuing to work closely with Pierre's
government to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation.

Posted on 2025-12-03 06:52:13

national defense

Economics Minister Kung Ming-hsin is calling for stronger cooperation between
Taiwan and Japan in artificial intelligence, green energy and national
defense.

Kung told participants at a Taiwan-Japan investment cooperation forum in
Taipei that the two economies have long maintained close economic ties, and
that the ongoing push to build a "non-China" supply chain highlights the need
for the two sides to expand cooperation.

As some Japanese enterprises are scaling back operations in China, Kung
called for Taiwan and Japan to seize the opportunity to strengthen
cooperation in A-I, renewable energy and national defense.

He told delegates that in terms of A-I, Japan's push for the Innovative
Optical and Wireless Network platform and all-optical communications aligns
closely with Taiwan's ambitions to boost A-I innovation.

And he stressed that Japanese firms have supported Taiwan's development of
solar and offshore wind power, while Taiwanese firms have also joined
Japanese partners in offshore wind projects in Japan - demonstrating the
deepening two-way relationship in green energy sources.

Kung added je believes there will be significant opportunities for Taiwan and
Japan to collaborate in the national defense sector after President Lai
Ching-te announced plans to strengthen Taiwan's defense industry.

Posted on 2025-12-03 06:52:13

The National Immigration Agency says a China-born spouse has had her
family-based residency revoked for advocating armed unification online.

Qian Li lost her national I-D and household registration in August after
authorities determined she operated a pro-People's Liberation Army social
media page promoting the use of force against Taiwan.

The woman was employed by Asus and married to a Taiwanese national.

The immigration agency says Qian's activities during her residency period
were deemed harmful to national security or social order, violating Article
14 of the regulations governing the residency and settlement of Chinese
spouses in Taiwan.

Her residency permit was revoked following consultations with the Mainland
Affairs Council and a notice of revocation was delivered on Monday.

The immigration agency says issues related to her employment and National
Health Insurance coverage will be handled by the relevant agencies ..

.. and should she commit further violations while still in Taiwan, law
enforcement will take action as required.

Posted on 2025-12-03 06:52:13

Taiwan's deputy representative in Indonesia says his office is stepping up
efforts to attract Muslim travelers... the Tourism Administration also plans
to open an office in Jakarta next year to tap into one of the world's
fastest-growing outbound travel markets.

Lin Hsin-ren said Taiwan can no longer afford to overlook Indonesia as a
market, as it's one of the region's fast growing economies.

Lin says more than 200,000 Indonesians currently visit Taiwan each year, and
he expects that number to rise as Taiwan increases its on-the-ground presence
and promotional efforts.

The deputy representative in Indonesia says he sees strong growth potential
in Indonesia's family travel, affluent tourists, corporate incentive trips,
and overseas Chinese-learning educational tours ..

... and he believes Taiwan's tourism products are well-suited to meet the
needs of these travelers.

Posted on 2025-12-03 06:52:13

Reuters and Yonhap are reporting that a South Korean court rejected a request
to detain former deputy prime minister and finance minister Choo Kyung-ho.

Prosecutors had wanted to arrest him as part of an investigation into former
President Yoon Suk Yeol's briefly imposing martial law last year.

The Seoul Central District Court said it was difficult to conclude Choo would
destroy evidence or attempt to flee, given his previous conduct and his right
to defence with assistance from his attorney.

Last month, the special prosecutor asked the court to sentence former Prime
Minister Han Duck-soo to 15 years in prison, alleging he helped Yoon in his
short-lived martial law.

Posted on 2025-12-03 06:52:13

British authorities have delayed a decision on a super-sized Chinese embassy
in central London amid growing security concerns.

The decision, originally due by Dec 10, has been pushed to Jan 20... but
that's not been the only delay, because the proposal has been stalled for
years.

The latest delay comes amid scrutiny over the government's handling of
Chinese spying allegations.

The proposed "mega embassy" is near London's financial district and sensitive
data cables.
Critics worry it could be used for espionage.

Critics suggest the delay may also be linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer's
expected visit to Beijing in early 2026.

Posted on 2025-12-02 18:58:13

Both the KMT and the TPP are urging President Lai Ching-te to explain the
details of the 1.25-trillion-NT special national defense bill at the
Legislative Yuan before the draft bill is reviewed by legislative committees.

Opposition lawmakers jointly moved earlier today to block the bill from being
listed on the agenda for Friday’s legislative plenary session.

KMT caucus whip Fu Kun-qi said the President first pledged the 400
billion-U.S.dollar supplementary defense budget in his letter to the
Washington Post without making it clear to Taiwanese people or the
Legislative Yuan on how the funds will be spent.

He stressed that while people support national defense, they do not support
wasteful arms purchases, nor do they support a war sparked by provocation.

The comments follow Lai's announcement that he's willing to make a report to
the Legislative Yuan on the issue if there's consensus among the ruling and
opposition parties and if the procedure complies with the Constitution.

Meanwhile TPP chair Huang Guo-chang said his party wants to ask Lai whether
he can guarantee on-time delivery of the weaponry we need and whether the
purchases will produce immediate combat capability.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-02 18:58:13

In international news,

Hong Kong has set up an independent committee to investigate a deadly fire
that burned seven apartment buildings and killed at least 156 people

It was announced by Chief Executive John Lee, who pledged to overcome vested
interests and pursue accountability.

The fire started in scaffolding at the Wang Fuk Court complex and spread
rapidly.

It left many of the 4,600 residents homeless.

Authorities have cited high winds and substandard materials as factors.

Police have detained 14 people, including construction company directors.

Thirteen have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

Posted on 2025-12-02 18:58:13

John Lee, the chief executive, announced the committee on Tuesday. He pledged
to overcome vested interests and pursue accountability. The fire started in
scaffolding at the Wang Fuk Court complex and spread rapidly. It left many of
the 4,600 residents homeless. Authorities have cited high winds and
substandard materials as factors. Police have detained 14 people, including
construction company directors. Thirteen have been arrested on suspicion of
manslaughter.

Posted on 2025-12-02 18:58:13

Bulgaria’s government said Tuesday it is withdrawing a controversial budget
proposal after protests against it drew tens of thousands of people and saw
clashes between police and protesters. Opposition and business groups have
warned that plans for higher taxes, increased social security contributions
and spending increases could hurt investment and expand the shadow economy as
the country prepares to join the eurozone at the start of next year. The
government first promised to withdraw the draft for through revision after
protests last week, but later refused to do so, sparking protests in the
capital, Sofia, and other major cities Monday night. The protest in Sofia,
which was dominated by young people, was largely peaceful, but it was
followed by violent clashes.

Posted on 2025-12-02 18:58:13

Emergency crews are racing to reach survivors and recover more bodies Tuesday
in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

The death toll from last week's catastrophic floods and landslides has surged
past 1,300, with more than 800 people missing.

Days of heavy monsoon rain have inundated vast areas, leaving thousands
stranded and many clinging to rooftops waiting for help.

The flooding and landslides have killed at least 712 people in Indonesia, 410
in Sri Lanka and 181 in Thailand.

Military-led rescue teams in Sri Lanka continue to scour devastated areas for
336 people still missing in floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone
Ditwah.

At least 507 reported missing in Indonesia.

Posted on 2025-12-02 18:57:13

All YouBike riders in Taoyuan and New Taipei must sign up for insurance to
rent a bike starting January 1st.

Authorities add that the rule applies to long-time members, new users, and
even one-time rentals.

Taoyuan has offered free public bike insurance since 2018, but until now only
new members were automatically covered.

Since last year, electric-assist YouBike 2.0E rentals have already required
mandatory insurance, and Taoyuan’s coverage rate has reached 97 percent.

To expand safety protection, the policy will now include all YouBike 2.0
rides and single-use credit-card rentals.

Temporary users will need to fill out insurance information when linking
their credit card.

Regular members must rent with the card they originally registered.

Insurance can be completed for free on the YouBike website or app.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-02 18:57:13

Premier Cho Jung-tai is demanding tighter restrictions on online shopping
platforms。

This, after investigators found that precursor chemicals for the drug 'Meow
Meow' were smuggled through Taobao, falsely labeled as silicone oil.

Cho warned that e-commerce sites must take more responsibility to prevent
illegal materials from slipping through.

He stressed the need for agencies to speed up the listing of new drug
ingredients, strengthen inspections of banned items like poppy seeds, and
crack down on tools like e-cigarettes linked to emerging drug forms.

The Premier also called for age-targeted anti-drug education.

Officials showcased seven major busts this year, including the nation's first
etomidate "zombie vape" factory and the first poppy cultivation case.

The crackdown led to nearly 2 thousand suspects and the seizure of more than
400 kilograms of drugs.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-02 18:57:13

The Centers for Disease Control says flu-related outpatient visits held
steady last week, ending two months of decline.

Despite this plateau, the CDC recorded 24 new severe flu cases and nine
deaths within the past week.

The youngest fatality of the season was a five-year-old girl from northern
Taiwan.

She had no chronic illness and had received last season’s flu shot, but not
this year’s.

Another death involved an unvaccinated man in his 40s with diabetes and
hypertension.

Health expects expect cases to rise slightly and peak around the Lunar New
Year holiday.

So far this season, Taiwan has recorded 349 severe cases, including 53 deaths.

The CDC urges seniors, young children, and people with chronic illnesses to
get vaccinated as temperatures continue to fluctuate.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-02 17:07:13

The ROC Swine Association has raised doubts about the government's plan on
banning kitchen waste starting 2027, saying the 2026 one-year transition
period is “far too long.”

The Central Emergency Operation Center for African Swine Fever yesterday came
to the preliminary conclusion of setting next year as the transition period
for pig farmers who meet the criteria to continue using leftover food.

Those criteria include raising at least 200 pigs and having a certificate to
reuse waste materials.

The farmers must also install temperature and video monitoring systems,
comply with cooking and sterilization requirements, and transport food waste
using GPS-equipped vehicles.

However, the Swine Association said today that most farmers favor a full ban
sooner rather than later.
(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-02 17:07:15

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says, Taiwan is open to restoring ties with
Honduras...

regardless of who the new president is.

That's as two conservative candidates for the presidency are currently
neck-and-neck in the polls.

Both Nasry Asfura and Salvador Nasralla have said that they would axe
diplomatic ties with Beijing in favor of restoring ties with Taiwan, if
elected.

MOFA says, they take every opportunity for exchange seriously, and aim to
help Taiwan better contribute to the international community.

Incumbent president of the LIBRE party Xiomara Castro previously switched
diplomatic relations to the PRC in 2023.

LIBRE's candidate, Rixi Moncada, is currently polling in 3rd place.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2025-12-02 17:07:20

Now turning to international news...

Search and rescue efforts are continuing in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and
Thailand following floods and landslides.

More than 1200 people have been confirmed dead so far, while another 800 are
mising.

Most of the dead were from Indonesia, followed by Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Days of hevay rain inundated the areas, laving many stranded and waiting for
help.

In Indonesia, rescuers are struggling to access villages in Sumatra, where
roads and bridges have been destroyed.

Helicopters and boats have been deployed, but officials warn that worsening
weather and damaged infrastructure are slowing operations.

Meanwhile in Sri Lanka, rescuers are searching for the missing, but
landslides have caused roadblocks.

And in Thailand, cleanup has begun, as authorities work to restore water and
electricity.

Posted on 2025-12-02 17:07:15

New data reveals a significant link between baby formula and an increased
risk of childhood obesity.

The peer-reviewed study from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital is the first of its
kind to track the continuous metabolic profile of children from birth to age
five.

Researchers found clear metabolic differences between formula-fed and
breast-fed infants.

Among participants, more than 30% were overweight or obese at age 3, and over
23% remained so at age 5.

The team noted that Taiwan has seen rising rates of childhood obesity and
allergies in recent years.

Experts encouraged parents to promote breastfeeding, ensure healthy diets
during childhood, and foster regular physical activity.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-02 17:07:22

Pope Leo the fourteenth has visited the site of the 2020 Beirut port
explosion in Lebanon on the final leg of his trip to the Middle East.

The pope prayed at the site, standing silently amongst the wreckage.

Families of the victims of the explosion are still seeking justice, and no
official has yet been convicted in the repeatedly obstructed judicial
investigation.

When he arrived in Lebanon over the weekend, the pope urged the country's
political leaders to pursue the truth as a means of peace and reconciliation.

Posted on 2025-12-02 16:08:13

The Legislative Yuan has passed the biggest overhaul of the Occupational
Safety and Health Act in 12 years — adding a full chapter on preventing
workplace bullying.

The amendments define bullying as abuse of power that goes beyond what's
necessary for work — including threats, insults, isolation, or other
inappropriate behavior that harms a worker’s physical or mental health.

They also require employers to set up complaint channels, post prevention
rules, and act quickly when cases are reported.

Companies with more than 30 workers must create full complaint and
disciplinary procedures, and larger firms will need investigation committees
with at least half the members from outside.

Employers must protect affected workers, conduct fair investigations, and log
both the complaint and the outcome on a central government website.

If the accused is the top executive, employees can file directly with local
authorities.

Employers who ignore complaints can be fined up to $750 thousand NT, and top
executives can face fines of up to $1 million NT.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-02 16:08:13

Opposition KMT and TPP lawmakers have voted to table a review of the
1.25-trillion-NT defense special budget.

That means, it will not be on the agenda at the Legislative plenary session
on Friday, and so cannot be turned over to legislative committees for review.

The opposition parties made the vote amidst loud protests from DPP lawmakers.

The TPP stated that they supported the KMT's position of tabling the bill.

DPP caucus leaders slammed the opposition parties for, they say, being
unwilling to discuss the content of the bill or explain the reasons for
blocking it.

Also blocked by the blue and white camps were the Executive Yuan’s draft
amendments to the Allocation of Government Revenues Act, and proposals to
regulate lawmakers' travel to China brought forward by DPP lawmaker Puma
Shen.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-02 16:08:13

In world news...

Hong Kong has set up an independent committee to investigate a deadly fire
that burned seven apartment buildings and killed at least 151 people.

John Lee, the chief executive, announced the committee today.

He pledged to overcome vested interests and pursue accountability.

The fire started in scaffolding at the Wang Fuk Court complex and spread
rapidly. It left many of the 4,600 residents homeless.

Authorities have cited high winds and substandard materials as factors.
Police have detained 14 people, including construction company directors.

Posted on 2025-12-02 16:08:13

Pope Leo XIV is wrapping up his trip to Lebanon, including a silent prayer at
the site of the 2020 Beirut port explosion.

Leo was also expected to meet with relatives of some of the 218 people killed
by the blast.

The explosion tore through Beirut and did billions of U.S. dollars in damage
after hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate detonated in a warehouse.

Five years on, the families of the victims are still seeking justice.

Hours before he arrived, thousands of Lebanese poured into the waterfront
site for the Mass, overjoyed that a pope had finally managed to visit

Posted on 2025-12-02 16:08:13

The Turkish maritime authority reports a tanker carrying sunflower oil from
Russia to Georgia was attacked in the Black Sea. The MIDVOLGA-2 came under
attack 80 miles off the Turkish coast. The 13 crew members were unharmed and
the vessel has not requested assistance. On Monday, Turkish President Recep
Tayyip Erdogan condemned Ukraine’s drone attack on two Russian vessels,
calling it a “worrying escalation” of the conflict. Erdogan emphasized the
threat to navigational safety and the environment. The vessels involved are
reportedly part of a fleet used to evade sanctions imposed on Russia.

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — A tanker carrying sunflower oil from Russia to Georgia
was attacked in the Black Sea, the Turkish maritime authority said Tuesday,
days after two Russian “shadow fleet” oil tankers were attacked by
Ukrainian naval drones.

The Turkish Directorate General of Maritime Affairs said the MIDVOLGA-2 came
under attack about 130 kilometers (80 miles) off the Turkish coast. The 13
crew members were unharmed and the vessel has not requested assistance.

It was heading toward the Turkish port of Sinop, the maritime authority said
in a statement on X.

On Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke out against
Ukraine’s drone attack on two Russian vessels, the Kairos and Virat, saying
it signaled a “worrying escalation” of the conflict.

“We cannot condone these attacks, which threaten navigational safety, life,
and the environment, especially in our own exclusive zone,” Erdogan said in
a televised address. “We are issuing the necessary warnings to all parties
regarding such situations.”

Friday’s attacks against the Kairos and Virat occurred inside Turkey’s
exclusive economic zone. Crew members on board both vessels were reported to
be safe.

The OpenSanctions database, which tracks people or organizations involved in
sanctions evasion, describes the vessels as part of a fleet of ships used to
evade sanctions imposed on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine has carried out successful naval strikes against Russian shipping
during the war, particularly using explosives-packed marine drones. However,
Ukrainian missions have previously largely been limited to the waters of the
northern Black Sea.

Posted on 2025-12-02 15:41:13

The ruling DPP legislative caucus is urging the Legislature to allow two
important draft bills to go through the review process.

The DPP caucus leader Zhong Jia-bin (鍾佳濱) said the 1.25-trillion-NT
national defense special act and the Cabinet's version of the amendments to
the Allocation of Government Revenues are now pending at the Legislative
Yuan.

Zhong said he's hoping that the two drafts can be placed on the agenda for
Friday's plenary session.

He's calling on members of the Procedure Committee, scheduled to meet today,
not to block the bills, saying that the bills are crucial for the nation's
future.

Asked if President Lai Ching-te will go to the Legislative Yuan to answer
lawmakers' questions, Zhong said according to the Constitutional Court's
ruling, the Cabinet is obligated to respond to the Legislative Yuan.

He said that if the president were to engage in a question-and-answer session
during a State of the Nation report, it would infringe upon the respective
constitutional powers of the Cabinet and the Legislature .

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-02 15:41:13

The Hualien County government has passed a self-governance ordinance that
could lead to the reopening of the scenic Mukumugi (慕谷慕魚) scenic area,
which has been closed for over a decade.

The order allows local Indigenous tribes to submit a management plan for the
region, paving the way for the area to reopen under tribal control.

The Mukumugi scenice area, known for its beautiful landscape, has been closed
since a series of typhoons damaged and destroyed its main access tunnel.

County officials say the tunnel reopened to traffic in 2023, and the new
ordinance will allow tribes to take over management, providing a legal basis
for them to set management plans, charge and utilize tourism conservation
fees, and ttrain local tour guides.

The government says the law guarantees the tribes' right to autonomous
management, protecting their cultural rights and creating local employment
opportunities for young tribal members.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-02 15:41:13

A new report by the United Nations Development Program is urging governments
to focus more on how artificial intelligence technologies might affect people
already disadvantaged in a data-driven world.

The report released today likens the situation to the “Great Divergence” of
the industrial revolution, when many Western countries saw rapid
modernization while others fell behind.

The UN report also notes that even in wealthy nations like the United States,
the potential for data centers to devour too large a share of electricity and
water has raised concerns.
Ramping up power generation to meet higher demand may hinder progress in
limiting the emissions of carbon from burning fossil fuels that contribute to
global warming, while also causing health hazards.

The report emphasizes that most of the gains from AI are likely to be reaped
by wealthy nations unless steps are taken to use its power to help close gaps
in access to basic needs and advanced know-how.

Posted on 2025-12-02 14:14:13

The Legislative Yuan passed the third reading of the special budget bill for
reconstruction following the Matai'an barrier lake disaster.

The special act is made up of 27 billion NT in funding to help affected areas
rebuild.

The legislature passed the bill without freezing or cutting any of the
budget, thus passing all of the items outlined by the Executive Yuan.

Most expenditures in the bill are earmarked for economic development,
followed by money for community development and environmental protection.

Lawmakers also passed provisions in the proposal, including a TPP request for
Premier Zhuo Rong Tai to report to the legislature within 2 months regarding
the progress of post-disaster reconstruction.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-02 14:14:13

A new poll conducted by the Taipei City government claims that there is
majority support amongst residents for the Taipei-Shanghai Twin City Forum's
taking place.

The forum is now set for the end of this month, although the exact dates have
yet to be confirmed.

The Research, Development, and Evaluation Commission of the city government
says that the poll demonstrates 60% support the continuation of the twin city
forum...

and they state that it shows support for "stable exchange" between Taiwan and
China.

The poll also claims that over 70% of residents agree with the statement that
"when cross-strait relations are more tense, there is more need for
communication and exchange."

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-02 14:14:13

Taiwan is making a strategic push into the Spanish-language publishing market
by hosting a dedicated "Taiwan Pavilion" at the Guadalajara International
Book Fair in Mexico.

The government-backed Taiwan Creative Content Agency announced today that the
Taiwan Pavilion, themed "House of Stories," opened on November 29th at the
book fair, which is the largest Spanish-language book fair globally.

The pavilion showcases nearly 100 works from 25 Taiwanese publishers, and is
aimed at facilitating more international licensing deals.

The agency says it is actively promoting Taiwanese authors and building local
networks by connecting with bookstores, schools, and cultural institutions in
Mexico.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-02 14:14:13

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at 27564 after
gaining 221 points.

The turnover was 469.6 billion NT.

Posted on 2025-12-02 14:14:13

Now turning to international news...

Ukrainian troops say, they're doubtful that the peace proposal currently
being hashed out will prevent Russia from attacking Ukraine again.

Soldiers fighting in eastern Ukraine say, they don't believe Russia will
follow terms laid out in such a pact, and say it would only let Russia
rebuild and rearm its military in order to invade again.

The soliders and military analysts believe that, without substantial security
guarantees, like NATO membership, a re-invasion by Russia is inevitable.

They believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin is determined to take
Ukraine, and they say the government in Kyiv must rebuild its own military to
preserve peace along the front line.

Some say, there will be no true peace until Russia is destroyed or a new
leader takes over.

Posted on 2025-12-02 14:14:13

Initial polling results in Honduras show two opposition conservative
candidates for president leading the contest.

Officials say that Nasry Asfura and Salvador Nasralla were within several
hundred votes of each other.

Meanwhile Rixi Moncada of the ruling LIBRE party trails by about 20
percentage points.

Just days before the election, US President Donald Trump endorsed Nasry
Asfura, of the National Party, saying that he would fight what Trump called
"narco-communists."

Experts say that Trump's intervention may have brought Asfura much closer to
Nasralla than had he not commented.

Posted on 2025-12-02 13:07:13

Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation says, a communications system issue
disrupted 4 trains today, delaying some 2000 passengers.

Although the issue was resolved just before 11 this morning, it still caused
delays of more than 30 minutes for those customers.

The company is still looking into the cause of the problem, which began just
before 9:20 this morning.

Following the fix, all trains were gradually returning to their normal speeds.

THSR issued its apologies to inconvenienced customers, and stated that
refunds would be processed according to regulations.

Those rules stipulate that customers who were delayed between 30 and 60
minutes and who paid full price for their ticket will be refunded 50% of the
fare price.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-02 13:07:14

A landslide near the Taiping Shan forest recreation area has caused a road
closure on a road linking the park to outside roads.

Officials say the landslide took place this morning around 7 at the 8.5
kilometer marker.

Both directions of traffic are being affected by the issue.

Officials say, traffic flow should be restored this afternoon.

Visitors to the park are advised to make relevant adjusments to their travel
plans.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-02 13:07:14

The Director-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics has put Taiwan's
eonomic growth in 2025 at 7.37-percent, the best in 15 years.

The D-G-B-A-S says the nearly three-percentage-point upward revision is due
to strong exports and investment so far this year, driven largely by
AI-related business.

However, Chung-hua Institution for Economic Research chair Lian Xian-ming
(連賢明) said the strong overall growth does not extend to weaker, more
traditional sectors.

Lian noted that the increasingly polarized industrial structure will pose
huge challenges for government policymaking, especially on the interest rate
and exchange rate policies.

As for next year’s outlook, the economist noted that his institute expects
economic growth to reach 3.54-percent.

While lower than this year’s figure, he said it is still relatively solid,
and the AI sector is expected to remain strong.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-02 13:07:14

The Central Weather Administratio says, much of Taiwan can expect cooler
temperatures later this week.

Particularly in the north and east starting tomorrow, the CWA forecasts a
drop in temperatures and more precipitation.

The CWA says the more robust northeasterly winds will drive low temps down to
14 degrees in Miaoli, and 15 in flat, coastal areas of Yun-lin and Jia-yi.

The Greater Taipei Area can expect to see temperatures dropping to 17 or 18
early tomorrow and Thursday morning with some rain as well.

Going into the weekend though, the CWA says temperatures will start to go
back up Saturday.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2025-12-02 13:07:14

The Hong Kong government has set up an independent commission to investigate
last week's deadly fire.

At least 151 people were killed in the blaze.

Officials pledged to overcome vested interests and pursue accountability for
the fire, and to make recommendations regarding how to prevent similar
incidents.

The fire started in scaffolding and spread rapidly, burning 7 apartment
buildings and leaving many of the thousands of residents homesless.

Police have so far detained 14.

The investigation has mainly focused on why the fire was able to spread so
rapidly.

Authorities have said that high winds and illegal building materials factored
into the blaze.

Posted on 2025-12-02 08:14:13

relief from US

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

The government's top trade negotiator, Yang Jen-ni is insisting that the U-S
and Taiwan are in the final stages of trade negotiations and the outcome will
"very likely" result in Taiwan obtaining tariff stacking relief.

According Yang, she firmly believes the negotiating team will achieve such
that goal, as it's been working to ensure that any adjusted tariff rate for
Taiwan will not be added to the existing ones.

Speaking during a legislative economics committee hearing, Yang told
lawmakers that Taiwan might also obtain most favored nation status under
Section 232 of the U-S Trade Expansion Act ....

.... as Washington has been conducting a national security investigation
aimed at deciding on tariffs for imports of semiconductors and other devices.

Yang denied reports the U-S government is seeking a commitment from Taiwan to
train American workers in the semiconductor manufacturing sector and other
tech industries as part of the trade deal - saying training has not been
mentioned during the negotiations.

And she also told lawmakers the U-S side has praised the proactive and
pragmatic approach of the Taiwan negotiating team during the talks, which are
making positive progress.

Posted on 2025-12-02 08:14:13

could take years

Economics Minister Kung Ming-hsin is refusing to say whether the
decommissioned Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant could restart generating
electricity as soon as 2028 ...

.. telling lawmakers that the required inspections by the island's nuclear
safety regulator could take between 18 months to six years.

The statements came as Kung was being quizzed by opposition lawmakers about
whether the Maanshan plant could resume operation as early as 2028, once it
passes required safety checks.

The Ministry of Economics Affairs last week announced that Tai-Power is
expected to submit a plan for restarting both the Maanshan plant and the
Kuosheng Nuclear Power Plant in New Taipei to the Nuclear Safety Commission
by March of next year for review.

Several local media reports have been claiming that Maanshan plant could
resume operation as early as late 2027 or in 2028.

Asked by lawmakers to comment on those predictions, Kung said the Maanshan
plant could could be restarted in 2028 in the best-case scenario, if it
passes safety inspections in one and a half years.

However, the economics minister stressed that inspections could take as long
as five to six years and the government's top priority is to make ensure it
is safe for the power plant to restart.

Posted on 2025-12-02 08:14:13

D-P-P lawmakers have introduced a bill to designate election eve in as a
national holiday.

The bill has been introduced one year ahead of 2026's local government
elections.

D-P-P lawmaker Chung Chia-pin says the bill making election eve a national
holiday will give voters more time to travel to the constituencies where they
are registered to cast their ballots.

The K-M-T says it will review and consolidate a series of bills drafted by
its members to introduce absentee voting.

The D-P-P has has long opposed absentee voting - claiming it will open the
doors to potential Chinese infiltration and possible technical complications
within the current electoral system.

According to the D-P-P, implementing absentee voting without proper electoral
oversight mechanisms could result in unfair elections.

Posted on 2025-12-02 08:14:13

found in drinks

The Taichung City Government's Office of Food and Drug Safety has ordered a
local branch of Chun Shui Tang teahouse to suspend operations after a
employee mistakenly refilled a teapot with water containing a cleaning agent.

Several of the branches employees have also been referred to prosecutors.

It comes after three customers were rushed to the China Medical University
Hospital after complaining of burning sensations in their throats.

Chun Shui Tang says they were taken to hospital accompanied by the branch
manager and it will pay their medical fees.

All three customers were later discarged from hospital following tests and
the hospital says the incident was not life-threatening.

According to Chun Shui Tang, the employee who served the teapot containing
sodium bicarbonate had only been working at the branch for about two weeks
and it was an accidental mistake.

Food safety officials in Taichung say Chun Shui Tang's Gongyi branch will be
allowed to resume operations if it passes further inspections.

Posted on 2025-12-02 08:14:13

And finally,

New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih says the city has now entered a super-aged society
- as the number of people aged 65 and over has surpassed 800,000, accounting
for about 20-per cent of its total population.

Hou marked the milestone by hosting an event titled the "800,000 Silver Power
Shines in New Taipei, Happy City Christmas Festival" at the New Taipei City
Civic Plaza.

The festival featured performances by senior citizens, intergenerational
dances, and health-oriented activities.

Speaking at the event, Hou touted his administration's commitment to elderly
care - saying New Taipei now has 120 daycare centers, 633 community care
points, and over 1,400 senior clubs.

Hou expressed his hopes that the number of daycare centers will reach 130 by
next year to further expand learning and intergenerational activities for
senior citizens.

Posted on 2025-12-02 07:01:13

trial begins

Taoyuan International Airport's under-construction Terminal 3 has welcomed
first passengers after as its north concourse began trial operations on
Monday.

Just under a thousand passengers went through the terminal to board flights
to Sapporo, operated separately by China Airlines and EVA Air, and a Starlux
Airlines service to Bangkok.

Corporation chairman Yang Wei-fu says the company is collecting as much
traveler feedback as possible to ensure the best preparations are made before
the official opening, and the north concourse could be officially inaugurated
by the end of this month.

Yang says more flights will gradually begin using the new concourse during
the trial period, when stress tests and rolling reviews will be conducted to
identify areas that need improvement or refinement.

The north concourse is equipped with eight boarding gates, which are expected
to boost the airport's annual passenger handling capacity by 5.8-million ..

.... and when fully open, Terminal 3 is expected to handle 45-million of the
80-million passengers expected to pass through the airport each year.

The airport operator has said Terminal 3 will open in phases, with the north
concourse designated as the first area to begin operations, while main
terminal building and the south concourse are expected to open after their
completion in 2027.

Posted on 2025-12-02 07:01:15

Defense Minister Wellington Koo is denying reports that testing of the Navy's
first prototype submarine without its anchor endangered the crew, or that the
move was driven by pressure to meet a delayed delivery deadline.

Koo told lawmakers that the Narwhal didn't require an anchor system during
successful floating navigation tests last Thursday and Friday - and ensuring
that sea trials are conducted safely has always been the defense ministry's
top priority.

Meanwhile, Navy Chief of Staff Chiu Chun-rong told lawmakers at the hearing
that the Narwhal's anchor was not on the prototype during the recently
concluded sea trials because some components needed to be replaced.

The statements come as the defense minister announced that the Navy is
levying daily fines of 190,000 N-T on Kaohsiung-based shipbuilder C-S-B-C for
failing to meet the original November delivery deadline for the submarine
prototype.

C-S-B-C has insisted that crew safety is its top priority and that each test
is reviewed by project staff and foreign consultants and carried out only
after meeting safety requirements, with escort vessels accompanying the
trials.

The Narwhal's sea trials were originally slated to end by September 30.

Posted on 2025-12-02 07:01:17

Supermarket chain PX Mart says more than 13,000 packets of contaminated
frozen tilapia fillets have been sold islandwide.

The statement comes after health authorities announced that tests found
traces of a banned veterinary drug in a batch of the product.

The issue came to light after the Kaohsiung City Health Department announced
that it had issued a recall order on November 27 for a product named "Taiwan
tilapia fillets" after samples tested in October were found to contain the
banned veterinary drug enro-flo-xacin.

The drug is legally permitted for use with land animals but not for acquatic
products.

More than 15 and a half thousand packs of tainted fillets were purchased by
PX Mart, with nearly 14 thousand sold.

The Yunlin health department said it ordered P-X Mart's head office to
immediately remove and recall the batch and to proactively notify consumers.

The Fisheries Agency says local authorities have been asked to take samples
from the relevant fish farms and those test results expected in about a week.

Posted on 2025-12-02 07:01:21

The Keelung City Environmental Protection Bureau has fined the Taiwan Water
Corporation half a million N-T over an oil spill that contaminated water
supplies to over 150,000 households.

The state-run company was fined for violating the Drinking Water Management
Act and endangering public health and safety.

Inspectors found that one of the oil-film detectors at the Badu pumping
station was malfunctioning, which may have contributed to a delay in
detecting the contamination.

The Environmental Protection Bureau is now reviewing whether the water
corporation's equipment and emergency response deviated from its water
pollution control plan.

The water corporation said it halted river-water intake immediately after the
oil slick was detected, and several rounds of flushing and water-quality
tests later confirmed that tap water met with all safety standards.

The Keelung City Environmental Protection Bureau and law enforcement
authorities are continuing to trace the source of the oil spill and will
refer the case to prosecutors if any evidence criminal wrongdoing is
uncovered.

Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang has filed a report with the Keelung District
Prosecutors' Office - which he says has already opened an investigation.

Posted on 2025-12-02 07:01:23

surgery rules

Pioneering gay rights activist Qi Chia-wei has filed a misconduct complaint
against the Ministry of the Interior's requirement that transgender people
undergo surgery before changing their legal gender in Taiwan.

Qi says the requirement violates both the law and fundamental rights.

He filed the complaint with the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office, accusing
Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang of dereliction of duty for failing to amend a
policy that courts have already ruled unconstitutional.

Several people have changed the gender listed on their IDs without surgery
after successfully challenging a 2008 interior ministry administrative
interpretation requiring it in court.

Qi pointed out that an investigation by the Control Yuan had been expected to
lead to a corrective measure... instead, it was downgraded to a
recommendation for review and improvement - meanning the government continues
to rely on the 2008 interpretation.

Under that interpretation, transgender people must submit two diagnostic
certificates from psychiatric specialists and proof of surgery to change
their legal gender.

Posted on 2025-12-02 07:01:25

Local drone manufacturer, Thunder Tiger says it simultaneously operated six
SeaShark suicide unmanned surface vessels from a single control station
during a sea trial late last month.

The company is describing the operation as a major milestone in Taiwan's
unmanned vessel development.

The Taichung-based company said the sea trial at Pingtung's Dapeng Bay on
November 28 showcased its advanced U-S-V control and A-I systems and
successfully carried out multiple tactical formations and rapid, second-level
maneuvers.

The company says the six-meter-long drone boats maintained 100-percent
communication stability under electromagnetic interference by using a UK-made
military anti-interference frequency-hopping system.

Thunder Tiger also says the vessels feature a low-radar-cross-section hull
design that significantly reduces the chance of detection and have the
potential to become the sharpest asymmetric vehicular weapon for defending
the Taiwan Strait.

The company is seeking to expand cooperative testing with the National
Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology and the Ministry of National
Defense to meet operational needs.

Posted on 2025-12-02 07:01:25

Shanghai

And,

Taipei and Kaohsiung have extended open invitations to Japanese pop star
Ayumi Hamasaki after Chinese authorities abruptly canceled her scheduled
concert in Shanghai.

She had been slated to perform on Saturday in the Chinese city before
organizers pulled the show at the last minute, citing "force majeure."

The move is widely being seen as retaliation for Japanese Prime Minister
Sanae Takaichi's recent remark that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could draw a
military response from Tokyo.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an told reporters the city "very much welcomes"
Hamasaki's return and will continue to "surprise" her.

The pop star held two concerts at Taipei Arena in August as part of her Asia
Tour 2025 - attracting over 250,000 fans over both days.

Meanwhile, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai says China's handling of the Shanghai
concert was "extremely unacceptable" and he welcomes Hamasaki to perform in
Kaohsiung.

Posted on 2025-12-02 07:01:25

Hong Kong authorities say they have arrested 13 people for suspected
manslaughter in a probe into the city's deadliest fire in decades.

They point to the use of substandard renovation materials for fuelling the
blaze... tests on samples of the green mesh used show it did not match fire
retardant standards.

Police continued to sweep the seven burnt-out towers engulfed in Wednesday's
disaster at the Wang Fuk Court estate in the New Territories' Tai Po
district.

More than 40 people are still missing... police officials say some bodies
were fully incinerated, making it impossible to find all the individuals.

The fire has claimed at least 151 lives so far.

Posted on 2025-12-02 07:01:28

Canada has joined a major European Union defense fund.

The move, announced Monday by the office of Prime Minister Mark Carney,
allows Canadian defense companies access to a 150 billion euro EU loan
program called Security Action for Europe, or SAFE.

The plan aims to diversify Canada’s military spending away from the United
States.

Carney says it will fill capability gaps and attract European investment.

Canada is the first non-EU country to gain access.

Posted on 2025-12-01 19:54:13

Taichung officials say a new survey shows 90 percent of the city's pig
farmers who previously used kitchen waste as feed want to continue doing so
once the nationwide ban is lifted.

The ban followed an outbreak of African swine fever at a local farm in
October ... caused mainly by improperly cooked kitchen waste.

Mayor Lu Shiow-yen says the city is discussing various methods for kitchen
waste disposal with farmers and related industries, aiming to phase out
kitchen waste as feed in the long-term.

Both the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Environment have agreed that
farms wishing to resume using kitchen waste as feed must install monitoring
systems to prove the waste is cooked at 90 degrees Celcius for one hour.

These systems must also pass joint inspections by both the city and central
governments.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-01 19:54:14

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an says a new date has been tentatively set for the
Taipei-Shanghai Twin City Forum, after the original mid-September meeting was
abruptly cancelled.

Chiang said the forum is now expected to take place at the end of December,
but many administrative details are still being coordinated with Shanghai.

He said the final schedule will be announced once everything is confirmed.

Recent reports suggested the forum could run from December 25th to 27th ...
but Taipei officials have not yet confirmed an exact date.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office says the two cities remain in communication,
and that Beijing continues to support cross-strait municipal exchanges to
improve people's well-being.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-01 19:54:14

Hong Kong authorities say some of the netting on buildings that caught fire
last week did not meet codes for fire resistance.

The blaze that began Wednesday has claimed at least 151 lives and left
thousands homeless.

It broke out at the Wang Fuk Court complex and wasn't fully extinguished
until Friday.

Authorities are investigating possible fire code violations, as the buildings
were under renovation.

Hong Kong's anti-corruption agency has arrested 11 people involved in the
renovations.

As questions about government accountability grow however, authorities have
acted swiftly to stifle criticism, arresting several individuals and warning
against disruptions.

When the fire broke out, the complex’s buildings were all clad in bamboo
scaffolding draped with nylon netting for renovations.

Posted on 2025-12-01 17:07:14

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reassured the public that Taiwan's
diplomatic relations with its 12 allies remain stable.

Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Zhi-zhong (吳志中) also stressed that Taiwan won't
sever ties with the Vatican.

Wu's comments follow a Reuters report that Godwin Friday, leader of the
opposition New Democratic Party, took Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' Prime
Minister's office on the 28th, and that the N-D-P previously proposed
severing relations with Taiwan.

Wu said today that Taiwan has maintained strong and stable ties with its
allies.

He added that Pope Leo XIV has not been in office for long and is still
weighing the future direction of Vatican policy toward Beijing, but he
believes the Holy See will not switch diplomatic recognition to China.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-01 17:07:14

Passengers have praised Taoyuan International Airport’s Terminal 3 North
Concourse, which began trial run today.

It served three flights and 968 passengers this morning, and Airport
Corporation chair Yang Wei-fu (楊偉甫) said the 8 boarding gates of the
Concourse will be all included in the trial operations.

He said the facility, designed by renowned architect Richard Rogers, features
bright colors and big open spaces.

A bi-directional moving walkway helps shorten walking time, and the layout of
arrival and departure levels also differs from the existing concourses.

Yang said he expects to see the concourse officially open by the end of the
year, boosting Taoyuan International Airport’s annual passenger-handling
capacity by 5.8 million.

Construction work for the main building of Terminal 3 and the South Concourse
are scheduled to complete by the end of 2027.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-01 17:07:14

Both Taipei and Kaohsiung Mayor have welcomed Japanese singer Hamasaki Ayumi
to hold concerts in their cities.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said when Ayumi came here to perform at Taipei
Arena earlier this year, he personally wrote a card to her and gave her a
Taipei MRT EZcard featuring Hello Kitty that she loved.

Chiang said next time when she comes here, there'll be more pleasant
surprises for her.

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen also expressed his eagerness in welcoming Ayumi, saying
she's a wonderful singer with a unique style.

Those comments come after her Shanghai show, scheduled for Saturday, was
abruptly canceled Friday morning.

She went ahead with the entire concert and posted a photo of performing the
show to 14-thousand empty seats on her Instagram yesterday.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-01 17:07:14

In worle news...

Indonesia’s president told survivors of last week’s devastating floods that
help was arriving to those in need.

President Subianto pledged to rebuild infrastructure Monday as Asian
governments scaled up their responses to a disaster that has left more than
1,000 dead and missing in three countries.

Authorities say flooding and landslides in the past week have killed at least
502 people in Indonesia, 170 in Thailand and 334 in Sri Lanka.

Authorities in Sri Lanka said yesterday that rescuers are still searching for
370 missing people and nearly 148-thousand people are in shelters.

Thailand officials say severe flooding in 12 southern provinces has affected
more than 1.4 million households and 3.8 million people.

Posted on 2025-12-01 17:07:14

Donations to victims of a devastating fire in Hong Kong have reached about
$115 million, that's 3.6 billion NT, after the blaze that began last
Wednesday claimed at least 146 lives and left thousands homeless.

The fire broke out at the Wang Fuk Court complex and wasn't fully
extinguished until Friday.

Authorities are investigating possible fire code violations, as the buildings
were under renovation.

Hong Kong's anti-corruption agency has arrested 11 people involved in the
renovations.

When the fire broke out, the complex’s buildings were all clad in bamboo
scaffolding draped with nylon netting for external renovations.

Posted on 2025-12-01 16:11:13

Taichung is expanding subsidies for pork vendors hit by the nationwide ban on
pig transport and slaughter after October's African swine fever outbreak.

Under the new round of assistance, unregistered pork sellers who can prove
they were operating during the 15-day shutdown can now apply for 15 thousand
NT per stall from the city.

That's in addition to the 30 thousand NT offered per stall under the central
government's program.

Previously, only officially registered market vendors were eligible.

The city says it wants to ensure fairness, and may conduct on-site checks ...
for false or duplicate claims.

Applications are open until December 10th, and the city is urging
unregistered but active vendors to apply as soon as possible.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-01 16:11:13

New Taipei City has taken steps to prepare, as it officially enters the stage
of a super-aged society, with its elderly population surpassing 800-thousand
residents.

New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih made the announcement today, reporting that
the number of people aged 65 and over has exceeded 20-percent of the city's
total population.

To support the rapidly aging population, the mayor says the city currently
operates

120 daycare centers for the elderly. and o
ver 1,400 senior clubs.

Hou expressed hopes that the number of daycare centers will reach 130 by next
year to further expand learning and intergenerational activities for seniors.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-01 16:11:13

Taiwan Railway is reporting strong demand for New Year's holiday travel.

According to the company, ticket sales opened at midnight, and by nine this
morning more than 46-thousand tickets had already been booked.

Tickets are available for travel from December 31st through January 5th
through the TRC website, the mobile app, phone service, and convenience
stores.

TRC says the booking system ran smoothly, and seats are still available on
most routes.

The company reminds passengers to pick up or pay their tickets within two
days.

Unpaid tickets will be released again on December 3rd at 9 AM.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-01 16:11:13

In Honduras, with votes from about 41% of polling places counted, preliminary
and partial results showed conservative candidates Nasry Asfura and Salvador
Nasralla leading the presidential contest Sunday and the governing party
trailing.

The National Electoral Council said that Asfura of the National Party had
41-percent of the votes in early counting, while Nasralla, of the
conservative Liberal Party, had about 39-percent.

Rixi Moncada of the democratic socialist Liberty and Re-foundation party
trailed with 20-percent

It's not clear if candidates will accept the official results

The final stages of the presidential campaign were dominated by the three
leading candidates trading accusations of election fixing, leading Honduran
and international observers to warn that they could be undermining the
process' credibility.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-12-01 14:07:13

Lawmakers of the opposition blue and white camps are getting ready to propose
absentee balloting, and the ruling DPP is countering with a proposal of
having two off-days for voting.

Currently all election days are scheduled on Saturdays.

If workers are assigned to work that day, employers must still allow them to
take turns taking time off to go vote.

DPP caucus head Zhong Jia-bin said the bill, which would also make the day
before election day a holiday, aims to make election smoother, reduce
disputes, and lower costs, and that they hope to schedule committee review as
soon as possible.

Zhong also raised doubts about absentee balloting, saying it's likely to
increase the difficulties of election administration and open the door to
Chinese interference.

KMT spokesperson Niu Xu-ting (牛煦庭), on the other hand, said his party and
the TPP will discuss the details of the draft bill for absentee voting before
moving it forward at the Legislative Yuan.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-01 14:07:14

The Kaohsiung Health Department is asking that PX-Mart in the city take its
Taiwan tilapia fillet off of shelves after the product was detected to
contain residues of an animal drug.

Health officials said today that the drug, an antibiotic for the treatment of
animals, is a banned substance in Taiwan.

Health inspectors said a sample of Taiwan tilapia fillet taken from the PX
Mart Luzhu Zhongzheng branch was found to contain the substance...

... and follow-up inspections in November showed that PX Mart stores across
Kaohsiung had received 4-thousand 488 packages from the same batch.

Of those packages, 4-thousand 80 had been sold and 408 removed from shelves.

Health officials said they've asked the company to notify consumers and offer
refunds.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-01 14:07:14

Asian shares began the week mixed, with Tokyo's benchmark falling nearly 2%
on Monday after the release of data showing weak factory activity.

Taiwan shares are down today, with the Tai ex closing at 27,342 after losing
283 points.

The turnover was 476 billion NT.

Posted on 2025-12-01 14:07:14

In world news...

The death toll from floods and landslides following cyclonic rains in the
Indonesian island of Sumatra has risen to 442 according to a BBC report, and
hundreds were injured.

Rescue workers are racing to reach some areas of the hardest hit the island,
where thousands have been cut off and left without critical supplies.

Reuters reported that nearly 300 people are still missing even as about
80-thousand people have been evacuated and hundreds are stranded in three
provinces across Sumatra island, Indonesia's westernmost area.

Large parts of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand have been stricken by
cyclone-fuelled torrential rain for a week, with a rare tropical storm
forming in the Malacca Strait.

Posted on 2025-12-01 13:14:14

The Labor Funds hit a new record high in October due to global financial
markets' rallies boosted by the AI sector.

The Ministry of Labor said the labor fund size totaled 1 trillion 564 billion
NT, with a record-setting monthly return of $300 billion NT.

It surpassed the previous record of $277.8 billion NT set in August.

The M-O-L's data shows as of the end of October this year, the return rate
stood at 11.8-percent for the New Labor Pension Fund, and 18.5-percent for
the Old Labor Pension Fund.

Some 11 million workers are covered by the labor funds.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-01 13:14:14

New Taipei City is calling on residents to donate used goods for the
nation’s largest charity flea market.

The city's Environmental Protection Department says its annual market
offering second-hand items will be held December 20th at Citizen Square, and
the department is currently running a donation drive until December 12th.

Residents can drop off their functional second-hand items with recycling
trucks, or designated spots.

The department says the event, now in its 11th year, has raised over
$9-million NT over the past decade, with all proceeds donated to the city's
social welfare fund to help local residents.

The market is part of the city's 45-day Christmasland celebration, which
runs until December 28th and features a "Circus Carnival" theme.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-01 13:14:14

In world news...

Thousands of demonstrators, including clergy from the dominant Roman Catholic
church, are protesting in the Philippines.

They are calling for the swift prosecution of top legislators and officials
implicated in a massive corruption blamed for substandard, defective, or
non-existent flood control projects across an archipelago long prone to
deadly floodings and extreme weather.

Left-wing groups led a separate protest on Sunday in Manila's main park with
a bolder demand for all government officials linked to the financial
anomalies to immediately resign and face prosecution.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been scrambling to quell public outrage.

He has pledged that many of at least 37 powerful senators, members of
Congress, and wealthy construction executives implicated in the corruption
scandal would be in jail by Christmas.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-12-01 13:14:14

The Louvre Museum has approved a ticket price increase from 22 to 32 euros,
or about 800 to 1,170 Taiwan dollars, for non-EU visitors, starting in
January.

This move aims to help finance a major overhaul of the building.

The need for renovation became urgent after the recent crown jewels heist
exposed security weaknesses.

The decade-long renovation plan, called “Louvre New Renaissance,” is
estimated to cost up to 800 million euros.

It will modernize infrastructure, ease crowding and give the famed Mona Lisa
a dedicated gallery by 2031.

In 2024, the museum welcomed 8.7 million visitors, with 77% being foreigners.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-12-01 13:14:14

In Japan, Princess Aiko's increasing popularity is sparking discussions about
changing the country's male-only succession law.

Aiko is the only child of the current emperor and cannot succeed him under
the law.

Experts say lifting the female ban is crucial to the monarchy's future, but
conservative lawmakers oppose it.

The monarchy has only one eligible heir from the younger generation.

Aiko turns 24 on Monday, and many fans want her to become a future monarch.

Her charm and intelligence have won admirers, and her recent solo trip to
Laos further boosted support.

The monarchy's future remains uncertain, with debates ongoing about gender
equality and succession rules.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-12-01 07:59:13

The Taiwan Water Corporation says several rounds of flushing and
water-quality tests have confirmed that tap water polluted by an oil spill on
the Keelung River now meets all safety standards.

The corporation halted river-water intake immediately after Thursday's oil
slick was detected near the Badu pumping station.

It switched to reservoir water and deployed 286 personnel for system-wide
flushing.

The incident affected households in Keelung's Ren'ai, Anle, Xinyi, Qidu and
Zhongshan districts, as well as parts of New Taipei's Xizhi Discrict.

Authorities are still investigating the source of the oil spill in the
Keelung River.

Posted on 2025-12-01 07:59:13

And,

Taiwan bodybuilder Liu Ming-yi has won two gold medals at the International
Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness World Bodybuilding Championships in
Saudi Arabia.

Liu first captured gold in the men's fitness model 176-centimeter and under
category, beating 10 other contestants, and then added another in the men's
physique 170-centimeter and under division, topping a field of 16 athletes.

Liu also won gold earlier this year in the men's physique 170-centimeter and
under event at the Asian Championships in the United Arab Emirates.

Posted on 2025-12-01 07:30:13

Some 200 people rallied in Taipei on Sunday for the annual "Autumn Struggle"
protest.

They criticized President Lai Ching-te's proposed 1.25-trillion N-T
supplementary defense budget and urging the government to prioritize social
welfare spending.

The event began outside the Legislative Yuan with speeches on labor rights,
opposition to war and objections to growing defense outlays, before marching
to Ketagalan Boulevard opposite the Presidential Office.

K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun attended the rally on Ketagalan Boulevard -
where she accused the D-P-P- of neglecting workers while treating large-scale
military procurement as routine.

Cheng said Lai's proposed supplementary defense budget, covering arms
purchases and joint development projects with the United States, risks
inflaming cross-strait tensions rather than easing them.

Chen Hung-pei of the People Democracy Party also slammed the defense spending
proposal - arguing that expanding spending by "such a large amount" primarily
served U-S interests and diverted funds from groups in need.

The D-P-P did not directly respond to the demands raised at the "Autumn
Struggle" protest...

Instead it countered Cheng's criticism, saying Taiwan has a responsibility to
"be prepared for war without seeking war" in the face of China's continued
military pressure- a principle it said has guided the government from former
President Tsai Ing-wen to Lai.

Posted on 2025-12-01 07:30:15

The Civil Aviation Administration says drone sellers will be required to
register and clearly label key product information before selling new models
from today.

Sellers who fail to carry out registration or labeling obligations will face
fines ranging from 10,000 to 1.5-million N-T.

Manufacturers are required to upload details covering brand and model, maker
information, maximum takeoff weight, cybersecurity test results, National
Communications Commission radio certification, and inspection documents to
the drone management information system.

This information must also be printed on the drone and its packaging.

Drone importers and agents of foreign brands must also comply with
International Trade Administration rules by using Import Regulation Code 617,
a new classification, for remote-controlled drones from today.

The new requirements are based on amendments to drone laws announced in
November of last year.

Posted on 2025-12-01 07:30:15

Taiwan's ambassador to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has met with the
newly elected prime minister of the Caribbean ally, Godwin Friday,

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Ambassador Fiona Fan delivered President
Lai Ching-te's congratulations during their meeting, and that the prime
minister asked her to relay his thanks in return.

The ministry has not said when the meeting took place or provided any further
details... but it is believed to have taken place after Friday's New
Democratic Party has previously proposed switching recognition from Taiwan to
Beijing.

Friday was sworn in after the N-D-P won 14 of the 15 parliamentary seats in
Friday's general election, ending Unity Labor Party leader Ralph Gonsalves'
24-year rule.

The new prime minister did not publicly address the issue during his election
campaign.

Taiwan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines established diplomatic relations
in 1981.

Posted on 2025-12-01 07:30:21

variant

The Centers for Disease Control says the current flu vaccine may provide
weaker protection against the new strain... but it is still believed to be
effective in cutting the risk of severe illness.

That new strain of the flu virus now accounts for nearly 90-per cent of
confirmed flu cases.

Health officials first detected variant in July, and it has since climbed
from 30.8-per cent in July to 87.7-per cent in October.

C-D-C spokeswoman Tseng Shu-hui says studies indicate the flu vaccine
maintains strong performance in reducing severe illness and hospitalization
risk, despite declining protection against infection.

The C-D-C says overall flu outbreak activity here in Taiwan is now at a low
point and showing a steady decline, after this year's vaccination drive
started in October.

However, officials are warning that flu activity could rise again after the
New Year period, with the next peak expected around the Lunar New Year.

Posted on 2025-12-01 07:30:22

A fugitive convicted of murder in 2000 and who spent more than a decade
hiding in Indonesia under an assumed identity has been repatriated to Taiwan.

The Criminal Investigation Bureau says the 47-year-old man was recently
flagged by Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration as a suspicious
foreign national and reported to its office in Indonesia.

After he was indentified, Indonesian and Taiwanese authorities worked
together and arrested him on Wednesday of last week in Jakarta.

The man was wanted for his involvement in a 1999 fight and stabbing case in
Taipei's Tianmu which resulted in the death of one person, and two others
suffering injuries.

He was sentenced to 11 years in prison for homicide in 2000, and continued to
receive heavy sentences after multiple appeals.

The man fled Taiwan March 2011.

He was listed as a major wanted fugitive by the Supreme Prosecutors Office in
2024.

Posted on 2025-12-01 07:30:25

The D-P-P has marked the 29th anniversary of the murder of feminist pioneer
Peng Wan-ru by celebrating her impact on gender equality reforms.

Peng disappeared in Kaohsiung while campaigning for a proposal to reserve
one-quarter of elected government positions for women on November 30, 1996 at
the age of 47.

She was serving as head of the D-P-P's Women's Affairs Department at the time.

She was found three days later, having been raped and fatally stabbed.

No one has been charged with her murder.

The DPP's Gender Equality Department says it is compiling and reviewing
Peng's archives and has begun work on a documentary about her life.

The party says Peng's advocacy later shaped the Local Government Act, which
in 1999 required that at least one-quarter of seats in local councils be held
by women.

Posted on 2025-12-01 07:30:26

And,

Kaohsiung and Taipei have gotten into the Christmas spirit with festive tree
lightings this past weekend.

The tree lighting ceremonies were led by their mayors.

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai initiated his city's third Christmas festival to
be held inside Central Park - leading a ceremony to light a tree measuring
26-meters in height.

City government officials say the tree and other light fixtures inside
Central Park will be lit up from 5:30PM to 12AM every day through January 4.

The event will also feature a Christmas market and performances by several
popular musical acts on weekends.

Meanwhile in Taipei, Mayor Chiang Wan-an kicked off the city's Christmas
celebration that entered its sixth edition this year.

Chiang lit-up a tree installed outside Exit 11 of Taipei's Da-An Forest Park
M-R-T Station.

Christmas lights have also been set up in six major display zones near Da-An
Park along Xinsheng South Road.

The light displays will be on from 5PM to 10PM daily through January 1.

Posted on 2025-12-01 07:30:26

Beijing is warning it will crack down on any anti-China protests as thousands
turned out to pay tribute to the victims of Hong Kong's deadliest fire in
more than 75 years...

Mourners queued for more than a kilometre along the banks of a canal near the
burnt-out housing complex to lay white flowers for those who died, with
people still arriving late in the evening.

The cause of the blaze at a high-rise apartment complex, remains under
investigation, amid public anger over missed fire risk warnings and evidence
of unsafe construction practices.

Police are said to be holding a student who belonged to a group which
launched a petition calling for a probe into possible corruption and
construction oversight...

But Reuters has said it could not establish whether he had been arrested.

Authorities say the death toll is now at 146.. with more than 40 still
missing.

Posted on 2025-12-01 07:30:26

The death toll mounted to over 600 from floods and landslides caused by
torrential rains across three countries in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand faced large-scale devastation after a rare
tropical storm formed in the Malacca Strait fuelling heavy rains and wind
gusts for a week.

There were 435 dead in Indonesia, 170 in Thailand, and three deaths reported
in Malaysia.

Rescue and relief officials in the Southeast Asian countries were still
trying to get access to many flood-hit areas on Sunday even as flood waters
receded and tens of thousands of people were evacuated across the three
countries.

Over 4 million people have been affected - nearly 3 million in southern
Thailand and 1.1 million in western Indonesia,

Posted on 2025-12-01 07:30:26

Venezuela's National Assembly will form a special commission to investigate
U.S. President Donald Trump's deadly strikes on suspected drug trafficking
boats off the Venezuelan coast and in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

The congressional body's president Jorge Rodriguez said the investigation
would look into a report that said U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
ordered all people aboard one of the boats killed during a strike in
September.

A second strike was then carried out to kill two survivors.

The U.S. for months has waged a campaign of deadly strikes against suspected
drug trafficking boats in the region.

The U.S. is being accused of seeking regime change out of a desire to control
Venezuela's vast oil reserves.

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