ICRT

Posted on 2026-05-01 15:09:13

Here's a heads-up for freeway traffic. The southbound lane on the number 5
freeway from Taipei to Yilan is highly congested now on the section from
nan-gang to Pinglin.

The average speed is around 19 kilometers an hour.

The southbound lane on the number one freeway from Hu-kou to Xiang-shan is
very crowded at the moment as well, with an average speed o f 33 kilometers
per hour.

Posted on 2026-05-01 15:09:13

The leader of Taiwan's main opposition party, who is planning a visit to the
United States, said she has requested a meeting with U.S. President Donald
Trump.

KMT Chair Zheng Li-wen confirmed in an interview with Bloomberg News on
Thursday that she had submitted a request to meet the U.S. president, though
she noted that the chances were not very high.

Cheng added, "As long as it helps promote peace, we would very much welcome
the opportunity to meet President Trump."

In the interview, Zheng also said she supports Trump's statement opposing
Taiwan independence.

According to reports, Chinese President Xi Jinping had again urged the United
States last year to change its wording on the Taiwan independence issue from
saying it "does not support" Taiwan independence to explicitly "opposes" it.

Regarding the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting, Zheng expressed optimism, saying
that if the two leaders can build goodwill and mutual trust, it would be
extremely important for the whole world.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-05-01 15:09:13

A man wanted on fraud charges in Kaohsiung has turned himself in — moments
after getting married.

Police said the 25-year-old suspect, surnamed Chen, was already on a wanted
list issued by the Kaohsiung Prosecutors Office.

In an apparent bid to reassure his girl friend, Chen accompanied her to a
local household registration office on Wednesday to formally register their
marriage.

Shortly after signing the papers, he contacted police, revealed his location,
and said he was ready to face the charges.

Officers described him as calm and cooperative when they arrived. He was
later transferred to prosecutors for questioning.

Police are reminding the public that individuals summoned by prosecutors or
the courts should report on time, or risk being listed as wanted.

(CNA)

Posted on 2026-05-01 15:09:13

The Japanese yen surged into the 155 -per- dollar range from around 160 -- a
move that followed Finance Minister Sa-tsu-ki Kata-yama and other officials
warning against excessive yen depreciation last night.

The fall in the currency has raised speculation that Japan's financial
authorities might have intervened to prop up the yen.

The last time authorities stepped in to strengthen the yen was in July 2024,
when it hit 162, its weakest level in around 38 years.

The yen has been under pressure amid speculation that Japan's trade deficit
could widen due to rising crude oil prices, prompting increased yen selling
and dollar buying.

Posted on 2026-05-01 13:39:13

Multiple demonstrations have been scheduled in Taipei to mark Labour Day...

Police have deployed 100 officers, with an additional 80 officers on standby.

To maintain traffic order and ensure security around key government offices ,
security measures may be strengthened depending on the situation.

Taipei police said the marches have been approved on May 1 in areas including
Ketagalan Boulevard, Ji-nan Road, Xiang-yang Road, and Zhong-shan South Road.

Police said that the “May Day Labor March” began gathering before noontime
today and will start marching at 1:30 PM.

Another demonstration has gathered on the south side of Xiang-yang Road, and
police said this march will start at 2:30 p.m. and should end one hour later
at Liberty Plaza.

Police officers are urging drivers to pay attention to the traffic measures
when they enter the Bo-Ai Special district this afternoon.

Posted on 2026-05-01 13:39:15

Trump–Xi meeting.

A retired US general is calling for Taiwan to pass its special defense budget
before U-S leader Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart meet later this
month.

Retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery made the comments at a seminar
held by the Washington based Global Taiwan Institute think tank.

Montgomery warned that “Without a defense budget, there can be no
deterrence against China”.

The retired general pointed out that Taiwan needs both anti-access
capabilities and advanced military equipment, calling it “a good budget.”

He emphasized that Taiwan’s political parties need to act.

Trump is expected to visit China from May 14 to 15.

Posted on 2026-05-01 13:39:15

In world news...

Activists worldwide kick off May Day rallies today, demanding peace, higher
wages, and better working conditions.

The day is a public holiday in many countries and demonstrations are expected
in major cities.

The European Trade Union Confederation emphasizes that workers are refusing
to bear the costs of conflicts like the Iran war.
In the U.S., activists opposing President Donald Trump’s policies are
planning marches.

Rising energy prices and living costs are major concerns.

Workers in countries like the Philippines and Indonesia have cited growing
economic pressures.

Protests are also planned from Seoul, Islamabad and Istanbul to most European
Union capitals.

Posted on 2026-05-01 13:39:15

Myanmar’s former leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been moved from prison to house
arrest.

The announcement included a photo showing the 80-year-old Suu Kyi sitting on
a wooden bench in a skirt and traditional white blouse.

Uniformed men sit around the low table.

It wasn't clear when or where the photo was taken. Suu Kyi was detained Feb.
1st, 2021, when the army seized power from her elected government.

She has not been seen publicly since then.

Earlier Thursday, authorities had announced Suu Kyi’s sentence was being
reduced as part of a prisoner amnesty marking a Buddhist holiday.

Posted on 2026-04-30 18:16:14

trip

The Presidential Office says Chinese pressure is to blame for President Lai
Ching-te's failed trip to Eswatini.

Spokesperson Karen Kuo says countries that had already approved flight
permits canceled them at the last minute because of pressure from Beijing.

Her comments follow a Bloomberg report citing sources who say Germany and the
Czech Republic both turned down emergency transit requests after three other
countries withdrew overflight permits for Lai's plane.

Kuo did not directly address the European transit denials, but thanked allied
nations that helped during the negotiations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier declined to confirm or deny
details of the reported denials.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-30 18:16:14

cross-strait aviation dispute

The Civil Aeronautics Administration is pushing back against Chinese claims
that Taipei has been blocking carrier applications for new cross-strait
routes.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office said yesterday that some carriers had applied
to add cross-strait flights but were discouraged and turned away.

The C-A-A said today that all carrier applications for scheduled flights have
been approved, with Chinese-registered airlines currently operating 197
flights per week, a utilization rate of over 94 percent.

The agency says no charter flight applications have been received since March
2023, and that inquiring carriers have been given clear guidance on how to
apply during holiday periods.

The C-A-A says China's accusations are unverified and irresponsible, and that
Beijing's unilateral suspension of cross-strait negotiations on political
grounds is the real source of disruption to normal aviation ties.

Post-pandemic, Taiwan has opened 15 scheduled direct cross-strait routes at
up to 420 flights per week, along with 13 charter routes.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-30 18:16:14

Taiwan's economy grew at its fastest quarterly pace in nearly 39 years in the
first quarter of this year, driven by surging demand for artificial
intelligence.

The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics says preliminary
data puts first-quarter growth at 13-point-69 percent, up 2-point-23
percentage points from its February forecast.

The agency says strong demand for A-I, high-performance computing, and cloud
infrastructure -- along with mass production of next-generation products --
drove a sharp expansion in electronics and I-C-T exports.

Robust demand for emerging technologies also helped sustain business
investment.

Private consumption also beat expectations, supported by a government cash
handout program and a wealth effect from record stock market highs.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-30 18:16:14

Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang says he will announce his pick for a new deputy
mayor after a city affairs meeting on May 5th.

The position is newly created following last year's amendment to the Local
Government Act, which allows counties and cities to appoint a second deputy
mayor.

Hsieh made the remarks today at the inauguration of the city's new Legal and
Labor Department.

He said a broader round of personnel changes is coming, including a new
secretary-general and deputy secretary-general, with the goal of smoother
city operations.

Hsieh said that despite considering a delay until the next mayoral term, he
decided to move quickly given that more than seven months remain in his
current term.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-30 18:15:14

Keelung is offering rewards for those who come forward with information
leading to the source of an oil pollution incident discovered along a local
river earlier this week.

Oil residue was found accumulating along the Keelung riverbank near Qianxiang
Bridge on April 27th.

Workers deployed oil-absorbent booms to contain the spread, but the source of
the contamination has not yet been identified.

Officials say under city regulations, informants can receive up to 50 percent
of the fines actually collected, depending on the circumstances and the
informant's identity.
Authorities will keep the identity of any informant strictly confidential.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-30 18:15:14

Kpop stars including G-Dragon are set to headline a major K-pop showcase
concert in Kaohsiung next month.

Organizer Kwan's International announced today that "K-SPARK in Kaohsiung
2026" will feature GD as well as Girls' Generation leader Taeyeon, and rock
band FTISLAND.

The organizer also issued a warning about a fraudulent account that had been
impersonating the company on social media.

The fake account posted messages suggesting involvement in the event and was
even found to be accepting ticket orders.

Kwan's says it has sent a legal notice and filed a police report.

Fans are advised to purchase tickets for the May 30th event only through
official channels.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-30 18:15:14

Myanmar’s military-backed government shortened the prison sentence of ousted
leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The move Thursday came as part of a prisoner pardon tied to a Buddhist
religious holiday.

The amnesty is the second in two weeks, and comes after Senior General Min
Aung Hlaing was sworn into office as president on April 10.

Two legal officials have said Thursday’s measure would further reduce Suu
Kyi’s remaining sentence by one-sixth.

Based on previous reductions, she is expected to have more than 13 years left
to serve.

Posted on 2026-04-30 18:15:14

dollars a barrel

The United States is pushing to form an international coalition to restore
freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, as oil prices hit their
highest level in more than four years.

A State Department cable seen by Reuters says the proposed coalition --
called the "Maritime Freedom Construct" -- would share information,
coordinate diplomatically, and help enforce sanctions.

The Strait has been closed for two months since U-S and Israeli strikes on
Iran began on February 28th, choking off around 20 percent of the world's oil
and gas supplies.

Brent crude topped 125 US dollars a barrel Thursday, more than double its
price at the start of the year.

France, Britain, and other countries have held talks on joining the coalition
but say they will only help reopen the Strait after hostilities end.

With negotiations at an impasse, President Trump is set to receive a briefing
Thursday on plans for a fresh round of military strikes on Iran, according to
Axios.

Pakistan is meanwhile trying to broker a deal, with a Pakistani source saying
Iran has asked for until the end of the week to respond to a U-S proposal.

The war has so far cost the U-S military 25-billion US dollars, according to
a senior Pentagon official.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-30 18:15:14

The British government has declared antisemitism in the U.K. an "emergency”
and announced plans to spend millions on increasing security around Jewish
sites.

This follows a string of arson attacks and a double stabbing in London’s
Golders Green neighborhood.

Two Jewish men were seriously injured, and a suspect has been arrested on
suspicion of attempted murder.

Authorities are investigating possible links to Iranian proxies.

UK's Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized the urgency of addressing
antisemitism.

Some say the government has not done enough and there are calls for
pro-Palestinian marches to be banned.

The Community Security Trust charity has reported a rise in antisemitic
incidents since the October 2023 attack by Hamas-led militants on southern
Israel.

Posted on 2026-04-30 17:00:13

Global silicon wafer shipments rose more than 13 percent year-on-year in the
first quarter of 2026.

SEMI says shipments reached over 3.2 billion square inches during the quarter.

That was down 4.7 percent from the previous quarter, but up 13.1 percent from
a year earlier.

The industry group says demand linked to artificial intelligence remains
strong.

It says AI data centers are driving demand for advanced logic chips and
memory.

SEMI says some production is being shifted to support AI high-bandwidth
memory, or H-B-M.

That has made general memory supply tighter.

SEMI says the shift also affected weaker first-quarter shipments for
smartphones and personal computers.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-30 17:00:17

Taipei City is offering drivers a free outside-levee parking session if they
sign up for flood-prevention text alerts before the rainy season hits.

The promotion runs throughout May, timed to the city's flood-prevention
awareness month.

Both new and existing members of the Taipei City Parking One-Stop Service
platform can qualify by enabling the flood SMS notification feature, saving
around 50 NT dollars.

Existing members will need to re-enable their settings, as the city is
resetting notification preferences to ensure contact details are current.

Text reminders will go out to existing users starting May 1st, with new
members able to register by scanning a QR code on their parking payment slip.

Officials say the alerts help drivers move vehicles before typhoons or heavy
rain strikes, reducing the risk of flood damage and towing costs.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-30 17:00:20

National Taiwan University says it is willing to discuss whether to bar
applicants with a history of school bullying, after a lawmaker raised the
issue in the legislature today.

K-M-T Legislator Ko Chih-en (柯志恩) noted that several prominent South
Korean universities have begun permanently rejecting applicants found to have
committed bullying in high school, and urged Taiwan's universities to
consider doing the same.

NTU's Vice President said the university upholds a zero-tolerance stance on
bullying, but that individual cases must be weighed carefully with student
rights in mind.

Pressed further, she said if there is public appetite for the discussion, NTU
would bring the proposal to a university affairs meeting for input from
faculty and student representatives.

The exchange took place at a Legislative Yuan Education and Culture Committee
session reviewing national university budgets, with presidents or vice
presidents from all national universities in attendance.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-30 17:00:24

Russian drones have struck the Ukrainian port city of Odesa overnight,
wounding at least 18 people in the second such attack this week.

Officials say the worst damage was in the central Prymorskyi district, where
high-rise and five-storey residential buildings were hit, triggering large
fires that have since been contained.

A kindergarten, a shopping center, a hotel, and dozens of vehicles were also
damaged or destroyed.

Fourteen people were wounded in a separate drone strike on Odesa on Monday.

Ukraine's air force says Russia launched one ballistic missile and 206 drones
overnight, of which 172 were downed or neutralized.

Odesa is a major Black Sea port and has been a repeated target throughout
more than four years of war.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-30 17:00:24

The United States has charged the governor of Mexico's Sinaloa state with
allegedly conspiring with the Sinaloa Cartel, a significant escalation in
American anti-cartel action.

The Justice Department says Governor Ruben Rocha and several other officials
allegedly helped import large quantities of drugs into the U-S in exchange
for political support and bribes.

Prosecutors say Rocha was elected in 2021 with help from the Chapitos, the
faction of the cartel run by the sons of founder Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

Rocha has denied the charges, calling them an attack against Mexico's ruling
political movement and saying they have no truth or foundation.

The indictment is a problem for Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, as Rocha
is a member of her own Morena party and an ally of her predecessor, former
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Mexico's foreign ministry says it received extradition requests but found
them lacking sufficient evidence.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-30 16:09:13

disease support

The Health Promotion Administration is calling on small and medium-sized
businesses to do more for employee health as the country deepens into a
super-aged society.

The agency held a press conference today to launch this year's "Outstanding
Healthy Workplace" campaign, which has lowered its participation threshold
and added new incentives for chronic disease management.

H-P-A Director Shen Ching-fen (沈靜芬) says Taiwan's working-age population
often puts in long hours, making workplace health promotion an urgent
priority.

Seven of Taiwan's top ten causes of death are linked to chronic disease, and
more than half the population is overweight or obese, according to government
data.

This year's campaign includes a new category encouraging companies to offer
flexible hours and remote work options for employees managing chronic
conditions.

For the first time, the initiative is partnering with the Ministry of Sports
to bring physical activity certification into the workplace health framework.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-30 16:09:15

The Ministry of Labor is reminding employers of their legal obligations
regarding pay and time off for Labor Day tomorrow.

May 1st is a national holiday under the Labor Standards Act.

If the day falls on a worker's scheduled workday, employers must give the day
off with full pay, and if an employer asks a worker to come in with their
consent, wages must be doubled for the day.

The ministry noted that work schedules vary widely across industries, and
employers should clarify the nature of each day with their workers in advance
to avoid pay disputes.

Workers who believe their employer has violated holiday pay rules can file a
complaint with their local labor authority or call the Ministry of Labor's
1955 helpline.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-30 16:09:15

Activists attempting to break Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza say Israeli
forces have intercepted their flotilla near the southern Greek island of
Crete.

The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail earlier this month from Barcelona.

Organizers say over 70 boats and 1,000 people were to participate.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry says it has detained about 175 activists from more
than 20 boats.

Turkey has condemned the action as “an act of piracy.”

Israel says its blockade of Gaza, imposed since Hamas took control in 2007,
aims to prevent arms imports.

Critics argue it punishes Gaza’s population.

The flotilla seeks to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as world
attention shifts to the war in Iran.

Posted on 2026-04-30 16:09:15

Kenyan marathon record-breaker Sabastian Sawe received a hero’s welcome home
complete with a water cannon salute for the aircraft he was aboard.

Sawe, the first person to break the fabled two-hour barrier in the marathon,
was welcomed back to his country Wednesday by his parents and Kenya's sports
minister, who hailed the runner’s accomplishment at the London Marathon as
“a win for Kenya.”

Sawe pulled off the feat, which was long considered unthinkable, on Sunday
when he won in a time of 1 hour, 59 minutes, 30 seconds.

He bettered the previous men’s world record by 65 seconds.

Posted on 2026-04-30 13:18:13

Taiwan's household wealth reached a record high in 2024, driven largely by a
historic stock market rally.

Government statistics show net household worth rose by more than 7 percent
that year to 183-trillion-700-billion NT.

The Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics says that the
benchmark index surged by more than 5-thousand points, its largest-ever
annual gain, after crossing 20-thousand points for the first time.

The value of securities held by households jumped nearly 22 percent to
37-trillion-280-billion NT.

Officials attribute the rally to surging global demand for AI and
high-performance computing, which drove expansion across Taiwan's
semiconductor and advanced packaging supply chain.

Real estate remained the largest share of household wealth at just under 30
percent, followed by securities at around 20 percent.

Household debt also rose, climbing by nearly 12 percent to
24-trillion-730-billion NT, with mortgages making up the bulk.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2026-04-30 13:18:13

The Taiwan Railway Corporation says that an internal investigation into
allegations of confidentiality breaches during the bidding process for the
contract for the Taipei Main Station mall should produce results within two
weeks.

Taiwan Railway opened bids in January and announced Shin Kong Mitsukoshi as
the winning bidder.

But Breeze Group, which currently operates the mall, has disputed the result.

The group alleges that members of the evaluation committee had conflicts of
interest and that confidential information was leaked during the selection
process.

Taiwan Railway confirms that the company's ethics unit has launched an
investigation into the alleged leak.

TRC Chairman James Jeng says internal and external committee members,
reviewers, and consulting firms involved in the process will all be
questioned, and that findings are expected within two weeks at the earliest.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-30 13:18:13

A senior government official in Canada says that the country has been
selected as the headquarters for a new financial institution led by NATO.

The official said on Wednesday that the decision was reached after
negotiations hosted by Canada involving nearly 20 founding members of NATO's
proposed Defense, Security and Resilience Bank, or DSRB.

The DSRB is meant to help NATO members and partner countries meet their
defense spending commitments and reduce borrowing costs for military spending
by pooling credit strength.

The official did not know which city in Canada would be the institution's
headquarters.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-04-30 13:18:13

Iran's national currency, the rial, has hit a record low of 1.8 million to
the American dollar as a shaky ceasefire with the U.S. and Israel holds.

The rial had been stable for weeks during the war, partly due to limited
trading and imports.

Experts warn that the rial's fall is likely to further fuel inflation.

Many imported goods, from food and medicine to electronics and raw materials,
are affected by the exchange rate.

Despite the ceasefire, a U.S. naval blockade is putting pressure on Iran's
battered economy.

It cuts into a key source of government revenue by stopping or intercepting
oil shipments.

Iran is betting that its economy, built to be self-reliant during decades of
international sanctions, can endure the pain.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-04-30 08:13:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

Premier Cho Jung-tai is guaranteeing that the monthly minimum wage will
exceed 30,000 N-T next year.

Cho made the pledge during an award ceremony honoring model workers.

The ceremony was hosted by the Ministry of Labor ahead of tomorrow's Labor
Day holiday and included honoring migrant workers, who the premier said have
contributed a great deal to Taiwan.

According to Cho, he's guaranteeing the monthly minimum wage will exceed
30,000 N-T in 2027 based on the rapid development of the island's economy and
markets across the country showing strong momentum.

The government has raised its minimum wage for 10 consecutive years following
annual reviews by the Minimum Wage Deliberation Committee, which includes
government officials, labor and employer representatives, and scholars.

The current monthly minimum wage is 29,500 N-T, while the current hourly
minimum wage to 196 N-T.

Posted on 2026-04-30 08:13:13

The government says pork exports to the Philippines will resume on May 14
after Taiwan regained African swine fever-free status with the World
Organisation for Animal Health.

Manila notified Taiwan on Wednesday that it may resume exports of breeding
pigs, pig semen, frozen pork, offal, and pig skin.

The Philippines suspended imports of live pigs and pork products from Taiwan
in December of last year, after Taiwan reported its first A-S-F outbreak in
October.

The World Organisation for Animal Health recognized Taiwan's ASF-free
self-declaration in May of last year, making it the first Asian country to
achieve disease-free status for African swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease,
and classical swine fever.

However, Taiwan reported its first-ever A-S-F case on October 21 last year at
farm in Taichung.

The Ministry of Agriculture submitted an application on February 21 to regain
self-declared ASF-free status, which was recognized on April 6.

Posted on 2026-04-30 08:13:13

Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih is pledging his agency's support for
domestic peanut farmers amid concerns over the impact of a planned
zero-tariff policy on U-S imports.

The policy is part of the Taiwan-US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade.

Speaking to reporters prior to a legislative hearing, Chen said local peanuts
account for about 75-per cent of the domestic market and the tariff-free
imports will not mean abandoning local producers ...

.. and the government will promote Taiwan peanuts by highlighting their
distinct qualities and strengthening marketing efforts.

Chen also responded to concerns about "origin washing" - saying processed
products will be required to clearly indicate their country of origin.

The statements come after Deputy Agriculture Minister Hu Jong-i earlier this
week said between 20 and 30-per cent of domestic peanut production could be
affected by the U-S imports.

Posted on 2026-04-30 08:13:13

officers

The Changhua District Prosecutors' Office has indicted five men on charges
including obstruction of official duties and assault in case involving
injuries to three police officers during the Dajia Mazu pilgrimage.

The incident occurred on April 18 in Changhua City.

The three police officers were injured when they tried to intervene in a
dispute that erupted among members of a group welcoming the procession.

The five men allegedly attempted to force their way forward to seize the
deity's palanquin and began pushing and shouting at police officers, two of
the suspects then allegedly incited other people to join the scuffle.

Two suspects were arrested at the scene.

Three of the suspects have been charged with obstruction of official duties
and causing bodily harm, while the other two have been indicted on charges of
assisting in a group offense of obstructing official duties.

Three of them remain in custody.

Posted on 2026-04-30 08:13:13

And finally,

The Taiwan Coffee Association says competitors will be competing under the
name "Chinese Taipei" in events organized by the World Coffee Championships.

Competitors in the event have participated under the name "Taiwan" since 2007.

According to the association, the change is an unavoidable condition to
safeguard participation rights and the new rules must be followed to ensure
continuing participation in international events.

Baristas from Taiwan regularly takes part in six major World Coffee
Championship events.

The name drew attention after the World Coffee Championship website recently
changed references to Taiwan competitors from "Taiwan" to "Chinese Taipei."

Posted on 2026-04-30 07:02:13

K-M-T Deputy Chair Chi Lin-lien is threatening to expell Legislative Speaker
Han Kuo-yu from the party over his reported support for an 800-billion N-T
special defense budget.

That budget was proposed by K-M-T lawmaker Hsu Chiao-hsin.

Han reportedly told other K-M-T lawmakers that he supports it... BUT

... that position puts Han at odds with other K-M-T official, including Chi,
who continue to back the party's original 380-billion N-T defense budget
proposal.

During the party's Central Standing Committee, Chi reiterated his support for
the 380-billion N-T proposal, which includes additional funds that could be
allocated after receiving letters of acceptance for arms sales from the U-S,
....

.. saying he believes that's "completely reasonable."

He also went on to accuse Han of "betraying his party for personal gain"

Posted on 2026-04-30 07:02:17

The U-S House Appropriations Committee has approved a key spending bill that
includes 500-million U-S dollars in military assistance for Taiwan.

Aside from providing Taiwan with funding under the Foreign Military Financing
program, the bill also includes support for Taiwan's participation in
multilateral organizations.

The bill stipulates "not less than 500-million U-S shall be made available
for assistance for Taiwan" provided that the secretaries of state and defense
"prioritize the delivery of defense articles and services to Taiwan."

It also specifies that none of the funding "should be used to create,
procure, or display any map that inaccurately depicts the territory and
social and economic system of Taiwan and the islands or island groups
administered by Taiwan authorities."

The bill now heads to the full House for consideration.

Even if it is passed, the bill must also be approved by the Senate.

Both chambers must approve the bill in identical form before it can be sent
to the president for signing into law.

Posted on 2026-04-30 07:02:20

Teachers will be getting a day off work for Labor Day for the first time
tomorrow... this, after a legislative amendment passed last year designating
May 1 as a national holiday.

The change marks a shift in recognizing teachers as workers who need to
collectively call for the safeguarding of their labor conditions.

Teachers were previously not entitled to Labor Day leave...

Although teachers unions are not holding any official rallies on May 1, the
Taiwan Higher Education Union is urging educators to join May Day labor
rallies being organized by other unions to push for reforms.

The union has outlined several demands.

They include enhancing university governance by allowing faculty and staff
greater participation in leadership selection, rather than leaving the
process solely to boards of directors.

The union is also calling for improved retirement benefits for private school
staff and guaranteed severance protections in cases of layoffs.

Posted on 2026-04-30 07:02:24

Kinmen County Deputy Magistrate Lee Wen-liang is welcoming news that Shanghai
authorities will allow residents to travel to Kinmen and Matsu.

Lee says the county government will make the necessary preparations by
coordinating with its Tourism Department and local travel agencies as soon as
the central government approvesm the move.

The Deputy magistrate says he hopes the policy will later expand to include
travelers from nearby provinces such as Jiangsu and Guangdong, which could
further benefit the tourism sector.

The statements come after the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture
and Tourism announced that Shanghai residents are now able to sign up for
group or individual trips to Kinmen and Matsu through qualified travel
agencies in Shanghai and Fujian.

China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced in February that it planned
to reopen travel to the offshore islands.

Posted on 2026-04-30 07:02:26

A mother has been referred to prosecutors for investigation after her
four-year-old son fell to his death from the family's balcony while she was
picking up her older son from school.

Police in New Taipei's Yonghe District found the four-year-old boy
unresponsive and without vital signs.

Authorities believe the boy may have moved a chair onto the balcony and stood
on it, apparently in an effort to look for his mother before falling.

The New Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has opened an investigation into
the mother on charges of negligent homicide and violations of the Child and
Juvenile Welfare and Rights Protection Act.

Under the that Act, leaving children under six or those requiring special
care unattended, or in the care of unsuitable persons, is a violation
punishable by fines of up to 15,000 N-T.

Parents may also be required to attend between four and 50 hours of parenting
education.

Posted on 2026-04-30 07:02:31

And,

A coalition of wildlife conservation groups is calling on lawmakers to freeze
Ministry of Agriculture's Animal Welfare Department's budget until it
presents a plan to reduce the stray dog population.

The group Taiwan Walk for Wildlife says the government's
"trap-neuter-release" policy for stray dog management has failed, at great
social cost to the public.

The group says although there is data focusing specifically on stray dogs,
traffic accidents involving animals have caused 42 deaths and 14,030 injuries
over the past five years ..

.. and the Transportation Research Institute estimates that the total social
costs associated with stray or free-roaming animals stand at over 3.6-billion
N-T.

Meanwhile, the Leopard Cat Association of Taiwan says its estimates show
there are over 550 cases of stray dogs breaking into livestock enclosures per
year, causing at least 30-million N-T in financial losses.

The groups are urging the government to begin collecting data on agricultural
losses and traffic accidents caused by stray dogs.

Figures provided by the agriculture ministry show the stray dog population
likely fell by 11.34-per cent from between 2022 and 2024 to 141,584.

Posted on 2026-04-30 07:02:31

The Keelung District Court has found singer Kui Jun guilty of killing a taxi
driver in a 2024 drunk-driving hit-and-run.

The 27 year old was sentenced to eight years for causing death while driving
under the influence and three years and six months for fleeing the scene of
an accident resulting in death or injury.

The court set a combined sentence of 10 years.

The presiding judge said the sentence reflects Kui's status as a repeat
offender... he previously received a deferred prosecution for a drunk-driving
offense and reoffended within 10 years, resulting in a fatality.

The incident occured on December 27, 2024, when Kui's vehicle struck a taxi
driver and another man on Xinyi Road.

He failed to stop to check on the victims despite a bystander shouting that
he had hit someone.

The taxi driver died of his injuries in hospital eight days later.

The district court ruling can be appealed.

Posted on 2026-04-30 07:02:33

The U.S. State Department has accused China of violating Panama’s
sovereignty over a port dispute in the Central American nation.

The salvo is the latest in a back-and-forth between Washington and Beijing...
and comes as the Chinese government called the Trump administration
hypocritical.

The most recent spat was triggered in early April when Rubio accused China of
“bullying” by detaining or holding up dozens of Panama-flagged ships for a
short period of time, and after the Central American country seized control
of two critical ports on the canal earlier this year from a subsidiary of a
Hong Kong-based company.

In a statement, U-S Secretary of State Marco Rubio said “The sovereignty of
our hemisphere is non-negotiable,”.

For its part, a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry in a news
conference Wednesday said the statements “are completely unfounded and
distort reality.”

The U.S. has long sought to offset China’s growing presence in Latin
America.

Posted on 2026-04-29 08:14:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

The Ministry of Agriculture says it's ready to assist local peanut farmers
tariff-free American peanuts enter the local market.

According to Deputy Agriculture Minister Hu Chung-yi, data show that U-S
shelled peanuts cost approximately 47 N-T per kilogram, while domestically
produced shelled peanuts cost between 150 to 160 N-T per kilogram.

.. and if lawmakers agree to the terms of the US-Taiwan Agreement on
Reciprocal Trade, and it's fully implemented, then looking solely at the
price, it could impact about 30-per cent of domestic peanut farmers.

However, Hu says Taiwan's peanut farmers are highly competitive, and the
government has made preparations to ensure the farmers are not affected if
U-S peanuts enter the local market ..

.. and the Ministry of Agriculture will support farmers and the industry.

Over 1,000 hectares of peanuts were planted last year in Yunlin County -
accounting for nearly 90-per cent of Taiwan's total production.

Yunlin County Magistrate Chang Li-shan says local farmers have been
devastated by the news that the government has granted zero tariffs for U-S
peanut imports.

Taiwan's peanut imports currently come mostly from India, Brazil, and
Argentina.

Posted on 2026-04-29 08:14:14

K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun says the Cabinet's proposed 1.25-trillion N-T
special defense budget should only be approved only after Taiwan receives a
formal Letter of Offer and Acceptance from the United States.

Speaking in an interview with online news outlet C-NEWS, Cheng criticized the
Cabinet's proposal as a "blank check" - arguing it lacks sufficient detail
on how most of the funds will be spent.

According to Cheng, the K-M-T supports passing an initial 380-billion N-T
defense budget, which would be sufficient to cover the 11.1-billion U-S
dollars in arms packages approved for sale to Taiwan by Washington in
December of last year.

Cheng says an additional 400-billion N-T could then be considered if a second
round of Letter of Offer and Acceptance is issued - but without that
documentation, there's concerns any extra funding could be misused by the Lai
administration.

Lawmakers failed to reach a consensus once again on the Cabinet's special
defense budget bill on Monday of this week during the latest round of
cross-party negotiations.

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu has scheduled another round negotiations on
the bill for May 6.

Posted on 2026-04-29 08:14:14

The Taiwan Railway Corporation has chosen the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi
Department Store as the preferred bidder for the operating rights of the
Taipei Main Station Shopping Mall.

The bidding process was announced in mid-January and the deadline for
applications was March 20.

The railway corporation says Shin Kong Mitsukoshi was the first-choice
applicant and negotiations aimed at finalizing a contract will begin soon.

The shopping mall is currently operatored by Breeze Development, under the
name Breeze Taipei Station, but that contract set to expire on July 24.

Breeze Development is questioning the fairness and transparency of the
evaluation process.

The company says it has already filed a formal objection to the results and
is threatening to further take legal action against the railway corporation.

According to Breeze Development, the evaluation results had allegedly been
circulated in the market before the official announcement, which it says
could compromise procedural fairness.

The company is also questioning whether committee members met qualification
requirements and properly observed conflict-of-interest rules.

Posted on 2026-04-29 08:14:14

The High Speed Rail Corporation has announced plans to install platform
screen doors at all of its stations.

According to the company, construction is underway at its Hsinchu and Banqiao
stations - where the new screen doors are expected to be operational in the
fourth quarter of this year.

The high speed rail operator says Hsinchu Station was prioritized due to its
frequent exposure to strong winds, while Banqiao Station was selected because
its curved platform design presents additional safety and operational
challenges.

Screen doors will be next installed at Taichung, Taoyuan, Miaoli, Changhua,
Yunlin, Chiayi and Tainan stations.

The platform doors at Taipei Station have already been upgraded to support
mixed train operations.

Full installation of platform screen doors across the network is scheduled
for completion in the first quarter of 2028

The project is costing the corporation about 2-billion N-T.

Posted on 2026-04-29 08:14:14

plum rain season

And finally,

The Central Weather Administration says we're likely to see near-normal to
slightly below-average rainfall and more more intense short-duration heavy
downpours during this year's May to June plum rain season.

According to the administration's forecast center, the heaviest rainfall is
expected in mountainous areas in the center and south -- where total
accumulated rainfall could exceed that seen during typhoons, as seasonal
southwesterly winds strengthen.

Center director Huang Chun-xi is warning of unstable weather, including heavy
rain, thunderstorms and strong gusts, and says members of the public is
affected areas remain alert to flooding and mudslides.

The weather administration also say that average temperatures readings in May
and June are expected to be near normal to slightly above average.

Data showed that the February to April period was the third warmest since
1951, with an average temperature of 21.9-degrees -- that's 1.1 degrees
higher than the long-term average.

Posted on 2026-04-28 19:50:13

New Taipei City held its annual flood prevention drill this morning,
incorporating artificial intelligence and extended reality technology.

The exercise took place at the "Ta-Liao-Keng Pumping Station" flood plain in
Xinzhuang District, centering on upgrades to the city's smart flood
prevention platform.

The system integrates weather radar, sewer water level sensors, and AI image
recognition, and can push real-time alerts to all 29 district offices across
the city.

And extended reality technology, or XR, now allows an operator to remotely
controlled pumping units from a distance, reducing the need for on-site
personnel during flood events.

Officials say all 84 pumping stations across the city are now linked into the
integrated information system, allowing the city to begin emergency response
over two hours earlier than was previously possible.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-28 19:50:14

opening May 8th

Forty-five century-old indigenous artifacts from the Academia Sinica
collection are returning to Tsou territory in Chiayi for a public exhibition
opening May 8th.

The pieces were collected by Academia Sinica researchers during fieldwork in
the Alishan area five to six decades ago and have been held in the
institute's museum since.

They will go on display at the Tsou Culture Exhibition Hall through November
8th, covering Tsou clothing, accessories, and everyday implements, alongside
items loaned by a local community elder.

Academia Sinica supports returning artifacts to source communities but
requires adequate preservation facilities first, so the pieces will return to
the institute after the exhibition closes.

Chiayi County allocated 1-million-200-thousand NT for the project, including
curation, a public forum, and guided visits for local schools.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-28 19:50:14

Ukraine’s defense minister says the country's armed forces shot down more
than 33,000 Russian drones of various types in March.

That's a record monthly figure since Moscow launched its all-out invasion
more than four years ago.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s domestically developed long-range attack drones struck
a Russian oil refinery and terminal on the Black Sea for the third time in
less than two weeks.

Russian authorities ordered the evacuation of local people.

Posted on 2026-04-28 17:23:13

The Centres for Disease Control has raised its travel advisory for Japan to a
level one 'watch' alert ...

... following the first imported measles case from the country in seven years.

Health officials say the case is a man in his 30s from central Taiwan who was
infected after traveling to Nagoya earlier this month.

After returning to Taiwan, he started developing symptoms around mid-April
... and was later confirmed to have measles.

Authorities have identified more than 274 contacts and are continuing to
monitor them through mid-May.

Officials say Japan's measles cases this year are higher than in previous
years and continue to rise ...

... but current cases remain small and localized, with no large-scale
community spread.

They recommend that people born in 1966 or later check with a doctor before
traveling to see if they need a measles shot.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-28 17:23:13

The Ministry of Agriculture says the government will help domestic peanut
farmers adapt if American peanuts enter the local market tariff-free.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Hu Chung-yi said today that if the Taiwan-US
reciprocal trade agreement gains legislative approval and is implemented ...

... he estimates the agreement would affect between 20 and 30 percent of
domestically produced peanuts.

But Hu noted that about 70 percent of domestic peanuts go to food processors,
who generally prefer fresh unshelled peanuts for their flavor and texture.

The deputy minister points out that Taiwan has developed improved peanut
varieties, and has been building consolidated production zones.

Hu also says the ministry is building automated drying centers to reduce the
burden on farmers who currently dry their harvests outdoors.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-28 17:23:13

Taipei Zoo is marking Save the Frogs Day today by announcing it has bred at
least 2-thousand critically endangered species of music frog.

The juvenile "Nidi-rana shyh-huang-i" is only found only in two wetland sites
in Nantou County ... those are Lianhuachi (蓮華池) and Sun Moon Lake in Yuchi
(魚池) Township.

It has an estimated wild population of just 300 to 700 adults.

Taipei Zoo says it began its breeding program in 2022 in partnership with the
Ministry of Agriculture, developing techniques to replicate the species'
unique mud-nest building behavior in captivity.

The species was formally recognized as distinct from the Yaeyama Music Frog
in February 2025 ... and named after the professor who first identified it in
1984: Chen Shyh-huang (陳世煌).

(PB/IG)

Posted on 2026-04-28 17:23:13

In international news,

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing new pressure over the decision to
appoint Peter Mandelson as U-K ambassador to the United States.

Lawmakers are set to vote later today on whether Starmer should be
investigated by a parliamentary standards watchdog.

Starmer's former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney will testify to legislators
about how Mandelson got the job despite failing security checks.

Starmer fired Mandelson in September after new details emerged about his
friendship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Critics argue Starmer's decision shows poor judgment.

The vote comes just days before local and regional elections on May which
could add pressure on Starmer’s leadership.

Posted on 2026-04-28 17:23:13

Over in Austria ...

A trial has begun against a man accused of plotting to attack one of Taylor
Swift's concerts in Vienna nearly two years ago.

Prosecutors say the defendant pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group
and planned an attack on the Vienna shows.

Authorities say the plot was thwarted, but they still canceled Swift's three
planned performances in August 2024 as a precaution.

The defendant faces multiple charges, including terrorist offenses and
membership in a terrorist organization.

His defense attorney says he plans to plead guilty to most of them.

Posted on 2026-04-28 15:36:14

Premier Cho Jung-tai has pushed back against a proposal to link Kinmen's
power supply to China's grid, saying current law does not allow it and that
existing supply to the outlying islands is sufficient.

The proposal came from K-M-T legislator Chen Yu-chen (陳玉珍) during
legislative questioning today, who argued the move could save up to 3-billion
NT per year.

Cho warned that this is not a question of cost savings, and that a single
lapse in energy security could have serious consequences.

The exchange touched on broader cross-strait connectivity proposals for
Kinmen, including water, electricity, a bridge, and natural gas, following
ten Taiwan-related measures announced by Beijing earlier this month.

Cho noted the water connection is already in operation but said remaining
proposals require local consultation and must prioritize national security.

He asked the Ministry of Economic Affairs to study expanding renewable energy
options on Kinmen to reduce dependence on fuel-based generation.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-28 15:36:14

renovation visit

A ruling-party lawmaker is pushing for ATMs at two remote island airports in
Taitung County, saying they are the only outlying island airports in Taiwan
without them.

The call comes after D-P-P legislator Chen Ying (陳瑩) visited Orchid Island
(蘭嶼) yesterday to inspect ongoing renovation works at the local airport.

She noted that the nearest ATM to the airport is about 2.6 kilometers away,
creating hardship for travelers and residents needing cash.

Chen said the Civil Aeronautics Administration and Chunghwa Post have both
agreed to install ATMs in the new terminals.

The Orchid Island temporary terminal is nearing completion at a cost of
299-million NT, with Green Island's terminal due in June at 285-million NT.

Both permanent terminals are scheduled for completion in December 2027.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-28 15:36:14

FamilyMart is expanding its logistics services, introducing T-Cat shipping at
more than 4-thousand-400 stores nationwide effective today.

The move adds ambient, refrigerated, and frozen parcel shipping to FamilyMart
locations, which previously offered shipping only through Pelican Express.

FamilyMart says the expansion is aimed at building out its parcel ecosystem
and deepening consumer reliance on its stores.

The announcement follows FamilyMart's partnership with PX Mart's e-commerce
platform, revealed on Sunday, which allows shoppers to pick up online orders
at FamilyMart stores for the first time.

Industry analysts say FamilyMart is repositioning itself from a retail outlet
into an integrated pickup and shipping hub to stand out in Taiwan's highly
saturated convenience store market.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-28 15:36:14

U-S President Donald Trump is dissatisfied with Iran's latest proposal to end
the two-month war between the two countries, according to a U-S official.

Iran wants to delay discussion of its nuclear program until after a ceasefire
and Gulf shipping disputes are resolved, but the U-S has insisted nuclear
issues must be addressed from the start.

Peace efforts have stalled further after Trump cancelled a planned visit to
Islamabad by his envoy Steve Witkoff, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas
Araqchi had been shuttling for talks.

Araqchi has since visited Oman and Russia, where he met President Vladimir
Putin.

Oil prices have resumed rising as the conflict continues to choke the Strait
of Hormuz, with only seven vessels transiting the strait in the past day
compared to between 125 and 140 before the war.

At least six tankers carrying Iranian oil have been turned back by a U-S
naval blockade in recent days.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-28 15:36:14

at UN meeting

China has lashed out at Japan and the European Union at a United Nations
Security Council meeting on maritime security, accusing Tokyo of provocative
behavior and military expansionism.

Japan's vice foreign minister told the Council that Tokyo opposes any attempt
to change the status quo by force in the East and South China Seas.

The E-U delegation echoed those concerns, saying South China Sea tensions are
hindering a critical global shipping route.

Neither named China directly.

China's deputy U-N ambassador Sun Lei called Japan's remarks unwarranted and
accused Tokyo of sending vessels into the Taiwan Strait to deliberately
provoke tensions.

Sun warned that right-wing forces are steering Japan toward an offensive
military posture, saying a new militarism is resurging 80 years after World
War Two.

Japan's destroyer JS Ikazuchi transited the Taiwan Strait earlier this month.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-28 14:39:14

Chinese dried chili

The Food and Drug Administration has flagged six food imports for failing
border inspections, including sea urchin roe from Canada and dried chili
peppers from China.

Chilled sea urchin roe imported by conveyor belt sushi chain Sushi Express
tested positive for cadmium at 0.5 milligrams per kilogram, above the legal
limit of 0.3.

The 26 kilogram batch has been ordered returned or destroyed, and the FDA has
raised its sampling rate for the company to between 20 and 50 percent.

Separately, one metric ton of dried chili peppers from China tested positive
for Sudan Red No. 3, a prohibited substance, and must be destroyed.

The FDA has extended mandatory 100-percent Sudan dye testing on Chinese dried
chili imports through April 22nd of next year.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-28 14:39:15

holiday

The Highway Bureau is warning drivers to expect heavy traffic on provincial
highways and near popular scenic spots during the three-day Labor Day holiday
from May 1st to 3rd.

Tourism travel is expected to peak on May 1st and 2nd, with return traffic
building from May 2nd afternoon through May 3rd.

Key congestion points include sections of Provincial Highways 61, 1, 64, 65,
and 74, as well as routes near Sun Moon Lake, Danshui, Wulai, and the
northeast coast.

Drivers on Provincial Highway 61 should expect delays near the Xuanbao and
Zhongzhang Bridge sections, where reconstruction work is ongoing, and are
advised to follow variable message signs and detour routes.

The bureau is encouraging the public to use public transport, with intercity
bus passengers using T-Pass 2.0 eligible for up to a 40-percent discount.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-28 14:39:15

In Colombia, a series of attacks against civilians and military bases in the
southwest has raised security concerns before the May presidential election.

Rebel groups have staged 26 attacks since Friday.

The death toll in a Saturday blast on a highway rose to 21 people on Monday.

Authorities blame a group known as the FARC-EMC for the violence.

Colombia's government has attempted peace talks with rebel groups.

But analysts say the strategy has failed.

The attacks have sparked debate among presidential candidates.

Some have advocated for continued peace talks and others favor a tougher
stance on crime.

Voters will choose from 14 candidates on May 31.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-04-28 14:39:15

King Charles III is set to address the U.S. Congress, becoming the first
British monarch to do so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.

Tuesday's speech is expected to highlight the strong bond between the United
Kingdom and the United States, focusing on shared history and democratic
values.

It will likely mark the most extensive public remarks Charles will deliver
during his four-day visit.

The visit marks the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.

Charles, accompanied by Queen Camilla, will meet President Donald Trump at
the White House.

Despite recent tensions between Trump and British Prime Minister Keir
Starmer, the meeting is expected to be cordial.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-04-28 14:39:15

In China, heavy flooding from torrential rain submerged vehicles and forced
the evacuation of more than 200 residents in a southern city.

Xinhua, the official news agency, reported today that rescue crews deployed
inflatable boats to help relocate some residents trapped in their homes in
Qinzhou City in Guangxi region.

Video footage from Xinhua showed rescuers wading through chest-high water and
firefighters carrying elderly residents in their arms.

According to a news outlet operated by the Chinese emergency management
authorities, schools across the city resumed classes on Tuesday morning, with
most traffic returning to normal.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-04-28 13:15:14

funds

A former Taoyuan City councilmember has been found guilty of defrauding more
than 14-million NT in publicly funded assistant subsidies over two decades.

Wu Tsung-hsien (吳宗憲), a former D-P-P councilmember, was convicted on three
counts of fraud by exploiting a position of public office.

The Taoyuan District Court sentenced him to three years in prison and four
years of civil rights deprivation.

The court found Wu ineligible for probation and ordered the confiscation of
over 14-million-500-thousand NT in seized criminal proceeds.

Prosecutors say Wu, together with a co-conspirator filed false documents
listing ghost assistants to claim subsidies from the Taoyuan City Council
from 2002 to 2022.

The money was reportedly used to buy stocks, pay child support, and cover
personal and office expenses.

Seven co-defendants, including the ghost assistants themselves, were also
convicted but received suspended sentences.

The ruling may be appealed.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-28 13:15:17

TSMC says it will ramp five 2-nanometer chip fabs simultaneously this year,
marking a major push in advanced semiconductor production.

Two of the fabs are located in Hsinchu, with three more in Kaohsiung.

The company's 2-nanometer process entered mass production in the fourth
quarter of last year.

Speaking at a recent North America Technology Symposium, Senior Vice
President Cliff Hou said first-year output from the 2-nanometer node will be
45-percent higher than what the 3-nanometer node delivered in its first year.

Hou projected compound annual capacity growth of 70-percent for the
2-nanometer node from 2026 to 2028.

TSMC also said its advanced packaging lines are expanding rapidly, with CoWoS
and S-o-I-C capacity both on track for compound annual growth of over 80 and
90 percent respectively through 2027.

Overseas, the company's first Arizona fab is expected to grow output by
80-percent next year, while its first Kumamoto plant in Japan is set to more
than double production.

(PB)

CoWoS /Co-wos as in "go boss"/

Posted on 2026-04-28 13:15:17

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has ruled out a conflict with the United
States over an incident involving two CIA agents who died in Chihuahua —
agents who, according to Mexico, were not authorized to operate in the
country.

Sheinbaum expressed her willingness to move past the controversy, hoping it
remains an isolated case.

She said Mexico's federal government expects the U.S. to respect Mexico's
constitution and national security laws moving forward.

Mexico's Ministry of Security said one agent entered as a visitor, while the
other used a diplomatic passport.

It further reiterated that it was unaware that foreign agents were operating
within its territory.

The CIA has declined to comment.

On Monday, Sheinbaum urged authorities to clarify the operation's details.

The governor of Chihuahua has been called to testify in Mexico City on
Tuesday.

The presence of U.S. agencies in Mexico has long been controversial.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-04-28 08:13:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

The newly appointed chair of the Central Election Commission has been
sworn-in.

Speaking at a handover ceremony, Michael You thanked President Lai Ching-te
and Premier Cho Jung-tai for their support and he pledged to lead the
commission as a neutral, fair, objective and professional body.

You also outlined the agency's key priorities - those being upcoming
elections, referendum procedures, absentee voting and the political rights of
naturalized Chinese spouses.

According to You, as the local elections are just seven months away,
preparations will need to proceed at an accelerated pace, while he believes
the commission must act cautiously when handling referendum proposals from
the Legislative Yuan.

You told reporters he believes as Taiwan's elections are increasingly
complex, implementing absentee voting in major elections will be challenging
and should first be tested in referendums.

And he went on to say the recent case of China-born Li Chen-hsiu, who lost
her legislative seat after being expelled from the Taiwan People's Party,
exposed gaps in existing laws.

You was a member of the D-P-P before leaving the party in 2019 and previously
served as the chairman of the Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation.

Posted on 2026-04-28 08:13:13

defense budget bill

Legislative party caucuses have once again failed to reach a consensus on the
Cabinet's 1.25-trillion N-T special defense budget bill.

Monday's talks centered on the procurement items listed in the draft bill.

The talks took place after lawmakers last Thursday also failed to reach any
agreements on specific procurement items and a ceiling for the budget.

Lawmakers last week reached agreements on two basic administrative provisions.

They included that the Ministry of National Defense would be required to
submit a special report to the legislature on the progress and performance of
projects that are included in the special defense act.

And that the special defense budget be in effect from the date of its
promulgation until December 31 of 2033.

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu has scheduled another round negotiations the
special defense budget bill for May 6.

Posted on 2026-04-28 08:13:13

K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun says she plans to visit the United States in
June to meet with political figures, think tanks and overseas Taiwanese in
order to promote her ideas for cross-strait peace.

Speaking in a radio interview, Cheng said she will discuss her recent meeting
with Xi Jinping during her time in the U-S and will also present a new
direction for cross-strait relations that aligns with US interests.

Cheng went on to stress that she believes Taiwan should not have to choose
between Beijing and Washington.

The K-M-T chairwoman did say when the trip will be taking place, but that it
is expected to last about 10 days - and see her visiting several cities with
large overseas Taiwan populations.

Cheng also did not name any of the U-S officials she's hoping to meet with -
saying only that she has been in discussions with the U-S side to arrange an
itinerary, but it's not yet convenient disclose details of that plan.

Posted on 2026-04-28 08:13:13

The final batch of M-1-A-2-T Abrams main battle tanks purchased from the U-S
has been delivered to the Army's Armored Training Command in Hukou Township,
Hsinchu County.

The 28 tanks were transported to the base on civilian flatbed trailers. after
arriving at the Taipei Port.

The first two deliveries of 80 tanks in total were made in December 2024 and
July 2025.

The tanks will be deployed with the Army's Sixth Corps to strengthen defenses
in northern Taiwan.

The final 28 tanks will undergo testing, including readiness training and
evaluation, before the Army deploys them to full operational service.

They will then reportedly be allocated to the 584th Combined Arms Brigade -
which is responsible for defending Linkou's Baodao Beach and the Taipei Port

The militar allocated 1.28-billion U-S dollars over an eight-year period to
procure 108 Abrams M-1-A-2-T main battle tanks from the U-S.

Posted on 2026-04-28 08:13:13

The Pingtung District Prosecutors' Office says a man filmed holding a sea
turtle while visiting Xiaoliuqiu is facing a fine of up to 300,000 N-T.

The statement comes after the man was reported by a member of the public on
Sunday afternoon after he was seen touching a sea turtle near Vase Rock.

According to the Coast Guard Administration, the person who reported the
incident also provided video footage of the encounter and
officers later identified him based on his clothing in the video.

He was found by Coast Guard personnel near the shoreline and taken in for
questioning.

Coast Guard officials say the man, in his 50s, is a Chinese national who is
visiting relatives in Taiwan and defended his actions by claiming the turtle
had been washed toward him by waves and was trying to move it away.

However, video footage shows the man holding the turtle by both sides of its
body, and briefly lifting it out of the water before letting it go after he
was hit by a wave from behind.

Authorities are dismissing the man's story - saying contact with the sea
turtle constituted a violation of the Act on Wildlife Conservation.

Posted on 2026-04-28 08:13:13

And finally,

The Central Weather Bureau says we can expect to see a frontal system pass
through Taiwan from tomorrow - which will bring rain and push temperatures
down.

According to the bureau's forecast center, localized showers or thunderstorms
are forecast across the island from tomorrow and into Thursday.

The mercury is forecast to drop to a low of around 19-degrees in the north as
well as in Yilan and Hualien.

The frontal system is forecast to weaken on Friday, resulting in temperatures
rising and mostly sunny skies islandwide through Sunday.

However, another approaching front on Sunday will see the increased
likelihood of localized afternoon thunderstorms in the south.

Posted on 2026-04-28 07:02:13

The Intellectual Property and Commercial Court has sentenced a former Taiwan
Semiconductor Manufacturing engineer to 10 years in prison for his role in
leaking trade secrets.

The court said it found Chen Li-ming guilty of violating the National
Security Act and of other offenses related to the unauthorized acquisition
and use of Taiwan's "national core key technologies."

The leaked information involved the company's advanced 2-nanometer process...
the case is the first involving a corporate entity under the National
Security Act, which is related to national core key technologies.

Prosecutors say the information included trade secrets related to etching
equipment used in 2-nanometer production and was photographed and reproduced
to allow Tokyo Electron to evaluate and improve its equipment performance.

Two other T-S-M-C engineers were sentenced to three and two years in prison,
respectively, another employee received a six-year sentence.

While a fourth defendant, who is an employee of Tokyo Electron Taiwan,
received a 10-month suspended sentence and fined 1-million N-T

The rulings can be appealed.

Posted on 2026-04-28 07:02:13

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has slammed Beijing's moves to pressure three
African countries into revoking their overflight permits for President Lai
Ching-te's planned charter flight to Eswatini.

Lin said regardless of what political power China uses to interfere with
international civil aviation operations or to weaponize flight information...
Taiwan will not bow its head, and Beijing's actions will it stop the island's
progress.

Lin arrived in Eswatini on Saturday as a special envoy for Lai to attend
events celebrating King Mswati III reign and his 58th birthday.

Lin has also held talks in the Southern African country over the construction
of a Strategic Fuel Reserve Facility and a 330-million U-S dollar Taiwan
Industrial and Innovation Park there.

The foreign minister said ongoing construction of the oil reserve facility
and the establishment of the industrial park in Eswatini will help enhance
the African nation's energy resilience and spur economic growth.

Lin says some 60 Taiwan investors have visited Eswatini to explore investment
opportunities in the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park since it was conceived
last year during a meeting between with King Mswati III.

Posted on 2026-04-28 07:02:13

American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene has repeated his call
for lawmakers to approve a "comprehensive" defense budget.

Greene made the comments in an interview with the China Times... it was
published before the latest round of party caucuses negotiations on the
Cabinet's 1.25-trillion N-T special defense budget bill once again failed to
reach a consensus.

Greene reiterated it is "vital for Taiwan to pass a comprehensive budget
package" - as the bill is a critical signal to the international community
and essential to ensuring Taiwan acquiring the full range of defense
capabilities it has requested.

Greene said the Ministry of National Defense is seeking funding for
integrated air and missile defense systems, as well as unmanned vehicles and
drones.

The AIT director said such systems are not only critically important but are
also in extremely high demand worldwide, as evidenced on the battlefields of
the Middle East and Ukraine.

Greene added that passing the budget swiftly would create a "positive
atmosphere" ahead of a planned Washington visit by opposition K-M-T
Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun.

Posted on 2026-04-28 07:02:13

Wireless technology company RapidTek says the successful connection between
the 8-U CubeSat Black Kite-2 and ground stations marks "a key step" toward
multi-satellite system verification.

The statement comes nearly a month after the satellite was launched into
orbit from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The company said its satellite received a beacon signal within 20-minutes of
entering orbit, which is significantly faster than its predecessor and
indicates improved mission preparation and operational procedures.

The Black Kite-2 is the second of four 8-U CubeSats commissioned by the
Taiwan Space Agency.

RapidTek Chairman Arthur Wang says while initial missions are focusing on
verifying the functionality of a single satellite, the long-term goal of low
Earth orbit development is aimed at accumulating orbital data to enable
coordinated operations among multiple satellites.

The Black Kite satellites are part of the space agency's program to establish
a domestic CubeSat industry to develop constellation missions with commercial
application value.

The Black Kite-2 is operating at an altitude of 590-kilometers.

Posted on 2026-04-28 07:02:13

care access

A senior hospital official is lauding the use of interpretation services and
planned AI-assisted tools - aimed at making healthcare more accessible to
patient groups including foreign nationals.

The deputy superintendent of the Taipei Hospital said caring providing
language support, is "a capability modern hospitals must have" that is
essential to realizing "health care equity.

Wu Chien-hsien said interpretation services on the messaging app LINE enables
patients who speak Indonesian, Thai or Vietnamese to make appointments online
and receive medical consultations.

Wu says hospital can also arrange interpreters to accompany foreign patients
during medical visits, with support available not only in the three Southeast
Asian languages, but also in English.

Wu also says an on-site interpretation service, launched three years ago, has
received a "good" response from foreign patients because "when they speak
directly with doctors on their own, some information is often difficult to
fully convey."

Posted on 2026-04-28 07:02:13

The Railway Police Bureau says a man who took a shower in the bathroom on a
Taiwan Railway's commuter train has been identified and will be fined.

The incident occured on Sunday on a local train traveling from Hukou in
Hsinchu County to Ruifang in New Taipei.

Railway police say they responded to complaints about the incident and
boarded the train at Taipei Station, but the man had already left.

Police later used to surveillance video footage to identified the individual
as a man in his 50s, who is known to hang around Taipei Station, approaching
travelers with fabricated stories and asking to borrow money.

Police say the man has previously been charged with fraud and larceny in
connection with those activities.

His is now facing a fine of up to 7,500 N-T for violating Article 71 of the
Railway Act - which covers various types of misbehavior on trains.

Posted on 2026-04-28 07:02:13

And,

A professor emerita at the National Taiwan Normal University's Graduate
Institute of Science Education has received a top research award from the
US-based National Association for Research in Science Teaching.

Chiu Mei-hung was honored with the 2026 Distinguished Contribution Through
Research Award.

The university says the award recognizes scholars with sustained
contributions and far-reaching academic and societal impact.

Chiu is the first scholar of Chinese descent to receive the organization's
highest honor since its founding in 1928.

Chiu earned her master's and doctoral degrees at Harvard University before
returning to teach at her alma mater.

She retired in 2023.

The university said the recognition highlights both Chiu's achievements and
growing international standing in science education research.

Posted on 2026-04-28 07:02:13

Japan’s prime minister has inaugurated a panel tasked with reviewing her
country’s security and defense policies as tensions with China, North Korea
and Russia escalate in the region.

It's part of a push by Sanae Takaichi, who took office in October, to
accelerate Japan's military buildup as a deterrence against regional threats.

She argues that Japan needs to prioritize its defense strategy to further
strengthen its military capability to better protect itself and survive
prolonged, new forms of warfare.

Takaichi told a meeting Monday at her office that the “international
situation has completely changed.”
The revisions will likely increase further Japan’s defense spending to give
its military more offensive capability.

Posted on 2026-04-28 07:02:13

A lack of financing is emerging as a major barrier to moving away from fossil
fuels.

Officials and experts at a global conference in Colombia say high borrowing
costs, debt and limited access to capital make it easier for many countries
to invest in oil and gas than in renewable energy.

Some governments are using fossil fuel revenues to fund the transition, but
experts warn this approach is limited.

But there is good news... efforts outside U.N. talks are gaining momentum,
with small island nation Tuvalu announcing it will host the next conference.

Username
Password
Lost your password