ICRT

Posted on 2026-08-01 14:07:14

President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) marked Indigenous Peoples' Day today by
congratulating the Siraya people upon their official recognition as Taiwan's
17th indigenous group.

Lai said obtaining recognition for the Siraya has long been a concern for
him, noting that when he was Tainan mayor, his government provided legal
support for the group's ethnic registration ... with his support continuing
as vice president.

The president said the government still has work to do to create a more
diverse and equitable space for the development of ethnic groups and
vouchsafe the dignity of all Taiwan's residents.

CNA_zh_JvW

Posted on 2026-08-01 14:07:14

Want to fly a drone, program a robot or see what else AI can do?

High school students in Chiayi can try all three at a free technology summer
camp this month.

Students will explore AI design thinking and immersive XR technology while
learning to program drones and robots and taking part in flight and team
challenges.

Priority is given to students who live in Chiayi or attend a school there,
with 50 places available in each session.

The first session runs from the 10th to the 12th of August, and the second
from the 13th to the 15th.

For more information, contact the Chiayi Culture x Tech Innovation Hub.

Posted on 2026-08-01 14:07:14

The Justice Department has moved to dismiss a criminal case charging a former
Olympian with deliberately damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Government lawyers said in a 20-page court filing that information provided
since the indictment of David Hearn shows that the damage was the result of a
"flawed installation by the contractor" as well as "the rush to complete the
project prior to events associated with the America 250 celebration in the
weeks surrounding Independence Day 2026."

The 67-year-old Hearn competed in three Summer Olympics in slalom canoe
events. He stopped by the reflecting pool in June and reached in to touch
peeling paint. He was charged with felony destruction of property.

Hearn's lawyers say the case against him should never have been brought and
he's owed an apology.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-08-01 13:07:13

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) thanked members of a US congressional
delegation for their long-term support of Taiwan at a luncheon in Taipei
yesterday.

Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee's subcommittee on Asia and the
Pacific met with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and other officials yesterday.

The delegation's head, Young Kim (金映玉), urged the Legislative Yuan to quickly
pass a bill to fund the procurement of domestically produced drones.

According to the Taipei Times, she noted to journalists that her visit
followed close on the heels of joint Chinese and Russian naval patrols that
were intended to "intimidate the free people of the Indo-Pacific."

She added that drones are central to warfare in the 21st century and
expressed the hope that the legislature could "send a strong demand signal to
build and buy as many drones as possible, and do it quickly."

Lin Chia-lung said in a news release this morning that he told Kim that
Taiwan won't seek provocation, but won't yield to China's escalating military
and economic coercion either.

CNA_zh_JvW

Posted on 2026-08-01 13:07:14

The Taipei Astronomical Museum says August is a great month to look up.

The first astronomical event of interest is the so-called Western elongation
of Mercury, occurring tomorrow evening, when Mercury is at its furthest point
from the Sun and visible in the eastern sky.

Venus's Eastern elongation will occur on the 15th. The second planet from the
Sun will be visible at dusk on the western horizon, against a crescent moon.

But the highlight of the month will be the Perseid meteor shower, which will
start around 8pm on Aug. 12th and end at dawn the next day.

With the moon completely waned, there won't be any moonlight interference ...
with around 70 meteors an hour expected to be streaking across the sky.

The observatory recommends that viewers find a location with a wide-open view
and minimal light pollution to enjoy the celestial light show.

CNA_zh_JvW

Posted on 2026-08-01 12:07:13

products

Taiwan's Ministry of Agriculture has removed Finland from its list of areas
free of African swine fever ... warning that anyone caught importing pork
products from Finland will face penalties.

This comes after the country confirmed domestic ASF cases.

According to the Finnish food authority, preliminary tests on the carcasses
of three wild boar piglets found in southeastern Finland were positive.

According to agriculture ministry statistics, Taiwan imported just under
1,000 metric tons of pork products from Finland between January and June this
year.

The center said although there are no direct flights between Taiwan and
Finland, there remains a risk that pork products could be sent to Taiwan from
Finland by mail.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-08-01 12:07:13

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is abandoning his divisive plan to sell World
Cup profits to private equity ... after receiving pushback from all corners
of the soccer world.

Infantino's decision came after his senior adviser, who sat on a White House
panel, resigned and Asia's soccer body joined Europe and North America in
opposing it.

Infantino had proposed creating a $20 billion company to run the World Cup
... with private investors including the Kushner family.

The backlash grew day by day.

UEFA's 55-member nations agreed to boycott the World Cup and all other FIFA
competitions over Infantino's plan, followed by CONCACAF and the Asian
Football Confederation.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-08-01 11:14:13

The Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics says Taiwan's
economy expanded 13.7 percent in the first half of 2026, marking its
strongest first-half growth in 50 years.

A DGBAS official said the growth was driven by the AI boom, robust investment
and stronger consumer spending.

Second-quarter GDP growth came in at 12.9 percent on year, the fastest pace
in 39 years.

That's more than 2 percentage points above the DGBAS forecast issued in May.

The stats agency said this was because private investment and consumer
spending exceeded expectations.

It said private consumption rose an estimated 5.9 percent in the second
quarter, the fastest pace in 11 quarters, supported by record stock market
gains, a recovery in auto sales and strong travel demand.

Exports continued to benefit from strong global demand for AI-related
electronics and ICT products, with merchandise exports in US-dollar terms
rising 44 percent on year in the second quarter.

Meanwhile, the Taiwan dollar ended the month on an upswing vs. the greenback.
The US dollar ended yesterday around 32.3, down from an opening level around
32.4. Over the course of July, it rose from 31.9, or by 1.3%.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-07-31 20:11:13

The Taiwan People's Party is doubling down on its push to abolish the Control
Yuan and transfer its oversight and auditing powers to the legislature.

Several party lawmakers accusing the government watchdog of failing to
properly supervise the government and of protecting the powerful at a press
conference.

The party says the Control Yuan received some 82 thousand public petitions
during its current members' six-year term, but completed investigations into
only about 1 thousand 300 cases.

TPP lawmakers also criticized Control Yuan members for what they described as
poor performance despite receiving minister-level salaries.

The TPP is calling on other political parties to support the proposal as part
of broader constitutional reform.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-31 20:11:14

Hon Hai says its subsidiary Visionbay.ai has begun commercial operations of
what it describes as Taiwan's largest AI computing cluster.

The 5-megawatt facility uses Nvidia's HGX B300 systems and is already
operating at more than 90 percent capacity.

Hon Hai says the cluster has also received Nvidia's Exemplar Cloud
certification for AI training infrastructure, making Visionbay.ai one of the
first 10 organizations worldwide - and the second in Asia - to receive the
recognition.

The facility is designed to provide computing capacity for developing and
operating increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence models.

Visionbay.ai says it now plans to expand its AI infrastructure across the
Asia-Pacific region using Nvidia's Blackwell and next-generation Vera Rubin
technology.

Posted on 2026-07-31 20:11:14

KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun has donated 1-million NT from her personal
account to support relief and reconstruction efforts following Tuesday's
earthquake in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture.

Cheng visited the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association's Taipei office on Friday
to express the party's condolences over the disaster.

She said Taiwan understands the suffering caused by major earthquakes and has
itself benefited from international assistance following previous disasters.

Cheng also called for stronger cooperation between Taiwan and Japan on
disaster prevention and emergency response.

Kumamoto authorities report the death toll from the magnitude 7.1 earthquake
has risen to 34 people.

Posted on 2026-07-31 20:11:14

The European Union is expanding its oversight of artificial intelligence
companies as new rules governing AI-generated content take effect.

Starting Sunday, companies will be required to label or watermark content
generated by artificial intelligence under the EU's AI Act.

The bloc is also adding 38 staff to its AI Office in Brussels to monitor
companies and enforce the new regulations.

EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen says the measures are aimed at building public
trust in artificial intelligence as concerns grow about its potential risks.

Companies that fail to comply could face fines or restrictions on access to
the European market.

Posted on 2026-07-31 20:11:14

Human Rights Watch says an airstrike carried out by Russian-controlled
aircraft killed eight civilians in central Mali last month.

The rights group says a Sukhoi Su-24 bomber dropped munitions on the village
of Kyrnia in the Mopti region on June 15.

One strike near the village chief's home killed his wife and three children,
while another at a cattle market killed four men.

Human Rights Watch says no fighters from the Islamist militant group JNIM,
which controls the village, were reported among those killed.

The group is calling on Mali's government to investigate the attack and hold
those responsible accountable, warning that the strike could amount to a war
crime.

Posted on 2026-07-31 20:11:14

Thousands of migrants have crossed into the Spanish territory of Ceuta from
Morocco, with at least 18 people dying in the attempt.

The surge has prompted local officials to ask Spain's national government for
help.

Videos show migrants, mainly Moroccans and including families, crossing near
a border checkpoint following an earlier wave of people attempting to reach
Ceuta by swimming.

Spain's Interior Ministry says it will take steps to ensure public safety and
protect the border, but has ruled out declaring a national emergency.

Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish territories on the North African coast and are
often used as gateways for migrants seeking to enter Europe.

Posted on 2026-07-31 20:11:14

Argentina's World Cup players have sparked a cultural moment over the
disputed Falkland Islands after displaying a banner declaring the territory
belongs to Argentina.

The players held up the banner following their semifinal victory over
Britain, referring to the islands by their Argentine name, the Malvinas.

The gesture has sparked a merchandising boom in Argentina, with the slogan
and images of the islands appearing on stickers, clothing, artwork and soccer
jerseys.

Murals depicting the islands and Argentine veterans of the 1982 Falklands War
have also appeared across the country.

Argentina and Britain both claim the islands, which remain under British
control.

FIFA has since charged Argentina's soccer federation for players parading the
banner.

Posted on 2026-07-31 15:30:13

Taiwan's manufacturing outlook improved for a second straight month in June,
supported by strong demand for AI and semiconductor-related products.

The Taiwan Institute of Economic Research says its manufacturing climate
indicator remained at the yellow-red level, signaling improving conditions.

No industries were classified under the recessionary blue light in June, down
from nearly 1 percent in May.

The computer and electronics sector remained at the prosperous red level,
while machinery improved from yellow-red to red.

TIER says strong demand for AI infrastructure, cloud services and
semiconductor equipment continues to support exports and production.

However, it warns that Middle East tensions, oil price volatility and U.S.
tariff policies remain risks to the outlook.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-31 15:30:13

The Coast Guard Administration says it is monitoring two Chinese coast guard
vessels operating east of Taiwan.

The China Coast Guard has described the activity by the Xiushan (秀山)-led
group as a routine law enforcement patrol.

But Taiwan's Coast Guard rejects that characterization, accusing Beijing of
using law enforcement claims to expand its jurisdiction.

As of around 8 a.m. this morning, one Chinese vessel was about 151 nautical
miles east of Orchid Island, while another was about 43 nautical miles
northeast of the island.

Taiwan's Coast Guard says vessels including the Taipei have been deployed to
monitor their movements.

The agency says it will continue taking necessary measures to protect
Taiwan's sovereignty and maritime security.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-31 15:30:13

The Ministry of National Defense says a Chinese carrier rocket passed through
Taiwan's air defense identification zone yesterday morning.

The MND says the rocket was launched from China's Taiyuan Satellite Launch
Center at 9 a.m. and traveled toward the western Pacific.

The ministry also detected 27 Chinese military aircraft around Taiwan from 6
a.m. yesterday to 6 a.m. today, with 22 crossing the Taiwan Strait median
line.

Nine Chinese naval vessels and two government ships were also operating in
the area.

The MND says Taiwan's military closely monitored the activity and responded
accordingly.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-31 15:30:13

A drone strike on two gas vessels at Egypt's Damietta port has raised new
concerns over shipping near the Suez Canal as the U.S.-Iran war expands.

Egypt says an unidentified drone struck the U.S.-owned gas storage tanker
Energos Winter on Wednesday, sparking a fire that spread to a second vessel.

No one has claimed responsibility, and Iran has denied involvement.

The attack comes as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely
disrupted by the conflict, pushing more Saudi oil toward the Red Sea, Suez
Canal and SUMED pipeline.

London's marine insurance market has now widened its high-risk zone in the
Red Sea following recent Houthi attacks.

Saudi Arabia has also announced plans for a multinational maritime defense
coalition to protect shipping and energy routes in the region.

Posted on 2026-07-31 15:30:13

Human Rights Watch says air strikes by Russia's Africa Corps killed eight
civilians, including three children, in central Mali last month.

The rights group says at least two munitions struck the village of Kyrnia on
June 15, hitting near the village chief's home and a cattle market.

HRW says the strikes did not appear to target specific military objectives
and called them "unlawfully indiscriminate."

Africa Corps says it attacked a gathering place for terrorist groups in the
region.

Russian and Malian authorities did not immediately comment.

Africa Corps has largely taken over Wagner Group operations in Africa and is
supporting Mali's military-led government in its fight against Islamist
insurgents.

Posted on 2026-07-31 15:30:13

More than 8 in 10 Australian teenagers were still using social media three
months after the country's under-16 ban took effect, according to the
internet regulator eSafety.

The study found platform use among children aged 10 to 15 fell only slightly,
from nearly 86 percent before the ban to just over 81 percent in March.

About 58 percent said they used social media at least daily.

Around half of those who kept their accounts said platforms had not checked
their age.

Australia introduced the world-first ban in December over concerns about the
effects of social media on young people's health.

eSafety is investigating possible non-compliance by Facebook, Instagram,
Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube.

Posted on 2026-07-31 14:08:13

KMT heavyweights appear to be pushing back against claims by the Taipei mayor
over whether or not to dissolve the cabinet.

Caucus Whip Fu Kun Chi says, there hasn't been much talk in the caucus about
such a move.

That's after Mayor Chiang Wan An has made several comments in recent days
advocating for the dissolution of the cabinet as a means of breaking
political deadlock...

saying that many KMT lawmakers had raised the issue with him.

But Fu says today that the KMT is a democratic political party, adding that
any dissatisfaction towards the ruling party has been heard and will be
factored into the KMT's decision-making.

Despite his seemingly lukewarm attitude towards dissolving the cabinet, Fu
went on to slam President Lai Ching te and Premier Zhuo Rong Tai over failing
to apologize for the Central Union Oils scandal...

saying that the DPP government remains unrepentant.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-31 14:08:13

Typhoon Dolphin is nearing peak intensity, but forecasters say its future
track remains highly uncertain.

Weather expert Wu De-rong says the storm is expected to move west-northwest
toward waters south of Japan over the next five days.

Current forecasts place the highest chance of storm-force winds around the
Ryukyu Islands and Kyushu.

The probability for northern Taiwan remains below 10 percent, although Wu
says a southward shift is still possible.

Dolphin's sustained winds remain at 60 meters per second, matching Typhoon
Bavi's record this year.

Meanwhile, Taiwan is expected to stay hot and mostly sunny through next
Wednesday, with isolated afternoon thunderstorms possible.

Rain chances could increase from next Thursday as moisture and the typhoon's
outer circulation move closer.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-31 14:08:13

The Ministry of Agriculture is reassuring the public that Taiwan’s national
egg supply remains stable... following media reports of empty egg shelves at
certain major supermarkets.

Officials clarified that empty shelves at some major retailers are due to
contract negotiations between distributors and stores, rather than a shortage
of eggs.

The Ministry confirmed it has launched a coordination mechanism to assist
distributors and retailers in resolving supply chain delays to get eggs back
on shelves promptly.

Officials also addressed rumors regarding a drop in brown egg production,
explaining that white-shelled eggs make up 80 percent of Taiwan's market due
to higher hen productivity.

They emphasize that brown and white eggs offer identical nutritional value,
noting that shell color is simply determined by the breed of the hen.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-07-31 14:08:13

Asian shares are up today, with South Korea's Kospi leading the charge to
gain 16%.

Taiwan shares shot up today, with the benchmark tai ex gaining 3186 points to
close the session at 43119.

The turnover was 833 billion NT.

Posted on 2026-07-31 14:08:13

Now turning to international news...

Mali is facing a serious security crisis, as militants and separatist rebels
join forces to intensify attacks on the military.

The coordination has resulted in some of the largest attacks Malian security
forces have seen in years.

Mali has had a 35% increase in fatalities from such militant attacks, with
nearly 3500 deaths recorded so far this year.

The al-Qaida-linked militants and rebels launched joint attacks across the
country in April for the first time in 10 years.

Earlier this month, they ambushed a military convoy, capturing or killing
dozens of soldiers.

Posted on 2026-07-31 14:08:13

An official survey shows China's factory activity slowed this month.

That marks the first time the figure has contracted in 5 months.

China reports that the official manufacturing purchasing managers index
dropped over one point in July....

an outcome worse than what economists had expected.

Some experts say weak domestic demand in concert with recent typhoons helped
to slow manufacturing activity.

The economy grew at its slowest annual pace in more than three years in the
April-June quarter, at 4.3%.

Economists expect China to continue to rely on exports to support its
economic growth for the rest of the year.

Posted on 2026-07-31 14:08:13

A book on Greek antiquities has been returned to an Australian library...
somewhat late.

The book was due about 150 years ago.

It was returned with water damage from years being bricked into a fireplace.

One local man found the book during home renovations, saying he suspects his
ancestor borrowed the book.

Included in the book is a list of rules about borrowing books in the 1870s,
including one that states that households whose members could read were
allowed to borrow more books.

And, local librarians say, the late return fee would be just under 20,000 US
dollars.

Posted on 2026-07-31 13:08:14

The Control Yuan has issued a correction of the Food and Drug Administration
after it allowed fake radish cakes to hit the market without verifying the
content.

The so-called "radish cakes" were actually mostly made up of cornstarch.

The Control Yuan says, the Ministry of Health and Welfare failed to study and
establish standards for labeling radish content...

adding that inspections only involved confirming the name of the product and
the ingredient labeling, without actually checking what was inside.

The watchdog previously said that some manufacturers of radish cakes were
suspected of using chemical starches to save on cost and production time,
while some were selling products without any radish at all.

The FDA has said that there is currently no testing method to confirm radish
content...

but the Control Yuan has negated those claims.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-31 13:08:14

Prosecutors will not pursue a case against Executive Yuan Secretary-General
Zhang Dun Han over claims that KMT lawmakers would freeze parts of the
budget.

Two KMT lawmakers accused Zhang of defaming them during last year's Great
Recall Movement, violating the Election and Recall Act during Zhang's time as
vice-secretary of the Presidential Office.

But Taipei prosecutors say, Zhang had reason to make the statements, meaning
such claims were not defamatory in nature.

The case began during the first stage of last year's Great Recall Movement,
when Zhang said in an interview that lawmakers Chen Yu Zhen and Lin Si Ming
had proposed to freeze the government's budget related to supporting small
and medium-sized enterprises.

Chen and Lin said that Zhang knew they had withdrawn the proposal but he
still brought it up during the recall period.

But prosecutors say, the comments were within reason, and have opted not to
prosecute.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-31 13:08:14

Spain is deploying its military after thousands of migrants entered the
country at the Moroccan border.

That's after local authorities in Ceuta requested reinforcements.

Large crowds breached a border fence yesterday, with at least 9 people dying
in the attempt.

The Spanish government said it was sending the Armed Forces to assist the
Civil Guard in maintaining security.

It also said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez would join Interior
Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska in a visit to Ceuta today.

Officials have said there are thousands of migrants crossing.

Posted on 2026-07-31 13:08:14

Ten climbers are missing after an avalanche at one of the world's highest
mountains in northern Pakistan.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan says it received initial reports that the
avalanche struck the team led by a renowned Nepal-born mountaineer.

They say that the climbers have been out of contact since then.

The expedition includes five Nepalese climbers and others from the US,
Pakistan, Oman, and China.

The club says, rescuers are pulling out all the stops to rescue the climbers,
weather permitting.

The avalanche took place at Broad Peak, which is the word's 12th highest
mountain.

Posted on 2026-07-31 10:51:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

The government has established a cross-agency mechanism that it says will
block goods linked to forced labor from entering the country.

The mechanism has been established by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and
the Ministry of Labor.

Officials say the Ministry of Economic Affairs will forward information on
goods identified by partner countries as involving forced labor to the
Ministry of Labor, which will initiate a review.

A 12-member committee jointly comprising of representatives from government
agencies including the Office of Trade Negotiations and the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs will determine whether the goods should be barred from
entering Taiwan.

According to labor ministry, the mechanism was established to implement the
Lai administration's commitment under the Taiwan-US Agreement on Reciprocal
Trade to enforce a ban on imports produced using forced labor.

It's creation comes after the Trump administration grouped 60 trading
partners according to their enforcement of forced-labor import policies and
granted Taiwan relatively favorable tariff treatment.

The government has said Taiwan's placement in the 10-per cent category
reflects its commitment under the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade to ban
imports produced using forced labor.

Posted on 2026-07-31 10:51:17

The Ministry of National Defense says it has exceeded a recruitment target
set last year, as the introduction of more incentives has helped improve both
recruitment and retention rates.

According to defense officials, it surpassed its enlistment targets by
117-per cent last year, after the armed forces recruited more than 17,000 new
personnel.

The overall retention rate rose to 87.2-per cent in 2025 and that was up more
than 5-percentage points from the previous year.

The defense ministry is attributing the recruitment and retention rate
figures to better wages, improved housing, and financial management
assistance approval for emergency loans.

However, the defense official are also admitting that the armed forces are
still operating at about 80-per cent of their authorized strength.

The defense ministry says recruitment still faces problems due to Taiwan's
declining birth rate and competition from the private sector.

Posted on 2026-07-31 10:51:21

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has opened a dedicated bank account for cash
donations as it works to establish a relief fund for people in Japan affected
by Tuesday's magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture.

The Mega Bank account will accept donations from the public from tomorrow
through August 31.

Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo says President Lai Ching-te, Vice
President Hsiao Bi-khim and Premier Cho Jung-tai will each donate 200,000 N-T
to the account.

Kuo said Taiwan and Japan have supported each other during difficult times
over the years and she's calling on the public to extend their goodwill to
earthquake-hit areas and help residents return to normal life as soon as
possible.

Posted on 2026-07-31 10:51:21

And finally,

The Tang Prize Foundation says Harvard University has academic or
professional ties to more Tang Prize laureates than any other institution.

The Tang Prize spans sustainable development, biopharmaceutical science,
sinology and rule of law.

It has recognized 45 laureates since it was established in 2012, including
three non-governmental organizations.

According to the foundation, a review conducted after the announcement of the
2026 laureates in mid-June found that 11 had academic or professional ties to
Harvard, accounting for about 26-per cent of the 42 individual laureates.

Yale University, Columbia University and the University of California,
Berkeley were each linked to five laureates.

Oxford University and the University of California, San Diego each had ties
to four.

While seven recipients of the biennial Taiwan-based award have subsequently
gone on to be Nobel laureates.

The Tang Prize was established by the late Taiwan entrepreneur Samuel Yin,
who died in May at the age of 75.

Posted on 2026-07-31 06:48:13

The Ministry of the Interior is planning to petition the Constitutional Court
next month to dissolve the Chinese Unification Promotion Party.

Deputy Interior Minister Ma Shih-yuan is defending the move, saying says the
government has been forced to seek the dissolution of political parties whose
objectives or actions endanger the nation's existence or democratic
constitutional order under the Constitution and the Political Parties Act.

While Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang says the political party has long been
linked to organized crime and some core members have repeatedly been
implicated in alleged violations of the National Security Act, the
Anti-Infiltration Act and the Organized Crime Prevention Act.

Ma also says the party has carried out united front work, infiltrated
grassroots groups, recruited military personnel for espionage and engaged in
cross-border repression ..

He added the decision to seek its dissolution is a strategic response to
Beijing's escalating pressure on Taiwan that could help deter similar
activities.

Posted on 2026-07-31 06:48:13

Premier Zhu Rong-tai has approved the official recognition of the Siraya as
one of Taiwan's Indigenous tribes.

This makes the Siraya the country's 17th officially recognized tribe and the
first Plains Indigenous group to receive the designation.

The approval of recognition comes ahead of tomorrow's Indigenous Peoples' Day

Cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee says the recognition affirms the Siraya's
collective rights and represents a concrete step toward historical justice,
cultural diversity and the protection of constitutionally guaranteed rights.

The Premier is said to have instructed the Council of Indigenous Peoples to
announce registration procedures and related supporting measures, while
coordinating with the Ministry of the Interior and local governments to
complete the necessary administrative work.

Posted on 2026-07-31 06:48:14

A bipartisan U-S congressional delegation led by Republican Congresswoman
Young Kim has arrived for a three-day visit.

The delegation will meet with President Lai Ching-te for talks on ways to
strengthen bilateral ties.

It will also been meeting with Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung as well as
other senior government officials to discuss US-Taiwan trade and investment
relations and regional security,

The foreign ministry calls Kim a staunch supporter of Taiwan in the U-S
Congress who has introduced several Taiwan-related bills in recent years,
including the Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act and the Deter PRC Aggression
Against Taiwan Act.

The American Institute in Taiwans says the delegation is visiting Taiwan as
part of a broader trip to the Indo-Pacific region.

The visit is intended to "underscore the U-S commitment to its partnership
with Taiwan and reaffirm our shared commitment to strengthening a Free and
Open Indo-Pacific.

Posted on 2026-07-31 06:48:14

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stopped accepting visa applications from
Moroccan nationals with immediate effect.

The move is in retaliation for a similar move by Rabat last week... and comes
after the Moroccan Embassy in Japan is said to have suspended its Visa
Confirmation Letter review process for Taiwanese Travelers.

In the past, Taiwan passport holders needed to obtain a Visa Confirmation
Letter through the Moroccan Embassy in Japan because they were ineligible for
a Moroccan e-visa.

Only Moroccan nationals involved in special projects approved by the
government can now get visas.

The government is urging Morocco to address the issue and maintain convenient
travel arrangements for business travelers and tourists on both sides, with
the aim of restoring normal bilateral people-to-people exchanges as soon as
possible.

The Moroccan government has not released any official statements regarding
the suspension of its Visa Confirmation Letter review process for Taiwan
travelers.

Posted on 2026-07-31 06:48:14

Data from the Ministry of Finance indicates the wage gap between men and
women is said to be the smallest since 2016.

The annual income of men here in Taiwan stood at 754,172 N-T in 2024, while
the average annual income of women that same year was 489,894 N-T.

But there is still a large gap in professional practice.. where men earn
nearly twice more than women do.

In terms of pay, men earned an average of 839,609 N-T a year, compared with
604,101 N-T for women.

The only income category in which women out-earned men was separation pay -
where women received an average of 682,035 N-T annually, compared with
581,245 N-T for men.

The Ministry of Finance says the male-to-female income ratio was first
recorded at 1.57 in 2016.

It gradually declined to 1.55 in 2020 before rising to a peak of 1.60 in 2022
and then dipped to1.54 in 2024.

Posted on 2026-07-31 06:48:14

hours

The New Taipei Metro Corporation says the newly opened Sanying Line will
remain free throughout August and extend its operating hours as part of its
trial operations.

The metro operator says the line has recorded more than 900,000 passenger
trips since opening on June 30

The line will run from 8AM to 10PM from tomorrow and the frequency of trains
will also be increased during weekday peak hours, with trains arriving every
six minutes from 8 to 8:30AM and from 5:30PM to 7:30PM.

The New Taipei Metro Corporation says the extended operating hours will allow
it to evaluate the line's performance at different times of day and assess
the stability of the overall system.

Trains will continue to operate at eight-minute intervals at all other times
on weekdays and throughout weekends, but the metro operator says additional
trains may be deployed if stations become overcrowded.

The company has yet to announce a date for full-day commercial operations.

Posted on 2026-07-31 06:48:14

Books.com.tw says Japanese mystery novelist Keigo Higashino dominated
Taiwan's bestseller lists after news of his death was announced on Monday.

Higashino's books exceeded their total sales for the entire month of July.

His books now claim five of the top 10 spots at Books.com.tw.

The acclaimed mystery writer had died of colon cancer at the age of 68 on
July 23.

Higashino published more than 100 books, which were translated and published
in more than 40 countries and territories.

The bestselling Chinese-language editions of his novels this week have been
"Journey Under the Midnight Sun," "The Miracles of the Namiya General Store,"
"The Devotion of Suspect X," and "Malice."

Posted on 2026-07-31 06:48:14

The Kumamoto prefectural government says the powerful earthquake that hit
southwestern Japan earlier this week has now killed at least 25 people.

The magnitude 7.1 earthquake on Tuesday set off an explosion at a mall,
toppled a factory chimney and flattened homes in the Kumamoto area on Japan’s
southern main island of Kyushu.

Time is running out to find survivors as rescuers continued to work.

The total number of those missing was unclear.

The quake left at least 86 people injured, five of them seriously, the
prefectural government said.

Posted on 2026-07-31 06:48:14

NATO scrambled its warplanes after a Russian missile entered Polish airspace,
landing in a rural area without causing injuries.

Poland's prime minister called it “a very serious incident.”

It could deepen tensions between the military alliance and Moscow, as wary
European countries fear the expansion of Russia's 4-year-old full-scale war.

The attacks targeted multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, where tens of
thousands of people sheltered in subway stations. .. where the attacks killed
at least 10 and injured over 50 others.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for more air defense
systems from its Western allies.

Posted on 2026-07-31 06:48:14

U-S Federal regulators are clearing the way for robotaxis to operate without
steering wheels or eventually even brake pedals.

Amazon's fully autonomous Zoox vehicles got approval Thursday to begin
charging customers for rides in the specially designed cars that feature four
inward-facing seats once they secure state and local approval.

Zoox has already been offering free rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco
since last fall.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed a rule last month
to allow robotaxis to operate without brake pedals, but that proposal is
still pending.

Zoox and Tesla are working to catch up to the industry-leading Waymo that
already operates in multiple cities.

Posted on 2026-07-30 18:37:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up a dedicated bank account to
collect public donations for earthquake relief efforts in Kumamoto, Japan.

The Mega Bank account will accept contributions from August 1st through
August 31st to support disaster recovery following Tuesday’s 7.1 magnitude
quake.

President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, and Premier Cho
Jung-tai have each pledged 200-thousand NT, while D-P-P Secretary-General Hsu
Kuo-yung is donating one month’s salary to the fund.

The relief effort comes as Japanese authorities grapple with severe damage.

The quake set off an explosion at a mall, toppled a factory chimney and
flattened homes in the Kumamoto area on Japan’s southern main island of
Kyushu.

(CNA - NS)

Posted on 2026-07-30 18:37:13

Taiwan is expected to introduce publicly funded prostate cancer screening
next year as cases continue to rise alongside the country's aging population.

Health Minister Shih Chong-liang (石崇良) says the government has commissioned a
comprehensive assessment and hopes to launch the program once funding and
implementation plans are finalized.

Prostate cancer was the third most common cancer among Taiwanese men in 2023
and is now the fifth-leading cause of cancer death.

The Taiwan Urological Association says new cases have nearly quadrupled over
the past two decades, reaching almost 10 thousand in 2023.

More than 28 percent of those patients were diagnosed only after the cancer
had already spread to other parts of the body, highlighting concerns that
many cases are being detected too late.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-30 18:37:13

Taiwan High Speed Rail says it hopes to have its new N-700-S-T trains
carrying passengers as early as July 1st next year.

T-H-S-R Chair Shih Che (史哲) announced the target as the first of 12 new
trainsets officially rolled out of the factory in Japan.

The first train is expected to arrive at Kaohsiung Port on August 15th before
undergoing a series of static and operational tests in Taiwan.

Shih says once all 12 trains enter service, the company plans to increase
weekly services from the current 1 thousand 134 to more than 1 thousand 400
... boosting peak-hour capacity by 25 percent.

The N-700-S-T trains are based on Japan's N-700-S Shinkansen and feature
quieter cabins, full-color passenger information displays, improved
accessibility and upgraded onboard amenities.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-30 17:33:13

The DPP Legislative Caucus is criticizing a rumored opposition plan to
combine forces on a potential by-election party ticket.

China Times is reporting that the KMT and TPP have agreed to a trade that
would see the TPP support a KMT move to dissolve the cabinet...

in exchange for the KMT pledging 5 party list seats to the TPP.

The rumored plan would see the two opposition parties jointly nominate party
list lawmakers, with the first 5 seats ceded to the TPP.

DPP Caucus Secretary General Zhuang Rui Xiong says, for such a deal to be
hammered out before the cabinet has even been dissolved would remove entirely
the significance of a no-confidence vote.

Zhuang says, a vote of no confidence would serve as a sort of midterm
examination for the Executive Yuan, adding that it would also be a response
to actions the legislature has taken over the past couple years.

He emphasized that both the executive and legislative yuans must be subject
to public scrutiny, saying that exchanging seats between two parties is not
the point.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-30 17:33:13

Taiwan's domestically developed prototype submarine, the Hai Kun, has
conducted back-to-back sea trials off the southern coast as testing enters
its final stages.

Military analyst Chi Tung-yun says the recent testing schedule has
intensified after earlier trials were delayed by typhoons, with crews
repeatedly testing systems to verify their reliability.

Chi also believes the submarine may have entered Tsoying Naval Base during
Wednesday's trial after an additional harbor pilot was seen aboard.

He says the maneuver may have been intended to familiarize the crew with the
route into what will become the submarine's future homeport.

The Hai Kun is expected to undergo endurance and deep-diving tests next ...

... although the Ministry of National Defense Ministry says safety and
quality will take priority and no official deadline has been set for delivery
to the Navy.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-30 17:33:13

The Siraya people have gained official recognition as one of Taiwan's now 17
officially recognized Indigenous tribes.

The move means that Siraya individuals may formally register as such starting
next month.

Premier Zhuo Rong Tai says, the change goes further than just granting Siraya
people recognition...

it also is a form of historical justice and a concrete constitutional
guarantee.

Zhuo says, 8 other tribes are also pending recognition by the Council of
Indigenous Peoples.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-30 17:33:13

Now turning to international news...

Russia has launched another wave of attacks across Ukraine, killing at least
7 people and wounding dozens more.

The strikes hit overnight into this morning, from the east to the far west of
the country.

In one region, Russia killed 6 people, including 3 kids.

In the western city of Lviv, usually far from the front, a missile attack
injured about thirty people, and damaged homes, a school, and two
kindergartens.

The capital Kyiv was also hit, with ballistic missiles killing a man and
damaging homes and a market.

Officials say these large-scale strikes have become almost weekly through the
summer, as Russia steps up its bombardment of Ukrainian cities.

Posted on 2026-07-30 15:20:14

A research firm says the shutdown of TSMC's J-A-S-M plant following a
magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Kumamoto, Japan should have only a limited impact
on third-quarter revenue.

DIGITIMES estimates a one-week shutdown, with no lost production recovered,
would put about 14-million U.S. dollars in revenue at risk.

That's roughly 0.03-percent of TSMC's third-quarter revenue target midpoint.

TSMC says workers and plant structures are safe, while water, electricity and
safety systems are operating normally.

The company says equipment needs time for inspection and recalibration
because semiconductor machinery is highly sensitive to vibration.

Production is gradually resuming, but the timetable for a full recovery
remains uncertain as aftershocks continue.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-30 15:20:14

Keelung prosecutors have indicted three Vietnamese nationals over the alleged
smuggling of nearly 400 kilograms of marijuana into Taiwan.

Prosecutors say the drugs were shipped from Thailand in April and hidden
inside 20 pallets filled with shredded paper.

Keelung customs officers discovered 795 packages containing nearly 393
kilograms of marijuana, with an estimated street value of more than
500-million N.T.

Investigators later arrested one suspect while he was opening delivered
pallets in New Taipei's Xizhi District.

Two others were arrested in Yilan after allegedly agreeing to receive and
transport part of the shipment.

Prosecutors say the case disrupted a cross-border drug trafficking operation.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-30 15:20:14

Police are investigating after a body was found lodged among wave breakers in
New Taipei City's Wanli District this morning.

Officers were called to Neptune Wharf in Yehliu shortly before 10 a.m. and
found the body face down between the concrete blocks.

Police say prolonged exposure to seawater has made identification difficult.

They have ruled out a recently missing man known as the "godfather of arms,"
saying identifying features do not match.

Police are still working to determine the deceased person's sex and identity.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-30 15:20:14

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says Myanmar has agreed to take
5-thousand Rohingya asylum seekers currently living in Malaysia.

Anwar says the agreement followed negotiations made possible by good
relations between the two countries, but gave no further details.

Myanmar has not yet confirmed the arrangement.

Around 126-thousand Rohingya were registered with the U.N. refugee agency in
Malaysia as of the end of February.

The announcement comes amid growing tensions involving Rohingya communities
in Malaysia.

More than 100 Rohingya were detained this week after gathering outside the
U.N. refugee agency's office in Kuala Lumpur seeking help after they said
they were evicted from their homes.

Malaysia is not a signatory to the U.N. Refugee Convention and treats asylum
seekers as illegal migrants.

Posted on 2026-07-30 15:20:14

China is warning of retaliation if the United States moves ahead with
restrictions on imports of new Chinese robots and power inverters.

The Commerce Ministry says Beijing will "resolutely retaliate" if Washington
continues what it calls unilateral and discriminatory measures against
Chinese companies.

The warning follows new steps announced by the U.S. Federal Communications
Commission aimed at protecting the country's AI infrastructure from national
security risks and supporting domestic manufacturing.

China says the FCC ignored repeated objections from Beijing and is using
national security concerns to justify broader trade restrictions.

The ministry called the measures market-distorting and said they could harm
both Chinese and U.S. industries.

Posted on 2026-07-30 15:20:14

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of arson as firefighters continue
battling wildfires near Bordeaux in southwestern France.

Local authorities say the fires have not spread further compared with
previous days, with about 42-thousand hectares burned.

Thousands of people have been evacuated because of flames and heavy smoke.

The Bordeaux region is a major wine-producing area and an important transport
hub for tourists heading to resorts along France's Atlantic coast.

The fires come during an intense European heatwave, which has also fueled
wildfires in Spain and Greece.

Posted on 2026-07-30 14:12:13

Minister without Portfolio Chen Shi Zhong is calling for local officials to
manage their own affairs...

as the Taipei mayor continues to push for the dissolution of the cabinet.

Chen emphasized that local and central government officials have different
responsibilities...

and that the cabinet will not get caught up in what he called "political
mudslinging."

Meanwhile Premier Zhuo Rong Tai echoed Chen's sentiment, saying that
dissolving or not dissolving the cabinet is not the mayor's responsibility.

Zhuo took the opportunity to promote the DPP's pick to succeed Mayor Chiang
Wan An, saying that Puma Shen might be a mayor who would spend more time
thinking about city matters.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-30 14:12:13

A homeless man who allegedly killed another homeless man has seen his
sentence reduced in a second ruling.

The attacker, surnamed Tsai, was originally sentenced to life in prison for
an alleged attack outside the Keelung train station.

The Taiwan High Court says that Tsai expressed willingness to compensate the
victim's family and has been diagnosed with alcohol addiction...

leading the court to lessen the ruling, giving Tsai a 15 year sentence
instead.

Tsai is accused of beating the other homeless man, surnamed Hsieh, to death
after an argument.

The sentence can still be appealed.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-30 14:12:13

Taiwan Travelogue Author Yang Shuang Zi took to the US' National Public Radio
following her recent International Booker Prize win.

Discussing her book, which explores Taiwanese identity during the Japanese
colonial period, Yang said that anyone who identifies with Taiwan is
Taiwanese...

not only those who have ancestry or lineage in Taiwan.

The interviewer asked Yang about why Taiwan, having been colonized by Japan,
feels so positively towards the country...

while Korea and China do not feel similarly.

Yang said, that contradiction was what spurred her to write Taiwan
Travelogue, as she considered the transition from the Japanese Colonial
Period to the ROC government.

Asked about the future of Taiwan, Yang explained that her concerns for the
future were less about war, and more about fears that the Taiwanese public
would give up the democratic and peaceful way of life that Taiwan has enjoyed
for the last 30 years.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-30 14:12:13

Taiwan shares are down today, with the benchmark tai ex losing 105 points to
close the sesion at 39933.

The turnover was 1.103 trillion NT

Posted on 2026-07-30 14:12:13

The Vietnamese capital is seeing one of its biggest transformations in
decades...

with billions of dollars in projects reshaping the city with new roads, urban
districts, and flood-control systems.

The changes promise faster growth and a cityscape to match Vietnam's
ambitions...

but they are disrupting residents' lives.

Thousands of families face relocation, while street vendors and small
businesses worry about losing livelihoods tied to Hanoi's old neighborhoods.

Posted on 2026-07-30 12:56:13

Taiwan is suspending visa applications from Moroccan nationals starting
today, after Morocco stopped processing visa applications from Taiwanese
travelers.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the move is based on the principle of
reciprocity.

Morocco recently instructed its embassies and consulates worldwide to stop
accepting Visa Confirmation Letter applications from Taiwanese nationals.

Taiwanese travelers currently cannot apply for Moroccan e-visas, making the
letters their main option for short business or tourist trips.

Taiwan says Moroccan nationals will also be unable to apply for visas to
Taiwan, except in specially approved cases.

The foreign ministry says it will continue monitoring the situation and
adjust the policy if Morocco changes its visa rules.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-30 12:56:17

President Lai Ching-te says Taiwan needs to build its own drone offense and
defense system as pressure from China increases.

Lai says the government is pursuing a special budget to procure unmanned
systems, alongside broader defense spending and reforms aimed at
strengthening asymmetric capabilities.

He says Taiwan's defense spending has exceeded 3-percent of GDP this year
under NATO calculations, with a target of 5-percent by 2030.

Lai made the comments while meeting a delegation led by Indo-Pacific security
expert Randall Schriver.

The president says Taiwan also wants to deepen defense cooperation with the
United States, moving beyond military purchases toward joint research,
development and production.

Schriver says Taiwan faces growing Chinese military coercion, threats and
lawfare.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-30 12:56:18

Five major European orchestras are set to perform in Taiwan as part of The
Management of New Arts' new season beginning in September.

The lineup includes the Vienna Philharmonic, Staatskapelle Berlin, Utopia
Orchestra, Luxembourg Philharmonic and Mahler Chamber Orchestra.

Pianist Yuja Wang will take on both conducting and solo duties for the first
time, leading the Mahler Chamber Orchestra in Brahms' two piano concertos.

The Vienna Philharmonic will return with conductor Tugan Sokhiev and pianist
Lang Lang, while Christian Thielemann /TEAL-mahn/ will lead the Staatskapelle
Berlin on its first Taiwan visit.

Other performers include Yo-Yo Ma, Seong-Jin Cho, Gautier Capuçon and tenor
Juan Diego Flórez.

The season will feature 26 performances in Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung
over four months.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-30 12:56:18

The United States has launched fresh strikes on Iran after Tehran fired
missiles at U.S. forces in the Middle East.

U.S. Central Command says the strikes were retaliation for attempted Iranian
attacks on American troops.

Iran says it targeted U.S. military installations in Jordan, where Jordanian
forces reported shooting down five Iranian missiles.

The conflict is also spreading elsewhere in the region.

U.S. and Saudi forces carried out joint strikes on Iran-aligned groups in
Iraq, marking the first time Riyadh has publicly joined U.S. attacks there.

Meanwhile, a maritime security firm says a drone struck a U.S.-owned gas
storage tanker at Egypt's Damietta port.

Egyptian authorities confirmed a fire but have not confirmed a drone attack.

The renewed fighting has pushed Brent crude back above 90 U.S. dollars a
barrel.

Posted on 2026-07-30 12:56:18

At least 23 people are confirmed dead after Tuesday's magnitude 7.1
earthquake in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture, as damaged communities struggle
with water and power outages.

Many households in Yatsushiro remain without running water or electricity,
while temperatures are around 35 degrees and could approach 40 this weekend.

Japan's Self-Defense Force is delivering water and installing about 300
air-conditioning units at evacuation centers as authorities warn of
heatstroke risks.

Six other people are in cardiopulmonary arrest, while officials say 28 deaths
are being investigated for possible links to the quake.

The earthquake has also disrupted manufacturing across Kyushu, forcing
Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Sony and other companies to halt some production.

TSMC briefly suspended operations at its Kumamoto facility to assess damage.

Posted on 2026-07-30 12:56:18

Australia's online safety regulator has launched legal action against
Telegram, accusing the messaging platform of failing to remove pro-terror
content.

The eSafety Commissioner says the material included videos linked to
terrorist executions and mass shootings.

Telegram rejects the allegations and says it will contest the case in court,
arguing it has blocked thousands of extremist communities this year.

The company could face civil penalties of up to 37.9 million US dollars if
found to have breached Australian online safety rules.

Posted on 2026-07-30 08:15:13

disciplinary court

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

The Control Yuan has impeached the Lai administration's former top trade
negotiator, Yang Jen-ni, and referred her case to the Disciplinary Court.

The move comes a month after the Office of the President removed Yang from
her post following an independent investigation found she had persistently
bullied her late deputy Yen Huai-hsing.

Yen resigned in February and died on March 12 at the age of 53.

According to the government watchdog, it voted to impeach Yang and refer her
case to the Disciplinary Court based on evidence both bullied and belittled
Yen publicly and created a difficult working environment for her deputy.

The Control Yuan says Yang’s behavior was a serious violation of the Public
Functionary Service Act and that the case warrants review by the Disciplinary
Court.

Yang has denied any wrongdoing and questioned the legitimacy of the initial
Cabinet report - claiming that investigation lacked procedural fairness and
relied on limited testimony.

Yang has threatened to take legal action over what she's been describing as
damage to her reputation.

Posted on 2026-07-30 08:15:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it plans to lodge a formal protest with
the South African government to correct the designation of Taiwan as "Taiwan,
China" in South Africa's Electronic Travel Authorization system.

Taiwan travelers are not yet eligible to use the system.

However, reports say the drop-down menu for the "Passport country of issue"
field on the system's website includes Taiwan but incorrectly lists it as
"Taiwan, China."

South Africa introduced the ETA system in October 2025.

According to the foreign ministry, it has instructed Taiwan's representative
office in Pretoria to submit a formal protest to the South African government
and request that the designation be corrected.

Taiwan had a similar dispute with South Korea last year when Seoul's online
electronic arrival card system in early 2025 initially listed Taiwan as
"China (Taiwan)" in drop-down menus for the "place of departure" and "next
destination" fields.

South Korea later removed the "last point of departure" and "next
destination" fields from the system to resolve the naming dispute.

Posted on 2026-07-30 08:15:13

The Mainland Affairs Council says a total of 402 Taiwan citizens have been
reported missing, questioned or detained in China since the beginning of
2024.

According to council head Chiu Chui-cheng, data from January 1, 2024 to July
22 of this year show that 154 Taiwanese had been reported missing in China,
32 had been held for questioning and 216 had been detained.

Of those detained, 134, or 62-per cent were linked to fraud cases, 58 to
other criminal cases, 23 to religious activities and one to a national
security case.

Speaking during a legislative hearing, Chiu says the statistics were not
intended to convey an "anti-China" political message, but were aimed at
making the public aware of the risks involved in traveling there.

The K-M-T is slamming Chiu for persistently claiming that travel to China as
"dangerous" -- accusing the Mainland Affairs Council of promoting the Lai
administration's ideology rather than fulfilling its official duties.

The K-M-T is also questioning the council's decision to count the number of
Taiwanese detained for fraud or other criminal offenses as having encountered
"travel risks" - saying such cases clearly involve violations of local laws
rather than political activity.

Posted on 2026-07-30 08:15:13

Local drone manufacturer Thunder Tiger has teamed up with U-S defense company
Shield A-I to demonstrate mission autonomy software in a coordinated
operation involving unmanned surface vessels.

During a demonstration at Pingtung's Dapeng Bay, Thunder Tiger's SeaShark 800
and SeaShark 600 U-SV-s were tasked with a reconnaissance mission within a
designated section of the bay.

The two U-S-Vs ultimately succeeded in "expelling" the intruder.

Personnel from state-arms developer, the National Chung-Shan Institute for
Science and Technology, and the Coast Guard Administration attended the
demonstration.

According to Maximilian Chen, Shield AI's director of government relations
for Asia, a fleet of five U-S-Vs could cover up to 8.3 times their combined
search area if Hivemind were used to determine their routes.

Thunder Tiger Chairman William Chen also underscored the growing importance
of unmanned aerial vehicles and U-S-Vs - saying lawmakers
should urgently pass the Cabinet's drone procurement bill to fund Taiwan's
purchase of domestically built drones.

Lawmakers on Monday referred 14 different versions of the bill to
cross-caucus negotiations after they failed to agree on its key components,
including title, competent authority and spending cap during committee
review.

Posted on 2026-07-30 08:15:13

The Hsinchu City Government as expanded testing of locally produced rice
noodle products after several made by a local manufacturers were found to
contain formaldehyde.

Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao says city collected 28 samples from 16 rice noodle and
rice vermicelli manufacturers from July 16 through 27 and sent them to the
Food Industry Research and Development Institute for formaldehyde testing on
Tuesday.

The results of those tests are expected tomorrow and will be published on the
city's food safety website.

According to Kao, her administration was first notified by the Tainan City
government on May 27 that steamed rice noodles produced by Hsinchu-based Ming
Hao Enterprise tested positive for formaldehyde.

Kao says authorities, working with the Food and Drug Administration,
inspected the company's factory on June 3, collecting four finished-product
samples and two raw material samples.

All affected downstream products were ordered removed from store shelves and
recalled.

Preliminary tests confirmed the presence of formaldehyde on on June 8 and
authorities halted sales of the affected products, imposed administrative
penalties and referred the case to prosecutors for further investigation.

Posted on 2026-07-30 08:15:13

And finally,

The Central Weather Administration says Typhoon Dolphin is forecast to
strengthen into a severe typhoon as it tracks northwest toward waters south
of Japan.

The storm is currently located some 5,000-kilometers east of Eluanbi at
Taiwan's southern most tip and is moving west northwesterly direction at
21-kilometers-an-hour.

According to the weather administration, the storm is currently forecast to
maintain a course toward waters south of Japan through early next week.

However, its longer-term path remains highly uncertain, as the weather
administration says forecast models diverge significantly, with possible
tracks toward Japan, Korea, China or waters north of Taiwan.

The administration's forecast center says the storm's eventual path is
unlikely to become clearer until next week.

Posted on 2026-07-30 06:53:14

Several scholars says a social media post by the American Institute in Taiwan
showing U-S and Taiwan coast guard vessels sailing in formation indicates
that Washington views Taipei as an important partner.

The post shows the Coast Guard Administration's Chiayi-class offshore patrol
vessel, the "Taipei," and the U-S Coast Guard cutter, "Midgett" sailing in
formation.

It acknowledges cooperation on what it called "joint maritime objectives,
identified as search and rescue, tropical storm preparedness, disaster
relief, maritime resource conservation, illegal fishing crackdowns, and
interdicting sea drug smuggling. "

AIT further acknowleged "Taiwan's partnership in maritime security and
safety, and continues to support Taiwan's meaningful contributions on global
issues, including maritime law enforcement exchange and international
cooperation.

Foreign policy expert Bonnie Glaser said post acknowledges role as an
important partner, its positive contributions to regional security, and the
U-S committment "to working alongside Taiwan to promote shared objectives."

She also said the social media post was meant to reassure Taiwan and its
people that they are not alone and that their contributions to regional peace
and maritime safety are valued."

For his part, Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling says the U-S move
demonstrates a determination to maintain peace and security in the Western
Pacific and a recognition that the U-S views Taiwan Coast Guard as "the sole
law enforcement agency in Taiwan's waters."

Posted on 2026-07-30 06:53:14

Taiwan's representative to the U-S, Alexander Yui attended the funeral of
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham which took place yesterday.

Yui said he was attending on behalf of President Lai Ching-te, Vice President
Hsiao Bi-khim and the people of Taiwan.

Yui described Graham as a steadfast supporter of Taiwan since he was first
elected to the U-S House of Representatives in 1994-- and that Graham
consistently supported Taiwan's democracy, freedom and security through
legislation and public advocacy since.

He also noted that Graham led a bipartisan congressional delegation to Taiwan
in 2022, demonstrating his support for the country through concrete action.

Graham died last week at the age of 71.

Posted on 2026-07-30 06:53:14

The island's first domestically built submarine prototype, the Narwhal, has
resumed sea trials as it moves on track for delivery to the Navy in the
second half of this year.

The submarine resumed sea trials on Wednesday.

It marks the vessel's 19th sea trial and 13th underwater test.

C-S-B-C has not released any further details of the latest round of sea
trials.

However, the shipbuilder recently said the submarine would soon begin
multiple endurance tests.

Defense analysts have said the submarine prototype has now entered the latter
stages of its sea trial program and carrying out deeper dives.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo has not given an exact date for the Narwhal's
delivery to the Navy - saying only it could between late August or early
September.

C-S-B-C in late June warned the typhoon season could cause minor delays of a
few days, but stressed that it doesn't expect that to significantly derail
the overall delivery schedule.

Posted on 2026-07-30 06:53:14

The Taoyuan District Prosecutors' Office has indicted a former Army sergeant
for bullying and physically punishing a female subordinate.

The abuses include allegations the sergeant forced the subordinate to spend
hours looking for a spider before later beating her when she failed to find
it.

The 25-year-old former sergeant served as a deputy squad leader with the
Army's 269th Combined Arms Brigade in 2023 before she was discharged from the
military in 2024 after getting disciplinary demerits.

Prosecutors say the former sergeant repeatedly subjected a female technical
specialist to unreasonable punishments while they served in the same unit and
shared a dormitory.

The alleged abuse stemmed from differences in their hygiene routines.

The victim reported the alleged abuse to her superiors, who launched the
investigation and referred the case to civilian prosecutors.

Prosecutors say the former Army sergeant abused her authority by forcing her
subordinate to carry out pointless tasks, depriving her of sleep and
restricting her freedom of movement, and causing severe physical and
psychological distress.

Posted on 2026-07-30 06:53:14

The Tourism Administration says 4.29 million international visitors traveled
to Taiwan in the first half of this year.

That figure is a 2.3-per cent increase from the same period of last year.

Tourism Administration data shows that from January to June, nearly 4.3
million international visitors arrived in Taiwan.

Japan was the largest source market, followed by Hong Kong and South Korea.

As of July 15, total visitor arrivals had reached about 4.55-million, up
1.6-per cent from the same period last year.

Visitor numbers from the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, the U-S and India
all posted growth of more than 9-per cent during the period.

However, arrivals from Hong Kong and Macau, Malaysia, the U-K, Japan and
China all registered declines from the first half of last year.

The tourism agency says it will continue to monitor global travel conditions
and adjust its marketing strategies to strengthen arrivals from key overseas
markets.

Posted on 2026-07-30 06:53:14

The Food and Drug Administration has ordered a recall of a growth disorder
medication after the necks of the drug's containers were found to broken.

The "Omnitrope" injection is manufactured by Sandoz Pharmaceutical Taiwan.

An investigation has since found the damage likely occurred during the
production process because a manufacturing tool had not been properly
adjusted, causing it to strike the neck of the vials.

The F-D-A says other batches of the medication are not affected and will
continue to be imported, with no shortage expected.

The company is required to complete the recall by August 8.

Posted on 2026-07-30 06:53:14

And,

Taiwan's major convenience store chains and PXPay Plus have launched
fundraising drives to help people affected by the magnitude 7.1 earthquake
that struck Japan's southwestern Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday.

The convenience store chains and the e-payment platform operated by
supermarket chain PX Mart are partnering with Taiwan-based Mustard Seed
Mission, to launch a joint fundraising campaign for emergency relief and
post-earthquake reconstruction.

The Mustard Seed Mission says it has already provided 10,000 U-S dollars in
emergency assistance and activated the first phase of its disaster response
plan through its longtime Japanese partner, A-A-R Japan.

According to the organization, initial relief efforts will focus on emergency
supplies, mobile food distribution, psychosocial support, assistance for
evacuation shelters and care for vulnerable groups, including children, older
adults and people with disabilities.

Convenience store operators 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Hi-Life say donations
will be accepted through August 31 via the participating retailers' apps and
in-store kiosks.

While PXPay Plus has launched dedicated donation sections on its app and the
PX Pay app.

Posted on 2026-07-30 06:53:14

The Reuters News Agency says its has authenticated footage from a small
California-based drone maker showing a Chinese warship operating inside the
Philippines' exclusive ‌economic zone.

The Lightfish drone approached a People's Liberation Army Navy ship off
Luzon Island in waters where Beijing's military presence has become a
persistent source of regional tension.

The vessel was identified as a Chinese Type 052D destroyer

The authenticated video is believes is the first footage of its kind recorded
by a private U.S. firm.

The Philippine Coast Guard has reported an increased presence of Chinese
maritime forces, including warships, in the area last year compared to 2024.

Posted on 2026-07-30 06:53:14

Ukraine says its forces have hit two of Russia’s major oil refineries in
their latest long-range strikes.

Officials say the attacks are part of Kyiv's ongoing pressure on Moscow.

The strikes have targeted Russian oil facilities for months, causing a fuel
crisis that embarrasses the Kremlin.

The refineries are crucial for Russia's military and government revenue.

The attacks came after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Washington for
talks with President Donald Trump, seeking more U.S. support for Ukraine.

Posted on 2026-07-29 19:08:13

The Taipei District Court has sentenced JKO Pay founder Hu Yi-chia (胡亦嘉) to
seven years in prison ...

... and fined him 100 million NT for failing to allocate investment fund
shares fairly among investors.

Prosecutors said the case stems from investment fund allocations made in
2020, alleging Hu and others generated about 60 million NT in ill-gotten
gains.

Hu was convicted of violating the Securities Investment Trust and Consulting
Act and was separately sentenced to six months in prison for document
forgery.

A former chairman of JKO Asset Management was also sentenced to
four-and-a-half years in prison, while several other defendants received
lighter sentences or were acquitted.

The ruling can be appealed ..

... and the court has yet to explain the factual basis or sentencing reasons
behind its decision.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-29 19:08:13

National Health Insurance will begin covering 0.05-percent atropine eye drops
for children and teenagers under 18 starting Aug. 1.

The N-H-I-A estimates about 365-thousand young people could benefit.

Atropine is used to slow the progression of myopia, or nearsightedness ....

... but higher concentrations can cause side effects such as light
sensitivity and difficulty focusing at close range.

The health insurance program already covers 0.01-percent and 0.1-percent
concentrations.

Officials say adding 0.05-percent gives doctors another option for children
who do not respond well enough to the lowest dose but struggle with side
effects at higher concentrations.

The N-H-I-A says the expanded coverage is not expected to increase overall
insurance spending.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-29 19:08:13

Taiwan is protesting the way it's been labeled in South Africa's new travel
system.

South Africa's electronic travel authorization system lists Taiwan as
"Taiwan, China" in a drop-down menu.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says, the designation is incorrect.

They say, it implies Taiwan is part of the People's Republic of China.

MOFA says, it told its office in Pretoria to lodge a formal protest.

Taiwan has fought this kind of labeling before.

South Korea used a similar tag last year, and eventually removed the fields
altogether to settle the dispute.

But this one may be harder.

Relations between Taipei and Pretoria have been strained since South Africa
tried to downgrade Taiwan's representative office there.

It is a dispute that still hasn't been resolved.

(JC-CNA)

Posted on 2026-07-29 19:08:13

In international news,

Ukraine says it has struck one of Russia's largest oil refineries as it steps
up pressure on Moscow.

Today's attack on the Ryazan refinery, which produces gasoline and other
fuels, reportedly sparked a fire and left six people hospitalized.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says such attacks are aimed at
weakening Russia's ability to continue the war.

Ukraine's recent military successes have also helped renew support in
Washington.

Zelenskyy met U-S President Donald Trump and U-S senators yesterday to
discuss further military assistance and additional sanctions against Russia.

Posted on 2026-07-29 19:08:13

Fire crews in southwest France are battling a massive wildfire as extreme
heat and strong winds threaten to fuel the flames.

Temperatures are forecast to reach 40 degrees Celcius on Wednesday,
complicating efforts to bring the fire under control.

Authorities say 220 thousand people have been forced from their homes, with
another 4 thousand evacuated from tourist areas along the Atlantic coast on
Tuesday.

Officials in the Gironde region say conditions remained relatively calm
overnight, but warn the heat and winds could trigger new flare-ups.

Across France and Spain, wildfires have displaced around 330 thousand people.

Posted on 2026-07-29 17:19:14

The Control Yuan says, it found evidence of workplace bullying by Taiwan's
former top trade negotiator.

They say, Yang Zhenni intentionally kept former deputy trade rep Yan Hui Xin
from participating in tariff talks between Taiwan and the US.

The judgement comes after Yan's death, when reveleations emerged indicating
that Yang had engaged in workplace bullying.

The Control Yuan adds that Yang targeted some of those working under her with
intimidation, employing offensive language and negating Yan's ideas.

Overall, the report accuses Yang of engaging in longterm targeting of Yan,
even intentionally preventing her from being able to carry out her duties.

As a result, the watchdog has opted to approve Yang's removal.

The disciplinary court will now decide how to handle Yang.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-29 17:19:14

The Taipei City government says, residents whose vehicles were damaged in
flooding in Neihu last month can get up to 25000 NT in subsidies.

They're asking that city residents include photos and receipts from repair
work when applying...

or evidence that the vehicle was retired.

Applications are open now through the end of September.

The announcement follows floods caused by heavy rain in Neihu on June 25th

The city government says, it's aiming to lessen the financial burden on
residents who were affected by the floods.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-29 17:19:14

Now turning to international news...

Far-right Israeli extremists are ramping up their fringe campaign to
establish Jewish settlements in Syria.

The Israeli army has been occupying an area of southern Syria for a year and
a half.

But civilian settlers more recently started staging incursions into the
country in hopes of establishing illegal settlements there.

The group aims to settle an area including three provinces, which Israel
declared a "buffer zone" in 2024, soon after the ouster of former Syrian
President Bashar al-Assad in an insurgent offensive.

Settlers attempt to establish settlements that theyhope Israel's government
will eventually legalize.

That's how many illegal Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank
got their start.

The Syrian government has condemned Israel’s occupation of southern Syria and
frequently calls for Israeli forces to withdraw and for the international
community to intervene.

Posted on 2026-07-29 17:19:14

Officials in the Solomon Islands have recovered a man's body from a landslide
at a gold mine.

The landslide occurred at an open pit mine owned by a Chinese firm.

Authorities are continuing the searches to see if others are buried.

The cause of the landslide is unknown.

Prime Minister Matthew Wale says, safety practices at the site will be
investigated.

Wanguo Gold Group said in a statement that none of their employees were hurt
or missing and that no equipment was damaged.

The site, near the capital Honiara, is the country's only large-scale gold
mine.

Operated by Gold Ridge Mining Limited, the mine has since 2019 been
majority-owned by the Hong Kong-listed, Chinese-headquartered firm Wanguo
Gold Group.

The Solomon Islands are highly dependant on foreign investment, and has been
a part of China's Belt and Road Initiaitve since 2013.

Posted on 2026-07-29 15:01:13

Police have seized more than 70,000 suspected counterfeit products bearing
Pokémon, Sanrio and NEW ERA trademarks.

The Criminal Investigation Bureau says the goods were found during searches
of warehouses and sales locations in New Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung.

Twelve suspects have been referred to prosecutors for alleged trademark
violations.

Police say the products were mainly imported in bulk from suppliers in China
and sold for about 80-percent of the price of genuine merchandise.

Sellers allegedly advertised them as readily available and guaranteed to be
original quality, while using thousands of online reviews to build trust.

The seized goods are estimated to represent nearly 35-million N.T. in
trademark value.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-29 15:01:13

Two red pandas from Shanghai Zoo have made their public debut at Taipei Zoo.

The pair, named Lele (樂樂) and Tiantian (甜甜), arrived in Taiwan on June 6 and
spent a month in quarantine before moving to the zoo's temperate zone.

Their transfer was arranged under a species exchange agreement signed during
the 2024 Taipei-Shanghai City Forum.

A planned Shanghai delegation was absent at the debut after Taiwan's central
government raised concerns over possible united-front activity.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an called the delegation's absence regrettable,
saying the exchange reflects cooperation on endangered species conservation,
biodiversity and sustainable development.

Zoo staff say Lele has been more outgoing since arriving, while Tiantian has
been more cautious as she adjusts to her new surroundings.

The exchange agreement was revised earlier to have Taipei send white-handed
gibbons to Shanghai instead of black-footed penguins.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-29 15:01:13

An agricultural research station in Taitung is helping an Indigenous
community preserve plants traditionally used to make fermentation starters.

The Ministry of Agriculture says the Dianguang community in Guanshan has
established a conservation plot and propagation system for several
traditional plants used in Amis food and drink culture.

The project is designed to pass traditional crops and knowledge on to younger
generations while supporting local food and agricultural education.

Dianguang has fewer than 300 permanent residents and is home to both Amis and
Hakka communities.

The station is also helping develop local food experiences and agricultural
tours using crops grown in the area, including plums, coffee and ingredients
connected to traditional fermentation.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-29 15:01:13

The U.S. military says it intercepted multiple ballistic missiles launched by
Iran toward American forces in the Middle East.

U.S. Central Command described the launches as an attempted surprise attack,
but did not initially identify the target.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards later said the missiles were aimed at a U.S. air
base and a U.S. Central Command facility in Jordan, describing the attack as
retaliation for U.S. actions against Iranian interests.

CENTCOM says all of the missiles were intercepted.

The U.S. also says American and Saudi forces later carried out strikes on
Iran-backed militant sites in eastern Iraq after drone attacks targeted Saudi
oil facilities.

President Donald Trump has warned U.S. strikes on Iran could resume if
negotiations fail, while Tehran denies seeking renewed talks.

Posted on 2026-07-29 14:54:13

President Lai Ching-te is calling for the legislature to prioritize national
security and support the Executive Yuan's version of a special budget for
drone funding.

The president says, the special budget would allow the Ministry of National
Defense to coordinate military needs and arms procurement.

Lai made the comments at a military promotion ceremony today.

He stated that the military will soon hold readiness exercises, and thanked
soldiers for their effort in defending the nation.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-29 14:54:13

Taiwan Railways is making its college student fare discounts a regular
program starting Aug. 20th, following strong demand.

The program was originally planned as a one-year trial beginning Aug. 17th.

Under the revised system, designated reserved-seat trains will offer fixed
discounts of either 50-percent or 30-percent, instead of varying fares based
on how early students book.

Passengers taking the same train on the same date will receive the same
discount.

The offer applies to eligible college and university students traveling at
least 50 kilometers on reserved-seat services.

Rules on student ID checks, refunds and additional fares for violations
remain unchanged.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-29 14:54:13

The Military News Agency is marking its 80th anniversary with a free
photography exhibition in Taipei's Dadaocheng district.

Running from July 31 through Aug. 16 at Olympus Plaza Taipei, the exhibition
will feature decades of military and disaster-response photography.

Highlights include images from the 1960 U.S.-Taiwan Blue Star exercise, the
first Han Kuang exercise in 1984, the arrival of Hai Lung-class submarines
and military disaster relief following the 1999 earthquake and Typhoon
Morakot.

The exhibition also showcases combat training and the work of military
reporters in the field.

The agency says the collection documents both the development of Taiwan's
armed forces and major moments in the country's modern history.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-29 14:54:13

U.S. President Donald Trump says separate meetings with Ukrainian President
Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went well.

Both leaders were in Washington to attend a memorial service for Republican
Senator Lindsey Graham.

Trump offered few details, saying only that important issues were discussed.

Zelenskiy says talks included plans for Ukraine to produce Patriot missile
interceptors and efforts to revive peace negotiations with Russia.

Netanyahu also described his meeting as excellent.

The talks came as the U.S. and Israel remain engaged in the conflict with
Iran, while the Gaza ceasefire continues to face repeated violations.

Posted on 2026-07-29 14:54:13

Oman has presented Iran with a Gulf-backed proposal for managing the Strait
of Hormuz, including voluntary fees for ships using the key waterway.

Reports say the plan would prevent Iran from exercising sole control, with
contributions modeled on voluntary systems used in the Strait of Malacca to
support navigation, environmental protection and rescue operations.

The United States has rejected any mandatory tolls, saying Hormuz is an
international waterway that should remain open without Iranian restrictions.

The proposal is part of efforts to end disruptions caused by the U.S.-Israeli
war with Iran.

President Donald Trump says talks are progressing, but warned U.S. strikes
could resume if negotiations fail.

Iran says it has not sought renewed talks with Washington.

Posted on 2026-07-29 14:54:13

The death toll from a powerful earthquake in southern Japan has risen to at
least 13, as rescuers continue searching for survivors.

The magnitude 7.1 quake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, collapsing
buildings, damaging roads and leaving tens of thousands of homes without
power.

Rescue teams are focusing on a partially collapsed Aeon shopping mall near
Kumamoto, where several people were pulled from the rubble and four workers
remain unaccounted for.

Seven people are also missing at a Nippon Paper factory after a chimney
collapsed.

More than 4,500 troops have been deployed to support rescue and recovery
efforts.

Several manufacturers have suspended operations, while TSMC says it evacuated
workers from its Kumamoto plant as a precaution and began resuming operations
Tuesday night.

Posted on 2026-07-29 14:51:13

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan An is doubling down on his calls for the cabinet to
be dissolved...

and says that Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi Mai should replace the premier.

Chiang says, Premier Zhuo Rong Tai should step down and the cabinet should be
dissolved over the Central Union Oils contamination scandal.

He slammed the central government for not apologizing over the issue.

Chiang claimed that many KMT lawmakers had discussed dissolving the cabinet
with him...

adding that he believed that the KMT needed to arrive at a consensus together
with the TPP before taking any action.

A vote of no confidence against the premier, if successful, could trigger the
dissolution of the legislature.

Meanwhile Chen himself says that he's currently focused on finishing out his
term as mayor.

Chen said, he agreed with remarks made yesterday by New Taipei Hou You-yi,
who said that it would be best for everyone to just do their jobs.

Chen added that the most pressing issue for mayors at this time is to ensure
food safety, which, he said, applies to the mayor of Taipei as well.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-29 14:51:13

The Core Pacific Chair's request to have his ankle monitor temporarily
removed for a medical reason has been rejected.

Shen Qing Jing was ordered to wear an electric ankle monitor but appealed to
the Taiwan High Court for the anklet to be temporarily removed for an MRI.

The court checked with Shen's doctor to confirm that the scan was not urgent
before rejecting the appeal.

Shen was sentenced to 10 years' jailtime in March related to the Core Pacific
City case on charges including profiteering.

He's been under electrionic monitoring and movement restrictions for about 2
months.

The High Court says today that there was nothing that indicated that the MRI
was extremely pressing or that Shen's health would seriously deteriorate if
he did not have the scan in August...

therefore rejecting the appeal.

The High Court's decision can still be appealed.

（AH）

Posted on 2026-07-29 14:51:13

The Chair of Forbes Media is urging U.S. President Donald Trump to approve a
proposed 14-billion U.S. dollar arms sale to Taiwan.

In an article published yesterday, Forbes argues the sale is important to
both Taiwan's security and broader U.S. strategic interests.

Congress gave preliminary approval to the package in January, but Secretary
of State Marco Rubio says it remains under internal review.

Forbes says further delays could weaken U.S. credibility and create gaps in
Taiwan's defense readiness as China increases military pressure.

The package reportedly includes anti-ship missiles and ammunition considered
central to Taiwan's so-called Porcupine Strategy.

Forbes also argues Taiwan arms sales should remain separate from broader
negotiations with Beijing, saying approval would reinforce deterrence and
reassure Taiwan and other regional partners that U.S. support remains steady.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-29 14:51:13

The Tai ex dropped below the 40,000 mark this morning, but recovered some
ground.

Overall, the benchmark lost 1564 points to close the session at 40039.

The tumble came as large tech stocks have come under pressure due to concerns
over large AI investments.

The turnover was 1.083 trillion NT

Posted on 2026-07-29 14:51:13

And in international news...

Emergency workers in Japan are continuing to search for survivors following a
powerful earthquake yesterday.

The 7.1 magnitude quake in Kumamoto killed at least 13 people.

Rescuers are searching through a damaged shopping mall and collapsed houses
looking for trapped survivors.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that some people are still awaiting
recuse, but it's not clear how many people are currently missing.

A government spokesperson said that nearly 37,000 homes were without
electricity, and thousands of people spent the night in evacuation centers.

Bullet train services and some airport operations remain suspended, as damage
is still being assessed.

Posted on 2026-07-29 14:51:13

The Indian capital has adopted a new policy to make most new vehicles
electric in an effort to improve air quality.

The plan includes subsidies, tax waivers, and incentives for getting rid of
old vehicles.

At an estimated cost of 1.5 billion US dollars, the plan will offer cash of
more than 500 dollars to residents who buy EVs and over 1000 dollars for
those who get ride of their old gas-powered vehicles.

Experts say, it's one of India's most ambitious EV policies to help one of
the world's most polluted cities.

But, New Delhi still needs more charging stations, especially for
long-distance drivers.

Currently, only about 5% of Delhi's vehicles are electric.

Posted on 2026-07-29 12:52:14

The American Institute in Taiwan has made a rare public display of
U.S.-Taiwan coast guard cooperation, releasing images of vessels from both
sides sailing together at sea.

AIT says the U.S. Coast Guard and Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration are
coordinating on search and rescue, disaster response, illegal fishing and
drug interdiction, among other areas.

Bonnie Glaser of the German Marshall Fund says the move sends a message that
Taiwan is an important regional security partner.

She says it also signals to Beijing that attempts to isolate and bully Taiwan
will not succeed.

Taiwan's Coast Guard says the two sides are continuing to expand cooperation
in the Taiwan Strait and western Pacific, including maritime law enforcement
and emergency response.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-29 12:52:14

The number of overseas visitors arriving in Taiwan rose 2.3-percent in the
first half of this year to about 4.29 million.

The Tourism Administration says Japan remained the largest source market,
followed by Hong Kong and South Korea.

By July 15, total arrivals had reached about 4.55 million, roughly
1.6-percent higher than the same period last year.

The Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam were among markets showing strong
growth.

But arrivals from Japan, Hong Kong and Macau, Malaysia, China and the U.K.
declined.

Officials say international travel remains under pressure from the conflict
in the Middle East, including higher fuel costs and security concerns.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-29 12:52:14

sales

Executives at two major Taiwanese private investigation firms are under
investigation over alleged illegal surveillance and suspected sales of
personal data to China.

New Taipei prosecutors searched 17 locations and detained 10 people,
including the president of Guohua and the general manager of Yitong.

The two executives were later released on bail of 3-million and 1.5-million
N.T.

The case began after a GPS tracker was allegedly installed on a man's scooter
during an infidelity investigation.

Prosecutors later found evidence suggesting a company manager may have sold
illegally obtained personal data through WeChat in exchange for Chinese yuan.

Authorities are now investigating whether senior executives were involved and
whether the case raises national security concerns.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-29 12:52:14

Keiko Fujimori has been sworn in as Peru's president, extending a broader
rightward political shift across Latin America.

The 51-year-old is Peru's first elected female president and the country's
10th leader since 2016, following a decade of political instability.

Fujimori narrowly defeated leftist congressman Roberto Sanchez in a June
runoff.

In her inaugural address, she pledged to tackle crime, improve the business
climate, cut unnecessary spending and raise the minimum wage.

Her conservative Popular Force party will hold the largest minority bloc in a
fragmented Congress, potentially complicating efforts to pass legislation.

Fujimori has also expressed interest in closer cooperation with U.S.
President Donald Trump's administration, including on regional security and
efforts to counter transnational crime.

Posted on 2026-07-29 12:52:14

Firefighters in France and Spain are making progress against major wildfires
that have forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate.

A blaze in France's Bordeaux region was contained overnight, while Spanish
authorities allowed residents in several areas to return home and scaled back
emergency measures.

But fires are still burning near Madrid, and another heatwave is expected to
intensify from Wednesday.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called the current wildfire crisis
possibly the country's worst since World War Two.

In Spain, the death toll from a July 9 wildfire near Almeria has risen to 14
after another burn victim died.

Scientists say extreme heat and drought are making wildfires more
destructive, while some large fires can even generate their own storm
systems, producing strong winds and lightning.

Posted on 2026-07-29 12:52:14

Elon Musk's X is pushing back against plans to strengthen enforcement of
Australia's social media ban for children under 16.

The law took effect last December, but Australian regulators say many
underage teenagers still have social media accounts.

X told a Senate committee that proposed new powers for the eSafety
Commissioner could undermine procedural fairness, privacy and international
legal principles.

The changes would expand the regulator's ability to demand documents,
including from companies and affiliates outside Australia, and would double
the maximum fine to 99-million Australian dollars.

Australia's eSafety regulator says its current powers are too limited and
have slowed potential enforcement action against several platforms.

YouTube and TikTok have also argued there is no failsafe method for
identifying and blocking underage users.

The Senate committee is due to report its findings on August 25.

Posted on 2026-07-29 11:06:13

A DPP Caucus visit to the US has concluded, with Taipei mayoral candidate
Puma Shen saying that the team succeeded in establishing channels of
communication with city officials in the US...

which will be an important foundation for city governance in Taipei.

Shen was accompanied on his trip by Caucus Whip Cai Qi Chang as well as
colleagues Wu Si Yao, Chen Pei Yu, and Wang Ding Yu.

Cai said upon his return to Taoyuan international airport this morning that
the trip's itinerary was primarily concentrated in Washington DC.

Cai said the delegation was able to meet with everyone that they planned to,
including House Speaker Mike Johnson and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Shen added that the group was able to learn from exchange with US
counterparts regarding affordable housing, urban cooling and foliage, talent
development, and school commute safety.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-29 11:06:13

Typhoon Dolphin could become the strongest storm of 2026 as early as
Thursday, but it is not expected to threaten Taiwan over the next 10 days.

Meteorologist Wu Der-rong says Dolphin has rapidly intensified and is nearing
strong typhoon strength.

Maximum sustained winds are forecast to reach 63 meters per second Thursday,
topping Typhoon Bavi's previous high of 60 meters per second this year.

Dolphin is expected to move west-northwest toward waters southeast of Japan
over the next five days.

Meanwhile...the Central Weather Administration has issued yellow heat alerts
for nine cities and counties today, including Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung and
several areas in central and southern Taiwan.

Temperatures could reach 36 degrees or higher, with chances of isolated
afternoon thunderstorms offering some relief.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-29 11:06:13

Now turning to international news and in the US,

The Senate has taken the first steps towards passing a sweeping Russian
sanctions bill.

The bill would aim to penalize countries that continue to buy Russian oil,
gas, and other exports.

This comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Washington DC for
talks with US leaders.

Zelenskyy reportedly told senators that the sanctions legislation is
"important as a moral signal to a country that is weary and tired, though
holding its own and then some against Russia."

A group of senators had been working for more than a year to negotiate
legislation that could get approval from both the White House and a majority
of senators.

The bill allows the president to impose tariffs on the world’s top five
purchasers of Russia oil or natural gas.

China and India top that list.

The legislations also includes sanctions on Putin and other top Russian
leaders.

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