ICRT

Posted on 2026-04-17 08:13:13

Police in New Taipei have met with K-M-T Vice Chairman and Secretary-General
Lee Chien-lung as part on an investigation into reports that a tracking
device was placed on his vehicle without his knowledge.

Storm Media is citing K-M-T Culture and Communications Committee Deputy
Director Yin Nai-ching as saying the device had been attached to Lee's
vehicle as part of the government's secret surveillance of opposition
politicians.

Yin has accused President Lai Ching-te of being involved in the scheme

The Presidential Office is denying the accusations.

.. with Presidential Office spokeswoman Karen Kuo saying Taiwan is a
democracy and any unlawful surveillance of a party official would be a very
serious violation that would undermine public trust in the rule of law and
the reputation of government official.

Kuo is also calling on Lee and the K-M-T to provide evidence of the alleged
government involvment and file a report with the police and prosecutors.

The New Taipei City Police Department has said neither Lee nor anyone acting
on his behalf had yet filed a formal report concerning the allegations.

Posted on 2026-04-17 08:13:14

The Mainland Affairs Council has confirmed that the government has received a
message from China calling for the "full normalization" of direct
cross-strait passenger flights.

According to the council, the Chinese side sent a letter on April 7 saying it
hoped several destinations, including Urumqi, Xi'an, Harbin, Kunming and
Lanzhou could be reopened.

However, council deputy head and spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh has not said
when the government will issue a response, as existing services still have
spare capacity.

The request by China for the "full normalization" of direct cross-strait
passenger flights is part of 10 measures announced by Beijing on April 12
following K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun's meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Direct cross-strait passenger flights to the destinations were were among the
routes suspended when Taiwan first scaled back direct cross-strait passenger
flights in February 2020 as part of its COVID border control measures.

Services have since only partially resumed on some other routes and passenger
volume remains well below pre-pandemic levels.

Posted on 2026-04-17 08:13:14

cases

Public health experts are raising concerns following several recent
high-profile cases of suspected food poisoning.

The cases in Kaohsiung, New Taipei, Taoyuan, and Yunlin resulted in some 450
people seeking medical treatment.

Two major outbreaks in New Taipei and Kaohsiung each affected more than 170
people - and Salmonella was detected in both.

Experts say it is not a series of isolated incidents, but a systemic risk
driven by multiple factors -- including rising temperatures, labor shortages,
shifting consumption patterns, and holiday demand surges.

According to public health experts, warmer weather can speed up bacterial
growth, while heavy workloads and limited staffing increase the risk of
cross-contamination, delays, and problems with food storage.

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang earlier this week said local governments
need to increase the number of food safety and inspection staff in order to
better incidents of food safety violations.

Posted on 2026-04-17 08:13:14

And finally,

Local government agencies and the Taiwan Railway Corporation has been
stepping preparations for the annual Dajia Mazu pilgrimage which begins this
evening in Taichung.

The nine-day, eight-night procession will depart at 10:05PM from the Dajia
Jenn Lann Temple.

It will travel through more than 100 temples across Taichung and Changhua,
Yunlin and Chiayi.

A birthday celebration ceremony for the sea goddess is scheduled for April
21, before the procession returns to Jenn Lann Temple on April 26.

The Taiwan Railway Corporation has scheduled 38 additional train services on
April 17 and 26 in order to better handle a huge increase in passenger
volume.

Meanwhile, police in Changhua have signed agreements with local temples and
organizations to ensure orderly conduct during the pilgrimage and are
pledging "high autonomous management, zero street brawls, low environmental
hazards and smooth traffic."

The theme of this year's Dajia Mazu pilgrimage is "kindness" - with
organizers highlighting the collective spirit of participants, volunteers and
support stations that provide food, messages and medical services along the
route.

Posted on 2026-04-17 06:59:04

The Legislative Finance Committee has approved a schedule for reviewing the
central government's 2026 budget.

It comes after lawmakers agreed during cross-caucus negotiations earlier this
week that Premier Cho Jung-tai and other senior Cabinet officials will
present the budget proposal during a hearing next Tuesday.

If lawmakers are happy with the response they get from the premier and other
Cabinet officials, other legislative committees will then review the budget
from April 22 until May 14.

The Finance Committee will then consolidate the findings of those reviews and
hold a plenary session on May 21 to discuss the administrative budget review
report.

Committees will then review attached separate sections of the budget -
covering business and non-business operations - from between May 18 and May
25.

Meanwhile,

The Cabinet has instructed government agencies to begin allocating
71.8-billion N-T for certain budgetary items prioritized by opposition
lawmakers as soon as the general budget is formally referred to legislative
committees next week.

Lawmakers approved the early release of funds for certain projects early last
month.

Posted on 2026-04-17 06:59:05

surveillance

The National Academy of Maritime Research says it plans to build up to nine
new radar stations and improve data integration between 57 existing radar
stations by 2028.

The move is aimed at boosting maritime rescue and navigational safety as well
as environmental monitoring capacity.

According to academy president Chen Zhang-ling, the initiative began last
year and seeks to address perceived format compatibility and information
sharing issues.

Chen says the project also aims to build eight to nine new radar stations at
traditional blind spots, including maritime areas near the Pengjia Islet, the
Luzon Strait and the Taiwan Shoal.

When completed, the project will expand the total monitored surface current
area from 155,000 square kilometers to 210,000 square kilometers and improve
both the resolution and density of return signals.

Funding for the initiative totals more than 400-million N-T has been approved
by the Legislature.

Posted on 2026-04-16 19:09:13

New Taipei police say they will meet with a senior KMT official following
reports that a tracking device was placed on his vehicle.

The case involves KMT Vice Chairman Lee Chien-lung, with party officials
alleging the device was part of government surveillance targeting opposition
figures.

The claims were made in a media report and included accusations directed at
President Lai Ching-te.

The Presidential Office has strongly denied the allegations, calling them
serious and urging evidence to be presented through proper legal channels.

Authorities say no formal complaint has been filed so far.

Police plan to meet Lee to gather information and determine whether further
investigation or security checks are needed.

Lee has declined to comment in detail, saying the matter happened some time
ago.

Officials say a full investigation will be necessary if a report is filed.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-04-16 19:09:13

The New Taipei City Art Museum is marking its first anniversary this weekend
with two nights of concerts, fireworks, and a drone light show.

City officials say outdoor events on April 25th and 26th will feature
performances by singers Ann Bai, Bii, and Cosmos People across both evenings.

And each evening will conclude with a display consisting of over
2-thousand-500 fireworks and 300 drones creating waterfall visuals, local
cultural imagery from the Sanying area and architectural elements of the
museum building.

The musem says its outdoor grounds are the best viewing spot, but other spots
with good sightlines include the Yingge Bilong Temple, and the Sanying Water
Recycling Center.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-16 19:09:13

Matsu Blue Tears is a seasonal phenomenon in which blue fluorescent lights
shimmer in the waters around Matsu.

Visitors can see them after 8 p.m. from April to September in a variety of
ways.

Popular viewing spots include Qinbi Beach in Beigan, Fuzheng Beach in Dongju,
and Jinsha Beach, where visitors can watch the glowing algae in the water.

They can also take a night rowing boat ride or join a fishing boat tour.

The glow comes from bioluminescent algae that emit blue light when disturbed.

Visit the Matsu National Scenic Area Headquarters for more information.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-16 18:40:13

The Cabinet has responded to China's request of pushing for more cross-strait
direct flights, saying that the government is pleased to see "healthy and
orderly interactions" between the two sides.

But it also stressed that the demand for those flights is not as high as
people imagined.

The comments come after the China Air Transport Association sent an official
letter to the Taipei Airlines Association calling for the full restoration of
direct cross-strait passenger flights.

Transport Minister Chen Shi-kai said that while 420 weekly flights are
planned across 10 cross-strait routes, only about 310 are actually operating,
suggesting demand is not as strong as expected.

The Cabinet said it'll make a "pragmatic" evaluation of China's proposal.

The tourism sector, however, said over 3.3 million Taiwanese travelers
visited Mainland China last year, and many of them could only reach their
destinations via connecting flights.

Li Qi-yue (李奇嶽), head of the Taiwan Quality Tourism Association, noted
that only 14 cities and 15 cross-strait routes are currently open, while
before the pandemic, there were more than 50 routes, suggesting current
capacity is far from enough.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-16 18:40:13

Public health experts are raising concerns after a wave of suspected food
poisoning outbreaks across Taiwan.

Cases in Kaohsiung, New Taipei, Taoyuan, and Yunlin have sent over 100 people
to seek medical care, with total cases later exceeding 450 nationwide.

Two major outbreaks in New Taipei and Kaohsiung each affected more than 170
people, with Salmonella Group D detected in both.

Experts say this is not a series of isolated incidents, but a systemic risk
driven by multiple factors — including rising temperatures, labor shortages,
shifting consumption patterns, and holiday demand surges.

They say warmer weather can speed up bacterial growth, while heavy workloads
and limited staffing increase the risk of cross-contamination, delays, and
problems keeping food properly chilled.

Specialists are calling for third-party inspections and a more proactive,
risk-based approach to prevent future outbreaks.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-16 15:38:14

Middle East conflict

The Executive Yuan says it is weighing a budget of around 130-billion NT to
offset the impact of the Middle East conflict on consumer prices.

The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics compiled the
figure from needs reported by the ministries of Economic Affairs,
Transportation, and Agriculture, as well as state energy firms C-P-C
Corporation and Taiwan Power.

Officials stressed today that the figure is a preliminary estimate and not
final.

Both a supplementary budget and a special budget are under consideration as
funding options, with the decision to be based on the overall fiscal
situation.

Opposition lawmakers have suggested issuing cash handouts to help offset fuel
costs.

The Executive Yuan spokeswoman said the government will continue refining its
price stabilization measures and will assess support for industries that have
already sustained losses.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-16 15:38:14

The Ministry of Labor says the number of businesses and workers on reduced
working hours in Taiwan has fallen for the latest reporting period.

The ministry says 245 businesses are currently implementing reduced hours,
affecting 3-thousand-442 workers, down 16 businesses and 245 workers from the
previous period.

Officials say the main reason for the decline is stabilizing orders and
rising labor demand.

Manufacturing accounts for the largest share, with 189 businesses and just
over 3-thousand workers affected.

The ministry says 187 businesses cited U.S. tariffs as a factor, also down
from the previous period.

Asked whether the Middle East conflict is adding pressure through higher raw
material costs, officials said no abnormal conditions have been observed so
far.

The ministry added that close to 80 percent of affected workers are eligible
for a government wage difference subsidy, on top of employer-paid wages of at
least the minimum wage.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-16 15:38:14

rally Saturday

Taipei police are warning drivers of traffic restrictions in the Zhongzheng
District this Saturday for a cannabis decriminalization rally and march.

The event is organized by the Taiwan Weed Safety Education Association and
has been approved to run from 8 in the morning to 10 at night.

All lanes on Section 1 of Jinan Road, near the Legislative Yuan, will be
closed to vehicles starting at 8 a.m.

Roads are expected to reopen after the event clears around 8 p.m., though
police say the timeline may shift depending on conditions.

The march sets off at 4:20 in the afternoon, passing through Zhongshan South
Road, Liberty Square, Ketagalan Boulevard, and surrounding streets before
dispersing back on Jinan Road.

Bus routes through the affected area will be rerouted, and police say they
may expand traffic controls depending on crowd size.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-16 15:38:14

continues

U-S President Donald Trump says the leaders of Israel and Lebanon will speak
by phone Thursday for the first time in 34 years.

Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social account Wednesday, a day
after Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors held their first direct diplomatic
talks in Washington in over three decades.

He did not identify which leaders would be involved, and neither Israel nor
Lebanon immediately commented.

Lebanon was drawn into the Israel-Iran war on March 2nd, after Hezbollah
fired rockets at Israel following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Since then, Israeli forces have killed more than 2-thousand people in Lebanon
and displaced some 1-point-2 million.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday he has ordered the
military to expand its ground invasion in southern Lebanon toward the east.

Despite the diplomatic push, Israeli strikes continued Wednesday, killing
four Lebanese paramedics.

Lebanon's health ministry says Israeli forces have killed at least 91
Lebanese medical workers since March 2nd.

Posted on 2026-04-16 15:38:14

Pope Leo XIV has arrived in the central African nation of Cameroon on the
second leg of his Africa tour.

He's delivered a masterclass on wielding power legitimately to President Paul
Biya, who at 93 is the world's oldest leader.

The Vatican had said fighting corruption in the mineral-rich central African
country would be one of the themes of Leo’s visit, and the American pope
didn’t hold back in addressing Biya and government authorities in his
arrival address at the presidential palace, saying the “chains of
corruption” must be broken.

Biya’s grip on power was extended for an eighth term in a widely disputed
election last year.

Posted on 2026-04-16 15:37:14

A senior DPP lawmaker is urging KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wen to withdraw an
application for public funding tied to her recent trip to China.

Reports said Cheng led a 35-member delegation on a six-day visit to China,
with total expenses, including flights, accommodation, and meals, estimated
at $4.8 million NT.

Cheng reportedly filed an application for the expenses to the Taiwan
Democracy Foundation, which is backed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

DPP caucus secretary-general Fan Yun, who also serves as a board member of
the foundation, said the funding should not be used for exchanges with China
that “lack democracy and human rights."

In response, the Foundation's CEO Liao Da-qi (廖達琪) said given the concerns
raised by board members, future applications must be related to democracy and
human rights.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-16 15:37:14

Taiwan's cybersecurity authority is urging small and medium-sized businesses
to shore up their digital defenses, warning that companies without dedicated
security staff are prime targets for hackers.

The Ministry of Digital Affairs has released a basic cybersecurity protection
guide tailored for small and medium enterprises.

The guide includes enabling automatic updates on operating systems and
commonly used software, and installing antivirus programs with regular system
scans.

Officials also emphasize the the 3-2-1 backup rule, to keep at least three
copies of important data, store them on two different types of media, and
keep at least one copy offsite.

One copy should also be kept offline, such as on an external hard drive, as
the best defense against ransomware attacks.

And MODA says businesses are also encouraged to register for free membership
with Taiwan's Computer Emergency Response Team to receive real-time threat
alerts.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-16 15:37:14

A city council candidate who was kicked out of the KMT has triumphed over his
opponents in the primary race in New Taipei's Xizhi/Wanli/Jinshan district.

Xiao Jing Yan蕭敬嚴 had his KMT membership suspended earlier this week after
he made comments critical of the party on a political talk show (?).

Despite the 1 year suspension, Xiao says he will appeal the decision, and is
confident that he'll win.

Party officials say that Xiao is still able to run until the appeal is
finalized.

However, if Xiao's appeal fails, runner up He Yuan Kai 何元楷will take his
place.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-16 15:37:14

El Salvador has published a new law allowing authorities to sentence minors
as young as 12 to life imprisonment for crimes including homicide, terrorism,
and rape.

The law takes effect April 26th.

It was approved as part of a constitutional amendment in March, championed by
President Nayib Bukele, whose party controls the legislative assembly.

The measure is part of a broader crackdown on gang violence that has been
underway since March 2022, when El Salvador declared a state of emergency
suspending certain civil liberties.

That emergency has been renewed dozens of times, and more than 90-thousand
people have been imprisoned under it.

Human rights groups estimate nearly 2 percent of El Salvador's population is
now behind bars, one of the highest rates in the world.

Critics warn the policies risk perpetuating serious human rights abuses, with
some detainees held without charges and others processed in mass trials of up
to 900 people at a time.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-16 15:37:14

first week of May

Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar says the country's president has
assured him that his new government could take power in the first week of
May.

This would mark the end of Prime Minister Viktor Orban's 16-year reign.

Magyar's center-right Tisza party won a landslide victory on Sunday, securing
a two-thirds parliamentary majority.

By Hungarian law, the new parliament must elect a prime minister by May 12.

After meeting with President Tamas Sulyok, Magyar says he will be nominated
for prime minister.

He plans to overhaul Hungary's government structure and create new ministries
for health, environmental protection, and education.

Posted on 2026-04-16 14:06:14

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned China for opposing
President Lai Ching-te's planned visit to Eswatini, calling Beijing's remarks
absurd.

President Lai is scheduled to travel to the African ally from April 22nd to
27th for celebrations marking the king's 40th year on the throne and 58th
birthday.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office said relevant countries should recognize the
trend of the times and stand on the right side of history.

The ministry fired back, saying the two sides of the strait are not
subordinate to each other, and that presidential travel abroad is a routine
matter consistent with international norms.

It said China has no right to interfere, and that Taiwan will not restrict
itself in response to threats or pressure.

The ministry also called on Beijing to stop trying to block Taiwan's
diplomatic space and harm its international standing.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-16 14:06:14

The Ministry of Agriculture is urging caution as the Nantou County government
faces continued resistance from residents in Mingjian Township over a planned
incinerator project.

Minister Chen Jun Ji (陳駿季) said his Ministry has yet to receive an
application from the municipal government for changing land use.

The minister also noted that the 7.5-hectare land that the Nantou government
wants to use for the incinerator is currently an special agricultural zone...

and, according to regulations, such zones cannot be used for other purposes
unless approved by authorities.

He also raised concerns over potential impacts of the project on tea leaves
and the endangered leopard cat as well as pangolins.

Chen's comments follow another environmental impact assessment meeting
yesterday, during which Mingjian residents and other environmenta groups
again showed up to express their fervent opposition to the project.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-16 14:06:14

pilgrims

The annual Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage has arrived in Yunlin's Bei-gang (北港),
drawing hundreds of thousands of worshippers to welcome the palanquin.

The procession set out from Gongtiangong (拱天宮) Temple in Miaoli County on
an 8-day, 7-night journey on foot.

This year's pilgrimage broke records, with more than 460-thousand people
registering to take part, the highest number ever.

The palanquin entered Beigang Chaotiangong (朝天宮) Temple just before noon
in the traditional three-advances-and-three-retreats ceremony, to chants of
"Forward! Forward!" from the crowd.

A fire-receiving ceremony is scheduled for just after midnight, after which
the group will begin the return march of more than 300 kilometers back to
Miaoli.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-16 14:06:14

Taiwan shares closed at another record high today,

with the benchmark tai ex gaining 409 points to end the session at 37132

The turnover was 886.7 billion NT

Posted on 2026-04-16 14:06:14

Now turning to international news...

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says, his country's top priority is
getting help to buy and build more air defense systems.

That's as Russia continues attacks on civilians and infrastructure, and says
that European sites that make drones and other equipment for Ukraine are all
"potential targets."

Zelenskyy is visiting European capitals to secure military and financial
support as he aims to bolster air defense capabilities like the Patriot
system...

with no plans for furhter US-mediated talks with Russia.

The UK plans to send 120,000 drones to Ukraine this year...

...while Germany and Ukraine agreed on 4 billion euro defense package, and
Norway has pledged 9 billion euros in assistance.

Zelenskyy is also championing joint weapons production agreements for drones
and missiles, while pushing for the European Union to move quickly on
providing a promised 90 billion euro loan

Posted on 2026-04-16 14:06:14

The UN says the 250 people involved in a boat capsizing in the Andaman sea
are feared dead or missing.

Officials say nine people were rescued, but the status of the others is
unclear.

Aboard the ship when it sank were Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi
nationals.

The ship hd been heading to Malaysia when overcrowding, strong winds, and
rough seas caused the vessel to lose control and sink.

Officials say that the incident reflects the ongoing displacement of Rohingya
people and the absence of durable solutions.

They note that ongoing violence in Myanmar has made safe return to the
country uncertain, while limited humanitarian assistance continues to push
refugees to choose risky sea journeys based on false promises of better
opportunities.

Posted on 2026-04-16 12:54:14

A-I chipmaker NVIDIA is bringing its annual GTC Taipei conference back to the
capital next month.

The event runs June 1st through 4th at the Taipei International Convention
Center and other venues across the city.

C-E-O Jensen Huang is scheduled to deliver the opening keynote at 11 in the
morning on June 1st at the Taipei Music Center.

He's expected to reveal what NVIDIA is calling breakthrough advances driving
the next generation of artificial intelligence.

This year's conference will bring together developers, researchers, and
industry leaders to explore topics including A-I factories, agentic A-I, and
physical A-I and robotics.

GTC Taipei overlaps with COMPUTEX, which opens the following day on June 2nd
under the theme "A-I Together."

Whether Huang will visit supplier booths at COMPUTEX, as he has in past
years, remains a point of interest.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-16 12:54:15

stability

Japan and Poland have jointly reaffirmed the importance of peace and
stability in the Taiwan Strait for the first time in a bilateral statement.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung welcomed the move, calling it a concrete show
of concern for the strait.

The statement came after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met Polish
Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Tokyo on Wednesday for a leaders' summit.

Their joint statement opposed any unilateral change to the status quo in the
East or South China Sea by force or coercion.

It also called for the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues through
constructive dialogue.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said security in the Euro-Atlantic and
Indo-Pacific regions is inseparable.

Taiwan says it will continue strengthening its defense capabilities and
deepening ties with like-minded countries to uphold the rules-based
international order.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-16 12:54:16

A second U.S.-sanctioned supertanker has entered the Persian Gulf through the
Strait of Hormuz, despite an American blockade on vessels visiting Iranian
ports.

Shipping data showed the empty tanker RHN entered the Gulf on Wednesday, a
day after another sanctioned vessel, the Alicia, made the same crossing.

Both tankers have records of carrying Iranian oil in recent years.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the blockade on Sunday after weekend
peace talks between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad failed to reach a deal.

U.S. Central Command says 10 vessels have been turned back since the blockade
began Monday.

Analysts say Iran could sustain its current oil production of 3-point-5
million barrels per day for weeks by drawing on onshore storage.

The U.S. has warned it may impose secondary sanctions on buyers of Iranian
oil ahead of further negotiations.

Posted on 2026-04-16 12:54:16

Australia and Malaysia say they are committed to strengthening their energy
supply chain resilience and keeping trade flows stable.

The two countries made the pledge in a joint statement issued Thursday.

The statement also expressed deep concern over the conflict in the Middle
East, its escalation, and the potential impact on energy supplies and prices
in their region.

Posted on 2026-04-16 12:54:16

The World Bank and other major development lenders have launched a new
initiative called Water Forward, aimed at securing clean water access for
more than a billion people by 2029.

The program will focus on mobilizing private and philanthropic investment
alongside public funding, and encourages governments to treat water as a
strategic economic resource.

World Bank president Ajay Banga said water is foundational to how economies
function.

Global freshwater demand is expected to outstrip supply by up to 40 percent
by the end of the decade.

More than 2-point-1 billion people currently lack safe drinking water, and
over 3-point-4 billion live without adequate sanitation.

Water Forward will initially target 14 countries in water-stressed regions
across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.

The World Bank says its own commitment would cover 400-million people by
2030, with partner contributions bringing the total to more than a billion.

Posted on 2026-04-16 11:11:13

The Hsinchu City government's milk program for kids is taking off on Monday
with a new special card to make redemption as easy as posisble.

The program is aimed at kids between the ages of 2 and 12, who can redeem one
bottle of milk or soy milk weekly.

Kids can begin redeeming the milk starting April 20th, with the option to
choose different flavors of milk each week...

whereas the old program limited kids to picking one flavor and sticking with
it all semester.

Parents have praised the city government for making the program convenient
and fun with the card, which can also be used as an easycard.

(AH)

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

Now turning to international news...

It appears as though a US blockade on the Strait of Hormuz is working...

as some Iran-linked or sanctioned vessels that have left the Persian Gulf
through the Strait of Hormuz have stopped or turned around.

They appear to have jammed or faked their locations in some instances,
further complicating an uncertain and risky shipping situation.

US officials say that the blockade has "been fully implemented" and that US
forces have completely halted economic trade going in and out of Iran by sea.

The blockade has the potential to put serious pressure on the Iranian
economy.

The U.S. military says 10 vessels have complied with directions to turn
around and return toward an Iranian port or Iran’s coastal area.

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

Pope Leo the fourteenth has arrived in Cameroon on the second leg of his
Africa tour.

The pope emphasized the legitimate wielding of authority to President Paul
Biya, who consolidated his 40 year grip on power in a contested election last
year...

which handed him an 8th term in office.

Biya, 93, is the world's oldest leader.

The Vatican said that fighting corruption in the mineral-rich country would
be one of the themes of Leo's visit...

and the pope didn't hold back in addressing Biya and other government
authorities.

The president sat passively as Leo read his speech in French.

The Vatican has made clear that Catholic social teaching disapproves of
authoritarian leaders.

Posted on 2026-04-16 08:14:13

The Central Election Commission has announced that Hsu Chung-hsin of the
Taiwan People's Party will replace the vacant at-large legislative seat
following the removal of Li Zhen-hsiu.

Li was expelled from the T-P-P earlier this week and subsequently lost her
legislative seat.

Hsu will serve for the remainder of the current term of the 11th Legislative
Yuan.

Hsu previously served as an at-large legislator from 2012 to 2014 as a member
of the Taiwan Solidarity Union.

According to the election commission, it received official notice of Li's
removal from the Legislative Yuan on Wednesday morning and determined her
replacement in accordance with the Public Officials Election and Recall Act.

Li took office in February but faced controversy due to questions over
whether she had completed the legal process of renouncing her China
nationality.

The T-P-P later expelled Li after she made comments the party said harmed the
party's reputation and unity.

Posted on 2026-04-16 08:14:13

Police in New Taipei have arrested a 28-year-old in connection with the
pepper spraying of five cats in Houtong Cat Village last week on suspicion of
animal abuse.

Police say the man has admitted to harming the cats "because he was in a bad
mood."

According to a police investigation, the suspect, left his home in New
Taipei's Yonghe District last Friday and took a train to Houtong carrying a
bottle of pepper spray.

One of the village's on-site staff members later discovered five cats in a
state of distress, of which four could not open their eyes.

The cats were treated by a vet and recovered, while the incident was reported
to police.

The New Taipei Police Department's Ruifang Precinct says the suspect was
identified following a review of surveillance video footage.

The man is facing charges of violating the Animal Protection Act.

Houtong is a former coal mining town east of Taipei, where the abundance of
stray cats has made it a tourist attraction.

Posted on 2026-04-16 08:14:13

And finally,

The Central Weather Administration says a weather front that began to affect
the island yesterday will have a bigger impact today ...

.. and as the system strengthens, rainfall will become more noticeable and
extend southward to Chiayi County.

However, the administration's forecast center says the front will be
relatively weak and will only lower temperatures slightly in north.

Another weather front is expected to approach Taiwan tomorrow - but the
forecast center says it is not likely to bring much precipitation or a
significant drop in temperatures.

However, seasonal wind system forecast to arrive over the weekend is expected
to bring a noticeable fall in the mercury in the north, with daytime highs
dropping to around 25 and 26 degrees.

That weather pattern is not expected to have much of an effect on conditions
in the center and south.

Posted on 2026-04-16 07:17:13

Lawmakers have agreed to begin debating the government's general budget for
this year following a fresh round of cross party caucus negotiations.

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu says caucuses have agreed that Premier Cho
Jung-tai and other senior Cabinet officials will present the budget proposal
during a hearing next Tuesday.

The government's general budget for 2026 has been stalled in the Legislative
Yuan for 230 days due to a failure by lawmakers to agree on its content.

If lawmakers are happy with the response they get from the premier and other
Cabinet officials next Tuesday, the general budget proposal could move
forward to the committee stage for review,

However, lawmakers remain deadlocked on the Cabinet's 1.25-trillion N-T
special defense budget bill.

The legislative speaker says he will host a new round of cross party
negotiations on that bill later next next.

Posted on 2026-04-16 07:17:15

The International Monetary Fund is forecasting that Taiwan's G-D-P growth for
this year will grow by 5.2-per cent - that, despite concerns of global
economic downturn due to Donald Trump's war with Iran.

That figure is an increase from the I-M-F's previous forecast of 2.1-per
cent, which it made in January.

According to the I-M-F's Global Economic Outlook Report, Taiwan consumer
price index is expected to increase to 1.5-per cent this year.

The report also say the island's unemployment rate will stand at 3.4-per
cent.

The government has responded to the I-M-F report by saying it expects
Taiwan's economy to register growth of 7.71-per cent this year.

That forecast is up from the 4.17-per cent estimate made by the government in
October of last year.

The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics says it's basing
its latest forecast on the finalization of Taiwan-US tariff negotiations and
continuing solid interest in artificial intelligence.

Posted on 2026-04-16 07:17:17

Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-qi says a new Chinese policy to grant
tariff-free treatment to goods from all African nations except for Eswatini
will not have much of an economic impact on the kingdom.

According to Chen, the tariff-free policy will have a "minimal, almost
negligible" economic effect on Eswatini.

However, the deputy foreign minister is acknowledging that Beijing's decision
to provide full tariff-free treatment to 53 African countries other than
Eswatini beginning next month could have a "psychological impact" on the
country.

Speaking during a legislative hearing, Chen told lawmakers that is one of the
reasons why President Lai Ching-te is set to travel to Eswatini later this
month -- to show Taiwan's support and demonstrate how Taiwan can help develop
its economy.

The statements come amid concern that China's tariff-free treatment policy
could push Eswatini to sever ties with Taiwan in favor of Beijing.

The deputy foreign minister says the Lai administration will continue to help
Eswatini develop its economy, including by importing more of its products and
promoting them across the African continent.

The Presidential Office earlier this week announced that Lai will leave for
Eswatini on April 22 and return to Taiwan on April 27.

He is slated to attend celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of King
Mswati III's accession to the throne and his 58th birthday.

Posted on 2026-04-16 07:17:18

The D-P-P's Central Executive Committee has formally nominated former Deputy
Justice Minister Huang Shih-chieh to run for mayor in Taoyuan and former
lawmaker Zhuang Ching-cheng as the party's candidate for the Hsinchu City
mayoral election.

The two nominations finalize the D-P-P's candidates for two key battleground
cities in November's local elections.

Huang will be running against incumbent Taoyuan Mayor Simon Chang of the
K-M-T.

He joined Taoyuan City government during its transition to a special
municipality, where he helped streamline roughly 1,500 regulations and
provided legal support across departments

Zhuang will face Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao who is seeking re-election.

He previously served as a legislator and as the executive director of the
Executive Yuan's Central Taiwan Joint Services Center.

Posted on 2026-04-16 07:17:19

The High Court has sentenced six retired and active military personnel to
prison terms ranging from four to eight years for leaking military secrets to
China.

Five of the suspects were all found guilty of developing an organization for
China, in violation of the National Security Act.

While the other defendant was convicted of disclosing information of a secret
nature concerning national defense, in violation of the Criminal Code of the
Armed Forces.

The rulings can be appealed.

The Taiwan High Prosecutors Office indicted them in November of last year,
after the Investigation Bureau began investigations into possible espionage
activities involving a Chinese national with a Hong Kong passport, in 2024.

That suspect was also indicted in the case but died in February of this year.

Posted on 2026-04-16 07:17:20

Prosecutors in New Taipei have indicted five members of a drug trafficking
ring for attempting to smuggle 40-million N-T worth of heroin into Taiwan
from Laos by concealing it inside the soles of funeral shoes.

The suspects have been been charged with drug offenses under the Narcotics
Hazard Prevention Act.

They were arrested following a months-long investigation led by the Criminal
Investigation Bureau.

According to the bureau, the traffickers hid the heroin inside the soles of
traditional funeral shoes, resealed them, and shipped them from Laos to
Taiwan in late 2025 using the postal service's international express delivery
service.

The plot was uncovered in November of last years, when customs officials
flagged two suspicious parcels.

Officials found 70 pairs of shoes containing 140 packets of heroin weighing a
total of 8,490-grams.

Authorities removed the drugs and replaced them with a dummy substance to
conduct a controlled delivery to an address in New Taipei's Xizhi District.

Posted on 2026-04-16 07:17:20

human-trained dogs

Taichung City Councilor Wu Pei-yun is calling for an investigation into the
alleged orchestrated killing of street cats by a pack of dogs trained and
deployed by human handlers.

According to Wu, the four dogs have been linked to several attacks on cats
across the city ..

.. and surveillance footage of those attacks suggests that the incidents were
coordinated rather than isolated.

Wu says the dogs appear to be well trained, given their swift movements,
clear division of roles, and ability to track scents and pull cats from
beneath vehicles.

Wu also "witnesses" have seen the dogs being transported to certain spots
before the attacks, and were summoned back by whistle signals after the
killings.

Taichung Deputy Mayor Huang Kuo-rong says if the allegations are proven, the
incidents will be treated as a criminal offense.

Posted on 2026-04-16 07:17:20

And finally,

The National Taiwan University Hospital says a boy who received a partial
liver transplant from his mother and a kidney transplant from his father
within a year has now returned to school.

The boy, who turns 12 this year, was diagnosed in infancy with a rare form of
kidney disease.

He underwent a partial liver transplant in January 2025, with his mother as
the donor.

However, his kidney function deteriorated rapidly after the procedure,
leading to a living donor kidney transplant from his father in January of
this year.

According to the hospital, undergoing two organ transplants within such a
short period is rare, even among adult patients and the boy was its first
pediatric case of its kind.

Posted on 2026-04-15 20:15:13

The ruling and opposition parties have reached a consensus to send the 2026
national budget to committee review.

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu says Premier Cho Jung-tai will appear before
lawmakers on April 21st to present the budget and take questions.

After the session, the proposal will be formally referred for review.

Lawmakers from all parties agreed not to block the process, with the Taiwan
People's Party withdrawing its reconsideration motion.

As part of the agreement, the Executive Yuan is expected to submit revisions
to laws governing military pay and police personnel, along with broader
protections for civil servants, within six months.

Posted on 2026-04-15 18:17:13

President Lai Ching-te is warning that peace must not come at the cost of
Taiwan's sovereignty and freedom.

At a meeting of the ruling DPP today, Lai said peace cannot be achieved
through compromise that places Taiwan under a 'one China' framework or aligns
it with authoritarian systems.

He cautioned that attempts to frame unification as a path to peace would go
against public opinion and could bring long-term consequences for Taiwan.

Lai emphasized that Taiwan is built on democratic values, including freedom,
human rights, and the rule of law.

He added that Taiwan's development over the past decade shows engagement with
the global community is the right path forward, not political integration
with China.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-15 18:17:13

The Legislative Yuan is reviewing proposed amendments to the Gender Equality
Education Act ...

... as education groups warn the current system is creating widespread
anxiety on campuses.

At a public hearing, advocates said problems include unclear boundaries and
procedures that can cause harm.

They argue that some cases — including classroom discussions or minor
student conflicts — can quickly escalate into formal investigations, even
when no violation is ultimately found.

They are calling for clearer definitions, a system to separate serious and
minor cases, and a stronger focus on education rather than punishment.

They also suggest strengthening sexual health and emotional education to
better support students.

The proposals are now part of ongoing legislative discussions.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-15 18:17:13

A 12-year-old boy in Taiwan has returned to school after receiving both a
liver and kidney transplant from his parents within a year.

National Taiwan University Hospital says the boy was diagnosed in infancy
with a rare genetic condition affecting both his liver and kidneys.

He underwent a partial liver transplant donated by his mother in early 2025,
followed by a kidney transplant from his father a year later as his condition
worsened.

Medical experts say undergoing two organ transplants in such a short time is
extremely rare, especially for a child.

Following the operations, the boy has recovered well and is now back in
school, though he will need ongoing medication.

Doctors say the case highlights the importance of coordinated medical care
across multiple specialties.

The hospital also used the case to encourage greater public support for organ
donation.

Posted on 2026-04-15 17:11:13

The DPP has finalized its candidates for the upcoming mayoral races in
Taoyuan and Hsinchu.

Huang Shih-chieh (黃世杰) will run in Taoyuan, while Chuang Ching-cheng
(莊競程) is set to compete in Hsinchu City.

President Lai Ching-te, who also chairs the DPP, says both candidates bring
strong professional backgrounds and experience in local development.

Huang, a former lawmaker and deputy justice minister, will challenge
incumbent Taoyuan Mayor Chang San-cheng (張善政).

Meanwhile, Chuang, a former legislator and academic, is set to face Hsinchu
Mayor Kao Hung-an (高虹安), an independent who is seeking re-election.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-15 17:11:16

The Control Yuan says it is reviewing the feasibility of impeaching Premier
Cho Jung-tai.

Opposition KMT lawmakers are seeking his impeachment, accusing him of failing
to carry out constitutional duties by not implementing laws that have already
taken effect and refusing to countersign them.

KMT legislator Weng Hsiao-ling (翁曉玲) says the party filed the case with
the Control Yuan in December and is now asking for a progress update.

In response, Control Yuan official Huang Shih-chuo says the case has been
referred to the Judiciary and Prison Administration Committee for review.

He says a research report will be prepared to better examine the
constitutional issues involved.

The Control Yuan says its judicial committee will determine whether the case
complies with the constitutional separation of powers, with a final report to
be issued after deliberations are complete.

Posted on 2026-04-15 17:11:23

Chinese President Xi Jinping has praised the stability and certainty of
China-Russia relations ...

... calling them precious in the face of an international landscape
intertwined with changes and chaos.

During a Wednesday meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Xi
urged both countries to strengthen strategic communication and diplomatic
coordination and called for promoting a comprehensive strategic partnership
with Russia to “stand higher.”

Relations between China and Russia have deepened, especially after Russia's
invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Lavrov arrived in China on Tuesday for a two-day visit at the invitation of
his Chinese counterpart.

Posted on 2026-04-15 17:11:19

The first Taiwan-born NASA astronaut is scheduled to visit Taiwan from April
21 to 25 as part of American's celebrations of the country's 250th birthday.

The American Institute in Taiwan said Dr. Kjell Lindgren will engage with key
stakeholders across multiple cities to advance cutting-edge technological
partnerships and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

A veteran of two long-duration missions aboard the International Space
Station, Dr. Lindgren has spent a cumulative 311 days in space.

During his missions, he shared striking images of Taiwan from orbit, offering
a unique perspective on the island.

In Taipei, Dr. Lindgren will meet with senior leaders and members of Taiwan's
startup community, while in Hsinchu and Taoyuan, he will visit the Taiwan
Space Agency and National Central University.

In Taichung, he will visit the National Library of Public Information, and
then conclude his Taiwan tour with a lecture at the Taipei Astronomical
Museum.

(AIT)

Posted on 2026-04-15 17:11:23

The United Nations says at least 250 people are missing after a boat capsized
in the Andaman Sea recently.

Among them include Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals.

A Bangladesh Coast Guard spokesperson has said that nine people were rescued
on April 9th by the Bangladesh flag carrier M-T Meghna Pride.

The U-N high commissioner for refugees and the International Organization for
Migration say the trawler departed from Teknaf in the southern Bangladeshi
district of Cox's Bazar carrying a large number of passengers to Malaysia.

The agencies said overcrowding, strong winds and rough seas caused the vessel
to lose control and sink.

Posted on 2026-04-15 17:11:24

And finally,

Pope Leo XIV is heading to the central African nation of Cameroon on the
second leg of his Africa tour.

He's bringing a message of peace to its separatist region, where fighters
have announced a three-day pause in fighting.

He'll also have talks Wednesday with President Paul Biya.

The 93-year-old leader is the world's oldest.

His grip on power was extended for an eighth term in a widely disputed
election last year.

The Vatican says fighting corruption and insisting on the correct uses of
political authority are expected to be themes of Leo's visit.

Leo was traveling to Cameroon from Algeria, the first stop on his four-nation
Africa tour.

Posted on 2026-04-15 16:13:13

The Legislative Yuan has taken a major step toward removing the entertainment
tax on many cultural and sporting events.

The Finance Committee passed an initial review of amendments that would
eliminate the tax on activities such as movies, concerts, live performances,
and athletic competitions.

Lawmakers say the tax, first introduced in 1942, is outdated and treats
ordinary leisure activities as regulated businesses.

They also note that it contributes only a small share of local government
revenue, making it easier to phase out.

However, some venues — such as dance halls and golf courses — would still
be subject to the tax, with rates for dance halls reduced, while golf courses
remain unchanged.

The proposal has cleared committee review and will move forward in the
legislative process.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-15 16:13:13

KMT Chair Cheng Li-wen is downplaying speculation about a possible
presidential run, saying it is still a long way off.

The comments come after her recent trip to China prompted questions about
whether she might seek the presidency in 2028.

Cheng says she will not let such a distant possibility influence her current
decisions and will consider her options carefully.

Questions remain over whether the KMT can unite behind a single candidate,
with some backing Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen.

Lu also said there's no need to worry about having "two suns" — or in other
words ... two powerful leaders competing for authority at the same time — as
both she and Cheng are just performing their duties.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-15 16:13:13

The 2026 Siraya Grassland Festival is set to kick off next weekend in Tainan.

On April 25th and 26th, visitors can enjoy hot air balloons, light displays,
and live concerts, followed by evening fire shows.

Festivities continue into early May, with a music festival planned on the
grasslands during the first weekend of the month.

Guests staying at participating hotels can also enter a draw for a hot air
balloon ride.

For more information, visit the Siraya National Scenic Area Headquarters
website.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-15 16:13:13

The head of the U-N's nuclear watchdog says that 'very detailed' measures to
verify Iran's nuclear activities must be put in place in a potential U-S-Iran
agreement to end their war in the Middle East.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi made the
comments during a Seoul visit earlier today.

U-S President Donald Trump said yesterday that a second round of talks with
Iran could happen over the next two days.

Last weekend in Pakistan, an initial round of talks between the two countries
failed to produce an agreement.

The White House said Iran’s nuclear ambitions were a central sticking point.

Posted on 2026-04-15 14:16:13

The Minister of Health and Welfare says, local governments should increase
the frequency of food safety inspections...

as there's been a noticeable rise in mass food poisioning cases recently.

Minister Shi Chong Liang says that his ministry will assist local governments
to hire more personnel to conduct such checks.

He said that future subsidies to local governments will require them to
increase manpower.

Shi added that there are 3 lines of defense when it comes to food safety,
with inspections being the third...

describing the other two as internal management, and the second as
third-party certifications.

The minister's statements come as there have been mass food poisoning
incidents recently in Taoyuan, New Taipei, and Kaohsiung, among others.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-15 14:16:13

Authorities in Taoyuan are reporting a growing number of suspected food
poisoning cases linked to a local bento restaurant.

The city's Department of Public Health says a total of 104 people have
reported symptoms as of noon, with most seeking medical treatment.

Officials say the affected individuals began feeling unwell after eating
meals from the restaurant on Monday.

The business has been ordered to suspend operations while food and
environmental samples are tested.

Preliminary lab results could be available later this week.

If violations are confirmed, the operator could face fines up to 200 million
NT, and possible legal action..

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-15 14:16:13

The Civial Aviation Administration says airlines in Taiwan are planning to
cancel at least 52 international flights per week starting in May, that's
1.7-percent of total flights.

That's a big increase compared with April, when 7 flights per week were
canceled.

According to the International Air Transport Association data, the global
average price of jet fuel reached 209 U.S. dollars per barrel early this
month, up sharply from 99 dollars per barrel in late Feburary.

The Transport Ministry said fuel supplies from C-P-C and Formosa
Petrochemical remain stable, although some airports in countries such as
Myanmar, Vietnam, and the Philippines have begun limiting fuel volumes.

The C-A-A says it will communicate with airlines in the hope that they won't
cut flights during summer peak travel season.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-15 14:16:13

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at another
record high of 36722 after gaining 426 points

the turnover was 982 billion NT

Posted on 2026-04-15 14:16:13

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is suspending a fuel tax as his first act
after securing a majority government.

The federal fuel excise tax will be suspended from next Monday through the
beginning of September.

Carney said that he made the call due to rising fuel prices linked to war in
Iran, describing it as a "responsible, temporary measure" that will reduce
costs for truckers and businesses.

Carney's Liberals now have 174 of the 343 seats in the House of Commons and
won't need support from opposition parties to pass legislation.

That's after they won three districts that became vacant following last
year's election.

Carney's government is the first in Canadian history to switch from a
minotiry to a majority between national elections.

The PM himself says he wants to focus on affordability, housing and
accelerating major economic projects.

Posted on 2026-04-15 13:06:14

Former Taoyuan Mayor Zheng Wen-can has gone on trial over alleged corruption
tied to land development in the Hwa Ya Technology Park.

The court session focused on whether a 5-million NT payment was a bribe or a
political donation.

Zheng was indicted in August 2024 and facing a maximum prison term of 12
years.

After more than a year of preparations, the Taoyuan District Court yesterday
conducted the first trial of Zheng and former Formosa Plastics Management
Director Yang Zhao-lin (楊兆麟).

Yang is allegedly the mastermind behind the bribery case.

According to prosecutors, the 5-million-NT cash was delivered to Zheng’s
residence in 2017 by a cooperating witness surnamed Liao to change a
development project from zone expropriation to self-initiated urban land
readjustment.

A year later, Liao was told to deliver another 6 million NT to Zheng as he
was running for a 2nd term.

But Zheng later returned the full 11 million NT in cash to Liao, reportedly
after suspecting he was under surveillance.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-15 13:06:16

The Central Election Commission says it has received official notice from the
Legislative Yuan canceling former TPP lawmaker Lee Chen-hsiu's legislator
status.

Lee's lost her seat after the TPP Central Review Committee decided to revoke
her party membership on Monday.

The C-E-C says it'll proceed with a replacement in accordance with the Civil
Servants Election and Recall Act.

Under the law, the Commission must announce a replacement within 15 days of
receiving the official notice from the legislature.

The C-E-C says it will formally approve the replacement at a meeting later
on, as it currently has only four commissioners, short of the required
majority of five.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-15 13:06:16

Matsu Blue Tears is a seasonal phenomenon in which blue fluorescent lights
shimmer in the waters around Matsu.

Visitors can see them after 8 p.m. from April to September in a variety of
ways.

Popular viewing spots include Qinbi Beach in Beigan, Fuzheng Beach in Dongju,
and Jinsha Beach, where visitors can watch the glowing algae in the water.

They can also take a night rowing boat ride or join a fishing boat tour.

The glow comes from bioluminescent algae that emit blue light when disturbed.

Visit the Matsu National Scenic Area Headquarters for more information.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-15 13:06:16

In related news,

Diplomats are working through back channels to arrange more talks between the
United States and Iran.

As Washington blockaded Iranian ports, Tehran threatened to retaliate by
striking targets across the region.

Though last week’s ceasefire appeared to hold, the showdown over the Strait
of Hormuz risked reigniting hostilities.

The fighting has killed at least 3-thousand people in Iran, more than
2-thousand in Lebanon, 13 US citizens, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in
Gulf Arab states.

Talks last weekend aimed at permanently ending the conflict in Iran failed to
produce an agreement.

Pakistan has proposed hosting a second round in the coming days.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-04-15 12:16:14

Transport Minister Chen Shi-kai says he hopes China will not use tourism as a
political precondition.

The statement came as Chen was preparing to attend a meeting of the
Legislative Transportation Committee earlier this morning and was asked about
China's proposed 10 measures for Taiwan.

The measures were outlined by Beijing following K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng
Li-wun's recent trip to China and included cross-strait tourism.

According to the transport minister, there are currently 10 direct
cross-strait routes, with a planned 420 flights per week, but only 310
flights are actually operating, which indicates that demand is not that high.

Chen says there are still 13 destinations in China open for charter flights,
but no operators have applied for them.

The transport minister went on to say Taiwan's tourism market has seen stable
growth in recent years, and the government doesn't want to return to relying
on a single market to boost tourism numbers.

However, Chen added he welcomes constructive discussions on tourism aimed at
restoring healthy and sustainable cross-strait tourism exchanges.

Posted on 2026-04-15 12:16:14

Hongtai Group Chairman Lin Hung-nan has been released on bail of 10-million
N-T as part of an investigation into allegations the group's life insurance
unit violated the Securities and Exchange Act.

According to the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office, the company allegedly
engaged in irregular trading during the auction of a plot of land in the
Tamsui area in 2019.

Lin was released on bail after being questioned overnight following raids on
12 locations.

Those locations included Lin's residences, the residence of a former Hongtai
Life Insurance chairman and the insurance company's main office.

The former Hongtai Life Insurance chairman was released on 8-million N-T
bail, a company manager was released on bail of 5-million N-T, while Lin's
wife and seven other people were released on bail of 300,000 N-T.

Hongtai Life Insurance has issued a statement saying it strictly adheres to
all related laws and regulations and continuously strengthens its corporate
governance and risk control mechanisms.

Posted on 2026-04-15 12:16:14

Nikkei Asia is reporting that Japan's PayPay will make its QR code-based
mobile payment services available here in Taiwan.

The company says it will be rolling out the services at some 400,000
convenience stores, restaurants and other businesses islandwide at the end of
this month.

Taiwan will become the company's second overseas market after PayPay expanded
into South Korea last September.

Nikkei Asia says PayPay is anticipating strong use by travelers from Japan to
Taiwan.

Payments will use the international network Hivex and money transfers between
PayPay users also will be possible.

Posted on 2026-04-15 12:16:14

Finally in sports new and last night's Chinese Professional Baseball League.

The third place Fubon Guardians beat the league leading Wei Chuan Dragons 4-3
at the Xinzhuang Stadium in New Taipei.

While the T-S-G Hawks moved into second place in the standings after beating
the bottom of the table C-T-B-C Brothers 8-4 at the Intercontinental Stadium
in Taichung.

In this evening's games.

The Dragons and the Guardians meet again in New Taipei.

The Brothers and the Hawks play again in Taichung.

While the Rakuten Monkeys meet the Uni-President Lions at the Rakuten Stadium
in Taoyuan.

All three games begin at 6:30.

Posted on 2026-04-15 12:16:14

Israeli police have uncovered about 70 Palestinian men hiding as they
apparently attempted to cross into Israel in search of work.

They were discovered at a West Bank checkpoint.

Video footage shows them bring pulled from the truck's waste compartment.

Israeli authorities said the men were trying to "infiltrate" central Israel,
as police described them as "illegal entrants."

Israel has revoked tens of thousands of Palestinian work permits since
October 7th, 2023.

Desperate for jobs, some Palestinians have had to resort to smuggling
themselves into Israel for work at great personal risk.

Posted on 2026-04-15 12:16:14

Vietnamese leader To Lam is in China for his first international trip since
taking on the role of president.

Lam already held the position of the leader of the Vietnamese communist
party, meaning last week's election concentrates power of both party and
state in his hands alone.

Nikkei Asia reports that Xi Jinping, who also holds both roles in his
country, invited Lam on a state visit from yesterday through Friday.

The Chinese foreign ministry previously said that the fact that China is the
first country that Lam will visit following his election demonstrates the
importance of the relationship between the two countries.

The leaders are set to discuss business, including a joint railway,
artificial intelligence, and Vietnam's farm exports.

Vietnam has been a top destination for investors leaving China- though they
continue to source from China.

With the two countries still at odds in the South China Sea, though, Xi and
Lam are expected to talk about geopolitics as well.

Posted on 2026-04-15 11:06:14

Taipei MRT says, service on the brown line has returned to normal after an
issue with a train caused massive crowds.

The incident took place this morning just past 8am as the train left Muzha
station.

Officials add that a preliminary analysis suggests that the problem
originated in the train door's detection circuit.

The train is currently undergoing repairs, and brown line operations have
returned to normal.

Threads users said that the northbound train stopped at Wanfang Hospital when
an announcement came over the intercom saying that there was an issue with
the train...

and that it returned to normal about 6 minutes later.

The issue caused huge crowds at Zhongxiao Fuxing and Nanjing Fuxing, and the
roughly 50 passengers on board the train at the time were forced to disembark
and get on the next train.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-15 11:06:15

The Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum is holding a new
interactive exhibit celebrating the Year of the Horse.

Galloping Radiance combined light and shadow technology with interactive
installations to create a multisensory environment.

The museum says, the exhibit plays on Giuseppe Castiglione's "One Hundred
Horses" to project the energy and rhythm of the horse.

From now through mid May, visitors can view the exhibit for free in the first
floor lobby of the Chiayi Palace Museum.

Posted on 2026-04-15 11:06:15

Now turning to international news...

The US is claiming that it has begun enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports.

Iran has threatened regional strikes in return.

Recent talks between the US and Iran ended without an agreement, but the US
says a second round could take place in the next 2 days.

Neither the US or Iran has indicated what will happen after the current
ceasefire expires next week.

Pakistani officials, who moderated the talks, said that they weren't giving
up and would continue to pursue dialogue between the two sides.

Meanwhile, Lebanon and Israel opened their first diplomatic talks in decades
in the US, as fighting between the Israeli military and Hezbollah militants
continues...

while Israeli strikes in Gaza killed 11 Palestinians yesterday.

Deadly airstrikes are a near-daily threat in Gaza, where Israel has killed
more than 750 Palestinians since October...

despite a ceasefire with Hamas.

Posted on 2026-04-15 11:06:15

Super Typhoon Sinlaku has battered a pair of remote islands in the Pacific
Ocean with strong winds and heavy rains.

The storm shredded tin roofs and forced residents to take cover from debris.

The typhoon pounded the Northern Mariana Islands for hours before slowing to
inflict more damage across the islands of Tinian and Saipan, which are home
to about 50,000 people.

Experts say the tropical typhoon was packing winds of about 240 kilometers
per hour when it made landfall...

making it earth's strongest typhoon so far this year.

Residents of Saipan said that it was too dangerous to head outside to get a
look at the damage.

Tropical force winds and torrential rainfall also led to flash flooding on
Guam, a U.S. territory to the south.

Posted on 2026-04-15 08:49:13

abroad

Protesters in Slovakia's capital and elsewhere in the country have denounced
a plan by Prime Minister Robert Fico to scrap mail voting for Slovaks living
abroad.

The opposition Progressive Slovakia party says the new legislation would
prevent tens of thousands from voting.

Fico claims the move is to prevent fraud.

Slovaks also rallied in other the cities, as well as in Brussels and the
Prague.

The rally in Bratislava opened with applause for neighboring Hungary's recent
election that ousted populist leader Viktor Orban.

Posted on 2026-04-15 08:49:14

Authorities say heavy rains in northwestern Haiti has killed at least 12
people, flooded farmland and damaged hundreds of homes.

According to Haiti's Civil Protection Agency, the rains began on Saturday and
continued through Monday.

The rains flooded a local hospital and more than 900 homes.

They also destroyed a bridge, dozens of roads and crops in a country where
more than half of its nearly 12-million inhabitants face high levels of acute
food insecurity.

Local authorities say they cannot access communities that urgently need food
and other basic goods because roads are flooded.

Posted on 2026-04-15 08:49:14

And finally,

A Parisian man has won a Pablo Picasso painting with a 117 U-S dollar raffle
ticket.

Ari Hodara, an art enthusiast, was thrilled to learn he won following
Tuesday's draw at Christie's auction house in Paris.

The raffle offered a chance to win a 1-million U-S dollar Picasso portrait,
with proceeds supporting Alzheimer's research.

Organizers says all 120,000 tickets were sold worldwide.

The painting titled "Head of a Woman," was painted by Picasso in 1941.

It is the third "1 Picasso for 100 euros" lottery, with previous raffles
supporting cultural and humanitarian causes.

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

concessions

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it will maintain a retaliatory measure
against Seoul, despite South Korea's move to no longer show Taiwan as part of
China on its electronic arrival card system dropdown menu.

According to ministry spokesman Hsiao Kuang-wei, South Korean nationals will
continue to be listed as from "South Korea" on their A-R-Cs based on the
principle of reciprocity.

Speaking to reporters, Hsiao failed to explain why the Lai administration has
chosen to take such action ...

... despite South Korea last week removed the "previous departure place" and
"next destination" fields with the questionable dropdown menus from its
e-arrival card system.

However, sources are being cited as saying Seoul has listed Taiwan nationals'
nationality on its residency cards as "China (Taiwan)" for more than a
decade, and the government has persistently protested against that ...

... but the South Korean government has failed to respond to those protests.

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

The Taipei District Court has sentenced former D-P-P lawmaker Chen Ou-po to
16 years in prison after finding him guilty of corruption and embezzlement.

The court also found Chen's wife, Hsu Hui-yu guilty of similar charges and
sentenced her to four years and six months in prison.

Prosecutors had been seeking a combined 24-year sentence for Chen.

Chen, his wife and 14 other suspects were indicted by the Taipei District
Prosecutors' Office in August of last year on corruption and embezzlement
charges.

Prosecutors say Chen accepted bribes from United Logistics International
totaling 4.63-million N-T, took bribes, including a 500,000 N-T payoff from
Rentcar Quality Assurance Association and inflated the salaries of multiple
publicly funded assistants.

Chen served as a lawmaker from 2012 to 2024.

The district court ruling can be appealed.

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

The Ministry of Labor is reminding Alien Permanent Resident Certificate
holders covered by changes introduced at the turn of the year to make sure
their employer has enrolled them in employment insurance.

Prior to the changes, only Taiwan citizens and foreign spouses married to
Taiwan nationals were covered by employment insurance.

Other foreign nationals could not enroll.

However, three categories of foreign professionals in Taiwan with permanent
residency are now required to enroll in employment insurance, which will
entitle them to certain benefits.

The three groups are classified as "foreign professionals," "foreign
specialist professionals" and "foreign senior professionals."

According to the labor ministry's Department of Labor Insurance, the change
is part of the government's efforts to "recruit the professional talent
needed for national economic development."

Posted on 2026-04-15 08:13:14

The Taoyuan City Department of Health says 61 people have now reported
falling ill after eating food from the Shang Ye barbecue rice lunchbox
store's Neili branch.

According to city health officials, all 61 customers sought medical treatment
for vomiting, diarrhea and stomachache after purchasing food from the branch.

Most of those sickened had purchased a boxed lunch or dinner from the store
on Monday.

The store hase been ordered the suspend operations and health officials have
inspected its food preparation processes, work environment, staff hygiene,
and food storage conditions.

Health officials have also taken environmental samples and samples of
high-risk food items for testing.

Those tests will take between three and five weeks.

The shop is facing a possible fine of up to 200-million N-T under the Act
Governing Food Safety and Sanitation.

Posted on 2026-04-15 08:13:14

The Food and Drug Administration has seized batch of truffle cheese imported
from Italy after tests found excessive levels of E. coli.

According to the F-D-A, five samples from the 2.87-kilogram shipment
contained between 23 and 93 most probable number per gram.

Under regulations, no more than two out of five samples may contain between
10 and 100 most probable number per gram of E. coli, while no sample may
exceed 100 most probable number per gram of E. coli.

The F-D-A says the importer will now be subject to an increased inspection
rate of between 20 and 50-per cent.

Posted on 2026-04-15 08:13:14

And finally,

Authorities say an explosion that split a section of pavement in New Taipei's
Banqiao District - sending debris into the air - was caused by termites
biting through a high-voltage cable.

The explosion occurred at just afternoon yesterday at an intersection near
the Huacui Bridge to Taipei.

No injuries were reported.

The New Taipei Public Works Department says it called Tai-Power and the
natural gas distributor to inspect the site, and later confirmed that the
blast was caused by damage to a 20,000-volt underground cable.

According to an initial investigation by Tai-Power, termites are believed to
have chewed through a cable connector, causing the cable to short circuit and
trigger a blast of air that ripped through the pavement, leaving a
2-square-meter hole.

The explosion caused a brief power outage that affected 4,726 households.

Posted on 2026-04-15 07:30:13

Lawmakers have passed the Childcare Services Act.

The Act stipulates that any childcare provider who abuses or sexually
assaults children under the age of 2 faces fines of up to 600,000 N-T.

It stipulates that the name of such offenders and the childcare institutions
involved will be publicly disclosed and requires childcare providers and
facilities to upload CCTV footage to government-designated data platforms,
with mandatory retention of at least 30 days.

The Cabinet proposed the law following a 2023 childcare abuse case involving
two certified home-based nurses - who abused a one-year-old child who later
died while in their care.

Childcare services are currently regulated under the Child and Juvenile
Welfare and Rights Protection Act and other related regulations.

The act covers a wide range of matters concerning children and youths.

However, only five out of 118 provisions regulate home-based childcare
services.

Under the new law, the Ministry of Health will be responsible for formulating
national childcare policy, conducting regular assessments of childcare needs,
and compiling nationwide data on services.

The date of implementation will now be set by the Cabinet.

Posted on 2026-04-15 07:30:16

Lawmakers are slated to hold further negotiations on the central government's
2026 general budget and the Cabinet's special defense bill later today.

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu is set to host the cross-party caucus meeting.

Today's talks will be taking place after the K-M-T failed to show up to a
previously planned cross-party caucus meeting as party chair Cheng Li-wen was
still visiting China.

The D-P-P legislative caucus says it's optimistic that the Cabinet's
1.25-trillion N-T defense bill will pass.

The talks are reportedly set to begin at 3 o'clock this afternoon.

Posted on 2026-04-15 07:30:20

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has held talks with Lithuania's new trade
representative to Taiwan.

Speaking during the meeting with Karolis Pilip-auskas, Lin pledged the Lai
administration's willingness to promote closer bilateral ties with the Baltic
state.

The foreign minister also said he hopes the two sides will continue to
collaborate in semiconductor development, artificial intelligence, green
energy, and drone technology to jointly enhance democratic supply chain
resilience.

The meeting comes a week after reports by Lithuanian media said Lithuania's
Foreign Ministry had outlined priority economic sectors and potential
projects aimed at strengthening cooperation with Taiwan.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs here in Taiwan later confirmed that it
received a proposal last month calling for increased Taiwan investment in
Lithuania and the plan is currently under review.

Pilipauskas took up his post as Lithuania's trade representative to Taiwan
earlier this year.

The foreign ministry says Taiwan has invested more than 16.8-million euros in
Lithuania since 2021.

Posted on 2026-04-15 07:30:20

The D-P-P has named Deputy Justice Minister Huang Shih-chieh as its candidate
for the Taoyuan mayoral election.

According to the party's Election Strategy Committee, it opted to choose
Huang for the race due to his strong ties to Taoyuan and his expertise in
local policy.

Huang will be running against incumbent K-M-T Taoyuan City Mayor - Simon
Zhang.

The D-P-P has also nominated former lawmaker Zhuang Ching-cheng as its
candidate for the Hsinchu City mayoral race - saying his experience in
technology and engineering make him the best choice for the city.

Both nominations will now be submitted to the D-P-P's Central Executive
Committee for approval.

Posted on 2026-04-15 07:30:21

China

The Kaohsiung Ciaotou District Prosecutors' Office has indicted nine active
and former military officers and an alleged accomplice on suspicion of
leaking military intelligence to China.

According to the prosecutors' office, the nine active and discharged
personnel include officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

They had ranks as high as major.

The case centers allegations that the alleged accomplice was recruited by
Chinese intelligence and paid to open a private bank account for bribes and
loans for military officers in need of money.

Prosecutors says those who borrowed money from the man were later coerced
into making videos in which they vowed to "switch their allegiance" to China.

The accused serving and former military personnel also allegedly collected
and handed videos of base activity as well as photographs of sensitive
documents in exchange for money.

All of the suspects have been charged with violating the National Security
Act, the Classified National Security Information Protection Act, the
Anti-Corruption Act and the Money Laundering Control Act.

Posted on 2026-04-15 07:30:21

The Centers for Disease Control says a foreign woman in her 60s has tested
positive for menin-gococcal meningitis.

It's the fifth case of the bacterial infection that affects membranes
surrounding the brain and spinal cord to have been reported by the C-D-C
this year.

According to C-D-C Deputy Director-General Tseng Shu-hui, a total of 21
people have been identified as contacts of the woman and they include travel
companions and hospital staff.

All of them are being monitored through tomorrow.

Three of them have been classified as close contacts and have been given
preventive medication.

The C-D-C says none of them have shown any symptoms so far.

Meningococcal meningitis is mainly transmitted through saliva and respiratory
secretions, but the C-D-C says it has a relatively low infectivity and
typically requires prolonged close contact for transmission.

Posted on 2026-04-15 07:30:21

The Dajia Matsu pilgrimage is set to begin this Friday.

The annual pilgrimage will pass through Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin and Chiayi
before returning to the Dajia Jenn Lann Temple on April 26.

The Dajia Jenn Lann Temple has said the theme of this year's pilgrimage is
"kindness" and the annual procession will be showcasing the "best things" in
Taiwan.

People along the over 300 kilometer route will be offering snacks, water,
massage services and medical assistance.

The Taichung City Police Department has said it plans to use drones and a
mobile imaging alert system this year to provide real-time video coverage
along the route.

The Dajia Jenn Lann Temple says an estimated 600,000 devotees gathered
outside the temple on the first day of the pilgrimage last year.

Posted on 2026-04-15 07:30:21

And finally,

Taipei's Songshan Airport is now offering the "One ID" facial recognition
system for international flights - as part of efforts to reduce waiting times
for passengers.

The "One ID" system was launched earlier this month and allows passengers to
pass seamlessly from arrival at the airport to boarding.

Passengers can complete the registration process either at a check-in desk or
a self-check-in kiosk.

The airport operator says registered passengers can then use One ID facial
recognition to check in, check their luggage, pass through customs, enter
airport lounges, and board their flights.

However, passengers will still need to go through the standard immigration
and passport inspection procedures.

The airport has set up 18 One ID-enabled self-check-in kiosks, 12 kiosks for
self-checking luggage, six for the e-Gate immigration system, and two at each
of the six international departure gates.

Figures show Taipei Songshan Airport handles around 2.8 million international
passengers a year.

Posted on 2026-04-15 07:30:21

The Irish government has survived a confidence vote over how it handled a
week of fuel protests that cut off oil deliveries and caused massive traffic
jams.

Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin defended his coalition government by
saying it had acted to end the "destructive blockade."

The vote passed 92 to 78 preserving his leadership.

If he has lost, Martin's government would have had to resign and Parliament
would have either elected a new prime minister or called a general election.

Martin led a motion to support his coalition made up of the center-right
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael parties along with some independents ahead of the
no-confidence vote brought by Sinn Fein - Ireland's largest opposition party.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(AH)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(IG)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(CNA_IG)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(CNA_IG)

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

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

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

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

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

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

(IG)

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

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

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

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

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

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

(AH)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(AH)

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

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

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

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

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

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

(IG)

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

Now turning to international news...

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

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

The motive for the attack remains unclear.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now turning to international news...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He'll face incumbent KMT's Simon Zhang.

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

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

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

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

(AH)

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

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

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

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

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

(AH)

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

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

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

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

No injuries were reported.

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

Officials remind travelers to only use certified power banks.

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

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

(IG)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(JL)

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

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

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

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

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

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

(JL)

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

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

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

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

(IG)

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

In world news...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(CNA-JL)

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

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

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

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

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

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

(AH)

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

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

The turnover was 971.7 billion NT

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

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

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

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

Voting is mandatory for Peruvians aged 18 to 70.

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

The votes comes amidst rising crime and corruption concerns.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ruling may still be appealed.

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

(AH)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(JL)

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

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

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

The group is in Taiwan from Sunday through Wednesday.

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

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

(NS)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(NS)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(JL)

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

In world news....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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