ICRT

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

Heavy rainfall is wreaking havoc for planes, trains and automobiles around
Taiwan. Here's a round-up of some of the hotspots.

Taiwan Railway Corp says floodwaters caused by heavy rain have disrupted
railway services in western Taiwan, with only single-track operations
available between Miaoli and Zhunan this morning.

The Civil Aeronautics Administration says traffic services at Taichung
International Airport were also affected by thunderstorms this morning.

The CAA said Tainan Airport suspended ground operations shortly after 1pm ...
due to thunderstorms.

Flights both to and from Taichung and Tainan could be affected.

The CAA advises the public to pay attention to flight schedule updates and
contact their airlines for any flight-related issues.

Miaoli has reported flooding around the Tongxiao power plant, with several
roads and an underpass closed due to flooding.

The Miaoli Country Government says the risk of landslides in Tai'an Township
has prompted a cancellation of work and classes from noon to midnight.

Except for emergency responders, that is. Firefighters and water resources
staff are among the departments being asked to report for duty.

Meanwhile, the Yunlin County Government announced event cancellations
including the Children's Carnival and the Swan Lake Carnival.

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

A standoff between the executive and legislative branches of Taiwan's
government over Central Election Commission appointments is continuing.

In the most recent installment, the KMT caucus's deputy secretary-general, Xu
Yu-zhen, said today that the Cabinet's failure to issue personnel orders for
four nominees approved by the opposition-controlled legislature disrupts the
constitutional order.

The Legislative Yuan approved four of the Executive Yuan's seven nominees on
the nine-seat Central Election Commission two weeks ago. The commission can
only convene with five commissioners ... but not until the Executive Yuan
completes procedures for the most recent batch of nominees.

Previously, Premier Cho Jung-tai had said that the Executive Yuan would
cooperate on procedures if the Legislative Yuan demonstrates sincerity in its
part of the process.

The disagreement between the ruling and opposition parties is primarily over
the perceived neutrality of the prospective commissioners.

CNA_zh_JvW

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

Wet road conditions likely contributed to a fatal accident this morning near
the 150-kilometer mark of National Highway No. 3. That's near Miaoli.

The driver of a car survived the crash with minor injuries, but two
passengers were dead by the time firefighters reached the scene. An
investigation of the accident's cause is underway.

CNA_zh_JvW

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

The founder of the Lanyang Dance Troupe has died at 91.

Father Gian Carlo Michelini moved from Italy to Taiwan's Lanyang Plain, also
known as the Yilan Plain, in 1964 and established a non-profit dance troupe
two years later.

The group had the distinction of being the first international act to perform
before Pope Paul VI a decade later.

Michelini also helped found Yilan International Children's Folklore and
Folkgame Festival.

He was awarded Taiwanese citizenship in 2017 in recognition of his
outstanding contribution to Taiwanese arts.

He was also knighted by his native Italy in 2023.

Luodong St. Mary's Hospital in Yilan announced that he died peacefully in his
sleep.

CNA_zh_JvW

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

The Hsinchu District Court has sentenced two people charged with coercion and
usury after they exploited dozens of Vietnamese migrant workers by issuing
loans with predatory interest rates.

The court sentenced a woman surnamed Ho to seven years and two months in
prison and a man surnamed Ma to six years and two months. The ruling can be
appealed.

The court said that Ho, who headed the Hsinchu office of the "New Immigrants
Human Rights Hope Association," also operated a wellness center and a
supermarket. Ma, her boyfriend, served as an advisor to the association.

The court said the defendants targeted workers in urgent need of cash who
were unable to secure bank loans.

In one case, the defendants lent NT$200,000 but deducted NT$16,000 upfront
and required repayments of NT$16,000 every 15 days, equivalent to an annual
interest rate of 212 percent.

CNA_JvW

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

As we celebrate Children's Day, the Mandarin Daily News, or 國語日報, has
published its latest "Children's Future" survey. The poll of 1,286 primary
school students and 296 junior high schoolers found that most want to become
athletes, followed by e-Sports athletes and internet influencers. Doctor was
the fourth-most-popular profession.

Teaching entered the bottom-10 list of professions that respondents to the
annual survey aspired to -- for the first time.

The survey was conducted between March 5 and 25th.

Analysts say the results reflect the latest generation's upbringing in a
new-media environment, with teaching falling out of favor as children see the
profession as losing relevance in the face of AI's increasing role in
education.

CNA_zh_JvW

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

Iran shot down two American military aircraft overnight, marking an
exceedingly rare loss for the US that hasn't happened in more than 20 years.

The AP says this shows that the Islamic Republic has a continued ability to
hit back despite President Donald Trump asserting the country has been
"completely decimated."

The last time a US fighter jet was shot down in combat was during the 2003 US
invasion of Iraq.

Experts suggest a shoulder-fired missile was likely was used to take down the
F15 jets.

In the other attack, Iran says it took down an A-10 Warthog, a plane designed
for close support of ground forces.

Some analysts say the attacks reflect how Iran is "weak but still lethal."

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-04-04 12:07:13

A task force under the Executive Yuan handling Taiwan-US trade says the
impact of new US tariffs on patented drugs will be "controllable," since most
of Taiwan's pharmaceutical exports to the United States are generic.

The comments came after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order
imposing tariffs of up to 100 percent on imports of patented drugs and
related ingredients, citing national security concerns under a Section 232
investigation.

The Taiwan task force says that more than 5 in 6 of Taiwan's drug exports to
the US are generic and therefore not currently affected. Those exports are
valued at US$265 million.

According to the order, the tariff-free status of generic drugs will be
reviewed within a year.

The task force said that exports of patented drugs, worth about US$41 million
a year, involve companies that have already planned US-based production.

The executive order sets a 20 percent tariff until April 2, 2030, for
companies with approved plans to establish production in the US, while
waivers apply to firms with agreements on pricing and domestic production.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-04-04 12:07:13

Heavy rain over the past couple of days has caused disruptions for travelers.

This morning, thunderstorms forced Taichung's airport to temporarily suspend
operations, causing delays for some flights both to and from the city.

The Civil Aeronautics Administration advises passengers and people picking up
passengers to pay attention to flight updates.

Meanwhile, the Taiwan Railway Administration says there's flooding on tracks
between Miaoli and Hsinchu. While train traffic is still running in both
directions, some southbound trains will turn back at Zhunan, while some
northbound trains will turn back at Miaoli.

The TRA advises travelers to check its website for station announcements.

Many roads and streets between Hsinchu and Miaoli are also experiencing
flooding, with people posting images and video to social media of cars bogged
down in hip-high water.

CNA_zh_JvW

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

Three US House representatives have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at
strengthening the resilience of Taiwan's undersea cables and other critical
infrastructure against growing threats from China.

Under the proposed legislation, the US would enhance undersea monitoring with
advanced sensors designed to detect sabotage and provide Taiwan with
real-time intelligence to protect its cable infrastructure.

The bill would also require that the US collaborate with allies to help
Taiwan and regional partners build the capacity to recover from attacks on
undersea infrastructure and minimize service disruptions.

The bill follows a series of recent undersea cable disruptions involving
Chinese vessels that are often called "gray zone" tactics, including an
incident last month.

CNA_JvW
A companion bill cleared the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in January.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-04-04 11:07:17

Holiday traffic continues to be heavy on Taiwan's highways and byways. The
Highway Bureau says expressway connectors and roads leading to tourist
attractions will see particularly heavy traffic.

The bureau advises travelers to take public transportation if possible ...
reminding them that a 40% discount on national highway passenger
transportation is available over the long weekend. Meanwhile, TPass 2.0
members get discounts of up to 43%.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-04-04 11:07:21

Taiwan's Central Weather Administration says that two weather fronts will
move across Taiwan in succession starting today, bringing significant
rainfall to northern Taiwan.

The CWA says that from today through tomorrow morning, a frontal system will
bring notable rainfall to northern Taiwan, with thunderstorms expected across
western parts of the island.

Short bursts of heavy rain are likely in northern areas, while eastern Taiwan
could also see scattered showers or thunderstorms.

The CWA says another front is expected to approach Taiwan on Monday that will
bring increased rainfall in combination with a strengthening northeastern
monsoon.

We should expect showers in areas north of central Taiwan, while other
regions are likely see cloudy skies with afternoon thunderstorms.

That system is expected to intensify on Tuesday, with heavier rain in the
north and brief showers or thunderstorms elsewhere.

The weather map show at least some rain all around the island today, with
highs of

N - 24 degrees

C - 25

S - 28

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-04-03 17:59:13

A three-day festival recreating Tokyo's famous Akihabara district has opened
today in Taipei, bringing Japanese anime, gaming and pop culture to local
fans.

The event features cosplay, themed zones, and maid cafe-style experiences,
aiming to capture the atmosphere of Akihabara, a hub of Japan's 'otaku'
culture.

Organizers say the festival includes dedicated areas for gaming, merchandise
and anime, along with large displays inspired by Akihabara's iconic streets.

The event is officially licensed by Japan's Akihabara Culture Festival, with
support from Japanese partners and Taiwanese distributors.

Visitors can expect an immersive experience designed to mirror the original
district as closely as possible.

Organizers say the festival will not only celebrate pop culture, but also
strengthen cultural exchanges between Taiwan and Japan.

The event runs through Sunday at the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park.

Posted on 2026-04-03 16:41:13

Crews are working to contain a water leak on the Taoyuan Airport MRT at A1
Taipei Main Station.

The leak occurred early this morning on the B1 level of the station ...
affecting part of the pre-flight check-in hall.

Officials say it was linked to nearby construction at the nearby Taipei Twin
Towers project, combined with heavy rain that caused water to accumulate at
the site and seep into the station along structural columns.

Staff have set up water collection and isolation measures, while crews
continue drainage and cleanup work on-site.

Train services and passenger movement have not been affected.

Posted on 2026-04-03 16:41:19

Large crowds of anime fans are packing this year's Taichung International
Animation Festival as it opened today on the first day of the Tomb Sweeping
holiday.

The event is being held over four days at Taichung International Exhibition
Center ... and features around 300 booths from 72 exhibitors, showcasing
everything from comics and collectibles to limited-edition merchandise.

Organizers estimate the festival will attract up to 320 thousand visitors
over the holiday period.

Long lines formed both inside and outside the venue on opening day, with many
young fans lining up to enter.

Officials say the event showcases Taichung's ambitions to become an 'anime
capital' and a hub for creative industries.

Posted on 2026-04-03 15:55:13

Taoyuan International Airport is packed with holiday travelers as the Tomb
Sweeping holiday gets underway.

Airport officials estimate up to 162 thousand departing passengers today,
marking the peak day for outbound travel during the long weekend.

Crowds began building early in the morning, with long lines at check-in
counters and security, and some travelers arriving up to three hours in
advance.

Peak departure traffic was concentrated between 8 and 10 this morning.

Authorities say additional staff and security personnel have been deployed to
handle the increased demand and keep operations running smoothly.

Overall traffic during the four-day holiday period is expected to exceed 920
thousand passengers, with average daily volumes up about 12 percent compared
to last year.

Posted on 2026-04-03 15:55:14

Researchers at National Taiwan University have downsized green energy
technology into a system the size of a backpack.

This portable device is capable of continuously producing biodiesel, offering
a flexible solution for decentralized power.

The system uses a novel separation technology to handle high-viscosity
liquids and wastewater — a major hurdle for traditional, bulky equipment.

Despite its small size, the device achieves fuel yields of over 90 percent,
meeting national quality standards.

Using sources like waste cooking oil, the team envisions this tech powering
everything from street food stalls to emergency medical facilities.

The researchers are now partnering with the CPC to explore commercializing
the device to strengthen the island’s energy resilience.

Posted on 2026-04-03 15:55:14

In international news,

French President Emmanuel Macron and his South Korean counterpart Lee Jae
Myung say they have agreed to work together to help reopen the Strait of
Hormuz.

The two leaders did not take questions at their joint briefing Friday and did
not elaborate on how they would help reopen the strait, the narrow waterway
between Iran and Oman through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil
passes.

They were meeting in Seoul after U-S President Donald Trump has slammed
allies for not supporting the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran.

Macron was making his first visit to South Korea since taking office in 2017
after earlier visiting Japan.

Posted on 2026-04-03 15:55:14

Myanmar’s parliament has elected Min Aung Hlaing as the country’s new
president.

He is the general who ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government in 2021
and has maintained tight control for the past five years.

The move marks a nominal return to an elected government but is seen as an
effort to keep the army in power.

The election, organized by the military, was deemed neither free nor fair by
opponents and independent observers.

Min Aung Hlaing was one of three nominees but was virtually guaranteed the
job due to the military-backed majority in parliament.

Posted on 2026-04-03 14:28:13

Officials say traffic on Taiwan's freeways is heavy but within expectations
on the first day of the Tomb Sweeping holiday.

The Freeway Bureau says total traffic volume today is projected to reach 123
million vehicle-kilometers, with 42.2 million already recorded by 11 AM.

By around midday, several sections of National Freeways 1 and 3 were
congested, with speeds dropping below 40 kilometers per hour — particularly
around Hsinchu and parts of central Taiwan.

Officials say more congestion is expected this afternoon, especially on
southbound routes, and are advising some drivers — particularly those using
National Freeway 5 — to depart after 5 PM to avoid peak traffic.

Authorities are also coordinating across agencies through a joint traffic
response center to monitor conditions and ease traffic flow.

Posted on 2026-04-03 14:28:17

Taipei authorities say there is no shortage of official blue trash bags and
no plans to raise prices.

The city's Department of Environmental Protection says supplies remain stable
despite recent concerns linked to plastic supply disruptions amid Middle East
tensions.

Officials confirm that manufacturers and retail outlets have sufficient
stock, with inventories expected to last between three to six months.

They say any temporary shortages at stores are likely due to restocking gaps
— not a supply issue — and that logistics providers have been coordinated
to speed up deliveries.

The bureau is urging residents not to panic-buy, stressing that the bags are
not limited items and there is no risk of running out.

Officials also note that prices reflect waste disposal fees rather than
production costs, and will remain unchanged.

Posted on 2026-04-03 14:28:17

In international news,

Iran fired on targets across the Middle East, sparking multiple blazes at a
Kuwaiti oil refinery.

While American and Israeli airstrikes hit the Islamic Republic as the war
neared the end of its fifth week unabated.

The U.N. Security Council was preparing to meet Saturday over Tehran’s
stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, which has helped send global oil prices
soaring.

Despite claims from the U.S. and Israel that Iran’s military capabilities
have been all but destroyed, Tehran has continued to keep the pressure on
Israel and its Gulf Arab neighbors and hit both Bahrain and Kuwait on Friday.

Strikes were also reported around Tehran and the central Iranian city of
Isfahan.

Posted on 2026-04-03 14:28:17

Dutch authorities have recovered a priceless ancient golden helmet from
Romania stolen last year from a museum in the Netherlands.

Under police guard, prosecutors unveiled the 2,500-year-old Cotofenesti
helmet during a press conference in the eastern Dutch city of Assen on
Thursday.

The helmet, considered a cultural icon of Romania, was on loan to the Drents
Museum when it was nabbed more than a year ago.

The theft sent shock waves through the art world.

Posted on 2026-04-03 13:42:14

Heavy traffic is building along the Suhua Corridor toward Hualien ... with
the Tomb Sweeping holiday already underway.

The Directorate General of Highways says southbound traffic began surging as
early as 1 AM ... and is expected to remain heavy until around 5 PM.

According to the Highway Bureau, as of mid-morning, more than 10,000 vehicles
had already headed south, far exceeding the road's capacity.

Travel times have increased significantly, with the journey taking more than
two hours on some sections.

Officials advise drivers to detour or spend time in Yilan before continuing
south to avoid peak congestion.

Meanwhile, rail services are also seeing large crowds, with around 25
thousand passengers expected daily and about 100 thousand passing through
Hualien over the holiday period.

Posted on 2026-04-03 13:42:18

Forecasters say that weather conditions should improve across Taiwan today
... as we head in to the afternoon.

Independent meteorologist Wu De-Rong says a few thundershowers could linger
in the north and in the mountains, but other areas will see some sunshine,
with highs topping 30 degrees Celcius.

Earlier today, scattered showers and thunderstorms affected northern and
northeastern Taiwan, with mostly cloudy skies elsewhere.

-----

Looking ahead, a weather front arrives Saturday, bringing more showers and
cooler temperatures to the north.

Conditions gradually ease on Sunday, though brief showers may linger,
especially in western areas.

Early next week remains a bit unsettled, with spotty rain on Monday and
another round of island-wide showers expected Tuesday.

More stable, warm weather returns from Thursday onward.

Posted on 2026-04-03 13:42:23

In similar news,

The Gulf Arab state of Bahrain has significantly watered down a proposed U-N
resolution on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

China and Russia opposed allowing countries to use force to secure the
critical waterway that Iran has largely cut off to global shipping.

The final draft of Bahrain's resolution obtained by The Associated Press on
Thursday authorizes the use of defensive — but not offensive — action to
ensure vessels can safely transit the strait.

Iran's stranglehold on the waterway during the war has sent energy prices
soaring.

The Security Council originally scheduled a vote on the resolution for Friday
but later canceled.

U-N diplomats said the vote was now expected to be held Saturday.

Posted on 2026-04-02 20:28:13

Taiwan's top statistical office is raising concerns about the Future Account
proposal by opposition parties.

That's the plan requiring the government to deposit 50 thousand NT into
accounts for children under 12, with annual contributions of 10 thousand NT.

The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics warns the
program could cost up to $450 billion NT over a 13-year period ...

... and notes that it lacks income-based eligibility.

The office argues that by giving the same amount to everyone, the plan fails
to prioritize families in the greatest financial need.

Officials also caution that dedicating all future budget surpluses to the
program could reduce fiscal flexibility ...

... and limit the government's ability to respond to changing economic
conditions and policy priorities.

The proposal is currently under legislative review.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-02 20:28:13

The Centers for Disease Control has officially designated Nipah virus as a
Category 5 notifiable disease ...

... requiring suspected cases to be reported within 24 hours.

Officials say the move reflects ongoing outbreaks overseas, as well as the
virus's high fatality rate and transmission risks.

Health authorities say the new classification aims to strengthen early
detection, improve public awareness, and ensure a rapid response.

Although no cases have been recorded in Taiwan, strict measures are now in
place.

Suspected patients must be isolated, and doctors are required to report cases
promptly through the national system.

Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, spread through contact with infected
animals, contaminated food, or close human contact.

Globally, more than 750 cases have been reported since 1998, with fatality
rates as high as 75 percent.

There are currently no approved vaccines or treatments.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-04-02 20:28:13

Over in Denmark...

Marine archaeologists have found the wreck of a Danish warship that sank in
the 1801 Battle of Copenhagen.

Denmark’s Viking Ship Museum has said divers are racing to excavate it
before construction starts nearby.

The wreck of the Danish flagship Dannebroge lies 15 meters down in thick
sediment with near zero visibility.

The ship took heavy fire from British Admiral Horatio Nelson’s fleet and
later exploded.

Divers have recovered cannons and personal items like uniforms, shoes and
bottles.

They also found part of a sailor's jaw.

Researchers hope the wreck will reveal what sailors endured.

Posted on 2026-04-02 17:13:13

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen has announced a rally tomorrow afternoon to show
a united front in the mayoral campaign.

Bringing together Johnny Chiang and KMT lawmaker Yang Qiong-ying, Lu says
both will attend the event at 2 p.m., along with all party city council
candidates, at the KMT’s Taichung headquarters.

The mayor noted that progress has been delayed by about two months due to
primary elections, and efforts now need to accelerate.

She also pledged full support for TPP city council candidates, saying
cooperation between the blue and white camps is the way forward.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-02 17:13:13

Taipei residents are now eligible for more subsidies if they choose to buy
electric scooters.

The Taipei city's Department of Environmental Protection says the program
builds on last year’s incentives, which offered up to $10,000 NT for new
purchases and $22,000 for scrapping two-stroke scooters to buy new ones.

The incentives drew more than 3,500 applications and were considered a
success.

The new measure will give an additional $8,000-NT subsidy to buyers of
electric scooters this year, with another $8,000 available for households
with children under 12.

City officials say with combined subsidies from the Ministries of Environment
and Economic Affairs, replacing a two-stroke scooter can qualify for up to
$49,300 NT.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-02 17:13:13

The Health Promotion Administration is warning of a strong link between
secondhand smoke and ADHD in children.

The H-P-A pointed to a 2019 study in Egypt to say that nearly 90 percent of
children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder had been exposed to
secondhand smoke.

The H-P-A said it showed a clear link between the environment and the
disorder.

Researchers also noted as exposure grew longer and more intense, the severity
of the symptoms increased as well.

Experts stress that children are especially vulnerable, with secondhand smoke
linked not only to behavioral issues but also to long-term health risks.

The agency is urging parents to quit smoking, calling it one of the best ways
to protect children's health.

They also remind everyone that even indirect exposure to lingering smoke
indoors can still be harmful to health.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-02 15:05:13

The government says fares on public transport will not rise to shield
households from the economic fallout of the Middle East conflict.

Deputy Premier Cheng Li-chun (鄭麗君) made the announcement today, saying the
Ministry of Transportation has been directed to hold fares steady on the High
Speed Rail, Taiwan Railways, MRT, buses, and intercity coaches.

Domestic airline ticket prices have also been put on hold following
government discussions.

On energy, Cheng said crude oil stockpiles are secure through June 20th, and
natural gas supplies for the coming months are largely in place.

Gasoline and diesel prices are being kept down through a price-stabilization
mechanism that absorbs at least 60 percent of any increase, keeping Taiwan's
pump prices lower than those in neighboring countries.

Residential natural gas prices are frozen for April, while industrial users
will see a five-percent increase.

While bottled gas prices are unchanged for both March and April.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-02 15:05:16

The ruling DPP has welcomed reports that the KMT is willing to discuss at
their next legislative caucus meeting on April 10th the timeframe of
reviewing the 2026 general budget.

DPP legislative caucus chief Zhuang Rui-xiong (莊瑞雄) said the Legislature
is responsible for reviewing government budgets, and lawmakers can cut or
freeze funding for inflated items after proper review.

The statement comes after a KMT caucus meeting yesterday with 30 lawmakers
attending, and some of them warned the long-stalled budget could affect the
year-end local elections.

They also pointed out that with next year’s budget to be submitted to the
Legislative Yuan soon, it would be better to resolve the current standoff and
move on.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-02 15:05:16

high students from August

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an says school lunches at all city elementary and
junior high schools will be free starting from the new academic year on
August 31st.

More than 180-thousand students are set to benefit, saving families more than
10-thousand NT a year.

The subsidy will cover meals valued at up to 87 NT per meal for elementary
school students and 92 NT for junior high students, the highest standard
among Taiwan's six special municipalities.

Menus will also be upgraded, with a premium meal featuring deboned chicken,
pork cutlet, or fish fillet served at least once a week.

Taipei's announcement comes as Chiayi City also confirmed its own free lunch
program today, meaning all 22 counties and cities across Taiwan have now
adopted the policy.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-02 15:05:16

China ties

New Zealand and the Cook Islands have signed a defense and security pact,
easing over a year of tension between them.

New Zealand had been concerned after Cook Islands signed a strategic
partnership with China.

The agreement signed Thursday makes New Zealand the Cook Islands' "partner of
choice" for defense and security.
The move reassured Wellington, which paused aid to the Cook Islands during
the diplomatic standoff.

The Cook Islands' leader stated that the new pact with New Zealand didn't
affect existing agreements with China, which focused on areas like deep-sea
mining and education.

Posted on 2026-04-02 15:05:20

Indonesia

An undersea magnitude 7.4 earthquake toppled buildings in parts of northern
Indonesia, sent people fleeing from their homes, killed at least one person
and generated a small tsunami.

Strong shaking was felt in parts of North Sulawesi and North Maluku
provinces.

A woman died in a building collapse and at least three injured people were
hospitalized.

Damage was still being assessed in places.

Tsunami waves up to 30 inches above normal tides were recorded after the
quake Thursday morning in the Molucca Sea.

Indonesian authorities lifted the tsunami warning after the threat passed.

Posted on 2026-04-02 15:05:21

alliance

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is set to visit Washington next week, as
tensions between the U-S and its European allies spill into the open.

A NATO spokesperson described the trip as a "long-planned visit," but it
comes after President Trump threatened to pull the U-S out of the alliance.

Trump has criticized European members for refusing to send ships to help
reopen the Strait of Hormuz -- and on Wednesday called France, the U-K, and
other allies a "paper tiger."

"We've had some very bad allies in NATO," Trump said. "Hopefully, we're never
going to need them."

NATO was founded in 1949 and has been the cornerstone of Western security
ever since.

No further details of the Rutte visit have been released.

Posted on 2026-04-02 14:50:13

A senior Ministry of National Defense official says a stalled general budget
is threatening nearly 78-billion NT in weapons purchases, maintenance, and
military training.

Yen Ming-teh (嚴明德), head of the ministry's budgeting department, said the
delay means 21 percent of this year's defense budget cannot be executed on
schedule.

Programs at risk include the US-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket System,
Javelin missile procurement, and follow-on training for Lockheed Martin F-16
fighter jets.

Defense spending was set to rise by nearly 23 percent this year to
949-billion-500-million NT, crossing the 3 percent of GDP threshold for the
first time since 2009.

The Legislative Yuan has stalled the budget, saying it will not sign "blank
checks."

Yen warned that any delay will cause, in his words, "irreversible negative
effects."

Meanwhile, the annual Han Kuang (漢光) military drills are set to begin their
tabletop phase next Saturday, running through April 24th.

Officials say this year's exercises will draw on recent international
military operations, including US and Israeli operations against Iran, with a
focus on drone defense, layered air defenses, and early warning response.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-02 14:50:13

Two military helicopters landed at Feng Chia University this morning for a
public display this weekend.

An AH-64E Apache attack helicopter from the Aviation 601st Brigade touched
down alongside a UH-60M Black Hawk, drawing crowds of military enthusiasts.

It marks the first time an Apache has appeared in Taichung...the aircraft are
normally based in Taoyuan.

The Apache is painted with a shark mouth and tiger stripes on the fuselage,
and carries the national flag on its belly.

The Black Hawk is painted with the slogans "NEW ARMY" and "NEW POWER,"
reflecting the military's push to modernize its forces.

A military expert told reporters the Apache is used for attack missions,
anti-tank strikes, and hitting ground targets.

The display runs Saturday and Sunday as part of the 2026 Taiwan Model Show.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-02 14:50:13

A Taipei resident was alarmed to discover a plastic bag full of what appeared
to be bullets left on the side of a road.

Police say the bag was found near Fujin Street (富錦街) in Songshan District
on March 29th.

Officers counted 114 suspected shotgun shells and sent them to the Criminal
Investigation Bureau for testing.

Surveillance footage helped police trace the bag to a waste hauler who had
collected rubbish from a client's home and, unsure what to do with the bag,
left it on the street.

The client told police the items were heirlooms from an elderly relative, and
that a foreign domestic helper had thrown them out by mistake.

Both the waste hauler and the client have been referred to prosecutors on
suspicion of violating the Firearms, Ammunition, and Knives Control Act.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-04-02 14:50:13

U-S President Donald Trump says military operations against Iran will
intensify over the next two to three weeks -- offering no timeline for ending
the war.

Markets fell sharply after the prime-time address, with Brent crude jumping
around 5 percent to 106 US dollars per barrel.

The Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, cutting off roughly a fifth of
global oil and gas supplies.

Trump challenged allies dependent on Middle East oil to work toward reopening
the strait, saying Iran has been "essentially decimated."

Iran has denied making any ceasefire request, and Pakistan -- which is
mediating -- says a temporary truce proposal has gone unanswered by both
sides.

Posted on 2026-04-02 14:50:13

archaeologists

Marine archaeologists have found the wreck of a Danish warship that sank in
the 1801 Battle of Copenhagen.
Denmark’s Viking Ship Museum has said divers are racing to excavate it
before construction starts nearby.

The wreck lies 15 meters down in thick sediment with near zero visibility.

Experts link it to the Danish flagship Dannebroge.

The ship took heavy fire from a British fleet and later exploded.

Divers have recovered cannons and personal items like uniforms, shoes and
bottles.

They also found part of a sailor’s jaw.

Researchers hope the wreck will reveal what sailors endured.

Posted on 2026-04-02 14:39:13

Posted on 2026-04-02 14:39:25

Reports say Afghanistan and Pakistan have opened a new round of talks in
China aimed at ending the deadliest fighting between two countries since the
Taliban returned to power in 2021.

Islamabad accuses the Taliban of harbouring and supporting Islamist militants
who carry out attacks inside Pakistan - something that Kabul denies.

Beijing has been trying to mediate a settlement between the two sides.

Both sides exchanged heavy fire earlier this week following a temporary
ceasefire for the Islamic festival of Eid.

That pause in hostilities was requested by Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia and
ended last week.

Posted on 2026-04-02 14:39:25

The U.S. Geological Surveys says that a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake has
struck in the Molucca Sea region northeast of Indonesia.

The quake, which struck early today local time, had a depth of 35 kilometers
and its epicenter was 127 kilometers west-northwest of Ternate, Indonesia.

No damage or casualties have been reported so far.

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency have issued a
tsunami warning, though it said the threat level remained under close
monitoring.

Indonesia is a vast archipelago of more than 280 million people, and it sits
on major seismic faults and is frequently hit by earthquakes and volcanic
eruptions.

Posted on 2026-04-02 14:13:13

A DPP Taipei City Council candidate has been indicted on suspicion of spying
for China during his time as an assistant to then-lawmaker He Zhi-wei
(何志偉).

Prosecutors say Zhu Zheng-qi (朱政騏) collected classified information in
2022 and passed it on via a phone provided by a former Executive Yuan
official, who is also under investigation.

He is accused of accessing lawmakers’ offices to obtain confidential files
and receiving more than NT$90,000 in payment.

Prosecutors are seeking at least 5 years in prison for Zhu.

Zhu's former boss He Zhi Wei today called Zhu's behavior "unforgivable" and
called for him ro remove himself from the city councilor race pending an
investigation.

Zhu was victorious in polling last month to run for city councilor in
Taipei's Datong and Zhongshan districts, but the DPP has not yet formally
nominated him.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-02 14:13:13

Uber Eats, the online food ordering and delivery platform, says it will raise
service fees for partner merchants starting July 21st.

The announcement comes ahead of a new delivery services law set to take
effect in July.

The company has notified merchants that service fees for food delivery orders
will increase by 2.5 percentage points, while fees for grocery delivery
orders will rise by 3 percentage points.

It explains that the adjustment reflects the new “Delivery Personnel
Protection and Platform Management Act,” which will significantly impact the
industry’s operating model and cost structure.

Uber Eats also notes that it has introduced a 35-percent cap on service fee
rates, aiming to balance rising operational costs with the long-term
sustainability of its merchant partners.

Currently when consumers use food delivery services, the total cost they see
at checkout typically includes a delivery fee, based on distance and
transport costs, as well as an additional service fee.

Charges may be higher during peak hours.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-02 14:13:13

Asian stocks are lower today, with South Korea's Kospi losing 3.6% while the
Nikkei 225 was down 1.9%.

Here in Taiwan, shares are down as well, with the benchmark tai ex closing at
32572 after losing 602 points.

The turnover was 672.9 billion NT

Posted on 2026-04-02 14:13:18

Now turning to international news...

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake has toppled buildings in parts of Indonesia and
killed at least one.

The undersea quake also created a small tsunami, with waves up to 75
centimeters higher than normal tides being reported.

Indonesia and Philippine officials later lifted tsunami warnings.

Strong shaking lasting 10-20 seconds was felt in North Sulawesi province as
well as in North Maluku.

Initial assessments showed some severe damage, but assessments are still
ongoing.

Nearly 50 aftershocks were felt in nearby areas.

Posted on 2026-04-02 14:13:19

Thousands of immigrants legally living in the US in recent months have been
suddenly ordered deported to third countries.

More than 13,000 people were suddenly ordreed deported to what the Trump
administration has called "safe third countries."

That's according to a US-based nonprofit working for transparency in
immigration proceedings.

The top destinations for deportations were Honduras, Ecuador, and Uganda.

But few of those ordered deported have actually been kicked out, despite a
White House push for more explusions.

Instead, having had their asylum claims cancelled, many are unsure if they'll
shipped off to a country theyve never seen.

Posted on 2026-04-02 13:09:13

Opposition KMT lawmakers are reportedly willing to review the 2026 central
government budget, which has been stalled in the legislature for months.

At a KMT legislative caucus meeting yesterday, several lawmakers said a
solution is needed to break the deadlock and send the budget off for
committee review, instead of remaining in a prolonged stalemate.

But others also argued that they should wait until the Cabinet shows
goodwill.

The caucus eventually said that it should decide whether and when to refer
the budget to committee review at a future meeting.

The Legislature recently passed a proposal brought forward by the KMT and TPP
to allow advance spending of $71.8 billion NT- making up a small portion of
the total government budget- on new initiatives, including T-PASS.

But Premier Chuo Rong-tai has refused to implement it, saying that it runs
against the Constitution and the Budget Act and could cause "uncertainties in
budget execution" in the future.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-02 13:09:14

The Civil Aviation Administration says travelers taking airplanes will be
limited to carrying no more than two power banks on flights.

Charging them onboard will be prohibited as well starting April 8th.

The C-A-A says it's in line with International Civil Aviation Organization
regulations.

Many international and Taiwanese airlines have already prohibited the use and
charging of power banks onboard.

The existing rule also stipulates that power banks cannot be checked in and
must be packed in carry-on luggage.

The new regulation introduces a limit of two devices per passenger.

Officials say after the measure takes effect, those who insist on taking more
than 2 devices face a maximum fine of 100-thousand NT.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-02 13:09:14

The US is lifting sanctions on the acting Venezulan president.

The move indicates that the US recognizes Delcy Rodriguez as a legitimate
authority in the country.

The US has already formally recognized her as the country's head of state in
legal and diplomatic settings.

The Trump adminsitration has been engaging with Venezuela's interim
government since the US military captured Rodriguez's predecessor at the
beginning of the year.

Posted on 2026-04-02 13:09:18

A Chinese company is using an AI-powered machine to sort clothes and boost
recycling.

It offers a glimpse into how the technology could be used to reduce the
impact of synthetic textile waste.

The Fastsort-Textile machine was named one of Time magazine's Best Inventions
of 2025.

The Chinese AI recycling company was founded in 2018.

The equipment operates in Zhangjiagang and can sort 100 kilograms of clothes
in 2-3 minutes.

The same process would take one worker around 4 hours to cplete.

Synthetic textiles are derived from fossil fuels and are a low-cost, popular
option for fashion production.

Altogether they account for around 70% of global textile production.

Posted on 2026-04-02 07:56:14

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun is vowing to "lay a foundation for peace"
across the Taiwan Strait and regional stability during her trip to China next
week.

Cheng is expected to meet with Xi Jinping in Beijing during her six-day trip.

Speaking at a meeting of the party's Central Standing Committee, Cheng said
it's been 10 years since a K-M-T chair visited China, and since then
cross-strait tie have worsened so much that the Taiwan Strait is now seen as
one of the world's most volatile geopolitical flashpoints.

According to Cheng, the K-M-T has unavoidable historical mission to prove
that the two sides of the strait can lay the foundation for peaceful and
stable cross-strait relations, regional stability and global peace.

Cheng also said she will send the world an "important" message during her
upcoming trip through her efforts to "resolve military tensions in the Taiwan
Strait and pursue the benefits of peace at a time of geopolitical
uncertainties."

Cheng is slated to visit Jiangsu, Shanghai and Beijing from April 7 to 12.

She is scheduled to visit Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum in Nanjing on April 8.

However, other details of her itinerary have yet to be released.

Posted on 2026-04-02 07:56:14

Lawmakers from across party lines are questioning the government's decision
to ease rules on hiring migrant domestic workers.

The lawmaker are warning that the policy could weaken professional childcare
standards and shift the care burdens from the state onto families and
workers.

It come as the government is set to allow households with at least one child
under the age of 12 to apply to hire migrant domestic workers beginning April
13.

K-M-T lawmaker Chiu Zhen-jun says by turning to migrant domestic workers, the
government no longer appears to be concerned about the quality of childcare.

While D-P-P lawmaker Lin Shu-fen says the policy amounts to the government
shifting care responsibilities and related burdens onto families, which would
then pass the pressure on to migrant workers.

Labor Minister Hung Sun-han is defending the policy - saying migrant domestic
workers under the new policy were positioned as "auxiliary household helpers"
to assist with daily housework and living support rather than replace
professional childcare services.

According to Hung, the policy is aimed at giving families with different
needs another option and he believes families will make different choices
based on their own needs, rather than all opting to hire domestic workers.

Posted on 2026-04-02 07:56:14

Funds managed by the Bureau of Labor Funds posted record gains of
418.4-billion N-T in February on the back of strong performances by global
financial markets.

The bureau says data show the funds' accumulated gains totaled 813.1-billion
N-T in the first two months of this year.

The accumulated gains reflect overall increases in the value of assets and
investments and the bureau says February's gains smashed the previous record
reported in January.

The gains during the January to February period translated into a 10.83-per
cent rate of return.

According to the Bureau of Labor Funds, U-S markets benefited from corporate
earnings during the current AI boom, serving as a benchmark to international
markets in February, despite geopolitical unease ...

.. while the Tai-Ex got a boost from the tech sector's sound fundamentals as
well as the return of funds after the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday.

The bureau says 56.39-per cent of its investments were made overseas during
January to February period, while the remaining 43.61-per cent were invested
in the domestic market.

Posted on 2026-04-02 07:56:14

The High Court's Taichung branch has sentenced an unlicensed driver who
killed two young sisters in Changhua County to two years in prison, suspended
for five years.

The ruling over overturned the Changhua District Court's original verdict -
that sentenced the man to one year and two months in prison for negligent
homicide.

The incident occured in Shengang Township in February of 2024 when three
siblings who were crossing a road.

The younger brother suffered minor injuries, while his 10-year-old sister and
9-year-old sister later died of their injuries after months of treatment.

While the children were found to have crossed on a red light, the High Court
ruled that defendant's violations - including driving without a license and
failing to yield - carried greater responsibility.

The court also said the original sentence did not fully reflect the severity
of the offense and therefore increased the prison term.

However, it granted a suspended sentence after noting that the man admitted
wrongdoing during his second trial, showed remorse and reached a settlement
with the victims' family.

The High Court ruling can still be appealed.

Posted on 2026-04-02 07:56:14

The Taoyuan International Airport Corporation says its expects to handle some
920,000 passengers and 4,590 flights over this coming weekend's Children's
Day and Tomb-Sweeping Day holiday.

According to the airport operator, peak outbound travel day on Friday could
see 162,000 passengers - which would surpass last year's record.

The airport says it is now implementing AI-powered security screening systems
to manage the increased passenger volume.

The systems display estimated wait times at departure checkpoints using
headcount data and color-coded signals to indicate queue statuses for
passengers.

Travelers can also check wait times through the official airport app.

The airport is also advising passengers to use online check-in and automated
e-Gate services during the long weekend holiday period.

Posted on 2026-04-02 07:56:14

holiday

And finally,

The Central Weather Administration says snow fell on Jade Mountain on
Wednesday morning as the mercury in the area fell to 0.8-degrees.

The snowfall tapered off after about 30-minutes as the humidity in the air
dropped and temperatures rose.

However, the administration's forecast center says more snowfall is likely on
Saturday, when another weather front arrives.

The weather administration is also warning of rainy weather across parts of
the island during the upcoming long weekend holiday.

Although the mercury will rebound from today though Monday, rain rain is
expected across much of the island from Saturday through Monday, with a
chance of heavy rainfall in the north Taiwan on Saturday.

Posted on 2026-04-02 07:00:13

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is refusing to address reports that the
government is planning to invite the speaker of Honduras' National Congress
to visit Taiwan.

Lin said although Taiwan severed ties with the Central American country three
years ago, its has still "maintained close connections and interactions with
our friends there" ...

.. and he's aware that National Congress Speaker Tomas Zambrano's support for
restoring ties with Taiwan has public backing.

Lin also says the government will continue to invite important political
figures from non-diplomatic partners to Taiwan.

The statements come after D-P-P lawmaker Wang Ting-yu said he believes
Zambrano will travel to Taiwan in the near future.

Wang says Zambrano reiterated support for Taiwan after being elected speaker
of the Congress in January... and he has, in the past, indicated that
Honduras' decision to sever ties with the Taiwan in favor of Beijing was a
mistake.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier this week, described a Honduran media
report claiming Taiwan could send a delegation to the former ally to explore
resuming relations as "pure speculation."

Posted on 2026-04-02 07:00:13

The Coast Guard Administration is investigating damage to a subsea
telecommunications cable off Matsu's Dongyin Island.

There are concerns that a Chinese-flagged work barge damaged the cable during
a salvage operation.

Authorities say the barge's 11 crew members have been detained and the
vessel's captain has questioned.

The "Hai Hong Gong 66," had been attempting to remove a stranded Chinese
fishing boat on March 30, when it is believed to have damaged core wires in
the Taiwan-Matsu Subsea Cable No. 3.

The Coast Guard Administration said it received a report from Chunghwa
Telecom the following day, indicating a malfunction in the Dongyin-Beigan
section of the cable, which may have been caused by the barge's operations.

The case has been referred to the Lienchiang District Prosecutors' Office for
further investigation.

Chunghwa Telecom is now conducting underwater inspections of the cable to
determine the extent and cause of the damage.

The Ministry of Digital Affairs says it has coordinated with a cable repair
vessel to carry out repair work and that's expected to be completed in July
at the earliest.

Posted on 2026-04-02 07:00:13

D-P-P lawmaker Chung Chia-pin is calling on the government to open an
investigation into allegations that Formosa Petrochemical Corporation has
been stockpiling key petrochemical feedstocks amid a plastics shortage.

Chung claims the Group's polyolefin division reduced supply to downstream
clients twice in March and raised prices, citing upstream constraints in
ethylene and propylene ...

... and notified customers on March 2 that supply would be halved, just days
after tensions in the Middle East escalated.

Chung questioned the timing of the move, saying such an early and steep
reduction could have triggered panic buying and driven up prices.

Chung says a second notice on March 10 cut supply further to 25-per cent of
contracted volumes and raised prices by 10.5 N-T per kilogram, with the
remaining quota to be released depending on market conditions.

Chung is accusing the company of creating artificial shortages to drive up
prices, potentially violating Article 251 of the Criminal Code.

Posted on 2026-04-02 07:00:13

textbooks

The New Taipei City and Taoyuan City government's have announced new
education subsidy policies.

New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih says the city will provide free lunches to all
elementary and junior high school students starting August 31 and the policy
is expected to benefit around 323,000 students and cost 4.84-billion N-T
annually.

Hou says the 2026 budget will be covered in advance, with funding to be
formally incorporated into the city's annual budget from 2027 onward.

The city's Education Department says the measure could save parents about
12,000 N-T per year.

Meanwhile, Taoyuan Mayor Simon Chang says his administration will be
providing free textbooks to all elementary and junior high school students
starting in the 2026 academic yea - making it the first special municipality
to do so.

Chang says the policy is expected to benefit around 196,000 students, cost
about 600-million N-T annually and reduce student expenses by between 1,500
to 1,900 N-T per semester.

Posted on 2026-04-02 07:00:14

The Kaohsiung District Court has ruled that a married couple who frequently
smoked methamphetamine at home during the wife's pregnancy cannot be
sentenced for impeding their child's development... since the unborn fetus is
not a person in the view of the Criminal Code.

The court said the father and pregnant mother was said to have frequently
smoked the synthetic drug in the presence of their one year son...

The city's Social Affairs Bureau intervened after the parent's actions were
reported and took hair samples from the couple's 1-year-old son for for
testing... and found high concentrations of methamphetamine.

Prosecutors indicted the couple for potentially impeding the development of
their first child and unborn second child.

But the court says the parents could not be found guilty for the crime with
regard to their second child, as a fetus is not considered a "person" under
that Criminal Code, with personhood defined as beginning at birth.

The ruling can be appealed.

Posted on 2026-04-02 07:00:14

The High Speed Rail has launched a new onboard digital customer service
system - which allows passengers to report issues in real time.

Passengers can scan the QR code printed on safety instruction cards placed in
seat pockets to access a dedicated "onboard digital service" page.

After verification, users can select a report category and enter details such
as train number, carriage and seat.

The conductor will then receive the message and respond.

The High Speed Rail Corporation says system streamlines the reporting process
by eliminating the need to relay complaints through multiple service
channels, while also reducing the risk of direct confrontation between
passengers.

The service is designed for issues such as noise disturbances or spilled
drinks during a journey and passengers are still to use the emergency
intercoms for emergencies such as fires, suspicious items or medical
incidents.

Posted on 2026-04-02 07:00:14

A novel by Taiwan writer Yang Shuang-zi is among the six shortlisted titles
for the 2026 International Booker Prize.

It's the first time a Taiwan author has reached the final stage of the
prestigious award.

"Taiwan Travelogue" was one of the six finalists chosen from a longlist of 13
titles by the Booker Prize Foundation.

The annual prize recognizes works of fiction translated into English and
published in the U-K or Ireland.

Author-translator pairs who make the shortlist will receive 5,000 pounds and
the winners will split a 50,000 pound grand prize.

The winners will be announced on May 19.

I-C-R-T spoke with the book's English translator Lin King after the book was
released... that conversation can be accessed through the Taiwan Talk
archives.

Posted on 2026-04-02 07:00:14

Hundreds of protesters have taken to the streets across the embattled
Palestinian territories after Israel's parliament passing a law mandating the
death penalty by hanging for Palestinians convicted of nationalistic murder.

The law orders West Bank military courts to apply the death sentence by
default to Palestinians convicted of the offense, except in special
circumstances.

The bill passed its final vote in the Israeli parliament late Monday, to
cheers and applause.

It is set to take effect in 30 days but could be delayed by court
proceedings.

The measure is not retroactive and won’t apply to current prisoners.

Posted on 2026-04-02 07:00:14

But even if peace is declared tomorrow...

the European Union's energy commissioner says skyrocketing oil and gas prices
in Europe as a result of the ongoing Iran war won’t return to normal levels
any time soon.

Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said on Tuesday that although there are no
immediate oil and gas supply shortages in the 27-member bloc, there’s
pressure on diesel and jet fuel supply as well as “increasing constraints”
in global gas markets that are resulting in higher electricity prices.

He said the EU’s executive arm is preparing a string of measures designed to
help families and businesses weather the huge spike in oil prices that have
resulted in about a 70% price hike for gas and 60% for oil in Europe.

Posted on 2026-04-02 07:00:14

The Russian Defence Ministry says that its forces had taken full control of
the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine.

If true the announcement suggests Russia now has control over a piece of land
which remained beyond their reach since 2022.

A Ukrainian military spokesperson told the Reuters News Agency that there had
been no battlefield ?changes in the area in the last six months.

More than 99% of Luhansk has long been under Russian control.

Luhansk and Donetsk make up the wider industralised Donbas region.

Posted on 2026-04-01 17:25:13

The Ministry of Economic Affairs says state-run CPC has taken on an
additional cost of $6.5 billion U-S dollars, the equivalent of 207.5 billion
NT, in costs since the start of the Middle East conflict.

The ministry says it plans to propose a capital injection of about $167
billion NT for the CPC next year, with the proposal sent to the legislature
by August.

Officials say persistently high global oil and gas prices, along with rising
LNG procurement costs, are driving the increase, as Taiwan seeks to secure
supplies from alternative sources.

KMT lawmaker Ye Yuan-zhi (葉元之) noted that LNG shipments have become
significantly more expensive, with each tanker costing an extra one billion
NT.

Higher fuel costs are also impacting electricity generation, with TaiPower's
monthly costs rising by about $10 billion NT.

The ministry indicated the financial burden could persist as energy prices
remain elevated.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-01 17:25:13

A Nantou county environmental impact assessment meeting today again
encountered stiff opposition from opponents of the proposed Mingjian Township
incinerator project.

Critics from Nantou and other cities and counties turned up to today's
meeting to protest the proposal.

Opponents say that the incinerator should be built in a more populated
township for ease of transportation to and from the facility.

They also slammed the county government, saying that the proposed placement
in Mingjian was a unilateral decision and that residents were against the
proposal.

Local officials are at odds with the county government, accusing the Nantou
government of intentionally holding the meeting far from Mingjian despite
repeated complaints...

although county officials say that Mingjian lacks a suitable meeting venue.

Critics have also raised concerns about the impact on Mingjian's tea industry
and the endangered leopard cat.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-01 17:25:13

Taiwan High Speed Rail is launching a new in-cabin digital service that lets
passengers report problems directly to the train conductor.

Starting today, passengers can scan a QR code printed on the safety
instruction card found in the seat pocket in front of them.

The request goes directly to the conductor for immediate action.

Passengers are reminded that the digital system is for non-emergency reports
only.

HSR officials say the tool is part of an ongoing effort to promote a "quiet
cabin culture."

For situations involving infants or young children, the company says staff
will provide care and assistance following a family-friendly policy.

They are asking other passengers to remain understanding in those cases.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-01 17:25:13

Now turning to international news...

US President Donald Trump says, the military may end its offensive on Iran in
2 to 3 weeks.

This comes as US gas price exceeded an average of 4 dollars per gallon for
the first time since 2022.

He also said that he's planning to shift responsibility for the Strait of
Hormuz to countries that rely on it for oil and shipping.

Trump has been frustrated with allies who have not actively encouraged the US
and Israel's offensive on Iran.

Posted on 2026-04-01 17:25:13

Iraqi officials say a US journalist was kidnapped in Baghdad.

They're pursuing her captors.

The journalist was identified as freelancer Shelly Kittleson by an outlet she
worked for.

A US official blamed the Iran-backed Iraqi militia.

Iraqi officials say that two cars were involved in the kidnapping, one of
which crashed while being pursued.

Kittleson was then transferred to the second car that fled.

Posted on 2026-04-01 17:25:13

And,

Amsterdam is marking 25 years since the world's first same sex marriage.

3 couples tied the knot early this morning at the Dutch capital's city hall.

In the Netherlands, more than 36,000 same sex couples have married.

25 years on from the world's first, more than 40 countries now allow same-sex
marriages.

Yet, marriage equality is under attack in other parts of the world,
particularly in the US, where several states are actively seeking to undo
legal recognition of such marriages.

Meanwhile just this week in Senegal, the president signed a law to toughen
punishment for homosexuality.

Posted on 2026-04-01 16:17:13

The KMT ane TPP election alliance appears to be taking shape.

The KMT legislative caucus today announced more formal cooperation mesures
ahead of the November local elections to put forth the best candidates.

The opposition party said that they hoped to loosen the DPP's grip on power
by creating a stronger opposition union, as there's growing disconnect
between the central government and the realities faced by the public.

The KMT caucus stated that the two parties will cooperate both in the
legislature and campaign for each other in the local elections.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-01 16:17:13

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications is moving to increase
spending on accident prevention, as lawmakers question why rising fines have
failed to reduce accidents.

During a legislative hearing today, lawmakers pointed out that over
16-million traffic tickets were issued last year, but deaths and injuries
also increased to more than 530-thousand cases.

Under current rules, local governments receive 75-percent of the revenue from
traffic fines, but are only required to spend 12-percent of that on safety
equipment, enforcement training, and public awareness.

Transport Minister Chen Shih-kai said the government wants to increase the
mandatory spending to 30%.

He expects a draft of the new rules to be released in the first half of this
year.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-01 16:17:13

The Taipei Zoo is hosting a special holiday program this weekend to teach
children about animal behavior and welfare as part of the city’s Children’s
Day celebrations.

Keepers say the program encourages families to visit the African animal area
to observe young gorilla brothers Jabali and Ringo.

The zoo has placed climbing ropes, water buckets, and burlap bags in their
enclosure to hide food, which encourages the gorillas to stay active and
solve puzzles.

And the zoo is reminding the public that on April 4th, elementary school
students and one accompanying parent can enter the zoo for free.

To get the discount, families must show a "2026 Children's Month" map, which
has already been sent to all local schools and kindergartens.

Parents who do not have a map can pick one up at the Taipei City Hall
information desk or at participating venues while supplies last.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-01 16:17:13

In world news...

Iran has hit a tanker off the coast of Qatar and Kuwait International Airport
today.

It comes as Tehran acknowledged for the first time that Washington had been
in direct contact about a possible ceasefire.

Israel sounded warnings of incoming fire from both Yemen and Iran today,
while launching its own attacks in Lebanon that killed at least five people.

Meanwhile an airstrike on Tehran appeared to have hit the former U.S. Embassy
compound, which has been controlled by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard since the
1979 hostage crisis.

With no sign of the war abating and more than 3,000 lives already lost, U.S.
President Donald Trump suggested it could be over within two weeks even as he
moved to bring thousands more troops to the region.

Posted on 2026-04-01 14:07:13

DPP Lawmaker Puma Shen says, if his party taps him to run for Taipei Mayor,
he wouldn't turn it down.

Shen has been rumored to be the number 2 pick for the role, after Vice
Premier Zheng Li-jun.

Shen said this morning that the DPP election strategy committee has not
sought him out, despite being named several times in media reports.

The lawmaker noted that, at the moment, the issues he was following most
closely were arms procurement and the upcoming meeting between the leaders of
the KMT and CCP.

He said, he's focused on his work as a lawmaker...

but wouldn't rule out a run for mayor.

DPP Spokesperson Wu Zheng said last week that the election committee is
mulling over several nominations and is likely to finalize these decisions on
April 7th.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-01 14:07:13

Taichung prosecutors have indicted a poultry farm owner and three others for
burying and dumping thousands of dead chickens during an avian flu outbreak.

Prosecutors accused the four people of illegally disposing of around 2,300
dead chickens—by burying them on-site, dumping some on land in Miaoli, and
discarding others in a drain leading to the sea.

The group also sold eggs from chickens infected with H5N1 bird flu by hiding
the outbreak.

Prosecutors are seeking heavy sentences for the farm owner and the
accomplices, saying that their behaviors posed serious threat to public
health.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-01 14:07:13

Conflict broke out at a meeting this morning to address controversy over a
proposed incinerator project in Nantou county.

This is just the latest iteration of controversy to do with the incincerator
issue.

The county government last year proposed that a garbage incinerator be placed
in Mingjian township, an area that is heavily economically reliant on tea
cultivation.

Critics say that the site poses risks to both tea leaves and the critically
endangered leopard cat.

The meeting today saw protesters throw paper money and tea leaves, calling
for an end to the assessment, citing procedural oversight.

Today's meeting was part of the second phase of an environmental impact
assessment.

The meeting was originally scheduled for March 16th, but conflict prevented
the meeting from continuing.

Today, again, opponents from Nantou and other areas all showed up to voice
their strong opposition.

Magistrate Xu Shu Hua has downplayed public opposition to the project and
emphasized the need to build an incinerator as soon as possible.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-01 14:07:13

Taiwan shares are sharply up today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at
33174 after gaining 1451 points

The turnover was 616.1 billion NT

Posted on 2026-04-01 14:07:13

Hundreds of thousands of refugees in Bangladesh will see their food
assistance slashed based on changes made by the World Food Program.

The changes takes effect today, and is causing panic amonst the Ronhingya
refugees struggling to survive in overcrowded camps.

Currently, each of the over one million Ronhingya trapped in the camps gets
about 12 US dollars monthly.

But under the new system, the amount will vary based on the severity of
family needs, with some getting as little as 7 dollars monthly.

Most of the Rohingya in the camps fled brutal attacks by Myanmar's military
in 2017 and are legally barred from working in Bangladesh, leaving them
largely reliant upon humanitarian aid to survive.

The WFP has repeatedly warned that rations in the camps may be slashed as a
result of foreign aid cuts by the US.

Posted on 2026-04-01 13:06:13

The Transport Ministry has instructed Taiwan Railway Corporation to complete
investigations into recent incidents within three days and strengthen
accountability.

Minister Chen Shi-kai said TRC should also improve its standard operating
procedures regarding the replacement of equipment.

His remarks follow a electricity supply failure at Shan-jia (山佳) Station,
in New Taipei, on the 27th that affected 201 trains and delayed or
interrupted TRC services for nearly four hours.

Another incident on the 30th involved a shunting accident where a guide
signaled for the train to slow down about 100 meters before coupling—but the
message was not received.

The train failed to decelerate in time and crashed into the other train,
causing injuries to one worker and damage to both trains.

Chen stressed today that safety must be the top priority for all staff and
passengers.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-01 13:06:13

Air passengers are about to pay higher fuel surcharges due to increased
global oil prices.

The Civil Aviation Administration said today that for domestic airlines, fuel
surcharges on international flights departing Taiwan will rise sharply.

The C-A-A said short-haul routes will see an increase by $890 NT, while
long-haul routes will go up by some $2,300 NT.

That means a passenger traveling on China Airlines or E-V-A Air will pay a
fuel surcharge of around $3,700 NT for long-haul flights.

The adjustments will take effect on April 7th.

CAA officials said carriers should clearly disclose the new charges to
passengers and travel agencies, in a bid to avoid disputes.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-01 13:06:13

Under 16 Ban

In international news,

Australia's online safety watchdog is considering bringing court action
against Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube after alleging they
are not doing enough to keep Australian children younger than 16 off their
platforms.

Australia banned young children from holding accounts on 10 social media
platforms in December.

The first report from the eSafety commission about compliance with the law
was issued Tuesday.

While 5 million Australian accounts had been deactivated, a substantial
number of Australian children have retained accounts, created new accounts,
and passed platforms' age assurance systems, the report said.

It found significant concerns with the five platforms and was gathering
evidence against them before deciding whether to initiate court action.

The law also applies to Reddit, X, Kick, Threads and Twitch, but they aren't
under investigation.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-04-01 13:06:13

Pope Leo XIV (the 14th) has expressed hope that the U.S.-Israel war on Iran
could end before Easter.

The U.S.-born pope said Tuesday that he was told that U.S. President Donald
Trump wants to stop the war.

Leo said he hopes that means Trump is looking for an off-ramp.

The pope called on world leaders to return to dialogue to reduce violence, so
that "peace, especially in Easter, might reign in our hearts.''

The pope's remarks came during Holy Week, the most sacred period of the year
for Christians.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-04-01 13:06:13

Posted on 2026-04-01 08:09:14

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

A visiting delegation of members of the European Parliament's Committee on
Security and Defense have met with President Lai Ching-te ...

.. where they said Taiwan and Europe should continue to expand cooperation on
economic and security issues as they face common challenges in a
geopolitically volatile world.

The 11-member delegation arrived in Taiwan earlier this week for a four-day
visit.

Speaking during the meeting, commitee chair Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
said the trip was organized to show that Taiwan matters to Europe.

According to Strack-Zimmermann, the delegation believes cooperation between
Europe and Taiwan should continue to grow in practical ways, especially on
semiconductors, cybersecurity and supply chain security, critical
infrastructure, and industrial resilience.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the trip is focusing on talks covering
defense, infrastructure, and countering misinformation.

It also includes meetings with senior officials from the National Security
Council, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Institute for National
Defense and Security Research.

It's the first visit to Taiwan by the group since the body's transformation
to a full committee last year.

Posted on 2026-04-01 08:09:15

Premier Cho Jung-tai says rumors that deputy trade representative Yen Hui-xin
experienced workplace bullying before her death are being investigated.

Yen served as a deputy representative at the Office of Trade Negotiations and
died on March 12 at the age of 53.

The K-M-T had been calling for an investigation amid allegations Yen was a
victim of workplace bullying, particularly from Yang Jen-ni, who serves at
the Lai administration's top trade representative.

There have also been calls to remove Yang from her post pending the outcome
of the investigation into Yen's death.

According to Cho, a third-party investigator has been hired to look into the
workplace bullying claims and will submit a full report within two months.

The premier also says he hopes the investigation can be completed as soon as
possible in order the government be able to provide the public with
clarifications surrounding the circumstances of Yen's death.

Posted on 2026-04-01 08:09:15

A former aide to Ma Ying-jeou, during his term as president, has filed a
defamation complaint - citing AI-generated videos he says smeared his
reputation.

Speaking outside the Criminal Investigation Bureau's offices, King Pu-tsung
said the videos contained "false accusations and malicious attacks" and he
called on authorities to identify and punish those responsible.

King also threatened to take further legal action if necessary.

The law suit comes amid an ongoing dispute involving King linked to the Ma
Ying-jeou Foundation.

That dispute centers on the sudden departure of long-time foundation C-E-O
Hsiao Hsu-tsen and staffer Wang Kuang-tzu.

Ma has said the personnel changes arose from both internal complaints and the
foundation's own findings that involved "issues of financial discipline" and
evidence of that will be referred to judicial authorities.

King is denying receiving whistleblower materials in advance and says he was
asked by Ma to help handle the matter and had initially kept a low profile,
but ongoing "smears and attacks" forced him to speak out.

King is also rejecting reports of a "power struggle" at the foundation.

Posted on 2026-04-01 08:09:15

The Centers for Disease Control plans to purchase over million flu jabs for
its annual publicly-funded vaccination campaign.

That total include 200,000 enhanced vaccines for seniors in residential care
facilities.

According to C-D-C Director-General Philip Luo, the move comes as Taiwan saw
high demand for flu vaccines last year, when it purchased a total of
6.865-million doses.

Luo says the C-D-C will be purchasing a record 7.05 million doses of
trivalent flu vaccine for this year's free flu vaccination program in order
to provide coverage for around 30-per cent of the population.

The purchase has an estimated budget of 1.78-billion N-T and is expected to
be finalized later this month.

The C-D-C director-general says the government will once again be purchasing
trivalent vaccines for the fall flu season - meaning vaccines that protect
against two A and one B flu strains.

The government's annual publicly-funded flu vaccination campaign typically
kicks off in October - with eligibility initially limited to seniors, young
children and other high-risk groups.

Posted on 2026-04-01 08:09:15

The annual ChangeNOW Summit in Paris features a Taiwan pavilion for the first
time this year.

The pavilion highlights Taiwan's efforts in marine conservation and
sustainable innovation.

The "Taiwan House" was organized by Impact Hub Taipei, central government
agencies, the city of Taipei and N-G-Os.

It showcases projects aimed at protecting ocean ecosystems and promoting a
more sustainable future.

Speaking at the summit's opening ceremony, Taiwan's representative to France,
Hao Pei-chih said the pavilion demonstrates Taiwan's active role in global
sustainable development.

This year's event features national pavilions from Taiwan as well the
Netherlands and Ukraine.

Posted on 2026-04-01 08:09:15

And finally,

Olympic gold medal winning boxer Lin Yu-ting has made her long-awaited return
to the ring.

Lin had little trouble winning her first bout since the 2024 Paris Olympics
at the Asian Boxing Elite Boxing Championships.

She beat her Thai opponent in the women's 60-kilogram division round of 16.

Lin will next face top seeded, Ay-aka Ta-guchi of Japan in the quarterfinals.

Lin became entangled in a gender controversy at the 2024 Paris Olympics,
despite the International Olympic Committee confirming her eligibility to
compete as a female boxer.

World Boxing mandated a new regulation in August of 2025, that required all
athletes to undergo a P-C-R genetic test to determine their sex at birth and
their eligibility.

World Boxing's medical committee confirmed Lin's eligibility for the Asian
Championships last month after more than six months of appeals.

Posted on 2026-04-01 07:06:14

U-S Senator John Curtis says a planned meeting between President Donald Trump
and China's Xi Jinping is "not necessarily a bad thing for Taiwan."

Curtis said the proposed high-level talks "should not necessarily be viewed
as a bad or fearful development in Taiwan" ... as "the stronger the
relationship between the United States and China, the more protected Taiwan
is."

The Republican senator said if the U-S has a relationship with China, it is
far more likely that Beijing would act aggressively toward Taiwan.

Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen weighed in on about a planned meeting
between K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun and Xi Jinping next week by saying
dialogue "is a good thing."

But she added China should engage in dialogue with leaders across Taiwan's
political spectrum - and if "they're going to be talking to one party, then
they should be talking to all parties."

The lawmakers were wrapping up a brief two-day visit to Taiwan, which
included talks President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said the discussions focused on US-Taiwan
relations, regional security, and other matters of mutual interest.

Posted on 2026-04-01 07:06:14

South Korea's Yonhap News Agency says Seoul is taking steps to revise its
electronic arrival card following call from Taiwan to change the island's
designation.

The system so far lists Taiwan as "China (Taiwan)" in dropdown menus in its
new online entry system.

Reports say South Korea's foreign ministry now plans to remove the "previous
departure place" and "next destination" fields from the system.

The move comes after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here in Taiwan said it
would temporarily hold off on taking retaliatory adjustments, given South
Korea's ongoing review and its expectation of a positive response to its
concerns.

The foreign ministry had said it would consider retaliatory adjustments to
how South Korea is labeled in Taiwan's electronic arrival system if no
response from Seoul was received by March 31.

The Lai administration changed the designation of South Korean nationals in
alien resident certificates in retaliation for Seoul's mislabeling of Taiwan
in its e-arrival card system earlier this month.

That meant that A-R-C holders from South Korea were identified as being from
"South Korea" rather than the "Republic of Korea."

Posted on 2026-04-01 07:06:14

The K-M-T has named Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang as the party's
candidate for the Taichung mayoral election.

K-M-T Secretary-General Lee Chien-lung says Chiang beat lawmaker, Yang
Qiong-ying, in an average of multiple polls to win the nomination.

Lee did not disclose the results of these polls... which were held to decide
on a nominee after neither Chiang nor Yang agreed to drop out of the race
during negotiations.

Yang has told reporters that she respects the results of the polls and will
fully support Chiang.

Chiang is now expected to face D-P-P lawmaker Ho Hsin-chun in the November
election.

Posted on 2026-04-01 07:06:14

Premier Zhu Rong-tai says the government has asked C-P-C and the Formosa
Petrochemical Corporation to increase production of plastic bags due to
disruptions of global oil supplies caused by the US-Israel Iran war.

The move follows reports that the cost of 3-liter plastic bags has gone up in
price from 4 to 10 N-T, as a material shortages persists due to the ongoing
conflict.

As a result, the government has instructed C-P-C to make up for current
ethylene production shortfalls.

Zhu says the government will provide the required quantity of raw materials
to C-P-C later this month... the company is expected to boost its monthly
ethylene production from the current 60,000 metric tons to between 79,000 to
80,000 tons.

The government has also asked Formosa Petrochemical to increase production -
but the amount of increase has yet to be confirmed.

The Premier is also insisting that supply of petroleum and liquefied natural
gas is "almost stable" through June.

Posted on 2026-04-01 07:06:14

The New Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has indicted award-winning actor
Hsueh Shih-ling on charges of paying a syndicate to help him evade compulsory
military service.

Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of at least two years and six
months - citing attempts by Hsueh to mislead investigators.

They say Hsueh paid 300,000 N-T in 2011 to Chen Chih-ming -- the alleged
mastermind of a draft-evasion ring that helped conscripts obtain falsified
medical diagnoses.

Prosecutors says Chen coached Hsueh on techniques to artificially elevate
blood pressure readings during initial screenings.

During a follow-up exam at the Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital in
September of 2011, Hsueh allegedly handed off a 24-hour blood pressure
monitor to Chen, who wore the device to generate falsified data.

The manipulated results led to a diagnosis of "moderate hypertension,"
allowing Hsueh to secure an exemption from military service.

The indictment is the third wave of charges in a case that has implicated
dozens of individuals since investigations began in February of last year.

Posted on 2026-04-01 07:06:14

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che is London to attend the International Food & Drink
Event to promote products from his city.

A total of six Tainan companies are exhibiting their products at the Tainan
Pavilion.

Those products include processed fish items, fruits and juices to dried
fruits, buckwheat-related foods, tea and snacks.

During the opening, Huang said participation isn't just about showcasing
Tainan's high-quality products to the world... its also about building a
platform for companies to have better contact with local distributors and
retailers.

Fish and food processors from Tainan have signed a memorandum of
understanding on cooperation with a U-K importer, whose network covers
midscale to upscale supermarkets and restaurants in the U-K.

Posted on 2026-04-01 07:06:14

And,

EVA Airways and China Airlines have began enforcing new restrictions on
portable power banks -- limiting passengers to two devices in carry-on
luggage and banning their use for in-flight charging.

Starlux Airlines and Tigerair Taiwan are adopting the same rules starting
from today.

The policy follows updated safety guidance from the International Civil
Aviation Organization.

The Civil Aviation Administration had asked local airlines to roll out the
new standardized protocols.

The Taoyuan International Airport Corporation is said to be assisting with
public awareness efforts.

Lithium batteries and power banks remain banned from checked baggage due to
fire risks, while security checks will ensure compliance in carry-on luggage.

Airport retailers in restricted departure areas have also been asked to
inform customers of the two-device limit and the in-flight charging ban at
the point of sale.

Posted on 2026-04-01 07:06:14

The American Heart Association's released new nutrition guidance which
emphasises a dietary pattern rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains,
prioritizing plant-based protein over meat.

It also suggested limiting the use of sugar, salt and ultra-processed foods
and replacing full fat dairy with non-fat and low-fat dairy.

The AHA pushed for plant-based proteins such as legumes, nuts and seeds,
choosing low-fat or fat-free dairy, and, when consuming red meat, selecting
lean cuts, avoiding processed forms and keeping portions small.

The organisation further suggested Americans choose sources of unsaturated
fats, avoid ultraprocessed foods, and minimize intake of added sugars in
beverages and foods.

The guidelines are a contrast to the federal government's recommendation of
use of beef tallow and consumption of red meat -- but a spokesperson for the
Food and Drug Administration the new recommendations are aligned with them on
major issues.

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