In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang says Taiwan is expanding its long-standing
medical cooperation with Eswatini, with future efforts to focus on digital
health and artificial intelligence applications.

Shih made the remarks on the sidelines of a health forum in Taipei as
President Lai Ching-te is continuing a state visit to Southern Afican
kingdom.

According to Shih, in recent years, cooperation has expanded to building
healthcare information systems similar to those used in Taiwan, covering
services from outpatient registration to treatment and medication management.

The health minister says the next phase will center on adopting Fast
Healthcare Interoperability Resources, an international standard for medical
records that could help Eswatini develop AI-assisted healthcare systems.

Experts say Taoyuan International Airport has strong potential to become a
major transfer hub between Southeast Asia and North America.

According to the data from the Institute of Transportation, the airport
handled 22.1-per cent of the 9.82-million passengers traveling from Southeast
Asia to nine destinations in North America directly connected to the airport.

That figure was second only to Incheon International Airport's 23.6-per cent
and ahead of rivals including Tokyo's Haneda and Narita airports and Hong
Kong International Airport.

It's hoped that new routes to Europe and the U-S will boost Taoyuan
International Airport's transits capacity.

EVA Airways is set to launch direct flights to Washington, D.C., in July,
while Starlux will begin direct service to Prague in August.

C-P-C has once again opted to keep gasoline and diesel prices unchanged this
week as part of government efforts to ease the impact of rising international
crude oil prices amid continuing tensions in the Middle East.

It marks the fifth consecutive week that the state refiner has held fuel
prices steady.

The move means 92 octane unleaded remains at 32.4 N-T per liter, while the
price of premium diesel stays at 31 N-T a liter.

Since the US, Israel, Iran conflict broke out in late February, C-P-C has
absorbed an estimated 13.2-billion N-T in losses, as supports government
efforts to limit the impact of rising crude prices on consumers and
businesses.

And,

The Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation says it is carrying out inspections on
all of its trains to ensure passenger safety.

The statement comes after a glass partition inside a train on the Bannan Line
cracked Sunday morning.

No injuries were reported.

The incident occurred on a train traveling westbound from Yongning to Dingpu
and a passenger reported the damage via the onboard intercom.

The metro operator says the affected train was taken out of service and
returned to the depot for inspection and repairs.

According to company, an initial review suggests the damage may have been
caused by temperature changes or long-term wear, which led to uneven stress
on the glass.

President Lai Ching-te and Eswatini's King Mswati have reaffirmed diplomatic
ties.

Lai arriving in the African kingdom at the weekend... he was welcomed at the
airport by Eswatini's prime minister and foreign minister.

King Mswati later greeted Lai at the Mandvulo Grand Hall at Lozitha Royal
Palace with a military salute ceremony.

Lai and the king both mentioned the 58th anniversary of diplomatic relations
between their countries this year during a bilateral meeting and a joint
communique released after that meeting stated that both sides will continue
to strengthen ties and trade relations.

Neither Taiwan nor Eswatini has disclosed how Lai traveled to the kingdom.

The two leaders also witnessed the signing of an agreement on mutual
assistance in customs matters by Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and
his Eswatini counterpart during the meeting.

During his visit... President Lai Ching-te is said to have presented cattle
and Taiwan-themed cultural gifts to Eswatini's king.

Presidential Office spokeswoman Karen Kuo says Lai gave the king five cows to
the king and three to the queen mother, in line with local customs... where
cattle carry deep cultural significance.

Lai also presented several gifts highlighting Taiwan's cultural identity,
including a miniature model of a traditional fishing boat used by the Tao
people of Orchid Island, green tea from Luye Township, and porcelain
stackable tea cups inspired by Taipei 101.

Kuo says the gifts were chosen to convey Taiwan's blessings while showcasing
the country's Indigenous heritage and cultural creativity.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is defending its decision to announce
President Lai Ching-te's visit to Eswatini only after he arrived in the
country... saying the practice is not uncommon in international diplomacy.

It said out of consideration for both safety and diplomatic interactions...
announcing a head of state's visit to a country only after their arrival is a
"practice with many international precedents."

The ministry also said Lai's trip to Eswatini was conducted entirely in line
with international and Taiwanese law, and with diplomatic practices and
norms.

Lai announced his arrival in Eswatini in a social media post Saturday after
an earlier visit scheduled for April 22 was canceled due to reported
interference by China.

The government typically announces such trips before the president's
departure.

Lai reportedly traveled to the Kingdom on an Eswatini government jet that had
earlier brought Eswatini's deputy prime minister to Taiwan.

China's Foreign Ministry has accused Lai of "smuggling" himself out of Taiwan
on a "foreign plane" and warning that efforts to "collude with external
forces will not "change the fact that Taiwan is part of China."

participation

The government is slamming China after an annual digital rights conference
scheduled to be held in Zambia later this week was canceled at the last
minute following pressure from Beijing over Taiwan's presence.

The Cabinet's Department of Human Rights and Transitional Justice said
China's suppression of public- and private-sector participation in RightsCon
2026 was another attempt to isolate Taiwan internationally.

The department says the cancellation means Taiwan's civil society has lost an
opportunity to engage with the international community on digital human
rights issues ...

It added the incident underscores the need for Taiwan to work more closely
with international civil society to strengthen digital and democratic
resilience, and safeguard the values of freedom, democracy.

The 14th edition of RightsCon had been scheduled to take place in Lusaka from
tomorrow through Friday.

Police in Tainan have arrested an 83-year-old man after he set fire to a
relative's home, attacked three people with an axe, and stole an ambulance.

The city's Fire Bureau says the man attacked firefighters as they entered the
townhouse on Xinle Road in the city's South District.

Two emergency service personnel and one female resident of the building were
injured in the attack and taken to the National Cheng Kung University
Hospital for treatment.

The man ran out of the building and jumped into an empty ambulance before
fleeing the scene.

Police followed the stolen ambulance to the Yongkang District before pulling
it over and arresting the suspect.

Reports say the man was threatening police officers with the axe they
approached him, but was subdued with pepper spray and batons.

The suspect is in custody.

And,

The Highway Bureau says events held near the soon-to-open Danjiang Bridge
this past long weekend holiday drew large crowds.

The "2026 Danjiang Bridge Together Arts Festival" was organized ahead of the
bridge's official opening to traffic on May 12.

A concert on Saturday and a picnic event on Sunday attracted a combined
attendance of more than 150,000.

Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai attended Sunday's event, where he spoke
with visitors and vendors and was briefed on preparations for the bridge's
opening ceremony on May 9.

Chen says the bridge is expected to improve traffi, and boost tourism between
New Taipei's Tamsui and Bali districts, as well as along the north coast
area.

The weekend events are part of the third week of celebrations marking the
completion of the bridge.

Seven countries in the OPEC grouping of oil-producing countries — including
Saudi Arabia and Russia — say they’ve decided to a modest increase in
production starting in June as part of a commitment to “market stability.”

The commitment to raise production by 188,000 barrels per day comes after a
virtual meeting they held on Sunday.

The move is mostly symbolic because it comes as Iran blocks on the Strait of
Hormuz at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, where about a fifth of the world’s
trade in oil and natural gas typically passes in the midst of the
U.S.-Israeli war.

That blockage has knocked millions of barrels a day off the global market.

Police in eastern Austria say a 39-year-old suspect has been arrested after
rat poison turned up in some HiPP baby food jars on supermarket shelves in
central Europe.

The company recalled some of its baby food in Austria, the Czech Republic and
Slovakia after the case came to light last month. It said in a statement
Saturday it was “greatly relieved” by the arrest.
Authorities said previously they believe the tampering occurred in 6.7-ounce
jars of baby food made with carrots and potatoes for 5-month-olds that were
sold from SPAR supermarkets in Austria.

They also say the suspect was being questioned, and that no further details
would be immediately provided.

The World Health Organization says that a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a
cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has killed three people and sickened at
least three others.

In a statement to The Associated Press on Sunday, the WHO said an
investigation was ongoing but that at least one case of hantavirus had been
confirmed.

One of the patients was in intensive care in a South African hospital, the
U.N.’s health agency said, adding that it was working with authorities to
evacuate two other passengers with symptoms from the ship.

South African media reports said the outbreak happened on the MV Hondius
cruise ship while it was sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde off the coast
of West Africa.

The National Taxation Bureau says in-person counter services begin this
Monday, May 4th.

Residents can book an appointment up to 3 working days in advance through the
Ministry of Finance's e-filing website or by calling the toll-free line
0800-000-321.

Walk-ins can also use a same-day queue number service on the same websites to
reserve a spot before heading to the office.

The filing deadline is June 1st, when offices will stay open until 7 P-M.

Extended lunch-hour service will also be available from May 25th through the
29th and on June 1st.

(PB)

The Freeway Bureau says today's projected total traffic volume is 107 million
vehicle-kilometers, about 1-point-2 times the daily norm.

Congestion is expected on multiple freeway, with Freeway 5 southbound users
advised to wait until after 5 P-M.

Several on-ramps and junctions will be closed at various times throughout the
day, and high-occupancy vehicle restrictions will apply on Freeway 5
northbound from 1 to 6 P-M.

The bureau urges drivers to rest well, wear seatbelts, and avoid over-relying
on driver assistance systems.

(PB)

A former top U-S military intelligence official is calling on Taiwan's KMT
party to stop blocking the government's supplementary defense budget bill.

Michael Studeman, former intelligence chief of U-S Indo-Pacific Command, made
the remarks at a public event in Taipei on Friday.

Studeman urged K-M-T lawmakers and leaders to "be on Taiwan's side" and
advance the Cabinet's 1-point-25 trillion NT dollar defense budget proposal.

He warned that those working to thwart the bill risk doing, in his words,
"Beijing's work for them," and that delay only benefits China.

Studeman also said Taiwan risks losing the trust of the U-S and Indo-Pacific
partners if it fails to invest in its own defense.

The K-M-T and T-P-P, which together hold a legislative majority, have been
blocking the bill, arguing it would allow the government to bypass routine
oversight.

The K-M-T has put forward its own version earmarking 380-billion NT dollars.

Studeman says the full 1-point-25 trillion NT dollar bill, developed by
defense professionals based on Taiwan's needs, must pass as soon as possible.

(CNA-PB)

E-V-A Air says it has updated its uniform policy to allow cabin crew to wear
framed glasses and comfortable black leather shoes while on duty.

The airline says the changes are aimed at reducing health issues associated
with long-haul flights, including eye discomfort, herniated discs, and
varicose veins.

Previously, framed glasses were only permitted if a crew member could not
wear contact lenses due to a medical condition.

The new footwear rule allows any black leather shoe that meets safety and
comfort standards, dropping a previous requirement for heels of at least
2-point-5 centimeters.

E-V-A Air follows China Airlines, which began allowing framed glasses in
December 2025 and casual black athletic shoes in January, and Tigerair
Taiwan, which also started permitting glasses in January.

(CNA-PB)

China's U-N Ambassador Fu Cong says maintaining the Iran war ceasefire is an
urgent necessity, as US President Donald Trump prepares for a visit to
Beijing later this month.

Fu told reporters at the United Nations the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened
as quickly as possible, calling on Iran to lift its restrictions and the U-S
to end its naval blockade.

He expressed concern over recent remarks suggesting the ceasefire is
temporary and that a new round of attacks may be coming.

Fu said the international community should raise its voices against any
resumption of fighting.

On Trump's upcoming China visit, Fu said the strait will almost certainly be
on the agenda if it remains closed by then.

He also rejected U-S allegations of military cooperation between China and
Iran as false.

China currently holds the month-long presidency of the U-N Security Council,
with Foreign Minister Wang Yi set to chair a council session on May 26th.

(PB)

The Ministry of National Defense says it tracked 37 Chinese military
aircraft, naval vessels, and government ships operating around the Taiwan
Strait from 6AM Friday to 6AM today.

Of 29 detected P-L-A sorties, 15 crossed the median line, entering Taiwan's
northern, central, and southwestern airspace.

The incursions involved J-10 and J-16 fighters, K-J-500 early warning
aircraft, and drones, operating alongside naval vessels under the banner of
what Beijing calls "joint combat readiness patrols."

Six P-L-A warships and two government ships were also tracked in surrounding
waters.

The ministry says they maintained close surveillance throughout, and
shore-based missile systems and mission aircraft and vessels were deployed in
response.

(PB)

The Mainland Affairs Council says a Chinese student admitted to National
Taiwan University will be unable to enroll due to his residency status.

The boy came to Taiwan as a young child with his parents, who legally reside
and operate a business here.

He has studied in Taiwan since elementary school and was recommended to N-T-U
through the Stars Program by his senior high school in Nantou County.

But he turns 18 in August, at which point his status as a minor dependent
expires, making him ineligible to remain in the country.

The Mainland Affairs Council says no special exemption will be made, citing
fairness to others in similar situations.

Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) says current regulations leave no
room for flexibility.

The student's father says the boy has also been admitted to universities in
Hong Kong and Singapore.

China currently prohibits Chinese students from studying in Taiwan.

(CNA-PB)

The Eta Aquariid meteor shower reaches its peak Tuesday, but moonlight will
limit viewing conditions.

The Taipei Astronomical Museum says the shower, which originates from
Halley's Comet, is best viewed from 1:30 A-M until just before dawn.

Under normal conditions, the shower produces around 50 meteors per hour, but
this year a waning gibbous moon is expected to reduce that to fewer than 10.

The museum recommends finding an open area, facing away from the moon, and
lying back to take in as much of the sky as possible.

Later in the month, skywatchers can look for Saturn and Mars near a crescent
moon in the pre-dawn eastern sky on the 14th and 15th, and a
Venus-Jupiter-crescent moon grouping in the western evening sky on the 19th
and 20th.

(PB)

The United States is pulling 5-thousand troops from Germany after a public
dispute between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich
Merz over the Iran war.

Merz said earlier this week that Iran was humiliating the U-S in talks and
that Washington lacked an exit strategy, prompting sharp pushback from the
Pentagon.

A senior Pentagon official called the German remarks "inappropriate and
unhelpful," saying Trump was rightly reacting to counterproductive rhetoric.

The withdrawal is expected to take six to twelve months to complete, bringing
U-S troop levels in Europe back to roughly pre-2022 levels.

Germany currently hosts around 35-thousand U-S military personnel, more than
any other country in Europe.

Trump has also threatened troop withdrawals from Italy and Spain, and last
month warned of a full trade embargo on Madrid after Spain said it would not
allow its bases to be used to attack Iran.

A former Pentagon official warned the move risks further dividing the U-S and
Europe, with European leaders likely to push for greater defense
self-reliance.

(PB)

Australia's government says it is concerned about a growing mouse plague
affecting farms in the western state of Western Australia.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the government is working with industry to
reduce the plague's impact on local and overseas food supply.

Local media reports say mice have been infesting farms across Western
Australia's wheatbelt region, prompting grain producers to warn of crop
losses and call for access to stronger rodent poison.

Australia is the world's fourth-largest wheat exporter.

The country's worst mouse plague on record was in 1993, when rodents
destroyed thousands of hectares of crops and attacked livestock across the
country.

(PB)

Taiwan is seeing warm, sunny conditions on the second day of the Labor Day
long weekend, with southern areas expected to hit highs of 34 degrees Celsius
today.

Meteorologist Wu De-rong says the first cold front of the plum rain season is
set to arrive late Sunday night and into Monday morning.

The front will bring scattered showers and thunderstorms to central and
northern Taiwan through Tuesday, with brief rain also possible in the south.

Temperatures will drop island-wide, with northern Taiwan turning noticeably
cooler.

Conditions are expected to improve from Wednesday, with warm and sunny
weather returning, before a second plum rain front is forecast to affect
Taiwan next weekend.

Wu cautions that model forecasts for next week remain inconsistent and will
continue to be updated.

(PB)

The German Trade office Taipei says during the first quarter of the year,
Taiwan's exports to Germany jumped by over 28-percent, to reach 2.12 billion
US dollars.

Linda Blechert… the General Manager of DEInternational Taiwan… the service
unit of the German Trade Office… says Taiwan's growing exports reflect the
importance of the semiconductor industry.


Blechert adds that the growth of the semiconductor industry is also sparking
unprecedented interest in Taiwan, with companies deciding they must be near
of this global juggernaut.


That was Linda Blechert, General Manager of DEInternational Taiwan.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is visiting Hanoi Saturday to meet
Vietnamese leader To Lam, as the two countries work to strengthen ties amid a
sharp drop in Japanese investment.

New Japanese investment pledges in Vietnam fell around 75 percent in the
first quarter, to 233-million U-S dollars.

Takaichi is expected to push for improvements in Vietnam's business
environment, including concerns over delayed payments and access to large
infrastructure projects.

The two sides will also discuss energy, technology, critical minerals, and
regional stability under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,
established in 2023.

Despite the investment slowdown, bilateral trade rose 12-point-3 percent
year-on-year to 13-point-7 billion U-S dollars in the first quarter.

Takaichi will also meet her Vietnamese counterpart and deliver a speech at
Vietnam National University on Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy,
before traveling on to Australia.

(PB)

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has announced plans to reform the
military this summer, targeting chronic infantry shortages, low pay, and the
discharge of long-serving soldiers.

Zelenskiy says key details will be finalized in May, with reforms beginning
in June.

He promised higher wages for infantry troops, who face constant drone attacks
on the front line, and said non-combat pay should reach around 683 U-S
dollars a month, up one-third from current levels.

The reforms also include a new contract system with defined terms of service
and a transparent rotation policy, addressing widespread reports of soldiers
serving for months without relief.

Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov called the changes a systemic
transformation of the army.

Ukraine's military is estimated to have more than one million personnel, but
has been outmanned throughout the war against Russia, which launched its
full-scale invasion in 2022.

Peace talks mediated by the U-S remain stalled.

(PB)

Transportation agencies are urging holiday travelers to plan ahead on the
second day of the Labor Day long weekend.

The Freeway Bureau says 8 freeway sections are expected to see morning
congestion, including Freeway 1 southbound between Yangmei (楊梅) and Toufen
(頭份), and Freeway 5 southbound between the Nangang Junction (南港系統) and
Toucheng (頭城).

Drivers heading south on western freeways are advised to wait until after
noon to depart, while Freeway 5 southbound users should wait until after 5
P-M.

Meanwhile, the Highway Bureau is flagging 15 provincial highway sections for
potential congestion, including Highway 2 between Wanli (萬里) and Dawulun
(大武崙).

Both agencies are urging the public to use mass transit.

Intercity freeway bus fares are discounted 15 percent during the holiday,
with T-PASS 2-point-0 members eligible for combined savings of up to 40
percent.

(PB)

A magnitude 6-point-1 earthquake struck waters off Taiwan's northeast coast
Friday evening at 8:39 P-M.

The quake was centered about 38 kilometers east-northeast of Yilan County
Hall, at a depth of 98 kilometers.

Yilan, Hsinchu, Nantou, and Hualien counties recorded the strongest shaking,
at intensity level 4.

Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, and several other cities and counties felt level-3
intensity.

Lighter shaking was reported as far south as Tainan and Chiayi City, with
minor tremors reaching Kaohsiung and Pingtung.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

(PB)

Teachers marked their first-ever Labor Day holiday Friday by joining rallies
in Taipei and Kaohsiung to push for pension and pay reforms.

The National Federation of Teachers Unions called on the government to fully
fund public-sector pension reserves and align contribution rates between
public and private schools at 15 percent.

The National Education Industry Union welcomed the new holiday but warned of
growing workloads and called for stronger legal protections for teacher
salaries and benefits.

Teachers were granted Labor Day leave for the first time this year, following
a 2025 legislative amendment.

Across Taiwan, more than 100 labor groups joined May Day events, with around
7-thousand people rallying in Taipei alone.

The Taiwan Confederation of Trade Unions called for stronger retirement
protections and higher mandatory employer pension contributions.

The Ministry of Labor says it will continue gathering input and facilitating
dialogue among stakeholders.

(CNA-PB)

US President Donald Trump says he is not satisfied with Iran's latest
diplomatic proposal, signaling the deadlock from the two-month-old war is
likely to continue.

Trump told reporters Iran was asking for things he could not agree to, though
he said phone negotiations are ongoing.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran is ready for diplomacy if
Washington drops what he called its excessive approach and threatening
rhetoric.

The war began with U-S and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28th, and has
killed thousands of people.

A ceasefire has held since April 8th, but the two sides have yet to agree to
a second meeting after brief talks in Islamabad last month.

Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has cut off roughly 20 percent of
global oil and gas supplies, with Brent crude trading around 109 U-S dollars
a barrel.

Separately, the U-S announced it is withdrawing 5-thousand troops from
Germany, after tensions with Berlin over the conflict.

(PB)

World Health Organization member states have extended negotiations on a key
section of last year's pandemic treaty, casting doubt on when the agreement
can take effect.

The sticking point is the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing annex, which
governs how countries share disease samples and ensures equitable access to
vaccines and treatments in return.

Without a deal on that section, the broader pandemic accord cannot enter into
force.

W-H-O chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged member states to keep working
with urgency, warning the next pandemic is a matter of when, not if.

The World Health Assembly will take up the issue later this month and is
expected to authorize continued talks, with a final agreement due no later
than May 2027.

(PB)

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

The average speed is around 19 kilometers an hour.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(JL)

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



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



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



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



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



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

(CNA)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trump–Xi meeting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In world news...

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

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

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

Rising energy prices and living costs are major concerns.

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

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

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

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

Uniformed men sit around the low table.

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

She has not been seen publicly since then.

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