ICRT

Posted on 2026-11-11 19:07:13

The Legislative Yuan has used artificial intelligence to read proposed
legislation aloud for the first time, completing a task in 70 minutes that
would normally take staff more than two hours.

The Legislature's Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee used AI
to read 15 versions of proposed amendments to the Dementia Basic Act before
beginning its review on Wednesday.

Committee chair Chen Ching-hui (陳菁徽) says the AI initially read at
one-and-a-half times normal speed before increasing to double speed after
lawmakers found it easy to follow.

Chen hopes the trial will pave the way for wider use of AI in the Legislature.

The idea followed an incident in 2024, when Chen lost her voice and used an
AI-generated version of it to question Premier Cho Jung-tai during a plenary
session.

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu has since encouraged lawmakers to explore
further applications of the technology.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-11-11 19:07:13

New Taipei's annual Christmasland festival will open this Friday, featuring
festive light displays, holiday markets and special performances.

The city government says this year's attractions include a giant Christmas
tree outside City Hall in Banqiao, along with a tunnel of lights and
artificial roses connecting City Hall to the Mega City department store.

Laser shows will also illuminate the City Hall facade, while a giant
inflatable display featuring characters by Japanese illustrator Kanahei has
already been drawing visitors.

Christmas markets selling food and souvenirs will operate daily at New Taipei
City Plaza and Banqiao Station Plaza, with an additional market at Fuzhong
Plaza on weekends.

Special events include a children's circus carnival this weekend, a
snowball-fighting competition on November 22nd, a German Christmas market in
early December and celebrity performances on December 12th and 13th.

The festival will run through December 27th.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-11-11 19:07:13

Portugal has closed all schools nationwide for the first time due to a storm
forecast.

The government has also shut non-essential public services and urged
residents to stay home as Storm Charles threatens the mainland with wind
gusts of up to 140 kilometers per hour and rough seas.

Some streets in Lisbon have already flooded, while a major supermarket chain
has closed its stores.

An international technology conference in the capital has also canceled
events ahead of the storm, which is expected to reach Portugal's Atlantic
coast on Wednesday afternoon and evening.

Posted on 2026-11-11 19:07:13

Russian and Ukrainian delegations are holding a second day of U-S-brokered
talks in Abu Dhabi aimed at ending the war, which began with Russia's
full-scale invasion nearly five years ago.

The discussions, mediated by U-S envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff,
began on Tuesday and are focusing on humanitarian issues, including prisoner
exchanges and the return of Ukrainian civilians and children.

U-S Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the first day's discussions as
"very productive," but cautioned that reaching a breakthrough would take
time.

Meanwhile, fighting continues, with both sides carrying out missile and drone
attacks.

Posted on 2026-11-11 19:07:13

Kenya has discharged its last Ebola patient, starting a 42-day countdown to
being declared free of the disease.

The country recorded nine cases in October after an infected traveler arrived
from neighboring Uganda, having traveled from the outbreak's epicenter in
Congo.

Two people died, while seven recovered.

Kenya's health minister says the countdown is expected to end on December 23,
although prevention measures will remain in place.

The wider regional outbreak has recorded more than 11,000 cases since May,
with Congo bearing the brunt.

The crisis has prompted tighter border controls and travel restrictions,
including Saudi Arabia's suspension of visas for Kenyan workers.

Posted on 2026-11-11 17:14:13

The ROC Air Force says mechanical brake failure caused an Brave Eagle jet
trainer to overrun a Gangshan runway.

Officials say both the flight instructor and student officer aboard the jet
escaped without injuries during Tuesday's training incident.

The incident marked the first severe mechanical failure that led to an
aircraft skidding past runway limits, although the Air Force says nine
brake-related events occurred on the aircraft over three years.

Defense officials promised comprehensive maintenance reviews to resolve
recurring aircraft brake safety concerns.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-11-11 17:14:13

Taiwan's National Immigration Agency has responded to an online controversy
over a Chinese tourist's entry permit application ...

... which was reportedly returned because a hotel booking listed the
destination as "China, Taiwan".

The applicant, a Chinese national living overseas, also claimed authorities
demanded a handwritten statement recognizing Taiwan as a sovereign,
independent country, with neither side subordinate to the other.

The agency says it reviews applications under Taiwan's cross-strait
regulations and can reject those involving deliberate attempts to undermine
Taiwan's dignity.

It says the applicant was asked to correct documents in accordance with
existing regulations.

Officials say they will improve their wording to avoid unnecessary
misunderstandings.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-11-11 17:14:13

U.S. federal employees will be able to train and work in Taiwan under a new
program aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

The American Institute in Taiwan says an agreement to implement the Taiwan
Fellowship Program was signed Tuesday in the United States.

Participants will receive up to one year of intensive Mandarin training and
regional studies.

They are then expected to spend up to another year working in Taiwan's
legislative offices, ministries, other government agencies or organizations
outside government.

AIT says the program will deepen U.S. officials' understanding of Taiwan and
cross-strait issues, while building lasting professional relationships.

The announcement did not specify how many people would participate each year.

Congress authorized the program through legislation enacted in 2022.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-11 17:14:13

Premier Cho Jung-tai says only about 20 percent of universities have
completed dormitory renovations under a government program, and many more
schools are waiting for improvements.

Cho says the government will continue helping universities upgrade their
facilities, making dormitories more than just places to sleep.

Some now have gyms and shared kitchens where students from different
countries can cook together and learn about each other's cultures.

Cho says better living conditions can also help students do better in school,
especially those living away from home for the first time.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-11-11 17:14:13

Congo's Ebola outbreak has become the country's deadliest on record ...

... with over 11-thousand infections and almost 4 thousand 400 deaths
reported as of Wednesday.

The outbreak began in mid-May, but authorities are struggling to contain the
disease amid armed conflict, poor roads, a strained health system and attacks
on medical workers.

The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved vaccine or
specific treatment, and has spread across eight provinces.

Health experts are calling for stronger containment efforts as cases have
also been reported in Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria.

Posted on 2026-11-11 17:14:13

The African Union's top envoy to South Sudan has urged the United Nations to
help ensure a peaceful election scheduled for December 22nd, warning that a
poorly managed vote could trigger a wider crisis.

The envoy appealed for security reforms and greater political dialogue.

South Sudan has repeatedly delayed elections since gaining independence in
2011.

Despite a 2018 peace agreement, violence and displacement continue, raising
concerns about whether the country is ready to hold a credible and inclusive
vote next month.

The U-N and other international observers have also questioned the election's
timing and preparations.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with millions of people
in need of assistance.

Posted on 2026-11-11 17:14:13

Spain is facing its first general strike in 14 years, with widespread
disruption expected across the country ahead of a national election on
November 29th.

The Wednesday walkout is expected to affect public transport and slow or shut
down businesses, factories and shops across the eurozone's fourth-largest
economy.

Workers, activists and political groups are taking part, but they have
different priorities and demands, highlighting divisions over the country's
future as the election approaches.

Posted on 2026-11-11 15:21:13

Taiwan hopes to secure U.S. Senate approval of double-taxation relief
legislation before December twentieth.

Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun (莊翠雲) says Taiwan's representative office in
Washington is pushing for passage before Congress wraps up its year-end work.

The House passed the legislation in January last year, but Chuang says Senate
approval remains pending.

Another option is to attach the measure to a more urgent bill that could pass
both chambers.

The legislation would reduce double taxation affecting businesses and workers
operating across Taiwan and the United States.

Chuang says officials on both sides have continued discussing the details of
a future tax agreement and have broadly reached consensus.

But the December target remains a goal, with no vote announced in her remarks.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-11 15:21:13

The Central Election Commission is urging people to check suspicious audio
and video ahead of Taiwan's November 28th vote.

It warns that AI-generated fakes are becoming increasingly realistic and
could influence the elections.

The commission has released four online videos covering misinformation,
voting procedures and the referendum being held alongside local elections.

It recommends using fact-checking services to verify questionable content,
and its own website for official election information.

Polling stations will open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The minimum voting age is 20 for local elections and 18 for the referendum,
with other eligibility requirements also applying.

The referendum asks whether the government should use nuclear power to boost
the economy and end its nuclear-free homeland policy.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-11 15:21:13

The DPP legislative caucus says evidence is needed to determine whether
espionage allegations linked to Nvidia chief Jensen Huang involve breaches of
Taiwan's technology controls.

Caucus secretary-general Chuang Jui-hsiung says investigators must establish
whom Huang Le met in Taiwan and whether she obtained trade secrets.

Huang Le, also known as Alice Huang, is the woman reportedly involved in
Jensen Huang's acknowledged extramarital affair.

Premier Cho Jung-tai says authorities have entry and exit records and will
use them to cross-check investigators' findings.

Chuang says expressions of confidence from U.S. President Donald Trump cannot
replace evidence.

Nvidia says it has no reason to believe company secrets or U.S. national
security were compromised, but has launched an independent investigation.

China denies the espionage allegations.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-11 15:21:13

The U.S. House has blocked an immediate vote to impeach Defense Secretary
Pete Hegseth.

Lawmakers voted 211 to 204 to send eight impeachment articles to the
Republican-led Judiciary Committee, effectively sidelining the effort.

Republican Thomas Massie brought the measure, accusing Hegseth of unlawfully
ordering military operations, including the war in Iran.

Hegseth rejects the allegations and says his orders were lawful.

President Donald Trump welcomed the result and defended his Pentagon chief.

But the issue could return when Democrats take control of Congress in January.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries says he will discuss a possible new
impeachment effort with colleagues.

Tuesday's vote was a procedural decision, not a ruling clearing Hegseth of
wrongdoing.

Posted on 2026-11-11 15:21:13

Iran has designated Argentina's navy and air force as terrorist organizations.

Its Foreign Ministry says the move responds to Argentina's designation of
Iran's Revolutionary Guard earlier this year.

The ministry says Argentina will bear responsibility for any consequences,
but did not explain what those might be.

Its statement made no mention of Argentina's army.

Argentina cited the Revolutionary Guard's support for Hezbollah when
announcing its decision.

Buenos Aires blames Hezbollah for the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish
community center, which killed 85 people and injured hundreds.

The Revolutionary Guard is an elite military force that protects Iran's
clerical leadership and controls large parts of its economy.

Posted on 2026-11-11 15:21:13

Turkey is pushing for a global electricity target at COP31, as world leaders
prepare to address the climate summit today.

The proposal would raise electricity's share of global energy use to 35
percent by 2035, up from just over a fifth.

But it does not require the additional power to come from clean sources,
raising questions about its climate benefits.

Delegates from nearly 200 countries are meeting in Antalya, with talks also
seeking progress on moving away from fossil fuels.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is calling for clear timelines for
that transition.

Leaders' speeches continue through Thursday, with implementation of existing
climate commitments a central focus.

The United States is not sending an official delegation for the second
consecutive year.

Posted on 2026-11-11 14:57:13

The Civil Aviation Administration says it will keep the current fuel
surcharge system despite calls to ease rising travel costs.

Surcharges on Taiwanese airlines' international flights have increased for
four consecutive months.

The latest rise took effect Sunday, bringing charges to 40 U.S. dollars for
short-haul routes and 104 dollars for long-haul routes.

The charges apply per flight segment.

Short-haul routes cover most of Asia, while India and the Middle East fall
under the long-haul category.

DPP lawmaker Hsu Chih-chieh (許智傑) is urging the administration to consider
absorbing some costs to slow further increases.

But administration chief Ho Shu-ping (何淑萍) says fuel is a major airline
expense, and surcharges adjust as oil prices rise or fall.

She says the existing system will remain in place.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-11 14:57:13

Taiwan's financial regulator says it will require financial institutions to
strengthen cybersecurity following unauthorized transfers from Bank SinoPac
accounts.

The November third incident affected 418 customers, involving nearly
42-million N.T. in transfers.

The bank says hackers exploited a weakness in a system supplier's security
settings.

It says all affected funds have been returned.

Financial Supervisory Commission Vice Chairman Chen Yen-liang (陳彥良) says the
attack involved the middle layer of the bank's systems.

He says banks have heavily protected customer-facing services and core
transaction systems, but need comprehensive protection across all layers.

The Criminal Investigation Bureau is investigating whether responsibility
lies with the bank or its supplier.

Lawmakers also questioned whether existing security requirements and
accountability measures are effective.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-11 14:57:13

Taiwan is preparing to transfer consular services to a nearby overseas
mission as it closes its office in Papua New Guinea.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the mission taking over those duties has
yet to be selected.

Nearly 100 members of Taiwan's expatriate community live in the country.

The ministry says assistance will continue through nearby missions and local
community networks.

Office staff are being reassigned, while some remain temporarily to complete
withdrawal arrangements.

Taiwan's technical mission will also withdraw.

Taiwan announced the closure last Friday, along with an end to technical
cooperation and aid programs.

That followed renewed demands from Papua New Guinea for Taiwanese personnel
to leave.

The ministry blames Chinese pressure for the move.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-11-11 14:57:13

Year

In international news,

Regional diplomats say China and Southeast Asian countries have made progress
on a South China Sea pact but won’t be able to conclude negotiations this
year as agreed.

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations began negotiating the
so-called "code of conduct" in 2005...

...to prevent occasional confrontations in the disputed waters from turning
into a major conflict that could threaten Asia's economies.

The accord mainly calls for self-restraint and discourages aggressive acts
that could spark clashes in the key global trade route.

The diplomats said today that negotiators have provisionally agreed on about
80% of the paragraphs in the agreement.

They said the remaining issues are geographical scope, sensitive definitions,
and whether the agreement should be legally binding.

China and four ASEAN member states — Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and
Vietnam — along with Taiwan have been locked in decades-long territorial
standoffs in the busy waterway,...

...which is also believed to be sitting atop undersea deposits of oil and gas.

The contested territory has also become a sensitive front in the U.S.-China
rivalry in the region.

(KK)

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

Taipower says a fire at the Third Nuclear Power Plant has no impact on
operational safety.

The fire broke out this morning at a recycling facility inside the plant in
Pingtung County.

Emergency crews brought the fire under control within 45 minutes with no
injuries reported on the scene.

Taipower emphasizes that the recycling station is located far from the
reactor core, and posed no safety risk.

Authorities confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway to determine
the exact cause of the industrial fire.

(NS)

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

The Food and Drug Administration is launching a safety re-evaluation
Wednesday for GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes medications.

The review follows updated U.S. FDA alerts requiring product labels to warn
of rare optic neuropathy and sudden vision loss.

Taiwan currently approves three prescription GLP-1 ingredients for medical
weight management, and health authorities have recorded 63 adverse GLP-1
reaction reports this year, including severe gastrointestinal issues and
acute low blood sugar.

The FDA is reminding the public that weight-loss injections require formal
medical evaluation and cannot be legally purchased online.

Authorities are also pledging to block illegal online sellers and intercept
unauthorized drug shipments.

(NS)

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

Asian shares are mostly higher Wednesday, following a retreat on Wall Street
as U.S. inflation rose higher than expected in October.

The benchmark Taiex rose 1,545 points to end the session at 44,257.

The turnover was 849 billion NT.

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

Spain’s general strike today brings clashing social and political desires to
the fore ahead of a national election on November 29 that could catapult the
far right to power.

The strike by millions of workers is expected to cause delays to the
widely-used public transport system and lead to the slowdown or shuttering of
businesses, factories, and shops across the country.

Workers and activists, galvanized by the eviction of an 87-year-old woman
from her longtime home and her subsequent death, want more government action
on housing,...

...including the elimination of tourist apartments, a crackdown on real
estate speculation, and protection for renters in the form of automatic
renewals of leases.

They are joined by Spain's two main unions, which also want a new minimum
wage agreement.

The two main parties on the right are against any government intervention in
the housing market other than incentivizing the construction of new homes.

(KK)

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

In South Korea, fire officials say a commuter bus struck more than 30
vehicles stopped at a traffic light during the morning rush hour today.

The crash in Seongnam (suhng-nahm), just south of Seoul, injured dozens of
people.

According to the fire department, at least 57 people were being treated for
injuries, including nine who were seriously hurt, although none were in
life-threatening condition.

The bus collided with 32 vehicles before slamming into a median strip.

The bus driver tested negative in a breathalyzer test and told investigators
that the brakes had failed.

(KK)

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

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) reported consolidated sales for
October up nearly 60 percent from a year earlier.

The contract chipmaker posted consolidated sales of nearly NT$587 billion
(US$17.81 billion), up just under 60 percent from a year earlier and 14.7
percent from September.

The October figure surpassed the previous monthly record of NT$514.81 billion
set in August.

Analysts attributed the growth to strong global demand for artificial
intelligence (AI) applications.

In the first 10 months of 2026, TSMC's consolidated sales rose 43.3 percent
from a year earlier to NT$4.49 trillion.

TSMC has since raised its full-year sales growth forecast to about 44 percent
in U.S. dollar terms, up from its July projection of slightly more than 40
percent growth.

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

The Civil Aviation Administration says, it will ban the use of heated tobacco
products on flights starting next month.

Penalties will include up to 5 years in prison or a fine of up to 150,000 NT.

The CAA says, the change was intended to comply with the Tobacco Hazards
Prevention Act and address potential safety risks associated with newer
tobacco and nicotine produts.

The CAA says, using vapes and other such products could create fire and smoke
hazards and increase aircraft maintenance costs.

The changes will go into effect on December 1st.

Passengers will be prohibited from using heated tobacco products at any point
during a flight.

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

Now turning to international news...

US authorities have charged three man with plotting a string of anti-semitic
attacks in Europe and the US.

The three suspects are also believed to have planned an attack on a British
airbase used by the US Air Force.

That's after a group of men were detained on suspected explosives and
terrorism offenses after three suspicious vans were spotted traveling towards
a British air base where US bombers were stationed in September.

One of the suspects allegedly made the plans from a prison in New York, using
coded language in phone calls to family to pass messages encouraging
associates to carry out the air base bombing.

The indictment accuses Iran-backed operatives of planning nearly 20 terror
strikes on Jewish communities in Europe and the US.

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

Lebanese officials say, a former Iraqi lawmaker has been found dead in an
apartment in Lebanon.

Ahmed Al-Alwani had just arrived from Iraq last week.

He had been staying in a hotel but later moved to an apartment.

Police found him dead Monday night local time, having been hit on the head
and strangled.

Authorities are questioning the taxi driver who picked him up from the
airport and are searching for those who rented the apartment.

Al-Alwani was jailed in Iraq for over a decade on terrorism charges and was
released last year.

Posted on 2026-11-10 17:17:14

KMT Kaohsiung mayoral candidate Ke Zhi-en (柯志恩) has proposed giving city
residents priority access to concert tickets, a suggestion Mayor Chen Qi-mai
(陳其邁) today dismissed as a "whimsical idea."

Ke said she's given the proposal much thought, and consulted leaders in the
entertainment sector, including pop star A-mei's manager Chen Zhen-chuan
(陳鎮川).

Drawing on their practical experience, she proposed the "Concert Economy 2.0"
initiative, which includes offering venue rental discounts to encourage
real-name ticketing systems and establishing a mechanism to monitor hotel
accommodation prices.

Ke stressed that while major concerts attract fans from outside Kaohsiung and
generate substantial economic benefits, local residents also bear the costs
of traffic congestion, environmental pressures, and disruptions to daily
life.

She said the city government should consider how to protect residents'
opportunities to attend concerts while continuing to expand tourism-related
economic benefits.

Mayor Chen, on the other hand, said candidates should better understand the
complexities of the concert industry before putting forward policy proposals.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-11-10 17:17:14

New Taipei City's Labor Inspection Office is warning logistics and freight
companies against overworking delivery drivers as the November 11th Singles'
Day shopping festival triggers a surge in online orders.

The office says drivers face heavy workloads from loading and unloading large
volumes of packages and navigating complicated delivery routes.

It is reminding employers that drivers must not work more than 12 hours a
day and must be given at least one regular day off every seven days.

Companies must also ensure sufficient rest between shifts and pay overtime at
legally required rates if drivers work additional hours.

Companies found violating the Labor Standards Act could face fines of up to
$1 million NT, and the names of offenders may also be made public.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-11-10 17:17:14

The United States is to become the first country to skip a regular review of
its human rights record at the U.N.'s Human Rights Council.

The Trump administration withdrew from the council last year, accusing it of
bias against the U.S. and Israel.

The council reviews all 193 U.N. member states' rights records every three to
four years.

The United States, under Trump, already skipped its appointment for its
review a year ago.

The scheduled November 2025 review was pushed back until Tuesday in hopes
that the U.S. government might change its mind. It didn't.

Critics warn this could encourage other countries to ignore scrutiny.

The American Civil Liberties Union urges the U.N. to hold the U.S.
accountable for its human rights record.

Posted on 2026-11-10 17:17:14

British author John Harrison has won the 2026 Booker Prize for his novel,
"The End of Everything."

It's a dystopian satire that the prize says probes the limits of ‌human
understanding, becoming the oldest winner in the literary award's history at
age 81.

Harrison's 13th novel follows a man and his elderly aunt on England's south
coast years after social order has broken down.

The Booker judges unanimously selected the book, saying it "turns you upside
down, raises a wry smile and, surprisingly, given the subject matter, leaves
you with a twinge of optimism."

The victory was the first Booker Prize for Harrison, whose career as a
novelist spans six decades and includes acclaimed science fiction and
fantasy works.

Posted on 2026-11-10 13:11:13

The Ministry of Economic Affairs has reiterated its plan to increase supplies
of cooking oil, saying it has reduced tariffs on imported oil and will import
an additional 5-thousand metric tons by the end of the year.

The move comes after a shortage of cooking oil surfaced across the island,
with many restaurateurs, vendors and food processing businesses reporting
difficulties in getting enough supplies.

The shortage stems from the shutdown in July of Central Union Oil, one of
Taiwan's biggest soybean oil suppliers,
after its products were found to contain traces of a carcinogen.

The M-O-E-A said it has already asked three domestic manufacturers to
increase their combined production by 4,400 metric tons per month.

It's also working with Taiwan Sugar to accelerate crude oil procurement and
expand its refining capacity, potentially adding another 700 metric tons to
monthly supplies starting in December.

Economics Minister Gong Ming-xin urged businesses facing cooking oil
shortages to contact his Ministry' Small and Medium Enterprise
Administration. through its hotline. at 0800-280-280.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-11-10 13:11:13

The Hua-lian County government is touting its tourist attractions, saying it
ranks first nationwide in the amount of domestic travel subsidies applied for
under the central government's program.

The County also ranks first in total funding allocated to support the tourism
industry, with total room sales exceeding $400 million NT.

To boost tourism recovery, Hualien County has combined central government
domestic travel subsidies with its own additional subsidy program to attract
more visitors.

Officials say the policy has proven to be successful, as over 150-thousand
individual travelers have applied for the subsidies since the program started
on September 1st.

They also express thanks to the businesses that have been most proactive and
successful in helping travelers apply for subsidies, including Lakeshore
Hotel Hualian, Hualien Hoya Resort and Parkview Hotel.

The County government is reminding travelers that its additional subsidy
program will continue until funding runs out, with an announcement expected
two weeks before the program ends.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-11-10 13:11:13

China says its trade surplus exceeded $1 trillion US dollars for a 2nd
straight year.

Customs figures released today showed exports in October surged 35% from a
year earlier, driven by strong demand for high-tech goods like computer chips
and autos.

Imports also rose year-on-year. Between January and October, China logged a
$1 trillion-dollar trade surplus.

Experts say Chinese exports are expected to remain strong, but growth may
slow next year.

The surge in exports has led some countries to raise tariffs or impose other
protective measures.

Strong exports have helped to offset weak consumer demand in China’s own huge
market.

Posted on 2026-11-10 11:18:13

Employers that pay workers below Taiwan's minimum wage will face cumulative
fines for repeat violations beginning Jan. 1, 2027, with fines for listed
companies, medical centers and other specified entities set at a minimum of
NT$50,000 (US$1,522).

The Ministry of Labor announced the move after criticism from labor groups
over inconsistent penalty standards among local governments, which they said
could undermine minimum wage protections.

The fine structure was unveiled after the MOL revised the guidelines for
imposing fines under the Labor Standards Act and the Minimum Wage Act to
ensure more consistent enforcement nationwide.

Workers who discover employers violating labor laws or paying wages below the
statutory minimum wage can file complaints with local labor authorities or
call the 1955 labor hotline.

Posted on 2026-11-10 11:18:13

17 year old Chen Pin An has become Taiwan's first male archer to secure a
podium finish at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.

Chen won a silver medal in the men's recurve event but went on to lose 4-6
against a French opponent in the gold medal match.

Chen said he was regretful that he couldn't secure gold, but emphasized his
improvements compared to where he was before.

Chen has been training in archery since elementary school.

He said he was delighted to win an individual medal at the Youth Olympics and
hoped to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Chen thus becomes the first Taiwanese male archer to win a Youth Olympic
medal and the second Taiwanese competitor to achieve that feat, following Tan
Ya-ting's 譚雅婷silver in the women's recurve in 2010.

Posted on 2026-11-10 11:18:13

Visitors to the Taipei Zoo will have the chance to watch African penguins
leave their enclosure and waddle along a designated visitor pathway next
week.

The zoo says that African penguins in captivity are at risk of developing
bumblefoot, a common condition among penguins...

due to factors like insufficient exercise and excessive weight, which can put
sustained pressure on their feet.

As a result, the zoo has scheduled a 15 minute walk starting at 9:30am on
November 19th...

as long as temperatures stay below 24 degrees Celsius.

Posted on 2026-11-10 11:18:13

Now turning to international news,

The recent cancellation of planned trade talks between Malaysia and Taiwan
has highlighted strains in bilateral ties following the Malaysian Prime
Minister's "One China" remarks.

Industry leaders are warning of potential repercussions for semicondcutor
investment.

Nikkei Asia reports that the talks on expanding bilateral trade were
scheduled for late last month but Malaysian officials say that Taipei shelved
them,

That's as diplomatic tensions with Malaysia have risen in recent months...

as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in August said that he sees Taiwan, quote,
"as part of China, period."

He went on to compare the situation between Taiwan and China to a Malaysian
state attempting to secede.

Following those remarks, the Taiwanese foreign ministry warned that support
for China may impact Taiwanese businesses' plans to invest in Malaysia.

Anwar then backtracked, emphasizing the importance of a "peaceful resolution."

Despite that, officials here in Taipei say that Kuala Lumpur had made little
to no effort to address their concerns.

The cancellation of the talks highlights Malaysia's challenge in balancing
closer relations with China and deeper economic ties to Taiwan.

Posted on 2026-11-10 11:18:13

A Honduran court has postponed a verdict in a sex-trafficking case which has
highlighted issues of impunity and corruption in Honduras.

Four men are on trial in the case linked to the 2022 disappearance of Angie
Pena.

A verdict in the case has been delayed to November 20th.

The case has exposed a criminal network that facilitates widespread gender
violence in the country.

Critics says that postponing the verdict "fuels the perception of impunity,
increases public distrust in state security institutions, and prolongs the
suffering and vulnerability of affected families.

Lawyers for Penas family have questioned the lack of transparency of the
investigation and trial.

Peña disappeared in 2022, after taking a Jet Ski ride while on vacation with
her family.

Initially, authorities investigated her disappearance as a possible accident,
but the case expanded into a trafficking investigation after the Jet Ski she
used was found in Belize.

Posted on 2026-11-09 19:53:13

The Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office says human remains found in a
plastic bag may belong to the sister-in-law of a man sentenced to death for
three murders.

A fisherman discovered the remains near Chenggong Bridge on November 5th.

The bag was tied to a dumbbell.

Prosecutors say DNA testing has not ruled out the possibility that the
remains belong to a woman surnamed Chang Huang (張黃), who was killed by her
brother-in-law, Chang Chieh-tsung (張介宗), in November 2024.

The 74-year-old Chang was sentenced to death in June this year for strangling
three women, dismembering their bodies and dumping the remains in a nearby
canal.

Chang has denied the charges and appealed the ruling.

Police previously found other remains dumped in the same canal during their
investigation into the three killings.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-11-09 19:53:13

Taiwanese nutritionists are reminding older people to store food properly in
their refrigerators to prevent contamination and spoilage.

A 2026 survey of caregivers found that 93 percent believe older people lack
sufficient knowledge about safe food storage.

Nutritionists recommend keeping cooked food above raw food, not filling the
fridge more than 70 percent full, using older ingredients first, and
regularly checking expiry dates.

They also advise people who cook large batches of food to divide them into
smaller portions, refrigerating what they'll eat the next day and freezing
the rest.

Cooked food should ideally be eaten within one or two days of refrigeration,
and no later than three days.

Doctors warn that refrigerators don't kill all bacteria, and reheating
spoiled food won't necessarily make it safe.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-11-09 19:53:13

China has rejected allegations of a spy plot involving Nvidia CEO Jensen
Huang, dismissing the claims as an attempt to smear Beijing.

The controversy follows a New York Times report that Huang had a close
relationship with a Chinese citizen accused of smuggling advanced computer
chips into China.

The report has raised questions about whether Huang helped facilitate chip
sales to China despite U-S export restrictions.

Huang has also lobbied U-S President Donald Trump to ease those restrictions.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson dismissed the allegations as
unsubstantiated on Monday.

Huang has separately acknowledged having an extramarital affair, but has not
identified the person involved.

Posted on 2026-11-09 19:53:13

Chinese authorities have reportedly arrested the founder of a Beijing house
church on fraud charges, amid a wider crackdown on unregistered religious
groups.

Pastor Xianfeng Edward Cui, who founded Beijing Jiaquan Church, was detained
on October 23rd.

His wife, Jin Young Gu, says the allegations involve donations made by church
members.

The church has faced pressure from authorities since 2019, when officials
sealed its worship facility and warned it about the size of its congregation.

The crackdown has also targeted other underground Christian networks.

In 2025, authorities arrested 30 leaders of Zion Church, one of China's
largest unregistered church networks.

Beijing has sought to bring religious groups under the control of the ruling
Communist Party.

Posted on 2026-11-09 19:53:13

Mourners have laid flowers and candles beside bullet holes in the historic
center of Krakow, Poland, following a deadly shooting that killed six people
and wounded 15 others.

Authorities say the 24-year-old gunman, who -- media outlets report -- held
far-right views, opened fire in the city's Main Square on Saturday before
police shot and wounded him.

The suspect is also linked to the deaths of three members of his family at
their home. Authorities have described the attack as an "act of terror."

Two police officers who helped stop the gunman remain hospitalized, with one
in critical condition.

Posted on 2026-11-09 19:53:13

A thick blanket of smog has covered India's capital, New Delhi, after
widespread fireworks during Diwali celebrations worsened already high
pollution levels.

Despite restrictions, residents set off firecrackers on Sunday evening,
pushing the air quality index above 350 in several parts of the city on
Monday morning, placing conditions in the severe category.

India's Supreme Court has sought to reduce Diwali pollution by restricting
conventional firecrackers, but enforcement remains difficult.

Home to more than 30 million people, New Delhi regularly experiences some of
the world's worst air pollution during the winter months, particularly in
late October and November.

Posted on 2026-11-09 18:10:13

The Taiwan Institute of Economic Research warns that inflation could top 3
percent and force interest rate hikes if lawmakers reject additional funding
for C-P-C and Taipower.

TIER President Chang Chien-yi (張建一) says the two state-owned companies have
helped shield consumers from soaring international energy prices caused by
the conflict in the Middle East.

But without additional government funding, C-P-C and Taipower may have to
raise fuel and electricity prices to cover their losses, while bottled LPG
could also become more expensive.

That would drive up costs for restaurants and small eateries, making dining
out more expensive.

TIER currently forecasts inflation of 2.05 percent this year and 1.94 percent
next year.

But Chang warns that higher energy prices could affect Taiwan's 23 million
residents and more than one million businesses.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-11-09 18:10:13

Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen says the suspected espionage attempt
involving NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang appears to follow what he calls a classic
Chinese intelligence tactic.

His comments come after Huang admitted to having an extramarital affair with
a Chinese woman (Alice Huang) and apologized to his family and employees.

Bloomberg reports that NVIDIA's board is launching an independent
investigation into whether Huang was targeted by a foreign intelligence
operation.

The company says it has no reason to believe national security or company
secrets were compromised.

Shen says it's still unclear whether any damage was done, and that
investigators will have to determine what happened.

DPP caucus secretary-general Fan Yun (范雲) also called for an evidence-based
investigation, saying concerns about Chinese intelligence gathering targeting
sensitive technologies must be taken seriously.

China has denied there is any spy plot targeting Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, and
is calling it a smear campaign against Beijing.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-11-09 17:27:13

An investigation launched by Nvidia into its founder and CEO Jensen Huang
over his extra-marital affair with an alleged Chinese spy is unlikely to have
a major impact on Taiwan's AI supply chain.

Taiwan Institute of Economic Research president Zhang Jian-yi (張建一) made the
remarks answering questions about the possible effects on Taiwanese suppliers
in the semiconductor sector.

Huang has admitted that he was romantically involved with Alice Huang, a
Chinese businesswoman who was reportedly an asset of China's top intelligence
agency.

Zhang said for Taiwan's exporters, many orders for the first half of 2027
have already been placed, and data centers that have secured permits are
still being built.

He also noted that the scandal would hurt Huang's reputation, but the
question of whether it had led to China obtaining AI servers outside
authorized channels would have to await the investigation's findings.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-11-09 17:27:14

China is denying there was a spy plot attempt to ensnare Nvidia CEO Jensen
Huang, calling the spying allegations unsubstantiated and a smear campaign
against Beijing.

Huang has acknowledged to the Nvidia board that he had been intimate with a
business executive who U.S. intelligence determined was gathering information
for Beijing.

The chips company CEO is at the center of a controversy over whether he drove
sales of advanced computer chips to China.

Nvidia said on Sunday that the company would launch an investigation into the
case.

China had previously denied the New York Times report that said Huang had
developed a close relationship with a Chinese citizen named Alice Huang, who
ran a company that faced claims of smuggling advanced chips into China.

Huang had pushed to loosen chip sales restrictions to China, successfully
lobbying U-S President Donald Trump to allow his company to sell H-200 chips.

Posted on 2026-11-09 14:16:14

Taiwan shares staged a strong rebound today, surging more than 2,600 points
in morning trading and climbing back above the 42,000-point mark.

The benchmark Taiex ended up 1,960 points, or 4.9-percent, to close the
session at 41,661.

But the turnover was a modest 837.9 billion NT.

The rally followed Friday's historic sell-off, which was fueled partly by
concerns over possible changes to U.S. artificial intelligence policies.

Investor confidence was boosted by a rebound in U.S. technology stocks and
the National Financial Stabilization Fund's announcement that it would step
in to support Taiwan's market.

TSMC led the rally, jumping more than 6 percent to 2,290 NT a share at one
point, while other major technology stocks, including Foxconn, MediaTek and
Delta Electronics, also posted sharp gains.

The rebound extended across the semiconductor and electronics sectors.

However, the big rise in stock markets has not propped up the Taiwan dollar,
which continued to weaken today.

The local currency fell to as low as 32.937 NT against the greenback in
morning trading, before recovering some of its losses.

Currency traders say continued capital outflows from foreign investors,
following several days of heavy stock selling, are putting pressure on the
Taiwan dollar.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-11-09 14:16:14

TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang has slammed KMT and DPP candidates for Zhu-bei
mayor's race as neither candidate has agreed to a debate with TPP pick Qiu
Chen Yuan邱臣遠.

Huang says, he feels certain that debates between candidates are something
that voters expect and look forward to.

Huang described debates as an opportunity for candidates to present their
visions to voters and exchange opinions...

adding that debates are sign of a healthy democracy.

He questioned why Zhubei mayoral candidates were so "afraid" of debating.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-11-09 14:16:14

In world news..

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has requested a new passport
to facilitate her return from exile two years after she was ousted in a mass
uprising.

Her previous documents had been revoked.

Bangladesh earlier dismissed suggestions she needed new identification
documents to return home.

It has been seeking her extradition from India, but India has declined to
hand her over.

A special tribunal in 2025 sentenced Hasina to death for crimes against
humanity, ruling that she was responsible for ordering a brutal crackdown
which left hundreds of people dead and thousands injured.

The United Nations has said nearly 1,400 people were killed.

Hasina denies any wrongdoing.

She also has rejected the tribunal’s verdict and challenged the legitimacy of
the trial.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-11-09 14:16:14

Jean-Luc Mélenchon is betting his last shot at France’s presidency.

Young supporters wore his name on their backs like a soccer star’s, above the
number 27.

Many had spent the fall protesting or blockading their schools.

Then at a rally outside Paris, in walked Mélenchon: 75 years old, on his
fourth presidential run, and old enough to be their grandfather.

The far-left firebrand promised to change everything.

Mélenchon wants to replace France’s constitution, take the European Union’s
only nuclear-armed country out of NATO, and challenge Europe’s financial
order.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-11-09 14:16:14

Back to Taiwan and taking a quick look at weather for the afternoon,

Cloudy skies with occasional showers in the north,

Partly cloudy in the center and east,

And partly to mostly clear skies in the south.

Current temperatures:

Taipei - 22

Taichung - 24

Kaohsiung - 30

Hualien - 25

Posted on 2026-11-09 09:07:13

The Tainan District Prosecutors' Office says the founder and chairman of the
Taiwan People's Communist Party has been detained on suspicion of accepting
funding and instructions from China to run in a local election.

According to prosecutors' office, Party Chairman Lin Te-wang allegedly
accepted instructions and funding from the Chinese Communist Party to run for
ward chief in the city's Xinying District.

Lin is suspected of violating the Anti-Infiltration Act and the Election and
Recall Act.

The prosecutors' office says it requested a detention on the grounds that Lin
could flee or collude with others to destroy evidence.

A total of 14 people have been questioned as part of the investigation.

Posted on 2026-11-09 09:07:13

And,

The Taiwan Rice Heaven-Tianzhong Marathon attracted more than 17,000 runners
in Changhua County.

The race started at the Jin-Sung Cultural and Educational Park in Tianzhong
Township.

Changhua County Magistrate Wang Hui-mei attended the opening ceremony of this
year's run, which was held under the theme of "Let's Run Together."

Now in its 15th year, the Taiwan Rice Heaven-Tianzhong Marathon was won by
Japan's Koji Sakimoto with a time of 2 hours, 41 minutes and 37 seconds.

Posted on 2026-11-09 09:07:13

Now turning to international news...

South Africa's African National Congress has experienced its worst ever
election results.

It's a new low point for the party of the late Nelson Mandela after it
received only 31% of the vote.

Despite the poor showing, the once-dominant ANC remains the largest party...

while the main opposition Democratic Alliance recieved one quarter of the
vote and beat the ANC in many major cities.

Voters have rebuked the ANC over failed public services that have left many
areas with regular water and electricity outages, broken roads and
streethlights, and trash lining the streets.

The ANC's popularity has declined for more than a decade.

Posted on 2026-11-09 07:09:13

The U-S State Department is expressing concern over the closure of Taiwan's
representative office in Papua New Guinea under pressure from the government
in Port Moresby.

According to a State Department spokesperson, the incident is another example
of Beijing's intimidation of Taiwan.

The statements come after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs last Friday
announced that it was closing its representative office in Papua New Guinea
and withdrawing all personnel stationed there after.

The ministry said at the time that the Papua New Guinea government had
renewed its unilateral demands that personnel from the Taipei Economic Office
in Port Moresby leave the country and that the office be shut down.

The U-S State Department spokesperson says such moves undermine the sovereign
decisions of countries choosing to partner with Taiwan and threatens
international peace and prosperity.

The spokesperson went on to say that Taiwan is a reliable, like-minded, and
democratic partner, and its relationships around the world provide
significant benefits to the citizens of those countries, including Papua New
Guinea.

Posted on 2026-11-09 07:09:13

The Criminal Investigation Bureau says fraud cases related to the upcoming
local elections have resulted in financial losses totaling 20.15-million N-T
over the past two months.

According to the bureau, the 87 cases of election-related fraud last month
alone saw losses of 19.11-million N-T.

The bureau says the scams typically involved fraudsters impersonating
customer service representatives or bank employees and persuading victims to
perform online banking operations, make cardless cash withdrawals, or scan QR
codes.

Common pretexts included claims that accounts had been frozen or that
transactions required verification.

Law enforcement authorities say legitimate transactions do not require
customers to verify payments by carrying out online banking operations.

They're urging people to stop any transaction if they encounter suspicious
links or requests to engage in any type of banking transaction.

The C-I-B says anyone who suspects they have encountered a scam can call the
165 anti-fraud hotline.

Posted on 2026-11-09 07:09:13

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and the D-P-P's Puma Shen both held campaign
events on Sunday.

Chiang's event highlighting sports achievements.

Speaking to supporters at the Taipei City Council, Chiang touted his
administration's achievements over the past four years, including Taipei's
first-place ranking in a nationwide sports-city survey conducted by Global
Views Monthly this year.

He also pointed to the Taipei Dome, which opened during his first year in
office and has since hosted major baseball games, as well as his
administration's efforts to renovate baseball fields and develop new sports
facilities across the city.

Meanwhile, Shen attended the opening ceremony of a joint campaign
headquarters with fellow DPP-nominated city councilor candidate Wendy Ma in
Taipei's Zhongzheng District.

In his address, Shen praised Ma, a former TV anchor and talk show host, for
her investigative reporting, which he said had exposed numerous scandals in
the city, including cases of child abuse.

He said Ma's vision of ensuring that the voices of disadvantaged people are
heard aligns with his own concept of municipal governance, which would
prioritize listening to the public and protecting vulnerable groups.

Posted on 2026-11-09 07:09:14

The second batch of three F-16V Block 70 fighter jets purchased by from the
United States has arrived in Taiwan.

According to the Air Force, the three jets landed at Chihhang Air Base in
Taitung County.

The Air Force Command Headquarters says it will proceed with training for the
induction of the new aircraft into service as planned, gradually building up
their initial operational capability.

Reports say the three jets departed from Lockheed Martin's factory in South
Carolina earlier this month and arrived in Hawaii on November 4.

Their arrival followed the delivery of the first batch of two F-16V Block 70
jets on October 2.

The U-S approved the sale of 66 F-16Vs and related equipment to Taiwan in
2019 for approximately 8-billion U-S dollars.

Deliveries were originally expected to begin in 2023 and be completed by
2026, but delays caused by technical issues have pushed back the timetable.

Posted on 2026-11-09 07:09:14

The Kaohsiung City Police Department says the bodies of two people have been
found after a fire burned through a row of small factory buildings in the
city's Niaosong District.

According to police, the a fire broke out at the bodies of two males were
found in a second-floor room in one of the factories the burned down.

The fire was reported at 8AM Sunday near Zhongcheng Road, Lane 8, and quickly
spread to a row of small corrugated metal factories buildings along the same
road.

It took the Kaohsiung City Fire Department two hours to contain the fire.

Police said the owner of one of the factories has said the fire appears to
have broken out on a terrace behind the buildings.

The cause of the fire and where it broke out are still under investigation.

Posted on 2026-11-09 07:09:14

And finally,

Taiwan inventors have won 12 gold medals, 15 silver medals and 23 bronze
medals at the 2026 iENA International Trade Fair-Ideas-Inventions-New
Products in Nuremberg, Germany.

The Taiwan Invention Association led a delegation of 78 inventors to the
event.

The gold medal winners included students from Feng-tian Junior High School in
Taitung County, who received the award for a smart safety vest for cyclists
that is equipped with lights that signal a cyclist's intended direction of
travel.

Another gold medal went to a student from Tung Hai Junior High School, also
in Taitung, for a multifunctional nail-trimming box equipped with a
magnifying glass and smart analysis features.

Students from St. Joseph Technical Senior High School in Taitung won a gold
medal for a height-adjustable urinal, while a caffeine- and melanin-based
scalp-revitalizing shampoo developed by Taiwanese care brand O'right also won
gold.

The 2026 iENA fair was held in Nuremberg from October 31 to November 2.

It featured 580 inventions presented by 340 exhibitors from 21 countries and
regions.

Posted on 2026-11-09 07:09:14

Sudanese authorities have detained a former senior Islamist official wanted
by the International Criminal Court for atrocities in Darfur.

Ahmed Haroun was originally detained in 2019 after the ouster of longtime
dictator Omar al-Bashir.

At that time the miltiary declined to hand Haroun over to the ICC.

He walked away from prison in 2024 amidst conflict between the army and the
paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

Lawyers linked his latest detention to comments he made on a podcast...

comments which stirred outrage amongst rights groups, who condemned them as a
challenge to international justice.

Haroun has been accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes.

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