Taiwan’s economic growth is forecast at 4.14 percent in 2026, driven by
strong demand for artificial intelligence–related products and services.



The Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research (CIER) president Lien
Hsien-ming also said the forecast has yet to factor in the Taiwan–U.S. trade
deal, which he expects to have a largely positive impact.



The projection is the most optimistic for 2026 among domestic think tanks so
far.



Looking back at last year, C-I-E-R put Taiwan’s 2025 GDP growth at 7.43
percent, slightly higher than the 7.37 percent projected by the central
government.



The institute also said inflation in 2026 is expected to remain moderate,
with the consumer price index rising 1.64 percent, citing stable global
commodity prices and falling oil prices.



While details of the Taiwan–U.S. trade deal have yet to be released, Lien
said Taiwan’s conventional industries are now on a more equal footing with
South Korea and Japan, after U.S. tariffs on Taiwanese goods were lowered to
15 percent, matching those applied to the two countries.

He noted that sectors such as textiles and plastics have long faced a
disadvantage in international competition due to higher tariff rates.

(JL)

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has announced that he's planning to completely ban
smoking on Di-hua Street and the surrounding neighborhood starting January
31st.

That's when the traditional shopping area is scheduled to open its Lunar New
Year Market.

Mayor Chiang said it's part of his "smoke-free city" policy with designated
areas for smokers.

Officials from the city's Department of Health, Office of Commerce and other
agencies have inspected venues around the Di-hua Street, including Yong-le
(永樂) Market and Da-dao-cheng (大稻埕) Park to look for suitable sites for
smoking areas.

But local opposition was strong as nobody wants a smoking area nearby, and
officials said planning and evaluation are still ongoing.

Smoking was banned on Dihua Street ahead of the Lunar New Year shopping
season last year, but the lack of designated smoking areas led many people to
smoke in alleyways and litter.

(JL)

Chilean authorities say that wildfires in the country have killed at least 18
people...

and have scorched thousands of acres of forest and destroyed hundreds of
homes.

That's as Chile swelters under a heat wave.

Temperatures topping 38 degrees Celsius on Sunday, in addition to strong
winds, have hampered firefighters' efforts.

President Gabriel Boric (Gah-bree-EL BOR-ich) declared a state of catastrophe
in the country's central Biobio (BEE-oh BEE-oh) region and neighboring Nuble.
(nyoo-bleh)

The emergency designation allows greater coordination with the military to
rein in the fires.

More than 2 dozen wildfires ravaged 8,500 hectares of land and forced 50,000
people to evacuate.

Local leaders have criticized the central government for failing to provide
help.

The Tai-Ex lost ground this morning - with the index falling by over
100-points in early trading.

The main board dropped to a low of 31,350.

The decline came as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing saw it share price
fall by 15 N-T to stand at 1,725 N-T in early trading.

Analysts says the stock market remains bullish due to positive guidance from
T-S-M-C's earnings call last week and the finalization of trade talks between
Taiwan and the U-S.

However, market watchers are also warning of profit-taking and selling
pressure due to the main board's recent major gains and record setting highs.

Meanwhile,

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing chief financial officer Wendell Huang says
the company's most advanced processes will remain in Taiwan, despite
commitments to expand operations in the U-S.

The statement comes after reports said at the end of last week that T-S-M-C
will have to commit to the construction of at least five new semiconductor
plants in the U-S as part of a trade deal with Washington.

According to Huang, the chipmaker's strategy has not changed and remains
based on practical considerations.

Huang is stressing that the trade deal agreed on by Taiwan and the U-S was an
intergovernmental agreement, and T-S-M-C was not involved in the
negotiations.

And,

The Philippine-Taiwan Business Association has held a handover ceremony in
Manila - welcoming its new president and new board of supervisors.

The handover was overseen by Taiwan's top envoy to the Philippines Wallace
Chow and several Philippine cabinet officials were also present, along with
representatives from the Manila Economic and Cultural Office.

According to newly appointed association president, Hsieh Chia-chen, she
plans to make "Taiwan Link" the core theme of her term in office to boost
cooperation between businesses from both sides.

Hsieh also voiced he support for the Lai administration's support for the
Luzon Economic Corridor initiative - saying the Philippine-Taiwan Business
Association will fully back the government's related plans.

In international news,

At least eight more countries say the United States has invited them to join
President Donald Trump's new Board of Peace overseeing next steps for Gaza.

A U-S official has confirmed that a 1-billion dollar contribution secures
permanent membership, while a three-year appointment requires no
contribution.

India, Jordan, Australia, Greece, Cyprus and Pakistan say they have received
invitations, and Hungary and Vietnam say they have accepted theirs.

The official member list is expected in the coming days.

The Syrian government has announced a ceasefire with the Syrian Democratic
Forces.

It means government forces have now taken almost full control of the country.

The move dismantles the Kurdish-led forces that controlled the northeast for
over a decade.

Tensions between government forces and the S-D-F boiled over earlier this
month, leading to a major push toward the east.

The S-D-F appears to have largely retreated after initial clashes.

Syria's Defense Ministry says it ordered the fighting to halt and the
agreement includes dismantling the S-D-F and having its forces join Syria's
military.

However, there is no clear timeline on when the agreement will go into effect.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of catastrophe in two
regions where deadly wildfires are raging.

At least 16 people are confirmed to have dead in areas south of the capital
of Santiago.

While at least 50,000 have been evacuated.

More than two dozen wildfires have raced across those areas and ravaged 8,500
hectares of land.

The most dangerous fire has swept through dry forests bordering the coastal
city of Concepcion - where about 250 homes have been destroyed.

Chile has experienced a series of devastating fires in recent years, worsened
by long-term drought.

And finally,

Thousands of people have gathered at San Francisco's Civic Center to
celebrate Bob Weir -- the legendary Grateful Dead guitarist who died last
week at the age of 78.

Musicians Joan Baez and John Mayer spoke on a makeshift stage.

Fans passed around long-stemmed red roses, which are integral to the Dead's
music and art.

The San Francisco Bay Area native joined the Grateful Dead in 1965.

Weir died January 10.

The D-P-P says China is carrying out "cognitive warfare" related to Taiwan's
trade agreement with the U-S to lower tariffs on Taiwan goods entering the
American market to 15-per cent.

According to the party's China Affairs Department, it has seen rapid and
widespread comments related to the trade deal circulating on social media
since the deal was announced last Friday.

The D-P-P says those comments include claims such as "the cost of the deal is
a 500-billion U-S dollars investment in the United States," "it provokes
China," "the U-S is hollowing out Taiwan," and "the government is selling out
Taiwan in exchange for U-S protection."

And,

Badminton player Lin Chun-yi has won the men's singles title at the Badminton
World Federation Super 750 India Open in New Delhi.

Lin took the title after beating Indonesia's Jonatan Christie 21-10, 20-18.

The victory is Lin's first title at the Super 750 level.

It follows seven titles at lower-tier international tournaments and four at
Super 300 events.

The 26-year-old is currently 12th in the B-W-F's men's singles rankings.

Now turning to international news...

Spanish officials say, the death toll in a train crash has now risen to 21
people.

That's after a high-speed train derailed, jumped onto the track in the
opposite direction, and hit an oncoming train in Cordoba.

And two passenger cars rolled down a four meter slope.

Local officials in Andalusia say, the death toll is likely to continue to
rise.

Rescue operations are currently ongoing, and officials say that 73 passengers
are injured.

Media reports say that the two trains were carrynig around 500 passengers.

In Portugal, a hard-right candidate has come in second place in the country's
presidential election.

Andre Ventura, of the Chega party, will face a center-left opponent in a
runoff next month.

With almost all of the votes counted, Ventura had 24% of the vote, while the
Socialist candidate led with almost 31%.

That runoff is set for Feburary 8th.

Ventura's rise marks another milestone for Europe's far-right, as populist
parties gain influence.

Chega became Portugal's second-largest party last year.

The runoff winner will replace current president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

The president holds a largely symbolic role in Portugal, but can veto
legislation and dissolve parliament.

The Taiwan People's Party has unveiled its policy platform for November's
local elections.

Party chairman Huang Kuo-chang says the 80-page policy white paper is more
substantive and practical than typical reports submitted by central
ministries to the Legislature.

The platform centers on four core goals ..

.. those being "stabilizing society, supporting families, safeguarding health
and safety, and strengthening industry."

It also comprises nine thematic points covering housing justice,
people-oriented transportation, family support, age-friendly communities,
education, physical and mental health, low-carbon development, industrial
upgrading, and social inclusion.

According to Huang recent amendments to the Act Governing the Allocation of
Government Revenues and Expenditures will give local governments adequate
funding through a more transparent fiscal system ..

Huang also says the T-P-P intends to monitor spending closely to ensure
public funds are used effectively and mayors and county heads will no longer
need political connections to secure budgets for infrastructure projects.

The statements come as T-P-P and K-M-T affiliated think tanks have been
holding consultations on election cooperation and have largely completed a
preliminary draft of that bill.

The draft is reportedly now awaiting ratification by the K-M-T.

The Taichung Veterans General Hospital has suspended three doctors from
performing surgeries after video footage surfaced allegedly showing a
medical-device vendor handling part of an operation.

The video dates back to July of 2023 and its release came amid allegations
made earlier this month that a medical-device vendor was allowed to enter
multiple operating rooms and take part in procedures.

According to the hospital, it will fully cooperate with investigations by
prosecutors and health authorities -- stressing that any illegal conduct will
be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The hospital has acknowledged that the three doctors allowed a vendor to
enter operating rooms without proper reporting, but it says an internal
review found no evidence the vendor participated in operations.

The Ministry of Health ordered a new review of the case late last week, after
video footage circulate on by local media appears to show the vendor
performing part of a procedure.

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang says authorities are reexamining the facts
and that a joint task force will conduct on-site inspections at the hospital.

The D-P-P says China is carrying out "cognitive warfare" related to Taiwan's
trade agreement with the U-S to lower tariffs on Taiwan goods entering the
American market to 15-per cent.

According to the party's China Affairs Department, it has seen rapid and
widespread comments related to the trade deal circulating on social media
since the deal was announced last Friday.

The D-P-P says those comments include claims such as "the cost of the deal is
a 500-billion U-S dollars investment in the United States," "it provokes
China," "the U-S is hollowing out Taiwan," and "the government is selling out
Taiwan in exchange for U-S protection."

The department says the claims are counterfactual and deliberately
inflammatory, aimed at causing public anxiety and anger - and is describing
them as a typical tactic of cognitive warfare.

The D-P-P is also seeking to stress that the trade deal has been widely
praised as beneficial to Taiwan by the Chinese National Federation of
Industries, professionals in the technology and machine tool sectors, and
financial experts.

The Central Weather Administration says Sunday's magnitude 4.9 earthquake
that struck off the coast of Yilan Sunday afternoon was an independent event
and part of a stress-adjustment process.

The earthquake struck at at 4:47PM and was centered some 45-kilometers south
of Yilan County Hall at a depth of 6-kilometers.

It was felt strongest in several townships in Yilan and Hualien County, where
it measured 4 the weather administration's intensity scale.

According to the administration's Seismological Center, the quake occurred in
the Heping Basin, an offshore basin in the waters between Yilan and Hualien,
and was caused by the Philippine Sea Plate subducting beneath the Eurasian
Plate ...

..... with fracturing occurring during the process.

Center director Wu Chien-fu　吳健富 says the quake was not an aftershock of
the December 27 magnitude 7 earthquake, as it was centered in a more
southerly location.

Dats shows there have been 20 earthquakes of magnitude 5.5 or higher within a
20-kilometer radius of the epicenter of Sunday's quake from 1973 to the
present.

A newly formed company under the 202nd Military Police Command in Taipei has
been equipped with US-made Stinger shoulder-fired missiles and Javelin
man-portable anti-tank systems.

Reports say the weapons systems will enhance air defense capabilities in the
city.

Reports are also citing sources as saying the new Air Defense Company under
the Military Police Command's 228 Artillery Battalion is stationed in
Taipei's Shilin District.

The Military Police Command has confirmed the existence of the newly
established unit -- saying the change was made as part of an ongoing
structural reform of the command structure amid rising military threats.

Defense analysts say equipping the new unit with the Stinger and Javelin
systems is expected to significantly enhance its counter-assault and
counter-decapitation capabilities.

President Lai Ching-te says his administration is seeking to continue
amending to Animal Protection Act.

Speaking at the Dogs and Cats Carnival in Taipei, Lai said the Cabinet has
submitted draft amendments to the Act and those revisions are aimed at
strengthen measures to stop illegal breeding operations and punish animal
abusers.

The proposal also seeks to establish more humane methods to capture,
sterilize, and find homes for stray cats and dogs and calls tougher standards
for reviewing animal shelters.

Lai said his administration will work to promote "adopt, don't shop" and
"zero pet abandonment" policies as part of efforts to encourage more people
looking for a pet to take-in abandoned or abused cats and dogs.

According to Lai, the government will expand cooperation with individuals and
organizations committed to animal protection - a move that is supported by
the Ministry of Agriculture's Animal Protection Division ...

..... which is responsible for coordinating with civil groups to enhance
animal welfare programs.

Data shows that that the number of cats and dogs owned as pets stood at more
than 3.4 million here in Taiwan last year.

And,

Nearly 2,300 people took part in a Penghu County road race that offered a
one-kilogram grouper to each runner who crossed the finish line.

The "Run in Penghu" began in front of the Penghu County government building
in Magong City.

And Penghu County Magistrate Chen Kuang-fu and other local officials sent the
runners on their way.

Participants were able to sign up for a full 11-kilometer race or a more
leisurely 5-kilometer route for adults and children.

Each competitor who reached the finish line at the Magong Caiyuan's Soil and
Water Conservation Classroom was able to claim a free one-kilogram frozen
grouper or a voucher for a grouper-related meal.

The "Run in Penghu" race is held annually with the goal of boosting winter
tourism.

A US-based activist agency is reporting over 3900 deaths during recent
protests in Iran.

That figure surpasses previous estimates and highlights the severity of the
crackdown...

and exceeds the death toll of any other round of protest in Iran in decades,
recalling the chaos of the 1979 revolution.

Iranian officials have not provided a clear death toll, but leaders mentioned
"several thousand" deaths, blaming the US and Israel for creating unrest.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Activists News Agency says, nearly 25,000
protesters have been arrested in the crackdown.

But now, no protests have been reported for days in Iran, while internet
access has also been mostly blocked since earlier this month.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni is claiming landslide victory in the
country's presidential election, saying the win shows his party's dominance.

He made the declaration after being announced the winner, following a
dayslong internet shutdown and the failure of a biometric voter ID system
that caused delays in many areas.

The 81 year old has been in power for four decades by changing constitutional
rules and sidelining opponents.

Data shows that Museveni took over 71% of the vote, while opposition leader
Bobi Wine received nearly a quarter.

Wine has rejected the results as fake, with voter turnout sitting at only
about 52%.

Museveni accused the opposition of inciting violence.

As Africa's third-longest governing president, Museveni is credited for the
relative peace and stability that makes Uganda home to hundreds of thousands
of people fleeing violence in other areas.

At least 10 people are dead in Spain after a train accident.

A high-speed train derailed in the country's south, colliding with an
oncoming train.

The evening train was traveling between MAlaga and Madrid when it derailed,
hitting a train coming from Madrid to Huelva.

Emergency services in Andalucia earlier said that they had recorded 25 people
with severe injuries.

And, in Sri Lanka, a massive purple star sapphire is going on sale, estimated
to be worth at least 300 million US dollars.

Named the "Star of Pure Land" and weighing over 3500 carats, it's the largest
documented natural purple star sapphire.

Experts say, the gem shows a well-defined asterism with six rays, making it
unique.

It was found in 2023 near the so-called "city of gems," Rathnapura, and was
certified by two laboratories.

Sri Lankan sapphires are renowned for their unique color, clarity and shimmer.

Venus Williams is set to make history at the Australian Open as the
oldest-ever player to contest the women's singles draw.

She received a wild-card entry to play in the tournament for the first time
in five years.

The American says she's optimistic. If she wins against Olga Danilovic
tomorrow, she could face third-seeded Coco Gauff in the second round.

AP_JvW

protestors

A US judge has ruled that federal officers in Minneapolis-area immigration
operations can't detain or tear gas peaceful protesters.

US District Judge Kate Menendez ruled in a case filed in December on behalf
of six Minnesota activists.

The ruling prohibits the officers from detaining drivers and passengers in
vehicles when there's no reasonable suspicion that they're obstructing or
interfering with the officers.

According to the ruling, safely following agents "at an appropriate distance
doesn't, by itself, create reasonable suspicion to justify a vehicle stop."

Thousands of people have been observing the activities of ICE and Border
Patrol officers enforcing the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in
the Minneapolis-St. Paul area since early December.

Government attorneys have argued that agents have been acting within their
legal authority to enforce immigration laws and protect themselves.

AP_JvW

President Lai Ching-te is calling Taiwan's new trade deal with the United
States a major win for both sides.

According to Lai, the deal will deepen economic ties, and help local
industries stay rooted at home while expanding globally.

Under the agreement, U-S tariffs on Taiwanese goods will be lowered to 15
percent—now matching regional trade partners like Japan and South Korea.

Lai says this "levels the playing field", improving fairness and stability in
regional and global trade.

The deal also secures Taiwan preferential treatment for semiconductors and
related products under U-S trade law ... and establishes a new strategic
partnership in Artificial Intelligence and defense.

In return, President Lai says the government will support a massive
250-billion-U-S-dollar investment by Taiwanese firms into the U-S economy ...

... while encouraging US investment in Taiwan's semiconductor, A-I, and
defense sectors.

(IG)

usual

Taipei Main Station is set to hold drills Thursday to simulate a random
attack akin to the one that occurred last month.

Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation says, it will comply with the drills while
continuing service as usual.

Taipei Main Station says, the drills will be held on the 22nd at 2pm to
increase emergency preparedness.

They will hold the drills near the B3 level HSR exit, and the company says
they will dispatch staff to help guide passengers.

They also advise passengers who will be transferring to TRC or MRT trains to
allow some wiggle room in transfer times if possible.

(AH)

The Ministry of Labor is warning employers about sexual harassment risks at
year-end parties.

Labor officials say that 'weiya' celebrations can quickly become high-risk
zones for inappropriate behavior, fueled by lively atmospheres and alcohol.

They stress that under workplace equality laws, employers are legally
responsible for preventing harassment and must act immediately if an incident
occurs—or face penalites.

Officials are urging companies to vet event plans, specifically regarding
stage acts and dress codes ...

... setting clear boundaries in advance, such as banning inappropriate jokes
and unwanted physical contact.

Past controversies have seen supervisors forcing staff to perform
uncomfortable dances or requiring female employees to wear inappropriate
outfits.

(IG)

Now turning to internationla news...

A South Korean court has sentenced former President Yook Suk Yeol to five
years in prison on martial law-related charges.

The verdict is the first against Yoon in the eight criminal trials over his
martial law decree, amongst other allegations.

The most significant charge against him says that he led a rebellion in
connection with his enforcement of martial law, which carries a potential
death penalty.

A court sentenced him today for other charges, like his defiance of
authorities' attempts to detain him and his alleged fabrication of official
documents.

Yooon maintains that he did not intend to place the country under military
rule for an extended time...

saying the decree was only meant to inform people about the danger of the
liberal-controlled partliament obstructing his agenda.

But investigators see the decree as an attempt to bolster the former
president's own rule.

Institutional investors have praised the trade deal that Taiwan finally
reached with the United States after over 8 months of negotiations, saying
it's better than expected.

Tai-shin Investment says the tariff cut to 15 percent, along with
preferential treatment for semiconductors and related products, keeps Taiwan
on equal competitive footing with South Korea and Japan.

It says the two sides have also agreed on a “Taiwan model” for supply-chain
cooperation, which means companies will make independent investments totaling
up to $250 billion U.S. dollars, backed by government credit guarantees,
while the U.S. will assist with land, utilities, tax incentives, and visas.

Tai-shin says THAT plan should lower the uncertainties for Taiwanese
companies.

The firm also notes that conventional industries are the biggest winners,
especially firms producing in Taiwan and exporting primarily to the U.S.,
including machine tools, auto parts, bicycles, golf products, and sporting
goods.

Marbo Investment says overall, the tariff adjustment has limited impact on
Taiwan's technology stocks as Taiwanese tech firms had already prepared for
the changes.

(JL)

Kaohsiung will celebrate its annual winter Wonderland event next month
featuring the iconic Japanese superhero character Ultraman.

Mayor Chen Chi-mai announced today that the festival will run from Feb. 7th
through March 1st.

The event will take place at Love River Bay and Piers 16 through 18 of the
Kaohsiung Port.

The mayor says the festival is in its 60th year, and this year's theme,
""Ultraman Descends on the Harbor City" is a tribute to "City Heroes" who
work quietly to protect others.

The festival will feature large-scale installations, night light shows, and
interactive performances.

(NS)

Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation says 700-thouand train tickets for the
Lunar New Year period were sold in just one hour early this morning, setting
a record high.

Booking for the tickets opened at midnight this morning.

THSR says by this morning at 8am, the company had sold over 820,000 tickets
during the holiday period, an increase of 12-percent compared to last year.

The Lunar New Year period this year runs from February 14th to 22nd, lasting
9 days in total.

During that period, THSR is offering more than 2-thousand 100 train trips to
transport people.

They're also urging passengers to take advantage of non-peak hours during the
holiday, with 617 train trips having discounts during those less convenient
times.

(AH)

In world news...

China and Canada have pledged to improve relations after years of tension.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping told visiting Prime Minister Mark Carney today that
he is willing to work on better ties.

Talks have been underway since their initial meeting in October. Carney is
the first Canadian prime minister to visit China in eight years.

He says better relations could improve global governance.

He has called for cooperation in agriculture, energy, and finance.

No announcement has been made on tariffs, which is a sticking point in the
relationship.

China hopes U.S. pressure will lead Canada to pursue a foreign policy less
aligned with the United States.

A South Korean court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five
years in prison on some charges related to his imposition of martial law. The
verdict is the first against Yoon in the eight criminal trials over the
decree he issued in late 2024 and other allegations. The most significant
charge against him alleges that he led a rebellion in connection with his
martial law enforcement and it carries a potential death penalty. The Seoul
Central District Court in the case decided Friday sentenced him for other
charges like his defiance of authorities’ attempts to detain him and his
alleged fabrication of official documents.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A South Korean court sentenced former President
Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison Friday in the first verdict from eight
criminal trials over the martial law debacle that forced him out of office
and other allegations.

Yoon was impeached, arrested and dismissed as president after his short-lived
imposition of martial law in December 2024 triggered huge public protests
calling for his ouster.

The most significant criminal charge against him alleges that his martial law
enforcement amounted to a rebellion, and the independent counsel has
requested the death sentence in the case that is to be decided in a ruling
next month.

In Friday's case, the Seoul Central District Court sentenced Yoon for defying
attempts to detain him, fabricating the martial law proclamation and
sidestepping a legally mandated full Cabinet meeting.

Yoon has maintained he didn’t intend to place the country under military
rule for an extended period, saying his decree was only meant to inform the
people about the danger of the liberal-controlled parliament obstructing his
agenda. But investigators have viewed Yoon’s decree as an attempt to bolster
and prolong his rule, charging him with rebellion, abuse of power and other
criminal offenses.

Judge Baek Dae-hyun said in the televised ruling that imposing “a grave
punishment” was necessary because Yoon hasn’t shown remorse and has only
repeated “hard-to-comprehend excuses.” The judge also restoring legal
systems damaged by Yoon’s action was necessary.

Yoon, who can appeal the ruling, hasn’t immediately publicly responded to
the ruling. But when the independent counsel demanded a 10-year prison term
in the case, Yoon’s defense team accused them of being politically driven
and lacking legal grounds to demand such “an excessive” sentence.

Prison sentences in the multiple, smaller trials Yoon faces would matter if
he is spared the death penalty or life imprisonment at the rebellion trial.

Park SungBae, a lawyer who specializes in criminal law, said there is little
chance the court would decide Yoon should face the death penalty in the
rebellion case. He said the court will likely issue a life sentence or a
sentence of 30 years or more in prison.

South Korea has maintained a de facto moratorium on executions since 1997 and
courts rarely hand down death sentences. Park said the court would take into
account that Yoon’s decree didn’t cause casualties and didn’t last long,
although Yoon hasn’t shown genuine remorse for his action.

imprisonment

The National Human Rights Commission is raising concerns over the Executive
Yuan's proposed amendments to the criminal code regarding life sentence
without parole.

The Cabinet proposed the amendments, which would remove the option for parole
in serious violent crimes, if the sentence for the offender is life
imprisonment or more than 10 years' of prison time.

The Executive Yuan's version would employ the punishment only for
particularly severe crimes, like first degree murder and child abuse leading
to death.

Currently, the maximum prison sentence in Taiwan is 30 years with the option
for parole, with the only more severe option being the dealth penalty.

But the NHRC has critiqued the proposal, saying that not allowing the option
for parole does not give convicts the chance to rehabilitate.

They're calling on lawmakers to prudently examine the amendments, which are
now pending in the Legislative Yuan.

(AH)

A South Korean court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five
years in prison on some charges related to his imposition of martial law.

The verdict is the first against Yoon in the eight criminal trials over the
decree he issued in late 2024 and other allegations.

The most significant charge against him alleges that he led a rebellion in
connection with his martial law enforcement and it carries a potential death
penalty.

The Seoul Central District Court in the case today sentenced him for other
charges like his defiance of authorities’ attempts to detain him and his
alleged fabrication of official documents.

China and Canada have pledged to improve relations after years of tension.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping told visiting Prime Minister Mark Carney today that
he is willing to work on better ties.

Talks have been underway since their initial meeting in October.

Carney is the first Canadian prime minister to visit China in eight years.

He says better relations could improve global governance.

He has called for cooperation in agriculture, energy, and finance.

No announcement has been made on tariffs, which is a sticking point in the
relationship.

Vice Premier Zheng Li-jun has addressed concerns that expanded semiconductor
and supply-chain cooperation in the United States could “hollow out
Taiwan.”

She emphasized that under the “Taiwan model” of cooperation, industrial
relocation won't happen.

She also said Taiwan is participating as a high-tech partner, working with
the U.S. to advance AI industry development.

Her comments come after Taiwan and the U.S. reached a trade deal, with U.S.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick saying the goal is to shift 40 percent of
Taiwan’s semiconductor production capacity to his country.

Taiwan has long worried that TSMC could move its most advanced technologies
overseas, potentially undermining Taiwan’s competitiveness.

Zheng noted that Taiwan's semiconductor firms have expanded their overseas
investments in recent years, with the industry’s total output value rising
from $4.3 trillion NT in 2023 to $6.5 trillion last year.

She said as Taiwan’s high-tech sector becomes a global industry, it should
pursue international expansion based on customer needs, market demand, and
long-term industrial growth strategies.

(JL)

The National Police Agency is reshuffling its top leadership as 139
high-ranking officers prepare to take new positions this month.

The agency announced the major personnel changes today following the
retirement of several senior officials.

The current Kaohsiung Police Chief, Lin Yan-tian (林炎田), will move to the
capital to become the new head of the Taipei City Police Department.

Chao Rui-hua (趙瑞華) will take over as the police chief in Kaohsiung.

Additionally, Chiu Shao-chou (邱紹洲), who previously served as the commander
of the Seventh Special Police Corps, will take over as the director of the
Criminal Investigation Bureau.

The agency says all 139 officers are scheduled to officially start their new
assignments on January 20.

(NS)

Lemurs at the Taipei Zoo are drawing attention this winter for the ways they
soak up the sun to stay warm.

Keepers shared details about the zoo's three species of resident lemurs,
pointing out that they rely on the sun to handle Taiwan’s changing winter
temperatures.

The zoo says the ring-tailed lemurs often sit facing the sun with their arms
stretched out and heads tilted back, because their belly fur is thinner than
the fur on their backs.

Black-and-white ruffed lemurs often lay spread-eagle on the grass in a "star"
shape to warm their chests and bellies.

And common brown lemurs huddle together for warmth and wrap their long tails
around each other.

(NS)

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at 31408 after
gaining 598 points.

The turnover was 823.3 billion NT

Now turning to international news...

Widespread delays have plagued voting in Uganda's presidential election.

Some polling stations opened 4 hours late, with long lines of voters.

Voting has extended for one hour before polls closed in the evening.

The delays came during a days-long internet shutdown that was criticized as
being an anti-democratic tactic.

Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni has been in office since 1986, and he
faces 7 other candidates...

with one candidate, Bobi Wine, calling for political change.

Results are constitutionally required to be announced in 48 hours.

In the US state of Minnesota, a federal judge has ordered the release of a
man after armed immigration agents broken into his home with a battering ram.

The judge said that the agents violated Garrison Gibson's 4th amendment
rights against unlawful search and seizure.

That's as federal officials are ramping up arrests in the state, killing a
woman last week in the city of Minneapolis.

In his ruling, the judge said that agents entered the home of Garrison
Gibson, a Liberian national, without his consent and without a warrant signed
by a judge.

In Australia, social media companies have revoked access to over four a half
million accounts identified as belonging to kids in the country.

That's following the country's ban on platform use by those under 16.

Officials announced the numbers, highlighting the success of the law enacted
in December.

The ban has sparked debates about technology use, privacy, and child safety.

Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and X face fines if they fail to comply.

Officials say, the measure is encouraging, though some young people have
found ways to get around the restrictions.

Other countries, such as Denmark, are considering similar bans.

An economist says, the trade deal that Taiwan reached with the United States
is in certain ways better than what South Korea, Japan, and the EU got.

Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research President Lian Xian-ming (連賢明)
said that the government is only providing credit guarantees of $250 billion
US dollars in support of tech companies, without guaranteeing the amount of
investment in the U.S.

He said that means companies will decide for themselves whether to invest, in
line with market mechanisms.

But he also noted that the total investment by TSMC and other companies is
set at $250 billion US dollars; that's $85 billion dollars more than the $165
billion dollars previously pledged by the chipmaker giant.

Lian says according to TSMC’s report yesterday, production at the company’s
third and fourth plants in Arizona is unlikely to be completed during
President Donald Trump’s term in office.

However, he did not rule out the possibility that the investment could be
made by other tech companies.

The Taiwan-U.S. trade deal also says that Taiwan has promised that the
country will help accelerate investment by Taiwan’s semiconductor supply
chain in the U.S.

(JL)

Now turning to international news...

The UN Security Council in an emergency meeting discussed the deadly protests
in Iran.

That meeting was requested by the US.

Activists say, Iran's crackdown on demonstrations has killed over 2600
people.

Ahead of the UN meeting, Tehran appeared to make conciliatory statements in
an effort to defuse the situation...

after US president trump threatened to take action to stop the further
killing of protesters, including the execution of anyone detained in the
protests.

Video footage of the demonstrations has stopped appearing, likely signaling
that the protests have slowed under heavy securutiy presence in major cities.

In the US, A Minneapolis woman says that she was dragged from her car and
detained by immigration officers.

Video of the arrest has drawn millions of views online, highlighting an
intensifying immigration crackdown in the city.

The woman said that she was on her way to a medical appointment when federal
agents stopped her at an intersection.

She says, officers smashed her car window, cut her seatbelt and dragged her
out.

Federal officials claim that the woman, a US citizen, was obstructing
officers conducting arrests in the area.

Her lawyer said that she was hospitalized for injuries and has since been
released.

That's following ICE's fatal shooting of another woman in the city just last
week.

An explosion at a residential street in the Netherlands has caused a blaze
and widespread damage.

The blast, in Utrecht, sent people running away, with firefighters trying to
douse the flames but couldn't enter damaged homes due to fears of structural
damage.

Officials say at least 4 people were injured and it remains unclear if there
were any casualties.

They add that it is currently difficult to determine how many victims may be
trapped underneath the rubble.

The cause of the explosion is not immediately known, and police are actively
investigating.

D-P-P lawmaker Chen Ting-fei is set to be nominated as the party's candidate
for November's Tainan mayoral election after beating lawmaker Lin Jun-hsien
in the primary.

According to the D-P-P, a telephone survey showed that Chen outperformed Lin
in head-to-head matchups against the likely K-M-T candidate, lawmaker Hsieh
Lung-chieh.

D-P-P spokeswoman Han Ying says Chen's and Lin's representatives concurred
with the results, and she believes that the candidates will come together to
help the D-P-P win the local elections.

Chen served as a Tainan city councilor from 1998 to 2008 and was elected to
the Legislature during her third term on the council.

She is a five term serving lawmaker.

The D-P-P is expected formally announce Chen's candidacy during a Central
Executive Committee meeting on January 21.

The Hualien District Court has ordered Guangfu Township chief Lin Ching-shu
to be detained in connection with the investigation into the deaths of 19
people when the Matai'an Creek barrier lake overflowed in late September of
last year.

Prosecutors say Lin is suspected of offenses including negligent manslaughter
and falsely reporting evacuation figures.

Lin and three other township office employees suspected of the same offenses
were questioned earlier this week.

The three township office employees were released on bail.

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency issued a yellow alert calling for
preventive evacuation at 11AM on September 21 and a red alert for mandatory
evacuation at 7AM on September 22.

According to prosecutors, Lin and the three officials failed to actively
evacuate residents as required - which resulted in a "serious disaster
situation.

Prosecutors says the four suspects later submitted falsified evacuation
headcount reports to the Hualien County Government.

And finally,

The Chinese Taipei Baseball Association has announced that Uni-President
Lions center fielder Chen Chieh-hsien has been named as the captain of
Taiwan's national baseball team for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

The announcement comes after training camp for the tournament got underway in
Kaohsiung.

According to team manager Tseng Hao-chu, Chen was selected as captain based
his leadership during the W-B-S-C Premier 12 tournament where he led the team
to victory.

Taiwan is in Pool C in the World Baseball Classic opening group stage and
faces Japan, South Korea, Australia and the Czech Republic.

Taiwan's opening game at the 2026 World Baseball Classic is against Australia
on March 5 at the Tokyo Dome.

The top two teams advance to the knockout stage.

Taiwan goods entering the U-S market will now be subject to tariffs of no
more than 15 percent, down from the original 20 percent set by the Trump
Administration in April of last year.

Under the bilateral deal announced by the U-S Commerce Department, Taiwanese
companies investing in new chip manufacturing in the U-S will also be able to
avoid tariffs on some imports.

The U-S is also not expected to apply tariffs for generic pharmaceuticals,
aircraft components and unavailable natural resources.

The bilateral trade agreement is expected to further boost Taiwan
semiconductor companies' financing for U-S operations by 500-billion U-S
dollars.

Taiwan semiconductor and tech companies will make new investments totaling at
least 250-billion U-S dollars to promote energy, A-I and innovation in the
U-S ...

... and Taiwan will also offer credit guarantees of at least 250-billion U-S
dollars to expand the chip supply chain in America.

The commerce department hasn't said which companies are expected to invest in
the U-S.

The Cabinet's Taiwan-US trade working group said yesterday that a formal
trade agreement will be signed at a later date,

A full text will then be submitted to the Legislative Yuan for review.

Taiwan and the U-S city of Phoenix have signed a memorandum of understanding
aimed at expanding cooperation on startup-driven innovation in semiconductors
and AI-powered applications.

The MOU was signed by Startup Island Taiwan, the Industrial Technology
Research Institute, the city of Phoenix, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council
and and the Phoenix-based startup accelerator, Tesoro V-C.

Startup Island Taiwan says the M-O-U aims to support Taiwanese startups in
using Phoenix and help U-S startups connect with Taiwan's semiconductor
research and development and manufacturing ecosystem.

During the signing ceremony, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said the move ensures
that she will able to support the growth of Taiwanese startups in her city
and help such businesses grow.

Gallego said that Taiwan businesses choosing to set up shop in Phoenix have
TSMC to thank so that businesses will have all the comforts of home, and also
access to U-S markets.

At the same time,

TSMC has confirmed it would increase its production capacity in the United
States... in response to increased demand from its customers there.

The confirmation was made by TSMC Chairman and CEO CC Wei during the
company's earnings call... he also stressed the production hikes wasn't just
happening in the U-S, but at its other fabs as well.


Arizona media quoted a TSMC spokesperson as saying the overall plan is to
include six chip fabrication facilities, two advanced packaging facilities
and a research and development center.

We'll bring you a look at the company's earnings a bit later on in the
program.

The Aif Force Command Headquarters says a salvage team will be dispatched to
retrieve the Flight Data Recorder from the F-16V fighter jet that disappeared
off Hualien last week.

The black box was located after Defense Minister Wellington Koo annouced on
Monday that intermittent signals had been detected in a search area.

Reports say the Air Force is hoping to tap Singaporean or Japanese salvage
companies to help with the retrieval mission, since Taiwan firms are unable
to carry out deep-sea salvage operations.

Operations searching for the aircraft' pilot, Captain Hsin Po-yi are
on-going.

The F-16V went missing on the evening of January 6 just over an hour after
taking off from the Hualien Air Base on a routine nighttime training mission.

The Air Force is still investigating the possible cause of the incident, but
reports have been saying the aircrafts modular mission computer may have
malfunctioned, resulting in the pilot suffering spatial disorientation.

The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has wrapped up its investigation into
the deadly December 19 knife and smoke bomb at the Taipei Main M-R-T Station
and the nearby Zhongshan M-R-T Station.

Prosecutors say it was unable to clearly determine the attacker's internal
motive, but has classified the incident as an "expressive crime."

They added the case is now closed with a non-prosecutorial disposition, as
the sole suspect is dead.

Investigators found no evidence that Chang Wen acted with accomplices or as
part of a criminal syndicate.

Financial records showed no unexpected funding sources and communication
records and social media activity did not indicate coordination with others.

Prosecutors say that surveillance footage and transit card and YouBike data
shows Chang acted alone and he a "repressed personality" and was withdrawn
from society."

Chang killed three people during the attack and died himself after falling
from the roof of the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi department store near the
Zhongshan Station M-R-T while being pursued by police.

The Ministry of Health has announced new measures to ease emergency room
overcrowding during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday.

Between February 14 to 22, all 13 urgent care centers across Taiwan will
closed only on Lunar New Year's Eve and the second-to-last day of the
holiday.

Services in internal medicine, general surgery, pediatrics and orthopedics
will remain accessible during the seven days.

"Emergency responsibility hospitals" will be open from the first to the third
day of the Lunar New Year.

The moves comes after the government faced a backlash last year due to
serious overcrowding at hospitals during last year's Lunar New Year holiday.

Statistics show emergency room visits during the Lunar New Year holiday
typically increase by 1.5 times the normal daily average... most of the
visits are said to be minor health issues triggered by cold weather and close
gatherings.

The Taiwan Society of Emergency Medicine has described what occured last year
as being "unprecedented."

The Cabinet has approved draft amendments that raise the monthly allowance
for senior farmers from the current 8,110 NT per month to 10,000 N-T.

The ministry says the move expected to benefit more than 530,000 people.

The draft bill introduces a new review mechanism to better reflect inflation.

The amendments also propose loosening eligibility thresholds under the
program's means-testing rules, which have remained unchanged for more than 13
years despite rising prices and asset values.

The bill will now be submitted to the Legislative Yuan for review.

And,

The Chiayi County Government says hand-held paper lanterns featuring "OhBear"
riding a rocking horse will be handed out during this year's Taiwan Lantern
Festival.

The festival takes place at the plaza in front of the Chiayi County Hall from
3PM daily from March 3 through 15.

The lanterns were designed to combine Taiwan's tourism mascot with the
Chinese zodiac sign of the horse for 2026 ...

.... and will be handed out near the main exhibition zone at the intersection
of Taizi Boulevard and Xinyi 2nd Road in Taibao City.

Each person will be limited to one lantern and there will be a imited number
available daily.

The United Nations chief is lashing out at countries that violate
international law and calling the concentration of power and wealth by the
world’s richest 1% “morally indefensible.”

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke to the U.N. General Assembly on
Thursday at the start of his final year at the helm of the United Nations.

He said the U.N.'s 193 member nations are facing “a world marked by
self-defeating geopolitical divides, brazen violations of international law,
and wholesale cuts in development and humanitarian aid.”

He said all these forces are shaking the foundations of global cooperation at
a time when it is needed most.

Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodriguez says lawmakers in her country
should approve reforms to the oil industry that would open the doors to
greater foreign investment.

The remarks were made Thursday during her first state of the union speech.

Rodriguez navigates competing pressures from the United States and a
government loyal to former President Nicolas Maduro, who was ousted by U.S.
forces less than two weeks ago.

The speech to the country's National Assembly, which wasn't being broadcast
live in Venezuela, comes one day after Rodriguez said her government would
continue releasing prisoners detained under Maduro in what she described as
“a new political moment.”