The Legislative Yuan has placed an impeachment initiation against President
Lai Ching-te on the agenda for Friday’s plenary session.

The Legislative Procedure Committee passed the proposal after heated debates
between the ruling DPP and opposition KMT and TPP members.

The move comes after Premier Chuo Rong-tai and President Lai last week
announced their decision not to countersign and promulgate amendments to the
Allocation of Government Revenues passed by the Legislature in November.

The KMT legislative caucus said the President's decision violated the
Consitutition and undermine the entire democratic system.

KMT lawmaker Luo Zhi-qiang said his party will consult the TPP to work out
details of the impeachment, including inviting Lai to the Legislative Yuan
for explanations.

He noted that a vote on the impeachment is tentatively expected around May 20
next year.

According to the constitution, an impeachment motion against the President
must first be proposed by at least one-half of all legislators and approved
by a two-thirds of the Legislative Yuan before it can be submitted to the
Constitutional Court for a ruling.

(JL)

Taipei officials say families of the three victims killed in last week’s
random attack in Taipei can each apply for 1.8 million NT in compensation.

The city's Department of Legal Affairs says it is moving to provide maximum
support for victims of the December 19th knife and smoke bomb attack at
Taipei Main and Zhongshan stations.

Officials say the family of Yu Jia-chang, who died while trying to protect
others, will receive an additional $6-million compensation payment, and a
$500-thousand NT funeral subsidy.

In addition, the Taipei Metro has already started the claims process for its
passenger liability insurance.

For the survivors who were injured, the city has assigned a social worker to
every case to ensure they receive medical care and support.

(NS)

The Legislature has passed a new law setting out how artificial intelligence
should be governed, and named the National Science and Technology Council as
the agency in charge of AI policy.



The Artificial Intelligence Basic Act requires the government to promote AI
development while also protecting social welfare, digital equality,
innovation, and national competitiveness.



The law outlines seven guiding principles for AI, including respect for
human autonomy, privacy and data protection, cybersecurity, transparency, and
accountability.



It also says AI must not harm people’s lives, freedom, or property,
threaten social order or national security.

However, the law does not spell out how these rules will be enforced.

(CNA)

Turning to world news....

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland are insisting that the U.S. won’t take
over Greenland.

The comments come after President Donald Trump announced the appointment of a
special envoy to the semi-autonomous territory.

Trump’s announcement Sunday prompted a new flare-up of tensions over
Washington’s interest in the vast territory of Denmark.

Trump earlier this year said he had not ruled out military force to take
control of the mineral-rich, strategically located Arctic island.

Danish intelligence has warned that the U.S. is using its economic power to
“assert its will” against friend and foe alike.

Denmark’s foreign minister said that he plans to summon the U.S. ambassador.

Nigerians on Monday got their first look at 130 children and teachers
released after being seized in one of the largest mass abductions in the
country's history.

Some of the children appeared to be malnourished or in shock as they arrived
at a government ceremony. Police said they were freed Sunday, a month after
gunmen stormed their Catholic school in a predawn attack.

Authorities said plans were underway to reunite the children with their
families before Christmas.

Authorities earlier said 303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were seized and
50 of them escaped in the hours that followed.

But on Monday, a government official indicated that 230 had been taken and
all had now been released.

Officials did not say whether a ransom had been paid.

The Cabinet has nominated Taiwanese Public Opionion Foundation chair Yo
Ying-long (游盈隆) as the candidate for the Central Election Commission's
chair.

Yo said he was fully aware that the post would be a difficult one, describing
it as “jumping into a fire pit.”

But he's vowed to do his utmost to face the toughest scrutiny and testing ,
and to live up to the expectations of society and the public.

Yo once served as DPP deputy secretary-general, but dropped out of the party
when former President Tsai Ing-wen took office.

The opposition KMT and TPP have welcomed the nomination, saying they're
pleased to see it after the CEC chair's office has been empty for nearly two
months.

The Executive Yuan has also nominated Soochow University's law professor Hu
Bo-yan as Vice CEC chair.

For the five CEC members, the Yuan has accepted two candidates recommended by
the KMT and one by the TPP.

(JL)

National freeways will use a flat-rate toll system with a 25 percent discount
tomorrow for Constitution Day.

The Freeway Bureau announced today that the discount will apply all day on
December 25th.

Under this special rate, the standard free first 20 kilometers of travel will
be canceled.

And as the national holiday also falls on Christmas Day, traffic officials
expect heavy congestion around major cities starting this evening.

To manage the flow, the bureau will open road shoulders to traffic and use
ramp signals where necessary, and is also encouraging the public to use
public transportation.

(NS)

Taiwan shares rose today as did many other Asian stock markets after Wall
Street closed higher.

The Taiex gained 160 points to end the session at 28,310.

But the turnover was relatively thin, at 420 billion NT.

Turning to world news...

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said U.S. proposals for a peace
deal between Ukraine and Russia meet many of Kyiv's demands.

On Monday, he said that while the drafts look solid, neither side is likely
to get everything it wants.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff held what he called productive talks with Ukrainian
and European representatives.

U.S. President Donald Trump said talks were continuing and “going OK.”

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have struck deep inside Russia, targeting an oil
terminal, pipeline, and military assets with the aim of disrupting Russia's
war effort.

Russia continues targeting Ukraine's energy sector, trying to deprive
civilians of heat and water during winter.

The Taiwan High Court has sentenced a teenage boy to 12 years in prison for
killing his schoolmate and a teenage girl to 11 years for causing the
incident.

It's three years more for both compared with the juvenile court's verdict,
which was based on the Criminal Code's rules that allow for reduced sentences
for offenders aged between 14 and under 18 on charges of jointly committing
homicide.

The High Court said its ruling took into account medical evaluations, the
views of the victim’s parents, and the need to protect the teenagers’
development.

The parents had initially called for 30-year prison terms, and witnesses said
their cries and protests could be heard outside the courtroom as the trial
was held behind closed doors.

The incident occurred at a New Taipei junior high school in late 2023, when
the perpetrator stabbed another student multiple times following a complaint
from the girl.

The victim died the next day despite emergency treatment.

(JL)

Starting next year, all YouBike riders in Hsinchu County must enroll in free
accident insurance before they can rent a bicycle.

The Hsinchu County government announced today that the mandatory insurance
policy will expand to all users on January 1, 2026.

This includes both regular members and one-time temporary users.

To qualify, users must register their real names through the YouBike website
or mobile app, and officials say the county government will pay the full cost
of the insurance premiums.

Riders do not have to pay any extra fees, but the person riding the bike must
match the name on the insurance record to receive any benefits.

Government data shows that since the bike-sharing system began in 2022,
Hsinchu County has recorded over 5.1 million rides.

(NS)

In world news...

Thailand’s foreign minister says Thailand and Cambodia will resume talks to
work toward a more durable ceasefire along their border.

Thai Foreign Minister said Monday after an Association of Southeast Asian
Nations foreign ministers’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur that progress depends on
detailed bilateral negotiations to take place this week.

He also said the general border committee involving both nations will meet
tomorrow to work on detailed measures.

The border conflict escalated into deadly combat two weeks ago, derailing a
ceasefire promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump in July that was brokered
by Malaysia and formalized at an October summit.

Meanwhile, fighting persists and both sides continue to trade accusations.

The US Federal Communications Commission says it will ban new foreign-made
drones, a move that will keep new Chinese-made drones out of the U.S. market.

Monday's announcement came a year after Congress passed a defense bill that
raised national security concerns about Chinese-made drones, which have
become a dominant player in the U.S., widely used in farming, mapping, law
enforcement and filmmaking.

The FCC said a review found that all drones produced in foreign countries,
not just by Chinese companies, posed “unacceptable risks to the national
security of the US."

Taipei police say, they are working to track the finances of the man who
killed 3 in Friday's knife and smoke bomb attack at Taipei Main and Zhongshan
stations.

Officials say that they will report any progress as soon as details become
available.

The attacker is believed to have planned the attack as early as April of 2024.

Some have raised concerns about how he paid for all the equipment used in the
attack.

A former professional soldier, Chang Wen was discharged from the military in
2022 for drunk driving, but had been unemployed for a considerable period.

It has been reported that his mother sent him four deposits of 30,000 NT each
last year.

Officials urge the public to avoid spreading misinformation, and say that
they will share information as quickly as it becomes available.

The mother of a man who died trying to stop Friday's attack at Taipei Main
Station says, she's proud of her son, but the loss left her "heartbroken."

Officials say that Yu Chia Chang's actions prevented multiple explosive
devices from being detonated and prevented further casualties.

Yu's mother, surnamed Huang, said it was a comfort to know that her son had
saved many people, though she remained deeply saddened.

Huang said that Yu texted her every day to wish her a good morning and
usually returned home to Taoyuan by 6:30pm every Saturday.

She became concerned when he did not return home or call to explain his
absence.

Huang described Yu as a devoted son, who had shwon courage and responsibility
from a young age.

Yesterday, the Legislative Yuan's Internal Administration Committee adopted a
motion calling for Yu to be enshrined at the Taoyuan Martyrs' Shrine.

The Ministry of National Defense is reporting 6 PLA sorties and 6 warships
operating in Taiwan's vicinity during the 24 hours between 6am yesterday and
today.

2 sorties crossed the median line in the Taiwan strait to enter Taiwan's Air
Defense Identification Zone in the north and southwest regions.

The MND says it deployed appropriate measures to respond to the intrusion,
and it will continue to monitor the situation.

(AH)

The US says that it will ban new foreign-made drones, a move that will keep
new Chinese-made drones out of the US market.

The latest announcement comes one year after Congress passed a defnese bill
raising national security concerns about Chinese-made drones, which have
become a dominant player in the US.

The country's Federal Communications Commissions says, a review found that
all drones and critical components produced outside the country, not just by
Chinese companies, posed national security risks.


But it said specific drones or components would be exempt if the Pentagon or
Department of Homeland Security determined they did not pose such risks.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced the appointment of
financier Mark Wiseman as the country's next ambassador to the US.

Wiseman will assume the role in February and will be involved in negotiations
regarding the review of their free trade agreement.

In the announcement, Carney highlighted Wiseman's experience and commitment
at this crucial time.

Wiseman will replace Kirsten Hillman, who recently resigned.

The FTA between the US, Mexico, and Canada is up for review next year.

Canada is a major trade partner for the U.S., supplying key resources like
crude oil, steel, and aluminum.

Taipei City has announced phased traffic restrictions starting this Saturday
... to prepare for the 2026 New Year's Day flag-raising ceremony at the
Presidential Office.

Initial controls begin Saturday morning at 8 AM on Ketagalan Boulevard to set
up equipment.

On December 30th, a full rehearsal will close sections of Chongqing South
Road and Ketagalan Boulevard from 10 AM until 5 PM.

The main event restrictions kick off on New Year's Eve at 9 PM and will run
until 3 PM on New Year's Day.

These will roll out in three stages, affecting vehicles and public transit.

The Department of Transportation reminds commuters that several bus routes
will be diverted and nearby YouBike stations will be suspended.

Full traffic details are available on Taipei City Public Transportation
Office and YouBike websites.

(IG)

Starlux Airlines is preparing to enter the European market for the first
time, as the carrier moves ahead with a major expansion plan next year.

The carrier plans to launch two new European routes while adding 14 new
aircraft to its fleet.

CEO Chai Chien-hwa (翟健華) says passenger demand is recovering after
temporary setbacks from tariffs, natural disaster rumors, and visa
restrictions.

In the first nine months of this year, Starlux saw passenger revenue rise 17
percent and cargo revenue jump almost 70 percent, largely thanks to
AI-related products, with North America accounting for over 70 percent of
cargo traffic.

While Chai acknowledges risks like supply chain delays and rising costs, he
expects 2026 to be a record-breaking year for the carrier as market
conditions stabilize.

The airline currently serves 30 destinations on 35 routes, with plans to
expand across Asia, North America, and eventually Oceania.

(IG)

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang says the risk of H-I-V transmission
following Friday's attack at Taipei Main Station is extremely low.

The reassurance comes after officials confirmed one of the victims is living
with H-I-V.

Minister Shih emphasized the individual is on long-term treatment with the
virus under stable control—greatly reducing the risk of transmission.

Despite that low risk, health officials are urging anyone who had direct
contact with blood during the incident to call the 1-9-2-2 hotline.

According to Shih, 21 people have called in over the past two days.

While most were seeking reassurance, a handful have been referred to
hospitals for medical assessments and possible preventive treatment.

Health officials say the hotline remains open to provide free consultations
and ensure peace of mind for anyone concerned.

(IG)

Taiwan's top statistical office reports that the unemployment rate for the
month of November has fallen to a 25-year low.

According to the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics,
the jobless rate dropped to 3.33 percent, down 0.03 percentage points from
October.

That puts the number of unemployed people at 401 thousand—a decrease of 3
thousand from the previous month, mainly due to fewer first-time job seekers.

Meanwhile, total employment rose to 11.64 million, up 4 thousand from October.

However, after seasonal adjustment, the unemployment rate was 3.35 percent,
slightly higher than in the previous month.

(IG)

The National Police Agency is considering a real-name registration system for
smoke bombs and signal flares following a high-profile attack on the Taipei
M-R-T.

Police Commissioner Chang Jung-hsing told lawmakers today that smoke bombs
are currently used for survival games and emergency signaling, and his
department will study the proposal for a registration system over the next
month.

The commissioner also promised to take legal action against people spreading
false political rumors about the suspect’s background.

He emphasized that the police will strengthen efforts to clarify
disinformation and maintain public order.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare says it is also reviewing how the social
safety net identifies isolated individuals.

While his motive remains unclear, officials described the suspect in the
Taipei attack as someone suffering from social isolation and long-term
frustration.

This review is expected to be finished within three months.

(NS)

Taichung MRT is intensifying security across its network following last
Friday's deadly attack at Taipei Main Station... and a separate bomb threat
from an online post.

According to police, investigators traced the post to a Cambodian IP address,
and believe it's likely a hoax.

But still, authorities are taking no chances.

Passengers will now see a continuous police presence on platforms and inside
train cars, with staff ordered to double their inspection rounds.

Officers are also conducting sweeps of public areas, including restrooms and
trash bins, while increasing surveillance monitoring.

Officials stress there is no immediate danger.

They say these measures are designed to ensure public safety and provide
peace of mind for travelers.

(IG)

Police in Kaohsiung say no suspicious people or items were found after a bomb
threat targeting the metro system.

Authorities say Taiwan Railway received the threat last night claiming a bomb
would be placed on the Kaohsiung Metro this afternoon.

In response, armed officers from both the railway and metro police swept
major transfer stations, platforms, train carriages ... and public areas such
as restrooms, checking bins and luggage lockers.

While no suspicious items were found, joint patrols will continue throughout
the day to ensure passenger safety.

Taiwan Railway says it's also stepping up security at stations shared with
metro systems in other cities.

(IG)

Investigators say a Russian general was killed Monday morning after an
explosive device detonated under his car in southern Moscow.

The head of the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces
General Staff, died from his injuries.

A spokesperson for Russia’s Investigative Committee, confirmed the incident.

Investigators are pursuing numerous lines of inquiry.

The spokesperson sasy one possibility is that the crime was orchestrated by
Ukrainian intelligence services.

India and New Zealand have reached a free trade deal to deepen economic ties
amid global trade uncertainties.

Officials say the move aligns with India's strategy to diversify export
destinations and offset U.S. import tariffs.

The agreement aims to lower tariffs, ease regulatory barriers, and expand
cooperation across goods, services, and investments.

Officials announced Monday that India would get zero-duty-export access for
all its goods to New Zealand, while New Zealand would receive duty
concessions on 70% of India's tariff lines.

Dairy products and certain other items are excluded from the agreement.

Cities are taking extra precautions for upcoming New Year's Eve festivities,
after a random attack in Taipei last week.

New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi announced today that the city will deploy
extra police to ensure public safety during the upcoming New Year’s Eve
fireworks display.

Hou says the city will create a denser patrol network, and also sweep for
explosives, covering event sites, major roads, and public transportation,
including buses and the M-R-T.

Meanwhile...

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai has also ordered police to strengthen security
for the city's upcoming New Year’s Eve celebration, with police conducting
tabletop drills on December 23rd and field exercises on December 29th to
prepare for the event.

The mayor stated that any threats made on social media or acts that endanger
public safety will be met with a surge in police presence.

He has instructed law enforcement to intensify security and crack down on
illegal activities through the end of the year.

(NS)

Economic Minister Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) says Taiwan's electric vehicle
industry is rapidly catching up with the rest of the world—despite getting a
late start.

He's pointing to Taiwan-made electric vans that now use over 90 percent local
parts, and electric buses that are already hitting the streets in the U-S and
Japan.

While Taiwan is famous for its semiconductor chips, Minister Kung says EVs
are the next major growth engine.

He believes Taiwan's existing expertise in motors, batteries, and smart tech
gives the country a 'solid foundation' to dominate the global market.

As the world moves toward net-zero goals, the Minister says the focus now is
on talent.

He's calling for more specialized training to ensure Taiwan's EV industry
becomes its next global success story.

(IG)

In Australia, a man accused of killing 15 people at Sydney’s Bondi Beach
reportedly conducted firearms training with his father and recorded a video
about their “justification” for the attack.

The police statement on the matter was made public after Naveed Akram's video
court appearance from a Sydney hospital today.

The statement alleges the 24-year-old Akram and his 50-year-old father threw
four improvised explosive devices at a crowd during a Jewish event at the
beach on December 14, but they didn’t explode.

Police shot the father dead at the scene and wounded the son.

The son was charged last week with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder
and one count of committing a terrorist attack.

The attack was Australia's worst mass shooting since 1996.

(KK)

A woman has been released on bail after she reported a fake bomb threat at
the Tainan High Speed Rail station.

The woman, surnamed Peng, was on the HSR yesterday afternoon when she
reported to staff that the train would explode.

When staff workers and police officers performed safety checks on the train,
they found no trace of explosives or any suspicious signs.

Peng was arrested and was released after questioning on bail of 30,000 NT.

However, she is required to report to her local police station every Tuesday.

Officials are reminding the public to view information sources critically and
cautiously and to avoid panicking or spreading misinformation.

(AH)

The Ministry of Education says it has invested over 1.3 billion NT in the
past few years to build or renovate dormitories at remote schools.

The K-12 Education Administration announced today that the funding helps
elementary and junior high schools in remote areas and regions that are
neither mountainous nor urban.

The program targets schools where transportation is difficult or geographic
location limits development.

The ministry says the funds have helped over 1-thousand-600 schools improve
living environments for both teachers and students.

Officials said quality housing is essential for students who live far away
from their schools, and the ministry plans to continue providing resources to
remote schools to ensure educational equality across Taiwan.

(NS)

memorialized

The Interior Minister is commending Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan An's proposal to
memorialize a man who died trying to stop Friday's random fatal attack.

Chiang said that the man, surnamed Yu, should be commemorated at the National
Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine in Taipei's Da-zhi.

Interior Minister Liu Shi Fang called it a good suggestion, and noted that Yu
was from Taoyuan, and so Chiang may need to consult the Taoyuan city
government.

Mayor Chiang said that his government would issue a certificate of
commendation to Yu, and would assist in applying for a commendation order
from the central government.

(AH)

Taiwan shares rose today as did most other Asian markets after Wall Street
rallied on Friday.

The benchmark Taiex rose 453 points to end the session at 28,149.

The turnover was 493 billion NT.

In world news...

Southeast Asian foreign ministers have gathered in Kuala Lumpur for a special
meeting to address the ongoing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.

The meeting today marks the second time this year ASEAN has promoted
de-escalation between the two member nations.

Fighting erupted two weeks ago in a disruption of a ceasefire brokered by
Malaysia and the U.S. in October.

The U.S. Department of State has urged the countries to end hostilities and
implement the Kuala Lumpur peace accords.

Thailand and Cambodia have been battling over disputed border territories.

Recent clashes have involved airstrikes and rocket fire.

(KK)

In Nigeria, police have announced the release of 130 schoolchildren and staff
abducted from a Catholic school last month.

Gunmen seized at least 303 children and 12 teachers from St. Mary's Catholic
School in Niger state on November 21.

Fifty escaped shortly after, and 100 were freed earlier this month.

On Sunday, dozens more of the remaining children were released.

A military-intelligence operation led to their freedom.

When asked about the 35 unaccounted for schoolchildren and missing teachers,
a police spokesperson said "further details will be communicated."

No group has claimed responsibility, but locals blame armed gangs targeting
schools for ransom.


(KK)

In the US,

The governor of the state of Colorado is accusing US President Donald Trump
of playing "political games."

That's after the Trump administration denied disaster declaration requests
made by the state.

The Democratic governor's office says that it received letters from officials
denying state requests for disaster declarations following fires and flooding
in the state.

He says his office will appeal the denials.

In an attempt to stem online rumors, Interior Minister Liu Shi-fang said
Zhang Wen, the random attacker that killed three and injured 11, said today
he had nothing to do with external or foreign forces.

Zhang, aged 27, was born and grew up in Taiwan, and once served in the Air
Force.

The Interior Minister also said there will be a total 137 large-scale events
nationwide from Christmas through the Lunar New Year, and the National Police
Agency is planning to mobilize some 17-thousand police officers and civilian
personnel to maintain law and order.

She said the goal is to increase police visibility, deter copycat crimes, and
urged the public to report any suspicious situations to police immediately.

The Minister also said the Criminal Investigation Bureau has tracked over 20
related online threats from the day of the random attack on the 19th through
yesterday.

She said if the individuals involved can be identified and located in Taiwan,
they would be referred to local prosecutors for investigation.

As for where Zhang Wen got the money for his equipment and living expenses,
the NPA said investigations are ongoing.

(JL)

The Taiwan Railway Corporation has increased security at major transit hubs
across the island following a bomb threat against the MRT system.

Railway officials received a security alert late last night, warning that an
individual planned to place a bomb inside the MRT and detonate it at 1:30
p.m. today.

In response, Taiwan Railway is stepping up patrols, focusing on stations in
northern, central, and southern Taiwan that share building space with the MRT
system.

Officials say they are maintaining a state of high vigilance to ensure the
safety of the stations and passengers.

(NS)

More workers are expecting a higher year-end bonus this year compared with
2024.

A recent Cathay Financial Holding survey shows some 14-percent of workers
expect to receive their bonus that's more than three months of their regular
salary this year.

That's an increase of 6-percent compared with last year.

But the majority, at 57-percent, still think that the bonus would be between
one and three months of salary.

The survey also shows that Taiwanese investors have grown more cautious going
forward, with the optimism index toward the stock market falling to 25, and
the risk appetite index weakening to 18.

More than half of the people believe that inflation would again exceed
2-percent next year as well.

(JL)

In South Africa, nine people have died and at least 10 others are injured
after a shooting at a pub.

The incident occurred just before 1 a.m. on Sunday in Bekkersdal (BEH kers
dahl), a town west of Johannesburg.

Police say about 12 suspects in two vehicles opened fire at the tavern and
continued shooting randomly as they fled.

A manhunt is underway.

Surrounded by abandoned mine shafts, the Bekkersdal region is notorious for
illicit mining operations, which have led to serious social problems,
including gang violence and the proliferation of illegal firearms.

Although the nation of 62 million has comparatively stringent gun control
laws, it has one of the highest homicide rates worldwide.

(KK)

The KMT Legislative Caucus says, it will file charges today against 5
Constitutional Court justices who ruled Friday to strike down legislation
that effectively paralyzed the court.

They say they will pursue charges against 5 of the 8 sitting justices...
while the other 3 did not side with the majority in revoking the amendments.
'

The KMT caucus says, the decision to file charges is in an attempt to
preserve Taiwan's "precarious judicial independence" and to ensure that the
court makes judgements in accordance with the law.

Last December, the KMT/TPP-controlled legislature passed amendments to laws
governing the constitutional court...

stipulating that it needed at least 10 out of 15 justices sitting on the
court in order to hear any case.

That's after 7 justices stepped down in October.

Since then, the legislature has refused all 14 of President Lai Ching-te's
nominees to fill those vacancies.

On Friday, 5 of the sitting justices ruled that those amendments lacked
"supporting measures" and "violated the constitutional principle of
separation of powers."

The ruling noted that the amendments should thus be voided, as deliberation
leading to the legislation was obviously defective.

Officials in New Taipei say that they have detained a man who threatened
similar attacks to Friday's MRT stabbing.

That's after Taichung prosecutors received a report of someone posting
threats online.

Prosecutors directed New Taipei police to arrest a man, surnamed Zhang, in
connection with the case.

Following questioning, he was detained.

Zhang allegedly posted on Threads yesterday morning that there was a plan to
attack a station on the Taipei MRT blue line early this morning.

With Zhang's consent, officers then conducted a search of his residence in
Taichung and seized his cell phone.

Police say they then received information from Threads' parent company Meta,
and Zhang was charged with intimidation of the public and others.

(AH)

Now turning to international news...

at least 15 people have been killed in Indonesia's Central Java in a
passenger bus crash.

Officials say that the bus was carrying 34 people when it lost control on a
toll road and struck a concrete barrier before rolling onto its side.

Authorities say that the bus was traveling from the capital city of Jakarta
to the country's ancient royal city of Yogyakarta when it overturned.

The US Trump administration is recalling nearly 30 diplomats from posts
overseas...

as it moves to reshape the US diplomatic posture abroad with personnel seen
as fully supportive of the president's "America First" policies.

Diplomats in at least 29 countries were told last week that their terms would
be up in Januart.

That's according to 2 State Department officials.

All of those 29 had taken up their posts under Biden but survivied the first
round of firings earlier this year.

Africa is the continent most affected by the removals, with ambassadors from
13 countries set to leave office...

while Asia will see changes coming to six countries, including Fiji, Laos,
the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Taipei officials are responding to public concerns that some of the officers
that responded to Friday's smoke bomb and knife attack were not armed.

The head of a local police precinct noted that some officers arrived without
guns because they had just gone off duty and didn't have time to collect
equipment.

Of the seven officers who pursued the attacked, 3 were armed, while 2 had
just finished their shifts and 2 others were returning from other
assignments.

Officials noted that, despite being off shift, the off-duty officers did not
hesitate, and ran to the scene on foot to protect the public.

The attacker eventually fell to his death from the six-story department
store's roof while being pursued by police.

Local officials urged the public and media to show understanding and support,
emphasizing the unpredictability of police officers' jobs.

A New Taipei man has been detained after he claimed to have a gun outside of
an MRT station.

Police say that the 20 year old, surnamed Qiu, shouted outside of the Sanmin
High School station that he had a gun, ultiamtely causing injuries to a
police officer.

He was detained last night on charges of intimidating the public and others.

Meanwhile a different 20 year old, surnamed Lv, was detained outside of a
Sanxia gas station for wielding two knives earlier in the weekend.

Lv slashed at parked cars before entering into the service station and
dousing people with flammable liquids.

He was detained on charges including attempted arson, intimidation of the
public, and endangering public safety.

Officials emphasize that they will not tolerate actions which undermine
public safety.

C-P-C has cut gasoline and diesel prices at the pump from this morning for a
second consecutive week.

Both gasoline and diesel prices have declined by 0.4 N-T.

The move means the price of 92-octane unleaded falls to 26.4 N-T per liter.

While the price of premium diesel drops to 24.8 N-T per liter.

According to the state-refiner, international crude prices declined last week
amid ongoing talks to end the war Russia's war in Ukraine, while weak
economic data out of China also negatively affected oil prices.

Formosa Petrochemical has made similar adjustments to its prices at the pump
from this morning.

Now turning to international news...

Police in Nigeria have announced the release of 130 schoolkids and staff
abducted from a Catholic school in the country last month.

At that time, gunmen seized over 300 kids and 12 teachers from a school in
Niger state.

50 escaped, and 100 were freed earlier this month.

But yesterday, dozens more of the remaining children were released, thanks to
a military-intelligence operation.

Officials say that the released kids would arrive in the city of Minna today
and rejoin their parents for Christmas.

However, 35 students and teachers remain unaccounted for at present.

No group has claimed responsibiltiy, but locals blame armed gangs targeting
schools for ransom.

The attack is one of a series of recent mass abductions in Nigeria.

The Ministry of the Interior says the number of police officers deployed at
major event from now through the Lunar New Year will be increased following
last Friday's knife and smoke bomb attack in Taipei.

According to the ministry, 137 major events are scheduled before the Lunar
New Year and security deployments at all of them will be strengthened.

The ministry says it has a planned deployment of over 17,000 police officers
and civilian personnel.

Interior Minister Liu Shih-fang is slated to deliver a special report to
lawmakers later today on how the central government plans to improve security
measures at events and at public places during a hearing of the Legislative
Internal Affairs Committee.

The interior ministry has said the the 137 major events from now until Lunar
New Year include Christmas and New Year events organized by local governments
as well as temple parades and smaller ones organized by private groups.

The ministry says a total of 17,295 police and civilian personnel will be
deployed to increase police visibility and deterrence at events that will
likely attract sizable crowds.

Meanwhile ...

Local authorities are stepping up security measures ahead of Christmas and
New Year events.

According to official statements from police and city authorities, the move
is aimed at prevent potential copycat incidents following last Friday's
deadly attack in Taipei.

Officials say police deployments are been expanded for large gatherings,
transport hubs, and other crowded public spaces.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an says the city has "comprehensively raised security
readiness" in crowded areas - increased police deployments with armed
officers, and intensified patrols during weekends and nighttime hours.

The Taipei City Government says also says security checkpoints and explosive
detection measures will be introduced for upcoming large-scale events.

New Taipei Mayor Hou You-yi says his administration will work closely with
the central government to boost police patrol density and protective capacity
to ensure that the public safety.

The Hsinchu City Police Bureau says it has increased patrols at crowded
locations and major transport hubs.

The Taichung City government says it has established real-time reporting
systems for Christmas events and the 2026 New Year's Eve gala.

The Tainan City Police Department says it will deploy 230 police officers and
46 civilian personnel, set up a forward command post, and deploy
bomb-sniffing dogs at an upcoming Christmas concert.

While the Kaohsiung City Police Department says it is increasing deployments,
enforcing high-density patrols, and strengthening joint security mechanisms
at Central Park, Yuzhu Shopping District, and key Metro stations for the
Christmas Life Festival.

The Taipei Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division says he man
who killed three people in a stabbing rampage last Friday began purchasing
supplies used in the attack as early as 2024.

According to division head Lu Chun-hong, investigators believe Chang Wen had
meticulously planned the attack, and began buying supplies for it April of
last year.

Those supplies included tactical gloves, a gas mask, a protective shield and
industrial alcohol.

Lu says Chang also purchased 24 Chinese-made smoke bombs for around 2,000 N-T
each on Shopee and another e-commerce platform in January of this year --
claiming they were for use in an airsoft survival game.

Of those smoke bombs, 17 of them were thrown by Chang near the M7 exit of
the Taipei M-R-T Main Station, while four were burned and destroyed inside a
bag he was carrying at the station.

Two other smoke bombs were thrown by Chang on Nanjing West Road in front of
the Eslite department store, while one thrown at the store's entrance did not
go off.

Law enforcement authorities say they will contact the relevant financial
institutions today to look into Chang's finances - but at present, there is
no indication that he was in contact with any Chinese nationals.

The Ciaotou District Prosecutors' Office has released university student on
50,000 bail after he was detained and questioned for reposting an online
message about a potential attack on Kaohsiung Main Station.

That message referenced Friday's stabbing spree in Taipei.

The message appeared on the social media platform Threads after four people,
including the perpetrator, died during Friday's knife attack.

The online post claimed that a "bigger event would be carried out at
Kaohsiung Main Station on December 25."

Authorities later determined that the post's I-P address was suspected to be
located in Vietnam.

However, the message was widely shared online, including by the university
student - which prompted prosecutors, police and investigators to open a
probe amid fears it could trigger a copycat effect.

Investigators traced the repost and raided the man's residence on before
bringing him in for questioning.

Authorities are urguing the public not to post or share messages that
threaten public safety or spread unverified information, warning that such
behavior can cause fear, disrupt social order and carry legal consequences.

K-M-T legislative caucus secretary-general Lo Chih-chiang says the party
plans to introduce a motion to impeach President Lai Ching-te during a
meeting of the Legislative Procedure Committee later this week.

According to Lo, a timetable for the process is likely to debated on Friday,
but the process will likely include many public hearings.

The K-M-T and the Taiwan People's Party caucuses first announced plans to
impeach Lai last Friday after he failed to enact amendments to the Act
Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures.

Premier Cho Jung-tai also refused to sign off on the revisions and opposition
lawmakers have already initiated impeachment proceedings against him.

Meanwhile,

The K-M-T legislative caucus has also announced plans to file malfeasance
charges against the Constitutional Court and its five justices.

That comes after the Constitutional Court last Friday ruled that amendments
to the Constitutional Court Procedure Act passed by lawmakers last year were
unconstitutional.

The court claimed those revisions violated due legislative process and
separation of powers.

A foreign national who fled as customs officials were searching his suitcase
at Kaohsiung International Airport has been detained on suspicion of drug
smuggling.

According to the Aviation Police Bureau, the male foreign national was
flagged by police and customs officials due to suspicions about the contents
of his checked luggage.

The man offered "various pretexts" to avoid having his luggage searched,
before running out of the security restricted area and into the arrivals
hall.

The man then managed to flee into a parking lot, where he was surrounded and
arrested by police.

The suspect's name and nationality have not been made public.

Police have yet to confirm the type and quantity of drugs the man is
suspected of carrying.

And,

Taiwan's two highest Christmas trees have been lit-up to mark the winter
solstice.

The trees are located at 1,956 meters above sea level in Taichung's Lishan,
or Pear Mountain.

They were lit-up at an event in the the plaza in front of the Lishan Guest
House accompanied by a concert by performances by singers Nasi, Abus, Rock
Mom, and band Mix Mountain Goats.

According to the Tri-Mountain National Scenic Area Headquarters, the
illuminated 28-meter-tall cedar trees have been dubbed the "Christmas Trees
above the Clouds."

That will light up with meteor-shower-like lights for three minutes every
half hour each night until January - creating what organizers are describing
as an "enchanting alpine atmosphere."

The installations are part of the 2025 Lishan-Guguan Light Art Festival,
which is being held for its fifth winter season.

French President Emmanuel Macron is announcing plans to build a new aircraft
carrier.

That vessel will have the capacity for 30 fighter jets and 2000 sailors.

Macron describes it as a display of national power.

The French president made the announcement to troops in Abu Dhabi.

The new carrier is set to replace the aging Charles de Gaulle by 2038.

It will be nuclear-powered and equipped with Rafale M fighter jets.

The project is expected to benefit many small- and medium-sized businesses.

Macron has also announced increased military spending.

A top Trump official is defending the Justice Department's decision to
release heavily redacted version of the so-called "Epstein files."

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche says that the Trump administration will
eventually meet its obligation- as required by law.

But he claims that his department had to act with caution, as the documents
include sensitive information.

The partial release of some of the files on Friday has led to a new round of
criticism from Democrats, who accuse the Trump administration of
intentionally hiding information.

Blanche, however, called that pushback disingenuous.

The file release included photographs and other documents...

but some of the consequential records expected about Epstein were nowhere to
be found.

Trump, who was friends with Epstein for years prior to a falling-out, tried
for months to keep the records sealed.

Syria's government and its allies have welcomed the lifting of sanctions
imposed in 2019 by the US Congress to punish then-President Bashar Assad for
human rights abuses.

After Assad was ousted one year ago, advocates pushed for the penalties to be
removed to aid Syria's reconstruction.

US President Donald Trump signed off on the repeal late Thursday.

Syria's foreign ministry thanked the US, saying the move will help speed the
country's recovery.

Meanwhile, the UK imposed new sanctions on individuals and groups linked to
violence against civilians in Syria.

AP_JvW

US Rep. Elise Stefanik says she is suspending her campaign for New York
governor and won't seek reelection to Congress.

Stefanik had been facing Bruce Blakeman, the executive of Nassau County, in
what was expected to be a bitter Republican primary in the governor's race.

In a post on X, Stefanik said "it is not an effective use of our time or your
generous resources to spend the first half of next year in an unnecessary and
protracted Republican primary, especially in a challenging state like New
York." Incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to run in, and win, the
election.

Stefanik has been a staunch supporter of President Trump, who nominated her
to be the US ambassador to the United Nations earlier this year before
pulling the nomination on concerns about potentially losing the Republican
advantage in the House of Representatives.

Since then, Stefanik has bristled under the leadership of House Speaker Mike
Johnson. She said she'll serve out her term as a congresswoman.

AP_JvW