ICRT

Posted on 2025-12-20 12:07:13

President Lai Ching-te has pledged that the government will do its utmost to
ensure public safety, with heightened security measures introduced in the
wake of smoke grenade and knife attacks in Taipei yesterday evening.

Lai said in a Facebook post that a thorough investigation will be conducted,
and efforts will be made to swiftly clarify the facts of the attacks.

At last count, the attacker killed three people, with two in intensive care.
The attacker also died, apparently by suicide -- after falling from the sixth
floor of an Eslite Bookstore where he had stabbed numerous people.

Premier Cho Jung-tai said he has instructed the National Police Agency to
heighten security at railway stations, MRT stations and airports nationwide.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2025-12-20 12:07:13

A Taiwanese Air Force source says that an air-launched variant of the Hsiung
Feng III supersonic anti-ship missile has completed its first live-fire test
from an Indigenous Defense Fighter, or IDF.

CNA reports that the missile was test-fired Thursday as part of efforts to
enhance the nation's air combat capabilities. The Hsiung Feng III was
developed by Taiwan's state-run weapons developer Chung-Shan Institute of
Science and Technology.

The confirmation comes after a military-focused Facebook page showed a
single-seat IDF carrying a test missile on its right wing. According to the
post, the aircraft took off from a Taitung air base, carried out the test
mission and returned safely -- after the test missile was fired successfully.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2025-12-20 12:07:13

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

Posted on 2025-12-20 11:07:13

An attack that began at the Taipei Railway MRT station early yesterday
evening has resulted in four deaths, by the latest count, with two people in
intensive care.

A man threw smoke grenades near the M7 exit of the Train Station MRT just
before 5:30 yesterday afternoon and stabbed random victims with a long knife.

He later moved up to street level near Zhongshan Station, where he also
detonated smoke grenades and continued his knife attacks at the Nanxi branch
of Eslite Bookstore. He stabbed people as he climbed through the building and
eventually fell to his death from the sixth floor of the bookstore --
apparently intentionally. The attacker is among the four people reported
dead.

A total of 15 people were sent to hospital due to the attack. Most were
stabbed in the neck or chest.

The 27-year-old attacker, Zhang Wen, is understood to have been sought by
authorities in connection with dodging military reserve duty last year.

Premier Cho Jung-tai said the man was wearing body armor and a mask ... and
that investigators are working to quickly determine his motive for the
attack.

CNA_zh_JvW

Posted on 2025-12-20 11:07:15

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

Posted on 2025-12-19 20:08:13

Taiwan has filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization over
Canada's decision to impose tariffs on imported steel.

The WTO confirms Taiwan has requested dispute consultations, accusing Canada
of violating international trade rules.

The legal challenge takes aim at Canada's steep new surchrges—specifically
the 50 percent tax on steel and 25 percent tariff on other products
introduced earlier this year.

Taiwan argues these measures are unfair and hurt its exporters.

Under WTO rules, both sides now have sixty days to try and settle the dispute
through dialogue.

If they can't reach a deal by then, the case could move to an official
arbitration panel for a final ruling.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-19 20:08:14

The TSMC Charity Foundation is launching a second wave of home repairs in
Hualien to help families hit by recent disasters.

The foundation says it is prioritizing low-income households and people who
aren't able to fix their homes on their own.

Six families have already had their homes repaired in the first phase of the
project, and crews have finished assessing fifteen more properties.

Work on this next group of homes is expected to begin by the end of January.

Hualien County officials are thanking the foundation and other charity groups
for stepping in to help.

They say this private support—working alongside government recovery
efforts—is helping families get their lives back to normal much faster.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-19 20:08:14

Taipei Mayor Chiang-Wan an has announced the city's headliner act for the
upcoming New Year countdown celebrations.

That is five-member South Korean girl group Kara ... marking their first
return to Taiwan in 12 years.

They'll take their place among nine other international acts performing that
night ... including Tanya Chua from Singapore and fellow singer-songwriter
Bii ... as well as girl group Genblue.

Main celebrations kick off outside Taipei City Hall at 7 PM on December 31st.

In addition, Taipei will be hosting performances at four other locations
around the same time ... including Dinghao Square on Zhongxiao East Road and
Xiangshan Park.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2025-12-19 19:10:13

An individual was rushed for emergency treatment after being injured by a
smoke grenade thrown in Taipei Main Station MRT station on Friday afternoon,
according to the Taipei Fire Department.

The victim was a 57-year-old male, whose heart stopped beating at the scene.

Currently, no arrests have been made and police provided no information as to
the identity of the perpetrator.

Taipei Rapid Transit Corp. said in a statement that smoke from the incident
drifted onto station platforms, prompting trains to temporarily pass through
without stopping.

Normal operations resumed after the smoke dissipated.

Posted on 2025-12-19 19:10:13

The Legislative Yuan has voted to extend the current legislative session to
the end of January.

The proposal from the TPP caucus passed with the support of opposition
parties.

The TPP proposed the motion because the Executive Yuan has failed to allocate
budgets agreed upon by the Legislative Yuan regarding miltiary and police
benefits.

Biannual legislative sessions typically run from February through May and
September through the end of December.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-19 19:10:13

Thailand has launched a global effort to fight the spread of online scams,
often originating from criminal enterprises that are largely based in
Southeast Asia.

Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Office on Drugs
and Crime hosted a conference on Wednesday and Thursday that culminated in a
new initiative called the Global Partnership Against Online Scams.

A partnership agreement was signed by Thailand, Bangladesh, Nepal, Peru, and
the United Arab Emirates.

The initiative is also expected to receive private sector assistance,
including from the likes of social media giant TikTok.

Scam centres were estimated to have bilked between 18 and 37 billion dollars
from victims worldwide in 2023.

Posted on 2025-12-19 19:10:13

Thousands of people have returned to Australia's Bondi Beach in its first
full day of opening after a mass shooting there killed fifteen people.

People gathered Friday on the sand and in the water to commemorate those
killed five days earlier.

Two shooters attacked a Hanukkah celebration at a nearby park on Sunday in an
attack believed to have been motivated by antisemitism.

Armed police officers are standing guard Friday outside synagogues and
mosques in Sydney.

The country is reckoning with questions about whether Australian Jews were
sufficiently protected whilst dealing with fears of a backlash against
Muslims.

But some of the beachgoers expressed a fervent wish that Australia's relaxed
and friendly way of life would continue undisturbed.

Posted on 2025-12-19 17:09:14

In its first ruling in over a year, the constitutional court announced that
the legislative process for amending the Constitutional Court Procedure Act
had significant flaws and violated due process.

That makes the amendments invalid.

That's after the legislative yuan almost one year ago passed amendments to
the act, stating that the court must have at least 10 ot of 15 justices
present to hear a case...

after 7 justices stepped down a few months prior.

After passing these amendments, the legislature refused to confirm any of
President Lai's 14 nominees to fill the vacancies.

The Executive Yuan passed a motion for reconsideration early this year... but
the reconsideration was rejected by the KMT and TPP's legislative majority.

Today's judgment was made by 5 of the 8 remaining justices...

but the 3 others say that the constitutional court was not fit to operate,
and that therefore the judgement is invalid.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-19 17:09:15

The DPP election committee is set to meet Wednesday to discuss nominees for
next year's mayoral and magisterial elections.

That's as the party's former secretary-general Lin You Chang has said that he
does not plan to run...

as some have reported that Lin may be considering a run for Taipei mayor.

He says he has absolutely no plans to run next year, and is instead focused
on whole-of-society resilience and other defense-related issues.

The election strategy committee has yet to name a nominee for the Taipei
race, with only Wu Yi Nong having declared his interest to the party.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-19 17:09:15

Psychology is expected to become the most popular college major in Taiwan for
students heading into the new year.

According to university enquiry website 'u-news', psychology-related
departments ranked first among the ten most-viewed fields, based on analysis
of more than 330-thousand page views over the past month.

Site operators say the trend reflects growing awareness of mental health,
with many students eager to better understand themselves and turn that
interest into a professional path.

Law ranked second, driven by its clear career prospects and perceived
stability, while counseling-related programs also made the top ten.

Analysts note that online interest doesn't always match actual enrollment
numbers.

But they say the data offers a clear snapshot of what today's high school
students care about most as they plan their futures.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-19 16:07:13

The KMT and TPP legislative caucuses have begun the process of passing a
motion to refer the president to the control yuan for possible impeachment.

They are also requesting President Lai Ching-te to report to the legislature
to make his case.

That's as the president and premier are taking heat for their failure to
countersign and promulgate amendments that the legislature made to the Act
Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures.

That was the first time that any ROC government has taken such an action.

Lai and others in the DPP have described the refusal to countersign and
promulgate the amendments as necessary in ordder to prevent the crippling of
Taiwan's finances.

But KMT caucus leaders say that they will hold impeachment hearings
throughout Taiwan.

Meanwhile the presidential office says, it respects any constitutional action
taken by the legislature.

Presidential office spokesperson Karen Kuo says, Premier Zhuo Rong Tai's
refusal to countersign the amendments represents his exercise of power under
Article 37 of the constitution.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-19 16:07:14

Officials are confirming that remains found in Hualien's Guangfu are not
those of humans.

That's after the search for the 5 still missing uncovered bones and clothes
which the family members recognized as belonging to their parents.

However, testing confirmed that the bones were not human ones.

The flooding in Guangfu took the lives of 19 people, but 5 are still
unaccounted for, including a couple surnamed Lin.

Their family members have continued to search for them, nearly 3 months after
the disaster.

The Hualien county government has contracted heavy machinery to continue the
search for the couple, while the families of other victims have not asked for
the municipal government's help.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-19 16:07:14

Construction is officially underway on Penghu's first-ever wood-structure
public library ... designed to be a 'green' reading space for all ages.

During today's groundbreaking in Huxi (湖西) Township, County Magistrate Chen
Kuang-fu (陳光復) said the goal is to create a landmark that residents will
truly cherish...

While the Township Mayor emphasized the library's role in the community's
future

The project faced years of delays due to rising construction costs, but it
finally moved forward thanks to funding from the Ministry of Education along
with local government support.

When the library opens in mid-2027, it will house 37 thousand books and
provide seating for 150 people.

Officials hope the timber design will become a new cultural landmark for
Penghu.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-19 16:07:14

Now turning to international news

Thailand is helping to launch a global effort to fight the spread of online
scams that include criminal enterprises based largely in southeast asia.

An agreement was signed by Thailand, Bangladesh, Nepal, Peru and the United
Arab Emirates...

and is expected to receive assistance from the private sector including
TikTok.

Scam centers are estimated to bank billions of dollars annually from victims
around the world.

Posted on 2025-12-19 15:35:13

The Judicial Yuan says, the constitutional Court will hold a press conference
at 3pm to discuss the Constitutional Court Procedure Act Decision No. 1.

That will be the first ruling by the Constitutional Court since Decision
number 11 last October.

That's as the court has been deadlocked for months due to amendments passed
by the legislature which dictated that the court must have at least 10 of 15
legislators present to hear cases...

right as 7 justices stepped down at the end of October 2024.

The legislature has since rejected 14 of President Lai Ching-te's nominations
to fill those positions.

As of the end of November this year, there were 473 cases waiting to be heard
by the court.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-19 15:35:15

The Coast Guard is condemning actions that undermine regional peace and
stability ...

... after four Chinese vessels intruded into restricted waters near Kinmen
yesterday afternoon.

Officials say the Chinese ships crossed the boundary in a single-file
formation.

According to the CGA, Taiwanese patrols immediately responded ... using
close-range maneuvers and "wave-making" tactics, while broadcasting warnings
in both Chinese and English.

The standoff lasted over an hour before the Chinese ships finally turned back
and exited the area.

The CGA says the incident is part of a pattern of "gray-zone" harassment
designed to threaten maritime security.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-19 15:35:15

Taipei 101 has been crowned the most expensive piece of land in Taiwan ...
for the thirteenth year in a row.

According to the city's Department of Land, the iconic tower is now valued at
nearly seven million NT per ping.

Officials say the record-breaking price reflects the tower's status as a
global landmark and the continued high demand for luxury office space.

The runner-up spot once again goes to Cathay Landmark, which held onto second
place for the third straight year.

While those prime spots remain high, the rest of the city saw a slight
cooling off.

Overall land values in Taipei dipped by about point-three percent, with
residential areas seeing a modest decline.

However, areas like Nangang, Wenshan, and Beitou actually saw values
rise—driven largely by new infrastructure projects and a wave of fresh
investment interest.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-19 15:35:15

Canada and the United States will launch formal discussions to review their
free trade agreement in mid-January, said the office of Canadian prime
minister Mark Carney.

The United States-Mexico-Canada trade pact, known as USMCA, is up for review
in 2026.

U.S. president Donald Trump negotiated the deal during his first term.

Carney met with the leaders of Canada's provinces on Thursday to give them an
update on trade talks.

Canada is one of the most trade-dependent countries in the world, and more
than seventy-five per cent of Canada's exports go to the country's southern
neighbour.

But most exports to the United States currently fall under USMCA.

Trump cut off trade talks to reduce tariffs on certain sectors in October,
after the Ontario provincial government ran an anti-tariff advertisement in
the U.S.

Posted on 2025-12-19 15:35:15

Angry protestors have stormed the offices of Bangladesh's two leading
newspapers.

The crowds set fire to the buildings, trapping journalists and other staff
inside and halting Friday's broadsheet publication.

This followed the death of an activist who was prominent in last year's
political uprising in the country, who was shot by an assailant a week ago on
the streets of the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka.

He died in hospital in Singapore on Thursday night.

It was not clear why protestors attacked the newspapers.

Protests have been organised in recent months outside the newspapers' offices
by Islamists, who blamed the newspapers for their alleged link with India.

And authorities have said that they believe that the shooter has most
probably fled to India.

These remarks have set off a new diplomatic squabble between India and
Bangladesh.

Posted on 2025-12-19 15:35:15

Hollywood icon Rob Reiner has urged Holocaust survivors to show resilience in
a video message recorded weeks before he was killed, and delivered at a
Hanukkah ceremony last night.

In the speech, he noted that members of his wife's family were killed at
Auschwitz, giving the event special meaning to him.

The event was held at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, where around a hundred
Holocaust survivors gathered to light the fifth candle of Hanukkah.

Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found stabbed to death on Sunday at their
home in Los Angeles.

Their son, Nick Reiner, has been charged with two counts of first-degree
murder.

Posted on 2025-12-19 15:35:15

Posted on 2025-12-19 14:28:13

Taipei mayor Chiang Wan An says, officials in Taipei and Shanghai are still
working to hammer out the details of the upcoming twin cities forum.

That's after KMT city councilor Ceng Xian Ying 曾獻瑩 announced the schedule
of the forum.

Ceng said that Chiang was expected to lead a delegation to the Zhongshan
hospital and Xuhui 徐匯　Riverside district.

Chiang is today emphasizing that the details of the itinerary are still being
confirmed.

The twin cities forum is scheduled to take place in Shanghai next weekend.

Ceng said that the group is scheduled to arrive in Shanghai at noon next
Saturday and depart late the following day.

In comments to the media today, Chiang said that he hoped the trip would be
fruitful...

but failed to answer if he would meet with Song Tao, director of China's
Taiwan Affairs Office or not.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-19 14:28:16

A Black-faced Spoonbill tagged in South Korea two years ago has been spotted
in Taitung City after flying more than 1,700 kilometers.

Bird watchers at the mouth of the Taiping River identified the winter visitor
by its tag number, "12E."

According to the Taiwan Black-Faced Spoonbill Conservation Association, the
bird was tagged in June 2023 at a reservoir in Incheon, South Korea.

At the time, it was a young bird just learning to fly.

Records show the bird was previously spotted twice in Chiayi County, in
October 2024.

While large numbers of black-faced spoonbills migrate to Tainan and Chiayi
every year, only a small number visit Taitung.

Black-faced spoonbills are internationally classified as an endangered
species, with just over 7-thousand in the wild.

Over 4-thousand of these wading birds winter in Taiwan.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-19 14:28:16

Asian shares are moderately higher today, after the Bank of Japan raised its
key policy rate...

but markets didn't react much.

Tokyo's Nikkei 225 gained 1.2%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose .4%, and
Seoul's Kospi climbed .5%.

Over here in Taiwan, the benchmark Tai ex gained 227 points to close the
session at 27696.

The turnover was 551.9 billion NT

Posted on 2025-12-19 14:28:16

Now turning to international news...

Global investors are bracing after the Bank of Japan raised its key interest
rate to a 30 year high.

The central bank had been widely expected to take that move, rausing the
benchmark rate by .25 percentage points to .75%.

That's low by most standards, but the BOJ kept that rate near or below zero
for years, trying to pull the economy out of a funk.

Higher interest rates in Japan could affect currency rates and bitcoin
prices, potentially rattling world markets.

In a statement, the central bank said the decision was unanimous and that it
expected to raise rates further if there are no major changes in the outlook
for the economy.

Posted on 2025-12-19 14:28:17

Officials say a man who's suspected of killing 2 and wounding several other
at Brown University has been found dead.

Officials believe the former Brown student and Portuguese national acted
alone.

Investigations think that he was responsible for both the shooting at Brown
and the killing of an MIT professor...

who apparently attended the same academic program as the attacker in Portugal
in the 90s.

The man was found dead in a storage facility from a self-inflicted gunshot
wound.

Meanwhile US president donald trump says he is suspending a green card
lottery program that allowed the suspect into the US.

Posted on 2025-12-19 13:07:14

The Chiayi district court has just sentenced 10 KMT office workers to prison
time over their roles in forgery in a recall campaign.

The 10 were charged with forgery in a recall campaign against DPP lawmaker
Chen Guan Ting 陳冠廷.

They were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 10 months to 1 year and 10
months, all with probationary sentences.

The office's secretary-general, surnamed Yang, received the heaviest
sentence, and was ordered to pay 600,000 NT and perform 120 hours of
community service.

The court stated that Yang received instructions from the KMT central
standing committee to collect signatures

Yang and others then directed other KMT members to copy names from party
registers onto the recall petition as soon as possible.

Along with the relevant information, they also passed along a stamp bearing
the proposer's name, who was apparently unaware of the forgery taking place.

The court says that considering that Yang and the others had no prior
criminal records and had all confessed to their crimes, they believe the
investigation and trial are sufficient to prevent reoffending.

The rulings can still be appealed.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-19 13:07:18

The US military says that it has killed 5 more people in two strikes on boats
it claims were "smuggling drugs" in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

Officials did not, however, provide any evidence for that claim.

They posted videos of each boat speeding through water before being struck by
an explosion.

The latest attacks bring the total number of known boat strikes to 28 while
the US has killed at least 104 people in the attacks.

The Trump administration is facing increasing scrutiny from lawmakers over
the boat strike campaign.

Posted on 2025-12-19 13:07:18

In Hong Kong, residents are mourning the death of a firefighter who died in
the last months deadly apartment fire complex.

Top officials attended the funeral ceremony of Ho Wai-ho, with firefighters
raising a salute while a hearse with Ho's coffin departed.

Ho's body will be laid to rest at a burial ground for civil servants who died
in the line of duty.

Ho was 37 when he was killed, and the fire services department posthumously
awarded him the title of senior fireman.

An array of wreaths lay outside the Universal Funeral Parlour, with thank-you
cards from residents put up on its wall.

Ho is survived by his parents, his two brothers and his fiancee.

Posted on 2025-12-19 11:07:13

The Taipei district court has rejected a request for compensation by the
mother of Kaikai.

The mother of the one year old child who died while in state custody applied
for 1.8 million NT in compensation.

That's after the babysitters who abused Kaikai before his death were
sentenced to life in prison and 18 years.

Their case is currently being heard by the High Court following an appeal.

The Taipei court today, however, ruled that the mother of Kaikai, surnamed
Liu, had neglected her maternal responsibilities and thus rejected her
request.

Liu was previously in state detention for an unrelated case when
investigators found that she was 5 months pregnant.

She was then granted bail.

But after giving birth to Kaikai, she left the child in the care of her
mother before disappearing.

She was then listed as wanted in New Taipei before being arrested in August.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-19 11:07:13

Now turning to international news

European leaders have agreed to provide an interest-free loan to Ukraine to
help meet its military and economic needs for the next two years.

EU Council President Antonio Costa said in a social media post that the
leaders had agreed to provide 90 billion euroes in support for Ukraine
through 2027.

He did not provide details about how that money would be raised.

EU leaders worked deep into Thursday night to reassure Belgium that they
would provide guarantees to protect it from Russian retaliation if backed the
loan.

Posted on 2025-12-19 11:07:13

And in the US, a man who is suspected of killing two at a weekend shooting at
Brown University has been found dead.

An anonymous officials says the suspect was found in a New Hampshire storage
facility.

He is believed to have died frmo a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

They think he is responsible for both the shooting at Brown and the murder of
a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor who was shot Monday.

However, authorities have not formally confirmed a connection between the two
shootings.

The attacker at Brown killed 2 students and wounded 9 others in a classroom
in the school's engineering building before escaping.

Posted on 2025-12-19 09:09:14

Hsinchu City Mayor Kao Hung-an returned to work on Thursday -- two days after
the Taiwan High Court acquitted her of corruption charges.

Kao arrived at the Hsinchu City government office surrounded by supporters
and senior city government officials - and she told waiting reporters the
she's back and the 17-month suspension felt like a century.

She also commended the city government team for continuing to serve the
public during her absence, and pledged to work closely with the team to
improve the lives of Hsinchu residents.

Kao was suspended from her mayoral post in July 2024 after the Taipei
District Court sentenced her to seven years and four months in prison on
corruption charges.

The High Court overturned Kao's conviction on corruption charges on Tuesday.

And Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang approved the city government's
application for Kao's reinstatement on Wednesay.

Posted on 2025-12-19 09:09:14

A research team has developed a machine-learning model that analyzes E-E-G
brain-wave patterns to distinguish individuals with internet addiction from
healthy subjects with 86-per cent accuracy.

According to the National Health Research Institute, the method's accuracy is
significantly higher than that of self-report measures.

Lead researcher Huang Hsu-wen says his team analyzed the resting state E-E-G
functional connectivity of 42 participants with internet addiction and 50
healthy controls, and found the addicted group showed elevated levels of
phase synchronization.

Huang says it believed the results show the addiction disrupts neural systems
in the inhibitory and reward pathways.

According to the research team, internet addiction refers to prolonged online
engagement, inability to curb the urge to go online and discomfort when
disconnected from the internet.

Posted on 2025-12-19 09:09:14

A court in Romania has sentenced American rapper Wiz Khalifa to nine months
in jail on drug possession charges.

The ruling on Thursday came more than a year after he took part in a music
festival in the Eastern European country.

Khalifa was stopped by Romanian police in July 2024 after allegedly smoking
cannabis on stage at the festival in Costinesti.

Prosecutors said the rapper was found in possession of more than 18 grams of
cannabis and that he consumed some on stage.

The Constanta Court of Appeal handed down the sentence. The decision is
final.

It isn’t clear whether Romanian authorities will seek to file an extradition
request since Khalifa is a U.S. citizen and doesn’t reside in Romania.

Posted on 2025-12-19 08:10:13

The Legislative Judiciary and Organic Laws Committee has voted to call on the
Control Yuan to initiate impeachment proceedings against Premier Cho Jung-tai
over his refusal to countersign the Act Governing the Allocation of
Government Revenues and Expenditures.

The censure was proposed by K-M-T lawmakers Lo Chih-chiang and Wang Hung-wei
and Taiwan People's Party chairman and lawmaker Huang Kuo-chang.

According to the three lawmakers, under longstanding interpretations by the
Constitutional Court, Article 37 of the Constitution serves as "a check on
presidential authority."

They say both the Premier and President Lai Ching-te "distorted the
constitutional meaning of Article 37" by refusing to enact and countersign
the Act ...

.. and the three lawmakers argue that the if the executive branch can
"arbitrarily overturn laws" passed by the Legislative Yuan and "usurp the
judicial power to decide constitutionality," the principle of separation of
powers would collapse.

Prior to voting on the proposal, the committee invited Cabinet
Secretary-General Xavier Chang as well as officials from the Judicial Yuan
and Ministry of Justice, to give a special report on constitutional issues
arising from the Cabinet's response to the amendments.

The Legislative Yuan will now submit the committee resolution to the Control
Yuan.

Posted on 2025-12-19 08:10:13

The central bank has opted to leave its key interest rates unchanged after
wrapping up it final quarterly policymaking meeting of this year.

The market had widely anticipated the bank would leave interest rates
unchanged for the seventh consecutive quarter - despite the U-S Federal
Reserve cutting rates for the third straight policymaking meeting last week.

The decision by the central bank means that the discount rate remains at
2-percent and that's still the highest level in 15 years.

The rate on accommodations with collateral stays at 2.375-per cent.

While the rate on accommodations without collateral remains at 4.25-per cent.

Economists have said it's currently difficult for the central bank to follow
the U-S Fed's lead and cut interest rates as the local economy remains strong
and inflation stable.

According to government estimates, the island's economy will grow 7.37-per
cent for the whole of this year, largely on the back of an increase of
8.21-per cent in the third quarter due strong global demand for artificial
intelligence applications.

The government also says the consumer price index will grow by 1.67-per cent
this year and that's below the 2-per cent alert level set by the central
bank.

Posted on 2025-12-19 08:10:13

Straits Exchange Foundation Chairman Frank Wu has announced that he will be
stepping down at the end of the year.

He made the announcement during a joint board meeting -- saying he will
remain in office until the afternoon of December 31.

According to Wu, he met with President Lai Ching-te on December 12 to discuss
personnel matters and, out of consideration for the president's staffing
plans, he agreed to step down.

Wu assumed the post on November 4 of last year after being elected by the
S-E-F's board of directors and supervisors.

Wu previously served as editor-in-chief and president of the Independence
Evening Post for 18 years.

He was also elected twice as a National Assembly representative and has held
other positions, including chairman of Public Television Service, minister
without portfolio in the Cabinet and the Control Yuan.

The government has not said who wil lsucceed him as chair of the Straits
Exchange Foundation.

Posted on 2025-12-19 08:10:13

The Taoyuan International Airport Corporation says Terminal 3's northern
boarding concourse will officially open on December 25.

The announcement follows nearly four weeks of trial operations.

According to the airport operator, an opening ceremony will be held that day
to mark the formal launch of the concourse.

The northern boarding concourse is the first completed facility in the
Terminal 3 complex and has been in trial operation since December 1.

Construction of the main Terminal 3 building and the southern boarding
concourse are scheduled for completion and opening in 2027.

Transport Minister Chen Shih-kai says he's visited the site several times
during the trial period and found that inbound passenger flow has been
smooth.

According to Chen feedback from passengers, airlines and flight crews during
the trial phase will be reviewed ahead of the official opening and will also
serve as a reference for the rest of the Terminal 3 complex.

Posted on 2025-12-19 08:10:13

And finally,

Professional 9-dan Go player Hsu Hao-hung remains Taiwan's biggest prize
winner in this year -- with earnings of nearly 5-million N-T.

The rankings are compiled by the Hai-Fong Go Association, which oversees
domestic professional Go competitions.

According to the association, Hsu took in a total of 4,817,500 N-T in prize
money in 2025, retaining his place as the biggest earner for the seventh
consecutive year.

Second place went to Lai Jun-fu - with total prize winning earnings of
2,860,000 N-T for 2025.

Only four other players won more than 1-million N-T this year.

The Hai-Fong Go Association says the figures include prize money and game
fees from international major tournaments, but not earnings from overseas
professional leagues or tournaments with specific restrictions.

Posted on 2025-12-19 07:00:13

The U-S Defense Security Cooperation Agency has announced the potential sale
of eight arms packages to Taiwan at an estimated total cost of 11.1-billion
U-S dollars.

The packages include mobile artillery rocket systems, TOW and Javelin
anti-tank missiles, and anti-armor drones.

It's the second U-S announcement of arms sales to Taiwan since President
Donald Trump since he returned to the White House earlier this year.

The U-S Defense Security Cooperation Agency says it has delivered the
required certifications notifying Congress of the sales, following approval
by the State Department.

The Ministry of National Defense here in Taiwan says once Congress approves
the arms sales during a mandatory review period of around 30 days, a formal
contract will be signed by Taiwan and the U-S and the sales will commence.

The defense ministry is also expressing its thanks for what is says is
Washington's continuing efforts to help Taiwan maintain adequate self-defense
capabilities under the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is also thanked Washington for the proposed
arms sale ...

.... saying it demonstrates the U-S' commitment to enhancing Taiwan's
self-defense capabilities, as highlighted in the National Security Strategy
Washington released earlier this month.

Posted on 2025-12-19 07:00:16

The Cabinet is seeking draft changes to the National Security Act that
includes fines of up to 1-million N-T for advocating the nonpeaceful takeover
of Taiwan.

According to the draft amendment, the fines will be levied on those whose
public speech, writing, artwork or digital records call for Taiwan's forcible
annexation by a foreign power.

Minister without Portfolio Lin Ming-hsin says the proposal does not impose
any restrictions on one-to-one conversations, whether in person or online ...

.. and the public should not view the move as an encroachment on freedom of
speech.

Under the proposed amendments, the Ministry of the Interior can
independently, or in consultation with relevant agencies order the internet
service provider concerned to remove or block such content and delete or
limit access of noncompliant user accounts.

Lin says the proposal is based on the United Nations' International Covenant
on Civil and Political Rights - which stipulates that "any propaganda for war
shall be prohibited by law."

Posted on 2025-12-19 07:00:18

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is heading a delegation of business
representatives for a four-day visit to Palau.

According to the foreign ministry, the trip is aimed at explore opportunities
for further collaboration with the Pacific ally.

The delegation includes representatives from Taiwan's tourism, medical, and
green energy sectors.

The foreign ministry says Lin and members of the delegation's will review
investment and business cooperation over the past year and discuss future
collaboration.

The ministry also says the delegation will highlight Taiwan's strengths in
innovative technology, smart medicine, digital resilience, and sustainable
development.

Palau will host next year's Pacific Islands Forum.

Taiwan and other donor countries were excluded from this year's forum in the
Solomon Islands.

However, the government says Taiwan will participate in next year's event.

Posted on 2025-12-19 07:00:20

The New Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has indicted 10 firefighters and
four people from three funeral service companies for allegedly colluding to
leak emergency medical and death case information in exchange for bribes.

Prosecutors says the 14 individuals and have all been charged with violating
the Anti-Corruption Act and other criminal statutes related to breaches of
confidentiality ..

... while the three companies have all been charged with violating the
Anti-Corruption Act.

According to the prosecutors' office, the bribes totaled nearly 1.2-million
N-T.

The cases involves three funeral service companies that allegedly paid
firefighters to tip them off about emergency medical calls and deaths,
allowing them to reach scenes ahead of competitors and secure business.

Prosecutors says several firefighters admitted wrongdoing during the
investigation and voluntarily returned illicit gains, prompting prosecutors
to recommend reduced sentences.

Posted on 2025-12-19 07:00:20

The Ministry of Environment has announced a list of industries eligible for
carbon fee adjustments.

The move will allow companies with approved self-determined reduction plans
to reduce their carbon fees by up to 80-per cent.

The carbon fee adjustments are part of the government's review principles for
identifying carbon fee payers as high carbon leakage risk entities draft.

According to the environment ministry, the first lists 17 industries that are
at high risk of carbon leakage, while the second category includes entities
whose annual carbon fees exceed 30-per cent of gross profit and those that
have been significantly affected by U-S tariffs.

Companies applying for eligibility for high carbon leakage should prepare and
relevant documentation before January 31 of the fee payment.

Those application will then be reviewed by the environment ministry and the
Ministry of Economic Affairs.

The government's carbon fee program took effect earlier this year and means
that emitters exceeding the 25,000-metric-ton annual threshold will begin to
pay 300 N-T for every tonne of carbon dioxide discharged.

Posted on 2025-12-19 07:00:20

Traffic controls will be in place from next Wednesday on Shifu Road in front
of Taipei City Hall ahead of the city's annual New Year's Eve countdown
party.

According to the city's Department of Transportation, five eastbound lanes on
Shifu Road will be closed from December 24 as the stage for the year-end
event is being setup.

Xinren'ai Road, which connects to the City Hall square, will be closed to
traffic from midnight on December 26, and from midnight on December 27 until
noon on January 2, both Shifu Road and Xinren'ai Road will be fully closed to
traffic.

Vehicles will only be allowed to exit but not to enter the area west of
Songren Road, north of Xinyi Road, east of Keelung and Yixian roads, as well
as south of Zhongxiao East Road from 7PM on New Year's Eve,

Those restrictions will be expanded from 8 PM to include sections of Yixian
and Ren'ai roads -- where all entry and exit will be prohibited.

Several parts of Zhongxiao East Road, Section 5 and Songde Road will also be
closed to traffic from 10PM on December 31 to 3AM on January 1.

Posted on 2025-12-19 07:00:20

And,

Members of Japan's Kyoto Tachibana Senior High School marching band and the
Tokyo University of Agriculture Second High School's marching band have
opened a series a performances here in Taiwan ....

...... kicking off their tour with a parade in Taipei's Ximending area before
ending at the Taipei Zhongshan Hall for a performance last night.

They were invited to perform here by the General Association of Chinese
Culture, which says it's rare for top schools from western and eastern Japan
to perform together in Taiwan and the aim is to promote musical exchanges
between students from both sides.

The Orange Devils and the Emerald Knights will be holding a joint performance
at the Heping Basketball Gymnasium in Taipei today before they each
separately give performances in Chiayi, Kaohsiung and Pingtung.

Posted on 2025-12-19 07:00:20

Israeli religious protesters have turned on municipal officers who attempted
to write a parking ticket in an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood, attacking and
injuring 13 police officers.

The violence on Thursday reflected heightened tensions in Israel between the
ultra-Orthodox, known as Haredim, and Israeli authorities, as the government
mulls plans to draft them into the military.

Clashes often occur when Israeli authorities enter the insular ultra-Orthodox
neighborhoods.

Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox protesters soon arrived at the site and threw
stones at the police.

Residents accused the police of trying to arrest the man for failing to
register for the draft — an accusation they denied.

Posted on 2025-12-19 07:00:20

Angry protesters have stormed the offices of Bangladesh’s two leading
newspapers after news reached the country from Singapore of the death of a
prominent activist in last year’s political uprising.

One of the buildings was set on fire on Thursday.

Sharif Osman Hadi, a spokesperson for the Inqilab Moncho group, died in
hospital in Singapore earlier in the evening, after losing a weeklong battle
for his life.

He was shot on the streets of Dhaka, the Bangladesh capital, last Friday by
two men on a motorcycle.

After days of treatment in Dhaka, Hadi was flown to Singapore in critical
condition.

Authorities have said they identified the suspects and that the shooter had
most probably fled to India.

Hadi was a fierce critic of both neighboring India and former Prime Minister
Sheikh Hasina, whose 15-year rule of Bangladesh ended in last year's
uprising.

Posted on 2025-12-19 07:00:23

The European Union has decided to reduce asylum claims from seven nations by
considering them safe countries of origin.

This decision, announced Thursday, affects Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt,
Kosovo, India, Morocco and Tunisia.

Asylum requests from these countries are slated to be quickly gutted except
for exceptions.

The agreement between the European Parliament and the European Council has
sparked outrage from human rights groups who argue it sidesteps international
obligations and endangers migrants.

The EU aims to enforce stricter border controls and shared responsibility
among member states, but concerns remain about potential risks to asylum
seekers.

Posted on 2025-12-19 07:00:24

Italian restorers have used laser beams to clean an ancient Roman marble
column in the piazza outside the prime minister’s office, removing layers of
dust and grime that had covered the monument for decades.

The 47-meter-tall column, built between A.D. 180 and 193, features a relief
that spirals upward and recounts the battles of one of Rome’s best-known
emperors, Marcus Aurelius.

During the column’s last restoration, in the 1980s, restorers used tiny
brushes to remove the dirt.

The $2.3-million dollar restoration is funded by the post-pandemic European
recovery fund, and includes a new system to illuminate the column at night.

Work began in April and the restoration is expected to finish in June.

Posted on 2025-12-18 19:58:14

The Cabinet has approved draft changes to the National Security Act that
would fine those advocating for a violent takeover of Taiwan up to one
million NT.

The proposal targets any public speech, writing, or online content calling
for Taiwan to be forcibly annexed by a foreign power.

Officials say the change follows an incident earlier this year, where three
Chinese nationals were deported for posting videos suggesting a military
takeover.

Minister without Portfolio Lin Ming-hsin says the new rules follow
international laws that ban 'war propaganda'.

He stressed that the law targets public actions and will not restrict private
conversations.

The draft also cracks down on espionage ... calling for much higher fines and
longer prison terms for anyone caught leaking state secrets to hostile
forces.

The bill now moves to the Legislature for review.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2025-12-18 19:58:14

Taiwan's central bank has decided to keep interest rates unchanged after its
quarterly policy meeting, in a move widely expected by the market.

The discount rate remains at 2 percent — its highest level in 15 years —
with lending rates unchanged as well.

The decision marks the seventh straight quarter the bank has held rates
steady, even as the U-S Federal Reserve continues cutting interest rates.

Economists say Taiwan's strong economic growth and stable inflation leave
little room for a rate cut.

Government estimates show the export-driven economy is now forecast to grow
more than 7 percent next year, fueled by strong demand for artificial
intelligence applications.

Inflation is expected to stay below the central bank's 2 percent warning
level.

Analysts say rates could remain unchanged into the first half of 2026, as the
bank also monitors potential volatility in the Taiwan dollar amid U-S rate
cuts.

Posted on 2025-12-18 19:58:14

Turkey has warned Russia and Ukraine to exercise greater caution regarding
Black Sea security.

This comes after its air force reportedly shot down a drone that entered
Turkish airspace.

F-16 fighter jets were dispatched on Monday after an 'out of control' drone
approached from the Black Sea.

Officials say the drone was shot down in a safe area to protect civilians and
air traffic.

The incident follows recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian tankers off the
Turkish coast.

Turkish authorities have not disclosed the drone's origin, and search efforts
are still underway.

Posted on 2025-12-18 18:56:13

The government says its 'N-minus-two' rule will ensure Taiwan keeps its lead
in advanced chip technology ... as TSMC expands overseas.

The assurance comes after opposition lawmakers raised concerns about
protecting core technologies.

Deputy Minister Lin Faa-Jeng (林法正) of the National Science and Technology
Council explained that any tech moved abroad must be at least two generations
behind what's currently produced in Taiwan.

For example, if TSMC is mass-producing one-point-four-nanometer chips at
home, only older, less advanced processes can be transferred overseas.

Lin says all semiconductor processes below 14 nanometers are classified as
'national core technologies', giving the government strict control over
related equipment, materials, and personnel.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs adds that major overseas investment projects
must pass a national security review before being approved.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-18 18:56:13

A government plan to make hiring foreign domestic helpers easier is facing a
wave of backlash from women's and civic groups.

A survey out today from the Childcare Policy Alliance shows only around 18
percent of Taiwanese women support the change to allow families with just one
child to hire a foreign helper.

Critics argue the policy would mainly benefit wealthy families and could
weaken the public childcare system.

They say the proposal fails to address the real barriers keeping mothers out
of the workforce.

In fact, the poll shows most women want a different kind of help.

Instead of domestic workers, they're calling for flexible and reduced work
hours, family-friendly offices, and better public childcare.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-18 18:56:13

A new study suggests that both long, steady aerobic exercise and short,
high-intensity workouts can reduce dangerous visceral fat when practiced
consistently over time.

Researchers from National Tainan Junior College of Nursing followed more than
160 adults over four months to compare steady aerobic exercise with
high-intensity interval training, or 'H-I-I-T'.

In the short term, aerobic exercise worked faster.

After just eight weeks, those doing traditional cardio had lost more visceral
fat than the HIIT group.

But by the sixteen-week mark, that difference was no longer statistically
significant.

Both groups saw similar reductions in visceral fat, regardless of which
workout they followed.

Researchers say the findings show that maintaining the same exercise routine
for at least four months can lead to comparable fat-loss results.

Visceral fat is the 'hidden' belly fat that surrounds vital internal organs.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-18 17:08:13

The legislative judicial committee has issued censures over premier Zhuo Rong
Tai's and presidential office secretary-general Pan Meng An's 潘孟安 actions.

That's after Zhuo announced that the cabinet would not countersign amendments
passed by the legislature to change a revenue-sharing law.

That's an unprecedented action that has never been taken by any ROC
government.

Today, Pan failed to appear at a meeting of the legisative judicial
committee...

causing lawmakers including opposition leaders Huang Kuo-chang, Luo Zhi
Qiang, and Wang Hong wei to raise censure motions.

Meanwhile the committee passed another motion to impeach Zhuo, while Huang
Kuo-chang says that he will raise a legislative motion to impeach President
Lai.

The amendments in question were passsed in November, but the Cabinet
requested a reconsideration, saying that the changes could not be
implemented.

That request was rejected early this month, thus requiring the Cabinet to
countersign the legislation and the president to promulgate it by December
15th.

Lai has said that the amendments would cripple Taiwan's finances, causing
the central government exceed the deficit ceiling.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-18 17:08:13

and in related news

The DPP legislative caucus is slamming TPP chair Huang Kuo-chang over his
motion to impeach Premier Zhuo Rong Tai instead of going through a vote of no
confidence...

which would require a simple majority in the legislature and would force Zhuo
to resign.

However, in that case, by-elections would be held for lawmakers.

The DPP says, Huang's only bypassed the vote of no confidence as he's afraid
of losing his own job and other TPP seats in the legislature in a potential
by-election.

The caucus' secretary-general Zhong Jia Bin criticized Huang for instead
going through the Control Yuan to impeach Zhuo...

an entity that Huang himself has advocated to abolish.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-18 17:08:13

New research indicates that staying sedentary when stressed out may actually
be worse for one's emotional state.

The John Tung Foundation is highlighting new international research that
shows 'sitting less' is important for improving mental health.

A study of over 350 young adults found that those who swapped sitting for
light movement—like walking or even just doing chores—felt happier and had
more energy the next day.

On the flip side, the longer people stayed seated, the more 'down' they felt.

Experts say, a high-intensity workout is not necessary...

Simply standing up, moving around, or getting some sunlight and fresh air can
provide an immediate mood boost by helping the body release serotonin.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-18 17:08:13

And in international news...

The Associated Press says it has documented 145 incidents of what Western
officials say is a campaign of disruption across Europe...

planned by Russian President Putin since Russia launched its full-scale
invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Officials believe the campaign aims to deprive Ukraine of support and create
divisions among Europeans.

They say that each act uses valuable security resources.

While the campaign places a heavy burden on European security services,
officials believe that it costs Russia basically nothing.

Examples of such behavior include a train carrying almost 500 coming to a
suddent stop in Poland.

At the same time, explosives went off under a passing freight train at a
different point on the same line.

Damage was limited, but Poland still had to deploy 10,000 troops.

Posted on 2025-12-18 15:25:13

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is leading a delegation to Palau to strengthen
ties in tourism, medical care, and sustainable energy.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced today that he trade mission
includes representatives from Taiwan’s tourism, health care, and green
energy sector, and the four-day visit aims to deepen economic cooperation
between the two nations.

MOFA says the trip is a concrete step in the government's initiative to
encourage Taiwan businesses to increase their investments in Palau.

The ministry points out that Palau is scheduled to host the Pacific Islands
Forum in 2026, and Taiwan plans to participate in the event by showcasing
green transportation and clean energy transitions.

The ministry says it wants to help the world see the results of the two
countries' cooperation in technology and sustainable development.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-18 15:25:15

The Taiwan High Speed Rail is planning to increase its services next year to
handle growing passenger numbers.

The company announced today that average daily travel grew by nearly 5
percent this year, reaching 224-thousand passengers.

To meet this demand, the rail operator will adjust its 2026 schedule and
introduce different operating models, such as more frequent short-distance
trips between Nangang and Taichung.

The company has also ordered 12 new train sets, which will eventually
increase peak-hour capacity by 25 percent.

And for the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, the HSR will launch a discount
program to encourage passengers to travel during off-peak hours, with details
to be announced at a later time.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-18 15:25:15

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has approved a $35 billion
deal to export natural gas to neighboring Egypt over the next 15 years.

Netanyahu said in a recorded video statement that it's the biggest gas deal
in Israeli history.

He said the deal was reached with U.S. energy giant Chevron, which will
deliver the gas to Egypt.

Half of the proceeds are expected to go to Israel’s state coffers.

Chevron is a key owner of the gas field off Israel’s coast in the
Mediterranean Sea.

The agreement could help repair relations that have been strained during
Israel’s two-year war with the militant Hamas group in the Gaza Strip.

Posted on 2025-12-18 15:25:15

India is accelerating efforts to finalize several free trade agreements to
counter U.S. import tariffs and expand export destinations.

Officials say India is in advanced talks with the European Union, New Zealand
and Chile.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Oman today when India plans to sign
an agreement to boost trade in engineering goods, textiles, pharmaceuticals
and agriculture.

FTAs are central to India’s economic strategy, helping businesses stay
competitive and access new markets.

The push comes as Indian exporters face pressure from higher U.S. tariffs
that impact textiles and manufacturing.

Posted on 2025-12-18 14:17:13

The Executive Yuan today passed ４ draft amendments that would make it
illegal to advocate for Chinese military "unificaiton."

They say, that's in an effort to combat the infiltration of hostile forces.

The amendments would codify into law a ban on using language or imagery to
promote the forceful removal of the sovereignty of the ROC.

Violators could be fined up to 1 million NT.

The draft amendments to the National Security Act would stipulate discussion
amongst the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Jusitce, and the
Mainland Affairs Council before determining guilt for someone suspected of
warmongering.

They also add provisions that would require internet service providers to
take appropriate measures to retain and turn over relevant data.

This follows incidents earlier this year in which so called "mainland wives"
had their Taiwan residence revoked over statements made online advocating for
Chinese military annexation.

The draft amendments now head to the legislature, where they are likely to
face stiff opposition from the pan-blue caucus.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-18 14:17:13

Hualien County is increasing its monthly taxi subsidies for seniors and
people with disabilities starting next year following a surge in usage.

The county government says its taxi program has provided more than
830-thousand trips through November of this year.

That's more than double the number of trips recorded all of last year.

Under the current program, residents age 65 and older or those with
disabilities receive the equivalent of $1-thousand NT per month which may be
used to cover up to 70-percent of each taxi fare.

And officials say starting next year, the county plans to raise the monthly
allowance to the equivalent of $1-thousand-500 NT, with final details to be
announced once its 2026 budget is officially approved.

The county government says these measures have improved access to medical
care and daily travel for the elderly and disabled.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-18 14:17:13

Taiwan shares are down todya, with th ebenchmark tai ex losing 56 points to
close the session at 27468.

The turnover was 446.4 billion nt

Posted on 2025-12-18 14:17:13

India is picking up efforts to finish several free trade agreements to
counter US tariffs...

and expand export destinations.

Officials say India is in advanced talks with the European Union, New
Zealand, and Chile...

and is set to sign its first agreement under the renewed push with Oman.

FTAs are crucial to India's economic strategy, helping businesses stay
comeptitive and access new markets.

The push comes as Indian exporters face pressure from higher US tariffs that
impact textiles and manufacturing.

Posted on 2025-12-18 14:17:13

European Union leaders are gathering for a summit aimed at agreeing on a
massive loan to cover Ukraine's military and financial needs for the next two
years...

during which Ukraine is said to need 160 billion dollars.

Some leaders are likely to press for funding from frozen Russian assets held
in Europe to be used to meet Ukraine's economic and military needs.

But some member nations worry about inviting Russian retaliation.

And the European Central Bank warns that taking such actions may undermine
other countries' confidence in the euro.

The leaders are also set to talk migration and trade, among other issues, ubt
working out how to fund Ukraine is the top priority.

Posted on 2025-12-18 13:06:13

The US has announced a package of arms sales to Taiwan, worth more than 10
billion US dollars.

The package includes medium-range missiles, howitzers, and drones.

The US State Department announced the sale during a nationally televised
address by President Donald Trump.

The eight agreements in total cover 82 high-mobility artillery rocket systems
and 420 Army Tactical Missile Systems...

similar to what the US had been providing to Ukraine under Biden.

Also included in the package are military software, Javelin and TOW missiles,
spare parts for helicopters, and refurbishment kits for Harpoon missiles.

A separate statement by the state department said that the sales serve the
US' interests by supporting Taiwan's efforts to modernize the military and
maintain defensive capability.

Under federal law, the U.S. is obligated to assist Taiwan with its
self-defense, and this package marks the US' second arms sale to Taiwan
during Trump's second term.

Last week, the Chinese embassy in DC denounced the legislation, saying it
unfairly targeted China as an aggressor.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-18 13:06:13

Taichung City officials say annual visits to its major sports centers have
surpassed 4 million people, as the city prepares to open more facilities next
year.

The Taichung Sports Bureau says the city has opened six national and
children's sports centers and four specialized children's centers over the
past seven years.

And officials say the record-high usagereflect a strong demand for exercise
spaces among residents.

To meet this demand, the city plans to open the Wuri Sports Center and the
West District Children's Sports Center in 2026.

And the city also says it hosts more than 60 road races every year, as well
as over 3-thousand community sports classes, and residents of all age groups
can find an activity that best fits their fitness level and lifestyle.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-18 13:06:13

Now turning to international news...

In Sydney, hundreds of mourners are gathering for the funeral of a 10 year
old who was killed in the Bondi beach terror attack.

Matilda had been enjoying a petting zoo at the Hanukkah gathering before she
and 14 others were killed in the shooting targeting Jewish people.

Australian authorities say that the suspects were inspired by the Islamic
State group.

The massacre prompted a national reckoning about antisemitism, and brought
questions about whether the country's leaders took seriously enough the
threat to Australian Jewish people.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese before the funeral unveiled a slew of
legislative plans that he says aim to curb radicalization and hate.

He aims to broaden the definition of hate speech for leaders who promote
violence and to bolster punishment for such crimes.

Posted on 2025-12-18 09:06:13

And,

The Ministry of Labor says the number of workers on formal unpaid leave
programs fell to a three-month low in the first half of this month.

According to the ministry, the number of workers on formal unpaid leave
programs declined by more than 2,000 because of an increase in rush orders.

Data shows the total number of furloughed workers fell by 2,035 from the end
of November to stand at 7,118 as of December 15.

That's the lowest level since September 15.

The number of employers implementing unpaid leave programs also fell by 78
during the same 15-day period to 378.

Posted on 2025-12-18 09:06:13

In international news,

Nick Reiner, the son of celebrated Hollywood director Rob Reiner, has
appeared in court for the first time charged with murdering his parents.

The 32-year-old waived his right to enter a plea to two charges of
first-degree murder at the hearing.

All sides have agreed to delay his arraignment until January 7 when he will
once again have the opportunity to enter a plea.

His lawyer told reporters outside court that there were "complex and serious
issues" in the case that needed to be worked through in the coming weeks.

Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood
home on Sunday.

Nick Reiner was charged with their murder on Tuesday.

Posted on 2025-12-18 09:06:13

U-S President Donald Trump is demanding Venezuela pay for assets that he
claims were stolen from U-S companies when the South American country
nationalized its oil industry years ago.

Trumps comments came after he called for a "blockade" of sanctioned oil
tankers to and from Venezuela ...

.. in what is his latest effort to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas
Maduro.

U-S forces last week seized an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast amid a steady
buildup of military personnel in the region.

Trump has accused Maduro of facilitating the flow of illegal drugs into the
U-S.and has said he's considering the use of ground strikes as tensions
between the two countries increase.

Posted on 2025-12-18 09:06:13

Myanmar's military leadership is vowing to crack down on cyberscam centers,
starting with the notorious K-K Park.

They've raided and bombed the compound, but questions remain about the
long-term impact.

Despite the destruction, the scam industry is adapting quickly.

Workers have scattered to other centers, and job ads are appearing on
Telegram.

The government claims to have demolished hundreds of buildings related to
cyberscam centers, but many remain standing.

Critics argue that without arresting syndicate leaders and seizing assets,
the crackdown is incomplete.

Posted on 2025-12-18 07:05:13

The Ministry of National Defense says China's new aircraft carrier has been
spotted for the first time since it was commissioned... as it was making a
transit through the Taiwan Strait.

The defense ministry said it closely monitored the Fujian's passage through
the waterway... and released a surveillance photograph of the vessel, which
show no aircraft on its flight deck.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo said the aircraft carrier did not have any
aircraft on it because it was headed back to its manufacturer on Shanghai's
Changxing Island to improve some of its flaws.

China's state-run media has said the Fujian entered service in Hainan
province on November 5.

It's China's third aircraft carrier and its first to have been designed
domestically.

Reports say it the first Chinese aircraft carrier capable of more advanced
catapult-assisted take-offs.

Posted on 2025-12-18 07:05:13

National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen says Russia could
support China with military logistics and engage in provocations elsewhere in
the Indo-Pacific region if China were to use force against Taiwan.

Tsai told lawmakers at the Legislative Foreign Affairs and National Defense
Committee... that attention should be paid to whether Russia conducts
military patrols around the Taiwan Strait, the Western Pacific and Japan's
Miyako Island ....

... as such actions would make a response by the United States and its allies
more complicated and "increase regional complexity."

The bureau director-general said, his agency has been monitoring potential
China-Russia military cooperation through international intelligence
exchanges.

Tsai told lawmakers that has also attended "nearly 100 formal bilateral
meetings" with 45 other countries on Indo-Pacific security issues this year.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo also attended the hearing on on potential
conflict flashpoints near Taiwan.

And he told lawmakers that beyond military exercises, a recent joint
China-Russia aerial patrol sent a "clear message" that China and Russia have
a cooperative relationship in the region.

Posted on 2025-12-18 07:05:13

The U-S Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the
Environment Jacob Helberg praised Taiwan for making essential contributions..
that's after it was invited to participate in the first summit of the US-led
AI supply chain strategy initiative.

The inaugural Pax Silica summit took place in Washington D.C. last Friday.

Helberg said Taiwan was at the table and was absolutely present in all of the
sessions in which one would expect Taiwan to play an important role ..

.. and Taiwan participated in discussions on manufacturing and semiconductors.

The statement comes after the U-S State Department didn't list Taiwan as
being includes on a list of participants and guest contributors slated to
meet for the summit.

A fact sheet on Pax Silica's webpage did name Taiwan as having made "guest
contributions" alongside the European Union, Canada and the Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development.

Representatives from the U-S, the U-K, Australia, Japan, South Korea,
Singapore and Israel signed The Pax Silica Declaration at the event - vowing
to cooperate in building a "trusted" supply chain ecosystem for A-I and
critical minerals.

Posted on 2025-12-18 07:05:13

President Lai Ching-te says his administration will apply for World Health
Organization certification for its success in preventing and treating
hepatitis C by the end of this year.

Lai says Taiwan has met the criteria for gold tier certification under the
W-H-O's three-tier "Path to Elimination" framework designed to reduce new
hepatitis infections by 90-per cent and hepatitis-related deaths by 65-per
cent globally from 2015 levels.

Lai said the government is scheduled to file an application with the W-H-O
Regional Office for the Western Pacific to certify the elimination of
hepatitis C soon.

He says he move is aimed at demonstrating Taiwan's resolve to safeguard
public health to the world and he's confident that Taiwan has positioned
itself for such recognition, despite the island not being a member of the
W-H-O.

The Ministry of Health is currently finalizing a report detailing Taiwan's
efforts to prevent and treat hepatitis C.

And Deputy Health Minister Zhuang Ren-xiang says says his office has informed
experts at the W-H-O Regional Office for the Western Pacific of that report
and sent them an advance copy.

Posted on 2025-12-18 07:05:13

The Coast Guard Administration says it seized a record 13,800-kilograms of
narcotics so far this year.

The administration says that's about 1.46 times the amount seized in 2024 -
when authorities seized 9,440-kilograms of narcotics.

The administration says the seizures were carried out in conjunction with
other law enforcement agencies and include seven major maritime smuggling
cases and two container-smuggling cases ...

.... which uncovered a combined 7,000-kilograms of narcotics.

Authorities also broke-up five drug manufacturing sites, confiscating just
over 2,000-kilograms of drugs and 481 cannabis plants.

The Coast Guard Administration says is also collaborated with foreign
authorities to intercept over 4,000-kilograms of drugs destined for Taiwan
through international information-sharing channels.

The seized drugs primarily consisted of ketamine and mephedrone, which is
also known as meow meow.

Posted on 2025-12-18 07:05:13

The Pingtung District Prosecutors' Office is appealing the acquittal of nine
Indigenous men from the Labuwan Tribe in connection with the killing of four
Formosan black bears and other endangered animals.

The nine men were all charged with violating the Wildlife Conservation Act
over the killings, which took place between 2020 and 2022.

They were acquitted by Pingtung District Court late last month.

The court ruling cited Article 21-1 of the Wildlife Conservation Act
exempting Indigenous people from penalties for hunting or killing wildlife
for "non-profit personal use" and in accordance with traditional tribal
culture.

However, prosecutors says the clause should not be used to shield
perpetrators who kill wildlife for entertainment.

Authorities say one of the bears surrounded by five men and shot, a second
was caught in a snare and shot three times, while another bear was shot dead
and its carcass hung at the entrance of a residence in the village.

Authorities say the killings all took place in areas that did not constitute
intrusions by the bears into a residential area.

Posted on 2025-12-18 07:05:13

And,

Director Tsou Shih-ching's "Left-Handed Girl" has been selected as one of the
15 movies shortlisted for the best international feature film by the Academy
of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

It was chosen from films from 86 countries or regions.

The shortlisted films now advance to the next round of voting and the final
nominees for the will be announced on January 22.

The Oscars shortlist announcement came after the National Board of Review
selected the film as one of its top five international films in early
December.

The coming-of-age drama was co-written by Oscar-winning filmmaker Sean Baker,
and centers on a left-handed girl navigating clashes with traditional
patriarchal expectations.

It has aleady received accolades from more than 15 international film
festivals.

Posted on 2025-12-18 07:05:13

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is calling on Ukraine's allies to
secure support for Kyiv and show Russia that continuing its war is
"pointless," ahead of a crucial European Union summit on Moscow's frozen
assets.

Zelensky said the outcome of these meetings must be such that Russia feels
that its desire to continue fighting next year will be pointless, because
Ukraine will have support.

He called on Ukraine's partners to take a decision on using the nearly $250
billion of frozen Russian sovereign assets in the European Union to support a
loan for Ukraine.

EU governments agreed last week to freeze the assets -- most of it held in
Belgium -- for as long as needed instead of voting every six months on
extending this status.

Some European leaders have opposed the plan as they fear it opens them up to
legal risk.

Posted on 2025-12-18 07:05:13

Venezuela

U.S. President Donald Trump's announced blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil
could lead to shortages of food, fuel, and other basic goods.

But Venezuelans seasoned by ongoing crises are treating it as another
inconvenience.

Trump aimed to increase pressure on President Nicolas Maduro with his
announcement.

Toni Waterman has more from Washington.

Posted on 2025-12-17 19:17:13

Taipei City says eight percent of soy products tested in a recent random
inspection failed to meet food safety standards ... and have been ordered off
shelves.

The products were sampled from traditional markets, supermarkets, and food
outlets ... with seven out of eighty-five non-compliant.

Officials say the main violations involved the illegal use or excessive
amounts of preservatives.

For instance, some tofu products were found to contain benzoic acid, which is
banned in tofu.

While other dried soy products showed residual traces of hydrogen peroxide,
which must not be detectable in any food.

Manufacturers of non-compliant products now face fines of up to three million
NT.

Health officials are urging retailers to keep proper sourcing records to
ensure food safety.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-17 19:17:14

A new exhibition at the Alishan Railway Station is highlighting the threat
that free-roaming dogs and cats pose to Taiwan’s native wildlife.

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency opened the touring exhibit today
in the first-floor lobby of Alishan Station.

The display uses videos and interactive wall displays to show how roaming
pets impact the survival of wild animals.

The exhibit is free to the public and will run through March 1st.

According to the agency, more than 160-thousand dogs are currently roaming
wild across Taiwan, threatening local wildlife and preventing them from
breeding.

Officials hope that visitors to the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
can stop by the exhibit and learn about supporting Taiwan's ecological
conservation.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-17 19:17:14

Australian and Filipino authorities are investigating a recent trip to the
southern Philippines by a father and son accused of gunning down 15 people at
Sydney’s Bondi Beach.

Officials are invesigating wheher the trip is linked to Sunday’s mass
shooting ... and if the suspects received training from Filipino militants.

Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said Wednesday there has
been no indication the accused gunmen received training from local militants.

Mindanao has seen decades of intermittent but bloody conflicts over land,
resources and political power.

The southern region once attracted foreign militants aligned with al-Qaida
and the Islamic State group to help train miitants.

Posted on 2025-12-17 19:17:14

Employees at the Louvre Museum have voted to extend a strike that has
disrupted operations at the world’s most visited museum.

Union workers were protesting chronic understaffing, building deterioration
and recent management decisions — pressures intensified by a brazen crown
jewels heist in October.

The decision came during a morning general assembly, after workers had
adopted the walkout unanimously earlier this week.

The museum was already closed Tuesday for its regular weekly shutdown. It
remained unclear whether the strike would force a full closure on Wednesday.

Visitors holding tickets queued outside the museum in the morning.

Posted on 2025-12-17 18:58:13

The Ministry of Labor has announced plans to remove the 65-year-old age limit
for employment insurance ... to encourage older workers to stay in the
workforce.

Under the proposal, workers over 65 who are still employed and have not yet
claimed retirement pensions will be eligible for coverage.

Officials say more seniors are choosing to delay retirement, so they need
protection against risks like involuntary unemployment.

However, those already receiving old-age benefits will remain ineligible, due
to complications involving pension payments.

Also as part of the same reform package, the ministry will shorten the
waiting period for unemployment benefits from 14 days to seven.

In addition, the plan adds an extra month of parental leave allowance to
better support new parents taking unpaid leave.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-17 18:58:13

Drivers headed to Taoyuan International Airport this week should prepare for
traffic controls at both Terminal One and Terminal Two ... due to ongoing
construction.

Airport officials say most road closures will happen during off-peak hours
... to minimize the headache for travelers.

Starting tonight at Terminal Two, work on the elevated roadways will take
place between midnight and 4 AM.

These overnight closures will continue in stages into mid-January and beyond.

During those hours, traffic controllers will guide all vehicles—including
buses—to alternate routes and parking areas.

Daytime travelers can also expect lane reductions near Terminal One for road
improvement projects.

Drivers are being urged to slow down, follow signage, and cooperate with
traffic control personnel when traveling through the airport area.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-17 18:58:14

LINE Pay Money is seeing a rapid surge in users just two weeks after its
official launch.

The company says more than 1.7 million people have already signed up, after
hitting one million users within just 70 hours of going live on December 3rd.

General Manager Chang Hsiu-chi (張修齊) says the main challenge now is system
stability, as users must complete real-name verification to activate the
service.

The company expects Line Pay Money to reach two million users by the end of
the year.

Chang says the company is also prioritising profitability.

LINE Pay reported operating profit of nearly 500 million NT for the first
three quarters of the year, down about 15 percent year-on-year.

Executives say this is mainly due to increased investment in new services and
infrastructure.

However, they stressed LINE Pay's established user base and merchants in
Taiwan give it strong long-term growth potential.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-17 17:18:13

Hsinchu mayor Gao Hong An will return to work tomorrow, as the Ministry of
the Interior has approved her reinstatement request.

That's after the Taiwan High Court acquitted her of corruption charges, after
she was suspended last year for violating the anti-corruption act.

However, she was still found guilty of forgery charges, which carry a 6
months prison sentence that can be commuted to fines.

Both Gao herself and prosecutors are still able to appeal the high court's
ruling.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-17 17:18:16

Two legislative committees convened a public hearing today to discuss changes
to the way that legislative assistants are paid, but no consensus was
reached.

That's after a proposal by KMT lawmaker Chen Yu Zhen drew ire from
legislative assistants and the DPP, who slammed the proposal as effectively
giving lawmakers an 8 million NT pay raise...

and not requiring receipts for reimbursement.

Ultiamtely a meeting last week between Chen and the legislative assistants'
union saw both parties agree that further legislation is needed.

Legal experts attended the hearing today to emphasize that assistants'
salaries should be clearly separated from those of lawmakers...

and said it is already the norm to require supporting documents before being
reimbursed.

However, they agreed that improvement is needed.

Meanwhile, DPP lawmaker Lin Dai Hua, who's under investigation for allegedly
taking hundreds of thousands in assistant fees, said that she supports
improving the way that assistant fees are dealt with.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-17 17:18:16

same

Wu Yi Nong, as the hopeful DPP nominee to run for Taipei mayor, is pledging
that he will not accept any corporate donations in his campaign...

and says that he also would use a completely electronic donations platform
that would document each donation, so as to ensure that the flow of political
donations can be clearly monitored.

He also called on incumbent Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan An to do the same.

Chiang responded today to say that he "wasn't thinking about the election
right now."

Wu says, he would run a grassroots campaign for mayor, only accepting public
donations.

Wu added that, as a potential candidate for leader of the capital city, his
job is not only to follow standards but to take the initiative to raise them.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-17 17:18:16

Chiayi county is warning the public to be vigilant against scammers, as they
say that someone has been using the title "2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival" to
trick people into sharing their personal information.

The scammers are apparently using the title of the event to impersonate
organizers and and ask victims to fill out a form with their personal info.

The local government is emphasizing that they only use official websites to
to communicate with the public...

at the address 2026taiwanlanternfestival.org.

They point out that they will not use personal social media accounts to post
information.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-17 17:18:16

Now turning to international news...

Australian and Filipino authorities are investigating a recent trip to the
Philippines by two suspects in the terror attack at Bondi beach.

Officials are investigating whether the trip was linked to the mass shooting.

That's after Australian police said the attack was inspired by the Islamic
State group.

Filipino officials say there's no indication that the suspects received
training from local militants.

The southern region of Mindanao once attracted foreign militants aligned with
al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group to help train militants.

Officials in Manila said that the suspects stayed in the Philippines for most
of last month.

Posted on 2025-12-17 16:17:13

New Taipei is aiming to double its number of mental health centers to tackle
a surge in depression.

Mayor Hou Yu-ih says the city will have 14 mental health centers running by
2030 ... with two new locations set to open next year in Banqiao and
Sanchong.

The expansion comes as national data from 2019 shows nearly two million
adults in Taiwan suffer from depression—a number the mayor warns is growing
... especially among young people.

He also pointed out that the depression rate for working-age adults had
reached nearly twenty-five percent over a ten-year period ... from 2010 to
2020.

Hou says the goal is to make support easy to find in schools and workplaces,
while breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-17 16:17:13

The Ministry of Environment is preparing to expand its waste reduction rules
to target excessive packaging on all retail products.

The ministry announced today that it will reveal a new "Single-Use Product
Reduction Milestone" by the end of this year.

The new policy will move beyond current restrictions that only cover gift
boxes and online shopping packages, to set new standards for the packaging
layers and volume for a wide variety of commercial goods.

Officials say many products use too much plastic or leave too much empty
space inside boxes, and most online shipping materials also lack clear
labels, making it difficult for consumers to sort their trash correctly.

Now, a government task force including representatives from manufacturers,
packaging suppliers, and retailers, are working on the new set of guidelines
to reduce packaging waste across the entire supply chain.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-17 16:17:13

Taiwan has officially met global targets for eliminating Hepatitis C —
reaching the milestone five years ahead of the 2030 deadline.

Health officials say more than 90 percent of patients have now been diagnosed
and treated, placing Taiwan alongside global leaders such as Australia and
Iceland.

The success follows a massive screening campaign that tested more than
seven-and-a-half million people to date, nearly a third of the population.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to submit its results to the World
Health Organization by the end of this month.

To avoid political friction with China, the application will be filed under
the name 'Chinese Taipei'.

While officials acknowledge the process could face challenges because Taiwan
is not a WHO member, they say public education efforts will continue —
aiming to further reduce liver-related deaths by 2030.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-17 16:17:13

Now turning to international news...

Japan is reporting that its exports rose 6% last month, as shipments to the
US rose for the first time since March...

but tensions between Beijing and Tokyo appear to have taken a toll, with
exports to China falling 2.4% following pro-Taiwan comments made by Prime
Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Exports to the US in particular rose nearly 9% from the year prior, as
shipments of cars, chemicals, and cameras helped make up for declines in
machinery, iron, and steel.

The data shows imports rose 1.3%, leaving a surplus of about 2.1 billion
dollars, with imports of US oil nearly tripling.

Japan’s deal on tariffs with the Trump administration, setting the baseline
import duty for most products at 15%, helped boost passenger car shipments by
8%

But the value of those cars, trucks and buses inched up only 1.5%, reflecting
the reluctance of automakers to pass costs from higher tariffs onto
consumers.

Posted on 2025-12-17 16:17:13

In Australia, a Syrian-Australian man has become a national hero after he
disarmed one of the gunmen that opened fire during a Hanukah celebration at
Bondi beach.

The fundraiser for Ahmed al Ahmed's medical care has already raised one and a
half million dollars, with donations pouring in from some 40,000 people.

He faces a long recovery, after being shot multiple times in the arm.

Prime Minister Antony Albanese praised al Ahmed as a symbol of bravery.

Al Ahmed has already undergone surgery, with more operations scheduled.

His parents say that their son served with the police and central security
forces in Syria...

adding that they felt pride at their son being honored as a "hero of
Australia."

Posted on 2025-12-17 15:36:13

Representatives from Taiwan participated in the first-ever Pax Silica Summit
hosted by the US, top discuss advanced manufacturing and artificial
intelligence infrastructure.

The summit in Washington D.C., held on December 12th, brought together eight
nations with the world's most advanced A-I supply chain ecosystems to sign
the "Pax Silica Declaration."

This declaration officially launches the US-led "Pax Silica Initiative",
which aims to secure the supply chains for minerals essential to artificial
intelligence.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs
Isabel Hou and senior Industrial Technology Research Institute expert Wu
Chih-I attended the event as guests.

MOFA says Taiwan plays a critical role in promoting A-I supply chain
security, and the government expects to continue discussions on supply chain
resilience with the U.S. through existing channels.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-17 15:36:17

Regulations

The Ministry of Environment is reminding businesses in national scenic areas
that they must follow plastic reduction regulations, following reports of
non-compliance.

The ministry conducted a survey covering 29 national parks and forest
recreation areas, finding that some shops in these protected areas are still
providing free plastic bags and straws to visitors.

Officials also found that some lodging facilities still provided single-use
toiletries.

The ministry says local environmental bureaus will increase inspections for
single-use products.

They are also encouraging hotels to apply for subsidies to install water
dispensers to replace plastic bottled water.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-17 15:36:18

The surviving suspect allegedly responsible for Sunday's mass shooting at
Bondi Beach in Sydney, has been charged with 15 counts of murder.

Police say 24-year-old Naveed Akram faces 59 offences, that also includes 40
charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder, and committing
a terrorist act.

He was critically injured during the incident on Sunday, while the other
gunman, his 50-year-old father, was killed in an exchange of fire with police
at the scene.

The two allegedly targeted Australia's Jewish community at an event
celebrating the first night of Hanukkah.

20 people who were injured in the attack remain hospitalized, with one still
in critical condition.

The case has now been adjourned until April 2026.

Posted on 2025-12-17 15:36:18

The European Union is moving to dial back its total ban on cars with gas or
diesel engines by 2035.

Tuesday's proposal would replace a mandatory reduction of emissions by 100%
by that date with a 90% reduction.

That would leave a little room for cars with internal combustion engines.

But most cars would still be all-electric.

Those could be hybrids that have both electric and internal combustion
motors.

The EU's commission is responding to appeals from carmakers for a more
flexible approach.

The new limit still needs approval by the EU parliament and member
governments.

Posted on 2025-12-17 14:06:13

yesterday

The Ministry of National Defense has released footage of the PLA's Fujian
aircraft carrier transiting through the Taiwan Strait yesterday.

Officials say, the MND closely monitored the situation.

Defense minister Wellington Koo says the flight deck did not have any planes
on board, likely meaning that the ship was heading to Shanghai for repairs.

That marks the first time that the Taiwanese military has seen the Fujian
transiting through the strait since the vessel was commissioned last moth.

The ministry also says that, in the 24 hours between 6 am yesterday and
today, they detected 7 Chinese warships and 9 PLA aircraft in the vicinity...

with 5 of those aircraft crossing the median line in the strait to enter
Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone in the north and southwest.

Ministry officials note that the ROC armed forces deployed ships and missile
systems as appropriate.

As of the end of last month, PLA aircraft made nearly 3500 flights in
Taiwan's ADIZ this year, topping last year's record already.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-17 14:06:13

Prosecutors in Chiayi are investigating the KMT offices in Chiayi city as
part of an investigation into potential forgery in a recall campaign.

Prosecutors say, they're questioning 11 individuals believed to have forged
signatures in a recall campaign against Chiayi City DPP lawmaker Wang Mei Hui

Officials say that the petition to recall Wang included the names of several
dead people, a discrepancy that was reported to authorities by families of
the deceased and one woman surnamed Zheng who was impersonated on the
petition.

Chiayi prosecutors say that they investigated in April following these
reports, gathering evidence in the case.

Then, they say, they conducted another search in May.

One suspect was questioned and released on bail of 100,000 NT with travel
restrictions.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-17 14:06:13

The National Immigration Agency is emphasizing that it's free to fill out
their online arrival cards required for foreign visitors to enter the
country.

That's after a Japanese tourist reported that they were scammed after
arriving at a local airport and scanning a QR code to complete the arrival
card...

with a fraudulent website requesting a 50 US dollar "processing fee."

Officials say that employees stationed at airports and seaports regularly
inspect all QR codes linked to the system.

After conducting another sweep yesterday, they found no banners or QR codes
directing users to fraudulent or fee-charging websites.

However, they caution against searching for the "Taiwan arrival card website"
rather than scanning a QR code, which could potentially lead to fraudulent
sites.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-17 14:06:13

Taiwan shares are down today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at 27525
after losing 11 points.

the turnover was 507 billion NT

Posted on 2025-12-17 14:06:13

Now turning to international news, and In the US,

the governor of Washington state says, the extent of damage across the state
is profound but unclear.

He said that officials would need to wait for waters to recede and landslide
risk to subside to assess the damage.

That's following more than a week of heavy rains and record flooding.

A barrage of storms from weather systems across the Pacific Northwest dumped
over a half meter of rain in parts of the Cascade Mountains...

causing rivers to swell and prompting more than 600 rescues.

The sotrm also caused key highways to be buried or washed out, isolating some
communities.

More rain, snow, high winds, and mudslides are in the forecast.

Posted on 2025-12-17 13:06:13

Taichung is warning pig farmers of heavy fines for illegally using kitchen
waste as pig feed.

That's after officials received a report that a pig farmer in the city's
Longjing 龍井 district had been doing so.

After an investigation, officials said that they confirmed the report, and
noted that those who violate the ban could see fines of up to 4 million NT.

That's after the federal government banned using kitchen waste as pig feed
through January after an outbreak of African Swine Fever in Taichung.

Officials this week took blood samples from pigs at the Longjing farm after
confirming that the farmer was illegally using kitchen waste.

They also took precautions to disinfect the area and restrict movement.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-17 13:06:13

The latest phase of Tainan's opening of more than 200 new electric vehicle
stations will see 15 new docks open on Friday.

Tainan's transportation bureau says that this is the fourth stage of the plan
to open the new charging stations in an effort to promote carbon neutral
policies.

The plan began to take shape in May, with the expectation set to add a total
of 202 charging stations for EVs to 37 administrative regions across the
city.

The local government has allocated a total of two and a half hundred million
NT for the plan.

The newest phase will include 4 new fast-charging docks and 11 regular ones
across 8 administrative districts...

including stations by the Tainan Municipal swimming pool, in Anping district,
and in Beimen district.

Officials say that stations added in the earlier phases of the plan have
already been used nearly 500 times since beginning operation in May.

They also note that gas vehicles using a space designated for EVs can be
fined 1200 NT in accordance with the law.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-17 13:06:13

In England, a driver who injured more than 130 as he plowed his car into a
crowd of soccer fans celebrating Liverpool’s Premier League championship has
been sentenced to over 21 years in prison.

The judge in Liverpool Crown Court yesterday called the footage “truly
shocking.”

Prosecutors said Paul Doyle, 54, flew into a fury and drove into the crowd
because he couldn’t get where he was going fast enough to pick up friends.

The two minutes of horror ended only when a bystander got in the vehicle and
forced it into park.

It came to a rest atop people.

Doyle sobbed during the two-day sentencing as prosecutors detailed the May 26
crime.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-12-17 13:06:13

Colombian police say two officers were killed in the city of Cali in an
attack by the rebels of the National Liberation Army, or ELN.

The officers were patrolling on motorcycles when two explosions occurred.

The ELN launched a 72-hour “armed strike” on Sunday to protest the U.S.
military build up in the Caribbean...

...but theyve not claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Colombian government criticizes the ELN's actions, calling them senseless
and harmful to local communities.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-12-17 08:15:13

Four independence-leaning smaller political parties have officially launched
an alliance ahead of next year's local elections.

The "Taiwan Go Go Front" has been formed by the New Power Party, the Taiwan
Statebuilding Party, the Taiwan Obasang Political Equality Party and the
Green Party Taiwan.

The launch formalizes the party's cooperation plans, which were first
outlined in a joint declaration in September.

The alliance is pledging to pool and maximize its resources for the local
elections, vowing not to collude with pro-China forces, and stressing the
need for a "reliable third force."

Speaking to reporters following the announcement, N-P-P Chairwoman Claire
Wang said antagonism between the administrative and legislative branches, as
well as the K-M-T and D-P-P, has thrown Taiwan's constitutional governance
into a crisis ...

... and the alliance aims to unite Taiwan against Chinese invasion as well as
monitor and balance the central and local governments.

Posted on 2025-12-17 08:15:13

Former Premier Liu Chao-shiuan has been highlighting opportunities for deeper
cross-strait industrial cooperation at the 2025 Cross-Strait C-E-O Summit in
Nanjing.

Speaking at the event, Liu said industries in Taiwan and China are facing new
challenges and opportunities amid shifting global and regional conditions ..
..

... and as China prepares to roll out its next five-year plan, the
Cross-Strait C-E-O Summit will seek to adopt new thinking and pursue broader
and higher-level cooperation.

Liu said the C-S-C-S will closely track key policy priorities under the plan,
including technological self-reliance, efforts to strengthen China's domestic
market, the promotion of a comprehensive green transition and continued
cross-strait industrial cooperation.

He also highlighted Taiwan's experience in multinational supply chains and
encouraged joint efforts to build smart manufacturing ecosystems and
strengthen industrial cooperation.

Liu serves as co-president of the Cross-Strait C-E-O Summit.

Established in 2013, the annual summit is currently the highest-level
platform for entrepreneurs from China and Taiwan to engage with each other.

Posted on 2025-12-17 08:15:13

The Control Yuan has censured the Ministry of Health for what is says was its
rushed and flawed handling of widespread workplace bullying allegations.

Five senior ministry officials have been impeached.

The government watchdog says suspected bullying cases involving nine health
ministry units and 13 senior civil servants was "shocking and deeply
regrettable."

According to the Control Yuan, the ministry's hasty response raised serious
concerns over investigative fairness and the proportionality of disciplinary
measures, prompting the censure.

An investigative report and corrective motion against the health ministry was
approved in mid-November and urged the Examination Yuan, in coordination with
the Cabinet, to strengthen civil service mechanisms to prevent workplace
bullying.

The Control Yuan approved the impeachment of the five senior officials last
week and those cases have now been transferred to the Disciplinary Court for
trial.

All five senior health ministry officials have been accused of abusing their
authority by exploiting power imbalances with subordinates during work
supervision.

Posted on 2025-12-17 08:15:13

The Taiwan Network Information Center has launched a program that allows
non-profit organizations to apply for free "green domain" certification for
their org.tw websites.

The center says the move is aimed guarding against phishing scams and
boosting public trust in online donations.

According to center CEO Jofan Yu, some non-profit organizations that rely on
public donations have been voicing concerns that fraud rings are setting up
fake versions of their websites to scam donors.

Yu says that resulting in a decline in fundraising and sees the reputations
of non-profit organizations suffer.

Taiwan Network Information Center is the only non-profit organization
responsible for coordinating domain name registrations and I-P address
allocations and is supervised by the Ministry of Digital Affairs.

Posted on 2025-12-17 08:15:13

A woman in her 70s has been killed after being struck by a bus in Taipei
while riding a bicycle across a crosswalk.

The incident occured in the city's Zhongzheng District at the intersection of
Chongqing South and Zhongxiao West roads, near the Taipei Main Station.

Police say a preliminary investigation has found that the driver of the No.
223 bus initially yielded to pedestrians at the crosswalk, but then
accelerated and struck the female cyclist as she was on the crosswalk.

According to police, it's not clear why the bus driver failed to notice her.

The woman suffered serious injuries and was rushed to the National Taiwan
University Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Posted on 2025-12-17 08:15:13

And finally,

The 2026 Taiwan-Japan baseball exchange series will be taking place at the
Taipei Dome from February 25 and 28.

According to Bros Sports Marketing, it will be held under the slogan of
"Ready for Classic" and will serve as a warm-up for Taiwan's World Baseball
Classic team ahead of the W-B-C, which will be taking place in March.

The opening game will see Chinatrust Brothers playing Japan's SoftBank Hawks.

Taiwan's W-B-C team will then play one game each against the Hawks and the
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.

While the final game in the series will be between the Wei Chuan Dragons and
the Nippon-Ham Fighters.

Ticket prices will range from 680 to 2,880 N-T depending on the game.

General ticket sales start at noon on December 24.

Posted on 2025-12-17 07:06:13

The High Court has overturned Ann Kao's corruption conviction after finding
her not guilty of embezzling assistant fees.

However, it found her guilty of causing public officials to make false
entries in official records in a case involving assistant fees during her
tenure as a lawmaker.

The court has sentenced her to six months in prison commutable to a fine for
falsifying official documents.

That ruling can be appealed.

It comes nearly a year-and-a-half after Kao was sentenced to seven years and
four months in prison by the Taipei District Court for violating the
Anti-Corruption Act and Criminal Code.

That lower court ruling led to Kao's suspension as Hsinchu City mayor.

The Hsinchu City government says it submitted an application to the Ministry
of the Interior for Kao's reinstatement in accordance with relevant
regulations immediately after the High Court issued its ruling

Acting Mayor Chiu Chen-yuan says city departments have begun preparing for
the handover and is urging the interior ministry to approve Kao's
reinstatement as soon as possible.

Taiwan People's Party Chairman says Kao's acquittal on corruption charges has
finally cleared her name and is "justice delayed."

Posted on 2025-12-17 07:06:15

Lawmakers have passed amendments to four separate acts governing ships,
ports, meteorological facilities and telecommunications.

Passage of the amendments is part of the Cabinet's moves to update Taiwan's
so-called "seven undersea-cable laws."

The changes to the Law of Ships, Meteorological Act, Telecommunications
Management Act and Commercial Port Law are aimed at strengthening protections
for submarine cables ...

.... which the government has said could pose a threat to national security
if cut or otherwise damaged.

The amendments include requiring Taiwan-registered vessels and certain
foreign vessels operating within Taiwan's territorial waters to keep their
automatic identification system turned on and transmit accurate vessel
identification information.

Penalties have been introduced for negligently damaging or illegally
endangering the normal functioning of meteorological facilities and
equipment.

Authorities can confiscation of tools, vessels and machinery used to steal,
damage or otherwise illegally endanger equipment relating to undersea cables.

And foreign merchant vessels detained for serious violations may be
confiscated if discrepancies in vessel registration, vessel certificates or
other identification information are not corrected within three months.

Posted on 2025-12-17 07:06:16

The owner of a Taichung-based tea company that recently won a French tea
competition award says two individuals, believed to be Chinese diplomats, had
tried to disrupt the awards ceremony.

Lishan Juxin Tea Industry C-E-O Leo Hsieh said two members of the Chinese
embassy in France who attended the "Teas of the World" contest earlier this
month shouted out slogans when the R-O-C flag was shown on the screen.

Hsieh has posted a video clip of the event on his social media pages.

The two individuals can been seen shouting "Taiwan is part of China" and
"Taiwan is just a province" in English when Hsieh's tea brand won a special
mention.

However, the outburst didn't interrupt the awards ceremony - some attendees
booed the two people, asking them to be quiet or leave the venue.

Hsieh says many participants at the ceremony offered him words of
encouragement following the incident.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it isn't known if the two people were
Chinese diplomats.

Posted on 2025-12-17 07:06:16

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is warning of a rising number of Taiwanese
nationals are being lured into shady part-time jobs in Japan and is urging
the public not to be fooled by the illicit schemes.

The Taiwan-Japan Relations Association says Taiwan's representative office in
Tokyo has been seeing growing number of nationals engaging in the shady jobs
that support criminal activity, known as "yami baito."

"Yami baito" is a Japanese term referring to the recruitment of individuals
without prior criminal records for illicit activities.

Association deputy head Lin Yu-hui says 50 Taiwanese have been arrested in
Japan so far this year for doing the illicit jobs and that's a 10-fold
increase from both 2023 and 2024.

Lin says many of those who have been arrested were lured to Japan by social
media posts promising free travel and easy money, but ended-up working for
telecom fraud rings as money mules.

Posted on 2025-12-17 07:06:16

The Ministry of Transport has announced that new regulations governing tinted
vehicle windows will take effect in the first quarter of next year.

Owners of new vehicles must now ensure that the tint on the front windshield
has visible light transmission of no less than 70-per cent, while front, side
windows must allow at least 40-per cent light transmission.

The new regulations are being introduced as part of proposed amendments to
the Road Traffic Safety Rules to address concerns over safety risks posed by
tinted windows.

The proposed amendments will apply to all newly registered and licensed
vehicles.

The Department of Public Transportation says the amendments mainly target
newly registered vehicles and will not apply retroactively to older, already
registered vehicles.

Vehicles that fail to meet the new requirements will not be eligible for
registration.

Posted on 2025-12-17 07:06:16

The Food and Drug Administration has seized two batches of imported
American-made salsa after test found them to contain residue of the banned
pesticide Ethylene Oxide.

Ethylene Oxide is commonly used in pesticides to control fungal and bacterial
growth in dry food products and is prohibited under the Standards for
Pesticide Residue Limits in Foods.

A total of 460-kilograms of American-made salsa was seized and both batches
were imported by Taiwan Kaldi.

This is the first non-compliant case from the importer Kaldi in the past six
months.

But the F-D-A says Kaldi's spice and condiment imports have been subject to
100-per cent sampling since August 6, because the firm is listed as an
"affiliated company" of a business previously found to have products
containing Sudan dye.

That sampling rate is slated to remain in place until March of next year.

Posted on 2025-12-17 07:06:16

And,

Both the Taiwan Railway Corporation and High Speed Rail say tickets for
travel during the Febraury 14 to 22 Lunar New Year holiday will be available
in mid-January.

The Taiwan Railway says tickets for trains running on east coast lines from
February 10 to 23 will go on sale January 13.

While tickets for trains on the west coast lines from Febraury 11 to 23 will
go on sale January 14.

The High Speed Rail Corporation says tickets for trains from Febraury 13 to
23 will go on sale January 1.

Demand for tickets is expected to be high - and both rail carriers expect
people to log onto their respective websites or apps at midnight on the day
ticket sales begin to book their seats.

Posted on 2025-12-17 07:06:16

Lithuanian authorities have arrested 21 people allegedly linked to a criminal
network smuggling cigarettes using weather balloons from Belarus.

Investigators conducted over 80 searches, seizing cigarettes, SIM cards,
signal jammers, firearms, luxury cars and valuable property.

Lithuania declared a national emergency earlier this month due to security
risks from these balloons.

The balloons forced the shutdown of Lithuania's main airport and border
crossings with Belarus.

Posted on 2025-12-17 07:06:19

The BBC has said it will defend itself against a $5bn lawsuit filed by US
President Donald Trump over an edit of his 6 January 2021 speech in a
Panorama documentary.

The BBC apologised to him last month, but rejected his demands for
compensation and disagreed there was a "basis for a defamation claim".

The 33-page lawsuit accuses the BBC of broadcasting a “false, defamatory,
deceptive, disparaging, inflammatory, and malicious depiction of President
Trump,” calling it “a brazen attempt to interfere in and influence” the
2024 U.S. presidential election.

The speech in question took place before some of Trump’s supporters stormed
the U.S. Capitol as Congress was poised to certify President-elect Joe
Biden’s victory in the 2020 election that Trump falsely alleged was stolen
from him.

Trump had earlier said that he was suing the BBC “for putting words in my
mouth.”

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