Legislature begins a new session Tuesday, with the three major parties
setting out different priorities for the months ahead.

The KMT says it will focus on the central government budget and proposals for
larger cash handouts.

The DPP is prioritizing more than 40 bills covering business support, family
policies and social welfare.

Meanwhile, the TPP plans to push measures including expanded parental leave,
tax breaks for renters and parents, and increased support for elderly
farmers.

The party also wants to legalize surrogacy and euthanasia.

Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) is scheduled to deliver a policy report when the
new session opens on Tuesday.

The Executive Yuan confirms the session begins September 29th and says the
2026 supplementary budget and 2027 central government budget will be major
items for consideration.

(PB)

KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) is calling on President Lai Ching-te (賴清德)
to seek the resumption of dialogue with Beijing following this week's
Trump-Xi summit.

Cheng says the meeting showed Washington and Beijing can maintain
communication despite major economic and geopolitical differences.

She says Taiwan should similarly pursue dialogue to reduce cross-strait
tensions, while continuing to strengthen its defenses and security ties with
the United States.

The DPP responded by saying Taiwan remains open to dialogue based on equality
and mutual respect, but accused Beijing of refusing such exchanges and
increasing military and other pressure on Taiwan.

(PB)

Authorities are investigating a suspected case of illegal coral harvesting in
Kenting National Park.
The park's management office says a diving instructor filmed a diver
apparently removing coral near the Hejie (合界) diving site in Hengchun (恆春) on
Wednesday.

However, officials say the video does not clearly establish whether coral was
actually taken.

The footage and other information have been turned over to police for
investigation.

The park office says it will also increase patrols and work with local diving
operators to report suspected illegal harvesting.

Violations of conservation restrictions under the Fisheries Act can carry up
to three years in prison and a fine of up to 150-thousand N.T.

(PB)

Meanwhile in international news...

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have wrapped up
a three-day summit in Washington with few major public breakthroughs.

The two leaders agreed to extend their current trade truce by two months,
while U.S. officials say limited agreements were also reached on agricultural
trade and other goods.

But major differences remain over Taiwan, technology and China's ties with
Iran.

Xi urged Trump to oppose Taiwan independence and handle the issue with
caution.

Trump has yet to publicly detail his response or say whether he will move
ahead with a pending 14-billion U.S. dollar arms package for Taiwan.

The two leaders are expected to meet again later this year at the APEC and
G20 summits.

The White House confirms Xi's state visit concluded Friday following tea at
the White House and a visit to the National Archives.

Health officials say contact tracing is falling far behind as an Ebola
outbreak continues spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya says authorities have identified only about
30-thousand people who may have been exposed to the virus.

With roughly 7-thousand confirmed cases, he says officials would expect to
identify more than 400-thousand contacts.

Kaseya says more than 80-percent of new confirmed cases are being detected
among people who were not already being monitored, indicating continued
community transmission.

The World Health Organization says the outbreak has now reached 63 health
zones across seven provinces.

Its latest situation report recorded more than 7-thousand-700 confirmed cases
as of September 20th.

The Cabinet is preparing to push about 40 priority bills when the Legislature
begins its new session on Tuesday.

The proposals include measures to support families with children, small
businesses and startups, as well as changes to food safety, disaster
prevention and social welfare laws.

The Cabinet is also seeking quick approval of this year's supplementary
budget and the 2027 central government budget.

The 2027 proposal sets spending and revenue at about 3.93-trillion N.T., with
overall defense spending exceeding one-trillion N.T. for the first time.

The budget also includes funding for planned cash payments and pay
adjustments for military personnel, civil servants and teachers.

Premier Cho Jung-tai is scheduled to present the government's policy report
when the new legislative session opens Tuesday.

(PB)

Taiwan picked up another gold and five bronze medals at the Asian Games in
Japan on Friday.

Swimmer Wang Kuan-hung (王冠閎) won the men's 200-meter butterfly in one minute,
55.05 seconds, becoming Taiwan's first male swimmer to win Asian Games gold.

Weightlifters Kuo Hsing-chun (郭婞淳) and Chen Guan-ling (陳冠伶) both took bronze,
while Taiwan added another bronze in canoe sprint and two in kabaddi.

Meanwhile, Taiwan's baseball team beat China 9-1, keeping it in contention
for a place in the gold medal game.

Taiwan now faces host Japan tonight in its final super round game, with a
place in the gold medal game on the line.

(PB)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is rejecting comments on Taiwan made by
Chinese President Xi Jinping during his state visit to the United States.

China's Foreign Ministry says Xi told U.S. President Donald Trump that
Washington should oppose Taiwan independence and handle the Taiwan issue with
caution during their White House meeting Thursday.

MOFA responded Friday, accusing Beijing of "distorting facts" to promote its
own position.

The ministry reiterated that Taiwan and China are not subordinate to each
other, and said Taiwan's future can only be decided democratically by its
people.

Xi's three-day U.S. state visit concluded Friday.

The White House has released video and other material from the visit, but I
have not found a U.S. readout detailing Trump's response to Xi's comments on
Taiwan.

(PB)

U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected an Iranian proposal aimed at ending
regional fighting and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Wall
Street Journal.

The newspaper cited unnamed U.S. officials as saying Trump remains skeptical
that Tehran will meet his demands and expects U.S. bombing of Iran could
resume after November's midterm elections.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi says Tehran submitted its proposal
through Qatari mediators.

Under the plan, an agreement would begin a seven-day process toward reopening
the Strait of Hormuz and halting fighting across the region.

Iran is seeking an end to the U.S. blockade of its ports, access to frozen
funds and relief from oil sanctions.

The conflict has severely disrupted shipping and energy supplies through the
Strait of Hormuz.

Iran had already publicly signaled this week that it was prepared to reopen
the waterway if Washington eased military pressure and lifted its blockade.

U-S President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have remained
silent on whether Taiwan was discussed during their White House meeting in
Washington.

China's state-run Xinhua News Agency says Xi urged Washington to oppose
"Taiwan independence" and handle the Taiwan issue cautiously.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Beijing is distorting the facts to
promote its own position, stressing that Taiwan's sovereignty belongs to its
people.

The ministry says Taiwan will continue working with the U-S and other
partners to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun says Taiwan should put its own security and interests
first, while strengthening its defenses and keeping the door open to dialogue
with Beijing.

The rulling DPP says Taiwan has never closed the door to dialogue, but argues
that Beijing must engage with Taiwan on an equal and mutually respectful
basis.

Divers in Indonesia have recovered 52 bodies following the capsizing of a
ferry in rough seas earlier this month.

Officials say 108 people were rescued, but 83 remain missing.

The ferry, carrying 243 people, was traveling from Surabaya to Banjarmasin
when it issued a distress call on September 13.

Authorities later found it had capsized in the Java Sea.

Divers smashed windows to enter the ship and recover bodies.

Indonesia’s Search and Rescue Agency is focusing on locating missing victims.

The agency plans to salvage the ferry from about 30 meters deep.

Ferries are common in Indonesia, where disasters occur regularly.

The DPP is pushing back against KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun's call for President
Lai Ching-te to reopen cross-strait dialogue following this week's Trump-Xi
summit in Washington.

The DPP says Taiwan's door to dialogue with the world has never been closed
... but Beijing has refused to engage Taiwan on what the party describes as
an equal and mutually respectful basis.

It says Beijing has instead increased military and other forms of pressure on
Taiwan and the region.

The DPP says if Beijing can sit down with Washington despite major
disagreements ... it should also be willing to engage Taiwan through
dialogue.

The party is calling on Beijing to return to a rules-based international
order ... saying cross-strait dialogue is possible if it is based on equality
and mutual respect.

(IG)

Labor representatives expressed disappointment while major business groups
called for relief measures following yesterday's decision to raise Taiwan's
minimum wage.

The representatives said the 4.7-percent hike fell short of their
expectations, after they had called for a nearly 8-percent increase to give
workers a greater share of Taiwan's economic growth.

Business groups, meanwhile, warned that higher wages would add to costs for
labor-intensive industries and smaller businesses.

They called on the government to provide more support, including help with
insurance costs and funding for businesses seeking to upgrade and improve
productivity.

The new minimum wage - of 30 thousand 900 NT per month or 205 NT per hour -
is expected to take effect in January, pending Cabinet approval.

(CNA_IG)

A high school student injured in a scissors attack in New Taipei's Ruifang
District is showing stable vital signs after undergoing surgery.

Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital says the 16-year-old remains in
intensive care for further treatment and observation.

The attack happened Thursday afternoon when two students got into a
confrontation off campus.

Police say the alleged attacker, a junior high school student at the same
private school, used a pair of scissors to stab the victim in the neck before
turning himself in.

The suspect told police the victim had mocked and provoked him.

The school said the two students were not well acquainted and had no reported
history of bullying.

A juvenile court has ordered the suspect detained.

(CNA_IG)

Pope Leo XIV has arrived in France for a four-day visit ...

And he told reporters they were welcome to cover him ....

.... as he responded a question about the Trump administration’s attempt to
bar U-S media from the White House by affirming the importance of journalists
covering public figures.

Leo said he was happy to have reporters on his plane and that they were all
welcome.

This visit marks the first by a pope in 18 years.

Leo is set to meet French President Emmanuel Macron and address topics like
climate change and artificial intelligence.

High security measures are in place, similar to those during the Paris 2024
Olympics.

The Premier League and three other major European soccer leagues are calling
for reforms at FIFA after President Gianni Infantino's plan to sell stakes in
the World Cup failed.

The leagues from England, Spain, Italy and Germany accused Infantino of
promoting what they called "exploitative ideas."

The Premier League is soccer's richest and most popular domestic league.

The joint statement adds to pressure on Infantino, who plans to seek
re-election despite opposition from some national soccer federations.

The dispute centers on his plan to sell World Cup profits through a
commercial subsidiary.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is rejecting Beijing's comments about Taiwan
.... off the heels of talks between U-S President Donald Trump and Chinese
leader Xi Jinping in Washington.

China's Foreign Ministry says Xi urged the U-S to oppose Taiwan independence
... and handle the Taiwan issue cautiously.

MOFA says Beijing is once again distorting the facts to promote its own
position ...

... saying Taiwan's sovereignty belongs to its people ... and the Chinese
Communist government has no right to represent Taiwan.

The ministry says Taiwan will continue working with the U-S and other
partners to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

It also points to recent statements from the U-S, Japan and South Korea ...
and other countries ...

.... stressing the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and
opposing unilateral changes to the status quo.

(IG)

In similar news,

KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun says Taiwan should put its own security and interests
first ... following the talks between Trump and Xi.

Cheng says Taiwan does not need to choose between being closer to the U-S or
China ... and should instead find its own path amid growing competition
between the two powers.

She says Taiwan should strengthen its defenses while keeping the door open to
dialogue ... arguing that deterrence and efforts to reduce tensions can go
hand in hand.

Cheng is also calling on President Lai Ching-te to explain the government's
assessment of the latest U-S-China developments ... and propose concrete
steps to reduce risks in the Taiwan Strait.

She says the government should reopen cross-strait dialogue ... while
protecting Taiwan's security, democracy, prosperity and peace.

(IG)

Taoyuan has confirmed its first case of H5N1 bird flu in more than eight
years ... after birds at a farm in Dayuan District began dying unexpectedly.

Authorities culled about 2,500 guinea fowl ... and disinfected the farm and
nearby roads after tests confirmed the virus.

Officials say authorities responded within two hours of the farm reporting
unusual deaths on the afternoon of the 23rd ... taking samples and
restricting movement in and out of the the site.

Officials are also checking other poultry farms in the surrounding area.

They say this is currently the only confirmed case ... and there has been no
impact on local poultry supplies.

(IG)

A powerful explosion has caused a building to collapse near the ancient
Acropolis in Athens, Greece.

The blast happened Friday morning local time in the tourist district of Plaka.

Authorities say the explosion occurred in an old two-story building.

Firefighters rescued two women who were injured and trapped in a nearby
building. They were taken to a hospital.

The explosion also damaged neighboring buildings and parked cars. Local media
say a passer-by suffered minor injuries.

Rescue crews are searching the area for anyone else who may be trapped.

The cause of the explosion remains unclear, but authorities suspect a gas
leak.

Poland is urging the European Union to allow countries to temporarily suspend
asylum applications during periods of what it calls "instrumentalized" mass
migration.

Poland stopped registering asylum applications from migrants entering from
Belarus in March 2025, calling the measure a temporary emergency response.

The policy has remained in place for 18 months.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the E-U executive
branch will soon propose a new "European emergency response framework" for
cases of what she calls "engineered and weaponized" mass migration.

Critics warn that suspending asylum applications could violate international
law and undermine fundamental human rights.

The proposal comes amid continuing tensions between Poland and Belarus over
migration along their border.

Heavy traffic is slowing parts of major freeways across Taiwan as the
Mid-Autumn and Teachers' Day long weekend gets underway.

Currently ... on National Freeway 3 southbound from Huandong to Nangang,
traffic speeds have slowed to just 4 kilometers per hour on ...

... while northbound lanes between Xindian and the Muzha Service Station have
slowed to around 17 kilometers per hour.

On National Freeway 1, southbound lanes in the Hsinchu area are seeing the
heaviest congestion ... with traffic crawling at around 16 kilometers per
hour from the Hukou Service Area all to the way to Hsinchu and beyond ...

And if your heading to Yilan or Hualien from Taipei ...

... National Freeway 5 southbound from the Pinling System Interchange to
Toucheng ... is also expected to see heavy congestion this afternoon ... so
drivers are being advised to wait until after 5 PM before heading out.

(IG)

A retired U-S Navy admiral is urging Washington to move ahead with arms sale
notifications for Taiwan following U-S President Donald Trump's summit with
Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Mark Montgomery said Friday that the summit had delayed proposed arms sales
and urged the U-S to avoid further delays.

He said notifying Congress of a sale is separate from delivering the weapons,
and argued that delivery constraints should not prevent the notifications.

Montgomery suggested a proposed $14 billion U-S dollar arms package, stalled
since early this year, could be divided into smaller packages.

The White House has not said whether Taiwan was discussed at the summit,
while China's state-run Xinhua News Agency said Xi urged Washington to oppose
"Taiwan independence."

Montgomery also called for greater military cooperation through training and
exercises.

(CNA_IG)

Doctors are urging people to take extra care when barbecuing over the
Mid-Autumn Festival ... as emergency room visits typically rise by 20 to 30
percent around the holiday period.

Taichung Hospital says stomach and respiratory infections are among the main
reasons for the increase.

Doctors say many stomach illnesses are linked to undercooked meat and seafood
... or using the same utensils for raw and cooked food.

They recommend keeping raw and cooked food separate ... washing hands
regularly and making sure meat and seafood are thoroughly cooked.

Nationwide, about 126-thousand people sought treatment for stomach-related
illnesses last week ... the highest level in around five years.

Norovirus was the most commonly detected cause.

(IG)

The U-S-created Board of Peace has said the U-N agency for Palestinian
refugees has no place in Gaza.

But behind the scenes, the board has held talks with UNRWA about providing
services under the fragile ceasefire, according to the agency's former chief,
Philippe Lazzarini.

UNRWA remains Gaza's largest aid provider, despite Israel's accusations that
the agency has been infiltrated by Hamas.

Several people familiar with the discussions say the Board of Peace has
involved UNRWA in planning and has considered building on its work or copying
its programs.

A board member says some of those programs could continue even if UNRWA
itself does not.

Governments across Europe are using subsidies, tax cuts and other measures to
help people and businesses cope with rising energy costs linked to wars in
Ukraine and the Middle East.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development says seven of the
10 countries taking the strongest action to limit the impact of higher fuel
prices are in the European Union.

Lithuania has cut train ticket prices in half, while France and Spain have
extended fuel subsidies for farmers and fishermen.

Germany has reduced fuel taxes, and Greece is raising taxes on gambling to
help fund relief measures.

The European Union relies heavily on energy imports from outside the bloc.

Yodeling fans in Austria have found an unusual place to practice: an
underground parking garage in the city of Graz.

The garage offers acoustic conditions similar to the echoing mountains of the
Alps.

Yodeling teacher Anna Maria Gutschi led a group of about 30 people through
the garage earlier this week.

Gutschi works for a cultural organization that promotes traditional folk
music in Graz.

The group holds courses in unusual places, including car parks, canals and
even gas stations, to help keep the tradition alive.

Yodeling developed centuries ago as a way for people to communicate across
the Alps.

U-S President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping did not respond
to questions yesterday about whether Taiwan was discussed during their
meeting at the White House.

Trump described the talks as "great" but did not answer questions about
Taiwan, artificial intelligence or jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai.

Xi also declined to respond when reporters asked about Taiwan after the
meeting.

However, China's state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that Xi raised the
Taiwan issue, saying Beijing's position on "national unification and
territorial integrity" was clear.

Xinhua said Xi urged Washington to oppose "Taiwan independence" and
"prudently handle the Taiwan question."

The White House had not released its own readout of the meeting as of
Thursday night.

The talks marked Xi's first visit to the White House in 11 years and his
second meeting with Trump this year.

(CNA_IG)

Holiday travel is getting off to a smooth start at Taoyuan International
Airport ... despite nearly 143-thousand passengers expected today.

The airport about 74-thousand passengers were expected to depart this morning
... with the busiest period between 8 and 10.

Many travelers arrived about three hours early ... while airport agencies
added staff to handle the holiday crowds.

The airport expects about 930-thousand passengers during the six-day holiday
travel period through September 29th.

The busiest departure days are expected to be yesterday and today ... while
arrivals are expected to peak on Monday, September 28th.

Passengers are being advised to arrive three hours before their flights ...
and use self-service check-in and baggage-drop facilities.

(IG)

Hurricane Nolo is strengthening in the Pacific as forecasters warn it could
bring catastrophic flooding to Hawaii.

The National Hurricane Center says Nolo became a hurricane Thursday and is
expected to strengthen further as it moves toward Hawaii's Big Island.

Residents are preparing for the possibility of severe flooding in the coming
days.

Forecasters say the Big Island could receive up to 35 inches of rain.

The hurricane center says parts of Hawaii could begin experiencing hurricane
conditions by Friday night.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Polo is bringing heavy rain to Mexico, with forecasters
warning of possible flooding and landslides.

A month after deadly floods hit Nepal, Prime Minister Balendra Shah says the
disaster should serve as a warning to the world about climate change.

Shah says Nepal is being affected by rising temperatures caused by greenhouse
gases that the country has contributed very little to.

Nepal produces less than 1 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions.

Shah says poorer countries like Nepal are often among the most vulnerable to
climate-related disasters.

He also says international financial support for vulnerable countries is not
enough and is too difficult to access because of bureaucracy.

The prime minister says he hopes world leaders will listen to Nepal's calls
for stronger climate action.

Italy's conservative government has approved new school rules limiting
classrooms to 30 percent of students with insufficient Italian-language
skills.

The decree also bans full-face Islamic veils, including burqas and niqabs, in
schools.

The government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says the measures are
designed to promote integration through Italian-language learning and
additional support for newly arrived students.

Educators, unions and opposition parties criticize the plan as difficult to
enforce and politically motivated.

Critics also warn the rules could disrupt enrollment in areas with large
migrant populations.

The decree includes funding for language programs and additional teaching
support, but critics say the resources are not enough.

Pope Leo XIV this weekend is beginning a four-day visit to France, where he
plans to highlight the dignity of human life, calls for peace and concerns
about artificial intelligence.

Leo will visit Paris, the Catholic shrine at Lourdes and the northern city of
Metz.

The pope is expected to use the trip to call for greater reflection on the
impact of A-I, which he says could challenge ideas about what it means to be
human.

He will also renew his appeals for peace as wars continue in several parts of
the world.

Church bells across France are expected to ring at 10 a.m. Friday, when Leo's
charter flight arrives at Paris' Orly Airport.

It is the first papal visit to France in 18 years.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications is announcing plans to
expand scooter driver training starting next year.

Officials say the changes will add five hours of practical training for light
and standard heavy scooter driving courses starting January 1st, 2027.

The expanded curriculum includes two hours of specialized track maneuvering
and three hours of live road driving instruction.

Authorities also plan to trial actual on-road driving tests for motorcycle
license applicants starting in October 2027.

Officials say training subsidies up to $2-thousand-500 NT will remain
available, emphasizing that practical road experience will better equip new
riders to recognize traffic hazards and navigate complex street environments.

(NS)

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an is urging politicians to base claims on facts,
after reports of possible food poisoning at a local junior high school.

A city councilor claimed that multiple teachers and students at Jinhua Junior
High fell ill after consuming a school lunch featuring squid on Sept. 4-th.

But the city's Department of Education clarified that only one student
experienced diarrhea alongside two unrelated cases of mild discomfort,
confirming no mass food poisoning occurred.

Chiang emphasized that any accusations must be supported by facts, backing
the department's rejection of a reported food poisoning outbreak.

The mayor also defended condolence funds provided to students affected by an
earlier, separate food poisoning case at another school, stressing that
officials immediately fined the vendor and terminated its contract, while
also launching citywide lunch inspections.

(NS)

Three of Taiwan's diplomatic allies made a push Wednesday for Taiwan's
inclusion in the United Nations, when their leaders addressed the 81st
session of the U.N. General Assembly.

Paraguayan President Santiago Peña said in his speech that Taiwan's exclusion
is "a stain on the United Nations", reaffirming Paraguay's support for the
full and meaningful participation of Taiwan in the U.N. and its specialized
agencies.

In a similar vein, Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. notes that the U.N.
Charter begins with the commitment, "We the peoples", and says the U.N.
"marginalizes Taiwan's 23 million people, disregarding that foundational
purpose."

Meanwhile, King Mswati III of the African kingdom of Eswatini also expressed
support for Taiwan, which he said plays a vital role in global supply chains.

The 81st session of the U.N. General Assembly opened on Sept. 8, with the
high-level General Debate running from Sept. 22 to Sept. 28.

(CNA -NS)

The World Health Organization is warning that Congo is running short of
health workers to staff treatment centers as the country's Ebola outbreak
continues to spread.

The W-H-O says cases surged 73 percent over three weeks in North Kivu,
despite signs of improvement in some other provinces.

The outbreak has now spread to seven provinces, with 7,773 confirmed cases
and 3,759 deaths.

Between August 31 and September 20, cases fell 26 percent in Ituri, the
outbreak's epicenter, and 15 percent in Haut-Uele.

However, the W-H-O says transmission patterns vary widely and the outbreak
remains uncontrolled.

The situation is being made worse by insecurity, displacement, a health
workers' strike and large movements of people.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he is extremely concerned
about a security breach involving OpenAI and a government website.

Albanese says OpenAI took too long to notify Australian authorities about the
incident.

He made the breach public Thursday after speaking by phone with OpenAI CEO
Sam Altman. Both are in New York for the U-N General Assembly.

Australian officials say an OpenAI agent infiltrated a Health Department
website on June 18.

OpenAI notified the government by email on September 10, sending the message
to a general government address.

Albanese says an investigation will examine whether OpenAI could face
criminal charges over the breach.

Taiwan's minimum wage will rise for an 11th consecutive year, with the
monthly rate increasing to NT$30,900 and the hourly rate to NT$205.

The Ministry of Labor's Minimum Wage Review Committee approved the increases
today, up from NT$29,500 and NT$196 respectively.

The new rates will take effect next year, pending approval by the Executive
Yuan.

Economic Affairs Minister Kung Ming-hsin says the government is also
considering subsidies for service businesses and traditional manufacturers
that face greater pressure from higher labor costs.

He says the Economics Ministry will work with the Labor Ministry to develop
support measures for businesses that may struggle after the wage increase.

Kung says similar subsidies were previously provided to manufacturers
affected by U.S. tariffs, but this time the support could be expanded to
include service businesses.

(IG)

The Executive Yuan approved a three-year $3.6 billion NT initiative Thursday
to expand campus safety personnel in junior high schools.

The Ministry of Education says the program will increase dedicated school
safety officers nationwide from 620 to 2,000 starting in October.

Running through 2029, the initiative will provide up to 90 percent in
government subsidies to help over 900 junior high schools recruit trained
staff.

The staff will assist teachers by responding to classroom conflicts,
conducting security patrols, and handling emergency situations.

And the ministry says training programs for the safety personnel will cover
campus bullying response, drug abuse prevention, emergency protocols, and
legal practices for youth safety.

(NS)

Jazz is helping bring Taipei's Dadaocheng district to life as the
Tua-Tiu-Tiann International Festival of Arts returns.

This year's theme is "Cute Power," and its Music Global program puts a
spotlight on musicians from Taiwan and Poland.

Polish trumpeter Piotr Wojtasik leads a workshop tonight. Then on Saturday,
singer Anna Maria Jopek's quartet joins him and Taiwanese musicians for an
opening jazz concert.

The music continues October 3rd with a jazz and hip-hop performance featuring
vinyl artist Hubert Tas.

And on October 17th, a costume-filled arts parade will bring theater, music
and circus acts into Dadaocheng's streets.

Paraguayan President Santiago Peña says his country stands with Taiwan and is
calling for Taiwan's "full and meaningful participation" in the United
Nations.

Speaking at the U.N. General Assembly, Peña warned that a conflict in the
Taiwan Strait would have consequences far beyond the region.

He said it could affect Japan, East and Southeast Asia, the global economy
and the supply of semiconductors used in industry, defense and artificial
intelligence.

Peña said Paraguay's support for Taiwan is based on shared values including
democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

He also described Taiwan's exclusion from the U.N. system as "a stain on the
United Nations."

(PB)

Taiwan's computer exports have overtaken integrated circuits to become the
country's biggest export category amid strong demand linked to artificial
intelligence.

The Ministry of Finance says computers and related units accounted for
33.5-percent of total exports in the first eight months of the year.

Integrated circuits were close behind at 33.1-percent, with the two
categories together making up about two-thirds of all exports.

Taiwan's exports have also become increasingly concentrated.

The country's 10 biggest product categories accounted for 80.5-percent of
total exports during the period.

The United States bought more than 60-percent of Taiwan's computer exports,
while nearly half of its integrated circuit exports went to China and Hong
Kong.

(PB)

Thirty-four animals tested positive for rabies in Taiwan during the first
half of this year, with nearly all of the cases involving ferret-badgers.

The Veterinary Research Institute says 854 animals were tested, with rabies
detected in 33 ferret-badgers and one masked palm civet.

The figures were released ahead of World Rabies Day on September 28, which
aims to raise awareness about rabies prevention.

Areas with positive cases cover 100 townships and districts across 10 cities
and counties.

Officials are reminding people not to touch or capture wild animals, and to
keep dogs and cats up to date on rabies vaccinations.

Anyone who sees a wild animal behaving unusually is advised to contact their
local animal disease control authority rather than approaching it.

(PB)

Argentine President Javier Milei has accused the United Nations of failing to
address rising tensions with Britain over the Falkland Islands.

Speaking at the U.N. General Assembly, Milei repeated Argentina's sovereignty
claim over the islands, which it calls the Malvinas, and called for renewed
negotiations with Britain.

Tensions have risen over an offshore oil project near the
British-administered territory.

Argentina has begun sanctions proceedings against 60 companies and
individuals linked to hydrocarbon activities it considers illegal.

Britain rejects Argentina's position and says Falkland Islanders have the
right to determine their political status and develop their natural
resources.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham says the U.K. will stand firm in
defending the islands' right to remain British.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Washington for a three-day state
visit, with the U.S. and China agreeing to extend their trade truce until
January 10.

U.S. President Donald Trump personally greeted Xi at Joint Base Andrews
outside Washington after his arrival Wednesday.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the extension gives both sides more
time to work toward a broader economic agreement.

Trump and Xi are due to hold talks during the visit, with trade, technology,
Taiwan and Iran among the major issues surrounding the relationship.

The White House is also hosting a formal arrival ceremony and state dinner
for Xi.

A powerful El Niño could contribute to about 451-thousand additional
heat-related deaths worldwide by the end of February, according to new
research.

The Climate Impact Lab says the estimate covers the first nine months of the
current El Niño and compares expected deaths with those in an average year.

Researchers project global land temperatures will run about 1.2 degrees
Celsius above normal, producing 44-percent more extremely hot days.

The largest impacts are expected in developing countries, including Nigeria,
Indonesia, Sudan, India and Brazil.

The researchers stress that the figure is a projection and the report has not
yet been peer-reviewed.

They say early heat warnings, cooling centers and stronger health systems
could prevent some deaths.

The Central Weather Administration says, Tropical Storm Surigae has formed
and is expected to strengthen into a typhoon as early as tomorrow.

The storm is currently located near Guam and is expected to continue moving
northwest before turning northeast towards Japan's Ryukyu Islands.

It's not yet clear the extent of the impact on Taiwan that the storm will
have, but the likelihood of a sea warning being issued is low.

The CWA says it will continuing observing the storm as its path becomes more
definite.

Meanwhile, the CWA says we can expect partly cloudy to sunny conditions
through Sunday with clear conditions across most the country for moon-gazing
tomorrow...

but the north can expect some rain starting Monday, as Surigae, which is
likely to have become a typhoon by that point, may bring some inclement
weather to the island.

(AH)

A DDP candidate for township councilor in Hualien County has died after
collapsing onstage at a Moon Festival event.

Chiu Feng-ing (邱鳳英) was singing at the event in Xincheng Township earlier
this week when she suddenly collapsed.

She was taken to hospital after suffering cardiac arrest but medical staff
were unable to save her.

Chiu was a longtime DPP member and had previously worked as a councilor's
aide.

She moved to Xincheng Township eight years ago and decided to run for office
for the first time this year.

The Hualien County Election Commission says three candidates had registered
in her constituency and that it will consult the Central Election Commission
on how to proceed following her death.

The DPP's Hualien chapter says it will continue working for local residents
in honor of Chiu's commitment to the area.

(CNA_IG)

The US says,

it's looking into how parts of the country's most advanced fighter jet parts
ended up in Hong Kong.

Online reports indictaed that China had obtained the F-35 equipment, while
the US says its now working to retrieve the parts and find out what happened.

Australian defense officials say that the parts were being shipped from
Australia to the US when they ended up in Hong Kong...

but they denied that the parts were considered "sensitive equipment."

Bloomberg reported that China had gotten a cockpit canopy and weapons-bay
door after the shipment was unexpectedly diverted to Hong Kong.

The leaders of the US and China are expected to discuss trade, artificial
intelligence, and Taiwan at a summit starting today.

Scholars say the talks will also aim to manage compeitition between the two
countries.

Chinese experts say, the talks are expected to build on their agreement to
establish a "constructive relationship of strategic stability."

They note the two sides have made progress in implementing agreements reached
earlier this year, including China's purchases of US agricultural products...

and they say Xi Jinping is also expected to raise the issue of arms sales to
Taiwan with his US counterpart.

Taiwanese scholars, though, say that trade and AI are likely to dominate the
agenda, with Taiwan taking more of a secondary role.

They say that Trump is likely to seek ways to boost Republican prospects
ahead of US midterm elections this fall...

while Xi is aiming to show Chinese foreign policy stability ahead of the
CCP's National Congress next year.

They say that, while Taiwan is likely to be a topic of discussion, it is not
likely to figure in more than it did when the two met in May.

The Ministry of National Defense has given its first live-fire demonstration
of the 205 mm mobile gun system.

That's a domestically developed and produced armored vehicle that is set to
enter mass production next year.

During a demonstration, the vehicle hit moving and stationary targets at
ranges of about 1 kilometer away.

Officials say, the demonstration shows that the vehcile can provide
continuous firepower against multiple targets.

The second round of ammunition initially failed to fire, with crews waiting
two mintutes, as stipulated by safety procedures, before reloading, after
which the vehicle fired normally.

Officials say they will investigate the cause of the apparent misfire.

Military officers said the vehicle is expected to receive further upgrades
when it enters mass production, including capabilities intended to counter
drones.

The military also displayed ammunition developed specifically for the
vehicle, including armor-piercing, anti-personnel and practice rounds.

Labor Minister Hong Shen-han (洪申翰) says it's highly likely that the minimum
wage will be raised next year and that the monthly rate could exceed
$30-thousand NT.

The Ministry of Labor will convene its Minimum Wage Review Committee
tomorrow, with labor and business groups calling for different levels of
increase.

The current minimum wage stands at $29,500 per month and $196 NT per hour.



Business groups say an increase of around 3 percent would be reasonable,
while labor groups are calling for an increase of more than 7-percent.

Labor representatives said the increase should fully reflect inflation, plus
half of the economic growth rate forecast by the central bank.

But Hong says it'll be up to the committee to make the final call.

Under the Minimum Wage Act, the ministry is required to convene the committee
during the third quarter of each year.


(JL)

The Ministry of Economic Affairs says Taiwan's drone production is expanding
faster than previously forecast.

Economics minister Kung Ming-hsin says Taiwan's drone industry output will
surpass $50 billion by 2030, exceeding previous growth targets.

The ministry says Taiwan is currently self-sufficient in producing 70 percent
of small drones, 60 percent for medium drones, and 30 percent for large
models.

And the island aims to elevate domestic production capabilities for key
components across all drone classes to 90 percent by 2030.

Officials emphasized that establishing domestic mass production will
strengthen national security and position Taiwan as a regional drone
manufacturing center.

(NS)

Taiwan's industrial electricity use hit a record high in August ... as strong
AI demand drove activity across the semiconductor industry and its supply
chain.

The Taiwan Institute of Economic Research says industrial power consumption
topped 16-billion kilowatt-hours for the first time ... up 0.82 percent from
a year earlier.

The institute says electricity demand in the semiconductor industry rebounded
strongly ... while power use by the machinery and steel industries also
continued to grow.

However, electricity use remained weaker in some traditional industries ...
falling almost 12 percent in textiles and around 5 percent in chemical
materials.

The institute expects continued growth in AI applications and related
investment to support Taiwan's industrial activity and overall economic
growth.

(IG)

Taiwan set up its first-ever national pavilion at a major global rail
transportation trade fair in Berlin...

showcasing its railway technology and seeking international partners.

The Railway Bureau says the pavilion highlights Taiwan's expertise in smart
rail systems, including 5G, AI, and other digital technologies.

Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai says Taiwan's century-long experience
in railways, high-speed rail and urban transit has created a strong
foundation for further developing the industry.

The Taiwan Pavilion at InnoTrans brings together 14 companies and
organizations, including Taiwan High Speed Rail, universities, and research
institutes.

Another 26 Taiwanese companies are also taking part in the Berlin trade fair
independently.

The Central Weather Administration says, Taiwan can expect mostly stable
weather over the upcoming long weekend.

They say, there will be favorable conditions for moon-gazing during the
Mid-Autumn Festival tomorrow.

CWA says, the mon will be visible for those in the western half of the
country tomorrow...

while those in the east will have a smaller but still decent chance at seeing
the moon.

Saturday and Sunday will have the most stable weather of the weekend, with a
chance of some afternoon rain in mountainous areas.

But on Monday and Tuesday, the outer bands of a passing tropical storm may
bring scattered showers to the north.

Taiwan has taken part in the opening of the WorldSkills Competition in
China's Shanghai, with the Taiwanese delegation flying the Olympic flag.

Taiwan sent 53 competitiors to the event to compete in 47 skill categories at
the event, described as the "Olympics of skills."

The event runs through Sunday.

The WorldSkills Competition brings together young skilled workers from around
the world to compete in fields like aircraft maintenance, refrigeration,
baking, and hairdressing,

Event organizers note that most competitions are open to contestants aged 22
or younger, while the age limit is extended to 25 for several skills that
require longer periods of training and experience.

This year's competition features 64 skill categories and 1,385 competitors
from 68 countries and regions.

Taiwan placed fourth overall at the 2024 edition in France, winning two gold,
three silver and 10 bronze medals.

Iran’s president has delivered a rare, wartime speech at the UN General
Assembly...

His comments come a day after U-S President Donald Trump claimed to have the
ability to "annihilate" the Islamic Republic.

President Masoud Pezeshkian claimed his people have been ‘victims of
terrorism’ by the United States, presenting photos of the late Supreme Leader
Ali Khamenei and the more than 150 school children killed on the first days
of the war.

He said that Iran's people “have only defended themselves.”

He also vowed not to surrender, even though he said his government was open
to finding a diplomatic solution.

Ukrainian President President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is urging world’s leaders
to keep choking Russia’s revenues and impede its war efforts.

He's told the U.N. General Assembly that “Russia’s revenues must remain a
target.”

He says that trade, and the money it brings in, gives more time to the war.
That, he says, is "why we insist on limiting trade with the aggressor.

Hours before his address, Russia launched daylight drone attacks on Kyiv.

Russian drones also caused fires and damage in other regions, including
Zaporizhzhia and Odesa.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will address the General Assembly at
the weekend.

Italy’s Senate has given final approval to legislation paving the way for a
return to nuclear power.

The vote marks a major step in Premier Giorgia Meloni’s drive to bolster
energy security and meet climate goals, even though the construction of
possible new reactors is still many years away.

The vote comes nearly four decades after the Chernobyl disaster prompted the
country to abandon atomic energy.

The bill establishes a legal framework for next-generation nuclear
technologies.

It also authorizes the government to draft implementing decrees over the next
12 months covering reactor licensing, safety standards, waste management and
criteria for future sites.

The World Health Organization warns that Congo is running short of health
workers to staff treatment centers for the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in
history.

Cases surged 73% over three weeks in North Kivu, despite early signs of
improvement in other provinces.

The outbreak has spread to seven provinces, with 7,773 confirmed cases and
3,759 deaths.

Between August 31 and September 20, cases fell 26% in Ituri, the epicenter,
and 15% in Haut-Uele.

However, transmission patterns vary widely, and the outbreak remains
uncontrolled.

The Oxford English Dictionary has officially added over a dozen Caribbean
words.

"Bimpert," is a Bermudian term for a foolish person.

"Hornerman," from Trinidad and Tobago, describes an unfaithful man.

In the Caribbean, someone might "get on" to make a scene or "cut someone’s
tail" to beat them. ..."Vex money" is emergency cash for women.

Food words include "shadeesh" for chorizo and "sugar cake." "Trinbagonian"
and "canboulay" reflect Trinidad and Tobago's culture.

The dictionary now holds around 500,000 words and phrases.

Taiwan's August industrial production set a new record, with the index
soaring more than 23 percent from a year earlier due to robust global demand
for artificial intelligence applications.

Data from the Ministry of Economic Affairs showed the local industrial
production index rose 23.47 percent from a year earlier to 145.97, beating
the previous high of 143.32 in July.

The subindex of the manufacturing sector, which accounts for over 90 percent
of the country's total production, rose 24.61 percent to reach 148.42.

August marked the 30th consecutive month that both indexes moved higher on a
year-on-year basis.

Taiwan's industrial production index rose 20.80 percent from a year earlier
to 132.24, with the subindex of the manufacturing sector rising 22.14 percent
to 134.60.

But growth in the old economy sector appeared mixed due to uneven strength.

In August, production in the machinery industry sector rose 18.65 percent
from a year earlier largely because semiconductor suppliers were keen to
expand capacity through equipment purchases to meet global AI demand.

But the base metal industry suffered a 0.36 percent year-on-year decline in
production in August as demand for select products such as hot rolled steel
sheets stayed slow...

while the chemical material and fertilizer industry also posted a 5.81
percent fall in production on weak demand, with some firms cutting production
in response to the market reality.

--------

In international business news ...

The world's leading artificial intelligence companies are warning of the
risks posed by AI to humanity...

They made the plea before the UN Security Council, and they're appealing for
governments to work together to manage the increasingly powerful technology.

The meeting was convened by France.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei called on governments to set aside their
differences and confront what he called a global opportunity and a global
threat.

U-S leader Donald Trump has claimed there is no need for new AI-specific
regulations.


-------

And Wall Street ended lower... pulled down by Alphabet and Amazon...

U-S equities were also impacted by higher treasury yields and a spike in oil
prices-- which rose almost 4 percent.

The S and P 500 declined .75 percent... the Nasdaq fell 1.13 percent... and
the Dow shed .68 percent.

Traders are predicting that the U-S Federal Reserve will raise interest rates
when it meets again next month.

Taiwan's military has demonstrated a new domestically developed
105-millimeter mobile gun system in a live-fire exercise for the first time.

The armored vehicle hit moving and stationary targets during the
demonstration at an Army training area in Tainan.

The Ministry of National Defense says the system is designed to provide
continuous firepower against multiple targets and could be used against
amphibious vehicles.

One round initially failed to fire during the demonstration, but the crew
followed safety procedures and the system later fired normally.

Arsenal 202, which developed the vehicle's gun and ammunition, says 178
vehicles are planned, with mass production scheduled to begin in 2027.

The vehicle has been redesigned to make it shorter and more maneuverable,
which officials say makes it better suited to Taiwan's urban areas and
difficult terrain.

The military also plans to add anti-drone capabilities before mass production.

(CNA_IG)

HSBC says Taiwan's economy is expected to remain strong ... driven by global
demand for AI and data centers.

The bank says Taiwan's exports are likely to accelerate in the fourth quarter
... as AI data-center development continues to support corporate earnings and
investment.

HSBC says Taiwan's strong economic growth in recent quarters has also been
supported by a rebound in business investment and household consumption.

The bank expects the U-S Federal Reserve to raise interest rates by another
quarter-point in December ... citing persistent inflation and stronger
economic growth.

HSBC says the global economy and corporate earnings have remained stronger
than widely expected ... despite risks from geopolitical tensions, oil-price
volatility and uncertainty over inflation and interest rates.

(IG)

Taiwanese cement maker TCC Group Holdings plans to acquire a Ukrainian cement
company and three related businesses for up to 750 million euros.

TCC says its Dutch subsidiary will acquire a 100 percent stake in
Ivano-Frankivskcement {ee-VAH-noh franh-KEEFSM suh-MENT} ....

.... along with companies producing roofing materials, gypsum products and
dry-mix mortar.

The deal is still subject to regulatory approval in Taiwan, Ukraine and other
jurisdictions.

TCC says the acquisition will expand its European cement operations into
Eastern Europe and position the company to take part in Ukraine's
reconstruction after the war.

Ivano-Frankivskcement has about 36 percent of Ukraine's cement market and has
continued production since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

TCC says it also plans to introduce its low-carbon cement technology to the
Ukrainian businesses.

(CNA_IG)

Judges at the International Criminal Court have convicted former Seleka rebel
commander Mahamat Said Abdel Kani of crimes against humanity.

The 56-year-old was found guilty of persecution and torture committed while
he ran a prison in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic.

Said remained expressionless for most of today's hourlong hearing.

Presiding Judge Miatta Maria Samba described the harsh conditions detainees
endured at the prison.

Said's sentencing will be decided at a later hearing.

Australian authorities have charged a 65-year-old man with allegedly pledging
allegiance to the Islamic State group and spreading extremist propaganda
online.

Police say he is the seventh person arrested in Victoria state since May over
the possession or distribution of I-S material.

The man faces charges of being a member of a terrorist organization and
transmitting violent extremist material.

Federal police allege he shared about 10,000 files containing extremist
content between 2015 and 2020.

An investigation began in 2020, when border officials examined his luggage.

The man is due to appear in a Melbourne court.

Police are investigating the cause of a truck crash on National Freeway 3 in
Tainan this afternoon ...

... which affected 13 vehicles ... and left four people hospitalized.

National Highway Police say the truck hit the inner guardrail around noon
near the Xinhua System Interchange while traveling northbound.

The truck was carrying bottled beer and rice wine ... which spilled across
both the northbound and southbound lanes.

The southbound lanes were temporarily closed ... causing traffic to back up
for about one kilometer.

Police say the driver was not under the influence of alcohol ... and may have
become distracted before hitting the guardrail.

One lane has since reopened in each direction ... while crews continue
clearing the spilled cargo.

(IG)

The Asian Development Bank has raised its forecast for Taiwan's economic
growth this year to 11 percent, citing a surge in exports linked to
artificial intelligence.

The new forecast is 1.5 percentage points higher than the bank's previous
estimate in July.

The ADB says Taiwan's economy grew 14 percent in the first half of the year,
the fastest first-half growth in 50 years.

Technology exports jumped 65 percent in U-S dollar terms during the first
half, as global demand for AI-related products continued to grow.

The bank expects technology exports and investment in AI infrastructure to
remain the main drivers of growth.

However, the ADB expects growth to slow to 5 percent next year as investment
growth moderates after companies expand their production capacity.

The bank says Taiwan's outlook remains closely tied to the strength of the
global AI investment cycle.

(CNA_IG)

A five-day tour from Taitung to Thailand's Chiang Mai will launch on December
29th ... featuring a direct charter flight that allows local residents to
travel there without making a connection.

The Taitung County Government says registration is now open ... with the
itinerary including Chiang Mai's historic sites, art villages, markets and
natural attractions.

The county is also inviting Thai tourism operators to Taitung for a
three-day, two-night visit ... aimed at introducing them to attractions they
could promote to Thai travelers.

Their itinerary includes the Amis Folk Culture Center and Donghe Old Street
... highlighting Taitung's Indigenous culture and local life.

Taitung officials say they paln to continue expanding international charter
flights and direct air links.

(IG)

Ethiopian Airlines has canceled all flights to the northern region of Tigray
amid fears of renewed fighting between federal and regional forces.

The cancellations came two days after seven opposition groups, including the
Tigray People's Liberation Front, formed an alliance aimed at removing Prime
Minister Abiy Ahmed's government.

Abiy's Prosperity Party retained power in a June general election that was
boycotted by the main opposition groups.

The Tigray People's Liberation Front fought Ethiopian federal forces during a
deadly conflict in northern Ethiopia that ended with a peace agreement in
November 2022.

A six-year-old Chinese girl has set a new women's world record by solving
Rubik's Cubes in an average of just over four seconds.

Lian Yunzhi first broke the record earlier this month with an average time of
4.52 seconds at a World Cube Association competition in Wuhan.

She then improved that to 4.27 seconds at another competition in Guangzhou,
according to state broadcaster C-C-T-V.

Lian is now the only female speedcuber to record an average time below 4.5
seconds.

C-C-T-V says she first tried solving a Rubik's Cube at age four, when it took
her about 90 seconds.

Taiwan's industrial electricity use hit a record high in August ... as strong
AI demand drove activity across the semiconductor industry and its supply
chain.

The Taiwan Institute of Economic Research says industrial power consumption
topped 16-billion kilowatt-hours for the first time ... up 0.82 percent from
a year earlier.

The institute says electricity demand in the semiconductor industry rebounded
strongly ... while power use by the machinery and steel industries also
continued to grow.

However, electricity use remained weaker in some traditional industries ...
falling almost 12 percent in textiles and around 5 percent in chemical
materials.

The institute expects continued growth in AI applications and related
investment to support Taiwan's industrial activity and overall economic
growth.

(IG)

Taiwan set up its first-ever national pavilion at a major global rail
transportation trade fair in Berlin ...

.... showcasing its railway technology and seeking international partners.

The Railway Bureau says the pavilion highlights Taiwan's expertise in smart
rail systems, including 5G, artificial intelligence and other digital
technologies.

Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai says Taiwan's century-long experience
in railways, high-speed rail and urban transit has created a strong
foundation for further developing the industry.

The Taiwan Pavilion at InnoTrans brings together 14 companies and
organizations, including Taiwan High Speed Rail, universities and research
institutes.

Another 26 Taiwanese companies are also taking part in the Berlin trade fair
independently.

(CNA_IG)

Iranian advisers reportedly helped Yemen's Houthi rebels in their rapid
advance along the country's Red Sea coast.

People familiar with the offensive who spoke to the Associated Press ...

.. say Iran increased its support for the Houthis before the latest fighting
...

... with advisers helping plan military maneuvers and providing intelligence.

The rapid advance has allowed the Houthis to threaten Saudi Arabia's oil
exports and given Iran greater leverage in its conflict with the United
States.

It has also exposed divisions among forces loyal to Yemen's internationally
recognized government, which are struggling to regroup.

Pakistani officials say Afghan Taliban forces shelled Pakistani border posts
after Pakistani troops stopped militants from crossing the border.

Four local officials say today's incident threatens efforts to find a
peaceful solution between the two neighbors.

But a spokesman for Afghanistan's Taliban government denied that Afghan
forces carried out the attack.

The latest escalation follows Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan
targeting suspected militant hideouts.

Earlier this month, Pakistani forces said they killed 15 militants trying to
cross from Afghanistan.

Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of supporting the militants, but Kabul
denies the claim.

Cambodia's prime minister says the country has eradicated the large-scale
scam compounds that have become known around the world.

Prime Minister Hun Manet made the claim Wednesday but provided little new
evidence.

Other governments and experts say Cambodia has not done enough to hold those
behind the scam industry accountable, and have called for criminal
prosecutions.

Hun Manet says Cambodian authorities will remain vigilant against new threats.

The comments came as Cambodia hosted a conference on fighting cyber scams
with the U-N Office on Drugs and Crime and Interpol.

Cambodia declared success in August after shutting down hundreds of scam
compounds.

Taipei police have arrested a man for allegedly fabricating a terror threat
against the Taipei Metro system.

Police say the suspect used a public telephone at Jiantan Metro Station to
report that a terror attack was being coordinated in an online chat group.

Over 20 armed officers secured the MRT station and surrounding transit areas
while investigators used surveillance footage to track the suspect to
Keelung.

Police confirmed that the suspect’s claims of an online attack plot were
entirely false after examining his mobile device.

The case has been referred to prosecutors under charges of intimidating the
public, as authorities warn that false threats to public safety will be
prosecuted strictly.

(NS)

New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih says the proportion of the Tamsui River affected
by serious pollution has fallen sharply ... from six percent eight years ago
to just 0.3 percent today.

Hou says the city aims to reduce the length classified as seriously polluted
to zero by 2030.

He says New Taipei is also working toward its 2050 net-zero emissions goal
... including introducing zero-carbon designs in major development projects.

Hou says Bali District will be developed as a net-zero demonstration area.

(IG)

The first-ever Taiwan International Children and Youth Festival opened today
at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center for a five-day event.

Culture Minister Li Yuan says the festival combines a book fair, live
theater, and an international youth film festival, with France as this year's
featured nation.

French Office in Taipei Director Frédéric Laplanche said several French
creators traveled to Taiwan to participate in cultural discussions with young
readers.

Festival highlights include a youth film section featuring 106 international
films from 45 countries alongside interactive book exhibits and live
performances.

(NS)

Hurricane Polo has grown into one of the most powerful Pacific cyclones in
decades and is expected to skirt Mexico’s southwestern coast as a Category 5
storm.

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center reports Polo is an “extremely
dangerous” storm with maximum sustained winds of 265 kilometers an hour.

It was centered about 340 kilometers south of (Si-wa-da-Nei-hu) Zihuatanejo,
Mexico, on Tuesday and nearly stationary over the Pacific Ocean.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum says experts indicate the hurricane is
not likely to touch land.

Still, the NHC says powerful winds and heavy rain could wreak havoc and cause
flash flooding and mudslides in some areas.

Authorities in Melbourne have accused a man of pledging allegiance to the
Islamic State group and spreading extremist propaganda online.

The 65-year-old, whose name hasn't been released, is the seventh person
arrested in Victoria state since May for possessing or distributing IS
content.

He faces charges of being a member of a terrorist organization and
transmitting violent extremist material.

The federal police allege he shared 10-thousand files containing extremist
content between 2015 and 2020.

An investigation into the man began when border officials examined the man's
luggage as he departed Australia for a six-month trip to Egypt in 2020.

He wasn't known to have traveled abroad since 2020 and wasn't linked to any
attack or plot, Hudson said.

A DDP candidate for township councilor in Hualien County has died after
collapsing onstage at a Moon Festival event.

Chiu Feng-ing (邱鳳英) was singing at the event in Xincheng Township on Tuesday
night when she suddenly collapsed.

She was taken to hospital after suffering cardiac arrest but could not be
revived.

Chiu was a longtime DPP member and had previously worked as a councilor's
aide.

She moved to Xincheng Township eight years ago and decided to run for office
for the first time this year.

The Hualien County Election Commission says three candidates had registered
in her constituency and that it will consult the Central Election Commission
on how to proceed following her death.

The DPP's Hualien chapter says it will continue working for local residents
in honor of Chiu's commitment to the area.

(CNA_IG)

Taipei prosecutors indicted the head of the defunct "Grand Tour Travel
Company" over a high-profile tour dispute in Croatia.

The move follows an October 2024 incident where 27 Taiwanese tourists were
stranded in Croatia after local operators reported unpaid bills.

Tour members paid out-of-pocket to continue their trip before filing legal
complaints against the travel agency.

A Tourism Administration investigation found that the travel agency was under
financial strain and the head of the agency, surnamed Shih, forged two bank
transfer slips totaling $60-thousand euros.

Shih faces forgery charges for sending photos of the fake bank documents to
the group's tour leader during the incident, but prosecutors declined to
pursue fraud charges, citing that financial hardship rather than deliberate
deception led to the unpaid balances.

(NS)

The Ministry of Economic Affairs says Taiwan's drone production is expanding
faster than previously forecast.

Economics minister Kung Ming-hsin says Taiwan's drone industry output will
surpass $50 billion by 2030, exceeding previous growth targets.

The ministry says Taiwan is currently self-sufficient in producing 70 percent
of small drones, 60 percent for medium drones, and 30 percent for large
models.

And the island aims to elevate domestic production capabilities for key
components across all drone classes to 90 percent by 2030.

Officials emphasized that establishing domestic mass production will
strengthen national security and position Taiwan as a regional drone
manufacturing center.

(NS)

A Sri Lankan court has convicted 15 men for their roles in the 2019 Easter
Sunday bombings that killed 267 people.

They each received sentences of 200 or more years in prison, ensuring life
imprisonment.

The verdict came Tuesday after a nearly five-year trial.

The attacks targeted three churches and three hotels during Easter services
and celebrations, killing 267 people, including 42 foreigners, and wounding
574.

The attacks were inspired by the Islamic State group.

Authorities filed thousands of charges in 2021 against 25 suspects.

Nine men were acquitted in the same trial and freed; one man charged died
before the trial concluded.

The bombings were among the deadliest in Sri Lanka’s history.

Allegations have emerged of links between the attackers and state
intelligence services, but the Defense Ministry denies involvement.

(KK)

Taiwan's unemployment rate rose slightly in August ... partly as new
graduates entered the job market.

The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics says the
unemployment rate stood at 3.41 percent ... up 0.02 percentage points from
July.

That marked the third consecutive monthly increase.

However, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down to 3.32 percent.

The number of unemployed people rose by 2-thousand to 411-thousand ... mainly
as more new graduates began looking for their first jobs.

Compared with the same month last year, the number of unemployed people fell
by about 4-thousand.

(IG)

Now turning to international news...

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says, trade negotiations with India are
making "good progress," adding that the two countires are aiming to finish
talks by mid december.

Carney also says that he believe Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be
visitingn Canada around the same time...

although the exact date has yet to be finalized.

Carney is hoping to make India a part of Ottawa's effort to reduce the
country's dependence on the US, as relations deteriorate under US president
Donald Trump.

The rapid economic rapprochement follows a deep diplomatic rupture with India
over the 2023 killing of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in
British Columbia.

home

The wife of a Chinese American man detained in China says, she hopes a
meeting between the leaders of the US and China can bring her husband home.

US President Donald Trump is expected to discuss the cases of Chen Youlin and
Zin Min with his Chinese counterpart this week.

Chen and Xin are the only two US citizens that the US government considers to
be wrongfully detained in China.

Chen, a seismologist, has been detained in China for nearly 2 years.

He faces espionage charges, but his wife says he's done nothing wrong, and
she's worried for his health.

Chen was born in China and moved to the US in 1998.

He was detained nearly 2 years ago by Chinese state security agents while on
a visit to see his parents in Beijing.

US scholars say, Chinese president Xi Jin Ping is expected to raise the
"Taiwan issue" during his upcoming meeting with his US counterpart.

Bonnie Glaser of the German Mashall Fund says that Xi is likely bring up the
issue with a focus on US arms sales to Taiwan.

She said that, from Xi's perspective, the two leaders have an understanding
that their countries' relationship should be based on constructive strategic
stability...

and that the US should avoid actions that undermine such an understanding.

She added that Xi would classify arms sales to Taiwan as undermining that
"understanding."

Meanwhile, Dennis Wilder, formerly of the US National Security Council, said
that Trump is unlikely to raise the issue himself.

But Glaser says that Trump should remind Xi that the US operates under its
own laws, meaning Washington is required by law to provide defensive arms to
Taiwna.

Wilder says that that Japan may be even more anxious about the meeting than
Taiwan, as the relationship between Beijing and Tokyo at the moment is quite
strained.

He says, Xi may allege that Japan is increasingly militaristic.

But Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is scheduled to meet Trump in New
York next week.

The Minister of Labor says that Taiwan was not subjected to any "downgrading"
at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation ministerial meeting in China.

That as Minister Hong Shen Han has just returned from the meeting in Nanjing.

Hong says, Taiwan was granted the same rights as other members.

His visit marks the first to China by a ministry head of the Lai
administration.

Hong said that the Chinese side granted his delegation rights equal to those
of other members in accordance wih APEC rules...

due to Taiwan's continues insistence and with the assistance of APEC
organizers.

According to Hong, the treatment was consistent with Taiwan's insistence on
"reciprocal dignity," a principle that the minister had laid out before
departing for China.

Hong also confirmed that he did not use a "Taiwan compatriot permit" for the
trip.

He said that his group followed the usual practice, entering China using an
invitation letter.

The Army has unveiled simulators for US-made Stinger missile systems,
highlighting their use in training personnel to engage airborne targets like
drones.

That took place at an open house for local and foreign media.

Reports indicate that Taiwan received "a few dozen" man-portable Stinger
missile systems from the US Biden administration.

The simulators for the systems were also included in the US military
assistance package back in 2023.

Army officials say physical strength and balance are key aspects of training,
as the system weighs nearly 16 kilograms.

The simulators connect to a screen displaying a simulation of Pingtung's
Jiupeng Bay, allowing trainees to track and lock on to airborne targets while
communicating through intercoms.

Officials say, trainees undergo one to one and a half months of training to
acquire necessary skills.

The U.S. approved the first batch of 250 man-portable Stinger missiles in
2015 and a second batch of the same size in 2019. '

Taiwan expects to receive them in phases beginning at the end of this year.

11 workers remain hospitalized after an accident at a Taipower plant in
Kaohsiung yesterday.

One of them has now regained consciousness after falling into a hydrochloric
acid tank.

Taipower says, the incident took place yesterday morning, when a contractor
and workers were doing maintenance on a hydrochloric acid tank used in the
plant's seawater electrolysis process.

One of the workers was reportedly transferring hydrochloric acid from the
tank when he climbed to the top using a safety harness and protective cage.

But Taipower says he fell into the tank after stepping through a metal
covering.

Local media said the tank's cover showed cracks before the worker fell
through it.

The company said that worker suffered burns and lost consciousness, while the
other 10 people who helped with rescue operations reportedly felt unwell
after possibly inhaling hydrochloric acid fumes.

Taipower says, they're investigating the cause of the accident.

The Ministry of Labor has confirmed that it will appeal a ruling that voided
its dismissal of a former branch chief whose bullying was linked to a
worker's suicide.

That's after the Taipei High Administrative Court ruled that the MOL's
disciplinary proceedings against former Workforce Development Agency branch
chair Xie Yi Rong had violated due process and made incorrect factual
findings.

The court said that Xie's challenge to her dismissal was well-founded.

Xie was accused of workplace bullying following the suicide of an employee in
his office in New Taipei nearly 2 years ago.

The MOL issued two demerits to Xie at a performance review, resulting in her
immediate dismissal.

Mirror Media published parts of a survey the MOL put out as part of an
investigation, indicating that many employees knew of Xie's behavior.

The MOL says that it will appeal the ruling to the Supreme Administrative
Court.

The ministry also notes that Xie was found guilty of corruption, so she won't
be reinstated at this time regardless

A vessel donated by Taiwan has reportedly been handed over to the Philippine
Coast Guard.

CNA reports that the decommissioned 500-tonne Kinmen-class patrol vessel was
transferred to Manila at a ceremony.

The Coast Guard Administration confirmed the planned donation last week
following a report of a Philippine law enforcement vessel setting sail from
Kaohsiung port which the United Daily News identified as a disarmed and
repainted CGA 500-tonne-class patrol vessel.

That marked a rare transfer of a retired ship to a non-diplomatic ally.

President Lai Ching-te is calling for deeper cooperation between Taiwan and
Eswatini.

That's as he also thanked the country's deputy prime minister for helping to
ensure that his visit there in May proceeded smoothly.

Meeting with the deputy prime minister yesterday, Lai said he hoped the two
countries would deepen cooperation in disaster management, public health, and
other fields.

The deputy PM is in town after attending the weekend inauguration of the
World Alliance for Disaster Management, founded by Taiwan.

Lai says, the organization aims to share disaster prevention tech, disaster
response, and rescue experience with allies.

Lai added that the deputy prime minister personally accompanied his
delegation to and from Eswatini back in May in order to ensure the smooth
procession of the trip.

The Ministry of Finance says, 6 10 million NT prizes remain unclaimed in the
May and June receipt lottery.

One of those lucky people spent only 10 NT on an Uber Eats delivery order,
while two others bought a Google Play app and paid their monthly phone bill.

There are also 7 2 million NT grand prizes that still haven't been claimed.

The MOF reminds the public that those winners need to claim their prizes
before November 5th.

This reminder comes as the MOF prepares to announce the July/August winning
numbers, winners of which can claim their prizes as soon as the beginning of
next month.

Award-winning photos by migrant workers are now on display in an exhibition
at the National Theater and Concert Hall gallery in Taipei.

The exhibition is titled "Sundays Unseen" and brings together winning entries
from the Migrant International Photography Awards.

The awards have been organized since 2019 by One-Forty, an NGO dedicated to
empowering migrant workers.

One-Forty says, the photographs offer glimpses into migrant workers' everyday
lives, from factory floors, dormitories and caregiving to moments of rest,
faith and homesickness...

as well as their personal dreams and creative expression.

Organizers say, the exhibition aims to encourage greater understanding and
empathy among people from different cultural backgrounds.

The free exhibition runs through November 29.

This comes as NATO's deputy commander in Europe is warning that Russian
President Vladimir Putin is becoming increasingly reckless as the war in
Ukraine drags on and as he seeks to divide Western allies.

Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer made the comments amid warnings from some
European leaders that Moscow is planning to test NATO’s collective defense
pact with bolder attacks that have already included sabotage and espionage.

Leaders from Poland and France have suggested Moscow might test NATO with
deliberate drone or missile strikes, while officials in Estonia, Latvia, and
Lithuania remain cautious about a serious escalation.

Stringer emphasized the need for NATO to avoid overreacting, as Putin aims to
provoke the alliance.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is calling for “a world built on
interdependence” as he makes his final address to the General Assembly
gathering of world leaders.

The U.N. leader has long implored leaders not to give up on cooperation and
shared decision-making in the face of accelerating global challenges and
increasing great--powers competition.

About an hour after Guterres spoke, U.S. President Donald Trump touted his
country's economic and military footprint, calling America “the most powerful
country in the world.”

Taiwan's export orders hit a record high in August... surging more than 70
percent from a year earlier on the back of a global artificial intelligence
(AI) boom.

Data from the Ministry of Economic Affairs showed export orders jumped 71.4
percent year-on-year to a record US$102.96 billion in August, surpassing the
previous record of US$97.94 billion set in July.

August marked the 19th consecutive month of year-on-year growth.

The August figure also exceeded the ministry's previous forecast of US$97.0
billion to US$99.0 billion.

Export orders for the first eight months of 2026 showed Taiwan's export
orders totaled US$704.99 billion, up 55.0 percent from a year earlier.

---

And... Taiwan's unemployment rate rose for the third consecutive month in
August as more first-time jobseekers entered the labor market after
graduation.

The Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS) said the
jobless rate edged up 0.02 percentage points from July to 3.41 percent, its
highest level since August 2025, when it stood at 3.45 percent.

But government said the rate was still the lowest recorded for August in 26
years.

After seasonal adjustments, the unemployment rate fell 0.01 percentage points
from July to 3.32 percent.

The unemployment rate averaged 3.33 percent, down 0.02 percentage points from
a year earlier for the first eight months of 2026.

--------

In international business news ...

Saudi Arabia ‌has restarted operations at its East-West Pipeline and could
resume exports from the Red Sea port of Yanbu

The resumption of supplies on Tuesday helped ​to drive selling on global oil
markets. Global oil benchmark Brent crude fell by more than $2 a ​barrel
towards $97, its lowest since September 8.

Drone attacks had forced the kingdom to shut the pipeline on September 11,
halting crude loadings at the kingdom's Yanbu port.

Since the U.S.-Israeli war ​on Iran disrupted oil flows from Saudi Arabia and
its Gulf neighbours through the Strait of Hormuz, Riyadh has been ​using the
pipeline to reroute around 4 million barrels per day — around 4% of global
supply — to Yanbu.

---

Middle Eastern leaders have gathered this week for the United Nations General
Assembly in New York as three years of wars across the region show no signs
of letting up.

The regional Gulf Cooperation Council is expected to call Iran and its
allies to allow free transit through two crucial maritime checkpoints,

Charles de Ledesma reports.


That was Charles de Ledesma reporting.

---

The founder of the trust and safety team at Alphabet’s Google is calling for
a slowdown in AI ​development, warning that the tech industry was repeating
the same mistakes from the social media era, potentially causing even greater
harm to children.

Tom Siegel who is former vice president of trust and safety at Google, told
the Reuters News Agency that the idea that the industry ​will figure it out
by itself without outside help is unrealistic.

Siegel's concerns mirror a growing fear among some tech insiders and academic
researchers ⁠that AI poses a deeper threat to children than social media did.

Social media companies are now paying ‌huge sums and facing thousands of
lawsuits over claims they harmed young users, while governments around the
world are working to curb minors' access to their platforms.

---

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. leader Donald Trump have
agreed to further strengthen the bilateral alliance in talks.

Their meeting comes just two days before a U.S.-China summit, and held on
the sidelines of the U-N General Assembly.

Japanese officials told Nikkei Asia that the two leaders discussed economic
security and other issues, with the upcoming U.S.-China summit in mind.

They also discussed how to respond to China's pressure tactics, such as
export curbs on rare earths.

US President Donald Trump bought as much as $50,000 worth of shares and sold
as ​much as $15,000 in Elon Musk's SpaceX in July.

Public disclosure forms indicate Trump bought between $15,001 and $50,000
worth of shares in SpaceX

The latest trades add a new ​financial link between the president and Musk's
rocket company at a time ​when the administration is making decisions that
could affect the firm's fortunes.

-------

Barring any complications it could be a good day for Asian markets today...

The Nasdaq notched a record high close, lifted by Micron Technology and other
AI-related stocks, while ​the S&P 500 hovered just below a record high as oil
prices traded around $100 per barrel.

Seth Sutel reports.