ICRT

Posted on 2026-04-08 16:16:13

State-run C-P-C said today that it has coordinated with Middle Eastern
suppliers to reroute shipments via pipelines to Oman or Red Sea ports.

The company said four tankers carrying a total of about 8 million barrels of
crude are expected to depart from the Red Sea in April, helping stabilize
domestic energy supplies.

CPC chair Fang Zhen-ren (方振仁) noted that his company has already taken
steps to diversify supply sources, including exploring crude imports from
West Africa and assessing options from Southeast Asia, Australia, and the
United States.

Fang says the aim is to reduce reliance on any single region.

He adds that C-P-C is currently not importing oil and natural gas via the
Strait of Hormuz as it has shifted to alternative transport arrangements with
Middle Eastern suppliers.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-08 16:16:13

Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation says, it's going to add 30 trains over the
Mother's Day holiday.

Tickets for the added trains during the May 8th to 11th period will go on
sale tomorrow night.

The added trains will be split evenly between north- and southbound trains.

THSR also says that unreserved seating will be expanded to car 9 to 12 for
some trains during peak periods... as opposed to the usual cars 10 to 12.

The company advises passengers to check the "Ticket Availability" section on
their app to plan travel during peak periods.

Passengers can use the THSR website or app to purchase the tickets starting
from midnight on the 10th.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-04-08 16:16:13

Supermarket chain Carrefour has announced it will impose buying limits on
plastic bags, as concerns grow over supply stability linked to Middle East
conflict affecting petrochemical supplies.

The retailer says customers will be limited to one set of heat-resistant bags
and garbage bags per person, starting April 3rd.

However, official city-designated garbage bags in Taipei and New Taipei,
along with some eco-friendly bags, are not included in the restriction.

Carrefour says the move is a precaution ... and not due to immediate
shortages, but to ensure long-term supply remains stable.

The announcement follows similar measures by wholesaler Costco, which has
also limited purchases of multiple plastic-related items.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-08 16:16:13

In world news...

Iran, the United States and Israel have reached a two-week ceasefire as U.S.
President Donald Trump pulls back from his threats to destroy Iranian
“civilization.”

But questions have emerged over what appeared to be dueling proposals, with
Iran insisting it would control and charge ships passing through the Strait
of Hormuz as well as enrich uranium.

Trump initially said Iran proposed a “workable” 10-point plan that could
help end the war but later called the plan fraudulent without elaborating.

Israel backed the U.S. ceasefire but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said
it doesn’t cover fighting against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which continued
through the morning.

Iranian Foreign Minister has said passage through the strait would be allowed
under Iranian military management.

The plan allows for both Iran and Oman to charge fees on ships transiting
through the strait, according to a regional official.

But that would upend decades of reliance on the strait as an international
waterway free for transit and will likely not be acceptable to the Gulf Arab
states

Posted on 2026-04-08 15:19:13

China trip

Taichung Mayor Lu Xiu Yan is downplaying rumors over internal discord in the
KMT...

saying that she supports KMT Chair Zheng Li Wen's trip to China.

Lu added that trying to bring cross-strait peace was the right thing to do,
saying she hoped the trip would bring lasting results.

Lu made the comments at a Taichung City Council session today, at which DPP
city councilor Zhou Yong Hong 周永鴻urged local government members not to
think that the trip had nothing to do with them...

emphasizing that, if Zheng continued to block the general budget and arms
purchases, then commuters, renters, the elderly, and children would pay the
price.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-08 15:19:15

A police investigation has turned up nothing unusual at National Cheng Kung
University...

after the school received threats over a planned showing of the documentary
State Organs.

School offcials say, the threats were received from an overseas IP address
believed to be in Hong Kong, and had the intention of stopping the student
organization from showing the film.

The threat said that if the school did not cancel the showing by yesterday
evening, there would be an explosion.

But NCKU today says that there were no irregularities discovered in an
investiation.

School aurthorities say that students were already off the past 2 days for
inter-school activities, but that they advised those on campus to remain
vigilant.

Officials say this is not the first threat over screenings of “State
Organs"; in fact it’s the sixth or seventh such incident.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-08 15:19:15

Health officials in New Taipei are reporting a growing number of suspected
food poisoning cases linked to a bento restaurant.

Authorities say 55 new cases were reported today, bringing the total number
of people seeking medical attention to 99.

Most patients experienced symptoms including stomach pain, diarrhea, and
fever after eating bento meals from two of the restaurant's branches.

Officials say six people remain hospitalized, about 20 are under observation,
while others have been discharged.

All three branches of the eatery have been ordered to suspend operations as
investigations continue.

Health authorities say lab results could take two to three weeks, as samples
from food, staff, and the environment undergo further testing.

In the meantime, the city government is offering support to those affected
and says consumer protection officials will assist victims in seeking
compensation.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-08 15:19:19

Now turning to international news...

South Korea says, North Korea has fired another ballistic missile towards the
sea.

This follows an earlier firing of several short-range ballistic missiles
earlier today.

Military officials say that the missiles were fired from an area near the
eastern coastal town of Wonsan.

They say that the missiles yesterday were launched from near Wonson as well,
and flew about 240 kilometers towards the ocean.

The latest launches came hours after a senior North Korean official issued a
statement ridiculing South Korean hopes for warmer ties.

A foreign ministry official said South Korean would always remain the North's
"most hostile enemy state."

Posted on 2026-04-08 15:19:21

Indonesian authorities have extradited a Scottish man sought by Spain as an
international crime boss, after his removal was delayed multiple times as
police pursued an ongoing investigation.

The man was arrested in Bali after arriving from Singapore and was flagged by
an Interpol Red Notice issued at Spain’s request.

Authorities are investigating his suspected associates believed to be on the
island.

The 45-year-old man is described by police as a senior figure in a crime
syndicate.

He has been wanted by Spain for about two years following a killing in the
country.

Police allege he led a transnational criminal network controlling narcotics
trafficking routes between Spain and the U.K.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-04-08 15:19:21

Australia’s most decorated living veteran did not apply for bail when five
war crime murder charges against him were listed in a Sydney court today.

Ben Roberts-Smith faces a potential life sentence for the charges.

A military report released in 2020 that found evidence elite Australian
Special Air Service and commando regiment troops unlawfully killed 39 Afghan
prisoners, farmers and other noncombatants.

The allegations against Roberts-Smith relate to the deaths of five Afghan
people while he served in Afghanistan as an SAS corporal.

Police allege he shot his victims or ordered a subordinate to shoot them.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-04-08 13:36:13

The National Security Bureau is warning of China's ulterior motives for the
KMT chair's trip to the country.

NSB Chair Cai Ming Yan says, China may be aiming to further polarize
Taiwanese society over KMT Chair Cheng Li-wen's trip...

further noting that the visit may jeopardize cooperation between Taiwan and
the US.

Cai says, he suspects that the invitation extended to Cheng represents
another form of United Front intervention on the CCP's behalf.

However, Cai emphasized that the NSB does not comment on Taiwan's internal
partisan activities...

but noted that Cheng's trip represents an opportunity for the CCP to push the
narrative to international observers that Taiwan is in favor of
"unification."

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-08 13:36:15

The Ministry of Economic Affairs says, it's working to secure plastic
supplies as some areas are lacking access to plastic bags.

That's as the US/Israeli war on Iran continues to affect shipments of LNG and
other raw materials.

Minister Gong Ming-xin says, officials yesterday held a meeting with 30
business representatives from around the country...

and noted supply shortages in central and southern Taiwan, particularly in
Chiayi.

The minister says the two main bags that are most lacking in supply are
flower bags and the single jin斤 inner bags used for meat and produce.

Gong says that his ministry will assist in coordinating distribution
channels.

Separately, Gong noted that at least temporary easing conditions in the
middle east have seen oil prices drop by 10 US dollars per barrel.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-08 13:36:17

700 travelers remain stuck in Kinmen following the Tomb Sweeping long
weekend.

Heavy fog on the island has caused flight delays and cancellations since
Monday, affecting the travel plans of over 2000 passengers.

That's despite added ferry service and military aircraft assistance.

KMT lawmaker and Kinmen magisterial candidate Chen Yu Zhen is requesting help
from the Civil Aviation Administration and the Ministry of National Defense
to get the stranded travelers home.

Chen said she hoped they would be able to return home today, seeing as the
weather is more clear than the past two days.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-08 13:36:18

In Cuba, hundreds of women have gathered in Havana to decry a U.S. energy
embargo and other measures imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump that are
strangling the Caribbean island.

Tuesday's rally was organized by the Federation of Cuban Women.

It is a massive organization with close ties to the government and the
Communist Party.

The crowd waved Cuban flags, held signs that read “Down with the Blockade,”
and carried pictures of Fidel Castro and the late Vilma Espin, the
federation’s founder, a guerrilla fighter, and wife of Raul Castro, the
former president.

Cuba produces only 40% of the fuel it consumes.

The fuel shortage has paralyzed the country, affecting its health system,
public transportation, and production of goods and services, and deepening
Cuba's existing economic crisis.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-04-08 08:14:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

A delegation led by K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun has attended a banquet in
Nanjing hosted by Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office Director Song Tao.

The banquet took place after Cheng took a high-speed rail train to Nanjing
following her arrival at Shanghai's Hongqiao International Airport.

It was the first part of the itinerary of her six-day visit.

Speaking at the banquet, Cheng said her trip is aimed at ensuring that
cross-strait relations can demonstrate to the world that political
differences do not necessarily lead to conflict, and cross-strait ties are
not "destined for war" as the international community fears.

Cheng went on to stress that her visit to China once again proves that the
"1992 Consensus" and "opposition to Taiwan independence" remain the
foundation and "stabilizing force" of cross-strait relations.

She is slated to visit Sun Yat-sen's mausoleum in Najing later today, before
returning to Shanghai.

She is scheduled to meet with Taiwan businesspeople there Shanghai before
heading to Beijing.

Cheng is expected to hold talks with Xi Jinping there on Friday.

Posted on 2026-04-08 08:14:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revoked certain privileges for Danish
diplomatic staff at its representatives in Taipei over Denmark's listing
Taiwan residents' nationality as China instead of Taiwan.

However, it has not elaborate on what exact measures have been taken.

The dispute began in 2024 when Denmark changed the nationality and place of
birth categories for Taiwan expats from "Taiwan" to "China."

According to the foreign ministry, the policy does not follow European Union
diplomatic practices and could damage the long-term friendship between the
two countries.

The ministry's Department of European Affairs says Taiwan's representative
office in Denmark is continuing to communicate with the Danish government on
the issue ..

... and it's hoped that the Danish government can propose an acceptable
solution as soon as possible and correct the designation on its residence
permits.

Posted on 2026-04-08 08:14:13

Meanwhile,

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that it received a proposal
last month calling for increased Taiwan investment in Lithuania and the plan
is currently under review.

The statement comes after Lithuanian National Radio and Television reported
this past weekend that Lithuania's Foreign Ministry had outlined priority
economic sectors and potential projects aimed at strengthening cooperation
with Taiwan.

That report said that plan focuses on building "sustainable economic ties
that would contribute to the development of Lithuania's high-tech sectors"
and centers on potential Taiwan investment in the country.

According to the foreign ministry here in Taiwan, the government received the
proposal in March.

The ministry's Department of European Affairs says most of the projects
listed in the proposal build on existing cooperation between the two sides,
spanning sectors such as lasers, medical AI, and fintech ...

... and the proposal requires further consideration and cross-ministerial
discussions.

Posted on 2026-04-08 08:14:13

The Centers for Disease Control has reported its first imported case of Lyme
disease this year.

The case involve a woman in her 60s who was infected in Sweden.

According to the C-D-C, the patient is a Taiwan national who had been living
in Sweden since 2024 and was bitten by forest insects there.

She developed symptoms on March 10 and was diagnosed with Lyme disease at a
hospital in Sweden, where she received antibiotic treatment.

The woman returned to Taiwan on March 17 and sought medical attention again
on March 18 and March 25 due to persistent symptoms.

The infection was later confirmed as Lyme disease through testing.

A total of 21 confirmed cases of Lyme disease have been reported here in
Taiwan since it was classified as a Category IV notifiable infectious disease
in 2007.

All of them have been imported and most have come from the United States.

The disease is transmitted through bites from infected ticks and does not
spread from person to person.

Posted on 2026-04-08 08:14:13

The Miaoli District Court has sentenced a repeat offender to 29 years in
prison for carrying out indiscriminate stabbing attacks that injured two
elementary school girls and a man in October of last year.

The court handed down the sentence after finding Chiu Ming-chih guilty of
attempted murder of minors, attempted murder, and driving under the influence
of drugs.

Chiu had been released from prison just six months prior to the stabbing
after being convicted of attempted murder in 2015 multiple stabbing case.

According to the court, Chiu took methamphetamine, taped a 30-centimeter
knife to his left hand and went looking for people to attack.

All three victims survived after receiving emergency treatment.

The district court ruling can be appealed.

Posted on 2026-04-08 08:14:13

The New Taipei Department of Health has ordered three outlets of bento vendor
Chin Liu Cuisine to suspend operations on suspicion of food poisoning.

The move comes after at least 44 customers fell ill.

City health officials say the customers had all eaten boxed meals provided by
Chin Liu Cuisine outlets near the Xindian District Office or on Zhongxin Road
on either Saturday or Sunday.

Five of the customers have been hospitalized, seven are under observation,
while the remaining 32 have been discharged.

According to the New Taipei health department, it has collect food samples
and specimens from the stores and test results are expected to be available
within two to three weeks.

If food poisoning is confirmed, the bento vendor will be referred to
prosecutors for further investigation for violating the Act Governing Food
Safety and Sanitation.

Posted on 2026-04-08 08:14:13

And finally,

The Central Weather Administration says temperatures are forecast to reach up
to 33-degrees from tomorrow, as a frontal system that has brought rain to
much of the island in recent days weakens.

According to the administration's forecast center, moisture levels are
expected to drop off as the front weakens, bringing more stable and
increasingly hot conditions from tomorrow.

Highs are expected to range from between 31 and 33 degrees from Thursday
through Monday and higher temperatures are possible in some areas.

Lows over the five-day period will range from between 21 and 23 degrees.

However, another weather front is forecast to approaches Taiwan next Tuesday
- bringing more unstable conditions.

Posted on 2026-04-08 07:01:13

A delegation led by K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun has attended a banquet in
Nanjing hosted by Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office Director Song Tao.

The banquet took place in Nanjing, and following her arrival at Shanghai's
Hongqiao International Airport.

Cheng told banquet attendees that her trip is aimed at ensuring that
cross-strait relations can demonstrate to the world that political
differences do not necessarily lead to conflict, and cross-strait ties are
not "destined for war"

Cheng also stressed her visit to China once again proves that the "1992
Consensus" and "opposition to Taiwan independence" remain the foundation and
"stabilizing force" of cross-strait relations.

The KMT chairperson is slated to visit Sun Yat-sen's mausoleum in Najing
later today, before returning to Shanghai.

She is then scheduled to meet with Taiwan businesspeople there Shanghai
before heading to Beijing.

Cheng is expected to hold talks with Xi Jinping there on Friday.

Posted on 2026-04-08 07:01:15

President Lai Ching-te has used a memorial marking the 37th anniversary of
Nylon Cheng's death to promote his "Four Pillars of Peace" - saying the
activist's sacrifice helped awaken Taiwan's democratic transformation.

Lai said Taiwan's democracy continues to face threats from China and peace,
like democracy, "cannot be bestowed by a dictator, but must be secured
through strength."

He then outlined the four pillars of his peace framework, which was first
introduced in his inaugural address in May 2024.

The first pillar is strengthening national defense, the second is enhancing
economic resilience, the third pillar is deepening cooperation with
democratic partners to safeguard regional stability ..

.. and the fourth pillar is maintaining stable cross-strait interactions
based on equality and dignity.

Lai added that Taiwan's people have the right to pursue a democratic and free
way of life grounded in human rights and such aspirations should not be
viewed as provocation.

Nylon Cheng self-immolated on April 7, 1989 after being charged with sedition
for publishing a "Draft Constitution of the Taiwan Republic".

He was 41 at the time of his death.

Posted on 2026-04-08 07:01:15

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is leading a business delegation to the
Marshall Islands on a three-day trip aimed at deepening bilateral economic
and trade cooperation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Lin and members of the delegation will
be meeting with Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine, Legislative Speaker
Brenson Wase, and Foreign Minister Kalani Kaneko.

They will also visit several Taiwan-funded cooperation projects in the
Pacific island nation.

The delegation includes 60 representatives from several industries, including
shipping, cold-chain logistics, medical equipment, food processing and clean
energy.

Representatives from the government's "Drone Diplomacy Task Force" are also
part of the delegation.

The delegation will be holding the first committee meeting under the
Taiwan-Marshall Islands Economic Cooperation Agreement while in the Marshall
Islands this week.

Posted on 2026-04-08 07:01:15

The Ministry of Digital Affair says it has identified vessels dropping anchor
as being the most common cause of disruptions to Taiwan's near-shore undersea
cables.

Ministry figures show that over the past four years, more than 38-per cent of
the seven to eight annual cable disruptions recorded within 24-nautical miles
of Taiwan's coast were caused by anchor damage.

Of the seven incidents recorded last year, three were caused by anchor
strikes - two of which were attributed to flags of convenience vessels
anchoring illegally.

Along with anchoring, "suspected intentional damage" of cables accounted for
two of last year's incidents, while fishing activities and natural fiber-core
degradation each caused one incident.

The digital ministry says the data highlights a risk posed by ships flying
flags of convenience.

The ministry also says that "innocent passage" rights for third-flagged
vessels are increasingly being used by the Chinese authorities as a cover for
"grey-zone threats" against Taiwan's telecommunication security.

Posted on 2026-04-08 07:01:15

The Supreme Court has upheld a lower court's five-year, four-month prison
sentence against a retired lieutenant colonel who unsuccessfully tried to
recruit intelligence assets for China.

The ruling shows Kung Fan-chia met multiple times with a Chinese military
intelligence operative during overseas trips between 2006 and 2008 while
serving as an active-duty officer with the Ministry of National Defense's
Military News Agency.

The court says evidence proved that trips were arranged and paid for by
another former Taiwan Army officer.

That former officer died in June of last year while serving a
12-and-a-half-year sentence for violating the National Security Act and the
Banking Act.

The High Court last June cut Kung's initial sentence of five years and six
months in prison for violating the Anti-Corruption Act and National Security
Act - citing his confession and return of illicit gains.

The Supreme Court rejected the prosecutors' appeal against that ruling --
saying the lower court's ruling and sentence were appropriate.

The Supreme Court verdict is final.

Posted on 2026-04-08 07:01:15

The number of people who fell ill after eating a Kaohsiung food stall's
spring rolls has risen to 157, with multiple victims testing positive for
salmonella.

The incident came to light over the weekend, when dozens of people began
seeking medical treatment after eating spring rolls from a Zhengyi Market
stall in Lingya District.

Health officials ordered the stall to suspend operations for seven days on
Sunday.

The stall's owner has been fined 1.44-million N-T and the case has been
referred to prosecutors for possible criminal investigation.

The Kaohsiung City Health Department is warning that the number of cases of
salmonella poisoning could rise, as the incubation period is between 6 and 72
hours.

All those being treated are in stable condition and recovering.

Posted on 2026-04-08 07:01:15

Police in New Taipei have identified a pedestrian who was killed by a
semi-trailer truck that lost control and crashed into an intersection in the
city's Taishan District as a 35-year-old Vietnamese migrant worker.

The accident occurred early Monday morning, when a semi-truck traveling on
New Taipei Boulevard lost control as it approached the intersection.

The semi-trailer truck hit a median strip, swerved hitting and killing the
pedestrian before crashing into a nearby construction site, injuring two
security guards.

Officials at New Taipei Police Department's Linkou Precinct say they had been
unable to initially confirm the man's identity, due to damage from the crash
and the fact that he was not carrying an ID card.

Police later identified the victim via his telephone service provider and
using fingerprint records from the National Immigration Agency.

The 27-year-old driver of the semi-truck has been referred to prosecutors on
suspicion of negligent homicide.

Posted on 2026-04-08 07:01:15

And,

Cartoonist Chen Chao-pao has died.

He was 77.

He had been hospitalized since March with acute pneumonia caused by influenza.

Chen made his debut as a cartoonist in 1972, when his work was published in
Crown Magazine.

He later became a regular contributor to the United Daily News, where he was
known for his ability to distill sharp punchlines into single-panel cartoons.

His political cartoon in which a ragged man on a bicycle asked a luxury car
driver "Hey! Do you want some financial aid?" gained international attention
after being distributed by the Associated Press in 1981.

Chen later moved to Paris to focus on fine arts and returned to Taiwan in
2002.

He then taught at the National Taiwan University of Arts and continued to
create art after retiring in 2012.

Posted on 2026-04-08 07:01:15

China and Russia on Tuesday vetoed a U.N. resolution encouraging states to
coordinate efforts to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

They calling the measure biased against Iran, while Washington's ambassador
to the world body called on "responsible nations" to join the U.S. in
securing the waterway.

Oil prices have surged since the U.S. and Israel struck Iran at the end of
February, Tehran has largely closed the strait once used to transport about a
fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas.

Russia and China said to be proposing an alternative resolution on the
situation in the Middle East, which includes maritime security.

Posted on 2026-04-07 19:10:13

The Ministry of Labor is rolling out stronger incentives to help women
re-join the workforce.

Labor Minister Hung Sun-han (洪申翰) announced that re-employment bonuses
will double to sixty-thousand NT under an expanded "Women's Reemployment
Program".

The revised program removes previous restrictions that limited eligibility to
women who left work for family reasons.

Now, any woman who has been out of the workforce for more than 180 days can
apply.

Officials say the goal is to make it easier for women to return to stable
employment.

Under the new system, participants can receive 10 thousand NT for every 30
days of employment, up to a maximum of 60 thousand NT ... along with support
for job training and workplace support measures.

The ministry has also increased subsidies for employers who offer flexible
hours or family support programs.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-07 19:10:15

A duck farmer in his 70s in Changhua County has been confirmed as Taiwan's
first domestic case of H7N7 avian influenza.

The Centers for Disease Control says tests at the affected and nearby duck
farms, five in total, have all come back negative.

Health officials also monitored 33 people who had contact with the patient.

All have tested negative, and monitoring has now concluded.

The patient’s condition has improved, and he has been discharged after
repeated negative tests.

Genetic analysis shows the virus is closely related to strains found in wild
birds in Taiwan, as well as in Japan and South Korea, suggesting the case was
likely isolated.

Officials say the risk remains controllable, as joint surveillance and
prevention efforts continue.

Authorities also note that testing of wild bird droppings and surrounding
environments is still ongoing.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-07 19:10:15

The Miaoli District Court has sentenced a repeat offender to 29 years in
prison for a series of random stabbing attacks that injured two elementary
school girls and a man.

The defendant was found guilty of attempted murder, including against minors,
as well as drug-impaired driving.

Judges said the sentence was harsher because he had been released from prison
just six months earlier after serving time for a previous stabbing case.

According to the court, he had taken drugs before attacking victims in
public, targeting children and a passerby.

All three victims survived after receiving emergency treatment.

The court rejected his claim that he acted impulsively, saying he showed
clear intent and awareness during the attacks.

It also described the crimes as particularly cruel and alarming to the public.

The ruling can still be appealed.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-04-07 17:07:13

The DPP is releasing the names of its top contenders to be the mayoral
nominee in Taipei City.

DPP Spokesman Wu Zheng says, the party is currently considering Lawmakers
Puma Shen and Fan Yun- both of whom sit on the party's legislative caucus- as
well as Vice Premier Zheng Li Jun, and Forward Alliance Founder Enoch Wu.

Meanwhile, in Taoyuan, Wu says the DPP's election strategy committee is
likely to put forward Deputy Minister of Justice, Huang Shi Jie黃世杰.

The committee expects to formally nominate Huang at the beginning of next
month, assuming they're able to find someone to take over in the Ministry of
Justice.

Regarding the Taipei mayoral nominee, Wu said it's not yet clear when the
party will be able to put forward a nominee for certain.

As of now, the DPP has yet to nominate candidates to run in Taipei, Taoyuan,
Hsinchu City and County, Kinmen, and Mazu.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-07 17:07:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it's reviewing a proposal from Lithuania
aimed at boosting Taiwanese investment in the Baltic state.

Officials confirmed the plan was received in March and includes projects
focused on high-tech sectors such as lasers, medical AI and financial
technology.

The proposal builds on existing cooperation between the two sides, though
further discussions across government agencies are still needed.

The move comes amid growing ties between Taiwan and Lithuania since both
opened representative offices in 2021.

Taiwan says it has already invested more than 16 million euros in Lithuania,
while trade between the two sides has continued to grow.

The proposal also follows comments from Lithuania's prime minister suggesting
Taiwan had not fully delivered on earlier economic commitments.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-04-07 17:07:13

Kaohsiung residents can expect major water outages next Thursday, as Taiwan
Water Corporation says it's planning three projects affecting water supply
that day.

They anticipate water supply being suspended for 11 to 15 hours in some areas
of three districts of the city, including Da-liao, Feng-shan, and Da-shu...

affecting about 40,000 households in total.

Officials advise the public to store water in advance.

Ultimately, the company says, residents can expect to have their water
turned- at most- from 9am on the 16th until midnight.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-07 17:07:13

Now turning to international news...

The US Vice President is visiting Budapest today to support Hungarian Prime
Minister Viktor Orban's campaign for reelection.

JD Vance will meet Orban and appear at a campaign rally, signaling support
for the PM who's been in power since 2010.

Critics accuse Orban of undermining Hungarian institutions and media.

Orban faces a tough race against the center-right Tisza party led by Peter
Magyar.

Most polls show Orban trailing ahead of the vote this weekend.

The US president has several times endorsed Orban's candidacy, and many in
the US far right movement approve of Orban's positions on immigration, LGBT
rights, and the kneecapping of the media and academia.

Posted on 2026-04-07 17:07:13

Japanese officials say, a Japanaese national who had been detained in Iran
since January has now neen released on bail.

Authorities say, the release is confirmed, and Japan is demanding a full
release from Iranian authorities.

The released person has been confirmed to be in good health.

They're believed to be a journalist at Japan's NHK public television.

Another Japanese national that was detained in June was released and returned
to Japan in marhc.

Posted on 2026-04-07 16:32:13

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun is heading to China today at the
invitation of President Xi Jinping, in what she calls a “journey for
peace”.

Government officials are voicing their concerns ahead of her trip.

Premier Zhuo Rong Tai says, any contact with Chinese officials should be
heavily scrutinized and supervised...

emphasizing that any illegal conduct on Cheng's part would lead to an
overhaul of the relevant law.

DPP Lawmaker Puma Shen noted that government officials' visits to China have
historically been subject to a high degree of supervision...

but those of party leaders are allowed to operate outside the legal
framework.

He raised concerns about how officials here in Taiwan were to know what would
be discussed between Cheng and Chinese leaders, calling for greater
oversight.

Cheng's trip comes ahead of a scheduled meeting between the Chinese and US
leaders, and as different special defense budgets pending in the legislature.

She said this morning that she aimed to show the world that "it is not just
Taiwan that unilaterally hopes for peace."

But the chair of the Ocean Affairs Council has questioned whether the CCP
truly wants peace, given their continued harrassment of Taiwan in the air and
sea.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-07 16:32:15

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is urging travelers heading to Europe to
allow extra time at border crossings as the European Union launches a new
biometric entry and exit tracking system this Thursday.

The EU's Entry/Exit System, known as EES, has been rolling out gradually
since October last year and goes fully into effect on April 10-th.

The ministry says first-time visitors entering the Schengen Area under the
new system will have their fingerprints and facial photographs collected at
the border.

MOFA is advising visitors to check the latest announcements on official EU
and Schengen member state websites, or contact the relevant countries'
representative offices in Taiwan before departure for the latest details.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-07 16:32:15

The Israeli military has warned Iranians in Farsi to avoid taking trains
until at least 9 p.m. local time, likely signaling a new target for its
airstrikes.

The warning was posted to X today, and it read' “Your presence puts your
life at risk.”

Iran has shut off access to the internet for weeks, making it difficult for
average Iranians to see these warnings.

However, Farsi-language satellite news networks abroad do report them,
allowing the information to make its way back into the Islamic Republic.

Meanwhile U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb all of Iran's
power plants and bridges if Iran does not meet his Tuesday 8 p.m. Eastern
Daylight Time, which is 8 AM tomorrow Taipei time, to reopen the Strait of
Hormuz.

Trump says he’s “not at all” concerned about committing possible war
crimes.

Posted on 2026-04-07 16:32:15

Vietnam has unanimously elected Communist Party leader To Lam as president,
consolidating his control over both party and state.

At 69, Lam aims to maintain stability and boost livelihoods.

Analysts warn his rise could risk moving faster than the country’s
institutions can adapt, even as it speeds up decision-making.

His tenure follows sweeping bureaucratic overhauls and a focus on
private-sector growth, targeting 10% annual expansion, though the economy
grew at an annual rate of nearly 8-percent in early 2026.

It came amid the energy shock from the war in Iran.

He also faces political hurdles and the challenge of balancing U.S. and
Chinese ties.

Posted on 2026-04-07 14:07:13

Former TPP lawmaker Zhang Qi-kai (張啟楷) has emerged as the winner in the
primary polls for the Chia-yi City mayoral race, beating KMT candidate Ong
Shou-liang (翁壽良).

Zhang calls the result a victory for the “blue-white cooperation pilot
zone,” noting that Chia-yi City is the first of three trial areas, including
Yi-lan County and New Taipei City.

At a press conference today, Zhang thanked Ong for a friendly campaign, and
Ong has agreed to serve as his campaign manager.

Zhang will face DPP nominee Wang Mei-hui (王美惠), who said today that she's
expecting a rational and positive race for the mayor's office in the November
elections.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-07 14:07:15

Taiwan has withdrawn certain diplomatic courtesies extended to Danish
representatives in Taipei after Denmark began listing Taiwanese residents'
nationality as China instead of Taiwan.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the dispute began in 2024 when Denmark
changed the nationality and place of birth categories for Taiwanese expats
from "Taiwan" to "China."

MOFA says today that the current policy does not follow EU diplomatic
practices and could damage the long-term friendship between the two
countries.

Taiwanese diplomats in Denmark say they are still in talks with local
officials to resolve the matter, and the foreign ministry is calling on the
Danish government to fix the labels immediately to reflect the correct
nationality.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-07 14:07:15

A bento shop in New taipei has been ordered to suspend operations after a
suspected food poisoning outbreak affecting two dozen customers.

A local hospital confirms that they have treated 24 patients linked to the
outbreak at two branches of the shop as of 11 a.m. today.

Health officials have collected samples for laboratory testing and inspectors
yesterday also cited the shops for improperly handled waste and failure to
maintain required health checks for food workers.

New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih the business will not be allowed to reopen
until it passes a reinspection.

And if the outbreak is confirmed as a food poisoning case, the operator could
be referred to prosecutors for violations of food safety laws.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-07 14:07:15

Taiwan shares are up today with the benchmark tai ex closing at 33229, after
gaining 657 points.

The turnover was 564.3 billion NT

Posted on 2026-04-07 14:07:15

Now turning to international news...

Vietnam has elected the Communist Party leader as president, thus
consolidating his control over both party and state.

The move marks a break from Vietnam's tradition of shared leadership, in
which the leaders of the Vietnamese communist party and the nation's highest
office have traditionall been different people.

To Lam told lawmakers that his top priority was to maintain peace and
stability, which he called the foundation for fast and sustainable growth.

The concentration of power means that Lam has a stronger mandate and more
power to push through his own agenda.

Lam began his career as a policeman and advanced from law enforcement into
the political system...

aided by an anti-corruption campaign launched by his predecessor which he
oversaw.

Lam has focused on economic performance...

but challenges remain, particularly due to a looming global energy crisis due
to the war in Iran.

Posted on 2026-04-07 14:07:15

Bangladesh is racing to contain a measles-rubella outbreak that has killed
more than 100 kids.

Authorities are conducting emergency vaccinations in partnership with the
World Health Organization and other internaitonal groups.

The team is working to vaccinate kids between the ages of 6 months and 5
years old in high-risk districts and is expected to expand the plan
nationwide starting next month.

Data shows nearly 1000 confirmed cases of measles reported since just 3 weeks
ago.

Vaccination is crucial to preventing the spread of measles, but the WHO says
95% of the population has to be vaccinated in order to stop the disease from
spreading.

Since the launch of a massive immunization campaign in 1979, Bangladesh has
raised the coverage of fully immunized children from just 2% to 81.6%.

But UNICEF warned last year that while Bangladesh has made strong strides to
increase immunization coverage, stark disparities persist.

Posted on 2026-04-07 13:23:13

Heavy fog in Kinmen has caused over a thousand passengers to be stranded on
the island as they seek to return to Taiwan.

Yesterday, on the final day of the tomb sweeping long weekend, 22 flights
from Kinmen to airports all around Taiwan were cancelled, affecting over 2000
travelers.

And just this morning, 2 more flights were cancelled while several others
were delayed.

Depite the fog however, some flighs have been able to take off.

Passengers say they're hoping more flights or ferries will be added as
standby spots on existing flights are limited.

Currently, some passengers still stuck at the airport are expecting to be
able to get on a plane Thusday at the earliest.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-07 13:23:13

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan An is touting two key policies as reasoning for his
recent rise in approval ratings.

Polling shows that the mayor's approval rate is now sitting at nearly 70%...

with the sector with the highest rating being for healthcare.

Chiang says that his "smokeless city" and family-friendly policies are likely
cause for the uptick.

The mayor also thanked his team for pushing Taipei in the right direction and
pledged to continue to improve.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-07 13:23:13

And,

Forecasters says a frontal system will move southward today -- bringing
localized showers or thunderstorms to much of the north and center.

However, the frontal system will weaken tomorrow - and the weather will be
stable...

with sunny skies expected islandwide from Thursday through Tuesday.

Another, weaker frontal system is forecast to affect the island from next
Wednesday and Thursday - but meterologists say, it's likely to have minimal
impact.

They also say a tropical disturbance is expected tp develop southeast of Guam
later this week, but it is currently not expected to impact Taiwan.

Posted on 2026-04-07 13:23:13

Now turning to international news...

Officials in Afghanistan say, extreme weather has left at least 110 dead
following widespread flooding and landslides.

Storms began nearly 2 weeks ago, affecting most provinces in the country.

Over the pasy 24 hours alone, 11 people have died and 6 have been injured.

Another 7 people have been reported missing since the floding began, with all
of them believed to have been swept away by floodwater.

On top of the dead, missing, and injured, nearly 1000 homes have been
completely destroyed, and another 4000 have been partially damaged.

Extreme weather warnings are continuing, as authorities warn the public to
stay away from bodies of water.

Posted on 2026-04-07 13:23:13

A key bridge linking Saudi Arabia to Bahrain has closed this morning over
threats of Iranian attacks.

Officials say, they've suspended traffic on the King Fahd Causeway as a
"precautionary measure" over Iranian attacks targeting Saudi Arabi's Eastern
Province.

That bridge is the only connection by road for Bahrain to the Arabian
Peninsula.

This comes as the US president has issued an ultimatum for Iran to reopen the
Strait of Hormuz and has threatened to bomb Iranian power plants and bridges
if it doesn't get its way.

Posted on 2026-04-07 07:02:13

K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun is set to travel to China today for a six-day
trip.

Cheng has vowed to "lay a foundation for peace" across the Taiwan Strait and
regional stability during her trip and is expected to meet with Xi Jinping in
Beijing.

She is slated to visit Jiangsu, Shanghai and Beijing and will visit Sun
Yat-sen's Mausoleum in Nanjing on April 8.

But other details of her itinerary have not been released.

Cheng also announced last week that she plans to visit the U-S no later than
June.

The Mainland Affairs Council has said Cheng's China trip is aimed at delaying
passage of a the special defense budget bill... it also claimed that such a
deal was made "in exchange for Beijing's approval for her visit," which the
KMT denies.

Posted on 2026-04-07 07:02:13

The Ministry of Agriculture says Taiwan has restored its status as a
self-declared African swine fever-free area with the World Organisation for
Animal Health.

The ministry says the move means that Taiwan is again the only country in
Asia free of foot-and-mouth disease, classical swine fever, and African swine
fever.

The World Organisation for Animal Health recognized Taiwan's self-declaration
of freedom from African swine fever in May of last year, with the country
becoming the first in Asia to hold disease-free status for all three swine
diseases.

That ended last October, when the agriculture ministry reported Taiwan's
first-ever A-S-F case in a farm in Taichung.

The case was formally closed and reported the World Organisation for Animal
Health on January 23 of this year after the affected farm was cleaned and
disinfected and all samples came back negative.

The Ministry of Agriculture says it submitted an application on February 21
this year to regain self-declared A-S-F-free status.

Posted on 2026-04-07 07:02:13

The National Security Bureau says China is likely to step-up its cyberattacks
as part of its efforts to interfere in November's local elections.

This, after the bureau said government networks faced more than 170-million
attempted cyberattaks in the first quarter of this year.

Those attacks have included intelligence gathering, surveillance, and data
theft ...

.. and China is expected to increase its cyber-disinformation campaigns in
the coming, as it seeks to influence public opinion.

The N-S-B is warning those campaigns will likely include fake opinion polls
and AI-generated deepfakes videos.

Officials say they identified more than 13,000 suspicious online accounts
between January and March - while more than 860,000 pieces of false or
misleading information were detected.

Posted on 2026-04-07 07:02:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says a U-S Republican congressional
delegation led by Zach Nunn is visiting Taiwan this week for a seven trip and
will meet with President Lai Ching-te.

Nunn is the chairman of the Republican Study Committee's National Security
Task Force.

The delegation will also include Representatives Scott Fitzgerald, Julie
Fedorchak and Jefferson Shreve.

Along with meeting Lai, the delegation will also be holding talks with other
senior officials to discuss Taiwan-US relations, regional security, economic
and trade cooperation, and developments in the Taiwan Strait.

The Republican Study Committee is a caucus of conservative Republican members
in the U-S House of Representatives.

Its National Security Task Force leads policy efforts on national defense and
promotes a "peace through strength" approach.

Posted on 2026-04-07 07:02:13

The Coast Guard Administration says a fugitive who had been on the run in
China for 18 years has been arrested after allegedly entering Taiwan
illegally by motorboat.

The man is said to have been detained in Keelung City for violating the
Immigration Act.

Investigators later found the suspect had fled to China 18 years ago after
being involved in a firearms modification case and was subsequently listed as
wanted.

The Coast Guard Administration says a suspicious target was detected some
5.8-nautical miles off the mouth of the Zhengwen River in Tainan on March 25
- and a patrol team found an abandoned motorboat on a nearby beach.

The case is being investigated by the Tainan District Prosecutors' Office.

The man's previous case will be transferred to the New Taipei District
Prosecutors' Office.

Posted on 2026-04-07 07:02:13

One person has been killed and two others injured after a semi-trailer truck
plowed into them.

The incident occured at the intersection of Taili Street and Section 6 of New
Taipei Boulevard.

The semi-trailer truck crashed into a nearby construction site after running
down the pedestrians

Police say the 27-year-old driver was unharmed.

The pedestrian died at the scene, while two security guards who were inside
the construction site were injured and taken to hospital.

Initial investigations show the semi-trailer truck was in the inner lane
toward Taipei when, for unknown reasons, it veered onto the sidewalk before
crashing into the Wenzaizun redevelopment zone construction site.

Th exact cause of the incident remains under investigation.

Posted on 2026-04-07 07:02:13

Pope Leo XIV has celebrated his first Easter Mass as pontiff, urging peace
through dialogue and calling for an end to conflicts worldwide.

He departed from tradition by not listing global woes in his Urbi et Orbi
blessing.

Leo emphasized Easter’s message of hope and transformation.

In the Holy Land, Easter celebrations are subdued due to restrictions on
public gatherings, while Gazan Christians celebrated the first Easter since a
ceasefire.

Posted on 2026-04-07 07:02:13

Pressure is mounting for the American rapper Ye to be pulled from his
headline role at a London music festival this summer.

Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has drawn widespread controversy in recent
years for a series of antisemitic remarks, and has voiced admiration for
Adolf Hitler.

U.K. Minister Keir Starmer has criticized the rapper's scheduled
appearance... saying it was deeply concerning that the rapper had been booked
to perform at the festival.

Pepsi already has withdrawn its lead sponsorship role of the Wireless
Festival at Finsbury Park in north London between July 10-12.

Other sponsors of the event including Budweiser and PayPal are being urged to
follow suit.

Posted on 2026-04-07 07:02:13

South Korea’s spy agency says it would now be fair to view the teenage
daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as his heir.

NIS director Lee Jong-seok made those comments at a closed-door briefing at
the National Assembly yesterday.

It was the NIS' strongest assessment yet on the girl's rising political
status.

The girl, reportedly named Kim Ju Ae and aged about 13, has accompanied her
father to numerous high-profile events in recent years.

Posted on 2026-04-06 17:47:14

The Central Weather Administration has lifted its heavy rain advisories for
much of northern and central Taiwan, as conditions begin to ease.

Residents in Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli and
Taichung can now expect drier, though still cloudy, weather.

Independent meteorologist Wu Der-rong says the weather front affecting Taiwan
is moving southward.

However, he warns that another front arriving tomorrow could bring renewed
showers and thunderstorms to areas north of central Taiwan.

Wu adds that conditions are expected to stabilize from Wednesday, with hotter
weather likely from Thursday.

Posted on 2026-04-06 17:47:14

In business news,

Taiwan-based manufacturing giant Hon Hai Precision Industry has reported
record first-quarter sales, driven by strong demand for AI-related products.

The company posted revenue of more than 2-point-1 trillion Taiwan dollars, up
nearly 30 percent from a year earlier.

Hon Hai says growth was led by its cloud and networking division, with
increased shipments of AI servers and related devices.

Other segments, including components and consumer electronics, also saw
gains, though its computing division reported a slight decline.

March sales alone hit a new monthly high, reflecting accelerating demand.

Looking ahead, the company expects continued growth in the second quarter,
supported by rising AI server shipments, despite it being a slower season for
the industry.

However, Hon Hai cautioned that global political and economic uncertainties
could still affect its outlook.

Posted on 2026-04-06 17:47:14

In international news,

South Korea's spy agency says it would now be fair to view the teenage
daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as his heir.

NIS director Lee Jong-seok made those comments at a closed-door briefing at
the National Assembly Monday.

It was the NIS' strongest assessment yet on the girl's rising political
status.

The girl, reportedly named Kim Ju Ae and aged about 13, has accompanied her
father to numerous high-profile events in recent years, sparking outside
speculation that she’s being groomed as her father’s heir.

Posted on 2026-04-06 17:47:14

Israel has announced the killing of Iran's Revolutionary Guard intelligence
chief.

Defense Minister Israel Katz also said that Israel has damaged Iran’s steel
and petrochemical industries.

On Monday, Israel and the U.S. launched attacks on Iran, killing over 25
people.

Iran responded with missile fire on Israel and its Gulf neighbors.

The U.S. president has given Iran a deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Mediators have proposed a ceasefire, but no response has been received.

Global energy prices are soaring due to the conflict.

Posted on 2026-04-06 16:05:13

The Ministry of Economic Affairs is moving to calm concerns over plastic
shortages fueled by Middle East tensions.

Officials say domestic supplies of key materials, including those used for
plastic bags and medical equipment, remain stable.

CPC is boosting production of ethylene — a key material used to make
plastics — adding 19 thousand tons this month and another 30 thousand in
May.

Part of that increase will go toward producing polyethylene — the main
material used in plastic bags — while remaining capacity can be allocated as
needed.

Officials say current production is enough to meet domestic demand of about
22 thousand tons per month, with additional supply available.

Authorities are urging the public not to panic buy, emphasizing that supply
remains stable and sufficient for agricultural, food, and medical packaging.

Posted on 2026-04-06 16:05:19

A Taiwanese fugitive who had been on the run in China for 18 years has been
arrested after allegedly sneaking back into Taiwan by boat.

Authorities say the man, surnamed Lee, was detained in Keelung for suspected
immigration violations.

Investigators found he had fled Taiwan nearly two decades ago after being
wanted in a firearms modification case.

The Coast Guard says a suspicious vessel was first detected off Tainan in
late March, with an abandoned motorboat later found onshore.

Officials then launched a search operation and alerted police to step up
coastal patrols.

Lee was eventually tracked down and arrested days later in northern Taiwan.

The case is now under investigation, with evidence handed to prosecutors.

His original criminal case will also be reopened after nearly 18 years.

Posted on 2026-04-06 16:05:23

Two officials say Iran and the United States have received a draft proposal
that calls for a 45-day ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
to try and find a way to end the war.

The two Mideast officials told The Associated Press the proposal comes from
Egyptian, Pakistani and Turkish mediators working to halt the fighting.

They hope the 45-day window would provide enough time for talks to reach a
permanent ceasefire.

Iran and the U-S have not responded to the proposal sent to Iranian Foreign
Minister Abbas Araghchi and U-S Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private
negotiations.

It remains unclear whether the sides would agree to such terms.

Posted on 2026-04-06 16:05:22

Taiwan's Olympic boxing champion Lin Yu-ting has taken bronze at the Asian
Elite Boxing Championships in Mongolia.

Competing in the women’s 60-kilogram division, Lin lost her semifinal bout
4-1 to North Korea's Won Un Gyong.

It was Lin's first international tournament since winning gold at the Paris
Olympics.

She managed to level the fight in the second round, but her opponent’s more
aggressive style proved decisive in the final round.

Another Taiwanese boxer also lost in the semifinals, leaving the team with
two bronze medals so far.

Lin’s coach said the competition provided valuable experience, as the team
adjusts to a new weight class and unfamiliar opponents.

He added that Lin is still regaining form after a long break, with her main
goal set on the Asian Games later this year.

Posted on 2026-04-06 15:06:13

Police are on standby at the Chongde Checkpoint in Hualien on the Suhua
Corridor to implement traffic control measures if northbound traffic becomes
too heavy.

They say that if hourly traffic exceeds 1,000 vehicles, authorities will
activate an alternating single-lane release system to ease congestion.

Highway officials say more than ten thousand vehicles are expected on the
roadway this afternoon ... on the final day of the Tomb Sweeping holiday.

Traffic began building yesterday, with more than fourteen thousand vehicles
recorded heading north, and volumes continuing to climb through this morning.

At noon, traffic flow was about 900 vehicles per hour, remaining below the
control threshold.

Meanwhile, further north ...

The northbound stretch on National Freeway 5 between Yilan and Toucheng ...
is still heavily congested ... with traffic speeds well under 20 kilometers
per hour -- the slowest nationwide.

Authorities warn the congestion on this section could last until after 10 PM.

Posted on 2026-04-06 15:06:13

Premier Cho Jung-tai says the government's top priority in stabilizing prices
amid Middle East tensions is ensuring normal production and supply chains.

He has instructed the Ministry of Economic Affairs to coordinate with Formosa
Plastics and the state-run CPC to maintain steady output of key raw materials
and secure additional sources of oil and fuel.

The Ministry of Transportation has also activated aviation fuel subsidies for
airlines under existing regulations to help ease cost pressures.

Meanwhile, authorities are monitoring supplies of medical material inputs, as
well as fertilizer and fuel for the agricultural and fisheries sectors.

The premier also warned against hoarding and price gouging, saying
authorities will carry out joint inspections targeting hoarding and price
gouging ... to help keep markets stable.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-06 15:06:13

Thirty passengers have been evacuated from a cruise ship that ran aground on
a reef in Fiji.

The MV Fiji Princess, operated by Blue Lagoon Cruises, ran aground on
Saturday near Monuriki Island.

The Fiji-based tourism company says in a statement Monday that a preliminary
investigation showed conditions were calm at the time of anchoring, but that
a severe squall may have dragged the ship toward a reef.

Monuriki, the nearby island, was the scene of the 2000 movie “Cast Away”
starring Tom Hanks.

Posted on 2026-04-06 15:06:13

Children and volunteers gathered at a nature park on the edge of Kyiv to
release bats into the night sky.

Hundreds of bats, many rescued from war-torn areas, were set free Saturday at
events across Ukraine to mark the arrival of spring.

Anastasiia Vovk, a volunteer at the Ukrainian Bat Rehabilitation Center, says
preserving these endangered animals is crucial.

All 28 bat species in Ukraine are protected due to declining populations.

The event offers relief for families after a harsh winter and ongoing war.

Alona Shulenko, who led the release, also highlighted the challenges bats
face due to the conflict.

Posted on 2026-04-06 14:06:13

Northbound traffic is expected to heavier across Taiwan's major freeways this
afternoon ... on the final day of the Tomb Sweeping holiday.

Serious gridlock is ongoing on the northbound lanes of National Freeway No. 5
between Yilan and Taipei.

Notably, traffic on the section between Yilan and Toucheng has slowed at
around 10 kilometers per hour ...

And officials warn this congestion could last into late this evening.

Traffic on western freeways, meanwhile, has so far remained mostly smooth,
but is expected to worsen from mid-afternoon before easing later in the
evening.

Officials report total traffic volume on Sunday reached 112.4 million
vehicle-kilometers, about 1.2 times the average weekday level.

Traffic early Monday morning also exceeded typical levels, and total volume
for the day is projected to reach 111 million vehicle-kilometers.

Traffic control measures include ramp closures on sections of Freeways No. 1
and No. 3 from noon to 9 PM, and high-occupancy vehicle restrictions on
northbound entrances to Freeway No. 5 between 1 PM and 6 PM.

Posted on 2026-04-06 14:06:13

A pedestrian has been killed and two others injured after a semi-trailer
truck lost control in New Taipei early this morning.

According to police, the truck veered off the road at an intersection in
Taishan District, hitting a pedestrian before crashing into a nearby
construction site.

The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene, while two security guards
inside the site were injured and taken to hospital.

The 27-year-old driver was unharmed and tested negative for alcohol and drugs.

Authorities say the truck was traveling toward Taipei when it suddenly
mounted the sidewalk for reasons still unknown.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Posted on 2026-04-06 14:06:13

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an is posting a near-seventy percent approval rating
in a late-December public opinion poll.

The survey, conducted by the city's Research, Development and Evaluation
Commission, shows overall satisfaction is up by nearly 4.5 percentage points
from the previous poll in late November.

Among policy areas, healthcare ranked highest with over 80 percent approval,
while environmental protection and efforts to promote sports participation
also scored above 70 percent.

Other areas, including education, social welfare, public safety, and culture,
all received approval ratings above 60 percent, while transportation and
economic development saw satisfaction levels at around 60 percent.

Officials say the results show strong public support for the city’s
development and quality of life, with nearly 77 percent saying they’re proud
to live in Taipei.

Posted on 2026-04-06 14:06:13

In international news,

Israel and the United States have carried out attacks on Iran that have
killed more than 25 people.

Tehran responded Monday with missile fire on Israel, where at least two were
killed in Haifa, and its Gulf Arab neighbors.

Meantime, U-S President Donald Trump’s deadline for Tehran to reopen the
Strait of Hormuz loomed as he threatened Iranians would be "living in Hell"
if they did not comply.

Diplomatic efforts continue with countries like Oman and Pakistan trying to
mediate.

The war, now in its sixth week, has already caused significant casualties and
economic disruption.

Posted on 2026-04-06 13:54:13

And starting off with a quick look at traffic conditions....

Heavy congestion is being reported on National Freeway 5's northbound strech
between Yilan and Toucheng ... on this final day of the Tomb Sweeping
holiday.

Data shows traffic speeds on that section at around or below 20 kilometers
per hour -- the slowest nationwide.

Traffic authorities warn the congestion could last until after 10 PM.

As for the other main roadways ...

Traffic is fairly smooth on most of National Freeways 1 and 3 ... albiet with
some heavy congestion on northbound lanes of National Freeway 1 around
Taichung.

Authorities say that traffic conditions might worsen later in the afternoon
on Taiwan's main freeways before easing this evening.

Posted on 2026-04-06 13:54:14

A U-S Republican congressional delegation is visiting Taiwan this week for
talks with senior officials, including President Lai Ching-te.

The group is led by Congressman Zach Nunn and includes three other
representatives.

The visit runs through Saturday.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussions will focus on
Taiwan-U.S. relations, regional security, trade cooperation, and developments
in the Taiwan Strait.

The delegation is part of the Republican Study Committee, a caucus of
conservative lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Its National Security Task Force, led by Nunn, focuses on defense policy and
promotes what it calls a "peace through strength" approach.

Taiwan says the visit highlights continued engagement between Taipei and
Washington on key security and economic issues.

Posted on 2026-04-06 13:54:14

Taiwanese table tennis star Lin Yun-ju has secured a bronze medal at the ITTF
World Cup in Macau over the weekend, bouncing back after a narrow miss in the
semifinals.

The world number seven lost 3 games to 4 against Japan's Sora Matsushima,
despite having beaten him in all six of their previous meetings.

Lin dropped the opening game but fought back to take the next two.

Matsushima then regained momentum, winning two straight to move ahead.

Lin forced a deciding game with a dominant sixth game, but Matsushima sealed
the match in the seventh.

It marks Lin's second bronze medal at the World Cup, following his podium
finish in 2019.

Posted on 2026-04-06 13:54:16

In international news,

Iranian media say an airstrike early Monday struck a residential building in
a city southwest of Iran’s capital, Tehran, killing at least 13 people.

The semiofficial Fars news agency and Nour News reported the strike near
Eslamshar.

It wasn’t clear why the building had been struck. Neither Israel nor the
United States claimed the strikes early Monday...

But they came after U-S President Donald Trump issued a profanity-laced
threat to Iran that it must reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Posted on 2026-04-06 11:07:13

One person is dead and two others are injured after a semi-truck crashed into
a construction site in the Taishan District of New Taipei City earlier this
morning.

Police say the accident happened around 6:30 a.m. at the intersection of
Taili Street and Section 6 of New Taipei Boulevard.

A 27-year-old driver was traveling toward Taipei when his truck reportedly
hit a median and spiraled out of control, striking a epdestrian and crashing
into a nearby construciton site.

Authorities say the pedestrian died at the scene.

Two security guards at the site were injured and taken to a local hospital.

The driver was not injured and preliminary tests show he was not under the
influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident.

Investigators are still working to identify the victim and determine the
exact cause of the crash.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-06 11:07:13

Highway officials are warning of heavy traffic across Taiwan today as
travelers head home on the final day of the Tomb Sweeping Day long weekend.

The National Freeway Bureau says northbound traffic on Freeway 5 started
building up this morning.

Major congestion is expected on western freeways starting this afternoon.

Total traffic volume for today is projected to reach 111 million
vehicle-kilometers, which is significantly higher than a typical workday.

To manage the flow, authorities have implemented high-occupancy vehicle
restrictions on Freeway 5 at the Su’ao, Luodong, Yilan, and Toucheng
northbound entrances until 6 p.m.

Several entrances on Freeway 1 and Freeway 3 will also remain closed until 9
p.m. to prevent bottlenecks.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-06 11:07:13

Iranian media say an airstrike early today struck a residential building in a
city southwest of Iran’s capital, Tehran, killing at least 13 people.

The semiofficial Fars news agency and Nour News reported the strike near
Eslamshar.

It wasn’t clear why the building had been struck.

Neither Israel nor the United States claimed the strikes earlier today, but
they came after U.S. President Donald Trump issued a profanity-laced threat
to Iran that it must reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Posted on 2026-04-06 11:07:13

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called an emergency security
meeting after explosives were discovered near a key Russian gas pipeline in
neighboring Serbia.

The Serbian army found two backpacks filled with explosives and detonators
near a village about 20 kilometers from where the TurkStream pipeline enters
Hungary.

Hungary relies on the pipeline for up to eight billion cubic meters of
Russian gas each year.

The discovery comes just days before crucial elections, where Orban's Fidesz
party is trailing badly in opinion polls.

Serbian President Alexander Vucic, a close Orban ally, informed the Hungarian
leader of the find Sunday morning.

Opposition leader Peter Magyar dismissed the incident as "panic-mongering".

Security experts had previously warned of a possible staged operation
intended to boost support for Orban — or give him grounds to postpone the
vote.

Posted on 2026-04-06 09:27:13

Taiwan's naval goodwill fleet, which departed the Marshall Islands last
month, was seen passing through the Panama Canal on Saturday as it heads to
another of the country's diplomatic allies in the region.

According to livestream footage from the Panama Canal Authority, the fleet --
consisting of the ROC Navy's fast combat support ship Panshi, Cheng
Kung-class guided-missile frigate Yueh Fei, and Kang Ding-class
guided-missile frigate Di Hua -- transited the canal, which connects the
Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, around midnight Saturday (Taipei time).

The fleet, officially designated the 2026 Midshipmen and Cruising Training
Squadron (MCTS) of the Republic of China Navy and led by Rear Admiral Chen
Ming-feng (???), departed Taiwan in late February for its annual training
voyage.

For security reasons, Taiwan's military does not publicize the fleet's
scheduled stops.

However, according to the Chinese-language United Daily News, the fleet is
believed to be heading to Belize.

Posted on 2026-04-06 09:27:13

Weather officials have issued heavy rain warnings for seven cities and
counties in northern Taiwan today as a front moves across the region.

The Central Weather Administration says residents from Miaoli northward
should prepare for sudden downpours, lightning, and strong gusts of wind.

Officials are also warning of potential rockfalls in mountain areas and
flooding in low-lying sections.

Meteorologist Wu De-rong says the rain is expected to clear out of northern
Taiwan late tonight.

However, another front is forecast to move south tomorrow, bringing more
showers and thunderstorms to central and northern parts of the island.

Temperatures in the north are expected to cool down tomorrow during the
stormy weather.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-06 09:27:13

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a threat to escalate strikes on Iran
if it doesn't open the Strait of Hormuz by his Tuesday deadline.

Trump on social media vowed to hit Iran's power plants and bridges if the
Strait of Hormuz isn't opened.

It follows the U.S. rescue of an aviator whose plane was downed by Iran.

Trump said that the service member was rescued from deep inside the mountains
in an operation involving dozens of armed aircraft.

He said a second crew member was rescued within hours of the crash.

Posted on 2026-04-06 09:27:13

Tokyo officials are expressing concern for the city's iconic cherry blossom
trees, as many of the trees planted during the country’s postwar advancement
of the 1960s are now getting old and frail.

Two cherry blossom trees collapsed on Thursday, with one almost falling into
the Imperial Palace moat, though nobody was injured.

The city says last year alone, there were 85 cases of fallen trees, many of
them cherry trees, in Tokyo parks, injuring three people.

Experts says an effective regeneration plan is key to preserving cherry
blossoms and their scenery.

Posted on 2026-04-06 08:30:13

Former President Tsai Ing-wen paid tribute to former President Lee Teng-hui
and Taiwanese independence activist Su Beng in a Facebook post Sunday marking
Tomb-Sweeping Day.

Tsai said she visited Lee's resting place at a military cemetery in New
Taipei, a few days earlier, crediting him with leading Taiwan through its
critical transition to democracy and ensuring that its people could decide
their own future through elections.

She added that she had also visited Su's grave in Bali District.

Lee, Taiwan's first directly elected president in 1996, is seen as a key
driving force behind Taiwan's democratization, and Su, an author, historian
and political activist, is widely regarded as a pioneer of the Taiwan
independence movement.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-06 08:30:13

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is concerned that a prolonged
U.S.-Israeli war on Iran could erode America's support for Ukraine as
Washington's global priorities shift.

He says Ukraine urgently needs more Patriot air defense systems from the
United States as Kyiv tries to fend off relentless Russian aerial attacks.

Zelenskyy says he fears there will be reduced deliveries as resources are
diverted to the Middle East.

Zelenskyy also claims Russia benefits economically from the war and is
sharing intelligence with Iran.

Zelenskyy has offered Ukraine's expertise in countering Iranian drones and
defense cooperation with Gulf Arab states as measures that would keep Ukraine
on the global agenda.

Posted on 2026-04-06 08:30:13

Pope Leo XIV has celebrated his first Easter Mass as pontiff, urging peace
through dialogue and calling for an end to conflicts worldwide.

He departed from tradition by not listing global woes in his blessing.

Leo, the first U.S.-born pope, emphasized Easter’s message of hope and
transformation.

With ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, he acknowledges
indifference to the suffering caused by wars.

Leo announced a prayer vigil for peace on April 11-th.

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