ICRT

Posted on 2026-08-18 16:23:13

Taiwan's government has strongly condemned Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar
Ibrahim over comments it says undermine Taiwan's sovereignty.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Anwar portrayed Taiwan as a separatist
province of China and justified Beijing's possible use of force against the
island during a recent media interview.

MOFA says such remarks threaten regional peace and could seriously damage
political trust between Taiwan and Malaysia.

It reiterated that Taiwan and China are not subordinate to each other.

The ministry also warned Anwar's comments could affect Taiwanese businesses'
confidence in investing in Malaysia, despite close economic and trade ties
between the two sides.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-08-18 16:23:13

The Taipei City Government says it does not have the financial capacity to
give residents a 20-thousand N.T.-dollar cash payment.

The proposal came from DPP City Councilor Hung Chien-yi (洪健益) after Mayor
Chiang Wan-an said the central government's planned 10-thousand N.T.
universal payment should be doubled.

Hung argued Taipei has enough accumulated budget surpluses to fund its own
payment without borrowing.

But the city's Finance Department says those surpluses are needed to cover
future spending and debt repayments.

It says Taipei's financial situation is different from that of the central
government and does not support a universal cash handout.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-08-18 16:23:13

As the countdown to this year’s Citizens Sports Games kicks off… the Taoyuan
City government today released the official theme cheer song ahead of the
event in October.

The song "挑戰巔峰," which translates to "Challenge the Peak," is performed by
singer-songwriter GBOYSWAG and Rakuten Monkeys cheer captain Lan Lan (籃籃).

Its music video also brings together cheerleaders from four Taoyuan
professional sports teams for the first time, including the Rakuten Girls,
Pilots Crew, Peach Girls and Leopard Girls.

The city government says the song highlights athletes' determination to
overcome challenges and push beyond their limits.

The 2026 Citizens Sports Games in Taoyuan will run from October 17th through
the 22nd at 43 venues.

The event will feature 32 sports and is expected to attract more than
13-thousand athletes, team officials and spectators.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-08-18 16:23:13

Russia is warning Britain of unspecified consequences over its supply of
drones to Ukraine.

The Russian embassy in London issued the warning after The Times reported
that British-made drones had been used for long-range strikes inside Russia
for the first time.

Britain's Ministry of Defence has not confirmed whether British drones were
used in those attacks.

The U.K. announced in June that it would provide Ukraine with 150-thousand
drones by the end of this year as part of a nearly 1-billion U.S.-dollar
support package.

A British defense ministry spokesperson says the country remains committed to
providing Ukraine with equipment to defend itself against Russia's invasion.

Moscow has repeatedly warned Western countries that military support for Kyiv
risks a broader confrontation.

Posted on 2026-08-18 16:23:13

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit South Korea from August 19th to
the 20th, in his first official trip to the country in five years.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is scheduled to meet Wang at the Blue
House on Thursday to discuss bilateral ties and regional affairs.

Wang will also hold talks with South Korea's national security adviser and
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun.

Officials say discussions are expected to cover developments on the Korean
Peninsula and preparations for future high-level exchanges.

The visit comes ahead of the APEC summit in Shenzhen in November and as Seoul
and Beijing work to improve relations.

Posted on 2026-08-18 16:23:13

U.S. President Donald Trump says North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has
responded to his efforts to restart direct diplomacy.

Trump gave no details, and neither the White House nor North Korea
immediately commented.

The statement came a day after Trump ordered the Pentagon to substantially
reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, calling the drills costly
and saying North Korea had been "unthreatening and respectful" during his
presidency.

Trump and Kim held summits in 2018 and 2019, but talks later collapsed over
Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program.

Analysts say another meeting remains possible, although North Korea is now in
a stronger position after deepening ties with Russia and maintaining close
relations with China.

Posted on 2026-08-18 14:41:13

The Filming Taipei Screenplay Competition has announced 16 finalists from a
record 267 submissions this year.

The entries cover genres ranging from science fiction and crime to comedy,
musicals and action-adventure, with many drawing on Taipei's landscapes,
history and city life.

Actor and jury member Wu Ke-xi (吳可熙) is encouraging aspiring screenwriters to
draw inspiration from their own experiences.

Wu says writers should "live wildly," meet different people and experience as
much as possible, because those moments can later become material for
stories.

Producer Tsou Chieh-chung (鄒介中) says international audiences are increasingly
interested in stories with strong local character, and writers should focus
on naturally incorporating Taiwan's culture and everyday life rather than
trying to cater specifically to overseas markets.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-08-18 14:41:13

Actor Will Or will host this year's Golden Horse Awards ceremony, after
competing for Best Leading Actor at the awards last year.

The Golden Horse Executive Committee says Or will host the 63rd edition of
the awards on his own.

Pink Yang and Huang Di-yang (黃迪揚) will co-host the red carpet, with Yang
returning for her 17th year covering the event.

Or says this will be his most nerve-racking Golden Horse appearance yet,
despite having attended the awards several times as a nominee.

The 63rd Golden Horse Awards will be held at the Taipei Music Center on
November 22nd.

The red carpet begins at 5 p.m., followed by the ceremony at 6:30.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-08-18 14:41:13

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is calling for stronger independent
defense capabilities while stressing that military exercises are not aimed at
North Korea.

Lee says Seoul should move ahead with plans to take wartime operational
control of its forces from the United States during his term.

He says a stronger U.S.-South Korea alliance and greater self-defense
capabilities reinforce each other.

Lee also called for faster development of South Korea's nuclear-powered
submarine program.

His comments come after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a substantial
reduction in joint military exercises.

Lee says accompanying civil-defense drills are defensive and intended to
protect South Korean civilians, not threaten North Korea or increase tensions
on the peninsula.

Posted on 2026-08-18 14:41:13

U.S. envoy Jared Kushner has ended two days of talks with Israeli and Hamas
leaders without a breakthrough on President Donald Trump's plan to end the
Gaza war.

Kushner met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for nearly four hours
after talks with Hamas political leader Khalil Al-Hayya in Egypt.

The two sides remain divided over the order of Hamas disarmament and an
Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Netanyahu says Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas fully disarms,
while Hamas says Israel must first halt attacks and pull back its troops.

Kushner says progress could still be possible within weeks.

Israel and the U.S. also agreed to form working groups on disarmament and
public health conditions in Gaza.

Posted on 2026-08-18 14:41:13

Europe's increasingly extreme weather is putting growing pressure on
government budgets, as much of the damage remains uninsured.

The European Environment Agency estimates weather and climate disasters
caused 822-billion euros in economic losses across the European Union between
1980 and 2024.

A quarter of that damage occurred in just the last four years.

Only about 25-percent of climate-related catastrophe losses are insured
across the EU, leaving governments to cover much of the cost of rebuilding
after floods, wildfires and other disasters.

Analysts warn repeated climate events could increasingly compete with
defense, pensions and other public spending.

The EU is expected to unveil new proposals on climate resilience and
disaster-risk management later this year.

Posted on 2026-08-18 12:44:13

The Taiwan High Court has held its first hearing in prosecutors' appeal
against the acquittal of entertainer NONO on sexual assault and forcible
indecency charges.

The hearing lasted about 15 minutes.

NONO, whose real name is Chen Hsuan-yu (陳宣裕), was accused of sexually
assaulting one woman between 2011 and 2013 and forcibly molesting another
woman in 2011.

The Shilin District Court acquitted him in May, ruling there was insufficient
evidence.

Prosecutors appealed, arguing the lower court's factual findings conflicted
with the evidence and that its reasoning was incomplete.

NONO did not respond to reporters' questions after today's hearing, including
whether he was confident the acquittal would be upheld.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-08-18 12:44:13

More than 300 kilograms of Japanese food products have been stopped at
Taiwan's border after failing food-safety inspections.

The Food and Drug Administration says two batches of Japanese melons,
totaling 332 kilograms, contained residues of a pesticide that is not
permitted on melons in Taiwan.

A separate three-kilogram shipment of Japanese mozuku seaweed was found to
contain inorganic arsenic at more than four times the legal limit.

All of the affected products will be returned or destroyed and did not enter
the local market.

The FDA says it is also increasing inspection rates for the importers
involved and for certain Japanese melon and seaweed shipments through
September 17th.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-08-18 12:44:13

Iran is threatening to shift to a "fully offensive" military posture after
talks with the United States failed to produce a permanent peace deal.

A senior Iranian official told reporters that Tehran could escalate in the
Strait of Hormuz and launch military action to break a U.S. naval blockade if
diplomacy fails.

A temporary agreement signed in June gave both sides 60 days to reach a
broader deal on Iran's nuclear program and U.S. sanctions.

That deadline has now expired, and U.S. President Donald Trump says
Washington will not extend the agreement.

However, reports suggest the Trump administration has opened back-channel
contacts with Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and pushed
up global oil and U.S. gasoline prices.

Posted on 2026-08-18 12:44:13

Two students have died in a school shooting in the southern Philippines,
including the student identified by police as the gunman.

Police say a Grade 9 student brought a pistol and rifle onto the campus of
Ateneo de Zamboanga University and opened fire inside a classroom.

A male Grade 10 student was killed before the gunman died by suicide.

University officials say there are no additional fatalities or reported
injuries, and the situation is now under control.

The attack is the Philippines' second deadly school shooting in less than two
months.

In June, three students were killed and about 20 others injured in a shooting
at a public high school in Tacloban City.

Posted on 2026-08-18 12:44:13

Colombia's president says economic losses from last week's powerful
earthquake could reach nearly 9.6-billion U.S. dollars.

President Abelardo De La Espriella says preliminary estimates include about
7.8-billion dollars in damage to buildings and another 1.8-billion dollars in
infrastructure losses.

He says the figures are expected to change as authorities continue assessing
damage across affected areas.

The magnitude-7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, including the major
cities of Cali and Pereira.

At least 280 people were killed, more than 4-thousand injured and another 143
remain missing.

De La Espriella took office only days before the disaster and is now
overseeing relief and reconstruction efforts.

Posted on 2026-08-18 08:07:13

Taiwan and New Zealand have agreed on six areas for closer cooperation over
the next three years.

The agreement was reached during a joint committee meeting to review the
implementation results of the Agreement between New Zealand and the Separate
Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu on Economic
Cooperation.

That agreement has been in effect since December 2013.

According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, delegates at the 13th ANZTEC
Joint Committee meeting discussed the results of the implementation of
previous provisions such as food safety inspections and plant quarantine,
e-commerce and intellectual property.

The ministry says members of Taiwan delegation voiced their hopes that
reviews concerning the agreement's growth will continue.

They stressed that current priorities include small and medium-sized
businesses, trade, and Indigenous cooperation.

Posted on 2026-08-18 08:07:17

The Civil Aviation Administration has confirmed that it is reviewing an
application from Uni Air to suspend its regular Taipei to Hualien route.

The Uni Air application was submitted in June and mirrors a formal request
made by Mandarin Airlines that same month to suspend its Kaohsiung to Hualien
and Taichung to Hualien routes.

The three Uni Air and Mandarin Airlines routes are the only three regularly
scheduled inbound and outbound flights currently handled by Hualien Airport.

The airport does not offer services to any international destinations except
through occasional charter flights.

According to Uni Air, most people traveling between northern Taiwan and
Hualien rely on ground transportation, resulting in limited demand for air
travel.

The Civil Aviation Administration says the Taipei to Hualien route is
currently operated only by Uni Air and had an average load factor of 24.2-per
cent from January to June of this year.

While the Mandarin Airlines' Taichung to Hualien and Kaohsiung to Hualien
routes had load factors of 57.5-per cent and 42-per cent, respectively.

Under the Civil Aviation Act, airlines must file applications with and obtain
approval from the C double A before making adjustments to any domestic
routes.

Posted on 2026-08-18 08:07:19

And finally,

The Taipei Dome will host the opening and second rounds of the 2027 W-B-S-C
Premier 12 in November.

Organizers say Group A of the opening round will be played from November 8 to
12, followed by the second round from November 13 to 15.

The four-team Super Round will be held in Japan.

The announcements came as the organizers unveiled a new 16-team format for
the tournament.

Taiwan secured its place in the Premier 12 by finishing second in the W-B-S-C
men's baseball world rankings at the end of 2025 and will play in Group A at
home.

The other three teams in Group A and the hosts of Groups B, C and D will be
announced at a later date.

The 12 automatic qualifiers are Japan, Taiwan, the United States, South
Korea, Venezuela, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Netherlands, Cuba,
Australia and the Dominican Republic.

Spain, Colombia, Italy and Germany will contest the qualifier in Barcelona on
October, while China, the Czech Republic, Great Britain and Nicaragua will
play their qualifying games in China in November.

The top two teams from each qualifier will advance to the 2027 Premier12.

Posted on 2026-08-18 06:55:14

President Lai Ching-te says a proposed 2027 central government budget will
include 235.7-billion N-T to fund a universal 10,000 N-T cash handout.

Lai says the projected central government revenue for 2027 has been raised to
3.9266-trillion N-T... and that increase will allow the cash handout to be
included while maintaining a balanced budget, which also includes
"effectively no new borrowing."

The president says the decision was spurred by strong economic growth fueled
by booming AI-related industries... and says his administration wants the
'A-I dividend to be shared by all.

Individuals and families will be free to decide how to use the money, citing
uses such as education, elder care, household expenses or spending that
supports local businesses.

The Presidential Office has not provided any details concerning eligibility,
the distribution method or when the cash handout will be paid.

The announcement came after the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and
Statistics raised its forecast for Taiwan's 2026 economic growth to 11.05-per
cent from 9.64-per cent last Friday.

Posted on 2026-08-18 06:55:14

Lai's announcement triggered accusations from the K-M-T that the president
was applying a "double standard" after he announced plans to distribute
10,000 N-T in a cash handout to eligible recipients next year.

K-M-T Culture and Communications Committee Director Chen I-hsin says his
party had already proposed a 10,000 N-T cash payment in May, and a bill
containing the provision had already cleared its first reading in the
Legislative Yuan.

Chen further criticized the president for announcing the cash handout so
close to November local elections.

Chen says when the K-M-T proposed the 10,000 N-T cash handout in May, the
Cabinet had emphasized "fiscal discipline" -- saying budget funds should be
prioritized for national defense, major infrastructure projects and debt
repayment.

A similar accusation was levied at the Executive branch by the KMT's
legislative caucus.

Posted on 2026-08-18 06:55:14

Premier Zhu Rong-tai has refused to countersign the Special Act on Taiwan
Future Accounts, which was passed in July.

The cabinet claims the refusal is triggered by what it claims are "violations
of constitutional principles."

Its also being fuelled by concerns that it could allow wealthier families to
accumulate larger amounts and ultimately widen the wealth gap.

Cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee says the government will instead continue
implementing the family support measures it approved in May.

This marks the sixth time since December of last year that the Premier has
refused to countersign legislation...

The K-M-T says Cho's decision not to countersign legislation is further
evidence of the contempt the Lai administration has for the Legislature and
the legislative majority.

The Act requires government to deposit 60,000 N-T annually into a Growth
Allowance Account for eligible children under the age 8.

Children aged 7 to 17 would receive 30,000 N-T annually in the Growth
Allowance Account and another 30,000 N-T in a Future Account.

The accounts would also accept "corporate sponsorship funds."

Posted on 2026-08-18 06:55:14

The government says excess savings are expected to reach a record 11-trillion
N-T in 2027, as the current AI boom boosts exports and current account
surplus.

The Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics says the excess
savings rate is forecast to rise to a new high of about 29 and a half per
cent next year.

That's up from an estimated 25.13-per cent in 2026.

Taiwan's excess savings hovered around 3-trillion N-T from 2020 to 2023, but
strong global demand for A-I applications beginning in 2024 boosted exports,
paving the way for a rise in the current account surplus and an increase in
excess savings.

The current account primarily measures a country's exports and imports of
goods and services.

Taiwan's excess savings topped 4-trillion N-T for the first time in 2024 and
rose further to 5.6-trillion N-T in 2025.

The government says excess savings are expected to surpass 8-trillion N-T
this year to reaching 8.4-trillion N-T.

Posted on 2026-08-18 06:55:14

The Investigation Bureau has confirmed that a visiting German scholar
researching China's intelligence services was followed by a Chinese woman in
May of 2025 while vacationing in Alishan.

Jurgen Kremb is now a visiting scholar at Soochow University... he was a
correspondent in Beijing for Der Spiegel in the 1990s.

The Investigation Bureau saying it launched an investigation after Kremb
reported the incident.

The bureau also says the case shows that China has begun engaging in
transnational repression, targeting not only Chinese and Taiwanese people but
also individuals who oppose totalitarianism and advocate democracy, freedom
and human rights.

But the bureau is refusing to disclose any other details related to the case
- citing confidentiality.

Posted on 2026-08-18 06:55:14

The Tainan City Government says its new underground main railway station will
be unveiled next month.

The statements come after Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che inspected the station's
concourse and platforms.

During his inspection, Huang thanked the the Railway Bureau, the Taiwan
Railway Corporation and local residents for their support for the project

Work on the 8.23-kilometer-long, 33.67 billion N-T underground station
project began in September of 2009.

The underground section of track runs from south of Daqiao Station in
Yongkang District, through Tainan Main Station, and remerges near
Dalin Road rail crossing.

Two new stations, Linsen Station and South Tainan Station, are scheduled to
open in the coming years.

Posted on 2026-08-18 06:55:14

Inventions Festival

And,

Taiwan inventors won big at this year's Silicon Valley International
Inventions Festival in California.

They took the event's top prize, 24 gold medals and other special awards.

The event featured entries from more than 30 countries.

Taiwan students who jointly designed "AllerDetect GO" won the top prize in
the Youth Talent Competition category.

The "AllerDetect GO" app is an active health protection system designed for
children, older adults and people prone to allergies, that helps users
identify potential allergen risks earlier and reduces accidental exposure.

The second prize went to a team from the Affiliated Senior High School of
National Taiwan Normal University.

In the general inventors category, Baichao Greenergy Tech won the special
award from the World Intellectual Property Organization.

The gold medal count was the highest for Taiwan since it first participated
in the Silicon Valley International Inventions Festival in 2018.

The festival was held in the Santa Clara Convention Center in California from
Friday to Sunday.

Posted on 2026-08-18 06:55:14

South Korea has expressed hopes for resumption of diplomacy between the U.S.
and North Korea to ease animosities on the Korean Peninsula.

The South Korean announcement came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump
said he ordered annual U.S. military exercises with South Korea to be scaled
back.

He cites his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises began Monday morning as scheduled.

It was not known which parts of the training were being downsized.

Posted on 2026-08-18 06:55:14

Congo’s fast-moving Ebola outbreak has now killed over 2,300 people.

That toll released overnight makes it the deadliest outbreak of the disease
ever recorded in the Central African nation.

The outbreak has recorded 4,945 cases including 2,325 deaths.

It is unfolding in one of Congo’s most vulnerable regions, and the virus
causing it has no approved vaccines or treatments.

The World Health Organization has warned that the outbreak now spreading
across six provinces in the conflict-battered region is on track to surpass
the 2014-2016 outbreak in West Africa.

Posted on 2026-08-17 20:12:13

President Lai Ching-te has announced a universal 10 thousand NT cash payment
... as part of the proposed central government budget for next year ...

The handouts will cost the government over $235 billion NT ...

... but Lai says stronger-than-expected economic growth -- driven largely by
booming demand for AI, semiconductors and high-performance computing -- will
allow the government to fund them ...

... while keeping the budget balanced and effectively avoiding new borrowing.

He says the aim is to let everyone share in what he calls an "AI dividend",
with people free to spend the money on things such as education, elder care
or household expenses.

The government's economic growth forecast for this year has been raised to
11.05 percent, which would be Taiwan's strongest growth in 39 years.

Beyond the cash payment, the 2027 budget will prioritize family support,
defense, technology, infrastructure and greater funding for local
governments.

Defense spending, including special budgets, is expected to exceed $1
trillion NT for the first time.

Posted on 2026-08-17 20:12:13

Hualien could lose all of its regular domestic air services if airlines are
allowed to suspend the county's remaining routes.

Uni Air has applied to suspend its Taipei-Hualien service, while Mandarin
Airlines wants to drop its Kaohsiung-Hualien and Taichung-Hualien routes.

The Civil Aviation Administration is reviewing the applications.

Airlines say demand is too weak, with Uni Air's Taipei-Hualien service
averaging just a 24 percent load factor in the first half of this year ..
compared to 80 percent for most routes to Taiwan's outlying islands.

But Hualien officials say air services are essential because the county lacks
high-speed rail and freeway connections.

They are urging the government to subsidize unprofitable routes as tourism
recovers from the 2024 earthquake.

Visitor numbers at Hualien attractions in the first half of this year were
still 27 percent below the same period in 2023.

Posted on 2026-08-17 18:53:13

Taiwan's excess savings are forecast to exceed 11-trillion N-T next year as
strong AI demand continues to drive exports.

The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics says the excess
savings rate is expected to reach a record 29.49-percent.

Officials say this does not necessarily have negative implications ...
addressing concerns over the accumulation of idle funds in the country.

Gross domestic investment is also forecast to hit a record 9.2-trillion N-T
in 2027.

The agency says AI demand has been stronger than expected, boosting both
exports and business investment.

Taiwan's 2026 economic growth forecast was recently raised to 11.05-percent,
the highest in 39 years.

Growth is still expected to reach 6.04-percent next year despite the high
comparison base.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-08-17 18:53:16

Meta is facing one of its most consequential child safety lawsuits this week,
as four U-S states accuse the company of contributing to the youth mental
health crisis through the design of Facebook and Instagram.

The trial begins Tuesday in federal court in Oakland, California, with
California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey serving as plaintiffs.

The states allege Meta knowingly designed features to make its platforms
addictive and are seeking potentially massive financial damages.

The lawsuits brought by states could ultimately seek as much as 1.4 trillion
U-S dollars, along with changes to how Meta operates its social media
platforms.

Posted on 2026-08-17 18:51:13

President Lai Ching-te says the government is planning a universal 10
thousand NT cash payment next year, so people can share in the benefits of
Taiwan's economic growth.

Lai made the announcement while reviewing the Cabinet's proposed central
government budget for 2027.

He says Taiwan's strengths in semiconductors, information and communications
technology, and manufacturing supply chains have helped drive the economy,
with this year's growth rate now expected to hit a 39-year high.

Lai says the government will also focus next year on family support, national
defense, smart technology, public infrastructure, and greater support for
local governments.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-08-17 18:51:13

Kaohsiung is bringing together more than 150 local brands this weekend for
its annual celebration of coffee, food and local products.

Organisers say this year's Kaohsiung Coffee Festival -- taking place this
Saturday and Sunday at Aozidi Forest Park -- will have a special focus on
iced coffee.

Seventy participating brands will showcase everything from city cafes and
coffee grown in local indigenous regions to specialty desserts, while the
adjoining Shennong Market will offer local produce and handmade goods.

The festival will also feature coffee workshops, where visitors can learn
about bean selection, roasting, brewing and tasting.

The event runs from 3 PM to 9 PM both days.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-08-17 18:51:13

The National Human Rights Museum is launching a series of children's
activities using Taiwanese-language picture books to introduce young
audiences to human rights themes.

The museum says the program combines storytelling, folk rhymes, games,
drawing, and hands-on crafts.

It's designed for two age groups, with younger children focusing on
self-awareness and understanding their surroundings, while older children
explore empathy and respect for others.

The museum says all three sessions, on September 20th, October 4th, and
November 1st, are free and require advance registration.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-08-17 16:48:14

Taiwan and New Zealand have agreed on six areas for closer cooperation over
the next three years under their economic cooperation agreement.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs says the priorities include small and
medium-sized businesses, e-commerce, supply chains, food safety and
quarantine, environment and trade, and Indigenous cooperation.

The agreement came during the 13th ANZTEC Joint Committee meeting.

Officials also reviewed progress over the past year in areas including
digital trade, intellectual property and technical trade rules.

The ministry says New Zealand this year also opened its market to Taiwanese
phalaenopsis orchids and cut anthurium flowers.

Taiwanese mangoes, lychees, pineapples and Oncidium cut flowers already have
access to the New Zealand market.

ANZTEC has been in effect since 2013.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-08-17 16:48:14

The National Immigration Agency is stepping up multilingual anti-fraud
education for migrant workers in Taipei.

The agency recently joined a migrant worker health screening event at Taipei
Main Station, where staff and interpreters explained common scam tactics in
several languages.

Officials say language barriers can make it difficult for migrant workers to
identify suspicious calls or messages.

One Indonesian worker said she once received a call from someone pretending
to be from a bank and nearly followed the caller's instructions before a
friend stopped her.

The agency says face-to-face outreach in workers' native languages can help
them verify suspicious information and better protect themselves from fraud.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-08-17 16:48:14

Tainan is expanding multilingual services at traditional markets and night
markets to make them easier for foreign tourists to visit.

The city government has chosen Ximen Market and Garden Night Market as
demonstration sites.

Both will add signs and maps in Chinese, English, Japanese and Korean to help
visitors navigate the areas.

Vendor signs will also include translations, while businesses will receive
help creating illustrated multilingual menus.

The city is also promoting payment services with multilingual support.

Officials say the program is aimed at reducing language barriers and
improving the overall experience for international visitors at some of
Tainan's most popular local attractions.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-08-17 16:48:14

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce
joint military exercises with South Korea, saying the drills are too costly
and send a hostile signal to North Korea.

The order came just hours before the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises
were due to begin.

South Korea's military says the drills started as scheduled today and are set
to run through August 27, involving about 18-thousand South Korean troops.

Trump also criticized Seoul for declining to join U.S. military action
related to Iran.

South Korea's presidential office says it is reviewing Trump's comments and
will continue coordinating with Washington on their joint defense posture.

North Korea has repeatedly condemned the exercises and has fired two
ballistic missiles since August 6.

Posted on 2026-08-17 16:48:14

In Europe, firefighters are battling Belgium's largest wildfire on record as
the blaze moves toward the German border.

Authorities say the fire has burned about 3-thousand hectares in the High
Fens nature reserve since Friday.

Crews from Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg are working alongside the military
and farmers, while Dutch helicopters are helping from the air.

Residents evacuated from nearby villages have been told not to return yet.

Officials in the German border have also advised some residents to leave
because of heavy smoke, although the fire itself is not expected to cross
into Germany.

The European Union has deployed additional firefighting aircraft.

The blaze comes as heatwaves and drought continue to fuel severe wildfires
across parts of Europe.

Posted on 2026-08-17 16:48:14

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has launched his reelection
campaign, returning to the industrial city where his political career began
as a labor leader.

His Workers Party is pushing for stronger protections for app-based workers,
including rules on pay, benefits and working conditions.

Brazil's presidential election is scheduled for October.

Posted on 2026-08-17 16:07:13

Police have referred a teenager to court after the teen was seen playing with
a plastic folding knife on the Taipei MRT.

The incident happened late Sunday on a Tamsui-Xinyi Line train heading toward
Xiangshan.

Police say another passenger saw the teenager handling what appeared to be a
knife and reported it.

MRT staff escorted the teen off the train at Mingde Station before police
arrived.

Officers later determined the folding knife was made of plastic.

Police say no one was injured or threatened.

The teenager was taken to a police station for questioning and later referred
to the Shilin District Court under the Social Order Maintenance Act.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-08-17 16:07:13

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che says Tainan Station is on track for an official
unveiling in early September, as part of the city's long-running railway
underground project.

Huang inspected the underground station's sunken plaza, concourse level,
platform level, fare gates, and ticketing facilities today, thanking the
Railway Bureau and Taiwan Railways for their work on the project.

The underground section runs just over 8 kilometers from south of Yongkang
Bridge Station through Tainan Station to about 0.6 kilometers south of the
Dalin Road level crossing, passing through North, East, and Rende districts.

Two new commuter stations, Linsen and South Tainan, are planned for
completion in September 2029 and September 2030 respectively.

The mayor says once complete, the underground railway will eliminate the
overpasses, level crossings, and underpasses that have long divided the city
east and west, reversing decades of urban fragmentation.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-08-17 16:07:13

The head of Myanmar’s military-backed government embarked on an official
visit to Russia to hold talks with President Vladimir Putin.

The visit by President Min Aung Hlaing beginning today is aimed at
strengthening bilateral ties and strategic cooperation.

The trip is the latest in a series to foreign countries and his seventh to
Russia since the army seized power in February 2021.

He also plans to meet with top Russian officials and attend a business forum.

Russia and China are major supporters and arms suppliers to Myanmar.

Min Aung Hlaing previously met with Putin on the sidelines of Moscow’s World
Atomic Week Forum in September.

Putin has never visited Myanmar.

Posted on 2026-08-17 16:07:13

Japan’s economy grew an annualized rate of 1.1% in the April-June quarter,
even as private consumption stayed flat and the growth of exports declined.

The Cabinet Office said Monday that Japan’s real GDP, or gross domestic
product, the sum value of nation’s goods and services, grew at a seasonally
adjusted 0.3% in the second quarter of this year from the first quarter.

The annual, or annualized, rate shows what that rate would have been if it
had continued for a whole year.

That rate in the January-March period was 2.1%.

Private spending dipped 1.2% in April-June compared to January-March, while
exports grew 0.5%.

Posted on 2026-08-17 14:26:13

The Ministry of the Interior is pushing back against media reports that the
government plans to cut its rent subsidy program nearly in half, insisting
the overall goal of supporting one million renting households remains
unchanged.

The ministry says today that the government intends to use three
complementary tools, social housing construction, government-brokered rental
schemes, and direct rent subsidies, in combination, with the mix adjusting
over time as more physical housing units become available.

Officials say as social housing and brokered rental units gradually approach
targets of 250,000 units each, some demand now met through subsidies will be
absorbed by those programs.

Premier Cho Jung-tai also confirmed that next year's rent subsidy funding
will continue to be covered by the central government.

According to government data, rent subsidies are being received by over
900-thousand households nationwide.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-08-17 14:26:14

China Airlines has been named one of Asia's best employers for a fourth
consecutive year.

The airline says it received especially high marks for organizational
teamwork in the 2026 awards.

A total of 330 companies in Taiwan took part in this year's evaluation.

China Airlines says the result reflects employee satisfaction with teamwork,
workplace cohesion and the overall working environment.

The airline says it offers competitive salaries and benefits including
discounted tickets and an employee stock ownership program.

It has also expanded work-life balance programs, including employee family
events, health activities and professional training.

Other Taiwan-based companies recognized this year include ADATA Technology,
Asia Cement, Cathay Financial Holdings and CTBC.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-08-17 14:26:14

Immigration officers at Taoyuan International Airport have stopped a Sri
Lankan man from traveling to Canada using a forged Canadian passport.

The National Immigration Agency says E-V-A Air ground staff noticed problems
with the man's documents and travel itinerary while he was transferring at
the airport last Thursday.

The man was also unable to answer basic questions about Canada and later
admitted he was Sri Lankan, producing his genuine passport from his luggage.

He told authorities he had paid a human smuggling group 10-thousand U.S.
dollars for the fake passport, travel route and airline tickets.

Officials say he had hoped to reach Canada for work.

He was returned to Singapore, his previous point of departure.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-08-17 14:26:14

In India, seven devotees were killed and more than a dozen injured in a
stampede at a Hindu temple in Bihar state after a snapped electric wire
reportedly triggered panic among worshippers.

The incident as thousands of devotees gathered to offer prayers on Monday.

A civil official said a section of barricades collapsed under the weight of
the surging crowd, leading to a crush in which people fell over one another.

He said more than a dozen people had been taken to hospitals and that the
cause of the stampede was still being probed.

Crowd crushes are relatively common in India during religious festivals, as
large crowds, sometimes in the millions, gather in confined areas with few
safety or crowd control measures.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-08-17 12:41:13

Kaohsiung's Nibun Chorus has won two gold medals at the World Choir Games in
Sweden, after organizers stopped a Swedish supporter from displaying the
Republic of China flag.

The supporter was cheering for the choir as it warmed up for its final event
in Helsingborg.

CNA says organizers also warned its reporter that the reporter could lose
their press credential if the flag appeared during an interview.

Organizers say the competition follows the "Olympic model," under which teams
from Taiwan compete as "Chinese Taipei" and the ROC flag cannot be displayed
at venues.

Nibun later won gold in both the Contemporary Music and Mixed Choirs
categories.

The choir performed barefoot and wore traditional Bunun and Taivoan clothing.

Taiwanese teams won a total of eight gold medals and one silver at this
year's competition.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-08-17 12:41:13

New Taipei's Sanying MRT Line has completed its first weekday of expanded
full-day service, with officials reporting smooth transfers during the
morning rush hour.

The line began operating from 6 a.m. to midnight on Sunday as part of its
free trial period.

New Taipei Metro says trains departed on time Monday, while staff were
deployed at Dingpu Station to manage passengers transferring to the Bannan
Line.

Officials say most commuters from the Sanying area previously took buses to
Dingpu or Yongning before transferring to the Bannan Line.

The new service has increased overall ridership by only about 1-thousand-500
passenger trips.

Taipei Metro says the Bannan Line was busy but operating smoothly, with six
additional trains scheduled to help handle peak-hour demand.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-08-17 12:41:13

In international news,

In Israel, an extremist official in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's
cabinet has advocated for killing “30 to 40” people in Gaza each night.

Comments by Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir surfaced Sunday and
were quickly condemned internationally.

He made the remarks on a podcast while discussing Israel's recovery from a
recent Hamas attack.

Ben-Gvir criticized Israel's recent drawdown of strikes in Gaza, saying
targeted assassinations should be carried out.

He holds significant influence over Israel’s security apparatus, including
running prisons where thousands of Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank
are incarcerated.

But he cannot order military strikes.

In the past, similar statements by Ben-Gvir and other Israeli officials were
widely condemned.

Many have been presented to the U.N.’s world court as evidence of genocidal
intent.

Israel denies it has committed genocide in Gaza.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-08-17 12:41:15

In Zimbabwe, the search for bodies continues after an overloaded ferry
capsized last week, killing more than 80 people.

The ferry overturned in strong waves on a lake on Tuesday.

Police said Sunday the death toll has risen to 84.

77 were reported to be rescued.

The number of passengers was initially estimated to be as high as 153, but
the latest official figures suggest it could be higher.

The ferry's capacity is 90.

Among the dead are 18 children, with the youngest just 1 year old.

The aging ferry was traveling to rural communities where roads are damaged
and public transportation is scarce.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-08-17 07:05:13

Taiwan artists and curators have issued a joint statement protesting what
they claim to be "political censorship" by organizers of South Korea's
Gwangju Biennale.

This, after the the word "Taiwan" was removed from promotional material and
replaced it with the abbreviation for the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts
at the event.

The statement was signed by 10 Taiwan artists and curators who had been
invited to take part in the art exposition... they also said the foundation
ignored repeated protests from the museum.

They further argued that the removal of the word "Taiwan" was not an isolated
incident, but represents a threat to freedom of expression and the global art
community.

The Ministry of Culture says it had asked its overseas representative office
to continue expressing strong protests to the organizers

Posted on 2026-08-17 07:05:16

The National Human Rights Commission is criticizing a referendum proposal on
judicial caning.

The proposal was initiated by the K-M-T and asks votes if they agree that
caning should be imposed by courts for sexual assault, child abuse,
high-value fraud and aggravated fraud involving multiple forms of fraud, in
order to deter crime?"

The commission says judicial caning violates international human rights
standards enshrined in Taiwan's legal system.

It further adds that while it understands public concerns over serious crimes
and the need to strengthen crime prevention, criminal policy should be based
on constitutional and human rights principles as well as scientific evidence.

The commission also says caning constitutes corporal punishment involving
elements of humiliation and degradation, making it incompatible with
protections under the United Nations' International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights.

The referendum proposal is one of three that have been approved by the
Legislative Yuan.

The other two referendum proposals to have been pased concern the use of
traffic fines and the abolition of the non-nuclear energy policy.

Posted on 2026-08-17 07:05:16

13 lawmakers is slated to travel to to Japan later this month to attend the
Asian Pacific Parliamentarians’ Union 54th General Assembly and 88th Council
Meeting.

The delegation will be led by Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang.

The event this year will held under the themes of inter-parliamentary
cooperation to maintain a free and open economic order and strengthen
regional supply chain resilience.

Taiwan hosted the Asian Pacific Parliamentarians’ Union General Assembly
last year.

Eight resolutions were adopted during that event, including three proposals
put forward by members of Taiwan's delegation.

They included a proposal that union member states participate in the
Indo-Pacific Marine Debris Cooperation Platform to promote regional
sustainability and security.

Posted on 2026-08-17 07:05:16

The Tzu Chi International Medical Association says more than 200 migrant
workers attended a free health check event staffed by medical personnel and
volunteers at Taipei Main Station on Sunday.

The event offered preliminary health checks, including ultrasound and dental
examinations, as well as consultations in specialties such as orthopedics and
gynecology.

The free health check event was jointly organized with the Taipei City
government.

The city government says it began cooperating with Tzu Chi in 2004, primarily
because many of Taipei's roughly 50,000 migrant workers are live-in family
caregivers with only one day off a month, making it difficult to seek medical
treatment.

More than 20,000 visits have recorded since the program began, which each
event this year drawing more than 200 participants.

Sunday's event was the third of four planned for this year.

The final one is set for October 4, also at Taipei Main Station.

The service is open to migrant workers legally residing in Taiwan, including
those employed outside Taipei.

Posted on 2026-08-17 07:05:16

The Industrial Technology Research Institute has developed a noninvasive
in-ear vagus nerve stimulator which it calls Taiwan's first digital
therapeutic technology for generalized anxiety disorder.

The institute says the wearable device stimulates the vagus nerve via the ear
to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is associated with
relaxation.

The device also monitors physiological signals like heart rate variabililty
and uses this data to adjust stimulation parameters.

The technology is intended to provide an alternative treatment option for
people with anxiety... it aims to bring it into practical use within three to
five years.

The Ministry of Health says one in four people here in Taiwan experience
psychological distress.

Posted on 2026-08-17 07:05:16

A Starlux Airbus A350-1000 featuring livery by renowned Japanese artist
Hajime Sorayama has arrived at Taoyuan International Airport.

The aircraft, named "Airsorayama Gold," is at the airport ahead of its
commercial debut flight on the carrier's Taipei-Tokyo route later this week.

Starlux says it is the second plane in the airline's "Starlux Airsorayama"
art project, which showcases Sorayama's signature metallic aesthetic.

The new aircraft features a gold-themed livery and the airline says it
complements its first Sorayama-designed jet, the "Airsorayama Silver."

The aircraft is scheduled to enter commercial service on Starlux's
Taipei-Narita route starting Thursday.

Posted on 2026-08-17 07:05:16

And,

A four-member team from Taiwan has won one gold medal, two silver medals and
an honorable mention at the International Olympiad in Informatics.

The annual programming competition for school students was held in Tashkent,
Uzbekistan.

The four students received their awards at the closing ceremony - standing
out among 375 students from 92 countries and regions.

Students who win gold, silver, or bronze medals at international academic
Olympiads receive cash rewards and are also eligible for direct admission to
relevant university departments or recommendation-based admission to any
academic program.

Posted on 2026-08-17 07:05:16

Rescue teams in eastern Indonesia have recovered six more bodies after a
magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck the day before, bringing the death toll to
53.

Thousands have been displaced. The U.S. Geological Survey said the powerful
quake hit the Flores region at a depth of 6 miles on Saturday.

Residents fled in panic as tsunami warnings were issued and later lifted.

At least 995 aftershocks followed, authorities said. Rescuers are digging
through debris on Sunday, focusing on three regencies that were inaccessible
after the quake.

More than 900 homes were destroyed, forcing about 5,000 people into temporary
shelters.

Relief workers are distributing aid, but restoring electricity and
communications remains challenging.

Posted on 2026-08-17 07:05:16

Moroccan security forces have arrested hundreds of migrants trying to reach
the Spanish enclave of Ceuta by land and sea.

Moroccan state television reported Sunday that 294 migrants from sub-Saharan
Africa were arrested Saturday.
Authorities also arrested 61 Moroccans accused of facilitating the migration
attempts.

The crossings followed a surge in social media posts urging migrants to head
to Ceuta.

Moroccan authorities have increased security along the border to prevent more
crossings.

This comes two weeks after a deadly migration crisis in the region.

Posted on 2026-08-15 16:07:14

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia just before 6am
local time today, damaging buildings and killing at least 20 people.

Authorities issued a tsunami warning for parts of eastern Indonesia,
prompting residents to flee coastal areas ... but the alert was later lifted
after no significant sea-level changes were detected.

Strong shaking caused panic across Flores Island, with witnesses reporting
collapsed buildings.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-08-15 15:08:18

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi prayed at the Yasukuni shrine
early today, angering neighboring countries.

Visits by Japanese politicians to the shrine, which commemorates soldiers who
died in the country's service -- including World War II criminals.

Shrine visitors have been criticized by China and South Korea. They see it as
showing Japan's lack of remorse over its wartime atrocities.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has stayed away from the controversial
shrine as the country marks the 81st anniversary of its World War II
surrender.

Nevertheless, she didn't mention her country's wartime past in Asia or
remorse over it in an address today.

As many as 30,000 Taiwanese have been enshrined at Yasukuni. In 2007, former
president Lee Teng-hui made a pilgrimage to pay respects to his brother, who
died while fighting for the Japanese during World War II.

He too was criticized, but he defended his visit as being personal.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-08-15 14:10:13

President Trump is downplaying concerns about the USS Abraham Lincoln's
extended deployment in the Middle East.

Trump denied reports of mental health and supply issues and noted that the
Lincoln would soon be relieved:
Asked if the vessel was deployed for too long, Trump was unconcerned:
The Lincoln supports the US war against Iran, and Democratic lawmakers are
pressing the Pentagon for accountability over conditions aboard the carrier.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said earlier this week that the conditions are
"completely misrepresented."

The Navy says it hasn't observed an increase in suicidal ideation, as some
reports have it.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-08-15 14:10:13

Ash spewing from Mount Etna has forced the closure of Sicily's largest
airport for the fifth consecutive day.

Hundreds of summer holiday travelers are stranded during the biggest travel
week of the year.

Catania's airport will remain closed until this afternoon, coinciding with
the Ferragosto holiday.

This is the longest emergency since 2002.

Volcanic ash poses a significant risk to aircraft, potentially stalling
engines.

The closure has led to rerouted flights while increasing taxi fares and car
rental prices. Trenitalia has added trains to ease travel pressure.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-08-15 13:07:14

Taiwan International Cooperation Development Fund is launching a book marking
30 years of Taiwan's international development and foreign assistance.

Speaking at the book lunch, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said Taiwan
has transformed from an aid recipient into an aid provider.

He said Taiwan is now using its technology in areas including smart
healthcare and AI.

Saint Lucia's Ambassador Robert Kennedy Lewis says TaiwanICDF assistance has
had a positive effect in nearly every business sector in his country.

TaiwanICDF says it will build on these partnerships by connecting Taiwan's
technology, know-how and talent with countries around the world.

TB

Posted on 2026-08-15 13:07:14

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia just before 6am
local time today, damaging buildings and killing at least five people.

Authorities issued a tsunami warning for parts of eastern Indonesia,
prompting residents to flee coastal areas ... but the alert was later lifted
after no significant sea-level changes were detected.

Strong shaking caused panic across Flores Island, with witnesses reporting
collapsed buildings.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-08-15 12:07:13

The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics has raised its
economic growth forecast for this year to 11.05 percent - the highest level
in 39 years.

The stats agency says stronger-than-expected demand for AI is driving robust
exports and investment, while rising stock market wealth is also boosting
consumer spending.

The new forecast is 1.41 percentage point higher than an estimate in May.

The agency has also raised its inflation forecast from 1.93 to 2.07 percent,
citing the impact of continued conflict in the Middle East.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-08-15 12:07:13

The International Community Choir is looking for new voices.

The choir is seeking additional singers, especially tenors and basses, for
its next semester, which begins on September 2.

Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays from 10am to noon at the Taipei American
Club.

The choir will be holding its annual Christmas Charity Concert on December 13.

All proceeds are going to support St. Anne's Home, which provides a safe,
stable place for people with disabilities who require long-term,
round-the-clock care.

The International Community Choir was founded in 2003 as a women's choir and
gradually added male voices, now boasting a full range of soprano, alto,
tenor, and bass voices.

The choir's repertoire includes classical choral works, traditional carols,
folk and world music, jazz and swing, gospel, and Broadway-musical songs.

For more information, go to the choir's website at ICC-Taipei.org.

Posted on 2026-08-15 11:07:14

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia just before 6am
local time today, damaging buildings and killing at least two people.

Authorities issued a tsunami warning for parts of eastern Indonesia,
prompting residents to flee coastal areas ... but the alert was later lifted
after no significant sea-level changes were detected.

Strong shaking caused panic across Flores Island, with witnesses reporting
collapsed buildings.

AP_JvW

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