ICRT

Posted on 2026-06-06 14:07:13

leave

Shih Hsin University President Chen Ching-ho (陳清河) say's he'll take a
two-month unpaid leave of absence after making rash comments in an address to
students last month.

He had told graduating students to "end themselves" if life in the workforce
became too taxing.

In his May 30th address to graduates, he told them, "this world no longer
needs your existence {if you can't cope with workplace challenges}."

Chen said in a social media post that he hadn't been sufficiently careful in
his remarks due to a tight schedule.

He said he had requested and been granted a two-month unpaid leave of absence
effective June 8 and would reflect on the incident and exercise greater
caution in future remarks.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-06-06 14:07:17

In MLB news ...

The Athletics have promoted their No. 4 prospect, Lin Wei-en (林維恩), to
Triple-A, making the 20-year-old the youngest Taiwanese player to reach that
level.

The Athletics assigned the left-hander to the Las Vegas Aviators, one day
after he was named the Texas League's Pitcher of the Month for May.

Lin began his professional career last year ... and advanced from Low-A to
High-A and then Double-A in a single season.

So far this year, Lin has gone 3-1 with 53 strikeouts and a 1.93 earned run
average in 10 appearances on the mound.

Lin becomes the third Taiwanese pitcher currently playing in Triple-A,
joining Athletics prospect Zhuang Chen Zhong-ao (莊陳仲敖) and Diamondbacks
prospect Lin Yu-min.

CNA_JvW

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

Taipei Zoo says two red pandas from the Shanghai Zoo have arrived in Taiwan.

They were given to Taipei Zoo under an MoU signed at the 2024 Shanghai-Taipei
City Forum.

Taipei Zoo said both animals were in good health upon their arrival early
this morning.

The two red pandas, a three-year-old male and a two-year-old female, will be
transferred to the zoo's temperate zone animal area after their month-long
quarantine.

The zoo said they'll have their public debut once they become accustomed to
their new habitat.

In return for the red pandas, Taipei Zoo will send white-handed gibbons to
Shanghai Zoo.

CNA_JvW

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

As tourism season picks up on Green Island, a potential case of arson has
destroyed 9 motorcycles and damaged a dozen others.

A row of rental motorcycles parked in front of a guesthouse were engulfed in
flames in the wee hours this morning, with the Green Island Fire Department
dispatching three trucks to extinguish the blaze.

There were no injuries, and police are investigating the cause, which they
said could be due to carelessness or arson.

CNA_zh_JvW

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

The New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson hit a go-ahead free throw with less than
10 seconds left after a turnover by Victor Wembanyama moments earlier to
break a tie in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

Moments later, Wembanyama missed a jumper that would have put the San Antonio
Spurs over the top in the game and even the series.

But in the end, the Knicks won 105-104 for a 2-nil lead in the NBA Finals.

Karl-Anthony Towns had 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Brunson and Mikal
Bridges each scored 20 for the Knicks, who have now won 13 straight, the
second-longest streak by any team in NBA playoff history.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-06-06 12:09:13

President Lai Ching-te says Taiwan is the logical location for Asia's version
of Nasdaq ... given its comprehensive AI ecosystem and status as a technology
powerhouse.

Speaking in an interview broadcast by TTV and (台視) and Feifan TV (非凡電視), Lai
said Taiwan hopes to become a global hub for technology investment and
capital.

To achieve that, Taipei Times reports that Lai said Taiwan needs to adopt
more flexible and innovation-friendly stock-listing rules.

He said his administration has already taken steps to make this so --
relaxing more than 52 rules and regulations over the past two years. This
includes broadening investor eligibility for trading on the main board and
allowing odd-lot trading, margin financing and day trading.

Lai said that Taiwan has better potential to earn the title of 'Asia's
Nasdaq' than South Korea, Japan, Singapore, China or Hong Kong, as it
possesses the world's most complete AI supply chain.

Posted on 2026-06-06 12:09:13

Traffic controls are in place through early tomorrow morning around Taipei's
Ketagalan Boulevard to accommodate the second annual "Taiwan Let's Play Day."

The area in front of the Presidential Office has been transformed into a
large outdoor playground.

Motorists are advised to use alternative routes, including Qingdao West Road,
Changde Street, Guiyang Street and Aiguo West Road.

The event will be held from 2 pm to 6 pm. It's organized by the Public Parks
for Children Coalition.

If you want to take part, admission is free. But attendance will be capped at
900 participants,

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-06-06 12:09:13

Canada Day isn't going to be celebrated in Taipei until the end of the month,
but there's a kind of preview today.

Organizers are holding a musical competition to help drive excitement and
boost community involvement.

The Battle of the Bands will be held at Taipei's Maji Square from 4-8pm
today. The event is free and open to the public.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan Chair Toi Windham says that audiences
will see and hear some of Taiwan's most exciting emerging talent.

The top three bands will earn a chance to perform at Celebration Canada in
three weeks.

That event will be held at Taipei's Hakka Park on June 27th.

Posted on 2026-06-06 12:09:13

The New York Knicks have defeated the San Antonio spurs 105-104.

This puts the Knicks up 2 and "O" in the NBA finals, as they head to New York
to try to win two more at home.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-06-06 11:08:13

The Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics says Taiwan's
consumer price index in May exceeded the 2 percent alert level set by the
central bank ... largely due to a spike in crude-oil prices.

CPI rose by 2.2 percent from a year earlier last month, accelerating from a
1.73 percent increase in April. It's the first time Taiwan's inflation has
breached 2 percent since last April.

The DGBAS says communications and transportation prices rose 4 percent from a
year earlier, after fuel prices surged 20 percent, with air ticket prices
gaining 10 percent on higher fuel surcharges.

That's the highest growth in about four and a half years for those segments.

The prices of vegetables, eggs and fishery items gained 9.7 percent, 7.9
percent and 4 percent, respectively, in May.

In aggregate, food prices rose 1.4 percent.

A DGBAS official said air-fuel surcharges will be cut from June 7, which is
expected to moderate air-ticket price growth.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-06-06 11:08:13

The Central Weather Administration says rainfall is expected to ease across
most of Taiwan today ... although localized heavy rain is still forecast
along the west coast

The CWA said today will likely be the "calmest day of the coming week," as a
low-pressure system gradually moves away.

A new weather front is expected to develop over southern China tomorrow ...
that will bring more rain early next week.

Central and southern Taiwan may experience scattered afternoon thunderstorms
today, while other regions are expected to see mostly cloudy skies with
localized afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-06-05 19:54:14

The Kaohsiung District Court has sentenced a 74-year-old man to death for the
murders of three women in separate incidents between 2024 and 2025.

The court says Chang Chieh-tsung was convicted of murder, desecration and
abandonment of corpses, as well as theft involving one of the victims.

Judges found that Chang killed three women, aged between 71 and 75, and later
disposed of their remains.

The court also ordered the lifelong deprivation of his civil rights.

The ruling can be appealed.

Court officials say Chang showed no visible reaction as the verdict was read.

Following the hearing, relatives of two of the victims rushed toward the
defendant and assaulted him before court officers intervened.

Chang was later remanded into custody.

Posted on 2026-06-05 19:54:14

Taiwanese manufacturing giant Hon Hai is reporting record high consolidated
revenue for the month of the May this year ... reaching almost 860 billion
NT.

That's up nearly 40 percent from the same month last year ... and over 3
percentage points higher from April.

Hon Hai's total revenue for the first five months of 2026 now stands at over
3.8 trillion NT — the company's highest figure ever recorded for that period.

The company says strong demand for AI products continues to boost shipments
and growth in its cloud and networking business.

Looking ahead, Hon Hai says its second-quarter performance is now expected to
come in better than previously forecast.

However, the company cautioned that it will continue to monitor risks
stemming from the changing global political and economic environment.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-05 19:54:14

Current temperatures...

Taipei - 26

Taichung - 28

Kaohsiung - 26

Hualien - 28

Posted on 2026-06-05 18:14:13

trip

The Legislative Yuan has unanimously passed a resolution condemning what it
described as Beijing's efforts to obstruct President Lai Ching-te's planned
visit to Eswatini in April.

The resolution denounces China's alleged use of diplomatic and economic
pressure to persuade third countries to revoke flight clearances for Lai's
chartered aircraft.

Lawmakers said such actions endangered flight safety, violated international
norms and undermined Taiwan's right to engage with the international
community.

The measure was adopted without objection after being proposed by the ruling
Democratic Progressive Party and endorsed by the opposition Taiwan People's
Party.

Lai's original trip was canceled after several countries along the planned
flight route withdrew overflight permission.

However, he later traveled to Eswatini aboard the private aircraft of King
Mswati the Third and returned to Taiwan in early May.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-06-05 18:14:14

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang says the company has doubled production capacity for
the second half of this year to meet strong demand for AI systems.

He says capacity remains extremely tight across the supply chain and is
warning suppliers to prepare for much stronger growth next year.

Huang says NVIDIA's Grace Blackwell systems remain in mass production, while
its next-generation Vera Rubin platform is beginning to ramp up.

He notes that NVIDIA now works with about 120 supply chain partners in Taiwan
and says the island remains at the center of the AI-driven computing
revolution and future demand for computing power.

Huang wrapped up his 14-day trip to Taiwan on Friday before departing for
South Korea ...

... where he says he will meet key partners, while industry observers are
closely watching developments in high-bandwidth memory, a key component in
advanced AI computing.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-05 18:14:14

The 11th annual Railway Bento Festival has opened at Taipei Main Station,
featuring a record selection of more than 80 bento varieties from 64 local
and international exhibitors.

The four-day event showcases railway-themed meals, including premium
limited-edition bentos made with ingredients such as eel, grouper and
scallops.

Organizers say this year's festival has attracted the largest number of
participating brands in its history.

Taiwan Railway Chairman Cheng Kuang-yuan (鄭光遠) says the event has become an
important platform for promoting Taiwan's railway culture and food
traditions.

Taiwan Railway estimates that the Taipei and Kaohsiung editions of the
festival will attract more than 600 thousand visitors collectively ... and
generate over 50 million NT in business opportunities.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-05 18:14:14

Current temperatures...

Taipei - 26

Taichung - 29

Kaohsiung - 25

Hualien - 28

Posted on 2026-06-05 17:08:13

DPP lawmaker Chung Chia-pin said that it's "hard to understand" why the
opposition KMT and TPP would block his proposal to support Taiwan's domestic
drone industry.

He added that the opposition parties have said that they support Taiwan's
drones and that the mayor of Taichung, KMT's Lu Shiow-yen, has even said that
she wants to make Taichung Taiwan's leading city in the drone industry.

Taichung lawmakers have also voiced their support for developing the local
drone industry.

However, he said, the two parties have prevented his proposal from moving
forward by voting against its being included in the agenda.

Co-proposer Chen Kuan-ting noted that the previous special defense budget did
not include funds for the drone industry, so he hoped that a special act
would fill that gap.

He added that he hoped the opposition parties would submit their own proposal
for drone-related development.

（AH）

Posted on 2026-06-05 17:08:13

In sports news,

Taiwanese pitcher Teng Kai-wei (鄧愷威) suffered his fourth loss of the season
as the Houston Astros were beaten 5-1 by the Pittsburgh Pirates yesterday.

Teng gave up five runs over five innings, allowing seven hits while walking
two and striking out one batter.

After allowing a first-inning run, the 27-year-old settled down and kept the
Pirates scoreless over the next four innings.

However, Pittsburgh broke the game open in the sixth, highlighted by a
two-run home run from Ryan O'Hearn.

Houston struggled offensively, managing just one run on a solo homer by Isaac
Paredes.

The loss dropped Teng's record to 3-and-4 and raised his earned run average
to 3-point-0-6.

It was also his toughest outing of the season, with the five runs allowed
marking a season high.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-06-05 17:08:13

Peruvians go to the polls on Sunday to choose their ninth president in ten
years.

They will vote between two candidates in this run-off election: conservative
Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of a disgraced former president, and
left-leaning former psychologist Roberto Sanchez.

Both emerged from a crowded, 33-candidate field in the first round, and
neither secured more than 20 per cent of the vote.

Voting is mandatory for those aged between 18 and 70, with 27 million
Peruvians registered to vote.

Fujimori, in her fourth attempt at the president’s office, is campaigning on
being tough on crime, an issue of major concern to many voters, with rising
levels of extortion and homicide.

Sanchez is a former minister of foreign trade, and is campaigning on a pledge
of economic stability.

The vote is expected to be tight and results might not be available for
several days.

Posted on 2026-06-05 17:08:13

The latest lease sale for oil and gas development in Alaska’s Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge takes place today.

This is a region in northeastern Alaska more than twice as large as Taiwan
along the Arctic Circle and the border with Canada.

The Trump administration has pushed to expand drilling for oil and gas.

But a coalition of conservation groups sent a letter to oil company leaders,
urging them to stay away from the sale and citing financial and reputation
risks relating to, for example, ongoing lawsuits around the leasing
programme.

The region is considered sacred by the Gwich’in, an indigenous tribe whose
caribou give birth there.

But some native tribes in other parts of the state have embraced oil and gas
development, seeing it as essential to their economy.

The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that there might be between 4 and 12
billion barrels of recoverable oil in the wildlife refuge.

Posted on 2026-06-05 17:08:14

China’s National Radio and Television Administration said that it will crack
down on materialistic, violent, and sexual content in micro-dramas.

Micro-dramas are short, serialised clips developed for mobile phones that
often feature exaggerated, fast-paced plots designed to maintain viewer
engagement.

Common plot devices include romances (often with billionaires), revenge,
hidden identities, or time travel.

The Chinese government has, more broadly, tried to guide social norms in
recent years.

The directive also aims to eliminate content with, in their words, “distorted
views on marriage and relationships”, “feudalistic themes, violent revenge
content, vulgar titles, and copyright infringement”.

Micro-dramas originated in China and are now a multi-billion dollar industry
in the country.

Countries across the world, from the United States to France to South Korea,
have now created their own micro-drama studios.

Posted on 2026-06-05 16:26:13

The Criminal Investigation Bureau says that former Sunflower Movement figure
Johanne Liou has been arrested after being deported from the United States.

The bureau says Liou arrived at Taoyuan International Airport yesterday under
escort from U-S immigration authorities and was immediately taken into
custody.

Investigators say she is wanted in several jurisdictions on allegations
including embezzlement, fraud and drug offenses involving cocaine and
marijuana.

According to authorities, Liou traveled to the United States in 2019 and
later overstayed her visa.

U-S authorities arrested her in Boston earlier this year, and prosecutors say
a series of appeals delayed her deportation.

Liou was placed on a wanted list in 2023 after failing to appear in court in
a case handled by the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-06-05 16:26:18

President Lai Ching-te is inviting NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang to tour Taiwan's
nuclear power facilities...

in what may indicate future backtracking on the DPP's nuclear policy.

The president's comments follow remarks made by Huang in which he touted the
importance of Taiwan's energy security for the global supply chain.

Before departing Taiwan today, the NVIDIA CEO called the invitation an
"honor..."

and said that energy security is key to Taiwan being able to maintain its
economic stronghold in the AI sector.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-05 16:26:19

Construction has officially begun on Taiwan's first national museum dedicated
to Indigenous peoples, with a groundbreaking ceremony held today at
Chengching Lake in Kaohsiung.

The National Museum of Indigenous Peoples Preparatory Office says the venue
will approach history, culture, and contemporary life from Indigenous
perspectives through its collections, research, exhibitions, and education
programs.

The office says it will combine cultural storytelling, interactive
technology, and immersive displays to create a multisensory experience for
visitors.

The musem is expected to be completed and begin trial operations by the end
of next year.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-06-05 16:26:19

Leaders from across the European Union (or EU) and countries in the Western
Balkans are meeting in Montenegro today for talks on expanding the bloc.

The Balkans are seen as a key area for countering security and economic
threats posed by Russia and China.

France’s president, Emmanuel Macron; Germany’s chancellor, Friedrich Merz;
and Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni are all present at the conference.

Montenegro aims to become the EU’s twenty-eighth member by 2028.

It is a small, mountainous nation of around 600 000 people that, last month,
marked the twentieth anniversary of its independence from a union with
neighbouring Serbia.

The EU has formed a working group for Montenegro’s accession treaty,
signalling that membership is within reach.

Other countries, considered to be further behind Montenegro in accession
talks, are Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and North
Macedonia.

Posted on 2026-06-05 16:26:20

pandemic

A new vaccine entirely designed by artificial intelligence could protect
humans from a wide range of viruses and thus prevent future pandemics,
according to researchers from a team across the U.K. and Germany.

Vaccines usually contain components on the surface of a virus called antigens.

The body's immune system learns to recognise these antigens over time and
creates antibodies against them.

The next time the body sees that virus, the antibodies can immediately
recognise its antigens, and so fight off the virus without delay.

But viruses and their antigens are constantly evolving.

So AI has analysed the DNA from various coronaviruses to develop a
"super-antigen", like a master key to a set of apartments.

The researchers are now investigating flu vaccines that would not need to be
updated every year, and a vaccine against the H5N1 bird flu, in case it jumps
from birds into humans.

The vaccine's effectiveness has so far only been tested in lab mice and not
yet in humans, so researchers don't know whether it will elicit the desired
immune response.

However, the first study on humans has shown that it is safe.

Posted on 2026-06-05 16:26:20

Authorities in the Japanese city of Fukushima say that a bear that attacked
four people in a steel factory has evaded capture.

They say that it was confined inside a nearby electronics factory after the
attacks, but then opened a window by itself and fled under darkness.

Before it escaped, the bear was observed using its paws to open a faucet to
drink water.

Fukushima’s mayor said, “We believe it to be extremely intelligent.”

The bear managed to eat the fruit and honey inside food traps that had been
set for it without getting ensnared.

Seven people were killed by bears in Japan last year, with such attacks
rising in frequency over recent years.

Posted on 2026-06-05 15:55:13

Lawmakers and animal rights groups are touting the results of a sterilisation
programme for strays.

At a joint press conference today, animal welfare advocates and lawmakers
said that puppy intake at shelters has fallen by more than 88 percent in
areas where the program has been implemented, and public reports of stray dog
sightings in Taipei City have dropped by 92 percent.

The program locates and sterilises female dogs, both owned and unowned, and
targets a sterilisation rate of at least 80 per cent among females.

These lawmakers are calling for the approach to be expanded nationwide.

Government officials in attendance also announced planned changes to the
Animal Protection Act, which will require owners to get permission from their
local government before pets are exempted from sterilization.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-06-05 15:55:13

Taiwan High Speed Rail has unveiled three new bento box flavors at this
year's Railway Bento Festival, which opened today at Taipei Main Station.

The new menu includes a Hakka-style pork chop with kumquat sauce, braised
chicken with millet rice, and a vegetarian braised tofu skin meal served with
purple rice.

Visitors to the festival, which runs through Monday, can sample the meals
early at a special price of $110 N-T, which includes a complimentary bottle
of water.

The bentos will officially go on sale at T-H-S-R stations and aboard trains
from July 1st during lunch and dinner service.

T-H-S-R says the new menu is designed to showcase Taiwanese flavors and
regional food culture.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-05 15:55:13

Officials in Australia have announced they confiscated more than 100 000
illegal live cockroaches from a breeder in the state of New South Wales last
May.

These included two species of cockroaches, the Madagascar hissing cockroach
and the dubia cockroach, that are illegal to import, keep, or sell in
Australia because of environmental risks.

The cockroaches, some bigger than a human finger, were being sold online as
reptile food.

Australia imposes strict biosecurity controls at its borders to protect
native wildlife from pest infestations and to protect its agricultural
sector.

Its subtropical climate is hospitable to cockroaches, with more than one
hundred species native to the island – but not the Madagascar hissing or the
dubia.

Posted on 2026-06-05 15:55:13

Yesterday, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed face-to-face
negotiations with Russia in a public letter addressed directly to Russian
president Vladimir Putin.

The letter notably acknowledged that Ukraine could not wait for the U.S. to
redirect its attention from the war in Iran back to Europe.

American president Donald Trump said that he thought "it would be great" for
the two leaders to meet.

Zelenskyy's letter included carefully worded barbs and drew attention to
recent Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian territory, including on St
Petersburg, where Putin is holding his annual economic forum.

It said that "after 26 years in power, age is beginning to take its toll" on
Putin.

Putin said last month that they could meet in a third country but only when
there is a deal to be signed.

But he also said that that would not be in the European Union, saying, "How
can Russia trust people who have been harping about the need to inflict a
strategic defeat on Russia for years?"

Posted on 2026-06-05 15:55:14

Andreeva vs Chwalinska tomorrow

There's still a bit of local interest at the French Open, which takes place
on the clay courts in Paris until Sunday.

Taiwan's Liang En-shuo (梁恩碩) plays in a women's doubles semifinal match today
with partner Shuko Aoyama from Japan.

The unseeded pair face the second seeds, Anna Danilina from Kazakhstan and
Aleksandra Krunic from Serbia.

This is Liang's first time playing doubles at Roland Garros, and she has
never yet won a WTA Tour doubles title.

The men's semifinals also take place today, with Germany's number-two seed,
Alexander Zverev, facing rising Czech star Jakub Mensik, followed by an
all-Italian battle between the unseeded Matteo Arnaldi and tenth seed, Flavio
Cobolli.

And tomorrow is the women's final, between Russian teen phenom Mirra Andreeva
and Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska.

Chwalinska is making her main-draw debut at the French Open and hopes to
become only the second qualifier ever to win a Grand Slam title, following
Emma Raducanu at the US Open in 2021.

If Chwalinska wins, Roland Garros could become, in the words of one British
sports journalist, Poland Garros.

Posted on 2026-06-05 14:49:13

The new chair of the DPP Penghu offices says, his office will be ready to
support the party's pick for magistrate as soon as they announce who will
run.

Lu Chang Zai made the comments at the handover ceremony today, as he takes
over from Yan Jia Kang.

That's as current magistrate Chen Guangfu has been hospitalized since
February and the party has not said if they will support someone else in
Chen's stead.

Outgoing Yan remarked positively on party affairs under his tenure, saying he
was pleased to see record support for the DPP in Penghu in 2022 and 2024.

Lu, who's returning as chair, says, his first task will be to ensure success
for the party in November's elections.

He says, the party offices will be ready to throw its full support behind
whoever the DPP chooses.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-05 14:49:13

Taipei Zoo is reminding visitors that it will close for ten days starting
June 22nd, before reopening for extended summer hours.

The zoo said today that it schedules an annual closure each year to carry out
major repairs with minimal disruption to the animals.

This year's closure runs from June 22nd through July 1st, and keepers are
advising visitors to plan accordingly.

Then every Saturday in July and August, the zoo will stay open until 9 p.m.,
with special nightime activities offering a unique experience.

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the extended hours program, and
the zoo is planning a special exhibition centered around visitor memories.

Members of the public are invited to submit photos and recollections before
June 15th.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-06-05 14:49:13

Taiwan shares are down today, with the benchmark tai ex losing 662 points to
close the session at 45014.

The turnover was 1.156 trillion NT

Posted on 2026-06-05 13:07:13

A man who allegedly killed a post office worker yesterday appears to have a
history of issues with the post office.

The 61 year old worker, surnamed Yang, was allegedly attacked by a man
surnamed Liu, and stabbed 10 times.

The attacker was apparently upset about the noise coming from the Zhunan
branch of the post office.

Yang's brother says today that his brother's body was unrecognizable,
lamenting that "society is really sick."

A former coworker of Yang's says that the post office had frequently handled
complaints from Mr Liu, even reporting the concerns to superiors and
implementing improvements regarding the noise based on Liu's suggestions.

According to the former coworker, Liu sometimes appeared satisfied with the
changes, but would then have new complaints.

He noted that Liu previously brought a knife to the Zhunan post office,
threatening postal workers.

Liu was later convicted of endangering public safety and sentenced to 10 days
of detention.

Chunghwa post is expressing their regret over the incident, and has pledged
to assist with funeral arrangements, insurance payments, and a legal team if
the family opts to pursue civil compensation.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-05 13:07:13

In Changhua,

the DPP's pick for magistrate is calling for unity as her fellow party
members threatens to give up his party membership to run as an independent.

DPP Lawmaker and magisterial nominee Chen Su Yue says, she hopes to unite the
strength of all supporters.

That's as former Changhua City mayor Qiu Jian Fu has indicated he may drop
his membership and run against Chen as soon as next week.

As to whether or not Chen would seek Qiu out to discuss the issue, she said
she sought out each of her 3 competitiors for the nomination following the
primaries.

So, she says, she'll leave it to the DPP to resolve.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-05 13:07:13

Pope Leo will be heading to two migration hotspots on a trip starting next
week.

He will go first to Spain’s Canary Islands in the Atlantic and then Italy’s
Lampedusa island in the Mediterranean.

These remote outposts of Europe have struggled with the arrivals of tens of
thousands of migrants on often deadly trafficking routes.

Even as new arrivals decrease this year, immigration and integration remain
vastly controversial politically in the historically Catholic countries.

Many on the front lines of helping migrants say they hope the papal visit
will help lower the temperature, and refocus attention on the human plight
and away from political slogans.

Posted on 2026-06-05 13:07:13

And,

a Sherpa guide on Mount Everest has been found crawling to base camp one week
after he went missing.

Dawa Sherpa was last seen around May 29th descending the mountain, but he did
not reach base camp.

He was located by a cleaning crew near the Khumbu Icefall, just above base
camp.

He was quickly carried to safety and flown to a hospital in Nepal, where his
family was waiting.

His wife and daughter had already begun funeral rituals, as they believed he
was dead.

Dawa had been guiding a Polish climber- who did reach base- during Everest's
busiest climbing season ever.

The Nepalese mountaineering communtiy has called Dawa's survival "miraculous."

Posted on 2026-06-05 06:50:13

The Cabinet says it will establish a review mechanism to restrict imports of
goods linked to forced labor.

The statement comes after the Office of the U-S Trade Representative named
Taiwan as one of 60 economies it says either failed to impose, or enforce a
ban on the importation of goods produced with forced labor.

As a result, Taiwan now faces an additional 10-per cent tariff.

The Cabinet says it will use the Foreign Trade Act as the legal basis to
ensure that supply chain governance more into line with international
standards on human rights, resilience and sustainability.

At the same time, the Cabinet's Office of Trade Negotiations says the
government is continues to help businesses prevent forced labor ..

Part of that effort includes proposed amendments to the Employment Service
Act that will "fully prohibit" employers from withholding workers' identity
documents or property.

Those amendments are pending legislative approval.

Posted on 2026-06-05 06:50:13

Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil left Taiwan at around 11PM last night
on a China Airlines flight to Prague without making a statement.

Vystrcil and members of the delegation met with President Lai Ching-te, who
conferred the Order of Propitious Clouds on the Czech Senate President in
recognition of his longstanding support for Taiwan

He also held talks with lawmakers from the D-P-P, the K-M-T and the Taiwan
People's Party at the Legislative Yuan and met with heads of several
government ministries to promote political, economic, and cultural exchanges.

It was Vystrcil's second visit to Taiwan since 2020.

At the same time, the Lai administration has pledged to establish a new
50-million euro fund to encourage more Taiwan investment in the Czech
Republic, and more Czech investment in Taiwan.

The new fund is in addition to the existing 200-million U-S dollar fund for
investment in Central and Eastern Europe launched in 2022.

Posted on 2026-06-05 06:50:13

K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun has met with officials in Santa Clara as part
of her visit to the U-S as part of efforts to seek deeper strategic
cooperation with the California county.

Cheng is said to have met with Santa Clara City Mayor Lisa Gillmor and Otto
Lee, the first ethnic Chinese county supervisor in Silicon Valley.

The K-M-T says Cheng told Gillmor and Lee that he hope to see Taiwan engaging
in deeper strategic cooperation with Santa Clara by leveraging Taiwan's
strengths as a "Silicon Shield."

She also said that Taiwan is facing a serious power shortage crisis due to
what she described as flawed energy policies pursued by the D-P-P and Taiwan
should learn from Santa Clara's experience to stabilize its power supply.

The K-M-T says Cheng also reiterated that one of the main goals of her visit
is to help ease cross-strait tensions, reduce conflict risks, and advance
technology integration under a stable environment, which in turn will bring a
"peace bonus" to the Indo-Pacific region.

Posted on 2026-06-05 06:50:13

Some 500 people gathered yesterday evening for a candlelight vigil outside
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei marking the 37th anniversary of the
June 4 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.

This year's memorial was themed "Memory Beyond Borders, Resistance Without
Boundaries."

Organizers say many of the participants were Hongkongers living in Taiwan...
despite the heavy rain they held electronic candles and observed 64 seconds
of silence at 8:09PM to mourn the victims of the crackdown.

The 500 people that turned up last night was considerably less than the 3,000
organizers say attended the event last year and heavy rain is be cited at the
main reason for that.

Taiwan-based Hongkongers held a separate candlelight vigil at 228 Peace
Memorial Park in Taipei, with around 60 people in attendance.

Posted on 2026-06-05 06:50:13

Meanwhile...

President Lai Ching-te is urging China to face up to the Tiananmen Square
Massacre on its 37th anniversary and grant fundamental civil rights to the
Chinese people.

In a social media post, Lai wrote "a truly great nation should not place its
faith in military might or the pursuit of force" and it should instead
"embrace diverse voices, protect the people's right to pursue their dreams,
and have the courage to confront the wounds of its history."

Lai said he sincerely hopes "that China will confront the June Fourth
Incident, 37 years ago, acknowledge the truth, heal the pain, and begin a
process of reconciliation and dialogue."

He added that Taiwan would continue to stand with those who strive for
freedom and democracy until the truth is revealed and until no one has to
sacrifice their lives simply to seek freedom.

Posted on 2026-06-05 06:50:13

Taipei

The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has indicted a 41-year-old man
suspected of attacking a 3-year-old Filipino girl and a Taiwanese man at the
Taipei Main Station in April.

Lee Kun-rui is said to have first assaulted the Taiwanese man, kicking him in
the abdomen in the station's lobby, before targeted the 3-year-old some 15
minutes later at the same location.

The man hit the child with his hands and causing her to fall over, then
kicked the girl twice while she was on the ground, resulting in bruises on
her back and face.

The man then attempted to attack the child again when the girl's mother was
picking her up, but he was stopped by onlookers.

Lee was immediately arrested by police and held without bail.

The man has been charged with violating the Child and Juvenile Welfare and
Rights Protection Act and Criminal Code.

Prosecutors say they will seek the maximum punishment for Lee under the law,
given his violence against a child visiting Taiwan and the harm to the
country's tourism image.

Posted on 2026-06-05 06:50:13

And,

The National Development Council has launched what's it's calling a "one-stop
banking initiative aimed at making it easier for foreign residents to access
financial services."

The service will be available at C-T-B-C Bank, E.SUN Commercial Bank, Taipei
Fubon Commercial Bank, Taishin International Bank, Mega International
Commercial Bank and First Commercial Bank.

The service is aimed at providing streamlined account opening, credit card
and international transfer services.

Under the initiative, participating banks will be encouraged to accept
overseas proof of income and foreign tax records when reviewing credit card
applications and to waive Taiwanese guarantor requirements.

The designated branches will establish dedicated counters and assign
specialist staff to assist foreign clients.

The N-D-C says the banks are expected to offer these services at 17
designated branches across Taiwan.

Posted on 2026-06-04 19:09:14

Taipei prosecutors say they have recovered more than 195 million Taiwan
dollars in criminal proceeds linked to a corruption case involving former
National Security Bureau official Liu Kuan-chun.

The Shilin District Prosecutors Office says Liu Kuan-chun (劉冠軍), a former
military colonel, was accused of embezzling funds earmarked for national
security projects between 1994 and 2000.

Prosecutors say the case was closed after the statute of limitations expired
last year, meaning criminal charges could no longer be pursued.

However, authorities were still able to confiscate assets after a court
approved a separate forfeiture request in 2022.

Prosecutors say the recovered assets include cash, stock-related proceeds and
real estate, with the total amount reaching more than 195 million NT.

They add that Liu remains wanted on espionage charges and is believed to have
fled to China.

Posted on 2026-06-04 19:09:14

Taiwanese technology companies say investment in artificial intelligence
continues to accelerate and is expected to fuel strong industry growth.

The comments came during a Taiwan Stock Exchange briefing held at Computex
Taipei 2026.

Executives from chip, memory and semiconductor supply-chain companies said
demand for AI-related products remains strong, particularly in areas such as
memory chips, custom AI processors and advanced packaging.

They also warned that new challenges are emerging as the industry expands.

MSSCORPS says advanced semiconductor materials analysis is becoming
increasingly important as manufacturers move to next-generation chip
technologies.

Meanwhile, Unimicron Technology says AI-related business is expected to
account for more than 60 percent of its revenue this year, while Alchip
Technologies says AI projects already generate about 80 percent of its sales.

The Taiwan Stock Exchange says roughly 40 percent of this year's expected IPO
applicants are AI-related companies.

Posted on 2026-06-04 19:09:14

China has banned four New Zealand lawmakers from entering the country for one
year and demanded an apology over their visit to Taiwan.

According to reports, the message was delivered by the Chinese Embassy and
marks the first time New Zealand parliamentarians have faced such sanctions
from Beijing.

Two of the lawmakers have rejected the demand for an apology.

The New Zealand government says it plans to raise its concerns with China.

Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its territory, routinely opposes visits by
foreign politicians to the island and views such trips as a challenge to its
sovereignty claims.

The dispute comes despite generally stable relations between China and New
Zealand, with China remaining New Zealand's largest trading partner.

Posted on 2026-06-04 19:09:14

Chinese authorities are stepping up efforts to suppress public remembrance of
the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown ahead of its 37th anniversary.

Reports say police have instructed families of victims to cancel an annual
tribute at a cemetery in Beijing.

Hundreds, and possibly thousands, of people were killed when Chinese troops
moved to crush pro-democracy demonstrations centered around 1989 Tiananmen
Square protests and massacre.

The event is widely seen as a turning point in modern Chinese history, paving
the way for economic reforms while political controls remained firmly in
place.

In Hong Kong, authorities have increased security measures to prevent public
commemorations.

The Tiananmen Mothers continues to call for justice and accountability, while
Amnesty International has condemned efforts to suppress remembrance of the
crackdown.

Posted on 2026-06-04 18:22:14

Manufacturing, selling or transporting the drug commonly used in "zombie
vapes" could soon carry the death penalty under a government plan to curb
drugged-driving.

Under one of the 14 proposed measures, 'etomidate' would be re-classified as
a Category One narcotic, placing it in Taiwan's most serious drug category.

Premier Cho Jung-tai announced the proposals after a Cabinet meeting on drug
prevention efforts.

The government is also proposing criminal penalties for making, importing,
selling or supplying e-cigarettes ... as well as fines for those found in
possession of them.

The package would also tighten online advertising restrictions for the
products.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-04 18:22:15

New dats shows that artificial intelligence has become the second most common
source of emotional support for young job seekers in Taiwan, surpassing
parents and other family elders.

The survey, conducted by 104 Job Bank this year in April , found that more
than one-third of respondents turn to AI chatbots when feeling stressed or
emotionally down.

Only friends and romantic partners ranked higher as a source of support.

The report also found that more than half of young job seekers consider
themselves under high levels of stress.

Job hunting was cited as the leading source of pressure, followed by
financial concerns and worries about future career prospects.

Nearly half of respondents said they had avoided applying for jobs they were
interested in because they felt they were not good enough.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-04 18:22:15

Taiwan is launching a new initiative across six major financial institutions
to make banking easier for international professionals.

The National Development Council designated six banks today to serve as
official models for the "one-stop" financial service initiative.

Under the initiative, these banks must offer flexible financial verification,
accepting foreign proof of income or tax documents for credit card
applications.

The banks must also offer an online booking system for international
applicants, and provide a dedicated service desk staffed by personnel
specifically trained to handle international accounts.

Talent Taiwan Managing Director Jonathan Liao tells us more.

That was Talent Taiwan's Jonathan Liao.

(TB/NS)

Posted on 2026-06-04 18:22:15

Two red pandas from the Shanghai Zoo are scheduled to arrive in Taiwan this
week, as part of city-to-city exchanges between Taipei and Shanghai.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an announced today that the animals will undergo a
one-month quarantine before making their public debut.

The arrival is part of a cooperation agreement signed at the 2024
Taipei-Shanghai Twin City Forum, where Taipei agreed to exchange African
penguins for the Shanghai Zoo's red pandas to boost genetic diversity and
promote conservation education.

City councilors have suggested holding a public vote to name the newcomers,
with proposals including "Ping Ping" (平平) and "An An" (安安) to symbolize peace
and safety.

Chiang said the city remains open to all naming options and will likely
encourage creative ideas through public participation.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-06-04 17:09:14

The KMT is denying claims that their chair has her sights set on the nation's
highest office.

That's after Zheng Li Wen said in remarks in San Francisco that she would
begin preparations for the 2028 presidential election at the end of this
year.

The KMT is sternly refuting the rumors that Zheng is preparing for a
presidential bid, saying that her remarks were in reference to partisan
preparations to take back the presidency in 2028...

not a reference to the chair's personal plans.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-04 17:09:21

Now turning to international news...

New Zealand says, it plans to express concern to Beijing, after 4 lawmakers
were banned from visiting China for a year.

That's after they visited Taiwan last month, in a trip that's been made for
decades.

This is the first time such bans have been imposed on New Zealand lawmakers.

China has previously hit lawmakers from other countries with similar
sanctions over Taiwan, but this is the first time such an action has been
taken against New Zealand partliamentarians.

Beijing also demanded that they apologize.

Two of the lawmakers rejected calls to do so, saying it was "insulting" and
that New Zealand values the right to engage with partners abroad.

One of them added that, if the cost of engaging with international partners
is to be banned from China for a year, he would "pay that price."

Posted on 2026-06-04 17:09:17

The DPP is marking the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre.

In remarks online, President Lai Ching-te called on the Chinese government to
"confront the wounds of its history."

His party, meanwhile, slammed China for both distorting history, and for
continuing to repress the free speech and human rights of the Chinese people.

They also called on the public to continue to protect Taiwan free and
democratic way of life.

At the same time, premier Zhuo Rong Tai remarked that marking the anniversary
of Tiananmen is not just a remembrance of history.

Rather, he said it's a means of protecting human rights and the shared duty
to uphold democracy and liberty.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-04 17:09:26

Health workers in the Congo are warning that women face a greater risk of
contracting ebola.

They say, that's because women are often the first caregivers when family
members get sick.

Women are historically disproportionately affected in Ebola outbreaks.

Experts say, when a loved one falls ill, women are the ones bathing them,
feeding them, and washing dirty clothes.

This puts them at a higher risk of contracting Ebola, which spreads through
contact with bodily fluids.

Women are also often tasked with preparing bodies for burial.

In the first recorded Ebola outbreak in the 70s, women accounted for 56% of
deaths...

while in the 2018-2020 outbreak, women and girls made up about 2/3rds of
reported cases.

Posted on 2026-06-04 15:37:13

The Executive Yuan says maritime boundary talks between Japan and the
Philippines must not harm Taiwan's rights.

Japan and the Philippines plan to discuss boundaries for their exclusive
economic zones and continental shelves.

The talks have drawn attention because the waters overlap heavily with
Taiwan's own economic zone.

Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝) says Taiwan will keep communicating
with both countries.

She says Taiwan has asked Japan and the Philippines not to harm Taiwan's
interests in any agreement.

China says the talks infringe on Chinese maritime rights, citing its
one-China position.

Lee says China should not use the issue to turn waters east of Taiwan into
its internal sea through military force.

The Foreign Ministry says it supports peaceful maritime dialogue based on
international law.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-04 15:37:18

Meanwhile,

The Executive Yuan has approved a new plan to crack down on drugs and drugged
driving.

The plan includes tougher penalties, stronger testing and tighter controls on
e-cigarettes.

Officials say manufacturing, transporting or selling etomidate could carry a
maximum death penalty.

Etomidate is the drug often linked to so-called "zombie vape cartridges."

The Cabinet also wants fines of up to 100-thousand NT for possessing
e-cigarettes.

Drugged drivers who cause serious injury or death could lose their licenses
for life.

Repeat drugged drivers could also face extra fines with no upper limit.

The first wave of legal amendments is expected to be sent to the Legislature
this month.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-04 15:37:18

U.S. President Donald Trump says he did call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu "crazy" during a tense phone call over fighting in Lebanon.

Trump confirmed the comment in a podcast interview broadcast Wednesday.

He said he was upset by Netanyahu's continued fighting with Lebanon while
Washington was trying to end hostilities with Iran.

Netanyahu downplayed the reported rift, saying the two leaders still have
common goals.

He described the dispute as a tactical disagreement.

The comments come as Israel and Hezbollah continue trading attacks, despite a
U.S.-mediated deal announced Monday.

Trump also defended his Iran policy, saying he acted to stop Tehran from
getting a nuclear weapon.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-04 14:26:13

Military experts say, the Haikun domestically-built submarine is making
progress, following a tenth submerged test today.

The sub went out to sea from Kaohsiung today in the rain, as onlookers
chanted words of encouragement.

Military scholar Ji Dong Yun noted that the movements of the sub were quite
quick today, indicating that military members are quite proficient in
operating the sub.

He added that, although the delivery date of the sub is not public, it is
likely imminent, with tests at greater depths expected in the near future.

Ji emphasized that a higher frequecy of tests is a good sign.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-04 14:26:13

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is emphasizing that a proposed arms sale to
Taiwan is "under review," not "paused."

Speaking at a hearing in the U.S. Senate, Rubio said the arms package is
still being processed within the administration.

He said that the packag "continues to be under review as it's being
processed."

That's after a top miltiary official siad that they were "pausing" the
paclage.

But Rubio said that the package is significant in scale and consequence and
this requires careful review.

He again emphasized that US policy toward Taiwan has not changed, despite
comments made by the US president following a meeting between him and his
Chinese counterpart.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-06-04 14:26:13

Two whale sharks have been successfully released back into the ocean, thanks
to efforts by local fishermen.

Witnesses say the adult whale sharks, one around 10 meters long, the other
around 6 meters long, swam into a fixed fishing net off Taitung County's
Taimali coast on Tuesday

The fishermen opened the net to guide the whale sharks out, and due to their
considerable size, the process to over an hour.

The fishermen also notified nauthorities including the county government, the
Ocean Conservation Administration, the Coast Guard, and academic
institutions, then following their instructions on tagging and release.

The fishermen's representatives note that whale shark encounters are becoming
more frequent, and efforts to help the animals are labor-intensive and
disrupts the catch.

They are urging the government to provide incentive or recognition for
fishermen who assist in releasing protected marine animals.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-06-04 14:26:13

South Korea's ruling party has won a majority of local races today but lost
the critical Seoul mayorship.

It's a setback for President Lee Jae Myung as he seeks a stronger political
mandate.

The Democratic Party won 12 of 16 mayoral and provincial gubernatorial
positions up for grabs...

while the opposition People Power Party won four, including the Seoul race.

The PPP has been disheveled since former President Yoon Suk Yeol was removed
from office and sentenced to life in prison over his martial law declaration.

Experts say that the Democratic Party should have won the Seoul race, given
the favorable political landscape.

Today marks one year in office for Lee, with his approval ratings above 60%.

He's been credited with what he calls "pragmatic diplomacy," which is Lee's
way of balancing ties with the US and Japan as his party also seeks to
develop warmer ties with its northern neighbor.

Posted on 2026-06-04 12:18:13

Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation says, 66 thousand people are eligible for
ticket refunds due to mass delays and cancellations last week.

Those refunds will cost the company 35.2 million NT.

The disruption last Monday was caused by a signal abnormality which forced
the THSR to operate limited trains.

The company says more than 200,000 people were affected by the issue.

According to THSR policy, those whose arrival time at the destination was
delayed by 30 minutes to an hour are eligibile for a 50% refund off the
ticket price...

while those delayed by more than an hour can get all their money back.

The company adds that refund requests can be submitted up to one year after
the incident, without any handling fees.

THSR said today that the issue was caused by a switch control unit power
module.

According to the company, the affected modules were removed in emergency
repairs and are being kept under lock and key so that an investigation may
determine the root cause of the incident.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-04 12:18:13

In sports news now .. and beginning with last night's Chinese Professional
Baseball League.

The league leading Wei Chuan Dragons beat the Rakuten Monkeys 7-3 at the
Rakuten Stadium in Taoyuan.

The Uni-President Lions beat the bottom of the table C-T-B-C Brothers 2-0 at
the Taipei Dome.

While the T-S-G Hawks moved into second place in the standings after routing
the Fubon Guardians 13-2 at the ChengChing Lake Stadium in Kaohsiung.

In this evening's only game.

The T-S-G Hawks and the Fubon Guardians meet again at the ChengChing Lake
Stadium in Kaohsiung.

That game begin at 6:30.

-

And finally,

The New Taipei Kings and the Formosa Dreamers meet this evening in Game 6 of
the Taiwan Professional Basketball League finals at the Xinzhuang Stadium in
New Taipei.

The game begins at 7PM.

The Kings are leading the best-of-seven series 3-2.

If the Formosa Dreamers win this evening's game and tie the best-of-seven
series at three games apiece, the deciding Game 7 will be at the Taichung
Arena on Saturday.

Posted on 2026-06-04 12:18:13

North Korea is announcing plans to grow the country's nuclear forces "at an
exponential rate."

State media says that leader Kim Jong Un visited a new facility to produce
nuclear materials.

They added that the facility uses "more sophisticated technology" but did not
provide further details.

The announcement comes as Kim has repeatedly vowed to expand his nuclear
weapons program to cope with what it views as threats from the US military.

The North Korean leader also stated that North Korea's weapons-grade nuclear
materials production capacity has increased more than twice over compared
with 5 years ago.

The facility's revelation came less than two years after North Korea unveiled
another covert uranium-enrichment plant in September 2024.

Posted on 2026-06-04 12:18:13

Four men have been sentenced to death in Nigeria for an attack on a church in
2022 that killed 50 people.

The attack began as Mass was ending at a Catholic church, with the attackers
killing children and woundeding many others.

The men were convicted of terrorism, while a fifth man was acquitted due to a
lack of evidence.

Prosecutors believe that they're part of the al-Shabab militant group.

Nigeria previously convicted more than 300 terrorism suspects in a mass
trial.

Nigeria faces a complex security crisis, particularly in the north.

Posted on 2026-06-04 12:18:13

In Hong Kong,

a performance artist has been stopped by police after he attempted to display
a red thread to commemorate the Tiananmen Square massacre.

Sanmu Chen tried to tie the thread to a signpost in a busy shopping district
before police quickly stopped him and searched his bag.

Chen said the thread was about 6.4 meters long, making an apparent reference
to the date of the massacre.

Hong Kong used to hold large-scale public commemorations of the crackdown.

But annual candlelight vigils were banned in 2020.

Since then, Hong Kong authorities have increasingly silenced dissent since
the national security law was imposed in 2020.

Chen was briefly detained in 2024 after appearing to write the characters for
8 9 6 4 in the air as a reference to the date of the massacre...

while he was also detained the year before after chanting "Hong Kongers, do
not be afraid. Don't forget, tomorrow is June 4th."

Posted on 2026-06-04 12:18:13

Turning to tennis and the latest news from the French Open.

Flavio Cobolli beat Felix Auger-Aliassime to reach his first Grand Slam
semifinal.

The result means an Italian finalist is guaranteed in the men's singles event
- even after the shock second-round exit of overwhelming favourite Jannik
Sinner.

Cobolli next faces fellow Italian Matteo Arnaldi in the semifinals.

Second-seeded Alexander Zverev and No. 26 Jakub Mensik will meet in the other
men's singles semifinal.

In the women's draw ...

Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka wasted a lead of a set and two breaks in a 3-6,
7-5, 6-0 loss to Diana Shnaider in the quarterfinals.

Qualifier Maja Chwalinska also reached the semifinals by beating No.
22-seeded Anna Kalinskaya 7-6, 6-3.

--------------

In Major League Baseball...

Michael Massey hit a tiebreaking RBI single in the ninth inning, Vinnie
Pasquantino and Nick Loftin homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the
Cincinnati Reds 5-2 to win the three-game series.

Logan Webb carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning, Victor Bericoto hit
his first career homer and the San Francisco Giants edged the Milwaukee
Brewers 1-0.

José Ramírez launched one of Cleveland’s three home runs off Gerrit Cole and
finished with three hits for the second consecutive game as the Guardians
beat the New York Yankees 5-4.

---------------

And finally,

The Mexican soccer federation has lost its latest appeal against FIFA
punishments for fans chanting an anti-gay slur at opponents's players before
the beginning of the World Cup.

Gethin Coolbaugh reports.

Posted on 2026-06-04 12:00:13

TSMC Chairman and CEO C.C. Wei says he is confident about the chipmaker's
growth in the coming years.

Wei made the comments today at TSMC's annual shareholders meeting in Hsinchu.

He said TSMC had a strong year, with revenue and earnings per share both
hitting record highs.

Wei said TSMC's share price rose from 950 NT last June to 2-thousand-425 NT
on Wednesday.

That means the stock rose more than one-and-a-half times in 365 days.

He said cash dividends also rose more than 30 percent, from 18 NT to at least
24 NT.

Wei said AI will expand from data centers to computers, smartphones, cars and
Internet of Things devices.

He said TSMC will keep investing in technology and capacity to support
customer growth.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-04 12:00:13

The Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum is drawing new attention
because it shares a designer with Nvidia's planned Taiwan headquarters.

Chiayi County officials say both projects are linked to architect Kris Yao.

The museum opened in 2015 and is one of Taiwan's major cultural landmarks.

Its flowing shape appears to float above water at the museum site in Chiayi.

National Palace Museum Deputy Director Huang Yung-tai (黃永泰) says the design
was inspired by Chinese calligraphy.

He says the building uses ideas from dark ink, dry brush and ink wash.

The museum is also building a second hall for national treasure restoration
and exhibitions.

That building is scheduled to be completed in 2027, with opening targeted for
2028.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-04 12:00:13

The Central Weather Administration says a geomagnetic disturbance is expected
to strengthen late tonight.

The agency says the disturbance could reach a moderate geomagnetic storm
level starting at 11 p.m.

It is expected to affect near-Earth space for about 21 hours.

The CWA says the storm follows two M-class solar flares and one X-class solar
flare on Wednesday.

It says the flares were linked to major coronal mass ejections from the sun.

The agency says satellite navigation and some radio communications may see
brief interruptions.

It also says some satellite equipment may face charge buildup, and low-orbit
satellites may need adjustments.

Auroras may be visible as far south as parts of the U.S., the U.K., Germany,
China and Japan.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-04 12:00:13

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is calling for a major expansion of the
country's nuclear arsenal.

State media says Kim made the call during a visit to a newly operating
nuclear material production plant.

KCNA says Kim claimed North Korea's weapons-grade nuclear material production
capacity has more than doubled in five years.

He also ordered officials to increase output to meet long-term strategic
goals.

South Korea's military says the facility shown by North Korea appears to be a
uranium enrichment site.

Analysts say the visit may be aimed at strengthening Pyongyang's position
before possible diplomatic talks.

One expert says it could be linked to a possible visit by Chinese President
Xi Jinping to Pyongyang.

International estimates say North Korea has about 50 nuclear warheads, though
Pyongyang has not confirmed that number.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-04 12:00:13

South Korea and China have agreed to expand weekly flight rights for the
first time in seven years.

Seoul's transport ministry says the deal adds 56 weekly passenger flights,
bringing the total to 664.

It also adds 14 weekly cargo flights, bringing the total to 68.

Officials say the agreement will help add flights on busy routes, including
Incheon to Shanghai and Incheon to Guangzhou.

It will also expand service from regional South Korean airports to Chinese
cities including Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Chongqing and Xian.

Passenger traffic between the two countries has already passed pre-pandemic
levels.

South Korea says the new rights will be assigned to Korean airlines in the
second half of the year.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-04 11:05:13

President Lai Ching-te is urging China to face the truth of the Tiananmen
crackdown, 37 years after the incident.

Lai made the call Thursday in posts on Facebook and X.

He said the military crackdown crushed not only young democracy activists,
but a generation's hope for freedom.

Lai called on China to acknowledge the truth, heal the pain, and open
reconciliation and dialogue.

He said a great country should allow different voices and protect people's
right to pursue their dreams.

Lai said Taiwan will stand with all people who pursue freedom and democracy.

He also linked democracy to support for young people, saying their voices
should be heard.

He said Taiwan will continue working until the truth is seen and the pain is
healed.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-04 11:05:13

Taiwan stocks may face short-term swings after hitting four straight closing
highs, despite strong long-term support from AI.

The Taiex rose more than 900 points Wednesday, closing at 46-thousand-459.

The rally was driven by COMPUTEX and strong interest in AI-related shares.

But institutional investors say the market has already risen sharply.

They say tension in the Middle East and higher oil prices have also raised
inflation concerns.

U.S. stocks pulled back from record highs Wednesday, while the Philadelphia
Semiconductor Index hit another new high.

Nomura Asset Management Taiwan's Lou Ke-wang (樓克望) says AI is becoming a
long-term trend driven by company fundamentals.

TSMC's shareholders meeting today is expected to be another major focus for
the market.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-04 11:05:13

Taiwan is set to enter an active plum rain period Friday, with forecasters
warning of severe weather and heavy rain.

Independent meteorologist Daniel Wu says the pattern could last at least
until June 13.

He says a plum rain front will work with the southwest monsoon, making the
atmosphere very unstable.

Wu says all areas should watch for lightning, strong winds, sudden heavy rain
and disaster-causing rainfall.

The Central Weather Administration also issued high-temperature alerts today
for five counties and cities.

Taipei, New Taipei, Tainan and Hualien are under orange alerts for possible
36-degree heat.

Changhua is under a yellow alert for temperatures above 36 degrees.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-04 11:05:13

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire, raising hopes for a
wider deal on Iran.

The Trump administration says the agreement is meant to end hostilities
between Israel and Hezbollah.

The deal requires Hezbollah to stop firing and leave the South Litani Sector.

The announcement came after Iranian attacks hit Kuwait, damaging its airport
and injuring more than 60 people.

Kuwaiti authorities say one person was killed.

The U.S. says it intercepted Iranian missiles and carried out defensive
strikes in southern Iran and on Qeshm Island.

Oil prices rose nearly 2 percent, with the Strait of Hormuz still largely
closed.

U.S. President Donald Trump says talks with Iran are continuing and could see
progress as soon as this weekend.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-04 11:05:13

South Korea's ruling Democratic Party has won most local election races, but
appears likely to lose Seoul.

Early counts show President Lee Jae Myung's party leading in 12 of 16 mayoral
and provincial contests.

The party also won Busan, a traditional conservative stronghold.

But opposition Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is projected to narrowly keep his post.

That would be a symbolic setback for Lee, despite strong results across the
country.

Voting in parts of Seoul was disrupted after ballot papers ran out at several
polling stations.

Some voters waited for hours, while others left without voting.

The National Election Commission apologized and promised an investigation,
but said there were no grounds for a rerun.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-04 11:05:13

Five countries have won two-year seats on the U.N. Security Council, while
Germany missed out.

The U.N. General Assembly elected Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and
Tobago, and Zimbabwe on Wednesday.

Their terms begin January 1st, 2027.

Germany had campaigned hard for a seat, but finished third in the Western
European and Others Group.

Portugal won 134 votes, Austria won 131, and Germany received 104.

Kyrgyzstan defeated the Philippines after four rounds of voting.

It will be Kyrgyzstan's first time serving on the Security Council.

The council can impose sanctions and authorize the use of force.

The five new members will replace Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and
Somalia.

(PB)

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

The Office of the U-S Trade Representative has included Taiwan in among that
60 economies it has determined to have failed to impose or enforce a ban on
the importation of goods produced with forced labor.

Washington is proposing imposing an additional 10-per cent tariff on Taiwan
and many of the other countries on the list.

The ruling was determined under Section 301 of the Trade Act.

The Cabinet has responded to the the threat of tariffs - saying the
recommended rate on Taiwan will not take immediate effect and will not be
stacked upon existing tariffs under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act.

According to the the Cabinet, it remains confident Taiwan will receive
relatively favorable treatment among countries running trade surpluses with
the U-S.

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

North Korea says leader Kim Jong Un has visited a new facility to produce
nuclear materials and announced plans to bolster the country’s nuclear forces
"at an exponential rate."

According to the official Korean Central News Agency, Kim visited the
facility to learn about its operations.

K-C-N-A didn't say where the site is located and when it began operation.

However, state media photos on the place show that it is likely a plant to
produce weapons-grade uranium.

Its disclosure is in line with Kim's repeated vows to expand his nuclear
weapons program to cope with what he called U-S military threats.

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

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

The government-sponsored Metal Industries Research & Development Center has
signed a memorandum of understanding with US-based defense technology
developer Anduril Industries for the development of unmanned aerial vehicles.

The agreement was signed by Center Chairperson Liu Chia-ru and Anduril
founder Palmer Luckey in Taipei.

According to the Industrial Development Administration, cooperation will
focus on the development of A-I autonomous systems and key drone components
and the two parties will integrate the supply chains, promote localized
production and expand technology exchanges.

The administration says the deal will also allow Taiwan and the U-S to cement
their technology cooperation and speed up the pace of drone development to
meet growing global demand, and eventually strengthen Taiwan's standing in
the global supply chain.

The government has said the partnership is expected to strengthen the
China-free supply chain, broaden international cooperation and help Taiwan
achieve the standards of global drone development.

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

The Ministry of Transport is proposing to revoke the driver's licenses of
people found to have used marijuana overseas if evidence of use is detected
after they return to Taiwan .....

.... even if the drug was consumed legally abroad.

The measure is part of a broader crackdown on drug-impaired driving following
a series of drug-related traffic incidents.

Under the planned revisions to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act,
authorities will also be allowed to revoke the licenses of people found to
have used Category 1 or Category 2 narcotics, even if they were not caught
driving.

While users of Category 3 or Category 4 substances could face license
suspension.

Marijuana is classified as a Category 2 narcotic under the Narcotics Hazard
Prevention Act.

The amendments to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act are expected to
be submitted to the Cabinet later this month before being sent to the
Legislature.

The transport ministry has said it hopes the measures can take effect by the
end of this year.

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

Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming says Taiwan's greenhouse gas emissions in
2025 are estimated to have been about 9-per cent below 2005 levels, narrowly
missing the government's 10-per cent reduction target.

According to Peng, the official goal remains to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by 28-per cent, plus or minus 2 percentage points, by 2030 compared
with 2005 levels.

However, Peng is admitting that several uncertainties could affect the final
emissions figure for 2025, with one key factor being economic growth.

Peng says robust growth can encourage investment in carbon reduction and
increase energy demand and as a result of that, the net impact on emissions
remains uncertain.

Speaking to reporters, the environment minister said in order to meet the
2030 target, the government will need to reduce emissions by nearly 20-per
cent over the next five years.

Peng described that possibilty as being challenging, despite emissions here
in Taiwan being on a steady downward trend.

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

And finally,

The Taipei City Government and the Czech Economic and Cultural Office have
unveiled Taiwan's first "Havel's Bench" in the capital.

Speaking at a ceremony in Ta'an Park, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an described it
as a symbol of close ties between the city and the Czech Republic.

According to Chiang, the public art installation represents the idea that
people with different views can better understand one another and work
together through democratic dialogue .. and that's a concept that should
apply to the different political parties in Taiwan.

The art installation consists of two chairs and a round table, with a tree
growing through the center of the table and was jointly established by the
city government and the Czech Economic and Cultural Office.

Named in honor of the human rights advocate Vaclav Havel, the bench is part
of a global public art project.

The first Havel's Bench was unveiled in Washington, D.C. in 2013.

Taipei is the third Asian city to install one after Hiroshima and Seoul, and
the 61st worldwide.

Posted on 2026-06-04 07:30:13

The Ministry of Environment says it collected 4.97-billion N-T in Taiwan's
first carbon fee collection cycle.

According to the ministry, a total of 461 factories operated by 240 companies
paid carbon fees.

The ministry says of those factories, 123 semiconductor manufacturing
facilities contributed about 2.2-billion N-T and that including 33 sites
operated by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing.

The electricity supply sector contributed 635-million N-T through 19
facilities, while 29 steel plants paid 400-million N-T and nine concrete
plants contributed 130-million N-T to the carbon fee collection cycle.

The environment ministry initially estimated carbon fee revenue at around
4.5-billion N-T.

The ministry says final amount was higher because some factories that applied
for preferential rates through voluntary emissions reduction plans later
withdrew those applications or had them rejected ..

.. meaning they were subject to the standard rate of 300 N-T per metric ton
of carbon emissions.

Most of the rejections were due to proposed emissions reduction measures
failing to meet regulatory standards.

The Regulations Governing the Collection of Carbon Fees took effect on
January 1 of last year and emissions generated in 2025 were subject to the
first round of carbon fee calculations.

Posted on 2026-06-04 07:30:13

The Air Force says its fleet of T-34 trainer aircraft has not yet reached
retirement age, but that it is "proactively" seeking replacements.

The statement come after a T-34C crashed at Gangshan Air Base during a
simulated engine-failure exercise earlier this week killing the two pilots.

The incident has sparked discussion over whether the age of the T-34 fleet
could have contributed to the accident -- as production of the model ended in
1990.

According to the Air Force, contractor Aerospace Industrial Development
Corporation has conducted regular maintenance on the aircraft in accordance
with its contract and ensured they remain in normal operating condition ...

.. and replacement parts and components for the aircraft remain available and
in sufficient supply.

However, the Air Force is admitting that it has set a preliminary retirement
timeline for the fleet based on accumulated flight hours and is gathering
information from domestic and foreign companies in preparation for procuring
a new trainer model.

Posted on 2026-06-04 07:30:13

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang says airports are now screening travelers
who recently visited the Congo or Uganda for Ebola in order to prevent the
disease from spreading.

The minister made the statement following an inspection of the disease
control measures put in place at Taoyuan International Airport.

According to Shih Taoyuan International Airport, Taipei Songshan Airport,
Taichung International Airport and Kaohsiung International Airport are now
conducting the tests on a voluntary basis and they will continue through June
30.

Shih says the disease control measures will be adjusted based on the
continued monitoring of the Ebola epidemic.

Speaking to reporters, the health minister said staff at all of the airports
have established protocols to rapidly quarantine and hospitalize passengers
with recent history of travel in countries affected by the Ebola outbreak who
are showing symptoms.

The health minister's inspection of disease control measures at Taoyuan
International Airport comes as the Centers for Disease Contol has reported
that two Taiwan travelers who returned from Congo and two who returned from
Uganda are being monitored.

The C-D-C says all four are undergoing 21 days of mandatory health
self-management.

Posted on 2026-06-04 07:30:13

The Ministry of Labor says the share of men applying for daily parental leave
exceeded that of women for the first time in May.

According to the ministry, nearly 12,000 people applied for daily parental
leave in May, filing more than 24,000 leave applications in total and male
applicants accounted for 50.3-per cent of all applicants in May.

Employees with children under the age of three are entitled to up to two
years of parental leave.

During the leave period, workers receive 80-per cent of their insured salary.

A new "daily parental leave" system took effect on Janaury 1 of this year,
allowing employees to take up to 30 days of parental leave as single-day
leave during their two-year entitlement period.

The labor ministry says since that policy took effect, data shows men have
accounted for 48.4-per cent of cumulative applicants, compared with 51.6-per
cent for women.

The ministry says that reflects a growing trend of shared childcare
responsibilities between parents.

Posted on 2026-06-04 07:30:13

And,

A wildlife livestream documenting the first days of a newly hatched crested
serpent eagle chick in Pingtung has ended after the bird died during the
broadcast earlier this week.

The YouTube channel "Soaring for You" began livestreaming the crested serpent
eagle nest on May 13 - showing a pair of adult eagles and their chick.

The channel is jointly run by the Bird Ecology Lab of National Pingtung
University of Science and Technology and Xin-chang Ecological Research.

The livestream offered a glimpse into the breeding and parenting behavior of
the crested serpent eagle and often attracted more than 100 viewers at a
time.

According to the channel's owners, the chick - which had been named "JoStar"
by the channel host and its subscribers - was 43 days old and could have been
be poisoned by pesticides or rodenticide.

They says JoStar showed no signs of illness until Sunday, suggesting the food
it consumed may have been a key factor in its death.

Posted on 2026-06-04 07:30:13

The Israeli military has carried out fresh strikes in Lebanon as Hezbollah
said it's fired rockets into northern Israel.

Lebanon's health ministry says the dead included two paramedics whose
ambulance was hit in a strike in the south of the country, while a
car was also struck in a strike just south of Beirut.

Israel's military said it intercepted a drone and two projectiles that
crossed the border.

The strikes and rocket launches come despite a partial ceasefire agreed on
Monday - which Lebanon said would see Israel refrain from bombing Beirut, in
exchange for Hezbollah not attacking Israel.

Israeli and Lebanese diplomats have held a second day of talks in Washington
to discuss ways to shore up the deal.

U-S Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that he hopes those talks
will produce "an action plan for security in Lebanon, independent from
Hezbollah."

Posted on 2026-06-04 07:30:13

airport

Kuwait says Iranian drones have heavily damaged a passenger terminal at its
main airport - killing one person, wounding dozens more and briefly closing
the airfield.

The reported strike is the latest in back-and-forth attacks by Iran and the
U-S that are testing a fragile ceasefire.

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard is denying responsibility for the airport
strike - saying the damage was caused by an error from a U-S missile
interceptor.

The U-S military says Iran also fired other missiles at Kuwait, but they fell
apart en route and it downed drones targeting American forces in the region.

Posted on 2026-06-04 07:30:13

Portugal and Austria have defeated Germany for seats on the powerful but
deeply divided United Nations Security Council in a hotly contested race
after intense campaigning.

The 10 rotating seats on the 15-member Security Council are earmarked for
different regions of the world.

The assembly elects five countries by secret ballot every year to serve
two-year terms alongside the council's five permanent veto-wielding members -
the U-S, Russia, China, Britain and France.

In the other contested race in the General Assembly, Kyrgyzstan defeated the
Philippines.

Zimbabwe, the African candidate, and Caribbean candidate Trinidad and Tobago
had no opponents and were also both elected with more than 180 votes.

Posted on 2026-06-04 07:30:13

The World Health Organization says Congo's Ebola outbreak had a head start,
but testing is improving, even as violence plagues the region.

Since mid-May, 344 cases and 60 deaths have been confirmed in three eastern
provinces.

The number of suspected cases has dropped significantly.

Uganda has 15 confirmed cases, including one death.

The outbreak involves a rare Ebola type with no approved medicine or vaccine.

Limited testing and access issues make assessing the outbreak's extent
difficult.

The W-H-O says only 45-per cent of contacts have been traced, with insecurity
and displacement complicating efforts.

Posted on 2026-06-03 19:16:13

The Ministry of Health and Welfare says free voluntary testing will be
offered at airports to travelers arriving from the Democratic Republic of
Congo and Uganda, as authorities step up measures to prevent Ebola from
entering the country.

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang says from today through June 30th,
asymptomatic travelers and returning Taiwanese nationals with travel history
to the DRC or Uganda will be offered free blood testing at Taipei Songshan,
Taoyuan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung airports upon arrival, in addition to
receiving a self-health management notice.

The Centers for Disease Control announced last week that from midnight on
June 2nd, residents of the DRC and Uganda would be temporarily barred from
entering Taiwan for 90 days, with limited exceptions for urgent humanitarian
cases and three other categories.

This marks the first entry restriction Taiwan has imposed since lifting
COVID-19 border controls.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-06-03 19:16:13

Taiwan may fall short of its original 2025 carbon reduction target, despite
steady cuts in emissions.

Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming says emissions may be down about 9 percent
from 2005 levels this year.

That would be close to the original 10 percent target, but still short of it.

The Ministry of Environment says Taiwan's 2024 net greenhouse gas emissions
were about 251-million metric tons.

That was down 6.59 percent from 2005, and down 1.92 percent from 2023.

The ministry says energy sector emissions fell below the 2005 level for the
first time.

Peng says strong economic growth could still raise electricity use as
companies expand production.

He says Taiwan must cut nearly 20 percent more over the next five years to
meet its 2030 goal.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-03 18:28:14

KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun says lasting peace across the Taiwan Strait cannot be
achieved by focusing only on relations between Taiwan and China ...

... and that cooperation between Beijing and Washington is also important.

The main opposition leader made the comments in San Francisco yesterday ...
during a visit to the United States.

Cheng went on to say that she hopes to see reconciliation and cooperation
between the U-S and China, calling that the most important message she wanted
to bring on the trip.

At a separate event with tech leaders, Cheng said Taiwan's high-tech sector
needs stable power, arguing the island must continue developing nuclear
energy.

Cheng added that if the KMT returns to power in 2028, it would correct what
she called "flawed energy policy" from Taiwan's ruling D-P-P.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-03 18:28:14

Meanwhile,

The DPP caucus in the Taichung City Council is calling for a thorough
investigation after the Taichung MRT suffered its fourth major disruption in
less than six months.

Service on the Green Line was delayed by about 21 minutes this morning after
a signaling system malfunction caused a power trip across the entire line.

Taichung MRT says the problem was traced to a faulty signaling control
component at the Beitun depot.

The operator adds that each of the four breakdowns since December involved
different technical issues, and that repairs and equipment replacements have
been completed.

It also says it has reviewed the causes of the failures and updated response
procedures to help prevent similar incidents.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-03 18:28:14

New government data shows that it's getting more expensive to book hotels in
Taiwan.

According to the Tourism Administration, average room rates reached over 3
thousand 100 NT per night in the first quarter of 2026 — a 1.5 percent
year-on-year increase.

The agency says rising costs for electricity, labor, and food are driving the
price bump.

However, officials note that around 80 percent of hotel rooms are actually
priced below that overall average, meaning there are still plenty of diverse
options available.

They also pointed out that the hotel sector is seeing steady growth.

Occupancy rates topped 53 percent this quarter — marking a steady climb from
last year, and a nearly four-point jump from two years ago.

The market remains heavily supported by domestic travel, with local tourists
making up over 70 percent of the more than 18 million total guests.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-03 15:42:14

The Transportation Ministry plans to revoke licenses for some drug users,
even if they have not driven.

The proposal comes as officials move to crack down on drugged driving.

Marijuana is a Category 2 narcotic in Taiwan.

Officials say actions that are legal overseas may still violate Taiwan law
after a person enters Taiwan.

They say license penalties could apply if police in Taiwan confirm drug use
and report the case.

The ministry also plans to raise drugged driving fines for cars to
120-thousand NT.

Motorcycle fines would rise to 90-thousand NT.

Officials say the amendments could be sent to the Cabinet this month, with a
goal of taking effect by the end of the year.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-03 15:42:14

Taiwan has completed its first-ever carbon fee collection, bringing in 4.97
billion NT from 461 industrial facilities.

The Ministry of Environment says 240 companies paid up by the end of May,
covering last year's emissions.

Semiconductor manufacturers led all sectors, contributing more than 40
percent of the total, or roughly 2.2 billion NT.

T-S-M-C alone accounted for 33 of the 123 semiconductor facilities that paid.

The standard rate was 300 NT per metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Climate Change Administration Director Tsai Ling-yi (蔡玲儀) says all companies
paid in full, with none opting for installment or deferred payment.

About 2 billion NT from the fund is earmarked to help businesses and local
governments cut emissions, with another 500-million NT set aside as loan
subsidies for companies investing in cleaner production.

Minister Peng Chi-ming says carbon fee rates will rise over time, and an
emissions trading platform is expected to begin testing before year's end.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-03 15:42:14

Four people have been indicted over a Pingtung hospital fire that killed nine
people last year.

The case involves Antai Tian-Sheng Memorial Hospital in Donggang.

Those indicted include hospital founder and Kuomintang Legislator Su
Ching-chuan (蘇清泉).

Pingtung prosecutors had granted deferred prosecution to Su and three others
last August.

But higher prosecutors later revoked that decision, saying it was
inappropriate for a major public safety case.

Prosecutors now say illegal building additions caused required fire
separation space to fail.

They also say a faulty extension cord used with a pump caused sparks that
started the fire.

Su says he respects the investigation and will face the judicial process
bravely and humbly.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-03 15:42:14

Russian forces launched a massive aerial attack on Kyiv and other Ukrainian
cities, killing 22 civilians and injuring 138.

The assault with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles began overnight
and continued during the day.

In the central city of Dnipro, officials said rescue crews searching the
rubble recovered the bodies of a 3-year-old child as well as those of a woman
and her 8-year-old son.

Kyiv residents have been on edge after Russia warned last week of a massive
attack.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has intensified Moscow’s campaign,
exploiting Ukraine’s shortage of air defense systems.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed for more support from the
U.S. and Europe.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-06-03 15:42:14

Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has completed his
obligations related to a prison sentence.

A royal pardon ended his four-month probation early.

Thaksin was released from a Bangkok prison last month.

There has been speculation about whether he will increase influence over the
Pheu Thai Party, though his family suggests he may step back from politics.

The pardon from the Thailand's king was published Tuesday and became
effective today.

Thaksin was originally sentenced to eight years for corruption-related
charges, later reduced to one year.

Posted on 2026-06-03 15:29:14

The government is set to extend paid maternity leave and for the first time
require that wages be covered for employees who miscarry in early pregnancy.

The Ministry of Labor confirmed today that under a broader population
strategy announced by the Presidential Office last week, maternity leave will
be extended from eight weeks to twelve weeks for childbirth, with the
additional wage costs covered entirely by the government rather than
employers.

The government will also begin paying wages for maternity leave taken after
miscarriages occurring before twelve weeks of pregnancy

Current regulations entitle women in such situations to time off, but does
not require employers to provide pay.

Officials say the changes reflect recognition that early pregnancy loss is a
significant physical and emotional experience deserving of formal workplace
protection, and that removing the wage burden from employers removes a
potential source of resistance to granting the leave.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-06-03 15:29:14

Taipei's top statistical office says fewer people are registering marriages
in the capital, while late marriage is becoming increasingly common.

The city's Department of Budget, Accounting and Statistics says that about 22
thousand people registered marriages in Taipei last year, down over 17
percent from a year ealier.

The decline has continued into this year, with marriage registrations from
January through April standing at under 6 thousand 400 - which is 11 percent
lower compared to the same period a year earlier.

Officials also revealed that nearly 40 percent of first-time marriages
involved people between the ages of 30 and 34, while the share of those
marrying after age 35 has increased significantly over the past decade.

The city says high housing costs, people marrying and having children later
in life, and fewer women of prime childbearing age are all contributing to
broader demographic challenges.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-03 15:29:14

China

In international news,

The Solomon Islands' new prime minister, Matthew Wale, says the country will
review its secretive security treaty with China.

The pact, struck in 2022 with the Solomons’ then-leader, created fears in the
region that it would allow the Chinese navy to build a base in the South
Pacific.

Wale and his Australian counterpart announced their governments would
negotiate a comprehensive strategic treaty.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia should be the
Solomons’ primary security partner, rather than China.

China has provided police instructors to the Solomons as part of their
bilateral deal.

The Solomons doesn’t have a military, so police there have a larger security
role than in countries with defense forces.

In 2019, the Solomons' previous government switched official recognition to
Beijing from Taiwan.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-06-03 15:29:14

Canada is calling on the United States and Mexico to renew the free trade
agreement between the countries for another 16 years as U.S. President Donald
Trump revives talk of making Canada the 51st state.

Canada’s minister for U.S. trade sent a letter to the U.S. trade
representative and Mexico’s secretary of economy on Tuesday to convey
Canada’s recommendation.

The letter comes ahead of the scheduled July review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada
Agreement, the latest version of free trade agreements that have intertwined
the three economies since the early 1990s.

Trump posted “51st State!” on social media late Monday.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-06-03 12:49:41

costs

Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang says it is reasonable for local governments
to help fund Taiwan's rent subsidies.

Liu says local governments received about 266.7-billion NT in housing-related
tax revenue last year.

She says the central government is asking them to share about 8-billion NT in
rent subsidy costs.

Liu says local governments also received about 400-billion NT more after
changes to government revenue allocation rules.

She says housing justice should be a shared responsibility between the
central and local governments.

Some local leaders have opposed the plan, and Liu says the ministry will
review their concerns.

She says rent subsidies, rental management, and public housing construction
remain key parts of Taiwan's housing policy.

Liu says the central and local governments should work together to support
disadvantaged groups and young families.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-03 12:49:44

A retrospective exhibition on the Taitung Fringe Festival will open June 26
as a warm-up for the 2026 Taitung Expo.

The exhibition will run through August 20 at the Taitung Art and Culture
Center.

The Taitung Expo itself is set to open on July 3.

Taitung County official Lin Wen-yi says the exhibition will look back at
years of Fringe Festival performances.

She says the festival has brought performances into mountains, coastal areas,
neighborhoods, historic buildings, and everyday spaces.

The exhibition will use photos, text, and visual design to show how theater
moved beyond the black box.

Lin says the show also reflects the expo's themes of slow living, culture,
nature, and local sustainability.

She says it invites visitors to see Taitung again as a special place for
artistic creation.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-03 12:49:44

Nantou residents helped stop a jewelry shop robbery by pinning the suspect to
the ground before police arrived.

Police say the 33-year-old man, surnamed Hsu, entered the shop on Minzu Road
around 8 p.m. Tuesday.

They say he wore a wig, a baseball cap, and a mask to hide his identity.

Police say he also carried a fruit knife, a hammer, a replica gun, gloves,
and a flashlight.

The shop owner screamed, resisted, and escaped to call for help.

Nearby residents heard her cries and held the suspect down outside the shop.

The owner suffered cuts and bruises, but hospital checks found no serious
injuries.

Police say Hsu may have acted because of debts and will be referred to
prosecutors on suspicion of robbery.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-03 12:49:44

Severe tropical storm Jangmi has battered Japan with strong winds and heavy
rain.

Officials say the storm has knocked out power to nearly 60-thousand homes.

Japan's Meteorological Agency says some Pacific coastal areas face a rising
risk of life-threatening disasters.

Evacuation advisories have been issued for hundreds of thousands of people in
eight prefectures.

Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways canceled nearly 900 flights this
morning.

Some bullet train services were delayed, and rail lines in the Tokyo area
were also disrupted.

Toyota and Suzuki suspended operations at several domestic plants because of
the storm.

A government spokesperson urged people to take early action to protect their
lives.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-03 12:49:44

South Koreans are voting in local elections seen as a test of President Lee
Jae Myung's first year in office.

Voters are choosing mayors and governors in 16 cities and provinces.

Lee's Democratic Party is expected to strengthen its hold on power.

Analysts say races in Seoul and Busan will show how big the party's victory
may be.

The vote is also a test for the conservative People Power Party.

The party is still divided after former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed
martial law bid in 2024.

Fourteen parliamentary by-elections are also being held.

Exit polls are expected Wednesday evening, with official results likely early
Thursday.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-03 09:06:13

Hungary's new Prime Minister Peter Magyar has announced plans to meet ‌with
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy next week.

The meeting will open a new chapter in relations after Magyar ousted his
Moscow-friendly predecessor Viktor Orban in an election.

Speaking during a visit to Berlin, Magyar said he's ready to meet Zelenskiy
if technical negotiations on the rights of the Hungarian minority in
neighbouring Ukraine were finished this week ...

... and he's optimistic that issue could be solved.

Warmer relations between Hungary and Ukraine are pivotal for the European
Union's backing for Kyiv in Russia's war in Ukraine.

Orban opposed the flow of billions of euros in aid to Ukraine and its E-U
membership.

Posted on 2026-06-03 09:06:13

Police in Britain are facing a national backlash over the case of an
‌18-year-old student who was handcuffed as he lay dying from stab wounds
after his killer falsely alleged a racist attack.

Henry Nowak died after the knife attack in the southern England city of
Southampton last December.

His killer, a 23-year-old Sikh man, was sentenced to life in prison on Monday.

He lied to police at the time that Nowak had assaulted him.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer says there are "serious questions" to answer,
including how "allegations of racism informed or fed into the decision-making
in the case."

Posted on 2026-06-03 09:06:13

And finally,

An artist has filed a federal lawsuit against FIFA over the destruction of
his giant mural of swimming whales on a building in Dallas as it prepares to
host World Cup matches.

The civil suit was filed by the artist Wyland and says soccer's global
governing body and the building's owner and management company violated a
1990 federal law that protects artists from destruction of their public
works.

The artist is seeking 25-million dollars in damages.

World Cup organizers in the Dallas area have said the downtown mural was
painted over to make room for new art.

While FIFA says it had no involvement.

Posted on 2026-06-03 08:15:13

The Air Force has grounded all of its T-34C trainers pending safety checks
following a crash at the Gangshan Air Base in Kaohsiung that left two pilots
dead.

The two-seater aircraft crashed while conducting a routine simulated
engine-failure training exercise.

Both Lt. Col. Lu Chi-yu and Lt. Col. Kuo Chun-nan were pronounced dead at the
scene.

The pilots had logged over 2,000 flying hours in T-34Cs.

According to Air Force Chief Inspector Major General Chiang Yi-cheng, the
pilots reported no anomalies or malfunctions during the flight test and
weather conditions, including visibility, were suitable for flying.

The aircraft passed a round of safety checks on April 9.

The Air Force has formed a special task force to investigate the cause of the
crash.

The Air Force purchased about 50 T-34Cs in 1985 as basic trainer aircraft.

Around 30 remain in service.

Posted on 2026-06-03 08:15:15

Meanwhile,

President Lai Ching-te is expressing his condolences over the deaths the two
Air Force lieutenant colonels killed in Tuesday's crash a the Gangshan Air
Base.

Speaking to reporters in Taipei, Lai said he was deeply saddened by this
sudden tragedy ...

... and on behalf of the country, I would like to thank the two pilots for
their sacrifices and contributions and extend my deepest condolences to their
families."

Lai said he has instructed the Ministry of National Defense to establish a
task force to determine the cause of the accident as soon as possible and
prevent similar incidents from recurring.

According to Lai, he has also directed the defense ministry to assist the
bereaved families with funeral arrangements to ensure the pilots receive a
proper farewell.

Posted on 2026-06-03 08:15:15

talks

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is urging the Philippines and Japan not to
infringe on Taiwan's rights in its surrounding waters.

The call comes after Manila and Tokyo announced last week they were starting
talks on maritime delimitation in their overlapping exclusive economic zones.

Those zone also partly overlap with Taiwan's E-E-Z.

According to foreign ministry spokesman Hsiao Kuang-wei, the Lai
administration will protect the rights and interests of Taiwan's fishermen
and continue to consult with the Philippines and Japan on maritime issues
based existing agreements.

Hsiao says no details concerning the proposed E-E-Z boundaries have been
released so far and the the foreign ministry had instructed its
representative offices in Tokyo and Manila to gather more information on the
issue.

The spokesman also says the government is asking both countries to engage in
dialogue with Taipei regarding the maritime boundary issue to ensure Taiwan's
rights are fully protected.

The statements come after the foreign ministry this past weekend lauded the
Tokyo-Manila talks, which it described as way to "resolve maritime
differences through peaceful dialogue and based on respect for international
law."

Posted on 2026-06-03 08:15:15

The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology has unveiled
three military-specific robot dog prototypes designed for surveillance,
reconnaissance, and combat support missions.

The models are based on the Vision 60 quadruped robot developed by US-based
Ghost Robotics and integrated with systems developed by the institute that
provide intelligence-gathering, patrol, and monitoring capabilities.

According to the institute, the robot dog variants are equipped with Light
Detection and Ranging, thermal imaging systems, and a remote-controlled
weapon station.

The robot dogs can currently be used for security patrols, facility
surveillance and nighttime monitoring.

However, the institute says the system could eventually be integrated with
unmanned ground vehicles and drones to form a three-dimensional battlefield
network.

The platform can carry payloads of up to 10-kilograms, move at speeds of up
to 9-kilometers-an-hour and have an operating time of between eight to 10
hours.

Posted on 2026-06-03 08:15:15

Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih has overseen a send-off ceremony for the
first large-scale export of Taiwan-grown summer fruits to Europe.

The 6 metric tons of mangoes, lychees and dragon fruit left Pingtung County
after meeting European Union import and quarantine requirements.

Speaking at the ceremony Chen said Taiwan's fresh fruit exports to Europe had
previously been limited, but this latest shipment mark the start of a more
systematic push into the European market.

Chen also said the breakthrough required close cooperation from growers to
meet production and quarantine standards and the government has established
an international cold-chain logistics center in Pingtung to help expand
exports to more overseas markets.

The fruit has all been exported by Nature House.

And according to the exporter, the shipment is destined for Rungis, France's
largest wholesale fresh produce market, which serves as a key sourcing hub
for Michelin-starred restaurants, hotels and major retailers.

Posted on 2026-06-03 08:15:15

Funds managed by the Ministry of Labor's Bureau of Labor Funds reported a new
high in returns in April due to a rally in the financial markets at home and
abroad.

According to the bureau, labor funds recorded about 1.1-trillion N-T in
gains, smashing the previous high of 418-billion N-T recorded in February.

It comes after the funds suffered a historic loss of 378-billion N-T in
March, which officials say reflected global market volatility after the
US-Israel war against Iran broke out at the end of February.

The bureau says global stock markets staged a significant rebound in April.

Data shows the accumulated gains of the labor funds totaled 1.15-trillion N-T
during the first four months of this year and the gains during the January to
April period translated into a 20.21-per cent rate of return

The bureau says 56-per cent of its investments were made overseas from
January to April, while the remainder were invested in the local market.

Posted on 2026-06-03 08:15:15

And finally,

The Central Weather Administration says we can expected to see significant
rain effecting the island from Friday and the unstable condition will likely
to persist through next week due to a stationary front and southwesterly
winds.

According to the administration's forecast center, isolated afternoon
thunderstorms are possible in the north and mountainous areas tomorrow, but
rainfall is forecast to increase on Friday as a low-pressure system
approaches Taiwan.

Western and southeastern areas could see localized heavy rain on Friday.

The rain is expected to ease on Saturday, but unstable weather will continue
on Sunday under the influence of the low-pressure system, with scattered
showers and thunderstorms forecast for the center and south.

Rainy conditions are likely to persist throughout next week and the heaviest
rain can be expected from next Tuesday.

Posted on 2026-06-03 06:47:49

President Lai Ching-te is describing Taiwan has being indispensable to global
A-I development.

Speaking at the opening of Computex Taipei, Lai said the arrival in Taiwan of
some of the world's leading tech giants for this year's Computex,
demonstrates their confidence in Taiwan's technological capabilities,
industrial efficiency and democratic system.

According to Lai, the government welcomes investment from around the world by
offering tax incentives, improving the investment environment and promoting a
chip-based innovation program aimed at driving next-generation technological
advances.

Lai addressed concerns about electricity shortages, saying Taiwan's power
supply will remain sufficient through 2032 despite rising demand from A-I
development.

And he went on to say that the "more the world needs AI, the more it needs a
stable, trustworthy and responsible Taiwan" and "when AI development enters
its next stage, it will require collaboration among like-minded and reliable
partners around the world."

Computex runs through Friday at the Nangang Exhibition Center.

This year's show is being held under the theme of "AI Together," and features
a record-breaking 6,000-plus booths from 1,500 exhibitors representing 33
countries.

Posted on 2026-06-03 06:47:49

Transport Minister Chen Shih-kai says tougher penalties proposed or
drug-impaired driving could take effect by the end of this year at the
earliest.

The proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act will
increase the current penalty of a one- to two-year driver's license
suspension for drug-impaired driving to license revocation ...

... along with a three-year ban on reapplying for a license.

Under the proposal, individuals who use Category 1 or Category 2 narcotics
would have their driver's licenses revoked even if they are not caught
driving or do not own a vehicle, to prevent them from driving.

Users of Category 3 or Category 4 narcotics would face license suspension.

Fines for first-time offenders will be increased to 120,000 N-T for
motorists, and to 90,000 N-T for motorcyclists, while repeat offenses within
a 10-year period will face progressively higher administrative fines,

The transport minister says his office plans to submit the proposed
amendments to the Cabinet by the end of this month, after which they will be
forwarded to the Legislature for review.

Posted on 2026-06-03 06:47:49

President Lai Ching-te has conferred the Order of Propitious Clouds on
visiting Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil.

According to the Presidential Office, Vystrcil was honored in recognition of
his longstanding support for Taiwan, contributions to Taiwan-Czech ties and
efforts to defend democratic values.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lai praised Vystrcil's decision to visit Taiwan in
2020 despite pressure from China and for saying "I am Taiwanese" during a
speech at Legislature - describing his actions as a demonstration of
"democratic courage."

Lai also said the decoration also symbolizes the Taiwan people's highest
respect and gratitude toward Vystrcil and stands as a testament to the
friendship between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.

Vystrcil said he was deeply honored to receive the medal and viewed it as
recognition of the Czech Senate as a whole.

The Czech Senate President arrived in Taiwan on Monday heading a delegation
of around 40 people for a four-day visit at the invitation of Legislative
Speaker Han Kuo-yu.

Posted on 2026-06-03 06:47:49

The Ministry of Health has revoked the medical license of a prominent doctor
illegally brokering organ transplant procedures for Taiwan patients in China.

Accordinh to Health Minister Shih Chung-liang, Chen Yao-li was found to have
repeatedly arranged for Taiwanese patients to undergo organ transplant
procedures overseas, conduct that seriously violated medical ethics and the
Human Organ Transplant Act.

It marks the first time that a physician in Taiwan has had his license
revoked for illegally brokering organ transplants.

Chen was former deputy superintendent at Chung Shan Medical University
Hospital in Taichung.

He was convicted on nine counts of illegally brokering organ transplants in
violation of the Human Organ Transplant Act and sentenced to two years in
prison, suspended for five years by the Changhua District Court.

Court records showed Chen began referring patients to hospitals in China for
liver and kidney transplants in 2008 and received 14-million N-T in illegal
gains from the arrangements.

Posted on 2026-06-03 06:47:49

The Centers for Disease Control has confirmed another measles case.

According to the C-D-C, the latest case involves a man in his 20s who lives
in northern Taiwan, who developed symptoms last week.

The man had contact with a previously confirmed imported case involving a
foreign national who traveled to Taiwan from Thailand last month.

Officials say 491 contacts have been instructed to self-monitor until June 16.

The C-D-C has confirmed 11 measles cases here in Taiwan so far this year -
eight of which were imported, and three were domestic cases linked to
clusters.

Health authorirties have issued international travel alerts - of both Level 1
and Level 2 - for several destinations where ongoing measles outbreaks have
been reported.

Posted on 2026-06-03 06:47:49

And,

The Ministry of Finance says a 21 N-T oolong milk tea purchase at a
FamilyMart in Taichung's Daya District was the lowest amount spent to win the
10-million N-T special prize in the March-April uniform invoice lottery.

According to the ministry, a total of 20 receipts matched the winning
numberfor the 10-million N-T special prize

Of those receipts, seven involved purchases of less than 100 N-T.

Other low-value winning receipts included a 39 N-T purchase at a FamilyMart
in Taichung's Nantun District, a 40 N-T drink at a Hi-Life in Taichung's Wuqi
District, and a 45 N-T beverage at a 7-Eleven in Taoyuan's Dayuan District.

A 65 N-T beef and egg burger sold at a MOS Burger in New Taipei's Tamsui
District also won the 10-million N-T prize.

Winners can claim their prizes from June 6 to September 7.

Posted on 2026-06-03 06:47:49

The European Union's Electoral Observation Mission in Colombia is confirming
the legitimacy of the weekend's presidential election...

following claims by the incumbent president regarding fraud in the polls.

They say that the election was carried out in a "transparent, orderly, and
fluid" way.

Officials note that no candidate in the race presented claims of
irregularities to the office.

That's as the vote will be headed to a runoff later this month, between
conservative Abelardo de la Espriella and senator IvAn Cepeda.

Cepeda previously refused to acknowledge a preliminary count of election
results in which he placed second...

saying he would wait for a more complete count.

Just before that statement, current President Gustavo Petro claimed on social
media that hundreds of thousands of voters had been illegally added to the
rolls.

Posted on 2026-06-03 06:47:49

Italian police say that they have arrested two people suspected of killing
four migrant farmworkers.

The two allegedly burned the four people alive in a car torching attack.

The attack in Calabria was captured on security cameras while the car was
parked at a gas station.

A fifth man escaped from the car and is receiving medical treatment.

Officials say that the dead were Afghan and Pakistani nationals, while the
two suspects in the attack are both Pakistani.

Posted on 2026-06-03 06:47:49

The United Nations is calling on Nicaragua to investigate the death of
Indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera.

According to the Nicaraguan government, he died from a bacterial infection
after contracting COVID while he was imprisoned.

Rivera was known for opposing the Sandinista government and had been detained
without charges since 2023.

The UN believes that Rivera was abritrarily detained and that his case was
one of "forced disappearance."

They criticized Nicaragua for alleged torture and poor detention conditions.

There are at least 47 more people imprisoned in the country for political
reasons.

The UN is calling for the release of all such political detainees.

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