ICRT

Posted on 2026-09-15 20:08:13

Taiwan's flu epidemic continued to worsen last week, with more than
136-thousand outpatient and emergency visits recorded.

The Centers for Disease Control says the number was up 16.5 percent from the
previous week, and the outbreak is expected to peak around the Mid-Autumn
Festival holiday.

The CDC says weekly flu cases could reach 150-thousand to 160-thousand at the
peak.

It also reported 92 new severe cases and 21 deaths last week.

The number of deaths was the highest weekly total in five years.

Most severe cases involved people aged 65 or older or those with underlying
health conditions.

More than two-thirds had not received the latest flu vaccine.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases continued to decline, with nearly 18-thousand
outpatient and emergency visits last week, down 13 percent from the previous
week.

Posted on 2026-09-15 20:08:13

The Ministry of Economic Affairs says it will prioritize stable prices and
people's livelihoods ... as electricity rates are set to be reviewed later
this month.

Economics Minister Kung Ming-hsin says the government will consider different
options ... including electricity rates for industry and whether AI data
centers should be treated differently.

But Kung says the final decision will be made by the Electricity Price Review
Committee ... with the Economics Ministry providing information on the
possible options and their impact.

Kung says rising international oil prices and the continuing conflict in the
Middle East are putting pressure on state-owned oil company C-P-C and
Taipower.

The government has proposed about 101 billion NT in additional subsidies for
C-P-C ... and 71 billion NT for Taipower ... to help cover higher energy
costs.

Meanwhile, the Economics Ministry says Taiwan has sufficient oil and gas
supplies despite escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The ministry says reserves remain above legal requirements and are higher
than at the same time last year.

It expects supplies to remain secure through the end of the year ... while
procurement for the first quarter of next year is already underway.

Officials say Taiwan can also rely on diversified import sources and backup
shipping plans if Middle East disruptions worsen.

Household natural gas and bottled gas prices will remain frozen through the
end of the year.

Posted on 2026-09-15 18:29:13

The Ministry of Economic Affairs says Taiwan has sufficient oil and gas
supplies ... despite escalating conflicts in the Middle East.

The ministry says reserves remain above legal requirements and are also
higher than at the same time last year.

It expects supplies to remain secure through the end of the year, and says
procurement planning for the first quarter of next year is already underway.

Officials say Taiwan's diversified import sources allow it to obtain oil and
gas from outside the Middle East if needed.

The ministry is also closely monitoring shipping routes and has backup plans
to reduce transportation risks.

Meanwhile, household natural gas and bottled gas prices will remain frozen
through the end of the year as part of government efforts to stabilize
prices.

The government has also proposed additional funding to help cover costs
absorbed by oil and gas suppliers to keep domestic prices stable.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-09-15 18:29:13

New Taipei health officials have confirmed seven additional Hepatitis C cases
linked to a cluster at Antai Songhe Clinic, bringing the total number of
infections to 20.

The latest cases involve four men and three women between their 40s and 70s.

All seven had received injections at the clinic multiple times.

Two reported mild symptoms, including fatigue and stomach discomfort, while
the other five had no symptoms.

The health ministry says about 1,500 people who received injections at the
clinic since July last year are eligible for free Hepatitis C testing.

As of yesterday, 530 people had been tested, while another 588 are still
waiting to be tested.

Based on the current positive rate of about 1.5 percent, health officials
estimate the final number of cases could reach between 30 and 40.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-09-15 18:29:13

Taichung City says publicly funded flu and COVID-19 vaccinations will be
rolled out in two phases starting October 1st.

Mayor Lu Shiow-yen says the city is also purchasing additional vaccines to
expand access beyond groups covered by the central government's program ...
including school teachers.

The first phase of flu vaccinations will cover 11 groups, including seniors
aged 65 and over, Indigenous people aged 55 and over, people with certain
underlying conditions .... and students.

A second phase will begin November 2nd, expanding eligibility to adults aged
50 to 64 who do not have high-risk chronic conditions.

For COVID-19 vaccinations, the second phase will also include children aged
six months to under six who have never received a COVID vaccine.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-09-15 18:29:13

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an is defending his wife's previous use of the name
"Chinese Taipei" ... after she was drawn into controversy over a K-pop
concert billboard.

A fan-support billboard for South Korean girl group IVE's concert at Taipei
Arena recently displayed the words "Chinese Taipei" ... sparking criticism
online.

Some internet users then pointed out that Chiang's wife had also used the
name while attending an APEC event in 2017.

Chiang says "Chinese Taipei" is Taiwan's formal membership name at APEC ...
and noted that his wife also described herself in English at the event as
"Taiwanese."

He accused critics of distorting the facts to attack his family ... and said
other Taiwanese officials also use the formal membership name when attending
APEC events.

Posted on 2026-09-15 17:07:13

The Global State of Democracy 2026 ranking has placed Taiwan seventh globally
for citizen participation.

That puts Taiwan on equal footing with Finland.

However, Taiwan's rating for judicial independence declined last year, going
from top-performing to middle tier...

alongside countries like the US, Argentina, Belgium, India, and Nigeria.

Taiwan also made gains in legislative oversight.

The Sweden-based organization says that Taiwan was one of only 13 countries
around the world to record an improvement in the category.

The report looks at democratic performance across four categories, including
representation, rights, rule of law, and participation.

It notes that over half of countries assess experienced a decline in at least
one indcator of democratic performance since 2020.

It also highlighted geopolitical tensions as a growing challenge to
democratic governance.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-09-15 17:07:13

Taiwan High Speed Rail is gearing up for the 12 new-generation
N-seven-hundred-S-T trains it ordered from Japan.

The company has already received one set of the train and it's now undergoing
testing in Kaohsiung,

It expects to get the second delievery in December.

The first N-700-S-T is expected to begin passenger service on July 1st next
year ... eventually allowing T-H-S-R to add more services.

To prepare, the company has hired 45 new drivers in its largest recruitment
drive since operations began.

T-H-S-R also plans to recruit another 15 to 20 drivers next year as more of
the new trains are introduced.

It says all new drivers will be trained on both the existing trains and the
new ones.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-09-15 17:07:13

chair position

Former President Tsai Ing-wen is booked and busy, now being the honorary
chair of another candidate's campaign.

The DPP's Changhua Magisterial Candidate Chen Su Yue announced today that
Tsai would be her honorary campaign manager.

That's after Tsai previously announced that she was heading up the campaign
offices of Taitung's Chen Ying, New Taipei's Su Qiao Hui, and Keelung's Tong
Zi Wei.

The Changhua race is a crowded one, with former Changhua Mayor Qiu Jian Fu
renouncing his DPP membership to run as an independent...

while the blue camp also boasts 2 candidates of their own.

Qiu though, tried to downplay Tsai's endorsement of his opponent, saying it
would not be Tsai running the county if Chen is elected.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-09-15 17:07:13

An outage has hit the Dutch railway system, and the company in charge of
maintaining the system is not ruling out sabotage.

Prorail said that materials were intentioanlly placed on the tracks, causing
track-circuit failures.

A statement however, did not specify what exactly was found on the tracks.

It's also not yet clear who might be behind the apparent sabotage.

Officials say train services around a few central cities were severely
affected during the morning rush hour.

They added that it was not yet certain how long it would take for train
services to get back to normal.

Posted on 2026-09-15 16:50:13

Posted on 2026-09-15 15:07:13

With the beginning of a new semester, the Health Promotion Administration is
again warning that heated tobacco products can produce harmful substances.

They include carbon monoxide and the carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene, or BaP.

Citing an international study, the H-P-A also notes that heated tobacco use
can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, damaging cells and tissues and
increasing the risk of cancer.

The study also found that adolescents who use those products may face higher
risks of asthma and allergies, as well as mental health effects.

The H-P-A stresses that heated tobacco products are not a smoking-quitting
tool and should not be considered a less harmful alternative.

Taiwan currently allows only approved heated tobacco products on the market,
while e-cigarettes and vapes are completely banned.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-09-15 15:07:13

The number of inmates on death row has dropped to 34, after one convict died
of illness.

Lin Wang-jen was sentenced to death for allegedly killing 5 people in 2004 by
setting a karaoke bar on fire.

According to court rulings, Lin set fire to the Keelung bar because he was
upset that his wife had accepted a job there.

Lin previously filed a petition seeking a presidential pardon or commutation,
along with 13 other death row inmates, but his petition was rejected.

But after a Constitutional Court ruling in 2024 regarding the death penalty,
Lin filed for a retrial and sought a suspension of his execution.

Both requests were ultimately rejected.

This comes after the death earlier this year o another inmate.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-09-15 15:07:13

In world news...

Thailand and Cambodia started talks today to resolve a sea border dispute
under a U.N. maritime law agreement.

The area in question is believed to contain significant natural gas reserves.

Cambodia initiated the process after Thailand ended a 25-year-old agreement
meant to address overlapping claims, as relations between the countries
worsened due to major armed clashes last year over their land border.

A fragile ceasefire between the two countries was agreed in late December,
but tensions continue.

The first meeting is taking place in Singapore from Monday to Wednesday.

Cambodia's foreign minister has called for a peaceful resolution to benefit
both nations.

Thailand's foreign minister has stated that the previous agreement had failed
to make progress and that he was seeking a fresh start.

Posted on 2026-09-15 15:07:13

A predominantly Muslim region in the southern Philippines has held its first
elections for a regional parliament following years of delays, moving it
closer to self-rule after decades of insurgency and violence.

Officials said turnout was over 80%, even as five people were killed in
election-related violence in the regional capital and polling was extended to
a second day over a suspected effort to cheat.

Authorities extended voting to today in 36 precincts in Maluso town on
Basilan island after finding pre-filled-out ballots.

Voters are choosing the 80 members of a regional parliament, who will in turn
elect a chief minister in their first session.

The winners are expected to be announced by the end of Tuesday.

Posted on 2026-09-15 14:07:13

The US is praising Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim's recent trip to Italy,
saying Taiwan's relationships with other countries provide big benefits to
those places.

Hsiao took a weekend trip to the Italian island of Ventotene last week to
participate in the European Conference for Freedom and Democracy.

Her participation was at the behest of European Parliament Vice President
Pina Picierno.

The trip was not announced until she had already arrived in Europe.

Meanwhile the EU neglected to comment on the trip, instead reiterating its
adherence to the "One-China Policy."

An unnamed spokesperson said that the EU is still interested in conducting
exchanges with Taiwan to advance EU interests under the framework of the
One-China Policy.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-09-15 14:07:13

A New Taipei borough chief candidate has been released on bail as he's being
investigated for vote-buying.

The man, surnamed Chen, was released on bail of 100,000 NT.

Chen is being investigated for allegedly holding an event offering free
haricuts, while he also allegedly picked up tabs for douhua for several
residents.

Prosecutors say these actions were likely meant to influence the outcome of
the election, and they suspect that Chen violated the Public Officials
Election and Recall Act.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-09-15 14:07:13

President Lai Ching-te has wished Pope Leo the fourteenth a happy birthday,
praising his "steadfast leadership" and particular vision of hope and
solidarity.

That's according to Taiwan's embassy in the Vatican, which also said that the
pope turned 71 yesterday.

Lai expressed his admiration for Leo's efforts to promote mutual
understanding through dialogue, and said that Taiwan is committed to
continuing to work with the Vatican to advance common goals.

Leo was elected in May of last year as the 267th head of the Catholic Church.

The Vatican is Taiwan's only European diplomatic ally.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-09-15 14:07:13

Taiwan shares are down today, with the benchmark tai ex losing 351 points to
close the session at 45511.

The turnover was 603.4 billion NT

Posted on 2026-09-15 14:07:13

Brazil's Supreme Court in in crisis, with sessions being canceled and
justices overruling each other's decisions.

Several members of the court also actively face suspicions of corruption and
bias ahead of a presidential election next month.

The court is set to meet today to discuss whether one of the justices should
be investigated for corruption.

One right-leaning judge is accused of deliberately slowing down the release
of information related to presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro ahead of
the election.

Meanwhile a left-leaning judge who oversaw the case against former President
Jair Bolsonaro is also accused of corruption.

Brazil's next president will appoint at least 4 new Supreme Court justices,
who can serve until they reach the age of 75.

Experts say, an electoral loss for Bolsonaro combined with an investigation
targeting the leftist judge may embolden supporters to again question the
legitimacy of the elecito.

Posted on 2026-09-15 13:12:13

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is confirming that Taiwan plans to establish a
new representative office in the Philippines.

That's after Nikkei Asia reported that the office was in progress, in what
represents a continued diplomatic push with Manila.

Lin said that the new office in Cebu would cater more to tourists,
businesspeople, and expats in the south...

joining the Manila office in the north.

The breakthrough marks another sign of growing cooperation between Taiwan the
Philippines, as China steps up political and military pressure in the region.

A Western diplomat said that the new mission will make up for the loss of one
in Papua New Guinea over the summer...

but emphasized that relations with the Philippines are more strategically
valuable than those with PNG.

(AH-Nikkei)

Posted on 2026-09-15 13:12:13

The Taipei Prosecutors' Office said they've made two more arrests in lawmaker
Gao Jin Su-mei's alleged fraud case.

Prosecutors have so far arrested 7 people related to the case, and put 2 of
them under detention without communication.

Police said the person who received Gao Jin's office assistant Zhang Jun-jie
(張俊傑) in the south after he jumped bail and the accomplice helping Zhang get
rid of his monitoring bracelet have been nabbed.

Prosecutors noted that investigations are ongoing, adding that they believe
Zhang is still in Taiwan and have asked that Customs authorities cancel his
passport.

Prosecutors indicted Zhang and Gao Jin, as well as 22 others in June this
year on charges of corruption and fraud.

The indictment indicated that Zhang fraudulently claimed government subsidies
for legislative assistants and several ethnic community associations to
obtain a total of $9.3 million NT.

It also accused Gao Jin of illegally receiving $7.8 million NT in salaries
and other payments for assistants .

(JL)

Posted on 2026-09-15 13:12:13

Now turning to international news...

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is heading to Europe, as he seeks to
diversify international connections outside of just his country's southern
neighbor.

Carney is hoping to establish more strategic partnerships that could give
Canadians greater freedom to live, work, and study in Europe...

while stopping short of EU membership.

This trip follows his last appearance in Europe at the Davos forum, where he
gave a much-lauded speech saying that middle powers should band together
rather than kissing the ring of greater powers.

Canada has chosen to retaliate against US tariffs, while Europe has chosen
accomodation.

Ottawa says, its European push is not simply leverage against Washington but
part of a broader effort to reduce dependence on the US.

Also on his trip, Carney will head to the UK to meet with Prime Minister Andy
Burnham for the first time.

Posted on 2026-09-15 11:08:14

The Ministry of National Defense is reporting eight Chinese air sorties
operating near Taiwan between 6AM Monday and 6AM today.

Of those sorties, seven aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait
and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and eastern air defense
identification zones.

Those aircraft included fighter jets, support planes and helicopters.

Seven Chinese Navy vessel and two official maritime patrol ships were also
spotted operating in Taiwan Strait over the same 24-hour period.

Posted on 2026-09-15 11:08:14

Independent meteorologist Daniel Wu says the 24th tropical storm of this
year's Pacific typhoon season will form tomorrow.

The tropical disturbance formed in the waters east of Guam.

According to Wu, European and U-S weather model simulations indicate that
TD28 will intensify into a storm and will move toward the waters south of
Japan over the coming days.

It is not currently expected to directly impact Taiwan.

Posted on 2026-09-15 11:08:14

And,

Five Taiwan comic artists have been showcasing their works at the 2026 Small
Press Expo in Maryland.

A ee mi, Rio, Ding Pao-yen, Monday Recover and Crystal Kung all held signing
events and interacted with fans and fellow artists during the two-day show.

Expo Executive Director Warren Bernard says he was glad to have the Taiwanese
artists at the expo, noting that they had brought works he greatly admired
and wanted to add to his own collection.

The annual comics and graphic arts festival showcases established independent
comic creators while providing exposure and networking opportunities for
attending artists and those just starting out.

Posted on 2026-09-15 11:08:14

In international news,

The Trump administration has scrapped rules aimed at limiting pollution from
coal and gas power plants in America.

The A-P's Jennifer King reports.

Posted on 2026-09-15 11:08:14

A crucial Saudi oil pipeline that was struck in an attack will mostly be out
of service for weeks as the damage is repaired - that, according to two
regional officials.

The East-West Pipeline, which runs across the kingdom, is key to Saudi
Arabia’s strategy of shifting its oil exports to the Red Sea to avoid the
Persian Gulf’s Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian attacks have stifled shipping.

An attack that Saudi Arabia has blamed on drones from Iranian-backed militias
in Iraq forced the shutdown of the pipeline last Thursday.

Officials say repairing the damage could take three to five weeks.

Posted on 2026-09-15 11:08:14

Lithuania's president says NATO fighter pilots have shot down a drone that
entered his country's airspace.

Reports say the drone entered southern Lithuania from neighbouring Belarus.

According to Lithuania's national crisis management center, the operator of
the drone remains unknown.

Drone alerts sounded across the capital Vilnius and surrounding region after
it was detected.

Drone sightings were also reported in Lithuania this past weekend.

Posted on 2026-09-15 11:08:14

humans

The World Health Organization says Chile has become the first South American
country to eliminate dog-transmitted rabies to humans.

The achievement follows over five decades of public health efforts focused on
prevention and surveillance.

The W-H-O is praising Chile's commitment, highlighting the impact of
sustained investment in public health.

The last reported case in Chile was in 1972.

Chile's success involves extensive vaccination campaigns and community
education.

Posted on 2026-09-15 11:08:14

And finally,

The 78th Emmy Awards are underway at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. ''

Actress Mariska Hargitay, whose best known for "Law & Order: Special Victims
Unit" is hosting the show.

"Widow’s Bay" stormed the awards - taking best actor for star Matthew Rhys
along with two other acting prizes, while Noah Wyle made it two for two as
best actor in a drama for "The Pitt."

However, Jean Smart has achieved a historic milestone by winning her fifth
Emmy for lead actress in a comedy series for "Hacks" - and has became the
first woman to win an acting Emmy for every season of a television series.

N-B-C rolled out a special blue carpet for the event as the network
celebrates its 100th anniversary and the ceremony is also honoring the
anniversaries of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Charlie's Angels."

Posted on 2026-09-15 08:21:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

The first two of the four MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones purchased from the United
States have undergone their first flight tests at the Hualien Air Base.

The Ministry of National Defense has not released any details of the test
flight.

However, sources are being cited as saying the tests were conducted after the
military and the drone manufacturer completed the assembly of the two drones,
which were delivered to Taiwan earlier this year.

Vice Defense Minister Hsu Szu-chien and Taiwan's Representative to the
Washington, Alexander Yui attended a handover ceremony in the U-S for two of
SkyGuardian drones in mid-March.

The U-S has agreed to deliver the four of the drones to Taiwan in two batches
in this year and next year.

The U-S Defense Security Cooperation Agency says the drones will provide
Taiwan with "intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, target
acquisition, and counter-land, counter-sea, and anti-submarine strike
capabilities."

Posted on 2026-09-15 08:21:13

The Ministry of Sports has announced amendments to its cross-strait sports
exchange guidelines.

According to the ministry, the revisions create a firmer legal basis for
stopping Taiwan nationals from competing for China's national teams in
international sporting events.

The ministry says Taiwanese becoming part of a Chinese national team is a
violation of Article 33 of the Act Governing Relations between the People of
the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area.

The move comes after a recent case led to calls to change to the language in
the Act.

The new provision does not explicitly say Taiwan nationals cannot become
members of a Chinese national sports team.

However, it says that individuals are prohibited from serving as a member of
any group in China that "involves national identity or fundamental loyalty,
cross-strait United Front work, or that may endanger national security or
interests."

Posted on 2026-09-15 08:21:13

The European Union's top envoy to Taiwan is calling for greater bilateral
cooperation to boost civil society preparedness for natural and man-made
disasters.

According to European Economic and Trade Office in Taiwan head, Lutz
Gullner,such efforts are crucial for both the E-U and Taiwan to enhance
resilience.

Speaking at a workshop in Taipei, Gullner said the E-U believes "resilience
and preparedness" are crucial for any society facing natural and man-made
disasters, particularly in times of geopolitical uncertainty.

Gullner said Taiwan is obviously is one of the reference points for anything
related to natural disasters and Europe envies many of Taiwan systems, while
the E-U has more experience dealing with disasters such as wildfires and
civil protection mechanisms.

Gullner made the remarks during the opening ceremony of a workshop organized
by the Forward Alliance, a D-P-P affiliated national security and civil
defense think tank.

Posted on 2026-09-15 08:21:13

A delegation of K-M-T lawmakers visiting the U-S have met with city officials
in San Francisco city to discuss technology innovation, autonomous vehicles
and social welfare policies.

The eight member delegation's 12-day trip also includes stops in Los Angeles,
Washington, D.C., and New York.

According to the delegation, it met with San Francisco city officials and
members of the San Francisco Taipei Sister City Committee to promote
local-level exchanges between Taiwan and the U-S.

The delegation also visited the K-M-T's U-S. headquarters, the Dr. Sun
Yat-sen Memorial Hall in San Francisco and several longstanding overseas
Chinese community organizations, where they held discussions with community
representatives.

Posted on 2026-09-15 08:21:13

The Changhua District Prosecutors' Office has indicted a Vietnamese-born
naturalized Taiwanese woman and seven other people for allegedly exploiting
workers from Vietnam, including minors.

The National Immigration Agency says the woman claimed to be "the
reincarnation of a living Buddha" and lured Vietnamese followers into
bringing their underage children to Taiwan for work under the guise of
religious practice.

The children were then subjected to prolonged labor exploitation after
arriving here.

According to the agency, several Vietnamese fathers traveled to Taiwan to
report that their wives had left home and brought their underage children
here after being influenced by the religious group.

The immigration agency formed a special task force while the Changhua
District Prosecutors' Office was asked to direct the investigation.

The task force found that the woman who claimed to be the reincarnation of a
living Buddha promoted her teachings online and encouraged followers to bring
their children to Taiwan on tourist visas for "spiritual practice" ...

.. and taught followers that working for her could help them accumulate good
karma and attain salvation when the apocalypse came.

The suspects are facing charges of violating the Human Trafficking Prevention
Act.

Posted on 2026-09-15 08:21:13

And,

The head coach of Taiwan's League of Legends team says he's targeting at
least one silver medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, but gold as the
ultimate goal.

According to coach Chen "Warhorse" Ju-chih, Taiwan won silver at the Hangzhou
Asian Games in 2023, and he doesn't want the team to take a step backward.

Chen says South Korea remains the team Taiwan ultimately wants to beat, but
Vietnam also presents the more immediate hurdle.

Four players on Vietnam's roster play under Chen at Team Secret Whales --
which has dominated the League of Legends Championship Pacific throughout
this year.

Chen says Taiwan's Asian Games League of Legends team may have less than a
week to practice together before departing for Japan on September 27 due to
their ongoing club commitments.

Eight teams will play best-of-one round-robin matches in two groups on
September 29 and 30, with the top two in each group advancing.
The best-of-three semifinals will be held on October 1, followed by a
best-of-five final the following day.

Posted on 2026-09-15 07:08:13

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim says her recent visit to the Italian island of
Ventotene was rewarding because she saw a growing number of international
friends willing to learn about Taiwan and hear its story.

According to Hsiao, she felt the international community's concern for Taiwan
while attending the Second Ventotene European Conference for Freedom and
Democracy.

Hsiao says the most significant part of the trip was not only in attending a
forum at a specific location, but also in having Taiwan's voice heard by so
many more people in a place of such historical significance.

Speaking after arriving back in Taiwan, Hsiao noted that Ventotene was used
to detain political dissidents during World War II ...

... she citing remarks from her Friday address at the conference, Hsiao says
"whether it is Ventotene or Taiwan, no island is too small to have a voice,
and no island or society is too small to deserve respect."

Hsiao also says the trip was not announced in advance to avoid "unnecessary
interference," referring to China's objections.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Hsiao was invited by European Parliament
Vice President Pina Picierno to speak at the conference.

Posted on 2026-09-15 07:08:13

The Mainland Affairs Council is warning of the potential risks of traveling
to China.

It comes as new entry and exit rules take effect.

However, the council says the government is not planning to raise its travel
alert for China.

According to Mainland Affairs Council deputy head Shen Yu-chung, the new
regulations potentially pose risks to information, business and personal
security, and he's urging people to carefully assess the risks and avoid
unnecessary travel to China.

Shen says the five groups that may face heightened risks are Taiwan
businesspeople in China, executives of Taiwan companies, workers in the
semiconductor and other high-tech sectors, frontline civil servants, and
members of certain religious groups.

The council deputy head also says people who fall into those categories
should register their trips to China as an additional safety precaution.

The new rules reportedly authorize Chinese customs officials and visa
authorities to require people entering or leaving the country to disclose
files and digital information, including data stored on mobile phones and
laptops.

The rules also stipulate that people who violate export restrictions or
technology management regulations, or who are deemed to pose a threat to the
security of Chinese industries or technologies, can be barred from leaving
China.

Posted on 2026-09-15 07:08:13

The first group of foreign skilled workers recruited for the hospitality
sector has arrived from Indonesia.

Their arrival marks the rollout of a government program aimed at easing labor
shortages in the hotel industry.

The 35 Indonesians were recruited by the Regent Hotel Taipei.

They arrived at Taoyuan International Airport under the Multinational Skilled
Worker Enhancement Program, which the Lai administration launched in January
to allow hospitality businesses to recruit foreign skilled workers.

The Indonesians were welcomed at the airport by Huang Wei-cheng, the deputy
director of the Ministry of Labor's Cross-Border Workforce Recruitment Center
- who says Taiwan's hospitality sector faces an annual labor shortage of
around 6,000 workers.

The first group of foreign skilled workers recruited for the hospitality
sector are mostly in their 20s and had previously spent at least a year
interning in Taiwan.

They are required to obtain at least A2-level Mandarin speaking or listening
proficiency within three years of starting work here.

Posted on 2026-09-15 07:08:13

Employees at snack maker Kuai Kuai are demanding compensation after the
company sold the site of its factory in Taoyuan's Zhongli District and
announced plans to relocate its operations to Hsinchu.

According to the Kuai Kuai Zhongli factory union, the company sold the land
for 5.6-billion N-T in late July and the company that controls the snack
maker failed to adequately safeguard the interests of long-serving employees.

The union says employees only learned about the land sale through news
reports and were not formally informed until September 1 of plans to relocate
the factory.

The Taoyuan Confederation of Trade Unions is supporting the Kuai Kuai factory
union - saying the distance between Zhongli and Hsinchu is more than 39
kilometers, making the proposed relocation impractical for many employees.

The trade unions secretary-general says nearly 20 workers have resigned since
the sale and the company is clearly hoping more employees will leave
voluntarily so it could avoid paying severance packages.

The Ministry of Labor says it has the company to engage in "proactive and
transparent" dialogue with workers and the union at a labor-management
mediation meeting scheduled for tomorrow.

Posted on 2026-09-15 07:08:13

The Supreme Court has upheld a five-and-a-half year sentence for a man
convicted of physically abusing his live-in girlfriend's 4-year-old son,
leaving the child with permanent brain damage and disabilities.

The ruling upheld a High Court verdict finding the man guilty of
intentionally causing serious bodily harm to a child.

According to the court, the abuse took place in March and 2024, when the man
became angry because he believed the boy was refusing to follow instructions.

He forced the child to stand as punishment.

The child later collapsed and the man then slapped the boy causing him to
fall, struck him on the head with a slipper and kicked him in the chest.

The child then hit the back of his head on the floor and lost consciousness.

The man was initially sentenced to two years in prison by the Taoyuan
District Court for intentionally injuring a child.

The High Court later increased that sentence to five years and six months.

Posted on 2026-09-15 07:08:13

The National Archives Administration has marked the 40th anniversary of
Taipei Zoo's September 14, 1986 move from original site in Yuanshan to the
Wenshan District, by posting historic photos of the move on its website.

The photos of the Taipei Zoo Relocation Parade include images of student
athletes from Taipei's Kainan High School leading vehicles carrying animals
through the city.

Other photos show engineers designing animal enclosures with artificial
hills, as well as the roughly 14-kilometer parade route.

The route was planned to accommodate animals of different sizes and heights,
with avoided as many overpasses as possible to accommodate the giraffes.

In addition to the photos, the administration is also highlighting archival
records explaining the decision to relocate the zoo.

Those records show that the government spent more than a decade selecting a
site and planning and building the new zoo.

Posted on 2026-09-15 07:08:13

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine is ready to stop strikes on
Russian territory if allies secure a Russian commitment not to hit Ukraine’s
infrastructure.

His comments Monday follow President Donald Trump’s claim that Russia and
Ukraine agreed not to target each other’s energy infrastructure.

Trump has urged Zelenskyy to stop targeting Russian oil refineries, blaming
these attacks for a global diesel shortage.

Diesel prices have surged in the U.S., and high fuel costs associated with
the Iran war have become a major issue for Trump’s party in upcoming
congressional elections.

Posted on 2026-09-15 07:08:13

Meanwhile...

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned he expects Russia to escalate
the war "in the coming weeks" and has convened an emergency national security
meeting after the Russian drone struck a Warsaw-bound passenger train at a
Ukrainian station roughly two kilometres from the Polish border.

Poland has restricted eastern airspace and imposed night flight bans, while
Ukraine's state rail operator says the drone's likely intended target was a
diplomatic train carrying former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and
former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt, which had departed ahead of
schedule.

Moscow claims it was striking infrastructure used to deliver Western military
equipment to Ukraine.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Monday that the Russian strikes would
drive the military alliance to increase its support for Kyiv.

Posted on 2026-09-15 07:08:13

A crucial Saudi oil pipeline that was struck in an attack will mostly be out
of service for weeks as the damage is repaired.

That's according to two regional officials.

The East-West Pipeline, which runs across the kingdom, is key to Saudi
Arabia’s strategy of shifting its oil exports to the Red Sea to avoid the
Persian Gulf’s Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian attacks have stifled shipping.

An attack that Saudi Arabia blamed on drones from Iranian-backed militias in
Iraq forced the shutdown of the pipeline on Thursday.

The officials, who have been briefed on the matter, said repairing the damage
could take three to five weeks.

Posted on 2026-09-15 07:08:13

The leaders of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have signed a pact that
threatens the breakup of the United Kingdom.

The first ministers of the three semiautonomous regions of the U.K. told
Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his government to prepare for constitutional
change and that their future lies with the European Union.

This announcement came two days after U.S. President Donald Trump expressed
support for a reunified Ireland.

It marks the first time leaders from all three regions are from
pro-independence or pro-unification parties.

Burnham's spokesperson dismissed the threat, emphasizing unity and shared
values.

Experts say the summit is symbolically important but lacks legal
significance, highlighting ongoing tensions within the U.K.

Posted on 2026-09-15 07:08:13

Chile has become the first South American country to eliminate
dog-transmitted rabies to humans, according to the World Health Organization.

The achievement follows over five decades of public health efforts focused on
prevention and surveillance.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Chile's commitment,
highlighting the impact of sustained investment in public health.

The last reported case in Chile was in 1972.

Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear but can be prevented through
vaccination and timely treatment.

Chile's success involved extensive vaccination campaigns and community
education.

Posted on 2026-09-14 20:14:13

Taiwan is warning of increased risks for people traveling to China as new
entry and exit rules take effect, but says it is not raising its travel alert
for China for now.

Mainland Affairs Council deputy head Shen Yu-chung says the rules could put
information, business and personal security at risk.

He says five groups face particular risks: Taiwanese businesspeople and
company executives, high-tech workers, frontline civil servants and members
of some religious groups.

Shen says Chinese authorities can require travelers to provide digital
information from phones and laptops when entering or leaving the country.

The rules also allow authorities to restrict people from leaving China over
technology, export or national security concerns. In some cases, people may
not be told they are subject to the restrictions until they try to leave.

Taiwan's current travel alert for China remains at orange, meaning people
should avoid non-essential travel.

Posted on 2026-09-14 19:51:13

The Supreme Court has upheld a five-and-a-half-year prison sentence for a man
convicted of severely abusing his girlfriend's four-year-old son.

The sentence is final and cannot be appealed.

The man, surnamed Wang, was living with the woman and her son in Taoyuan when
the abuse took place in March 2024.

Court documents say Wang repeatedly hit the boy and kicked him, causing him
to fall and lose consciousness.

The boy suffered severe brain injuries, and medical experts said they were
highly unlikely to have been caused by an accidental fall.

Despite prolonged treatment, he was left with permanent brain damage,
impaired movement and delays in speech and cognitive development.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-09-14 19:51:13

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an says he's open to a mayoral debate where
candidates directly question each other.

His DPP challenger Puma Shen has called for a public debate that includes
cross-examination on policy issues.

DPP Taipei City Councilor Li Jian-chang (李建昌) asked Chiang today whether he
would accept such a format.

Chiang said he has already committed to taking part in a debate ... and that
cross-examination is an option if the candidates can agree on the format.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-09-14 19:51:13

Jiang's campaign for Taichung mayor

The ruling DPP's Taichung branch says it's considering expelling former
lawmaker Lin Feng-xi (林豐喜) from the party ...

... after he became head of an advisory group supporting the opposition KMT
Taichung mayoral candidate Jiang Qi-chen (江啟臣).

The party will discuss the case at a meeting on Wednesday and decide whether
disciplinary action is needed.

DPP Taichung mayoral candidate Ho Hsin-chun (何欣純) says the matter will be
handled by party officials.

The meeting will also address the case of city council candidate Lin Yu-mei,
who left the DPP and registered to run for office.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-09-14 19:51:13

Hsinchu City has opened 29 new YouBike stations today ... bringing the number
added this year to 50.

Mayor Kao Hong-an (高虹安) says the new stations connect residential areas with
schools, parks and transportation links ... making YouBike more convenient
for short trips.

Demand has also been growing since the city began subsidizing the first 30
minutes of each ride in April.

About 321-thousand rides were recorded in May ... a monthly record and up 65
percent from a year earlier.

The city says it will continue expanding the network and improving bike
services.

Another 20 stations and 450 electric-assist bikes are expected by the end of
the year ... which would give Hsinchu City more than 185 stations and over
3-thousand bikes.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-09-14 19:51:13

China has hit back at a call from the head of AI company Anthropic for the
U-S to curb China's artificial intelligence capabilities.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun says fearmongering,
confrontation and what he called "vicious competition" will only disrupt
global efforts to govern AI.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warned in an essay published over the weekend that
a Chinese lead in AI would pose a serious danger to the United States and the
world.

U-S President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are expected to
discuss AI governance at a planned meeting on September 24th.

Posted on 2026-09-14 19:51:13

European leaders are meeting in Finland to discuss the growing strategic
importance of the Arctic.

Climate change has opened new shipping routes and made the region's natural
resources more accessible, attracting growing interest from governments.

But Russia's increased military presence in the Arctic has also raised
security concerns.

The meeting follows Norway's seizure of a Russian vessel in the Arctic at
Ukraine's request.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo says the Arctic is important to Europe's
security and prosperity.

The European Arctic Summit is being seen as a "dress rehearsal" for a planned
overhaul of the European Union's Arctic policy later this year.

Posted on 2026-09-14 18:51:13

The Consumers' Foundation has begun accepting applications for a class-action
lawsuit against the Airlee Clinic Group over the hidden-camera scandal.

The foundation says 133 people have already registered to join the class
action, including 49 who have reported the case to police.

The lawsuit covers seven Airlee branches and is not limited to the 99 victims
identified by prosecutors.

Other consumers can apply if they have records showing they received
treatment or had appointments at the affected clinics during the relevant
periods.

Applications will be accepted through November 30th.

The foundation is also asking participants to document any fear, anxiety or
emotional distress they experienced, so their psychological harm can be
considered.

The scandal came to light in May after a suspected hidden camera was
discovered inside a smoke detector at the group's branch in New Taipei
Banqiao District.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-09-14 18:51:13

The Taoyuan Airport MRT will add an extra weekday evening service from Taipei
Main Station starting September 21st ... to help ease rush-hour crowds.

The new train will leave A1 Taipei Main Station at 6:04 P-M and stop at every
station before arriving at Airport Terminal 2 at around 6:50.

The operator says average daily ridership reached a record high of more than
130-thousand passengers during the first eight months of this year.

The additional service will shorten the average interval between trains from
Taipei Main Station toward the airport to about five and a half minutes
between 6 and 7 P-M.

The operator says it will continue adjusting services based on passenger
demand and crowd levels.

(IG)

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

The Taipei City Government says it has recovered nearly 10-million NT it paid
to cover medical costs for victims of the Polam Kopitiam food poisoning case.

The city says it used private disaster-relief donations to pay nearly
9.84-million NT in medical expenses soon after the outbreak in March 2024.

The money was later repaid in full by the restaurant operator and an
insurance company in June last year.

Separately, Taipei officials say the restaurant was fined six times for
violations related to the case, including failing to maintain required
insurance coverage.

Those fines, totaling 3.5-million NT, remain unpaid and have been referred to
the Ministry of Justice for forced collection.

The food poisoning outbreak, which occurred in late March 2024, resulted in
33 reported illnesses --- including six individuals who later died.

(IG)

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

A group of KMT lawmakers is visiting the US, where they are hoping to focus
on topics like tech innocation, smart transit, and social welfare.

The group, including Xu Qiao Xin, Huang Jian Hao, and Luo Zhi Qiang, among
others, is in San Francisco, and is also planing to visit LA, DC, and New
York on the 12 day visit.

The delegation will aim to conduct dialogue with US counterparts to improve
policies.

They have already met with members of the San Francisco city government...

adding that they hope to deepen cooperation with the US.

(AH)

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

Newly-released government footage shows Formosan black bears venturing closer
to human habitats than previously thought.

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency released tracking footage from
camera-fitted collars on released bears, revealing that the animals scavenge
leftover food waste near mountain huts.

Experts warned that bears quickly learn to frequent areas with accessible
food, urging mountain visitors to secure all waste and food scraps.

The agency also introduced new human-bear conflict response guidelines,
establishing a four-tiered protocol to manage sightings and intrusions.

It says AI warning systems and bear-proof containers are being implemented in
high-risk mountain areas to mitigate safety risks.

(NS)

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

Now turning to international news...

Yemeni officials say, the Houthi rebels have captured more strategic islands
in the Red Sea.

These developments thus strengthen Houthi control of a major maritime
shipping route.

The rebels deployed fighters on the islands of Greater Hanish and Lesser
Hanish.

Officials say the Houthis took over the islands after hundreds of
government-allied forces withdrew from the area.

The Houthis previously seized the port city of Mokha and the island of Mayun.

The escalation adds pressure on global oil supplies and prices.

The United Nations estimates that more than 80,000 people in Yemen have been
displaced by the fighting since the start of September.

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

In the U.S., a judge in Washington, D.C. has issued a new order freezing U.S.
President Donald Trump's attempt to limit mail voting for the midterm
elections.

A previous order from another judge is already before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Election officials say they could not implement Trump's new requirements
before November.

The decision is significant because the judge was nominated by Trump and had
earlier declined to freeze the president's executive order, saying at the
time it was premature.

In issuing a preliminary injunction, he wrote that it's now clear many people
could lose their ability to vote if it goes into effect.

(KK)

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

elections.

A Muslim autonomous region in the southern Philippines is holding its first
parliamentary elections.

It marks a crucial step toward self-rule after decades of insurgency and
violence in Mindanao

Established under a 2014 peace deal, the region aims for broader autonomy,
with former rebels agreeing to demobilize.

Since the 1970s, about 150,000 people have died in the conflict.

The area was once a haven for extremist groups but has seen a decline in
violence.

More than 20,000 soldiers and police have been deployed for the elections,
which feature 80 parliamentary seats.

Officials expect an 80-per cent voter turnout.

Posted on 2026-09-14 16:26:14

Another suspected food poisoning case has surfaced in Taipei, with two girls
at Taipei Municipal Zhong-Shan (中山) Girls High School believed to have gotten
sick from fried tempura on the 7th.

That's after 87 students at Cheng Yuan (成淵) High School got sick the same day
from hot food at their school...

/and/ another 10 students at Taipei's Dali (大理) High School, which shares the
same supplier with Cheng Yuan, got sick as well.

Zhongshan High School says that they're investigating the issue, and that
they're not serving any fried foods at the moment as a precaution.

They also note that the two girls' symptoms differ from those of the other
affected students.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-09-14 16:26:14

The Da-peng Bay National Scenic Area Administration is reminding fishermen
not to take their vessels into popular diving areas and to slow down when
operating nearby.

The statement follows an incident that happened yesterday in the waters close
to a Xiao-liu-qiu' 小琉球 diving hotspot where a fishing boat repeatedly came
dangerously close to a group of freedivers.

The group's instructor said she was taking students diving at the Da-fu dive
site at around 11 a.m and secured a dive buoy and put up a dive flag.

But a fishing vessel continued to approach at one point and nearly struck the
divers, forcing her to tell them to leave the water.

The Administration said it will also notify the relevant fisheries
authorities to look into the fishing boat's actions at the time of the
incident.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-09-14 16:26:14

In international news,

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is courting some of the world’s biggest
investors as he tries to reduce Canada’s economic dependence on the United
States during an escalating trade war with U.S. President Donald Trump.

That's as Carney joins about 300 CEOs and senior executives are gathering in
Toronto for the Canada Investment Summit.

Carney previously ran the central banks of Canada and England, and has a
strong background in finance.

He is pitching Canada’s energy and critical minerals, educated workforce,
global trade access and political stability as reasons to invest.

While the summit is a large gathering of investment decision-makers, major
deals aren't expected to come from it right away.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-09-14 16:26:14

In the U.S., Amazon says it has suspended its partnership with 21 Air after
one of the cargo carrier’s planes loaded with Amazon packages careened off a
Florida runway last week and killed five people.

On September 6, the Boeing 767 came in fast, barreled nearly 400 meters past
the end of the runway, and smashed into a van carrying workers at a plane
cleaning company.

All five people who died were in the van.

Five others were hurt.

Amazon said Sunday it has decided to pause operations with 21 Air as the
investigation into the crash continues.

21 Air had flown packages for Amazon since 2024.

The company didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment about
Amazon’s decision.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-09-14 15:08:13

The first batch of MQ-9B drones has undergone their first flight tests at an
air base in Hualien.

A confidential source said that the tests were conducted after the military
and drone manufacturer completed assembly of the first two of four total
drones delivered to Taiwan earlier this year.

This comes after the Deputy Defense Minister and Representative to the US in
March attended a handover ceremony in the US.

The US has agreed to deliver four of the drones to Taiwan this year and next.

Experts say that the role of the MQ-9Bs in Taiwan is to improve battlefield
reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities rather than act as an offensive
weapon.

Others note that the drones are able to link satellite communications
networks among US allies...

so Taiwan and US counterparts could share intelligence at once.

（AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-09-14 15:08:13

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim says that she witnessed increased internaitonal
interest in Taiwan during her visit to Italy.

That's following her return today to Taiwan from the Italian island of
Ventotene.

She says that she felt the international community's concern for Taiwan on
her trip.

She added that it was rewarding to have Taiwan's voice heard by so many more
people.

Hsiao noted that Ventotene has a history of political violence, as it was
used to detain political dissidents during World War II.

She said that, in her remarks at the European Conference for Freedom and
Democracy, she pointed out that Taiwan and Europe both face authoritarian
threats...

which is why she pledged at the conference that Taiwan and Europe would be
steadfast in upholding a free and democratic way of life.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-09-14 15:08:13

Taiwan

Now turning to international news...

Okinawa has elected its first conservative governor in 12 years.

Nikkei Asia reports that the election could clear the way for more military
buildup in the prefecture.

Genta Koja of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party defeated the incumbent.

Koja campaigned on moving a US Marine Corps air station to the Henoko
district of Nago...

a strategy thought to be a response to China's growing aggression and
military power in the region.

Okinawa has been at the center of Tokyo's planning for responding to a
Chinese attack on Taiwan...

and Chinese military activity around Okinawa has intensified in recent years.

Despite the apparent win for the government of Sanae Takaichi, analysts note
that Koja is not willing to support every aspect of the government's defense
policies.

Posted on 2026-09-14 15:08:13

Sweden's national election is too close to call today...

but preliminary results appear to show the left-wing with a slight lead.

If that trend continues, it would appear that former PM Magdalena Andersson
would be poised to return to office, ousting current PM Ulf Kristersson.

Current results appear to show the left-wing opposition with a 3 seat
advantage over the right-wing coalition.

Kristersson, however, has said he will consider exploring "possibilities"
given the close result.

He has led Sweden since 2022 with a three party center-right coalition, but
far-right parties have been for the first time promised Cabinet posts if the
governing coalition returns to office.

Final results are expected by Wednesday.

Posted on 2026-09-14 14:07:13

TPP founder Ke Wen zhe says that cooperation between the KMT and TPP has been
the most outstanding in Chiayi City.

Ko's comments come after he said told local media yesterday that cooperation
in Hsin-chu County was "hard to save" and that Chang-hua is "beyond saving."

That's as Ke is in Chiayi to promote his party's mayoral candidate Zhang Qi
Kai 張啓楷.

Ke noted that the Chiayi City offices of the KMT had helped to promote Zhang
by accompanying him to many meetings...

along with sitting KMT city councilors as well as hopefuls.

Zhang said, he was doubtful that tensions between the TPP and KMT in Hsinchu
would spill over into Chiayi.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-09-14 14:07:13

The Taiwan Blood Services Foundation is joining hands with McDonald's to
encourage young people to give blood.

That's as the rate of under-20 year olds donating blood has dropped by 57%
over the past 10 years.

Taiwan Blood Services and McDonald's will visit dozens of colleges through
the end of October to promote blood donation...

and participants will get McDonald's coupons.

McDonald's Taiwan says that people who give 250 cc's of blood at schools
across the country during the promotion period will get burger coupons...

adding that the first 50 people at each school who are giving blood for the
first time will also get other prizes and coupons.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-09-14 14:07:13

Taiwan shares are down today, with the benchmark tai ex losing 322 points to
close the session at 45862.

The turnover was 630.9 billion NT

Posted on 2026-09-14 14:07:13

Now turning to international news...

A Russian drone has struck a train near the Ukraine-Polish border.

The attack took place shortly after senior visiting officials, including
former prime ministers of the UK and Sweden, passed through.

Ukraine's state rail operator said a train carrying Boris Johnson and Carl
Bildt, among others, had purposely left the station ahead of schedule.

They added that it was "highly probable" that the diplomatic train was the
intended target.

The visitors had been on their way back from a security conference in Kyiv.

There were no immediate reports of casualties on any of the trains.

The train operator said it “constantly adjusts train schedules” to guard
against strikes.

Posted on 2026-09-14 14:07:13

And in related news...

Some Russians are leaving the country as fears mount over a new mobilization
of troops for Russia's war on Ukraine...

as well as a crackdown on their personal freedoms.

A group that helps Russians move abroad has reported a rise in people
inquiring about emigration.

Concerns about the invasion of Ukraine, the economy, and tightening personal
freedoms, and driving people away.

Ukrainian counterattacks have caused an unprecedented fuel crisis in Russia
and dealt blows to the e-commerce sector.

The Russian government has used these attacks to justify harsh restrictions
on connecting to the internet.

Current migration trends are not as pronounced as in 2022, when many fled a
partial call-up for the military.

This time, LGBT activists have also fled, with one leaving after being put in
jail for wearing a T-shirt with rainbow-colored print on it.

Russian authorities have made what they call "the international LGBT
movement" illegal, sometimes leading to misdemeanor charges for carrying
items with rainbows on them.

Posted on 2026-09-14 07:03:13

No damage or injuries are being reported following this morning's magnitude
4.7 earthquake that rattled Hualien.

The quake struck at 3:21 and was centered some 54-kilometers south southwest
of Hualien County Hall at a depth of 17-kilometers.

It was felt stongest in Hualien's Wanrong Township and Nantou's Yushan area -
where it registered a magnitude 4 on the Central Weather Administration's
intensity scale.

The quake registered a 3 on the intensity scale in other parts of Hualien and
2 in parts of Taitung, Chiayi and Tainan.

Posted on 2026-09-14 07:03:14

The vice president of the European Parliament has called Taiwan's Vice
President Hsiao Bi-khim a role model for freedom-loving women around the
world.

Pina Picierno made the comment after Hsiao made an unannounced visit to Italy
to attend the Second Ventotene European Conference for Freedom and Democracy
late last week.

Picierno said she believes the world needs the courage of women and as
authoritarian regimes threaten democracies, there's an even greater need for
courageous women like Hsiao.

Picierno further acknowledged Hsiao's fight for human rights and women's
rights.

The Presidential Office has said Hsiao was invited to the event by its
organizers, despite strong protests from Beijing.

The trip was Hsiao's second visit to a European country since she took office
in May 2024.

Her first visit was in November of 2025 to Brussels to address a meeting of
the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China.

Posted on 2026-09-14 07:03:14

The military is scheduled to hold a three-day live-fire drill joint precision
strike drills later this week at its Jioupeng Base in Pingtung.

Defense officials say the exercise will include the use of missiles, rockets
and drones as part of efforts to assess long-range precision-strike
capabilities and test new equipment.

The annual exercise is hosted on an rotating basis by the Navy and the Air
Force and this year’s exercise is hosted by the Navy.

Three warning zones have been designated: one covers waters east of the
coastline from Taimali in Taitung to Eluanbi in Pingtung.

The second extends from the Taitung-Pingtung boundary eastward to waters off
Green Island and Orchid Island, while the third is located in waters east of
Chenggong and Taimali in Taitung.

Posted on 2026-09-14 07:03:14

More than 100 Taiwanese-Americans, Taiwan lawmakers and members of civic
groups marched through New York City calling for Taiwan's inclusion in the
United Nations.

The participants included the Marshall Islands' United Nations envoy, John
Silk.

Silk expressed his hope that Taiwan will one day be able to participate in
U-N meetings as a member, saying that was a goal shared by Taiwan, the
Marshall Islands and the international community.

The march was headed by D-P-P lawmaker Wang Yi-chuan and Shih Shu-hua, the
head of the Taiwan United Nations Alliance.

Wang says the annual march provides an opportunity for Taiwan to make its
voice heard near the U-N headquarters.

Many foreign passers-by stopped to take photos or videos and gave the
marchers a thumbs-up when they heard the "UN for Taiwan" chants.

The 81st Session of the U-N General Assembly opened on September 8 and the
high-level General Debate is scheduled for September 22 through 28.

Posted on 2026-09-14 07:03:14

Premier Zhu Rong-tai has been encouraging newlyweds to have children at a
mass wedding organized by Chunghwa Telecom in Taipei.

A total of 72 couples tied the knot at the event, Zhu had been invited to
served as a witness at the ceremony held at the Grand Hotel.

Zhu thanked the newlyweds for taking a step that he claimed could help Taiwan
"effectively address its demographic challenges."

But even as he encouraged the couples to have children, Zhu also stressed
that childbirth remains a personal choice.

He did use his speech to promote the Lai administration's plans to introduce
monthly child-rearing allowance starting next year, as well as expanded
childcare services and measures aimed at easing housing and education costs.

Zhu also said he hopes state-owned enterprises will organize more large-scale
mass weddings, noting that Tai-Power is also planning to hold one.

Data from the Ministry of the Interior shows that the number of births
dropped for a 10th consecutive year.

Posted on 2026-09-14 07:03:14

The Taoyuan District Court has approved a detention order for a man who
allegedly held an airline intern at knifepoint at Taoyuan International
Airport this past weekend.

Taoyuan prosecutors filed a the request citing the pending charges against
the man, which include assault, deprivation of personal liberty with a
weapon, coercion and an offense against public safety.

The court says that statements from the victim and witnesses, as well as
body-camera and surveillance footage and photographs of the victim's
injuries, provided sufficient grounds to suspect the man of multiple
offenses.

The incident occured in the Cathay Pacific Airways staff lounge in Terminal
1, where man held a Cathay Pacific intern at knifepoint until police subdued
him by using pepper spray and tasers.

The victim and several police officers suffered only minor injurues.

Police say they found as bag containing drug residue and drug paraphernalia
after subduing the suspect.

Posted on 2026-09-14 07:03:14

And,

Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dwight Howard returned to Taiwan this past
weekend to attend a charity event organized by the New Taipei Kings and The
Asian Tournament at Xinzhuang Gymnasium.

Howard said he was "always glad" to return to Taiwan and he missed Taiwan's
food.

The basketball player led an Asian Tournament All-Star team in the "Kings
Heart Classic" after serving as a guest commentator for the Kings' friendly
match against the Macau Black Knights.

The Kings' says part of the proceeds from the event are being donated to PACK
Taiwan, an animal welfare organization.

Howard became one of Taiwan's most prominent foreign athletes after joining
the Taoyuan Leopards in the now-defunct T1 League for the 2022-2023 season,
following an 18-season N-B-A career.

He returned to Taiwan in July 2024 to play for the Taiwan Mustangs in The
Asian Tournament, in which he has an ownership stake.

Posted on 2026-09-14 07:03:14

North Korea held a live-fire drill to test long-range artillery and missile
‌units of its army at the weekend.

Pyongyang's state media KCNA said the "joint firepower attack drill"
involved five army units and tested several weapon systems, including
various attack drones, tactical cruise missiles, tactical ballistic
missiles, and large-caliber multiple rocket launchers.

The drill was reportedly held to boost the morale of the troops and improve
their capabilities ‌to "completely ⁠collapse the enemy" anytime an order is
placed,

The live fire drill was held after last week's joint military exercise among
South Korea, Japan and the United States.

Posted on 2026-09-14 07:03:14

State-run media in Iran say an Iranian commercial vessel has been struck off
Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, with one person killed and four
wounded.
There was no immediate statement from the U.S. military, which has previously
struck Iranian-flagged vessels as part of its blockade of Iranian ports.

After the attack, a plan by Tehran to brief countries in the region on its
contested efforts to manage shipping in the strait was postponed.

The foreign minister of Oman, which was going to host the talks, said via
social media that the meeting had been postponed “in the interests of
consensus.”

Posted on 2026-09-12 14:07:13

A US court has declared that the Energy Department exceeded its authority by
forcing a Michigan coal-fired power plant to remain open past its scheduled
retirement date last year.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright had said the 64-year-old J.H. Campbell plant
was needed to ensure reliable electricity in the region, and he used
emergency powers to keep it operating.

Environmental groups and three states -- Michigan, Illinois and Minnesota --
went to court to try to overturn orders keeping the plant online.

The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit sided with the
plaintiffs -- saying there was no real emergency.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-09-12 14:07:13

US President Donald Trump is landing in Dublin today for talks with Ireland's
president and prime minister.

It's part of a weekend trip that has more to do with a major golf tournament
being played at a club he owns in Doonbeg.

Trump is set to hold separate meetings with Irish President Catherine
Connolly and Prime Minister Micheál Martin.
Trump also plans remarks to US and Irish business leaders at the US
ambassador's official residence before he travels to Doonbeg, which is on the
country's Atlantic coast. The Irish Open ends tomorrow.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-09-12 13:07:14

In community news:

The British Chamber of Commerce in Taipei has established a new community
service award in memory of longtime Taiwan resident Michael Boyden.

His wife, Katy Boyden, accepted the inaugural award on his behalf during the
chamber's 10th Better Business Awards.

She says her late husband's willingness to help others made him the
equivalent of a li-chang (里長), or ward chief, for the international
community.

Moving forward the award will continue to recognize others who contribute to
Taiwan's local and international communities.

(TB)

Posted on 2026-09-12 13:07:14

A federal jury has found rapper Lil Durk not guilty of attempted
murder-for-hire of rival rapper Quando Rondo.

The shooting at a Los Angeles gas station resulted in the death of Rondo's
cousin.

The jury deliberated for three days before acquitting Lil Durk of conspiracy
and murder-for-hire.

Supporters including Machine Gun Kelly and Ye attended the trial.

Durk remains in custody pending a racketeering trial.

Prosecutors alleged Durk paid to have Rondo killed after a member of Rondo's
entourage fatally shot rapper King Von in 2020. Durk's legal name is Durk
Banks.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-09-12 12:08:13

The 2026 Penghu Cross-Sea Marathon will take place on November 1st, inviting
runners to experience the islands' coastal scenery, local culture and autumn
charm.

The internationally certified IAAF/AIMS course follows a point-to-point route
connecting Penghu's main islands, without doubling back or circling the same
course. More than 3 thousand runners are expected to participate.

Along the way, participants can fuel up on lobster and more than 60 Penghu
specialties, including seafood gnocchi soup, mackerel, flying fish roe
sausages and brown sugar cake. Creative local cheerleading squads will line
the route to encourage competitors.

To promote sustainable tourism, the marathon enforces a single-use-cup
policy, requiring runners to bring reusable hydration gear.

With expansive sea views, pleasant autumn weather, and Penghu's iconic
seasonal breezes, the event offers an ideal way to explore "The Most
Beautiful Bays in the World" on foot.

Posted on 2026-09-12 12:08:13

A Hong Kong court has sentenced three activists who for years organized
vigils to mark China's 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.

The three organizers will serve prison terms of about five to seven years.

The case was widely seen as a barometer of the city's freedoms as Beijing
clamps down on dissent.

Lee Cheuk-yan, Chow Hang-tung and Albert Ho were convicted of inciting
subversion earlier this year under a Beijing-imposed national security law.

Lee and Chow were sentenced to terms of seven years and seven years and three
months, respectively. Ho was given a shorter sentence of five years and two
months, partly because of his guilty plea.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-09-12 12:08:13

Ben Shelton won the all-American semifinal duel with Frances Tiafoe ...
putting him in position to potentially end a long drought of Grand Slam
championship titles for American men.

Shelton lost the first set but won the next three. He'll play No. 1 seed
Alexander Zverev tomorrow for the US Open title.

The No. 8-seeded Shelton managed to defeat defending champion Carlos Alcaraz
in a quarterfinal match that ended Wednesday at 3:33 am local time.

It was the latest finish ever at the US Open.

If he wins against Zverev he'll be the first men's major winner since Andy
Roddick in 2003.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-09-12 11:06:13

South Korea says North Korea has launched multiple short-range ballistic
missiles toward the waters off its east coast.

South Korea's military said it detected the launches of several missiles from
North Korea's eastern coastal Wonsan area today.

The US Pacific Command says the launch event didn't pose an immediate threat
to US or allied territory.

The launch comes a day after the US, South Korea and Japan ended their
five-day military drill that North Korea views as a security threat.

South Korea's military has said the Freedom Edge exercise is defensive in
nature.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-09-12 11:06:13

The death toll from a ferry fire in the Philippines has risen to 35, with 54
still missing.

The fire erupted Wednesday night, and rescuers struggled Thursday to search
the vessel due to heat and smoke.

The ferry was near its destination in Palawan province when the fire was
reported.

The cause remains unknown.

According to the manifest, 134 people were onboard. Sea accidents are common
in the Philippines due to storms, poorly maintained vessels and
overcrowding.

AP_JvW

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