ICRT

Posted on 2026-04-01 17:25:13

The Ministry of Economic Affairs says state-run CPC has taken on an
additional cost of $6.5 billion U-S dollars, the equivalent of 207.5 billion
NT, in costs since the start of the Middle East conflict.

The ministry says it plans to propose a capital injection of about $167
billion NT for the CPC next year, with the proposal sent to the legislature
by August.

Officials say persistently high global oil and gas prices, along with rising
LNG procurement costs, are driving the increase, as Taiwan seeks to secure
supplies from alternative sources.

KMT lawmaker Ye Yuan-zhi (葉元之) noted that LNG shipments have become
significantly more expensive, with each tanker costing an extra one billion
NT.

Higher fuel costs are also impacting electricity generation, with TaiPower's
monthly costs rising by about $10 billion NT.

The ministry indicated the financial burden could persist as energy prices
remain elevated.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-04-01 17:25:13

A Nantou county environmental impact assessment meeting today again
encountered stiff opposition from opponents of the proposed Mingjian Township
incinerator project.

Critics from Nantou and other cities and counties turned up to today's
meeting to protest the proposal.

Opponents say that the incinerator should be built in a more populated
township for ease of transportation to and from the facility.

They also slammed the county government, saying that the proposed placement
in Mingjian was a unilateral decision and that residents were against the
proposal.

Local officials are at odds with the county government, accusing the Nantou
government of intentionally holding the meeting far from Mingjian despite
repeated complaints...

although county officials say that Mingjian lacks a suitable meeting venue.

Critics have also raised concerns about the impact on Mingjian's tea industry
and the endangered leopard cat.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-01 17:25:13

Taiwan High Speed Rail is launching a new in-cabin digital service that lets
passengers report problems directly to the train conductor.

Starting today, passengers can scan a QR code printed on the safety
instruction card found in the seat pocket in front of them.

The request goes directly to the conductor for immediate action.

Passengers are reminded that the digital system is for non-emergency reports
only.

HSR officials say the tool is part of an ongoing effort to promote a "quiet
cabin culture."

For situations involving infants or young children, the company says staff
will provide care and assistance following a family-friendly policy.

They are asking other passengers to remain understanding in those cases.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-01 17:25:13

Now turning to international news...

US President Donald Trump says, the military may end its offensive on Iran in
2 to 3 weeks.

This comes as US gas price exceeded an average of 4 dollars per gallon for
the first time since 2022.

He also said that he's planning to shift responsibility for the Strait of
Hormuz to countries that rely on it for oil and shipping.

Trump has been frustrated with allies who have not actively encouraged the US
and Israel's offensive on Iran.

Posted on 2026-04-01 17:25:13

Iraqi officials say a US journalist was kidnapped in Baghdad.

They're pursuing her captors.

The journalist was identified as freelancer Shelly Kittleson by an outlet she
worked for.

A US official blamed the Iran-backed Iraqi militia.

Iraqi officials say that two cars were involved in the kidnapping, one of
which crashed while being pursued.

Kittleson was then transferred to the second car that fled.

Posted on 2026-04-01 17:25:13

And,

Amsterdam is marking 25 years since the world's first same sex marriage.

3 couples tied the knot early this morning at the Dutch capital's city hall.

In the Netherlands, more than 36,000 same sex couples have married.

25 years on from the world's first, more than 40 countries now allow same-sex
marriages.

Yet, marriage equality is under attack in other parts of the world,
particularly in the US, where several states are actively seeking to undo
legal recognition of such marriages.

Meanwhile just this week in Senegal, the president signed a law to toughen
punishment for homosexuality.

Posted on 2026-04-01 16:17:13

The KMT ane TPP election alliance appears to be taking shape.

The KMT legislative caucus today announced more formal cooperation mesures
ahead of the November local elections to put forth the best candidates.

The opposition party said that they hoped to loosen the DPP's grip on power
by creating a stronger opposition union, as there's growing disconnect
between the central government and the realities faced by the public.

The KMT caucus stated that the two parties will cooperate both in the
legislature and campaign for each other in the local elections.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-01 16:17:13

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications is moving to increase
spending on accident prevention, as lawmakers question why rising fines have
failed to reduce accidents.

During a legislative hearing today, lawmakers pointed out that over
16-million traffic tickets were issued last year, but deaths and injuries
also increased to more than 530-thousand cases.

Under current rules, local governments receive 75-percent of the revenue from
traffic fines, but are only required to spend 12-percent of that on safety
equipment, enforcement training, and public awareness.

Transport Minister Chen Shih-kai said the government wants to increase the
mandatory spending to 30%.

He expects a draft of the new rules to be released in the first half of this
year.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-01 16:17:13

The Taipei Zoo is hosting a special holiday program this weekend to teach
children about animal behavior and welfare as part of the city’s Children’s
Day celebrations.

Keepers say the program encourages families to visit the African animal area
to observe young gorilla brothers Jabali and Ringo.

The zoo has placed climbing ropes, water buckets, and burlap bags in their
enclosure to hide food, which encourages the gorillas to stay active and
solve puzzles.

And the zoo is reminding the public that on April 4th, elementary school
students and one accompanying parent can enter the zoo for free.

To get the discount, families must show a "2026 Children's Month" map, which
has already been sent to all local schools and kindergartens.

Parents who do not have a map can pick one up at the Taipei City Hall
information desk or at participating venues while supplies last.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-04-01 16:17:13

In world news...

Iran has hit a tanker off the coast of Qatar and Kuwait International Airport
today.

It comes as Tehran acknowledged for the first time that Washington had been
in direct contact about a possible ceasefire.

Israel sounded warnings of incoming fire from both Yemen and Iran today,
while launching its own attacks in Lebanon that killed at least five people.

Meanwhile an airstrike on Tehran appeared to have hit the former U.S. Embassy
compound, which has been controlled by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard since the
1979 hostage crisis.

With no sign of the war abating and more than 3,000 lives already lost, U.S.
President Donald Trump suggested it could be over within two weeks even as he
moved to bring thousands more troops to the region.

Posted on 2026-04-01 14:07:13

DPP Lawmaker Puma Shen says, if his party taps him to run for Taipei Mayor,
he wouldn't turn it down.

Shen has been rumored to be the number 2 pick for the role, after Vice
Premier Zheng Li-jun.

Shen said this morning that the DPP election strategy committee has not
sought him out, despite being named several times in media reports.

The lawmaker noted that, at the moment, the issues he was following most
closely were arms procurement and the upcoming meeting between the leaders of
the KMT and CCP.

He said, he's focused on his work as a lawmaker...

but wouldn't rule out a run for mayor.

DPP Spokesperson Wu Zheng said last week that the election committee is
mulling over several nominations and is likely to finalize these decisions on
April 7th.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-01 14:07:13

Taichung prosecutors have indicted a poultry farm owner and three others for
burying and dumping thousands of dead chickens during an avian flu outbreak.

Prosecutors accused the four people of illegally disposing of around 2,300
dead chickens—by burying them on-site, dumping some on land in Miaoli, and
discarding others in a drain leading to the sea.

The group also sold eggs from chickens infected with H5N1 bird flu by hiding
the outbreak.

Prosecutors are seeking heavy sentences for the farm owner and the
accomplices, saying that their behaviors posed serious threat to public
health.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-01 14:07:13

Conflict broke out at a meeting this morning to address controversy over a
proposed incinerator project in Nantou county.

This is just the latest iteration of controversy to do with the incincerator
issue.

The county government last year proposed that a garbage incinerator be placed
in Mingjian township, an area that is heavily economically reliant on tea
cultivation.

Critics say that the site poses risks to both tea leaves and the critically
endangered leopard cat.

The meeting today saw protesters throw paper money and tea leaves, calling
for an end to the assessment, citing procedural oversight.

Today's meeting was part of the second phase of an environmental impact
assessment.

The meeting was originally scheduled for March 16th, but conflict prevented
the meeting from continuing.

Today, again, opponents from Nantou and other areas all showed up to voice
their strong opposition.

Magistrate Xu Shu Hua has downplayed public opposition to the project and
emphasized the need to build an incinerator as soon as possible.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-04-01 14:07:13

Taiwan shares are sharply up today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at
33174 after gaining 1451 points

The turnover was 616.1 billion NT

Posted on 2026-04-01 14:07:13

Hundreds of thousands of refugees in Bangladesh will see their food
assistance slashed based on changes made by the World Food Program.

The changes takes effect today, and is causing panic amonst the Ronhingya
refugees struggling to survive in overcrowded camps.

Currently, each of the over one million Ronhingya trapped in the camps gets
about 12 US dollars monthly.

But under the new system, the amount will vary based on the severity of
family needs, with some getting as little as 7 dollars monthly.

Most of the Rohingya in the camps fled brutal attacks by Myanmar's military
in 2017 and are legally barred from working in Bangladesh, leaving them
largely reliant upon humanitarian aid to survive.

The WFP has repeatedly warned that rations in the camps may be slashed as a
result of foreign aid cuts by the US.

Posted on 2026-04-01 13:06:13

The Transport Ministry has instructed Taiwan Railway Corporation to complete
investigations into recent incidents within three days and strengthen
accountability.

Minister Chen Shi-kai said TRC should also improve its standard operating
procedures regarding the replacement of equipment.

His remarks follow a electricity supply failure at Shan-jia (山佳) Station,
in New Taipei, on the 27th that affected 201 trains and delayed or
interrupted TRC services for nearly four hours.

Another incident on the 30th involved a shunting accident where a guide
signaled for the train to slow down about 100 meters before coupling—but the
message was not received.

The train failed to decelerate in time and crashed into the other train,
causing injuries to one worker and damage to both trains.

Chen stressed today that safety must be the top priority for all staff and
passengers.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-01 13:06:13

Air passengers are about to pay higher fuel surcharges due to increased
global oil prices.

The Civil Aviation Administration said today that for domestic airlines, fuel
surcharges on international flights departing Taiwan will rise sharply.

The C-A-A said short-haul routes will see an increase by $890 NT, while
long-haul routes will go up by some $2,300 NT.

That means a passenger traveling on China Airlines or E-V-A Air will pay a
fuel surcharge of around $3,700 NT for long-haul flights.

The adjustments will take effect on April 7th.

CAA officials said carriers should clearly disclose the new charges to
passengers and travel agencies, in a bid to avoid disputes.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-04-01 13:06:13

Under 16 Ban

In international news,

Australia's online safety watchdog is considering bringing court action
against Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube after alleging they
are not doing enough to keep Australian children younger than 16 off their
platforms.

Australia banned young children from holding accounts on 10 social media
platforms in December.

The first report from the eSafety commission about compliance with the law
was issued Tuesday.

While 5 million Australian accounts had been deactivated, a substantial
number of Australian children have retained accounts, created new accounts,
and passed platforms' age assurance systems, the report said.

It found significant concerns with the five platforms and was gathering
evidence against them before deciding whether to initiate court action.

The law also applies to Reddit, X, Kick, Threads and Twitch, but they aren't
under investigation.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-04-01 13:06:13

Pope Leo XIV (the 14th) has expressed hope that the U.S.-Israel war on Iran
could end before Easter.

The U.S.-born pope said Tuesday that he was told that U.S. President Donald
Trump wants to stop the war.

Leo said he hopes that means Trump is looking for an off-ramp.

The pope called on world leaders to return to dialogue to reduce violence, so
that "peace, especially in Easter, might reign in our hearts.''

The pope's remarks came during Holy Week, the most sacred period of the year
for Christians.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-04-01 13:06:13

Posted on 2026-04-01 08:09:14

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

A visiting delegation of members of the European Parliament's Committee on
Security and Defense have met with President Lai Ching-te ...

.. where they said Taiwan and Europe should continue to expand cooperation on
economic and security issues as they face common challenges in a
geopolitically volatile world.

The 11-member delegation arrived in Taiwan earlier this week for a four-day
visit.

Speaking during the meeting, commitee chair Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann
said the trip was organized to show that Taiwan matters to Europe.

According to Strack-Zimmermann, the delegation believes cooperation between
Europe and Taiwan should continue to grow in practical ways, especially on
semiconductors, cybersecurity and supply chain security, critical
infrastructure, and industrial resilience.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the trip is focusing on talks covering
defense, infrastructure, and countering misinformation.

It also includes meetings with senior officials from the National Security
Council, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Institute for National
Defense and Security Research.

It's the first visit to Taiwan by the group since the body's transformation
to a full committee last year.

Posted on 2026-04-01 08:09:15

Premier Cho Jung-tai says rumors that deputy trade representative Yen Hui-xin
experienced workplace bullying before her death are being investigated.

Yen served as a deputy representative at the Office of Trade Negotiations and
died on March 12 at the age of 53.

The K-M-T had been calling for an investigation amid allegations Yen was a
victim of workplace bullying, particularly from Yang Jen-ni, who serves at
the Lai administration's top trade representative.

There have also been calls to remove Yang from her post pending the outcome
of the investigation into Yen's death.

According to Cho, a third-party investigator has been hired to look into the
workplace bullying claims and will submit a full report within two months.

The premier also says he hopes the investigation can be completed as soon as
possible in order the government be able to provide the public with
clarifications surrounding the circumstances of Yen's death.

Posted on 2026-04-01 08:09:15

A former aide to Ma Ying-jeou, during his term as president, has filed a
defamation complaint - citing AI-generated videos he says smeared his
reputation.

Speaking outside the Criminal Investigation Bureau's offices, King Pu-tsung
said the videos contained "false accusations and malicious attacks" and he
called on authorities to identify and punish those responsible.

King also threatened to take further legal action if necessary.

The law suit comes amid an ongoing dispute involving King linked to the Ma
Ying-jeou Foundation.

That dispute centers on the sudden departure of long-time foundation C-E-O
Hsiao Hsu-tsen and staffer Wang Kuang-tzu.

Ma has said the personnel changes arose from both internal complaints and the
foundation's own findings that involved "issues of financial discipline" and
evidence of that will be referred to judicial authorities.

King is denying receiving whistleblower materials in advance and says he was
asked by Ma to help handle the matter and had initially kept a low profile,
but ongoing "smears and attacks" forced him to speak out.

King is also rejecting reports of a "power struggle" at the foundation.

Posted on 2026-04-01 08:09:15

The Centers for Disease Control plans to purchase over million flu jabs for
its annual publicly-funded vaccination campaign.

That total include 200,000 enhanced vaccines for seniors in residential care
facilities.

According to C-D-C Director-General Philip Luo, the move comes as Taiwan saw
high demand for flu vaccines last year, when it purchased a total of
6.865-million doses.

Luo says the C-D-C will be purchasing a record 7.05 million doses of
trivalent flu vaccine for this year's free flu vaccination program in order
to provide coverage for around 30-per cent of the population.

The purchase has an estimated budget of 1.78-billion N-T and is expected to
be finalized later this month.

The C-D-C director-general says the government will once again be purchasing
trivalent vaccines for the fall flu season - meaning vaccines that protect
against two A and one B flu strains.

The government's annual publicly-funded flu vaccination campaign typically
kicks off in October - with eligibility initially limited to seniors, young
children and other high-risk groups.

Posted on 2026-04-01 08:09:15

The annual ChangeNOW Summit in Paris features a Taiwan pavilion for the first
time this year.

The pavilion highlights Taiwan's efforts in marine conservation and
sustainable innovation.

The "Taiwan House" was organized by Impact Hub Taipei, central government
agencies, the city of Taipei and N-G-Os.

It showcases projects aimed at protecting ocean ecosystems and promoting a
more sustainable future.

Speaking at the summit's opening ceremony, Taiwan's representative to France,
Hao Pei-chih said the pavilion demonstrates Taiwan's active role in global
sustainable development.

This year's event features national pavilions from Taiwan as well the
Netherlands and Ukraine.

Posted on 2026-04-01 08:09:15

And finally,

Olympic gold medal winning boxer Lin Yu-ting has made her long-awaited return
to the ring.

Lin had little trouble winning her first bout since the 2024 Paris Olympics
at the Asian Boxing Elite Boxing Championships.

She beat her Thai opponent in the women's 60-kilogram division round of 16.

Lin will next face top seeded, Ay-aka Ta-guchi of Japan in the quarterfinals.

Lin became entangled in a gender controversy at the 2024 Paris Olympics,
despite the International Olympic Committee confirming her eligibility to
compete as a female boxer.

World Boxing mandated a new regulation in August of 2025, that required all
athletes to undergo a P-C-R genetic test to determine their sex at birth and
their eligibility.

World Boxing's medical committee confirmed Lin's eligibility for the Asian
Championships last month after more than six months of appeals.

Posted on 2026-04-01 07:06:14

U-S Senator John Curtis says a planned meeting between President Donald Trump
and China's Xi Jinping is "not necessarily a bad thing for Taiwan."

Curtis said the proposed high-level talks "should not necessarily be viewed
as a bad or fearful development in Taiwan" ... as "the stronger the
relationship between the United States and China, the more protected Taiwan
is."

The Republican senator said if the U-S has a relationship with China, it is
far more likely that Beijing would act aggressively toward Taiwan.

Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen weighed in on about a planned meeting
between K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun and Xi Jinping next week by saying
dialogue "is a good thing."

But she added China should engage in dialogue with leaders across Taiwan's
political spectrum - and if "they're going to be talking to one party, then
they should be talking to all parties."

The lawmakers were wrapping up a brief two-day visit to Taiwan, which
included talks President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said the discussions focused on US-Taiwan
relations, regional security, and other matters of mutual interest.

Posted on 2026-04-01 07:06:14

South Korea's Yonhap News Agency says Seoul is taking steps to revise its
electronic arrival card following call from Taiwan to change the island's
designation.

The system so far lists Taiwan as "China (Taiwan)" in dropdown menus in its
new online entry system.

Reports say South Korea's foreign ministry now plans to remove the "previous
departure place" and "next destination" fields from the system.

The move comes after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here in Taiwan said it
would temporarily hold off on taking retaliatory adjustments, given South
Korea's ongoing review and its expectation of a positive response to its
concerns.

The foreign ministry had said it would consider retaliatory adjustments to
how South Korea is labeled in Taiwan's electronic arrival system if no
response from Seoul was received by March 31.

The Lai administration changed the designation of South Korean nationals in
alien resident certificates in retaliation for Seoul's mislabeling of Taiwan
in its e-arrival card system earlier this month.

That meant that A-R-C holders from South Korea were identified as being from
"South Korea" rather than the "Republic of Korea."

Posted on 2026-04-01 07:06:14

The K-M-T has named Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang as the party's
candidate for the Taichung mayoral election.

K-M-T Secretary-General Lee Chien-lung says Chiang beat lawmaker, Yang
Qiong-ying, in an average of multiple polls to win the nomination.

Lee did not disclose the results of these polls... which were held to decide
on a nominee after neither Chiang nor Yang agreed to drop out of the race
during negotiations.

Yang has told reporters that she respects the results of the polls and will
fully support Chiang.

Chiang is now expected to face D-P-P lawmaker Ho Hsin-chun in the November
election.

Posted on 2026-04-01 07:06:14

Premier Zhu Rong-tai says the government has asked C-P-C and the Formosa
Petrochemical Corporation to increase production of plastic bags due to
disruptions of global oil supplies caused by the US-Israel Iran war.

The move follows reports that the cost of 3-liter plastic bags has gone up in
price from 4 to 10 N-T, as a material shortages persists due to the ongoing
conflict.

As a result, the government has instructed C-P-C to make up for current
ethylene production shortfalls.

Zhu says the government will provide the required quantity of raw materials
to C-P-C later this month... the company is expected to boost its monthly
ethylene production from the current 60,000 metric tons to between 79,000 to
80,000 tons.

The government has also asked Formosa Petrochemical to increase production -
but the amount of increase has yet to be confirmed.

The Premier is also insisting that supply of petroleum and liquefied natural
gas is "almost stable" through June.

Posted on 2026-04-01 07:06:14

The New Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has indicted award-winning actor
Hsueh Shih-ling on charges of paying a syndicate to help him evade compulsory
military service.

Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of at least two years and six
months - citing attempts by Hsueh to mislead investigators.

They say Hsueh paid 300,000 N-T in 2011 to Chen Chih-ming -- the alleged
mastermind of a draft-evasion ring that helped conscripts obtain falsified
medical diagnoses.

Prosecutors says Chen coached Hsueh on techniques to artificially elevate
blood pressure readings during initial screenings.

During a follow-up exam at the Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital in
September of 2011, Hsueh allegedly handed off a 24-hour blood pressure
monitor to Chen, who wore the device to generate falsified data.

The manipulated results led to a diagnosis of "moderate hypertension,"
allowing Hsueh to secure an exemption from military service.

The indictment is the third wave of charges in a case that has implicated
dozens of individuals since investigations began in February of last year.

Posted on 2026-04-01 07:06:14

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che is London to attend the International Food & Drink
Event to promote products from his city.

A total of six Tainan companies are exhibiting their products at the Tainan
Pavilion.

Those products include processed fish items, fruits and juices to dried
fruits, buckwheat-related foods, tea and snacks.

During the opening, Huang said participation isn't just about showcasing
Tainan's high-quality products to the world... its also about building a
platform for companies to have better contact with local distributors and
retailers.

Fish and food processors from Tainan have signed a memorandum of
understanding on cooperation with a U-K importer, whose network covers
midscale to upscale supermarkets and restaurants in the U-K.

Posted on 2026-04-01 07:06:14

And,

EVA Airways and China Airlines have began enforcing new restrictions on
portable power banks -- limiting passengers to two devices in carry-on
luggage and banning their use for in-flight charging.

Starlux Airlines and Tigerair Taiwan are adopting the same rules starting
from today.

The policy follows updated safety guidance from the International Civil
Aviation Organization.

The Civil Aviation Administration had asked local airlines to roll out the
new standardized protocols.

The Taoyuan International Airport Corporation is said to be assisting with
public awareness efforts.

Lithium batteries and power banks remain banned from checked baggage due to
fire risks, while security checks will ensure compliance in carry-on luggage.

Airport retailers in restricted departure areas have also been asked to
inform customers of the two-device limit and the in-flight charging ban at
the point of sale.

Posted on 2026-04-01 07:06:14

The American Heart Association's released new nutrition guidance which
emphasises a dietary pattern rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains,
prioritizing plant-based protein over meat.

It also suggested limiting the use of sugar, salt and ultra-processed foods
and replacing full fat dairy with non-fat and low-fat dairy.

The AHA pushed for plant-based proteins such as legumes, nuts and seeds,
choosing low-fat or fat-free dairy, and, when consuming red meat, selecting
lean cuts, avoiding processed forms and keeping portions small.

The organisation further suggested Americans choose sources of unsaturated
fats, avoid ultraprocessed foods, and minimize intake of added sugars in
beverages and foods.

The guidelines are a contrast to the federal government's recommendation of
use of beef tallow and consumption of red meat -- but a spokesperson for the
Food and Drug Administration the new recommendations are aligned with them on
major issues.

Posted on 2026-03-31 17:08:13

risk

National Security officials are raising concerns that the upcoming meeting
between the chairs of the KMT and CCP will give the wrong impression to
international observers.

They're warning that the meeting, set for next week, may negatively impact
international support for Taiwan.

This comes as KMT Chair Zheng Li Wen prepares to visit Jiangsu, Shanghai, and
Beijing starting one week from today.

National Security officials note that a meeting between Chinese leader Xi
Jinping and US President Donald Trump is scheduled for mid May,

They believe the timing of the Zheng/Xi meeting aims to influence policy on
US arms sales to Taiwan as the special defense budget proposals snake their
ways through legislature.

Further, they say it's a chance for Xi to show Trump that public opinion in
Taiwan is in favor of unification...

even though data from the NCCU Election Studies Center indicates that only
7.2% of the public support unification.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-03-31 17:08:13

The Taiwan Institute of Economic Research says the island's manufacturing
sector slowed down in February due to the Lunar New Year holiday.

TIER says its manufacturing climate indicator dropped to a "yellow-blue"
light, signaling sluggishness.

Economists say this is mostly a short-term change because there were fewer
working days during the February holiday, and while demand for Artificial
Intelligence remains strong, it was not enough to offset the holiday break.

But the institute is now warning that rising oil and gas prices caused by
Middle East tensions could hurt the global supply chain.

Experts say high energy costs could lead to inflation and lower consumer
demand, which would limit the positive impact of A-I investment.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-03-31 17:08:13

Now turning to international news...

Japan is deploying its first long-rang missiles at a southwest army camp.

This comes as the country accelerates its offensive capability in response to
growing global challenges.

The upgraded Type-12 land-to-ship missiles became operational at Camp Kengun
in Kumamoto prefecture today.

They have a range of about 1000 kilometers, about 5 times the range of the
original.

The extension allows the missiles to reach China.

The deployment of the long-range missile gives Japan the ability to strike
enemy missile bases from afar...

marking a break from the self-defense-only policy that the country has long
followed under its post World War II constitution.

Some residents near the area staged protests, saying it would only escalate
regional tensions and increase risks that the area would be targeted by
enemies.

This comes as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pushed for more defense
spending, with her cabinet last year approving a record defense budget plan
exceeding 58 billion US dollars.

Posted on 2026-03-31 17:08:13

The Eurovision music contest is heading to Asia.

Organizers say artists from at least 10 countries are confirmed for the
competition to be held in Bangkok later this year.

The Eurovision director says the expansion will mark the contest's 70th
anniversary.

So far, the confirmed countries include Thailand, South Korea, the
Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan.

More are expected to join.

The finale will be in November.

The main gala with mostly European participants will be held in Vienna in
May.

5 countries are boycotting the European version as protest over Israel's
planned participation.

Posted on 2026-03-31 14:07:13

Agriculture officials say rice prices will remain stable despite a sharp
increase in the cost of plastic packaging caused by fighting in the Middle
East.

Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih told lawmakers today that major rice
distributors have promised to absorb the rising costs of vacuum seals and
bags.

Lawmakers also expressed concern that some businesses might start hoarding
plastic goods as prices rise.

Premier Cho Jung-tai says a special task force is monitoring the prices of
daily necessities every week to prevent unfair price hikes.

Cho says he has also asked C-P-C Corporation and Formosa Plastics to ramp up
production to help stabilize the market.

For now, the premier says packaging costs are expected to rise by about
20-percent in the short term.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-03-31 14:07:13

Environmental officials say river pollution in Taiwan has hit a record low as
the government prepares to test hundreds of water treatment plants for
chemicals.

The Ministry of Environment says only two out of 293 monitoring stations
recorded severe pollution last year.

This is a significant drop from the 66 stations reported in 2002.

Officials say the total length of severely polluted river segments has also
decreased from 14-percent to less than 2-percent over the same period.

The government aims to have zero severely polluted stations by 2030.

And as part of a new safety push, officials will test approximately 400 water
treatment plants across the country this year.

Inspectors will look for pollutants such as plasticizers and boron.

The ministry says it is also studying the risks of microplastics in the water
supply.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-03-31 14:07:13

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei Zhe was in London yesterday to take part in the
International Food and Drink Event's opening day.

That's as Taiwan's oldest city is showing multiple Tainan products at the
three day event.

Huang said that producers are focused on food safety and meeting
international standards to carve out a niche in the global market.

6 Tainan companies are exhibiting at the Tainan Pavilion, showing off a wide
range of items, including fruits both fresh and dried, juices, tea, snacks,
and more.

At the opening of the pavilion, the city's fish and food processors signed a
memorandum of understanding on cooperation with a local logistics company to
promote the products in the UK.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-03-31 14:07:13

Taiwan shares are down again today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at
31722 after losing 795 points.

The turnover was 792.4 billion NT

Posted on 2026-03-31 14:07:13

killing Israelis

Now turning to international news

The Israeli parliament has passed a law approving the death penalty for
Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis.

Critics call the measure discriminatory and inhumane.

The passage marks a major victory for Israel's far-right.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came to the chamber to vote yes in person.

The law makes the death penalty the default punishment for West Bank
Palestinians convicted for nationalistic killings.

It also gives Israeli counrts the option to impose the death penalty on
Israeli citizens convicted on similar charges...

but experts say the language exempts Jewish citizens.

Posted on 2026-03-31 13:07:13

The KMT says, deputy legislative speaker Jiang Qi chen will be the party's
nominee to run for mayor in Taichung.

According to the party, he led fellow lawmaker Yang Qiong Ying in polling.

Yang says, she respects the results of the poll and will fully support Jiang
in his run to succeed Lu Xiu Yan.

The KMT did not release the results of the polling, as it said both sides had
agreed not to.

Jiang's win means that he will face the DPP's He Xin Chun in November.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-03-31 13:07:13

Premier Chuo Rong-tai has insisted on his refusal to implement the
71.8-billion-NT budget passed by the Legislative Yuan early this month.

The fund, proposed by the opposition parties amid the deadlock over the 2026
general budget, aims to cover the TPass program for over one million
commuters, maternity subsidies and flood prevention and control, among
others.

However, the premier has refused to carry out the budget even after Chen
Shu-zi (陳淑姿), the Minister of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, announced
on March 16th that government agencies could start using the fund.

Chuo said today the Cabinet’s doors are always open to the public, but noted
that the new spending accounts for only about 2 percent of the general
budget.

He added that "the government cannot open its doors just 2 percent."

The KMT mayors of Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsin-chu and Keelung all called on Chuo
over the weekend to implement the budget as soon as possible.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-03-31 13:07:18

Taiwan High-speed Rail is set to increase train service for the Labor Day
long weekend.

THSR said it'll add 61 train trips to the period between April 30th and May
4th, bringing the total to 893 trips.

Tickets for the additional trips, 27 southbound and 34 northbound, will go on
sale at midnight tomorrow.

THSR said t
ickets can be booked through the online reservation system,
designated convenience store partners, the T-EX mobile app, as well as at
station ticket counters and ticket vending machines.

Passengers are advised to collect their tickets in advance before departure
to save time.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-03-31 13:07:19

China is reporting that factory activity expanded in March, reversing two
straight months of contraction.

However, analysts say the prolonged impacts from the Iran war could weigh on
growth prospects.

The National Bureau of Statistics said Tuesday that the manufacturing
purchasing managers index rose to 50.4 from 49 in February, its highest level
in a year.

A years-long property sector slump in China has weighed on economic growth
and weakened domestic consumption and investment demand in China.

It has been reliant on growth in exports to help drive its economy, which
analysts say could now be prone to rising global energy costs caused by the
Iran war.

Posted on 2026-03-31 08:12:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun has announced that she's "gladly accepted" an
invitation from Xi Jinping to visit China next week.

Speaking at a press conference after news of the invitation was released,
Cheng said she believe the two sides of the Taiwan Strait must firmly pursue
a path of peace to ensure regional stability, and the well-being of future
generations.

Cheng told reporters that the trip will "show the people of Taiwan and the
world that the two sides of the Strait are not destined for war, nor do they
need to remain on the brink of military conflict.

The K-M-T chairwoman went on to say that any efforts to improve cross-strait
relations during her upcoming visit must be based on the terms of the "1992
consensus" and opposition to Taiwan independence.

According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, the invitation was
extended to Cheng by the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party and
Xi Jinping.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office head Song Tao is being cited by Xinhua as
saying the invitation is aimed at "promoting KMT-CCP ties and the peaceful
development of cross-strait relations."

The six-day trip includes stops in Jiangsu, Shanghai and Beijing.

Posted on 2026-03-31 08:12:13

A bipartisan delegation of U-S senators has visited the National Chung-Shan
Institute of Science and Technology - where they saw displays showing the
results of a live-fire test of a drone-mounted warhead.

The U-S senators were shown a display of a 50-millimeter high-strength steel
plate that was penetrated by a multipurpose warhead mounted on a Mighty
Hornet IV drone in live-fire testing.

The Mighty Hornet IV is a repurposed target drone with a range of
1,000-kilometers that has been produced by the institute and the US-based
defense company Kratos.

The delegation was led by by Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate
Foreign Relations Committee, and included Republican Senator John Curtis, who
also sits on the committee.

They arrived in Taiwan at Taipei's Songshan Airport early Monday morning for
a two-day visit.

The delegation also held talks with President Lai Ching-te at the
Presidential Office on Monday - at which they highlighted the importance of
"peace through strength" ...

.... and called on lawmakers to swiftly pass the government's 1.25-trillion
N-T special defense budget bill to fund planned purchases of U-S weapons
systems.

Posted on 2026-03-31 08:12:13

Defense Minister Wellington Koo says the U-S has agreed to defer the deadline
for an initial payment on a key American-made weapons system due to the
onging defense budget impasse.

Speaking at a legislative hearing, Koo confirmed that the first payment for
High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems has been postponed beyond its March 30
deadline to around May ...

.... when Koo said the U-S expects to finalize a contract with a supplier for
the 4.05-billion U-S dollar sale.

According to the defense minister, the military is also in talks with the U-S
on payment deferrals for three other weapons systems also approved for sale
to Taiwan and facing budget issues.

Koo told lawmakers that the initial payments for the four planned purchases
total approximately 79-million U-S dollars.

The U-S announced the sale of the artillery rocket systems, self-propelled
howitzers, TOW anti-tank missiles and Javelin missiles in December of last
year as part of a broader 11.1-billion U-S dollars arms package.

Posted on 2026-03-31 08:12:13

Central Bank Governor Yang Chin-long is warning that the consumer price index
is likely to jump 1.9-per cent this year, if international crude oil prices
increase to an average of 100 U-S dollars per barrel.

However, Yang is stressing that spike in crude oil prices to between 95 and
115 U-S dollars per barrel is likely to be short-term.

Speaking at a meeting of the Legislative Financial Committee, Yang said
although the projected 1.9-per cent growth in the consumer price index is
higher than the central bank's recent estimate of 1.8-per cent, it is still
below a 2-per cent alert level.

Yang also told lawmakers that the central bank will raise interest rates to
deal with inflationary pressure - and if inflationary concerns take hold, the
bank will also take steps to tighten its monetary policy.

According to Yang, the central bank will continue to monitor the global
situation and update its inflation estimates.

The bank opted to leave its key interest rates unchanged for the eighth
consecutive quarter during its recent policy making meeting - meaning the
discount rate was left at 2-per cent, still the highest level in 15 years.

Posted on 2026-03-31 08:12:13

Shares of V5 Technologies surged more than 100-per cent on the Taiwan Stock
Exchange on Monday - when the semiconductor inspection equipment maker made
its debut.

The V5 Technologies shares had climbed 115-per cent to 1,680 N-T from its
issue price of 780 N-T in early trading.

Dealers says th stock surged past the 1,000 N-T mark not just based on the
usual honeymoon effects of a new listing, but also on an optimistic outlook
for the semiconductor industry amid the current A-I boom.

V5 Technologies was founded in 2014 and specializes in the production of
high-end semiconductor inspection and measurement equipment, leveraging
AI-powered image analysis.

Its clients include wafer chip manufacturers, advanced I-C packaging and
assembly services providers, and memory chip suppliers.

V5 Technologies posted 2.08-billion N-T in sales last year.

Posted on 2026-03-31 08:12:13

And finally,

A man has apologized for slapping a part-time Chinese Professional Baseball
League worker at the Tainan Asia-Pacific International Baseball Stadium.

The incident occured during a post match performance after the Uni-President
Lions beat the T-S-G Hawks 3-1 at the first regular-season game to have been
played at the newly opened stadium.

The apology came after video of the 49-year-old man arguing with three
C-P-B-L part-time workers and slapping one of them on the left side of his
head was posted on social media.

The man was questioned by police on suspicion of assault.

The C-P-B-L says it has zero tolerance for violence and will assist with the
lawsuit being brought against the man by the victim.

The man has also been banned from attending any future games at the stadium.

Posted on 2026-03-31 07:03:14

A group of visiting U-S senators are calling on lawmakers to pass the
government's 1.25-trillion N-T special defense budget bill to fund planned
purchases of American weapons systems.

The delegation is led by by Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate
Foreign Relations Committee, and included Republican Senator John Curtis, who
also sits on the committee.

They arrived in Taiwan at Taipei's Songshan Airport early Monday morning for
a two-day visit.

During a meeting with President Lai Ching-te at the Presidential Office,
Shaheen said the U-S recognizes Taiwan's moves to strengthen its own defense
and resilience.

Curtis said the Lai administration's steps to boost the island's defense are
being noticed in the U-S.

The President told the visiting U-S senators that his proposed special
defense budget is the most comprehensive proposal and he also took the time
to call on lawmakers to pass it as soon as possible.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs say the visiting U-S senators will also be
meeting with Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung
..

.. and those discussions will be focusing on issues related to US-Taiwan
relations, regional security, and other matters of mutual interest.

Posted on 2026-03-31 07:03:14

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen says she believes the special defense budget
should prioritize drones over submarines and range from between 800-billion
and 1-trillion N-T.

During a Taichung City Council meeting, Lu said her proposal seeks to scale
back submarine procurement while increasing investment in drones.

Although also compared her proposal with the K-M-T's plan, Lu admitted that
the figures are not directly comparable as additional funding could be
adjusted through negotiations between the Cabinet and the Legislature.

Lu said her views are based on her experience serving on the Legislature's
Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee.

Posted on 2026-03-31 07:03:14

The Mainland Affairs Council is calling on K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun not
to echo Beijing's political agenda when she visits China next week.

The council also said China's ambition to eliminate the Republic of China and
annex Taiwan "will not change simply because they engage in exchanges with
any political party or individual in Taiwan."

The MAC's statement comes after Cheng announced she had "gladly accepted" an
invitation from Xi Jinping to visit China from April 7 to 12.

The six-day trip includes stops in Jiangsu, Shanghai and Beijing.

Cheng is expected to meet with Xi during the visit.

The KMT chair said the trip will "show the people of Taiwan and the world
that two sides of the strait are not destined for war, nor do they need to
remain on the brink of military conflict."

Posted on 2026-03-31 07:03:14

The K-M-T legislative caucus is calling for Premier Zhu Rong-tai open an
independent investigation into alleged workplace bullying that may have
contributed to the recent death of senior trade official Yen Hui-xin.

Yen served as a deputy representative at the Office of Trade Negotiations.

She died on March 12 at the age of 53.

There are allegations surfaced Yen experienced workplace bullying,
particularly from Yang Jen-ni, who serves at the Lai administration's top
trade representative.

The Commercial Times has published excerpts from what is say was Yen's
resignation letter - in which she criticized the government for a lack of any
concrete plans or timetable for joining the Comprehensive and Progressive
Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Yen wrote her resignation letter in February while she was in an intensive
care unit.

One K-M-T lawmaker is calling on the government to remove Yang Jen-ni from
her post pending the outcome of the investigation into Yen's death.

Posted on 2026-03-31 07:03:14

The High Prosecutors' Office says that it's stepping up efforts to prevent
hoarding and price gouging of daily necessities, as part of government
efforts to stabilize consumer prices.

The government has reportedly instructed prosecutors' offices islandwide to
activate a special coordination platform to monitor market conditions and
investigate suspicious spikes in prices.

The move includes strengthening cooperation between police and health,
agriculture, and consumer protection agencies to establish
intelligence-sharing mechanisms and respond to any potential violations.

A dedicated team has reportedly been set up to examine supply chain processes
and take legal action against any businesses or individuals involved in
hoarding, price gouging, or collusive price increases.

The prosecutors' office is also encouraging members of the public to report
any suspected cases to authorities.

Posted on 2026-03-31 07:03:14

Singapore-based ride-hailing and delivery giant Grab Holdings has applied for
regulatory approval to acquire the Taiwan operations of Germany-based
Delivery Hero's foodpanda.

The deal has been valued at about 600-million U-S dollars.

Grab said it submitted the filing to the Taiwan Fair Trade Commission on
March 27 and the deal is now awating regulatory review and approval.

The company says its independent governance structure will help foster a
healthy and competitive market in Taiwan if the deal is approved.

Grab also says although US -based Uber Technologies holds about 13-per cent
of its ordinary shares, that's less than 4-per cent of voting rights, and
does not participate in daily operations ..

.. and Uber's board representative has recused themselves from decisions
related to Taiwan.

Other major investors include SoftBank and Toyota Motor Corporation.

Grab has said it has no known Chinese institutional investor holding a stake
exceeding 5-per cent.

Posted on 2026-03-31 07:03:14

And,

The central bank says plans to redesign banknotes will include the 200 and
2,000 N-T bills - despite both denominations being less widely circulated.

The bills were included in the redesign plan not only because of demand, but
also in keeping with a trend in many other countries to include all
denominations in redesign initiatives.

The banknote redesign program was launched last October.

The central bank set up a cross-disciplinary advisory committee for what will
be the first large-scale redesign effort in more than 24 years.

A public vote to select a theme for the banknotes has been held and saw more
than 190,000 people participating in the poll.

The central bank's advisory committee has selected "Beauty of Taiwan" as the
theme for the new banknotes.

The redesign process is expected to take about two years.

Posted on 2026-03-30 19:42:13

In Penghu, momentum is gathering to support Penghu Magistrate Chen Guang Fu's
wife to run in November in his stead.

That's as Chen has been in the hospital in a coma since a fall during the
Lunar New Year.

A petition supporting Wu Shu Jin (吳淑瑾) to run has gathered 4000 signatures.

Organizers are asking the DPP to consider nominating her instead of her
husband.

Local DPP representatives said that the petition does not represent the
opinion of the party as a whole, but added they respected supporters'
opinions.

Some have also wondered if DPP Huxi township chief Mayor Huang Jian Zhong
(黃健忠) would be up for the task.

Whether Chen or someone else runs for magistrate, they will face the KMT's
Chen Zhen Zhong (陳振中) in November.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-03-30 19:42:13

In international news,

China says it is sanctioning a conservative Japanese lawmaker close to Prime
Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Beijing accuses the lawmaker of “colluding with” separatists in Taiwan.

It is the latest incident that underlines growing tensions between Tokyo and
Beijing over the self-governed island.

China’s Foreign Ministry said the sanctions include banning the entry of
Keiji Furuya to China, including to Hong Kong and Macao, and prohibiting his
activities with organizations and individuals in China, effective
immediately.

Furuya heads a bipartisan Japan-Taiwan lawmakers’ consultation council and
has visited Taiwan regularly.

He most recently visited Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, where he held talks with
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te in mid-March.

Posted on 2026-03-30 19:42:13

Russia has expelled a British diplomat it accuses of spying.

The U.K. has described the claim as nonsense.

Russia’s FSB says the diplomat was carrying out intelligence and subversive
work.

It says the diplomat sought sensitive information about the Russian economy
in unofficial meetings.

Authorities ordered the diplomat to leave within two weeks.

The U.K. Foreign Office says Russia is running a coordinated campaign of
harassment against British staff.

It says it will not accept intimidation of embassy families.

This is Russia’s second expulsion of a British diplomat this year. Both
sides have traded expulsions since Russia sent troops into Ukraine in 2022.

Posted on 2026-03-30 17:07:13

The Taiwan High Prosecutors Office is stepping up efforts to prevent hoarding
and price gouging of daily necessities.

Authorities have instructed prosecutors nationwide to activate a special
coordination platform to monitor market conditions and investigate suspicious
price hikes.

The initiative brings together law enforcement, investigation, health,
agriculture, and consumer protection agencies to establish
intelligence-sharing mechanisms and respond swiftly to potential violations.

Dedicated prosecutors will examine supply chain processes and take strict
legal action against businesses involved in hoarding, price gouging, or
nefarious price increases.

The public is also encouraging people to report suspected cases to
prosecutors or police, as authorities aim to stabilize prices, safeguard
livelihoods, and uphold social fairness.

Officials added that the move follows policy guidance from the Executive
Yuan, and businesses are urged to uphold corporate social responsibility.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-03-30 17:07:13

Israel murder

Now turning to international news...

The Israeli parliament is set to vote on a bill that would make the death
penalty the default punishment for West Bank Palestinians convicted of what
they're calling "anti-Israel murder."

The final knesset vote is expected before Passover this Wednesday.

It will mark the culmination of a yearslong push by Israel's far right to end
the country's historic opposition to the death penalty...

and will escalate punishment for Palestinians convicted of terror offenses
against Israelis.

If passed, the new legislation will come into effect in 30 days, though
rights groups are expected to petition Israel's highest court against it.

Opponents call the proposal racist and unlikely to deter attacks by
militants/

Posted on 2026-03-30 17:07:13

Kosovo is struggling with the steep rise in fuel prices due to the Iran war.

Despite being one of Europe's poorest countries, Kosovo's government has yet
to put in place measures to mitigate effects of the crisis...

as neighbors Serbia, Hungary, and Romania have done, introducing special
diesel prices for farmers or lowering state tax income.

Economic experts warn that the government should urgently respond to prevent
greater damage to the economy,

Kosovo's economy has struggled since it declared independence from Serbia in
2008.

Additionally, a prolonged political crisis has left the country without a
fully functioning government for the better part of a year.

Posted on 2026-03-30 17:07:13

And,

A restorative justice program in Brazil promoting reading is allowing
prisoners to shave time off their sentences.

Inmates in a women's prison in Rio de Janeiro can sign up for the program to
immerse themselves in literary works and prove they understood the contents.

Prisoners say that reading offers a form of escapism to think about things
outside the jail cell.

Brazil has one of the highest per capita incarceration rates in Latin
America...

and boasts one of the most formalized and nationwide systems for sentence
reduction through reading in the world.

Even former president Jair Bolsonaro has been authorized to take part.

And if you need any book recommendations, some of the books that detainees
read include Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky and The Color Purple
by Alice Walker.

Posted on 2026-03-30 16:14:13

Taichung Mayor Lu Xiu Yan is walking the partisan line on the special defense
budget.

Lu, of the KMT, says today that she thinks a suitable amount for the budget
would be between 800 billion and 1 trillion NT.

Her comments come as several different versions of a special defense budget
are pending at the legislature, with the KMT's version expected to cost at
least 380 billion NT...

and the DPP's set at 1.25 trillion.

Lu also downplayed reports of internal strife within the KMT, saying what she
wants isn't too different from the KMT's version, as she emphasized their
budget sits at at least 380 billion and does not set an upper limit.

Noting that the Executive Yuan's version currently has the cash set aside for
8 submarines and 200-thousand drones, she says the budget should include less
money for the subs and more for drones.

Meanwhile DPP caucus whip Cai Qi Chang says that he hopes Lu will use her
influence within the blue camp to expedite the passage of the special defense
bill.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-03-30 16:14:15

Government investigators have raided nearly a dozen offices of Chinese
companies in Taiwan.

The businesses are suspected of illegally recruiting high-tech talent in
Taiwan by using fake identities and unauthorized offices.

The Ministry of Justice says the coordinated operation took place mid-to-late
March, with searches condcuted at more than 49 locations across Taipei, New
Taipei, Taoyuan, and Hsinchu.

Investigators say the Chinese firms tried to hide their true origins by
posing as Taiwanese or foreign-funded businesses.

Authorities say these unauthorized activities threaten the island's
competitive edge in the semiconductor and tech industries.

Prosecutors have questioned 90 people so far as part of the ongoing
investigation.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-03-30 16:14:15

Health officials in Taipei are urging parents to check their pantries, after
several imported baby snacks sold online failed safety tests for heavy
metals.

The Taipei City Department of Health says it recently tested 50 different
snacks, including candies and seaweed products, ahead of Children’s Day.

While all 40 items from physical stores passed, four products purchased from
online platforms contained excessive levels of lead and cadmium.

Officials say they have traced the products to suppliers in other cities and
have ordered them to fix the issues.

Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to $3 million NT.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-03-30 16:14:16

In world news...

The Israeli military said today that Iran launched multiple waves of missiles
at Israel, and an attack was also launched from Yemen for only the second
time since the U.S.-Israeli war began.

It said two drones from Yemen were intercepted early Monday but gave no
further details.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militia entered the war on Saturday, firing
missiles at Israel, escalating a conflict that has engulfed the Middle East.

The latest attacks came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S.
and Iran had been meeting "directly and indirectly" and that Iran's new
leaders have been "very reasonable".

Pakistan, which is acting as an intermediary between Tehran and Washington,
said it's preparing to host "meaningful talks" in the coming days aimed at
ending the month-long Iran war.

It's not clear whether the U.S. and Iran have agreed to attend.

Posted on 2026-03-30 16:14:16

Egypt is imposing early closing times for shops, cafes and restaurants to cut
oil use as energy prices surge during the war.

The rules were enacted nationwide Saturday and are forcing most businesses to
shut by 9 p.m. for a month.

The government is also dimming streetlights and advertising. Offices in the
capital close by 6 p.m.

Some civil servants work from home one day a week.

The Prime Minister says Egypt faces soaring import costs for fuel.

Business owners warn the change crushes peak hours and threatens jobs.

The government says tourist areas are exempt from these measures.

Posted on 2026-03-30 14:07:13

The Health Promotion Administration is advising against outdoor activity for
those in Taipei and Kinmen...

as the air quality has hit a red-alert level in both areas.

Red alerts indicate unhealthy air quality for all groups.

They're also advising the public to wear a mask outside and to use an air
purifier inside if available.

In addition to Taipei and Kinmen, there are also orange level alerts in place
along much of the west coast.

That means, the HPA recommends that children, the elderly, and the
immunocompromised reduce outdoor activity and close doors and windows.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-03-30 14:07:16

Taiwan’s central bank says rising oil prices driven by tensions in the
Middle East could push inflation higher this year.

Central Bank Governor Yang Jin-long said his bank has already revised
Taiwan’s consumer price index growth to 1.8- percent.

If oil prices rise further to 100 U.S. dollars per barrel, inflation could
edge up to around 1.9 -percent.

During today's trading, oil prices hovered around 108 U.S. dollars a barrel.

Responding to lawmakers' questions, Yang also said any spike between 95 and
115 dollars is likely temporary.

Asked if it could lead to interest rate hikes, Yang said tightening monetary
policy, including rate increases, remains an option if inflation expectations
take hold.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-03-30 14:07:16

Tree protection advocates are deeply concerned about the impact of Taipei
MRT’s construction on trees in the Neihu District.

Taipei Metro said it's planning to remove or transplant nearly 300 trees to
prepare for the Eastern Section of the Circular Line with two stations at the
Nei-hu Technology Park.

But the Taiwan Tree People Association says that will exacerbate the
so-called "heat island" issues, as Neihu is already mostly paved with cement
and has many high-rise buildings.

The Planting Trees group's polls also showed that most of those who worked
there weren't aware of the removal of trees.

According to the polls, 96-percent of the respondents supported preserving
the old trees along the MRT line.

In response, Taipei's Department of Rapid Transit Systems said trees near the
construction site but outside the path of construction will be preserved in
place.

The Department has also promised to plant more trees once construction is
complete.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-03-30 14:07:16

Taiwan shares took another hit today, with the benchmark tai ex losing 594
points to close the session at 32518.

The turnover was 64.6 billion NT

Posted on 2026-03-30 14:07:16

In Hungary, young voters are rallying behind the opposition Tisza party,
posing the strongest challenge to Prime Minister Viktor Orban in years.

Polls show Peter Magyar's Tisza dominating among voters under 30, while older
voters are sticking with Orban, who's been in power for 16 years.

Analysts say, young people seek better economic opportunity and an end to
corruption and autocracy.

The generational gap may prove to be a deciding factor in the mid April
election.

Magyar is a center-right lawyer who broke with Orban's nationalist-populist
Fidesz party over a political scandal in 2024.

Fidesz's declining popularity during economic stagnation and political and
corruption scandals has widened the demographic divide.

Posted on 2026-03-30 13:07:13

Local media is reporting that four U.S. senators who arrived in Taiwan early
this morning will call on the Legislative Yuan to pass a special defense
budget.

But TPP chair Huang Guo-chang said today that they should urge their own
executive branch to promptly release the second list of arms purchases.

He says it's necessary to provide a reasonable basis for deciding whether to
include them in the special defense budget.

The four U.S. senators, led by Democrat Jeanne Shaheen and Republican John
Curtis, are here on a two-day visit aimed at strengthening alliances in the
Asia-Pacific.

Huang said President Lai has proposed a $1.25-trillion-NT special budget, but
lawmakers so far only know the details of a $11.1 billion U.S. dollar, about
$355 billion NT, U.S. arms sale approved last December.

The TPP found that package reasonable and so included it in its own defense
budget proposal.

But Huang said it remains unclear what else the United States plans to sell
to Taiwan, and until that is clarified lawmakers can't decide whether to add
the items into the special budget bill.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-03-30 13:07:13

The central bank is confirming that an upcoming redesign of Taiwan banknotes
will include the less common 200 and 2000 NT bills.

The central bank said in a report to the legislature that the bills are still
in demand amongst some consumers, and maintaining their circulation offers
environmental and cost benefits.

That's as the legislature is set to hold a hearing today on the matter.

The central bank added that their reasoning for including both the 200 and
2000 NT bills in the redesign plan is not only to do with demand but is also
in keeping with international standards.

Officials add that the project will promote the use of the two bills to
encourage a more balanced use of all 5 types of banknotes.

Following a poll, it was decided that "Beauty of Taiwan" will be the theme of
the new bills, with the entire process expected to take about 2 years.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-03-30 13:07:13

Now turning to international news...

Mongolia's ruling party has chosen a new prime minister candidate after the
former prime minister resigned after only nine months on the job.

State media reported that the Mongolian People's Party nominated Uchral
Nyam-Osor (OOCH-ral NYAM-oh-sor), the current party chairman, on Sunday.

He currently serves as parliament speaker and is seen as a compromise
candidate amid different party factions.

The opposition Democratic Party had boycotted parliamentary activity starting
earlier this month, citing concerns over a concentration of power within the
ruling party.

The latest leadership change is likely to exacerbate concerns for many
Mongolians, who already question corruption and elite influence in the
government.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-03-30 13:07:13

In Mexico, the act of selling birds in stacks of cages - sometimes far taller
than the men who carry them - spans generations.

They have long been a fixture in Mexican markets and are among 1.5 million
street vendors.

During the Catholic holiday of Palm Sunday, hundreds of bird vendors from
across the country flock to Mexico City.

They decorate 3-meter-tall stacks of cages with bright flowers, tinsel, and
images of Mexico's patron saint.

They walk kilometers through the street with their birds and their families
to the city's iconic basilica.

But the bird vendors are slowly disappearing in the face of mounting
restrictions by authorities and sharp criticisms by animal rights groups, who
call the practice an act of animal abuse and trafficking.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-03-30 11:06:13

The Tai-Ex tumbled in early trading as Israel continued its large-scale
bombing of Iran, and in oil prices surged at the end of last week - which
triggered selling pressure.

Wall Street also closed out its worst week since the Iran war began on Friday
-- for a fifth losing week in a row.

The main board lost over 600-points this morning - as it fell to a low of
32,430.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing lost ground and dropped to 1,780 N-T early
trading.

Other heavyweight stocks also badly - with Hon Hai, MediaTek and Delta all
falling.

The The electronics sector index fell 2-per cent, while the financial sector
sector lost 1.2-per cent.

Posted on 2026-03-30 11:06:13

indispensable

Defense Minister Wellington Koo is continuing to insist that the Cabinet's
proposed 1.25-trillion N-T special defense budget is indispensable in
ensuring the acquisition of weapons systems to boost Taiwan's combat
capabilities.

The statement comes after Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen told the Liberty Times
in an interview published today that she believes it would be
reasonable for lawmakers to pass a budget of between 800-billion and
1-trillion N-T.

Lu told the Liberty Times that having spent 13 legislative sessions on the
Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee, she is very familiar with
arms and commercial procurement procedures.

The defense minister thanked Lu for her her support.

However, Koo says based on overall threat assessments and operational
capability needs, the 1.25-trillion N-T budget is the best possible proposal.

Posted on 2026-03-30 11:06:13

And,

Racing driver Tiger Wu has won the ProAm class in the opening round of the
2026 Porsche Carrera Cup Japan at the Suzuka ircuit.

Wu drives for Bingo Racing and moved up to the ProAm class in 2025 after
winning the Am class title in 2023 and 2024.

Porsche Carrera Cup Japan was established in 2001 and is Japan's premier
one-make racing series.

All drivers compete in identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, ensuring that
results are determined by driver skill, race strategy, and team execution.

Posted on 2026-03-30 11:06:13

In international news,

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to
further expand its operations in southern Lebanon -- citing continuing rocket
fire by Hezbollah.

Israel said last week it was enlarging a "buffer zone" up to the Litani
River.

It's not immediately clear whether Netanyahu was referring to that area or to
the seizure of additional territory.

Israel's defence minister last week said Israeli forces will "control the
remaining bridges and the security zone up to the Litani" - a river that
meets the Mediterranean about 30-kilometers north of Israel's border.

Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel after the United States and Israel
launched air strikes on Iran.

Posted on 2026-03-30 11:06:13

Public transport in the Australian states of Victoria and Tasmania will be
made free due to the spike in international fuel prices.

The state governments both say the move is aimed at persuading people not to
drive as fuel prices soar due to the war in the Middle East.

Victoria has said it will have free travel throughout April.

While Tasmania has said commuters will not need to pay from today until the
end of June.

Other state governments have so far declined to follow the move.

But New South Wales indicating it was reserving funds to meet increased
demand for public transport.

Australia is among a host of nations that have seen fuel prices increase
sharply since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran.

Posted on 2026-03-30 11:06:14

British counter terrorism officers are assisting police after a driver who
struck pedestrians in the city of Derby was arrested on suspicion of
attempted murder.

The incident occurred at a usually busy street in the city centre.

Seven people suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries and were
treated at the scene before being taken to hospital.

Derbyshire police say they're "keeping an open mind" about the motive, and
while counter terrorism officers were assisting the investigation, the
incident was not currently being treated as terrorism.

Police said officers stopped the vehicle believed to be involved seven
minutes after the incident and arrested the 36-year-old driver, who remains
in custody.

Posted on 2026-03-30 11:06:15

Opposition parties in Moldova are demanding the government explain why it has
introduced a energy state of an emergency over a damaged power line which
took four days to repair.

The country's parliament approved the 60-day state of emergency to simplify
decision-making after the government blamed Russian attacks in neighbouring
Ukraine for knocking out the power line.

The line carries power from Romania to Moldova and passes through
40-kilometers of Ukrainian territory.

It provides up to 70-per cent of Moldova's electricity needs.

The country's prime minister had urged lawmakers to back the measure, which
allows the government to implement decisions without seeking the approval of
the chamber.

Posted on 2026-03-30 11:06:15

And finally,

Actor Antonio Banderas joined the crowds in dozens of Palm Sunday
processions, marking the official start of Holy Week in Spain.

The Andalusian cities of Seville and Malaga are hosting some of the most
popular and lavish processions, featuring elaborately decorated floats and
hundreds of penitents.

However, religious events of all kinds take place throughout Spain.

Posted on 2026-03-30 06:59:13

Thousands of people gathered in front of the Presidential Office at the
weekend to protest the Taipei District Court's sentencing former Taiwan
People's Party chairman Ko Wen-je to 17-years prison for corruption and
bribery.

Organizers say rally attracted over 10,000 people as of 2PM Sunday, but that
number had grown to around 80,000 by 5PM.

Police did not provide an estimate of the crowd size.

Ko told protesters the judiciary had become a "political tool" used to
persecute the public and that prosecutors had operated without sufficient
oversight or checks and balances.

Current T-P-P Chairman Huang Kuo-chang also addressed the crowd ...

... and he accused prosecutors of threatening witnesses and fabricating
interview records, saying they violated the legal principle of nonpublic
investigation in favor of "chaotic public disclosure."

Several K-M-T member also attended the rally - including 22 lawmakers.

K-M-T lawmaker party spokesperson Niu Hsu-ting accused the the government of
trying to eliminate political opponents and silence dissenting voices.

D-P-P spokesperson Lee Kuen-cheng says the party will not comment further on
individual judicial cases out of respect for the judiciary and is urging the
K-M-T and the T-P-P to not claim to be standing with the public while
"paralyzing" major budget bills in the Legislature.

Posted on 2026-03-30 06:59:14

The National Center for High-performance Computing says Taiwan's most
powerful supercomputer is expected to go online in the third quarter of this
year.

The center said the "Ching-chuang 26" has been built to boost artificial
intelligence development tailored to local needs.

The system is meant primarily to serve the public sector, academia and
industry - helping users develop and train A-I models in fields such as
finance and defense.

Taiwan's total supercomputing capacity is expected to more than triple within
about a year when the "Ching-chuang 26" goes online - rising to over 114
petaflops.

The new system alone to deliver around 82 petaflops.

A petaflop is a unit used to measure a computer's speed, especially for
complex calculations.

The center director-general says the supercomputer is equipped with NVIDIA's
H200-based computing system using advanced 4-nanometer process technology,
and has been undergoing testing since February.

Posted on 2026-03-30 06:59:16

The National Health Insurance Administration says National Health Insurance
spending on cancer treatment rose to a record 156.7-billion N-T last year.

That marks an increase of 26.5-billion N-T from 2020.

Government figures show the number of patients seeking cancer treatment has
risen by more than 970 thousand in 2025, reflecting an average annual
increase of 5-per cent over the past five years.

Breast cancer accounts for the largest number of cases at 198,878, followed
by colorectal and anal cancers, lung, trachea, and bronchus cancers, and
prostate cancer.

The cost of pancreatic cancer treatment was among the top 10 for the first
time in a decade.

The administration says the rising costs are mainly driven by Taiwan's aging
population and expanded cancer screening programs, reflecting increased
health investment and improved access to care.

The government has increased its funding for cancer prevention and treatment,
while the Health Promotion Administration has also boosted its cancer
screening budget by about 600-million N-T to expand early detection.

Posted on 2026-03-30 06:59:18

The Ministry of Digital Affairs is warning of data theft risks from fake LINE
sites.

The Administration for Cyber Security says it has discovered several cases of
people trying to download desktop versions of LINE falling into data theft
traps ..

.. and has released a list of nine websites that maliciously pose as the
official pages of social media mobile application LINE.

The administration is now warning of possible hacking and data breaches when
visiting and downloading software from the sites.

The administration says LINE was likely selected by threat actors due to its
popularity as the communications app of choice here in Taiwan and the
cyberattacks using the brand have shown signs of becoming increasingly
organized.

Once a fake version of the LINE desktop application has been downloaded onto
a computer, victims could have their personal information, such as passwords,
stolen.

The administration is urging the public to report any fake sites to its
scam-websites reporting page or the National Police Agency.

Posted on 2026-03-30 06:59:21

Police say the driver of a bus who ran over a 20-year-old student at Chang
Gung University in Taoyuan's Guishan District will be referred to prosecutors
on suspicion of negligent injury.

The incident occurred last Thursday evening, when a San Chung Bus Company
vehicle made a left turn on a campus road struck the student, as he was
walking on a marked crosswalk.

The student was trapped under the bus and remains in intensive care.

Police authorities say the bus driver tested negative for alcohol, but will
be referred to the Taoyuan District Prosecutors' Office on suspicion of
negligent bodily harm.

The company's manager visited the hospital the same night of the incident to
apologize to the family and pledged to cover all related costs.

The company says the driver failed to follow a rule requiring vehicles to
stop and check before turning on campus roads.

Posted on 2026-03-30 06:59:24

And,

The Central Weather Administration's Seismological Center is warning of
possible aftershocks over the coming week following Sunday's magnitude 4.7
earthquake that rattled the south Sunday morning.

That quake struck at 11:12AM and was centered some 29-kilometers
south-southeast of Pingtung County Hall at a depth of 23-kilometers.

It was felt across parts of Pingtung, Taitung, Kaohsiung, Tainan and Chiayi.

The administration's Seismological Center says the quake could result in
aftershocks of between magnitudes 4 and 5 on the weather administration's
intensity scale.

Data shows that no quakes stronger that magnitude 4 have been recorded that
area over the past 30 years.

The center says the quake was caused by the Eurasian Plate subducting beneath
the Philippine Sea Plate along Taiwan's Chaozhou Fault zone.

The Chaozhou Fault zone is an active high-angle thrust fault that marks the
boundary between the Central Mountain Range and the Pingtung Plain.

Posted on 2026-03-30 06:59:29

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has ordered the military to
further expand its operations in southern Lebanon.

He claimed the move was being made to thwart the threat of invasion and to
push the anti-tank missile fire away from Israel's border.

Israel said last week it was enlarging a "buffer zone" last week.

It was not immediately clear whether Netanyahu was referring to that area or
to the seizure of additional territory.

The Lebanese health ministry has said Israeli strikes and ground operations
have killed more than 1,100 people in Lebanon, including children, women and
medical personnel.

Posted on 2026-03-30 06:59:29

Japanese troops set foot on Philippine soil for the first time since world
war two... to take part in the annual Balikatan military exercises...

The Japan Times reports at least several hundred of Japan's Self-Defense
Forces (SDF) troops are expected to put boots on the ground to join
Philippine, U.S. and Australian troops.

This year's exercise is said to be a new milestone in regional security
cooperation... and completes the SDF’s transition from observer to full
participant in the maneuvers

The multinational drills are scheduled to start on April 20 and end in May,
with a number of activities set to take place across the Philippine
archipelago.

Posted on 2026-03-30 06:59:29

China's top diplomat in Hong Kong has met the senior U.S. diplomat in the
city to protest against a U.S. public alert over new security rules in Hong
Kong.

Commissioner Cui Jianchun is said to have met U.S. Consul General Julie Eadeh
last week and expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition".

He also urged Washington to stop interfering in Hong Kong's affairs and
China's internal affairs "in any form".

Hong Kong this month amended its enforcement rules for the national security
regime, making it an offence in national security cases to refuse to provide
passwords or other decryption assistance to access an electronic device.

Late last year, the Trump administration proposed some visitors to the United
States may soon have to provide their social media history from the prior
five years before getting their U-S visa waiver.

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