ICRT

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

The Legislative Yuan is set to hold votes on whether or not to approve the
Cabinet's nominations to fill seats on the Central Elecction Commission.

DPP Legislative Caucus Secretary-General Zhuang Rui Xiong says, the DPP will
vote in favor of all nominations...

despite internal disagreement as to the nominee to run the committee, You
Ying Long.

He said that some caucus members had voiced disapproval of You due to
comments made previously towards the DPP.

But, Zhuang says, the caucus ultimately decided to vote in favor of You due
to respect for the impartiality of the CEC.

The 9-member commission is currently short 5 seats, meaning that they are
unable to convene any meetings.

The Executive Yuan in December passed the nominations of You and 6 others
along to the Legislative Yuan for approval.

(AH)

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

The government is providing funds to upgrade public kindergartens and provide
new books for young children.

The K-12 Education Administration announced today it has provided $440
million NT to local governments to improve teaching environments and
facilities.

Officials say the goal is to make schools safer and more comfortable for
students.

Additionally, the government is providing $170 million specifically for
books, as part of a three-year plan to encourage reading in public
kindergartens.

(NS)

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

For the first time, Taiwan Stock Exchange is extending its recruitment
efforts to southern Taiwan by participating in the “Southern Region Job
Fair” at National Cheng-Kung (成功) University.

The organization says its campus recruitment campaign began early this month
first at National Taiwan University, and will continue at National Yang Ming
Chiao Tung University this Saturday.

The tour will then visit several other universities in northern Taiwan, as
well as the biggest job fair in the south at Cheng Kung University.

Noting that as global capital markets accelerate toward digitalization and
smart technologies, T-W-S-E officials say they're inviting those with
integrated and innovative capabilities from various backgrounds to join the
company.

(JL)

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

In the US,

Senate Democrats are filing legislation that would prevent the US from
attacking Cuba without congressional approval.

This comes in response to US President Donald Trump's stated goal of a
"takeover" of the country.

Opposition lawmakers have repeatedly used war powers resolutions to force
votes on Trump's foreign policy aggressions.

While lawmakers from the president's own party have mostly fallen in line.

The resolution would require the president to remove the military from any
hostilities with Cuba.

It could be put to a vote by the end of the month.

Trump previously said that his Secretary of State was negoatiating with Cuban
leadership as the country faces an energy crisis exacerbated by a US blocked
on the island.

Posted on 2026-03-13 07:04:13

The Cabinet says it is confident that the benefits Taiwan secured under a
recent Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States will not be
affected by Washington's decision to launch a probe under section 301 of the
U-S Trade Act.

One of the terms of the Taiwan-U-S deal sees US tariffs lowered from 20
percent to 15 without stacking them on top of Taiwan exports that have MFN -
or most favored nation status.

The investigation is also unlikely to affect ART terms such as most favorable
treatment for Taiwanese semiconductor exports, which were obtained in
exchange for greater market access in Taiwan for American cars, pork and
beef, among other concessions.

Natixis' Chief Economist for Asia Pacific Alicia Garcia-Herrero echoes this
initial assessment.

Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee said, adding the government will continue
to maintain close contact with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
regarding the investigations.

Posted on 2026-03-13 07:04:13

Lawmaker are expected to allow the Cabinet to sign Letters of Offer and
Acceptance for four U-S weapons systems due to expire this month.

This comes after cross-party talks.... which also directs the Cabinet to
inform the Legislature of the estimated delivery dates for the four systems
and is now expected to be approved at a plenary session.

The weapons systems, which include self-propelled howitzers, Javelin
anti-armor missiles, and High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, are a major
part of the 11.1-billion U-S dollar arms package announced by the U-S in
December.

The package also includes Altius-600 and Altius-700M drones, but Letters of
Offer and Acceptance for those systems have yet to be issued.

The Taiwan People's Party, K-M-T and D-P-P caucuses agreed to include the
High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems in the motion after the Ministry of
National Defense said ammunition would be removed from the package if Taiwan
missed a March 26 deadline.

The Letters of Offer and Acceptance for the three other systems have a March
15 deadline.

Posted on 2026-03-13 07:04:13

At the same time,

The Cabinet has instructed the Ministry of Economic Affairs to secure natural
gas supplies for May and increase imports from the U-S in June.

The move is part of the government's efforts to ensure stable energy supply
amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Premie Zhu Rong-tai says the government has already secured sufficient
natural gas supplies for March and April and is preparing additional measures
to maintain stable supply in the coming two months.

The premier has urged the Ministry of Agriculture to secure fertilizer
supplies, monitor shipping costs, and continue fuel subsidies for farmers and
fishers ..

He also called on the government to track consumer goods prices across
agencies, promptly report any unusual spikes, and take action to prevent
price gouging.

The statements came after a Cabinet meeting attended by officials from the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the
Financial Supervisory Commission - who issued reports on responses to the
situation in the Middle East.

Posted on 2026-03-13 07:04:13

A survey released by Academia Sinica shows that nearly 60-percent of
respondents said they would "resist" a Chinese invasion even without U-S
military support, while fewer respondents now view the U-S as a credible
country.

The American Portrait Project" survey was conducted from January 20 and 26.

A total of 1,206 adults answered questions on US-Taiwan-China relations,
defense spending and deterrence, the credibility of the US security
commitment to Taiwan, and their willingness to fight in a crisis.

While the survey found that 58.7-per cent of respondents said they would
resist a Chinese invasion even if the United States did not intervene...
36.2-per cent said they would not resist a Chinese invasion even if the U-S
did not intervene.

Posted on 2026-03-13 07:04:13

A group of visiting Spanish lawmakers calling for for the promotion of closer
bilateral relations with Taiwan.

The six-member cross-party delegation delegations is being led by Mikel
Legarda - a member of the lower house of Spain's parliament.

Legarda said his country can learn a lot from Taiwan, especially how Taipei
used its high-tech prowess to navigate geopolitical volatility and ensure its
democracy is not affected by authoritarian regimes.

Wu said he hopes to see further cooperation between Taiwan and Spain in the
areas of semiconductors, renewable energy, and information and communication
technology.

The Spanish parliamentary delegation will also be holding talks with Deputy
Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang and National Security Council Deputy
Secretary-General Lin Fei-fan ...

.. and visiting the International Trade Administration, the National Science
and Technology Council and the Hsinchu Science Park during its five-day
visit.

Posted on 2026-03-13 07:04:13

The Water Resources Agency has raised the water alert level for the Hsinchu
area... its also begun implementing reduced-pressure water supply from 11PM
to 5AM as part of efforts to conserve water.

Hsinchu County Magistrate Yang Wen-ke says the move means that non-essential
or non-urgent water use, such as operating fountains, washing building
exteriors, and cleaning drains, will be suspended.

Water supply for non-essential purposes at government agencies and
state-owned enterprises will also be suspended during the period.

The Water Resources Agency called the alert a precautionary measure to ensure
the continued supply of public water through the end of May, due to expected
below-normal precipitation before the plum rain season.

The Hsinchu County Government says rainfall in the area has been lower than
usual since November of last year, with each month recording less than
3-centimeters - which is only about 20 to 30-per cent of the historical
average.

That has resulted in the water levels at theTouqian River, the Baoshan
Reservoir and the Second Baoshan Reservoir to decline.

Posted on 2026-03-13 07:04:13

The Ministry of Transport says it plans to phase out faster-paced walking
animation on some pedestrian signals islandwide by the end of this year.

The move said to be aimed at discouraging pedestrians to run across
intersections.

The ministry's Department of Railways, Highways and Road Safety says the
decision was made during a road safety briefing at the Cabinet earlier this
week.

Department head Wu Dong-ling says while the flashing green signal that
appears in the final seconds of a pedestrian light will remain, the
faster-paced walking animation used in some areas will be removed.

Wu also says the Cabinet has asked the transport ministry to coordinate with
local governments on the adjustments and ensure that signal designs are
standardized nationwide by the end of the year.

Only Chiayi County, Kinmen and Matsu don't use the fast-walking signal.

Posted on 2026-03-13 07:04:13

Taiwan won three gold, three silver, and three bronze medals on the opening
day of the 2026 World Indoor Tug of War Championships in Taipei.

The wins included a podium sweep in the women's 500-kilogram club category.

The four-day event is being held a the Taipei Arena through Sunday.

It's the first time Taiwan hosted the event - which is organised by the Tug
of War International Federation.

The Chinese Taipei Tug of War Association says more than 1,000 athletes,
coaches and support staff have traveled to Taiwan for the tournament.

Participating teams come from the England, Italy, the U-S, Japan, South
Korea, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Thailand.

Posted on 2026-03-13 07:04:13

In related news...

The Israeli military said it is dropping charges against five soldiers
accused of sexually abusing a Palestinian detainee in an encounter partially
caught on camera.

The decision on Thursday comes as much of the country’s attention is focused
on the war with Iran.

The leaked video of the abuse was aired last year by Israel’s Channel 12 and
purported to show an assault in which the soldiers sodomized the Palestinian
detainee from Gaza with a knife.

The arrest of the soldiers in 2024 had prompted anger from hard-line
ultranationalists, while members of Israel’s far-right government called the
investigation into the allegations an affront to their service.

Posted on 2026-03-13 07:04:13

A new permanent exhibition has opened in Pompeii that shows plaster casts of
people killed in the Mount Vesuvius eruption, frozen in their final moments.

On Thursday, curators put 22 casts on public display for the first time.
Experts call them “imprints of pain.”

They were created by pouring plaster into spaces left in hardened ash.

Director Gabriel Zuchtriegel says the goal is dignity and understanding.

Archaeologist Silvia Martina Bertesago says modern tests reveal age, sex,
disease, and diet.

Posted on 2026-03-12 19:53:14

In a related news...

The Cabinet is adjusting Taiwan's energy strategy in response to rising
tensions in the Middle East.

Premier Cho Jung-tai has instructed the Ministry of Economic Affairs to
activate alternative natural gas supply operations this May ...

... followed by a scheduled increase in natural gas imports from the United
States starting in June.

Officials say the move is meant to ensure stable domestic energy supplies as
regional conflicts continue to affect global energy markets.

The ministry said Taiwan currently has sufficient energy reserves, including
oil stocks of at least ninety days and natural gas supplies of about eleven
days.

State-run CPC Corporation said it has already secured 22 shipments of
liquefied natural gas for March and April, ensuring supply during that
period.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-03-12 19:53:14

Officials warn that Sun Moon Lake boat services and pier operations may be
suspended if water levels fall below 740 meters.

The Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Headquarters says the reservoir's
water level is just over 67 percent — about five and a half meters below
full capacity.

According to the headquarters, recent dry weather in the mountains and
ongoing agricultural irrigation downstream have caused levels to steadily
decline.

To maintain visitor safety, authorities have already moved a floating
platform at the Chaowu Pier to a deeper area and closed part of the dock.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-03-12 17:07:13

A new poll has shown decreased trust in the US... and suggests that trust in
the US is often linked to political party affiliation in Taiwan.

The Academia Sinica study shows that only 34% of the Taiwanese public see the
US as a trustworthy country, representing an 11% drop from just 5 years ago.

The poll also reveals that 60% of DPP supporters see the US as a country that
keeps its promises, while only 10% of those who tend to side with the KMT saw
the US in that positive light.

The data shows that trust in the US began declining amonst the Taiwanese
public in 2024.

Scholars also note that the proportion of Taiwanese people who agree that
China is a trustworthy country has risen since last year to 17%.

Further, scholars say that DPP supporters were more likely to believe that
the US would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-03-12 17:07:13

New data suggests over half of children and teenagers in Taiwan have
experienced unwanted physical contact.

A survey by the Taiwan Fund for Children and Families found that 56 percent
of respondents aged nine to seventeen said they had experienced touching that
made them feel uncomfortable.

Among those cases, more than half involved genital contact.

The survey also found that many children felt their concerns were not taken
seriously.

Nearly 70 percent said that when they reported the incidents, they were not
believed or their feelings were dismissed, with some even being blamed for
overreacting.

The survey also found that about 22 percent of children did not tell anyone
about such experiences ...

The most common reasons were: "thinking it was nothing serious", "not wanting
to make the situation worse", or "not knowing what to say".

Researchers say the findings highlight the need for adults to listen
carefully and respond seriously when children report inappropriate behavior.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-03-12 17:07:13

Now turning to international news...

China is adopting what they call a new "ethnic unity" law...

which critics say tightens assimilation and weakens minority rights.

Legislators at the National People's Congress approved it.

One official says it aims to build a shared national identity across every
group and workplace.

Scholars say the law undercuts autonomy promised by China to these ethnic
minorities...

mandating Mandarin as the primary teaching language in compulsory education.

Experts say, language about mixing communities is also concerning.

They warn it may lead to the breaking up of minority neighborhoods.

The law also opens penalties for actions abroad that Beijing claims pose a
harm to "ethnic unity."

The penalties for people abroad are similar to those which Beijing imposed on
Hong Kong in 2020, stating that authorities can prosecute people based
outside China over actions Beijing sees as secession or subversion.

Posted on 2026-03-12 16:07:13

More than 120 companies have joined a new pilot program in Taipei that allows
parents to work shorter hours to care for their children.

The city's Department of Labor says 121 businesses have applied for the
"Childcare Work Hour Reduction" plan since it launched on March 1st.

The program currently benefits 182 employees, and officials say most of the
applicants are small or micro-sized businesses.

Under the plan, parents with children under the age of 12 can reduce their
workday by one hour to drop off or pick up their children, with the city
subsidizing most of the cost to the employer.

Taipei is the first city in Taiwan to test this policy, and officials say
they plan to meet with neighboring local governments soon to share their
results and encourage other cities to start similar programs.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-03-12 16:07:14

Taipei officials are reminding people of traffic restrictions on holidays
from this weekend to the Tomb-Sweeping Day.

The Taipei Transportation Department says roads around Fu-de (富德), Nan-gang
and Yang-ming-shan cemeteries will be closed to vehicles between 5:30 AM and
5 PM except for public buses.

Officials say people can take five routes of free shuttle buses instead.

The buses will run between the cemeteries and mass transit points, including
Taipei MRT’s Ling-guang (麟光) Station, Taipei Zoo Station, and parking lots
on Yang-ming-shan.

Most of those buses will run at intervals of 3 to 10 minutes.

Officials say there are a total of 10 holiday from this weekend until April
6th.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-03-12 16:07:14

Turning to world news...

Unrelenting Iranian attacks on shipping traffic and energy infrastructure
again pushed oil above $100 US dollars a barrel at one point during today's
trading.

Iran hit a container ship off the coast of Dubai, caused a blaze near
Bahrain’s international airport, targeted a major Saudi oil field with a
drone attack and forced Iraq to halt operations at all the country’s oil
terminals.

Since the United States and Israel started the war with a Feb. 28 attack on
Iran, Tehran has focused on inflicting enough global economic pain to
pressure them to halt their attacks.

Meantime, American and Israeli strikes pounded Iran with no sign of an end to
the war in sight.

Sirens wailed before dawn in Jerusalem after Israel said it was working to
intercept missiles launched from Iran.

Posted on 2026-03-12 16:07:18

China is signaling it will stay focused on technology and economic growth,
even as U.S. tensions with Iran rise.

China’s National People's Congress today approved a new five-year plan that
puts advances in technology at the center.

The plan backs big spending on areas like artificial intelligence and
robotics.

It gives less emphasis to quick consumer stimulus, and economists expect any
shift in that direction to happen slowly.

Many economists believe that China needs to do more to put more money into
the hands of consumers to boost domestic spending and reduce its dependence
on export-led growth.

The plan sets a cautious climate goal tied to the size of the economy, not
total emissions.

Posted on 2026-03-12 15:33:14

The DPP legislative caucus says it believes that the government is able to
respond properly to the two new trade investigations launched by the U.S.
Trade Representative Office earlier today.

It notes that Taiwan must ensure the most-favored treatment secured under the
Taiwan-U.S. Investment MOU and the reciprocal trade agreement will not be
compromised by the results of those investigations.

The U-S-T-R earlier today announced the investigations into excess industrial
capacity in 16 major trading partners and into forced labor, to rebuild
tariff pressure after the U.S. Supreme Court tore down much of Trump's tariff
program last month.

The trading partners include Taiwan, China, South Korea, Japan, India,
Malaysia, Thailand, Switzerland and Norway.

Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the investigations of "Section 301"
unfair trade practices, which may burden or restrict U.S. commerce, could
lead to new tariffs.

MeanwhileTaiwan’s Executive Yuan says trade officials are in close contact
with the U-S-T-R and the Commerce Department, and will continue monitoring
developments and making preparations.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-03-12 15:33:14

Taiwan will begin offering a second COVID-19 vaccine dose this season to
older adults and high-risk groups starting April 7th.

Health officials say people aged 65 and older, adults aged 55 to 64 from
indigenous communities, and those with weakened immune systems will be
eligible to receive the additional dose for free.

Authorities say more than 1-point-6 million people in Taiwan have received
this season's COVID-19 vaccine since the campaign began in October last year.

However, the vaccination rate among seniors is just over 20 percent, and
health officials hope to raise that figure to about 40 percent.

The Health Ministry's data shows that most severe COVID-19 cases occur in
people aged 65 and older and those with chronic illnesses.

Since October last year, about 93 percent of severe cases had not received
the current season’s COVID-19 vaccine.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-03-12 15:33:14

A U.N.-backed panel of independent experts says racist hate speech by U.S.
President Donald Trump and other American political leaders, along with a
crackdown on immigration in the United States, have led to “grave human
rights violations.”

The Geneva-based Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination issued
its decision Wednesday.

The committee of experts from around the world attributed a reported rise in
racial discrimination to “racist hate speech” targeting those groups and
expressed concern about the impact of public figures weaponizing stereotypes
to incite hate crimes and discrimination.

It urged the U.S. to suspend immigration enforcement operations at, and near,
schools, hospitals, and faith-based institutions.

The decision is not legally binding but seeks to hold a country to its own
international commitments.

The U.S. ratified the convention in 1994.

Posted on 2026-03-12 15:33:14

U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have damaged at least four cultural and
historical sites across Iran.

Experts and advocates have raised alarm about the impact of the widening war
on protected landmarks that are important to Iranian identity.

Iran and Lebanon sent a request to the United Nations’ cultural agency,
UNESCO, this week to add more sites to its World Heritage enhanced protection
list.

UNESCO confirmed it's verified damage to a lavish palace in Tehran as well as
a 17th century palace and the country's oldest Friday mosque, both in
Isfahan.

Posted on 2026-03-12 14:07:13

The DPP has released the results of polling conducted last night in Taipei's
Datong and Zhongshan Districts.

The party is nominating 4 candidates for city councilor in the 7-seat
district, with two incumbents, Lin Liang Jun and Yan Ruo Fang both passing
the post.

Newcomers Zhu Zheng Qi朱政騏 and Lin Zi Yang林子揚 will also receive
nominations.

The third incumbent in the district, Chen Yi Jun, was removed from candidacy
due to an ongoing investigation into embezzling.

Polling in the capital city will continue tonight, which means residents of
Songshan and Xinyi districts can expect a phone call this evening...

and the rest of us can expect results tomorrow afternoon.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-03-12 14:07:13

Taipei officials are asking the public not to pick up young birds found on
the ground as the spring breeding season begins.

The Taipei City Animal Protection Office says it received more than 5,800
calls for bird rescues last year, with about half involving baby birds.

Officials say many young birds found on the ground are actually learning how
to fly, and moving or picking up a healthy bird can separate it from its
parents and interfere with its natural development.

The city is reminding residents to follow three rules: do not interfere, do
not touch, and do not feed.

If a bird appears to be injured or in danger, residents should call the
24-hour animal protection hotline at 1959.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-03-12 14:07:13

The Baguashan Tunnel on Provincial Highway 76 will close twice laster this
month for emergency disaster drills.

The Highway Bureau says on March 26th, the tunnel will be closed in both
directions for about 30 minutes during each session.

The first closure starts at 9:30 a.m., and the second begins at 3:30 p.m.

The bureau says vehicles will be prohibited from entering the tunnel during
the exercises, and drivers already inside the tunnel when the drills begin
must follow officials' instructions and wait.

The drills are designed to test how well road units and emergency agencies
work together during a crisis.

The bureau say drivers should plan ahead and use alternative routes.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-03-12 14:07:13

Taiwan shares are down today, with the benchmark tai ex losing 532 points to
close the session at 33581.

The turnover was 754.8 billion nt

Posted on 2026-03-12 14:07:13

Cambodia says, it's close to shutting down all online scam center operating
in the country.

Officials say that the government has targeted 250 suspected sites since
July, with officers already closing about 200 of them.

They say, police will keep working to stop the centers from returning.

Experts say, scams based in Southeast Asia net tens of billions of dollars
each year.

Officials also link the industry to human trafficking.

Cambofian police say, they've filed legal cases against almost 700
ringleaders and their associates and repatriated almost 10,000 foreigners who
had been forced to work at the centers from 23 countries.

But experts say, past crackdowns in Cambodia have left the financial and
protection networks intact, allowing operations to recuperate.

Posted on 2026-03-12 13:20:13

A bipartisan Spanish delegation is visiting Taiwan this week.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says, it's a concrete show of support for
Taiwan.

They add that the hope the trip will serve to strengthen exchange in the
fields of semiconductors, renewable energy, and information and
communications technology.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Wu Zhi Zhong welcomed the partliamentary
delegation led by Mikel Legarda Uriarte.

The visit is this first from a Spanish parliamentary delegation since 2023.

During the delegation's visit, they will meet with Deputy Legislative Speaker
Jiang Qi-chen, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Security Council Lin
Fei-fan, as well as visit the Hsinchu science park.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-03-12 13:20:13

Taiwan is removing the "fast-walking" animation from pedestrian traffic
lights to stop encouraging people to rush across the street.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications says it plans to
standardize the "little green man" signals across the island this year.

While the green figure will no longer speed up, the light will still flash to
count down the remaining time.

Premier Chuo Jung-tai says the current animation creates a "last-second dash"
mindset that can be dangerous.

Under a new rule starting tomorrow, pedestrians who have not yet stepped onto
the road when the light begins to flash are advised to wait.

However, they will no longer face fines if they choose to cross.

Currently, 19 cities and counties in Taiwan use the fast-walking animation,
including Taipei, New Taipei, and Kaohsiung.

The Ministry says it will work with local governments to update the software
for traffic signals later this year.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-03-12 13:20:13

Now turning to international news...

The US says, it was likely outdated information that led to them to carry out
a strike on an Iranian girls' school.

They killed over 165 people, many of them children, in that strike.

Dozens of opposition senators want answers from the Trump administration and
are pressing the Department of Defense as to whether the US was at fault for
the strike.

The senators also raised concerns about the hollowing out of a
congressionally mandated office set up specifically to reduce civilian
casualties.

The president initially blamed Iran for the attack...

before saying he wasn't sure who was at blame...

before saying he would accept the results of the Pentagon's investigation.

But the issue took on a renewed urgency when the New York Times reported that
a preliminary investigation found that the US was responsible.

Posted on 2026-03-12 13:20:13

South Africa is deploying troops to the streets of the country's biggest city
to help fight gang violence and illegal mining.

This comes as President Cyril Ramaphose called organized crime the greatest
threat to democracy and the country's economic development.

Ramaphose has said that the deployment of soilders was carefully considered,
given that the army was used to crush pro-democracy protests during South
Africa's decades of enforced racial segregation under the apartheid system...
which ended in 1994.

But he said the deployment was necessary to stem a surge in violent
organized crime that threatens the safety of people and the authority of the
state.

South Africa has high rates of violent crime.

Police reported 6,351 homicides from October to December of last year,
marking an average of nearly 70 a day in a country of around 62 million
people.

Posted on 2026-03-12 09:06:13

Taiwan ranks fifth among 184 economies in the 2026 Index of Economic Freedom
- slipping one place from a year earlier despite a slight increase in its
overall score.

According to the annual report by the Washington-based Heritage Foundation,
Taiwan received a score of 79.8.

That was up 0.1 points from 2025.

Taiwan ranked behind Singapore, Switzerland, Ireland and Australia, while
placing third in the Asia-Pacific region.

Taiwan was rated "free" in six of the index's 12 indicators: judicial
effectiveness, fiscal health, government spending, trade freedom, property
rights and monetary freedom.

Taiwan's weakest-performing category was tax burden.

Posted on 2026-03-12 09:06:14

North Korea has shown leader Kim Jong Un and his teenage daughter firing
pistols at a munitions factory as he pushes to modernize the country's
conventional forces.

State media says Kim visited a factory producing pistols and other light arms
and reviewed a new pistol that recently entered production.

His daughter's increasingly prominent public appearances have prompted
outside experts to assess that Kim Jong Un is likely grooming her as a future
leader to extend the family dynasty into a fourth generation.

State media last month showed the girl testing a sniper rifle as Kim
presented the weapons to senior officials following a ruling party congress.

Posted on 2026-03-12 09:06:14

Guatemala's Congress has elected new members to the Supreme Electoral
Tribunal.

The move part of a sweeping judicial overhaul that international observers
are warning risks being hijacked by corruption networks.

The new electoral tribunal will oversee the 2027 general election.

Experts say the process is critical to restoring public trust, which has
eroded since the 2019 shutdown of the United Nations-backed anti-impunity
commission.

Posted on 2026-03-12 09:06:14

And finally,

Iran's sports and youth minister says his country is in no position to take
part in the in the 2026 World Cup.

Iran's participation has been in doubt since the U-S and Israel launched
strikes on the country.

The team is scheduled to play three group matches in the tournament, which is
being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico and gets under way on June
11.

Iran are due to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21
respectively, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

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

elections

In news from and about Taiwan this morning .....

The K-M-T has officially named former Taipei Deputy Mayor Lee Shu-chuan as
its candidate for New Taipei mayor in Novermber's local elections.

The party has also named lawmaker Wu Tsung-hsien as it candidate for Yilan
County magistrate, and physician Weng Shou-liang as its candidate for Chiayi
City mayor.

The nominations were approved at a meeting of the K-M-T's Central Standing
Committee.

K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun says Lee's experience in infrastructure
development during his tenure as Taipei deputy mayor makes him the party's
best choice for New Taipei ..

... and she believes that Taipei and New Taipei together could serve as a
"locomotive" driving regional development.

All the current K-M-T heads of government in New Taipei, Yilan and Chiayi
City are barred from seeking reelection due to term limits.

The Taiwan People's Party has nominated chairman Huang Kuo-chang as its
candidate for New Taipei mayor, former lawmaker Chang Chi-kai for Chiayi City
mayor, and former legislator Chen Wan-hui for Yilan County magistrate.

The K-M-T has said it will negotiate with the T-P-P on a mechanism to
coordinate and potentially field joint candidates.

The two parties are scheduled to present a joint policy platform on Saturday.

Posted on 2026-03-12 08:12:14

Economics Minister Kung Ming-hsin says Tai-Power will submit a plan later
month to re-start the decommissioned Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant in
Pingtung.

According to Kung, that means the plant could begin generating electricity as
early as 2028.

The statement came after as the economics minister was being questioned
during a Legislative hearing as to whether the government is considering
using nuclear energy as a stable energy source in the event of a wartime
blockade.

Kung told lawmakers that a safety inspection of the nuclear plant is already
underway, and Tai-Power is currently finalizing a review plan for its
possibly being brough back online.

Kung also said the government has signed a contract with Westinghouse to
check the status of the plant's generators and if the equipment in is in good
condition, and not too much needs to be replaced, the 2028 timeline could be
shortened.

The Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant was decommissioned on May 17 of last year.

Posted on 2026-03-12 08:12:16

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen left for an 11-day visit to the United States
late yesterday evening.

She was seen off at Taoyuan International Airport by several K-M-T lawmakers.

Prior to boarding her flight, Lu told reporters that trip to the was
primarily focused on city-level diplomacy, but given Taiwan's current
situation, her delegation will take the opportunity to advocate for the
island's rights and interests.

Lu's March 11 to 21 trip will cover five states, primarily on the U-S East
Coast, with planned stops including Boston, New York City, Washington, D.C.,
and Seattle.

Lu is slated to meet members of the U-S House of Representatives and sign a
memorandum of understanding with the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce of North
America.

The Taichung mayor has said the issues to be discussed with U-S officials
include energy stability, regional security and global trade.

Posted on 2026-03-12 08:12:16

The Highway Bureau says it aims to finish work to fix wind-related noise
generated by handrails on the Danjiang Bridge in New Taipei by late April.

The statement comes after residents living near the bridge have been
complaining of a persistent humming sound when strong northeasterly winds
blow through the area.

The bridge is scheduled to open to traffice in May.

According to the Highway Bureau, initial inspections suggest the noise is
being caused by wind interacting with the bridge's pedestrian handrail
structures ...

... as strong seasonal winds appear to pass through or around the handrail
components along the pedestrian walkway, generating wind-shear vibrations
that produce a low-frequency humming sound.

The bureau says the issue was first looked into in late January after it
began receiving complaints and it now plans to install U-shaped rubber strips
to damp vibrations and eliminate the excessive noise.

Residents have described the sound as a low-frequency hum similar to a wind
instrument or the whistle of steam from a kettle.

Posted on 2026-03-12 08:12:16

And finally,

Taipei will be hosting the 2026 World Indoor Tug of War Championships - which
begins today

It's the first time that Taiwan will have hosted the event - which organised
by the Tug of War International Federation for national teams.

The competition will be taking place from today through Sunday at the Taipei
Arena.

According to the Taipei City Department of Sports, more than 1,000 athletes
from 14 countries and regions are taking part in this year's championships.

Tickets for the event are free.

Organizers say about 4,000 seats are available at the arena, with around
1,000 still open each day.

Posted on 2026-03-12 06:59:14

President Lai Ching-te has marked the 15th anniversary of Japan's 2011 Tohoku
earthquake and tsunami by calling for continued cooperation between Taiwan
and Japan on disaster prevention and humanitarian assistance.

In a social media post, Lai noted that Taiwan and Japan have always helped
each other in the aftermath of major disasters ..

... and after that tragedy, cash donations and relief supplies from Taiwan
poured in, while rescue teams assembled by Taiwan's government and the
private sector departed for affected areas within 72 hours.

At the same time, Lai said Japan sent a preliminary assessment team within 14
hours to assist with disaster relief after 2016's magnitude 6.4 hit southern
Taiwan ... and those reciprocal acts of kindness have continued to bind the
Taiwanese and Japanese people.

He went on to say those efforts will allow bilateral ties to continue to
deepen and make the two countries even closer regional partners.

Meanwhile,

Japan's top representative to Taiwan has once again expressed his gratitude
for Taipei's support following the earthquake and tsunami.

During a memorial ceremony, Kazuyuki Katayama said the Japanese people remain
deeply grateful for Taiwan's generosity after the disaster ..

... and since then, people in Taiwan have continued to offer the Japanese
people "warmth, support, and comfort" whenever Japan faces similar hardships.

Posted on 2026-03-12 06:59:14

A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft transited the Taiwan Strait in
international airspace yesterday...

The U.S. 7th Fleet said "demonstrates the United States' commitment to a free
and open Indo-Pacific."

The transit precedes U.S. President Donald Trump's planned visit to China
scheduled to take place this month.

Chinese media says Chinese naval and air forces tracked, monitored and
conducted alert operations throughout the process, and a source, saying the
Chinese military "effectively handled the situation."

Posted on 2026-03-12 06:59:14

U-S Congressman Pat Harrigan has introduced a bill in the House of
Representatives that seeks to boost Taiwan's energy security by supporting
exports of liquefied natural gas from America to Taiwan and to safeguard
strategically important shipments.

The proposed legislation aims to ensure Taiwan does not become vulnerable due
to supply disruptions, coercion by Beijing, or wider geopolitical
instability.

It also calls for cooperation between the U-S and Taiwan in nuclear energy
technology, including small modular reactor systems, which could provide
electricity that is less vulnerable to outside disruption.

While another provision would expand the authority of the U-S Maritime
Administration to provide insurance for vessels transporting critical energy,
humanitarian or other goods to Taiwan if the commercial insurance market
withdraws because of military threats.

The proposal must pass both the U-S Senate and House and be signed by the
president before taking effect.

A Senate version of bill already passed the Senate Foreign Relations
Committee in late January and will be sent to the full chamber for
consideration.

Posted on 2026-03-12 06:59:19

Legislative Yuan party caucuses have selected 16 conveners for its standing
committees.

The D-P-P has eight seats, the K-M-T seven seats and the Taiwan People's took
one seat.

The Legislature has eight standing committees, each with two conveners who
decide their respective committee's agenda and convene both regular and
closed-door meetings.

The D-P-P's Chen Guan-ting and the K-M-T's Ma Wen-chun are to chair the
Foreign and National Defense Committee.

D-P-P lawmaker Chiu Zhi-wei and the T-P-P's Hong Yu-xiang are to chair the
Economics Committee, with the Finance Committee to be led by the D-P-P's Wu
Ping-rui and the K-M-T's Lee Yen-hsiu.

The Education and Culture Committee's conveners are the D-P-P's Wu Li-hua and
the K-M-T's Lo Ting-wei.

The D-P-P's Zhuang Rui-xiong and the K-M-T's Weng Hsiao-ling are to lead the
Judiciary and Organic Laws Committee.

The Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee will be led by the
D-P-P's Lin Yueh-chin and the K-M-T's Lu Hsien-yi.

The Transportation Committee will led by the D-P-P's Lin Chun-hsien and the
K-M-T's Huang Jien-hao.

While the Internal Administration Committee will be led by the D-P-P's Lee
Po-yee and the K-M-T's Liao Hsien-hsiang.

Posted on 2026-03-12 06:59:19

The Military News Agency has confirmed that Taiwan's first domestically built
submarine conducted its fifth round of dive tests after departing Port of
Kaohsiung earlier this week.

Video of the previous four rounds of shallow-water dive trials show the
Narwhal performing functions such as steering and control, opening vent
valves, diving, raising the periscope and antenna mast, changing depths,
launching decoys and surfacing.

The report says testing of maneuverability, reconnaissance equipment,
emergency functions and combat management systems has also been carried out.

Those and other previously conducted tests has served to comprehensively
verify the submarine's performance and ensure it meets the Navy's operational
requirements and standards.

C-S-B-C has been accumulating fines since missing a November 2025 deadline
due to "testing delays..." but the shipbuilder last month indicated that it
hopes to deliver the submarine to the Navy in June.

Posted on 2026-03-12 06:59:19

An 80-year-old drug manufacturer originally from Taiwan has been deported
from the Philippines and escorted back home by officers from the Criminal
Investigation Bureau.

The man faces a prison sentence here stemming from a previous conviction.

Law enforcement officials say the man fled in October 2016 before his prison
sentence was finalised-- he was involved in the manufacture of the Category 3
narcotic Phena-zepam in Pingtung.

He was sentenced by the Kaohsiung District Court to five years and six months
in prison.

Agents from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency arrested him in Muntinlupa
City in 2018 for possession of about three kilograms of methamphetamine.

He completed his prison sentence in February and was transferred to a
detention center before he was deported.

Posted on 2026-03-12 06:59:21

And,

Alumni from Japan's Kyoto Tachibana Senior High School marching band have
staged a flash mob performance at the Grand Hotel in Taipei to thank Taiwan
for its support after the March 11 Tohoku earthquake in 2011.

The performance by the "Orange Devils" drew more than 100 spectators, some of
whom arrived two hours before the show to secure a good viewing spot.

The 26-member group played selections from "High School Musical," "Beauty and
the Beast," and their signature piece "Sing Sing Sing" and shouted "I love
Taiwan" in Chinese during the five-minute show.

Members also greeted the crowd with high-fives, waves and heart gestures,
prompting cheers from spectators.

Band coach Nanaho Shima says Japan has remained deeply grateful for Taiwan's
assistance after the magnitude-9 earthquake struck northeastern Japan,
triggering a massive tsunami that claimed more than 19,000 lives.

The "Orange Devils" marching band first visited Taiwan in 2022, when it
became the first foreign performing group to appear at the Double 10 National
Day celebrations.

Posted on 2026-03-12 06:59:21

Czech lawmakers have approved a 2026 budget that keeps defense spending below
NATO’s 2% target, despite pressure from the United States.

They voted Wednesday to fund the Defense Ministry at just over 1.7% of GDP.

The new government of populist Prime Minister Andrey Babis says the state
budget is strained and it has other priorities, including health care. Czech
spending rises above 2% only if other ministries’ projects count too.

President Petr Pavel had called for a bigger budget, citing Russia’s war in
Ukraine.

Posted on 2026-03-12 06:59:21

Documents released by the British government show officials believed there
was a “reputational risk” in appointing Peter Mandelson as the U.S.
ambassador because of his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey
Epstein.

The concerns were raised in a document sent to Prime Minister Keir Starmer in
December 2024 before he appointed Mandelson to the role, seen as vital to
establish a good relationship with the administration of U.S. leader Donald
Trump.

The document also spelled out other, unrelated reputational issues over
Mandelson’s work in a previous Labour government related to financial
matters, including high-profile donors.

The 147-page release was published Wednesday on the government website.

Posted on 2026-03-12 06:59:21

Thailand's new parliament is scheduled to hold its opening ceremony on March
14 following last month's election.

The general election was won by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's
Bhumjaithai Party, which took 191 of the 500 seats in parliament.

Bhumjaithai plans to build a coalition with smaller parties in an alliance
that will hold 290 seats.

The newly convened house is expected to hold its first meeting on March 15 to
elect a speaker and deputy speaker.

The house will likely vote on a candidate for prime minister on March 19.

Posted on 2026-03-11 18:46:14

Health officials have found 32 fruit and vegetable products with illegal
pesticide residues during a recent safety inspection of supermarkets, big-box
stores, and restaurants.

The Food and Drug Administration said today it tested more than 500 samples
collected from across the island.

It says the 32 items that failed the inspection were found in several
well-known retail chains and hot pot restaurants.

Officials have already issued fines totaling $180-thousand NT for six of the
violations.

The FDA is encouraging consumers to buy seasonal produce and look for
certified organic or traceable agricultural labels.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-03-11 18:46:14

Yilan is planning to establish its own Department of Sports later this year.

The county government says the new department is scheduled to be inaugurated
on September 9th — which is also Taiwan's National Sports Day.

Officials say the department will have a staff of about twenty people and
will oversee three divisions, including public sports promotion, competitive
sports, and sports facilities.

Once established, it will become the county government's twenty-third
department.

County officials say the move comes as public interest in sports continues to
grow, making it necessary to create a dedicated unit to better coordinate
resources, train athletes, and improve sports venues.

The county government plans to submit the organizational proposal to the
county council for review in May.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-03-11 18:46:14

The 2026 World Indoor Tug of War Championships are being held in Taiwan for
the first time.

The competition runs from March twelfth through the fifteenth at the Taipei
Arena — that's tomorrow through Sunday.

According to the Taipei City Department of Sports, more than one thousand top
athletes from fourteen countries and regions are taking part.

Spectators can attend for free by reserving tickets online.

Organizers say about four thousand seats are available at the arena, with
around one thousand still open each day.

However, tickets for the championship sessions on March fourteenth and
fifteenth are going quickly.

Fans are being encouraged to watch Taiwan's women's team, which is aiming for
a fourth consecutive world championship title.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-03-11 18:46:14

President Lai Ching-te on Wednesday marked the 15th anniversary of the 2011
Tohoku earthquake and tsunami ...

... calling for continued Taiwan–Japan cooperation on disaster prevention
and humanitarian assistance.

In a social media post, Lai said Taiwan and Japan have consistently supported
each other following major disasters.

After the magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck northeastern Japan in 2011, Taiwan
provided large-scale donations, relief supplies and rescue teams within 72
hours.

Lai also noted that Japan sent an assessment team within 14 hours to assist
Taiwan after a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck southern Taiwan in 2016.

He said these efforts will deepen bilateral ties, bringing the two countries
even closer as regional partners.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-03-11 17:11:13

Hualien County Council Speaker Chang Chun has formally announced a run for
magistrate.

In his announcement, the independent councilor said that he did not wish to
oppose anyone in particular, rather just wanted to make Hualien better.

Chang was elected as a councilor in 2009 and has served 4 terms but was
kicked out of the KMT for running for speaker.

The KMT last week nominated You Shu Zhen to replace Xu Zhen Wei, the wife of
former magistrate Fu Kun Qi.

Rumors have been circulating as to if the DPP intends to let Chang run in
their stead, saying last week that they would announce a candidate in Hualien
this week.

Local DPP officials have said that the DPP intends to do what is right for
Hualien, and not what only serves its own interests.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-03-11 17:11:13

All caucuses in the legislature have agreed to hold a vote on nominees for
the Central Election Commission.

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu convened cross-party talks today, where party
groups agreed that the Legislative Yuan will hold a recorded vote on the
confirmation bill this Friday.

The policy inquiry session originally scheduled for that day will instead be
held on March 17th.

The nominations were submitted by the Executive Yuan late last year.

The Central Election Commission currently has only four commissioners
remaining.

Under the law, at least five commissioners are required for the body to
convene meetings and make decisions.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-03-11 17:11:13

A senior New Party official has been arrested for throwing eggs at the DPP's
headquarters.

You Zhi Ｂｉｎ游智彬　and others went to the ruling party's offices in
Taipei's Zhongzheng District to protest Premier Zhuo Rong Tai's recent trip
to Tokyo to watch Team Taiwan play against the Czech Republic.

Police say that he and others did not apply for a permit to demonstrate, and
that You threw an egg.

Police are investigating You under the Waste Disposal and Social Order
Maintenance Acts.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-03-11 17:11:13

Experts in Taiwan are responding to new research from Harvard University
suggesting that people living near nuclear power plants may face a slightly
higher cancer risk.

The two studies, published in the journals Nature Communications and
Environmental Health, found that cancer rates and deaths showed an increasing
trend among populations living closer to nuclear plants in operation.

However, experts stress the research does not prove a direct causal
relationship at the individual level.

Taiwanese public health specialists say the findings suggest nuclear power
should be viewed as an energy source whose health risks are not zero, even
when plants operate within regulatory limits.

They also note that the potential impact appears to be concentrated in
communities closest to nuclear facilities, with risks declining as distance
increases.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-03-11 17:11:13

Now turning to international news...

Swiss authorities are investigating whether a deadly bus fire was set on
purpose.

Police say that at least 6 people were killed in the blaze, and five others
were injured.

A spokesperson says that the fire may have been caused by a "voluntary act."

Another officials says, reports claimed that someone poured flammable liquid
on themselves.

But that claim is still being verified.

Police say they see no signs of terrorism.

When rescue teams arrived at the scene yesterday, they found the bus fully
enguled in flames.

Crews flew three badly injured people to hospitals via helicopter.

Authorities say, victim identification may take days.

Posted on 2026-03-11 17:11:13

Students at an American Senegalese school are accusing the school of abuse.

Several students describe harsh and inappropriate punishments, like being
beaten with rods and sticks.

Senegalese authorities have opened a criminal investigation and arrested four
administrators, as hundreds of students have withdrawn.

The American Dara Academy in Senegal marketed itself to families in the US as
an affordable religious education with a North American curriculum.

According to a Jan. 12 written complaint sent by the U.S. Embassy in Dakar to
Senegalese authorities, several students reported severe corporal punishment.

The minors, according to the letter, identified the school’s director and
three other administrators, as responsible for the abuses.

Posted on 2026-03-11 14:40:14

The Taiwan Railway Corporation is warning the public about fake AI-generated
videos claiming the company offers special free travel days for senior
citizens.

Officials released a statement today clarifying that several viral videos
from an account that appears to be a guide for seniors are completely false.

The videos claim the railway offers "Senior Free Travel Days," dedicated
senior carriages, and automatic refunds for train delays.

The railway says none of these services exist.

Authorities say the videos use AI voices to spread a mix of false information
that easily misleads older people.

Travelers are urged to check the official Taiwan Railway website for accurate
information on discounts and services.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-03-11 14:40:14

The DPP has released the results of polling conducted last night in Taipei's
Zhongzheng and Wanhua disitrict.

The party is nominating 4 people for the city councilor position in the
7-seat district, with both incumbents Hong Wan Zhen 洪婉臻 and Liu Yao Ren
劉耀仁securing a nomination.

Of the 4 nominees, Liu polled the best amongst District 5 residents.

2 of the 3 newcomers also passed the post, with Ma Yu Wen馬郁雯 and Zhang
Ming You張銘祐 both receiving constitutents' approval.

The DPP currently holds only two of the 7 seats in Zhongzheng and Wanhua.

Polling in the capital city will continue the rest of the week to determine
nominees in Songshan, Xinyi, Datong, and Zhongshan districts...

while Shilin, Beitou, Nangang, and Neihu do not require primaries.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-03-11 14:40:18

Now turning to international news...

Israel is continuing airstrikes in southern Lebanon, forcing thousands of
families to flee.

But some longtime Hezbollah supporters are openly blaming the group.

On March 2, Hezbollah launched rockets and drones at northern Israel, to
which Israel retaliated.

Some of the displaced say that Hezbollah started this iteration of the fight
in order to serve Iran.

Hezbollah backers argue that Israel continued attacking even after a 2024
ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Hezbollah appears to be losing ground with grassroots supporters amidst
problems with Lebanese authorities.

Posted on 2026-03-11 14:40:14

Taiwan shares gained ground today, with the benchmark tai ex gaining 1342
points to close the session at 34114.

The turnover was 670.6 billion NT

Posted on 2026-03-11 14:40:18

Chile's new ultraconservative president is taking office today after a
landslide win in which he promised to be "tough" on crime and immigrarion.

Jose Antonio Kast leads the Republican Party and marks Chile's sharpest shift
to the right since a dictatorship ended in 1990.

Kast won the election in December against government-backed communist
candidate Jeanette Jara.

Analysts say, he comes to power a time when the US and China both strive to
pull Latin American countries into their influence.

Kast has signaled warmth towards US president Donald Trump and ended the
transition with President Gabriel Boric after a dispute over a China-linked
submarine cable.

Boric's administration had planned to install a submarine cable that would
connect Chile with China...

a project which drew intense criticism from the US and deepened tensions
between Boric and Trump.

While Kast has avoided commenting on controversial issues, he has made
overtures to Trump and praised the US's abduction of former Venezuelan
President Nicolas Maduro.

Posted on 2026-03-11 14:40:18

Canadian prime minister Mark Carney has gained another opposition lawmaker,
in a move that all but assures the PM that he will soon have a majority
government.

Former opposition New Democratic party lawmaker Lori Idlout joined the
liberal party, with the opposition leader saying he was very disappointed.

Her move puts the liberals one seat closer to having a majority government
and being able to pass any bill without opposition support.

Carney has called special elections for three districts that would give the
liberals a majority government if his party wins two of them.

Three other opposition conservative members also defected to Carney's
Liberals in recent months.

Carney has moved the Liberals to the center since replacing Justin Trudeau as
prime minister in 2025 and winning national elections.

Experts say Carney is popular at home and is working to cement a reputation
as a world leader.

Posted on 2026-03-11 13:07:13

A bus crashed into a tree this morning in Taipei, causing several injuries.

Capital Bus company says, it will handle 100% of compensation for those
injured and fully cooperate with a police investigation.

Taipei officials say that the company will be fined between 9 and 90 thousand
NT under the law.

The number 284 bus of the Capital Bus company was passing by the Tri-Service
General Hospital in Neihu when it hit a tree.

The cause of the accident is believed to be due to a machinery malfunction.

The driver and 9 passengers suffered light injuries in the accident.

Capital Bus says that the injured have all received medical treatment and
6000NT red envelopes as well as an additional 1000 for the taxi fare upon
discharge.

The company says it's handling all the medical costs incurred.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-03-11 13:07:13

In Taipei, the former secretary general has been promoted to deputy mayor.

That's as former deputy mayor Li Si Chuan yesterday stepped down to run for
mayor over in New Taipei.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an's office announced today that Li Tai Xing 李泰興
would take over as deputy mayor today...

while deputy secretary-general Wang Yu Fen王玉芬 would fill his place.

According to the city government, Li Tai Xing received his master's from
National Taiwan Ocean University and holds experience in both central and
local government...

and has served in both the Taipei and New Taipei City governments.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-03-11 13:07:21

In the US,

officials say a large tornado south of Chicago downed trees and power lines,
overwhelming the emergency call center.

Officials say the tornado caused major damage.

In videos on social media, the tornado is seen ripping across a field of
farmland near an airport with cars lined on the road.

Officials warn that more than 2 million in Illinois and Indiana are at
moderate risk of severe weather.

Posted on 2026-03-11 13:07:17

Sports Minister Lee Yang and 300 baseball fans welcomed Team Taiwan back at
Taoyuan International Airport this morning upon their return from Japan.

Although Taiwan did not advance to the next round of the World Baseball
Classic tournament, many fans still felt the four-game campaign was a success
despite a rocky start.

Upon arrival at Taoyuan Airport's Terminal 2 this morning, player Chen
Kuan-yu and manager Tseng Hao-jiu 曾豪駒 accepted flowers from China Airlines
ground crew on behalf of the team.

Fans gathered in the terminal's arrival lobby, waving banners and flags, and
they were most excited when outfielder Sun Cheng-jui 宋晟睿　held up the ball
that he said was the "final out against South Korea."

One fan at the airport told reporters that she took time off from work to fly
to Tokyo to watch Taiwan's Games against other pool C teams.

She said she was particularly moved by the winning run scored against South
Korean by team captain Chen Jie Xian.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-03-11 08:14:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

Premier Cho Jung-tai says the Cabinet has activated a "dual price-smoothing"
mechanism to limit increases in the prices of gasoline and diesel fuel.

According to Cho, the Cabinet has also implemented a 50-per cent commodity
tax cut on diesel and gasoline imports and will subsidize 50-per cent and
14-per cent of fuel costs for the agricultural and fishing sectors,
respectively.

The statements come after the government said it will not sharply increase
its gasoline and natural gas prices despite surging global oil prices
triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Under the normal fuel calculation formulas, gasoline prices should have risen
by 5.4 N-T per liter and diesel would have gone up to 4.8 N-T per litet.

However, under the mechanism, the increases were limited to 1.5 and 1.1 N-T
per liter.

Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun said during a Cabinet price stabilization
committee meeting earlier this week that C-P-C would absorb 60-per cent of
the price increases.

Posted on 2026-03-11 08:14:17

The Ministry of National Defense says final batch of 28 M-1-A-2-T Abrams main
battle tanks ordered from the U-S are currently being shipped to Taiwan and
are expected to arrive in Taiwan before the end of this month.

The 28 tanks are the final batch of a total of 108 purchesed from the U-S.

A defense official says the scheduled delivery will ensure no gap in training
schedules between the incoming third batch and the 42-tank second batch,
which arrived at Taipei Port in July last year.

According to the official, the second batch has been deployed since December
of last year to the Keng-zi-kou Training Area in Hsinchu County, where crews
have completed live-fire training, including dry-fire drills and mounted
machine gun combat firing.

The 42 tanks are to be formally commissioned into active service at a
closed-door ceremony in the second quarter of this year.

The first batch of 38 Abrams tanks arrived in December 2024 and, after
testing and training, was commissioned into Hsinchu's 584th Armored Brigade
in late October last year.

Posted on 2026-03-11 08:14:17

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is dismissing claims by Beijing that it has
assisted more than 70 Taiwan nationals stranded in the Middle East to return
home.

The denial comes after China's state media earlier this week reported that
the Taiwan nationals arrived in Shanghai on Tuesday after their originally
flights via transfer in Abu Dhabi were canceled.

The report said they instead flew to Istanbul and then transited through
Shanghai on the way back to Taiwan and sought assistance from the Chinese
Consulate in Istanbul.

Foreign ministry spokesman Hsiao Kuang-wei says his agency has not received
any reports about the case from Taiwan's overseas officers, and the report
likely involves return flights being affected rather than travelers being
stranded in war zones.

Hsiao says as of Tuesday of this week, some 79 Taiwan nationals in the Middle
East had requested assistance from Taiwan's overseas offices to return home.

The Mainland Affairs Council says the reports about Taiwan nationals in the
Middle East seeking assistance from Beijing is likely part of its cognitive
warfare program aimed at Taiwan.

Posted on 2026-03-11 08:14:17

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai is slated to lead a city delegation to the U-S
today.

According to the city government, the trip includes talks with U-S industry
and government representatives as well as academic focusing on enhancing
Kaohsiung's role in the global high-tech supply chain.

The city government also says the trip will focus on deepening the strategic
partnership between Kaohsiung and the state of Arizona, specifically
regarding advanced semiconductor manufacturing.

The delegation's first stop will be Arizona, where they will meet with
various stakeholders to discuss semiconductor and advanced manufacturing
cooperation.

The delegation will then be heading to San Jose, California to attend the
annual G-P-U Technology Conference, which is hosted by Nvidia.

City officials say Chen is expected to meet with company executives there to
discuss deeper technological cooperation under the "Smart Kaohsiung
Lighthouse Project."

The delegation includes representatives from National Sun Yat-sen University.

Posted on 2026-03-11 08:14:17

The Centers for Disease Control says its seeing a decline in the number of
people seeking outpatient and emergency room treatment for flu-like symptoms.

According to the C-D-C, there just over 82 thousand such visits last week - a
15-per cent decline from the previous week.

However, the C-D-C is reporting 13 new severe flu cases and two flu-related
deaths over the same period.

There have been 568 severe flu cases and 113 deaths so during the current flu
season, which began in October.

Despite the decline in flu cases, the C-D-C is warning that influenza viruses
remain the dominant respiratory pathogen circulating in Taiwan at present.

And health authorities are urging people who have not yet received this
season's flu shot to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Posted on 2026-03-11 08:14:17

And finally,

The 2026 Smart City Summit & Expo will be taking place next week in Taipei
before moving to Kaohsiung.

Organized by the Taipei Computer Association, this year's event will be
showcasing digital and sustainability solutions and highlight Taiwan's
growing role in smart city development.

The event will be taking place at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center from
March 17 to 20 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, and at the Kaohsiung
Exhibition Center from March 20 to 22.

This year's exhibition is being held under the theme of "Digital and Green
Transformation" ...

.. with organizers saying it will bring together seven government ministries
and 13 county and city governments to demonstrate how policy frameworks and
digital infrastructure can work together to drive sustainable urban
development

The expo will include around 2,250 booths.

The expo will also feature the world's first A-I City Pavilion,which combines
A-I computing infrastructure, operating platforms, and integrated smart city
applications for international city leaders and system integrators.

Posted on 2026-03-11 06:54:13

Defense Minister Wellington Koo says the Ministry of National Defense has
received a letter of acceptance from the U-S for the sale of high mobility
artillery rocket systems that expires on March 26.

Washington announced the sale of 82 of the rocket systems to Taiwan on
December 17 last year at an estimated cost of 4.05-billion U-S dollars as
part of a historic 11.1-billion U-S dollar arms package.

The offer will expires if the buyer does not sign the letter of acceptance
the deadline.

If the defense ministry fails to meet the March 26 deadline, the deal will
have to be reviewed again.

Taiwan has also received letters of acceptance for M-1-0-9-A-7 self-propelled
howitzers, Javelin anti-armor missiles and Tube-launched, Optically tracked,
as well as Wire-guided missiles.

The deadline for signing those letters of acceptance in March 15.

The defense minister is expressed his hope that lawmakers will authorize the
defense ministry to sign the letter for all five systems and is warning that
acquisition could be "significantly impacted" if the agreement is not signed
on time.

Posted on 2026-03-11 06:54:13

Premier Zhu Rong-tai has continued to defend his brief visit to Japan this
past weekend to see Taiwan play the Czech Republic in a World Baseball
Classic group game at the Tokyo Dome.

Zhu has said that it was a personal trip and he covered all costs, including
charter flight, bus fares and match admission out of his own pocket on his
day off.

The trip means Zhu became the first sitting Taiwan premier to have visited
Japan since Taipei and Tokyo severed formal diplomatic ties in 1972.

However, opposition lawmakers are continuing to accuse Zhu of using public
funds for personal reasons - as his charter flight took off from the Air
Force Songshan Base Command's VIP ramp at the Taipei Airport.

Opposition lawmakers also argue that no details concerning much was spent on
flight and whether payment was for individual seats or the entire aircraft.

The premier is denying any wrong doing and says he planned the private trip
in order to avoid complications.

Posted on 2026-03-11 06:54:13

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen is heading to the U-S today for an 11-day visit.

Lu has said the trip is aimed at strengthening city-to-city exchanges and
engaging with Taiwan expats.

The mayor's trip covers planned stops including Boston, New York, Washington
D.C., and Seattle.

Lu is slated to meet members of the U-S House of Representatives and sign a
memorandum of understanding with the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce of North
America.

The Taichung Mayor says most of the itinerary was arranged at the invitation
of the U-S side, and she hopes to use the visit to speak up for Taiwan and
safeguard the interests of the Republic of China.

Lu also says the issues to be discussed with U-S officials include energy
stability, regional security and global trade.

However, Lu has not released the names of the U-S officials she will meet
with - saying only details will be disclosed if appropriate.

Posted on 2026-03-11 06:54:13

Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang has met with former Australian Prime
Minister Malcolm Turnbull in Sydney, as he attends a meeting of the World
Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce.

Turnbull is said to have welcomed Chiang and expressed support for his
proposed "3D" principles of deterrence, dialogue and democracy for
maintaining regional peace and stability.

The statement also said that Turnbull agreed that maintaining communication
can help reduce misunderstandings and create opportunities to ease tensions.

For his part, Chiang expressed his hope that Turnbull could use his influence
to support Taiwan's bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement
for Trans-Pacific Partnership ..

... and stressed that regional stability and economic security are the main
challenges facing countries amid rapid global changes and hoped that Taiwan
and Australia could develop a more comprehensive partnership as bilateral
trade continues to grow.

Posted on 2026-03-11 06:54:13

The Ministry of the Interior says the island's population declined for the
26th consecutive month in February -- as births sank to a record low of
6,523.

The ministry says the population stood at over 23 million as of the end of
February.

That was a month-over-month decline of 8,772 when births, deaths and net
migration are all factored in.

Ministry data indicates monthly births fell below 7,000 for the first time on
record, down more than 3,800 year over year and 2,200 from January, for an
annual crude birth rate of 3.65 per 1,000 people.

Deaths totaled 14,881, a drop of just over 7,000 year over year, while the
number of people leaving Taiwan outstripped new arrivals by 414.

Data also shows that people between the ages 0 to 14 accounted for 11.46-per
cent of the population, while those age between 15 and 64 accounted for
68.32-per cent.

The number of people aged 65 and older totaled 20.22-per cent of the
population - which meets the United Nations' definition of a "super-aged
society."

Posted on 2026-03-11 06:54:13

And,

The Ministry of Agriculture says regulations prohibiting people from having
raccoons, saltwater crocodiles, vipers and elapid snakes as pets will take
effect on May 1.

The new law comes with an exemptions for those who already own them.

However, current owners of such animals will be required to register them
with the local government within one year, or face a fine of up to 250,000
N-T and the pet's confiscation.

The agriculture ministry is citing public safety concerns for the reasons the
new law has been introduced.

The ministry says vipers and elapid snakes are highly venomous and that
domestic supplies of anti-venom are limited, while the banned species also
pose a serious threat to the public if they escape or are abandoned.

A total of 641 species will be banned as pets once the new regulations are in
place and include pit bulls and electric eels.

Posted on 2026-03-11 06:54:13

US-Israel Iran war

And,

The Chunghwa Post Office has announced that has temporarily suspended
international mail services to 15 countries due to the impact of the
US-Israel attacks on Iran.

The affected destinations are the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Israel,
Pakistan, the Maldives, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Oman, Kuwait,
Jordan, Lebanon, Greece, Egypt and Morocco.

The suspension of post to those areas took effect yesterday.

The measure was taken to prevent major delays if mail cannot reach
destination countries for a long time after being sent, which could affect
customer rights.

The post office is advising people who need to send mail to the affected
countries to inquire at local post offices about shipment through services
that accept FedEx and D-H-L packages on their behalf.

The announcement comes after countries in the Middle East closed their
airspace or restrictions on flight takeoffs and landings.

Posted on 2026-03-11 06:54:13

Canadian police are investigating gunfire that hit the U.S. consulate in
downtown Toronto...

No injuries were reported.

Toronto police say they responded after reports that someone was shooting at
the building, but released no information about possible suspects.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the shooting unacceptable intimidation.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow is linking it to recent gunfire at two synagogues.

Chow says police have increased patrols at the U.S. and Israeli consulates.

She also warns that antisemitic incidents often rise during international
crises.

Posted on 2026-03-11 06:54:13

A U.N. investigation has found that Russia's deportation and transfer of
Ukrainian children since Moscow's full-scale invasion in 2022 amounted to
crimes against humanity.

The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for President
Vladimir Putin and five other Russians over the illegal deportation of
children.

Moscow denies it is taking children against their will, saying it has been
evacuating people voluntarily to remove them from a war zone.

Ukraine says close to 20,000 children have been illegally sent to Russia and
Belarus where they are sometimes subject to military training and forced to
fight against their own troops.

Posted on 2026-03-11 06:54:13

Polish president Karol Nawrocki has refused to sign a law that opens the door
to a huge EU-backed defense loan, and it has sparked a new clash in Warsaw.

The president's office says the deal makes Poland too dependent on Brussels.

He has put forward a new draft that uses national funds instead.

Poland has raised defense spending since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk supports working with the EU, but Nawrocki stays
more euro-skeptic.

The EU program is called SAFE, and Poland is set to be its biggest
beneficiary.

Tusk says his government is preparing a plan B.

Posted on 2026-03-10 19:50:13

Chunghwa Post has temporarily suspended international mail services to 15
countries due to disruptions caused by the ongoing U-S-Israel war with Iran.

The affected destinations include the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Pakistan,
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Greece, Egypt and Morocco,
among others.

The state-run postal service said the suspension took effect Tuesday after
several Middle Eastern countries closed their airspace or restricted flights
as the conflict escalated.

Officials said the move aims to prevent long delivery delays that could
affect customers if mail cannot reach its destination.

Chunghwa Post added that people who still need to send packages to those
countries can check with local post offices about alternative services that
ship through private couriers such as FedEx or DHL.

Posted on 2026-03-10 19:16:13

Taiwan has just recorded its lowest number of monthly births on record.

New figures from the Ministry of the Interior show that only 6,523 babies
were born in February — the first time the monthly total has fallen below
seven thousand since records began.

That was about 2,200 fewer births than in January — a drop of roughly 25
percent — and nearly 3,900 fewer than in the same month last year.

Meanwhile, deaths outnumbered births by more than 8,300.

The figures come as Taiwan’s overall population continues to shrink.

The Ministry says the population stood at 23,280,273 at the end of February,
marking the 26th consecutive month of population decline.

Regionally, the lowest birth rates were recorded in Keelung, Tainan, and
Lienchiang County, while Penghu, Taitung, and Hualien reported the highest.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-03-10 19:16:13

The Centres for Disease Control reports that flu cases in Taiwan are
declining.

The latest CDC data shows that last week there were over 82 thousand
outpatient and emergency room visits for flu-like symptoms ... which is
around 15 percent less than the week before.

However, the CDC reports 13 new severe flu cases and two flu-related deaths
over the same period.

So far this season, Taiwan has seen 568 severe flu cases and 113 deaths.

Despite the drop in cases, officials say influenza viruses remain the
dominant respiratory pathogen circulating in communities across Taiwan.

Health authorities are urging anyone who has not yet received this season's
flu shot to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-03-10 19:16:13

The Food and Drug Administration has blocked a 560-kilogram shipment of paper
potato chip containers from the Philippines after they tested positive for
banned chemicals.

The containers were found to contain optical brighteners, a prohibited
substance under under Taiwan's Sanitation Standards for Food Utensils,
Containers and Packages.

As a result, the Taipei-based importer now faces intensified scrutiny, with
inspection rates hiked to as much as 50 percent for future shipments.

The FDA also reported 13 other failed imports this week, including South
Korean citrus and Chinese red dates.

The dates were found to contain excessive pesticide residues, including the
banned chemical dichlorvos.

All non-compliant goods will be returned or destroyed.

Posted on 2026-03-10 19:16:13

Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang of the opposition KMT met former
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull yesterday during a visit to
Australia.

According to a statement released today, Turnbull welcomed Chiang and voiced
support for Chiang's "3D" principles — deterrence, dialogue and democracy —
as a framework for maintaining regional peace and stability.

Turnbull also agreed that maintaining communication can help reduce
misunderstandings and ease tensions.

Chiang said Taiwan and Australia should pursue a more comprehensive
partnership, noting the complementary nature of Taiwan's semiconductor
industry and Australia’s mineral and agricultural resources.

He also asked Turnbull to support Taiwan’s bid to join the Comprehensive and
Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Chiang later visited the United States Studies Centre at the University of
Sydney during his trip, which also included events with overseas Taiwanese
business groups.

Posted on 2026-03-10 17:08:13

The DPP has released the results of polling conducted in Taipei's Da'an and
Wenshan districts today.

The party is nominating 4 candidates in the 12-seat district.

Incumbents Jian Shu Pei and Wang Min Sheng both passed the post, with Jian
being the most popular of the 6 candidates.

Newcomers Liu Pin Xin and Chen Sheng Wen also made the cut.

That leaves Gao Yang Kai 高揚凱and Xu Qin Huang 徐嶔煌without nominations.

The DPP currently holds only two of the 12 seats in the district, in addition
to one held by the Social Democratic Party.

Local party leaders say that districts 1 and 2- comprising Shilin, Beitou,
Nangang, and Neihu- do not require primaries to determine nominees, as the
number of candidates and nominee spots are the same.

Next up is district 5, which means residents of Zhongzheng and Wanhua can
expect a phone call this evening, and the rest of us can expect results
tomorrow afternoon.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-03-10 17:08:14

Local environmental groups are urging a halt to an environmental impact
assessment for a proposed incinerator in Nantou's Mingjian.

The incinerator proposal has attracted plenty of criticism since being
proposed last year, due to its proposed location in the tea producing
township.

Government Watch Alliance today raised concerns about the potential pollution
of drinking water, and called for the county government to choose a new
location for the incinerator before doing a second-round environmental impact
assessment.

Nantou currently lacks its own incinerator, forcing it to rely on neighboring
cities and counties.

But the incinerator proposal has been highly contentious for both
environmental concerns and the local government's handling of the issue.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-03-10 17:08:18

Now turning to international news...

Australia has granted asylum to five soccer players who were in the country
for a tournament when the US and Israel began attacking Iran.

The players were transported from their hotel to what officials called a safe
location by federal police early this morning.

When they arrived at that location, officials finalized the processing of
their humanitarian visas.

Today's announcement follows days of urging by Iranian groups in Australia
and by the US for the Australian government to help the women.

The five players had not spoken publicly about a desite to claim asylum.

An official sqaud list named 26 players, and officials say that the offer of
asylum was extended to all of them.

Posted on 2026-03-10 17:08:14

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that more than 70 Taiwanese travelers
reportedly assisted by China to fly from Istanbul to Shanghai were not
stranded in Middle East conflict areas.

Chinese state media reported that the group had been stuck overseas after
flights were canceled and later departed from Istanbul with help from Chinese
officials.

But Taiwan's foreign ministry says it received no notification from its
overseas offices about the case ...

... and believes the travelers were affected by disrupted return flights
rather than being trapped in war zones.

Officials say many tour groups have recently had to reroute travel plans due
to the conflict, with some waiting in the mediterranean for replacement
flights.

The ministry says that as of yesterday, more than 1,500 Taiwanese had already
returned home with government assistance ...

... while about 79 people in the Middle East are still seeking help to return.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-03-10 17:08:18

Traditional reindeer racing has drawn crowds to northern Finland.

Handlers raced behind reindeer on skis for the fastest time this past weekend
with about 1000 spectators watching the Sall Reindeer Cup in subfreezing
temperatures near the Russian border.

The sport has taken place in Salla since the 1950s, and organizers now run it
as a regulated competition with trained male reindeer.

Only the top reindeer reach the premier "hot series" after racing the
kilometer-long track in under 1 minute and 20 seconds.

This year, a reindeer named Pompom won the final race.

Reindeer husbandry has been an important part of Scandinavian culture for
many decades, especially for the Sami Indigenous people in the far north of
the country.

Posted on 2026-03-10 14:37:13

The chief of Hualien's Guangfu township has posted bail of one million NT.

The Hualien District Court ruled that Lin Qing Shui must also wear an ankle
monitor and has been placed under residence restrictions.

He was indicted yesterday on charges of causing a catastrophe through
dereliction of duty and negligent manslaughter over last year's Matai'an
Creek barrier lake breach.

The Matai'an disaster killed at least 19 people, and prosecutors are seeking
a maximum prison sentence of 10 years for Lin.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-03-10 14:37:13

Thousands of residents across several districts in Kaohsiung will face water
shutoffs tomorrow as crews work to repair aging pipes and fix a recent water
main burst.

The Taiwan Water Corporation says 6,800 households in the Qijin District will
be without water for eight hours tomorrow, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The work follows a major pipe burst on Zhongzhou 2nd Road yesterday.

Local officials say that section of the road is currently closed for
emergency repairs.

Residents in the Sanmin and Zuoying districts will lose water for five hours
starting at midnight tonight.

While in the Tianliao, Neimen, and Qishan districts, water will be turned off
tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The water company is advising residents in the affected areas to store water
ahead of time.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-03-10 14:37:13

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex gaining 661 to close
the session at 32771.

The turnover was 702.8 billion NT

Posted on 2026-03-10 14:37:13

Now turning to international news...

Iran is continuing drone attacks on Gulf states, with the Saudi Arabian
defense ministry saying that it has destroyed 2 drones over the eastern
region.

Meanwhile in Kuwait, officials say they shot down 6 drones attacking the
country's north and south.

In addition to targeting Israel and US bases in the region, Iran has also
been targeting energy infrastructure.

This comes as US President Donald Trump sends mixed signals about how long
the war could last, adding to uncertainty that's roiling global markets.

He previously said that the war, which the US and Israel started on February
28th, could last for one month or longer, later adding that it would be a
"short term excursion."

Posted on 2026-03-10 14:37:13

Human Rights Watch says, drones operated by Haitian security forces and
private contractors have killed more than 1200 people.

The organization says, of the dead, 17 were kids and 43 were adults not
believed to belong to any criminal group.

And of nearly 750 injured, nearly 50 were believed to be civilians.

Human Rights Watch says, the most lethal drone operation killed nearly 60
people.

They're urging Haitian authorities to rein in the security forces and private
contractors working for them.

Human Rights Watch noted that the number of armed drone attacks in the
Haitian capital has "significantly increased" in recent months...

with the last three months seeing nearly double the amount of attacks from
the previous period.

Posted on 2026-03-10 13:07:14

The governor of Guam has signed a sister-city agreement with Kaohsiung on her
visit to Taiwan.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says, Lourdes A Guerrero traveled to
Kaohsiung recently to sign the agreement with Mayor Chen Qi Mai.

She also attemded a welcome banquet hosted by MOFA, during which she said the
sister-city partnership between Guam and Kaohsiung aims to strengthen ties
through "city diplomacy."

Guerrero also noted that her administration is expanding bilateral
cooperation with Taiwan in areas like health care, tourism, and Indigenous
affairs.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung stated that coopertation between Taiwan and
Guam may expand in the future to areas like AI in agriculture, medical
services, education and cultural exchanges to improve the well-being of
people in both Guam and Taiwan.

This marks the governor's second trip to Taiwan since taking office in 2019,
the first being last May.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-03-10 13:07:17

Forestry officials have captured a Formosan black bear that repeatedly broke
into a chicken coop in a Hualien County village.

The Hualien Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency says the
adult bear was caught Monday morning in the Qingshui community of Zhuoxi
Township.

The animal had killed 12 chickens and damaged fences over several days.

The government is paying the villagers for the chickens and damage, and is
also giving the residents a reward for reporting the bear.

Experts say the bear is about 15 years old and weighs 70 kilograms, and say
it is thin and in poor physical condition.

The bear is currently staying at a local wildlife rescue center for
observation and medical care.

A professional team will later decide if it is safe to release the bear again.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-03-10 13:07:17

China is reporting that its exports rose by nearly a quarter in the first two
months of the year...

while trade with the US went down.

The export figures released by Chinese officials were much better than
economists had forecast...

far exceeding the 6.6% growth recorded in December.

Imports in January and Feburary rose almost 20% as well, up from December's
5.7% increase.

Chinese exports have been a bright spot for its economy amidst tensions with
the US.

China's exports climbed 5.5% for 2025 as its trade surplus surged to a record
of nearly 1.2 trillion US dollars.

Higher shipments to other regions, like Europe and Latin America, helped
offset the 20% drop in exports to the US.

Posted on 2026-03-10 13:07:18

And,

visitors are flocking to Death Valley National Park in the US to take part in
the superbloom.

Thats when thousands of long-dormant flowers pop through desert soil,
transforming the typically barren landscape into carpets of gold.

The bloom is the result of steady rain in the fall and winter.

But experts say, it won't last long.

Wildflowers bloom across parts of southern California and Nevada usually
every year.

In some years, superblooms are so vibrant they can be seen from space.

But it's rare for Death Valley National Park, the hottest place on Earth, to
see blooms like these.

Park officials say, this year’s bloom is the best the park has seen since
2016 thanks to steady rainfall and warm temperatures in the last six months

Posted on 2026-03-10 08:13:13

In news from and about Taiwan this mornning,

Taiwan's 2026 World Baseball Classic journey has ended after South Korea beat
Australia 7-2 at the Tokyo Dome last night.

The result means that South Korea won the tiebreaker with Australia and
Taiwan to advance to the tournament's quarterfinals in Miami.

South Korea earned its spot by scoring a run in the top of the ninth to do
just enough under the tiebreaker rules to advance.

Taiwan, South Korea, and Australia were all tied for second in Pool C with
2-2 records behind undefeated Japan.

The tiebreaker was determined by dividing a team's total runs allowed by the
total number of defensive outs in games among the tied teams, and with the
three teams all allowing seven runs in their games, it came down to the
smallest margin.

The Koreans got the nod because they recorded a total of 57 outs in their
games against the tied teams while Taiwan and Australia recorded the
regulation 54 outs.

Japan closes group play this evening against the Czech Republic.

Posted on 2026-03-10 08:13:15

Economics Minister Kung Ming-hsin is seeking to alley energy concerns -
saying natural gas supplies will be sufficient through April, as the
government has secured almost all the necessary shipments to replenish
inventories.

According to Kung, Taiwan's supply for March and April requires 22 liquefied
natural gas shipments and currently 20 of those have been secured, with the
remaining two are still under negotiation, but are expected to be confirmed
soon.

The economics minister is dismissing suggestions that Taiwan could face a
natural gas shortage, saying - such a scenario is "impossible."

Kung says Taiwan has a diversified natural gas supply, with about one-third
coming from Qatar and the remaining 60 to 70-per cent sourced from elsewhere
- and the overall supply structure is sound.

The minister also stressing that the government will continue monitoring
global supply and demand, and the situation is expected to improve as global
gas demand declines.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs last week outlining a "three-stage plan" for
ensuring fuel supplies in the event of "extreme conditions," including a
long-term Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Under that plan, C-P-C will redirect cargoes from non-Middle Eastern sources
such as the U-S and Australia, seek supply swaps with Asian buyers such as
Japan and South Korea, and procure additional spot cargoes if necessary.

Posted on 2026-03-10 08:13:15

The Hualien District Prosecutors' Office has indicted Guangfu Township chief
Lin Ching-shui on charges of causing a catastrophe through dereliction of
duty and negligent manslaughter over last year's Matai'an Creek barrier lake
breach.

The incident left 19 people dead.

Lin has also been charged with falsifying evacuation figures during the
September 2025 disaster.

Prosecutors says they re seeking a 10-year prison sentence -- citing Lin's
denial of responsibility and lack of remorse.

The township office's secretary, and civil affairs section head have also
been indicted on the same charges and prosecutors are seeking nine-year
sentences for both of those officials.

According to the prosecutors' office, investigations into the possible
criminal liability of other officials in the Hualien County and the central
governments remain ongoing.

Posted on 2026-03-10 08:13:15

Deputy Taipei Mayor Lee Shu-chuan has officially left his post today after
submitting his resignation last month.

Lee's final day at work was on Monday and he's stepping down to focus on
running for the K-M-T in November's New Taipei mayoral election.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an praised Lee's
contributions to his administration - crediting him with completing the
Taipei Dome, the MRT Six Line 2.0 project, and securing a contract with
Nvidia for its Taiwan headquarters.

Lee also met with New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih and Deputy Mayor Liu Ho-ran on
Monday.

Lee has said he plans to return to New Taipei, where he is a registered
resident, to "prepare for the next stage of his political career."

And told reporters on Monday that he attended numerous banquets in New Taipei
City last week, and saw enthusiasm for his potential candidacy in the
upcoming mayoral election.

Lee also said he feels at home in New Taipei City, especially with the
support of Mayor Hou during his transition to the election campaign.

Posted on 2026-03-10 08:13:15

Police have detained a Keelung resident after he attempted to enter the
Presidential Office compound in Taipei with a knife.

Aurthorities say the man surnamed arrived by taxi from Keelung and brandished
a fruit knife in front of the Presidential Office, reportedly shouting, "God
told me to kill the communists."

City police rushed to the scene after being alerted by military police - and
the two groups of law enforcement officers arrested the man.

No one was injured in the incident.

Police say the man was apparently trying to express his grievances.

The case will be referred to the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office and the
man faces charges of endangering public safety.

Posted on 2026-03-10 08:13:15

And finally,

The Central Weather Administration says today will be the coldest and wettest
day of this week -- as a cold air mass moves south.

According to the administration's forecast center, the cold air mass and
moisture from South China will bring noticeable temperature drops across
Taiwan starting today.

Keelung, the North Coast and mountainous parts of Greater Taipei will see the
most significant temperature drops.

The cold front is expected to weaken tomorrow, but overnight and early
morning temperatures will remain low.

Another cold air mass is forecast to arrive on Thursday - and that will
result in significant temperature differences between day and night across
Taiwan and last throughout the remainder of the week.

The weather is expected to stabilize by the weekend - with clear skies
expected across most of Taiwan.

Posted on 2026-03-10 06:56:13

The U-S State Department is urging lawmakers here in Taiwan to set aside
political differences and pass President Lai Ching-te's 1.25-trillion N-T
special defense budget bill that would finance planned purchases of American
weapon systems.

Washington has said doing that demonstrates Taiwan's commitment to its
self-defense by funding the acquisition of critical defense capabilities.

The spokesperson is also reiterating that Washington supports "Taiwan's
acquisition of critical defense capabilities, commensurate with the threat it
faces," in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act.

The statements came after U-S State Department was asked whether Washington
would support a version of the special desfense budget bill proposed by the
K-M-T, if it is passed in Taiwan's Legislature.

The K-M-T's version funds eight weapons sales approved by the U-S last
December.

The Taiwan People's Party has also submitted its version of the special
defense budget bill - which comes with a 400-billion N-T proposed cap on
spending.

All three versions advanced to the committee review stage in the Legislature
last Friday.

Posted on 2026-03-10 06:56:16

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has met with Australian lawmaker Hugh
McDermott of the Australian Labour Party...

The meeting took place during Lin's stopover in Australia on his way home
from Tuvalu.

McDermott also took social media to say he was pleased to meet with the
foreign minister alongside parliamentary colleagues and representatives from
the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia ...

... and he also posted a photo of himself shaking hands with Lin in Australia
last Friday.

Neither McDermott or Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs specified where the
meeting took place in Australia during Lin's transit stop.

The foreign ministry says Lin has transited through Australia before and was
doing so again after visiting Tuvalu last week as a special envoy of
President Lai Ching-te.

MOFA said it was "necessary to make such stopovers before and after visiting
Tuvalu.

Lin returned to Taiwan on Saturday morning after making the transit stop in
Australia.

Posted on 2026-03-10 06:56:20

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen will be heading to the U-S for an 11-day visit
tomorrow - aimed at strengthening city-to-city exchanges and engaging with
Taiwan expats.

Lu says her trip will cover five states, primarily on the U-S East Coast,
with planned stops including Boston, New York City, Washington, D.C., and
Seattle.

Lu is slated to meet members of the U-S House of Representatives and sign a
memorandum of understanding with the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce of North
America.

The Taichung Mayor says most of the itinerary was arranged at the invitation
of the U-S side, and she hopes to use the visit to speak up for Taiwan and
safeguard the interests of the Republic of China.

Lu says the issues to be discussed with U-S officials include energy
stability, regional security and global trade.

However, she has not released the names of the U-S officials she will meet
with - saying details will only be disclosed if appropriate.

Posted on 2026-03-10 06:56:20

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and several non-governmental groups have
launched a series of gender equality events in New York to coincide with the
70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

"Taiwan Gender Equality Week" was launched in New York's Times Square on
International Women's Day... with events aimed at showcasing Taiwan's
institutional and cultural progress in gender equality and women's
empowerment to the international community.

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York Director Lee Chih-chiang
says, it's hoped the activities will let the world know that although Taiwan
cannot participate in the main conference, it is still willing to hold events
off-site to showcase its accomplishments.

This is the first year that Taiwan has has held multiple outreach activities
in New York during the U-N Commission on the Status of Women conference.

The participating N-G-Os and agency's include the Women's Rights and
Sustainable Development Alliance, the Taiwan Equality Campaign, the Ministry
of Labor's Department of Planning and the Taoyuan City's Department of Women
and Children Development.

Posted on 2026-03-10 06:56:21

Authorities in Nantou says one person has been killed and seven others
injured after a shuttle bus traveling through a forest recreation area in
drove off a mountain road and plunged about 20 meters into a valley.

The bus was carrying eight people and crashed while touring the Sun Link Sea
Forest Recreation Area in Zhushan Township.

All eight people on board were taken to near by hospitals.

A 66-year-old man was pronounced dead after emergency treatment at Chu Shang
Show Chwan Hospital.

Park management says the bus departed the recreation area's visitor center
around noon and was traveling toward the Songlong Rock Waterfall when it
apparently scraped a cliff face and lost control before tumbling down the
mountainside.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Posted on 2026-03-10 06:56:21

Organizers of the Taiwan Lantern Festival in Chiayi County says 2-million
people visited the event on its first weekend.

The huge turnout resulted in limited shuttle bus availability... its also led
the Tourism Administration to encourage people to visit on a weekday to avoid
overcrowding.

Chiayi County Commissioner Weng Chang-liang is also urging people to come at
a different times due to venue's capacity.

Transport issues led many visitors to give the event one-star ratings on
Google Maps.

They said they were unable to get on the shuttle bus to the venue and had to
walk nearly an hour from the high-speed rail station in Chiayi County's
Taibao City.

Transport Minister Chen Shih-kai says his agency has arranged 30 tour buses
to support the shuttle bus service on site more seats will be added at the
shuttle bus stop for elderly visitors and parents with children.

The Chiayi County Government is estimating that revenue in shopping districts
in Puzih has grown by 30 to 50 per-cent since the Lantern Festival opened and
it's expected to generate more than 23-billion N-T in tourism-related
economic benefits for the local economy.

Posted on 2026-03-10 06:56:21

And,

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has ceased publication of the Taiwan Review.

The government funded publication was first launched in April 1951 as the
Free China Review.

It was renamed Taipei Review in April 2000 before adopting the title Taiwan
Review in March of 2003.

The foreign ministry has also confirmed that it plans to shut down its
multilingual news portal, Taiwan Today on on December 31 of this year.

Taiwan Today was established in May of 2009 with the aim of providing daily
news services in nine languages.

The ministry says the decision to close the Taiwan Review and Taiwan Today
was made after a comprehensive review of limited resources aimed at improving
the effectiveness of Taiwan's international communications.

Posted on 2026-03-10 06:56:21

Ukraine is ready for new U.S.-backed peace talks with Russia "at any moment",
but its partners' attention is currently focused on the Iran conflict.

Zelenskyy used social media to say that talks this week had been postponed
because its allies had focused its priority and attention on Iran.

Several rounds of talks aimed at ending the four-year-old conflict with
Russia have not seen any progress on key issues... this includes a Russian
demand calling on Kyiv to abandon land that Moscow's troops have not managed
to capture.

Ukraine says it is ready to continue talks in what it called a format that
can help and that will be realistic in terms of ending the war.

Posted on 2026-03-10 06:56:21

Activists say an independent journalist in Belarus has been convicted of
treason and sentenced to nine years in prison.

Pavel Dabravolski is the fifth journalist to be jailed in the country in two
weeks as its authoritarian leader and Trump Board of Peace member Alexander
Lukashenko continues his crackdown on freedom of the press.

Dabravolski, who has and won numerous prizes for his work, was tried behind
closed doors in Minsk City Court.

Activists have reported a sharp increase in government pressure placed on
Belarus’ media workers, with the Belarusian Association of Journalists
estimating that 28 journalists are behind bars in the country.

Posted on 2026-03-10 06:56:21

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney plans to visit Norway on Friday where he
will observe a NATO exercise before visiting the United Kingdom.

Carney’s office says he will observe the Norwegian-led NATO Cold Response
exercise.

Cold Response is run by NATO every two years and involves about 25,000 troops
from 14 nations training together to perform land, air and sea operations in
Arctic conditions.

Before returning to Canada, Carney plans to stop in London to meet with Prime
Minister Keir Starmer to talk about defense and the war in the Middle East.

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