ICRT

Posted on 2026-07-24 20:16:13

Tropical Storm Noul is currently making its closest approach to Taiwan and is
expected to gradually strengthen as it moves west-northwest toward the South
China Sea.

The storm is currently located some 300 kilometers south-southeast of Eluanbi
and is moving at around 23 kilometers an hour.

It has a radius of 120 kilometers and is packing sustained winds of 90
kilometers an hour, with gusts reaching almost 120 kilometers an hour.

The Central Weather Administration's sea warning for the storm remains in
effect for the Bashi Channel and the north and south of the Taiwan Strait.

Rain associated with the storm's outer circulation has begun affecting
southeastern Taiwan. After nightfall, Taitung, the Hengchun Peninsula and
southern Hualien are expected to see heavier rainfall.

Heavy rain is possible in those areas tomorrow, while southern Taiwan could
also see periods of heavy rain as the storm moves away from Taiwan.

Forecasters had said the storm could strengthen into a typhoon by tomorrow at
noon.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-24 20:16:13

Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君) says the 10 percent tariff rate set by the
United States on certain Taiwanese products is not final.

According to Cheng, the final tariff rate will depend on the outcome of
ongoing U-S trade investigations into manufacturing capacity and trade
practices.

She also said Washington has recognized Taiwan's commitment to banning
imports of goods produced using forced labor under the Taiwan-U-S Agreement
on Reciprocal Trade.

Taiwan and the European Union received the most favorable treatment among the
economies under review, with the 10 percent tariff rate not being added to
existing U-S tariff levels.

Posted on 2026-07-24 20:16:13

An orange tabby cat that allegedly stole fish treats from Hualien Bus Station
has become the station's newest employee.

Known as Egg Tart, the former stray kitten was discovered hiding behind
lockers after staff found several packets of fish treats had been torn open
at the station counter.

Instead of chasing him away, employees voted to adopt him and later named him
the station's honorary station cat.

Egg Tart has since become an internet sensation after a video of him meowing
behind the counter attracted more than 220-thousand views online.

He now works four half-day shifts each week greeting passengers and helping
promote animal welfare.

Station officials say they hope Egg Tart's story will encourage greater
compassion for stray animals.

Posted on 2026-07-24 18:42:13

The Legislative Yuan has passed a bill creating government-funded accounts to
provide financial support for children from birth until the age of 18.

Under the Taiwan Future Account program, the government will deposit 60
thousand NT a year into a child's growth allowance account from birth to age
seven.

From age seven to 18, children will receive 30 thousand NT a year in a growth
allowance account and another 30 thousand NT in a future savings account.

Money in the future account generally cannot be withdrawn until adulthood
except under special circumstances ...

... with the government guaranteeing returns at least equal to those of a
two-year fixed bank deposit.

Lawmakers estimate the program will cost the government about 216 billion NT
in its first year of implementation.

The program will apply to Taiwanese citizens under 18 who reside in Taiwan
for at least 183 days a year.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-24 18:42:13

The National Audit Office has released its annual audit report on the central
government's finances, showing Taiwan's outstanding public debt remains well
below the legal ceiling.

The report says outstanding long-term public debt totaled about 6.07 trillion
NT at the end of the fiscal year.

That's equal to just over a quarter of the average nominal GDP over the
previous three years, well below the legal debt limit of 40.6 percent.

The audit also found the central government recorded a budget surplus of over
246 billion NT ... with a net surplus of nearly 105 billion NT after debt
repayments.

Meanwhile, auditors identified 43 cases of financial irregularities involving
government agencies, state-owned enterprises, and public funds, with four
cases referred to oversight or judicial authorities.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-24 18:42:13

President Lai Ching-te has urged lawmakers across party lines to support his
administration's drone procurement proposal ...

... while commissioning a new domestically built Navy warship in Kaohsiung.

Lai presided over the commissioning of the ROCS Tan Chiang, the seventh Tuo
Chiang-class stealth missile corvette to enter service.

He said the vessel represents Taiwan's commitment to strengthening its
self-defense capabilities and embodies the principle of achieving peace
through strength.

Lai also called on lawmakers to support the government's proposal to procure
domestically developed drones, saying the Ministry of National Defense should
remain responsible for the program.

The drone procurement bill is currently under review in the Legislature,
where opposition parties have proposed alternative funding and oversight
mechanisms.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-07-24 18:42:13

Ministry of Finance is reminding everyone to check their receipts ...

... as six 10-million NT and four 2-million NT prizes from the March-April
uniform invoice lottery remain unclaimed.

Winners have until September 7th to collect their prizes.

The smallest purchase linked to an unclaimed 10-million NT prize was a 21-NT
drink bought at a FamilyMart convenience store in Taichung.

Meanwhile, one of the unclaimed 2-million NT prizes came from a 23-NT food
purchase at another FamilyMart store in Taichung.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-07-24 17:08:13

The KMT says, several municipal leaders will join a rally tomorrow on
Ketagalan Boulevard.

The head of the party's communications department says today that 12 local
leaders will be at the event, including Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan An.

That's in addition to Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu, Chair Cheng Li-wun, and
TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang.

Communications head Chen Yi Xin says that the event is in support of food
safety.

Chen called on all those who care about food safety to take to Ketagalan
Boulevard tomorrow, wearing white.

Meanwhile Taipei police have said they're dispatching greater manpower for
the event.

Authorities say they will begin traffic controls on Ketagalan Boulevard
tonight, with 270 officers on shift.

Traffic controls on Ketagalan Boulevard will be in place starting tonight at
8 and ending in the early hours Sunday.

There will also be other traffic controls in place near the Presidential
Office depending on the situation on the ground.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-24 17:08:13

Taiwan High Speed Rail says train services will operate normally during next
month's Urban Resilience Exercises.

However, passengers in central and northern Taiwan may experience slower
mobile internet speeds during the drills, which could affect mobile ticketing
and other online services.

The company is advising travelers to book, pay for, and collect their tickets
in advance to avoid delays.

High Speed Rail says station ticketing services and access gates will remain
fully operational throughout the exercises.

Passengers are also encouraged to arrive at stations early, as some shuttle
buses, taxis, and other connecting transportation services may be temporarily
suspended during traffic control measures.

*The exercises are scheduled for southern Taiwan on August 7th, central
Taiwan on August 10th, and northern Taiwan on August 13th ... with the mobile
network slowdown taking place only during the central and northern drills.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-24 17:08:13

A rare pitching feat in Taiwanese baseball took place last night.

Fubon Guardians left-hander Chen Shih-peng陳仕朋 threw what's known as a "Maddux.

That's a complete-game shutout using fewer than a hundred pitches.

He needed just 94, giving up 6 hits and no walks, as the Guardians beat the
Uni-President Lions six-nil in Tainan.

It's named after the American Hall of Famer Greg Maddux, and it's only the
second in the CPBL this season.

For Chen, it's a turnaround.

The four time all star was sent down to the farm team back in May.

(JC-CNA)

Posted on 2026-07-24 17:08:13

Now turning to international news...

1000 people are now dead in an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of
the Congo.

The milestone comes nearly three times faster than the 2014-2016 epidemic,
which is considered the worst on record.

The outbreak has recorded 2536 cases in the Congo after being declared mid
May.

During the 2014-2016 outbreak, it took 8 months to reach 1000 deaths.

According to the World Health Organization, Ebola is caused by a group of
viruses.

This year's outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus.

That's a rare variant with no approved vaccines or treatments.

The current outbreak is mainly confined to the Congo, with some cases in
Uganda.

Posted on 2026-07-24 17:08:13

Chinese coast guard ships have fired powerful water cannons at two Philippine
fishery vessels in the South China Sea.

That's the third confrontation in the disputed waters this week.

It comes as the Philippines hosts representatives from ASEAN and Western
governments, who renewed their alarm over Beijing's agressions.

Today's confrontation took place near the Scarborough Shoal.

The Philippines strongly condemned what they called the "dangerous and
unprofessional actions of" China's coast guard.

ASEAN foreign minister issued a joint communique in which they said that
"concerns were expressed by some ministers on the land reclamations,
activities, serious incidents in the area, including actions that put the
safety of all persons at risk, and damage to the marine environment.”

Posted on 2026-07-24 17:08:13

Nicaragua is abolishing elections, in a move widely condemned by the
international community.

Lawmakers say they'll carry out President Daniel Ortega's plan, announced
over the weekend, and that there will be no more votes.

The next election had been scheduled for 2027.

Ortega has ruled for nearly 27 years, alongside his wife, who serves as
co-president.

Since crushing protests in 2018, his government has jailed opposition
politicians and religious leaders, and shut down thousands of civil society
groups.

The UN's human rights chief condemned the move, saying people of all
political views must be allowed to vote and run for office.

Posted on 2026-07-24 14:45:14

The Foreign Ministry says it has contacted Moroccan authorities for
clarification after reports that visa applications from Taiwan passport
holders have been suspended.

The ministry says it has not yet received a response and is advising people
planning trips to Morocco to carefully reassess their travel plans.

Travel agencies say the Moroccan Embassy in Japan has temporarily stopped
accepting applications for visa authorization letters required by Taiwan
travelers.

Lion Travel has suspended sales of Morocco tours and visa services. It says
customers who already paid deposits will receive full refunds or may switch
to other tours with a discount.

Other agencies say they are monitoring the situation through local partners
in Morocco.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-24 14:45:14

The Defense Ministry will hold the northern preliminary round of a national
airsoft shooting competition in Taipei on Saturday.

The event will bring together 111 competitors from 21 teams, most of them
military reservists.

Participants will face timed individual and team challenges, including
close-quarters combat, simulated building-entry operations, hostage rescue
and combat casualty care.

The ministry says the competition is designed to test shooting skills,
tactical judgment, teamwork and decision-making under pressure.

Fu Hsing Kang College will also open to the public, with displays of Apache
and Black Hawk helicopters, military equipment and drones.

Police and fire agencies will also provide earthquake simulations and public
safety information.

Further preliminary rounds are planned in central and southern Taiwan,
followed by national finals in 2027.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-24 14:45:14

The Trump administration is imposing new tariffs on goods from 60 trading
partners, including Taiwan, as a temporary 10-percent global tariff expires
Friday.

The new duties are set at 10 or 12-point-5 percent and cover more than 99
percent of U.S. imports.

For Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland and the European Union, the new
levies will bring combined tariff rates to either 10 or 12-point-5 percent.

Washington says the tariffs are aimed at countries it accuses of weak
enforcement against forced labor in supply chains.

Oil and gas, fertilizer, some food products, and goods already covered by
national security tariffs will be exempt.

The measures replace the temporary tariff introduced after the U.S. Supreme
Court struck down Trump's earlier reciprocal duties in February.

Several countries have rejected the new tariffs as unjustified.

Posted on 2026-07-24 14:45:14

Vietnam is proposing new restrictions that would prevent children under 16
from posting, commenting or reacting on social media.

Under a draft decree, accounts for younger users would have to be registered
using a parent or guardian's information.

Platforms would also be required to verify ages, limit harmful content and
provide stronger privacy protections for child accounts.

Officials say the aim is not to block children from social media entirely,
but to create a safer and more age-appropriate online environment.

The proposal also includes tighter rules for online gaming. Children under 16
could be limited to one hour of play per day for games offered by the same
company.

The draft has not yet been finalized and could still be revised before
adoption.

Posted on 2026-07-24 14:44:13

Tropical Storm Noul could be upgraded to a typhoon by around noon tomorrow as
it moves west-northwest through the Bashi Channel.

The Central Weather Administration says the storm may continue to strengthen
and expand because of favorable sea and atmospheric conditions.

At 11 a.m., Noul was about 400 kilometers south-southeast of Eluanbi.

Hualien, Taitung and the Hengchun Peninsula could see localized heavy or
torrential rain from tonight through early tomorrow.

Heavy rain is also possible in southern Taiwan.

Strong gusts are expected in coastal areas and on several offshore islands,
while waves above three meters could affect northern and southern Taiwan and
Penghu.

The sea warning could be lifted tomorrow afternoon, depending on the storm's
strength and track.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-24 14:44:13

The United States has kept Taiwan on its currency manipulation monitoring
list, but has not labeled it a currency manipulator.

The U.S. Treasury says Taiwan met two of its three criteria during the four
quarters ending in December 2025.

Taiwan's trade surplus with the United States remained above the threshold,
while its current account surplus rose to nearly 20 percent of GDP.

Its goods and services surplus with the U.S. nearly doubled last year to
145-billion U.S. dollars.

However, Taiwan stayed below the threshold for sustained foreign exchange
intervention.

The central bank made net foreign currency purchases worth 7.7-billion U.S.
dollars, equal to about 0.8 percent of GDP.

The U.S. says no major trading partner met all three criteria.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2026-07-24 14:44:13

U.S. President Donald Trump is threatening major military retaliation against
Iran and Yemen's Houthis after the group said it attacked two Saudi oil
tankers in the Red Sea.

Trump says Washington will hold Tehran responsible for any further Houthi
strikes, calling the group an Iranian proxy.

The attacks have raised fears that fighting could disrupt a second major
shipping route, after traffic through the Strait of Hormuz already fell
sharply.

Brent crude rose more than 6 percent and moved above 100 U.S. dollars a
barrel.

The U.S. military also carried out a 13th consecutive night of strikes on
Iran.

Iran says it retaliated against U.S. military sites in Jordan and Kuwait,
although U.S. and Kuwaiti officials have not reported casualties.

Meanwhile, the U.S. House has again backed legislation calling for an end to
American military action against Iran.

Posted on 2026-07-24 14:44:13

The Philippines says Chinese coast guard ships fired water cannon at its
vessels near Scarborough Shoal for a second straight day.

The Philippine Coast Guard says one Chinese vessel came within about seven
meters of a fisheries boat, creating a serious risk of collision.

China says it took what it called control measures against Philippine vessels
operating illegally in the area.

The incidents follow another confrontation this week at Second Thomas Shoal,
where Manila says a Filipino sailor was injured.

The renewed tensions came as regional foreign ministers met in Manila.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called China's actions disturbing and
reaffirmed support for the Philippines.

A 2016 international arbitration ruling rejected China's sweeping claims in
the South China Sea, but Beijing does not recognize the decision.

Posted on 2026-07-24 14:09:13

The DPP Caucus Whip is continuing his visit to the US in Washington DC today,
meeting with officials and conducting exchanges.

Cai Qi Chang says, the topics at the top of his agenda are security and
trade.

Cai adds, representatives have demonstrated great interest in protecting
stability in the Taiwan Strait, and have voiced their support for the double
taxation avoidance bill.

Cai's delegation met with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, of the
Republican Party, as well as former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, of the Democratic
Party.

The caucus whip is joined on his trip by colleagues Wu Si Yao, Chen Pei Yu,
Wang Ding Yu, and Puma Shen.

They also visited the AIT offices in the capital city, and attended a forum
hosted by the Taiwanese Association of Washington DC, where the lawmakers
also voiced their support for Shen's mayoral run in Taipei.

The delegation is slated to make their final stop in New York, before heading
back to Taiwan early next week.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-24 14:09:13

The Ministry of the Environment is teaming up with Taipei's Jianguo Holiday
Flower Market to encourage people to recycle old plastic flower pots instead
of throwing them away.

The two-day event this Saturday and Sunday invites visitors to bring in
unused pots from home and give them a second life.

Participants who bring three clean plastic pots can receive a small gift and
join a lucky draw.

Visitors will also learn about the recycling process, from sorting and
shredding the plastic to melting it into recycled pellets that can be turned
into new products, including creative merchandise.

Officals say the initiative highlights how proper sorting and recycling can
keep valuable materials in circulation, helping reduce plastic waste and
promote a more sustainable, circular economy.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-24 14:09:13

Tropical storm Noul has begun disrupting transportation across Taiwan, with
15 ferry services on seven routes canceled today.

That's according to the Maritime and Port Bureau.

Routes connecting Chinese cities with Matsu and Kinmen have been suspended...

in addition to routes between Orchid and Green Islands with a Japanese and a
Pingtung port.

Meanwhile, air travel has seen only limited impact so far.

As of 10 a.m., one domestic flight had been canceled and two delayed, while
all international flights remained on schedule.

Authorities are urging travelers to avoid unnecessary trips to offshore
islands and advise those already there to take available return ferries
before additional cancellations leave passengers stranded.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-24 14:09:13

Taiwan shares were sharply down today, with the benchmark tai ex losing 1195
points to close the session at 43654

The turnover was 792 billion NT

Posted on 2026-07-24 14:09:13

Now turning to international news...

A hunger strike that helped drive India's biggest protest movement in years
has ended but the protests haven't.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk stopped his fast today after 26 days, following talks
with government ministers.

His strike had become a rallying point for the movement known as the
Cockroaches.

The protest movement began over leaked entrance exams.

The exams in question decide access to medical school and government jobs and
are very competitive.

The movement has since grown into a much larger one, with protests
emphasizing anger about unemployment and about whether the government answers
to anyone.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now announced fast track courts for exam
leak cases.

But protesters say that doesn't go far enough.

They want the education minister to resign and they're planning
demonstrations across the country today.

Posted on 2026-07-24 13:18:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says, it's looking into reports that Morocco
has stopped accepting VISA applications at the Tokyo embassy.

The ministry says it has communicated with relevant agencies in an attempt to
clarify the matter...

but that it has not yet received a response from the Moroccan end.

MOFA is advising those planning to travel to Morocco to reassess.

Typically, Taiwanese citizens must apply for VISAs to travel to Morocco, and
have been able to do so at the Moroccan representative office in Tokyo...

which would file the application with officials based in Morocco, and the
applicant would then receive an entry VISA letter that they could exchange
for a VISA upon arrival.

But travel industry representatives recently said that the office was no
longer accepting such applications.

MOFA says, those planning a trip to Morocco should carefully consider, and
stay up to date on the ministry's announcements.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-24 13:18:17

Tropical Storm Noul is continuing to strengthen and is expected to make its
closest approach to Taiwan from tonight through tomorrow morning.

The Central Weather Administration is warning that eastern Taiwan and the
Hengchun Peninsula could see heavy to torrential rain...

while southern Taiwan may also experience periods of heavy rainfall.

Forecasters say that northern and central Taiwan, while not expected to be
directly impacted, should still be on guard for unstable weather.

Noul is currently located 470 kilometers southeast of Taiwan's southernmost
point...

and is moving west-northwest, with the potential to intensify into a moderate
intensity typhoon as it approaches southern China and leaves Taiwan.

Although the storm is expected to move away from Taiwan after tomorrow,
strong winds, rough seas, and waves over three meters are forecast through
today.

Unstable weather and afternoon thunderstorms are expected to continue into
the weekend.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-24 13:18:17

Now turning to international news...

Food conditions in Gaza have improved but they still remain at crisis levels.

That is the assessment from the Integrated Food Security Phrase
Classifcation, a panel of experts the UN relies on to measure hunger.

They declared a famine in parts of Gaza last year.

The latest report says a reduction in fighting, and Israel allowing more aid
in, has made a significant difference.

But it says most families still aren't getting nearly enough to eat and warns
that even small disruptions to aid could quickly reverse those gains

Among children, cases of stunting are rising.

That's when malnutrition impedes growth and causes lifelong problems.

Israel's military body overseeing aid rejects the findings.

Posted on 2026-07-24 13:18:17

The International Criminal Court could lose its chief prosecutor today.

Diplomats from the court's member states are meeting at the UN in New York to
vote on permanently removing Karim Khan.

Khan was the British barrister who has led the court's prosecutions since
2021.

He has been accused of sexual misconduct involving a female aide.

An oversight body found he committed serious misconduct and tried to stop the
woman pursuing her allegations.

Regardless of the outcome of the vote, experts say the issue has caused
internal discord in the ICC.

Posted on 2026-07-24 08:13:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

The Cabinet has proposed legal revisions to the Act Governing Food Safety and
Sanitation.

The move will require large food manufacturers to notify authorities of
anomalies detected in product inspections within 24-hours of discovering, or
being informed of them.

Companies that fail to notify authorities within that timeframe will face a
fine of up to 30-million N-T.

Other proposed revisions include stipulations that food companies above a
certain size and in designated categories be required to regularly submit
ingredients, semi-finished products and finished products to certified
inspection facilities.

Food manufacturers that fail to submit required samples to certified
inspection facilities will face a fine of up to 3-million N-T.

The revisions also authorize local governments to conduct unannounced
inspections and collect samples at food companies' manufacturing, processing,
transportation, storage, packaging and vending facilities.

The move is part of the government's efforts to crackdown on food safety
violations following the discover of a excessive levels of a carcinogen in
cooking oil produced by Central Union Oil Corporation.

More than 1,300 businesses have been affected by the tainted oil, and more
than 500 products have been pulled from store shelves.

The proposals will now be submitted to the Legislative Yuan for review.

Posted on 2026-07-24 08:13:13

The K-M-T has won a lawsuit against the government's Ill-gotten Party Assets
Settlement Committee.

The committee had been seen seeking to collect 3.2-billion N-T for land it
claimed was acquired illegally by the K-M-T during the authoritarian era.

The Supreme Administrative Court's ruling upholds a lower court ruling made
in May of last year, that revoked its decision to collect the funds from the
opposition party.

The ruling is final and cannot be appealed.

The plot of land at the center of the claim is located in Taipei's Wenshan
District.

The Ill-gotten Party Assets Settlement Committee - which was established by
the government of former president Tsai Ing-wen - had claimed the land to
constitute part of the KMT's ill-gotten assets following investigations into
complaints filed by citizens.

The committee ordered the K-M-T to forfeit an equivalent value of
approximately 3.2-billion N-T for selling off parts of the land, citing the
Act Governing the Settlement of Ill-gotten Properties by Political Parties
and Their Affiliate Organizations.

Posted on 2026-07-24 08:13:18

The Supreme Court has rejected the final appeal by sisters Liu Tsai-hsuan and
Liu Juo-lin over the fatal abuse of a 1-year-old infant they were caring for
while he awaited adoption in 2023.

The court upheld earlier verdicts from the Taipei District Court and Taiwan
High Court - sentencing Liu Tsai-hsuan to life in prison and Liu Juo-lin to
18 years in prison.

The sisters, who have been in detention since their first trial, have been
formally transferred to prison to serve their sentences.

According to court documents, the sisters were found to have beaten and
starved Kai Kai, tied him up with ropes and cloth, bent his body forcefully,
and covered his eyes with a face mask.

Kai Kai was found unconscious on December 24, 2023, and later died from his
injuries after the sisters took him to a local hospital.

An autopsy found at least 42 injuries linked to the abuse.

They were indicted by prosecutors in April 2024 and sentenced to life in
prison and 18 years, respectively, for child abuse leading to death, by
Taipei District Court in May 2025.

That verdict was upheld by the Taiwan High Court in January after prosecutors
appealed, arguing that Liu Juo-lin's sentence was too lenient.

The sisters had also appealed the original verdict.

Posted on 2026-07-24 08:13:18

The Control Yuan has proposed corrective measures against the Air Force --
citing serious shortcomings in risk management and maintenance procedures
related to a January training accident that resulted in the death of an F-16V
pilot

The jet fighter crashed during a routine nighttime training mission off the
coast of Hualien in January.

The pilot's body has never been recovered.

According to the government watchdog, although analysis of the aircraft's
flight data recorder is not yet complete, available evidence shows repeated
navigation-system malfunctions in the week leading up to the accident.

The Control Yuan says although the aircraft passed safety checks,
investigators concluded that the Air Force failed to adequately assess and
control the risks associated with conducting a nighttime flight under those
circumstances.

The investigation also found multiple violations of maintenance regulations,
including failing to complete maintenance records and improperly preserving
evidence related to the crash ...

.. which the Control Yuan says warrants the corrective measures.

The pilot, Hsin Po-yi was posthumously honored with a presidential citation
presented by President Lai Ching-te, who attended his funeral this past
Sunday.

Posted on 2026-07-24 06:57:14

China is holding two days of live-fire drills in areas of the Taiwan Strait
‌near its southeastern province of Fujian around Dongshan Island,

These come a day after U-S Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese
Foreign Minister Wang Yi met for talks on a range of issues, including
Taiwan.

The foreign ministry here in Taiwan is slamming the live fire drills and
urging Beijing to exercise "rational self-restraint" and "immediately cease
its military provocations and gray-zone intrusions."

MOFA says China has ‌disregarded the international community's shared
aspirations for regional security, further unilaterally using military force
to threaten the waters surrounding the Taiwan Strait ...

.... creating regional tensions, and once again confirming its nature as a
troublemaker.

China held extensive war games encircling Taiwan and launching rockets into
waters north and south of the island in December of last year, after the U-S
unveiled an 11.1-billion dollar arms package for the island

Posted on 2026-07-24 06:57:18

The Taichung District Prosecutors' Office is appealing the Taichung District
Court's decision to uphold a ruling calls for the release of a Central Union
Oil Corporation factory manager on bail.

The suspect was originally released on bail two weeks ago.

Prosecutors argue the man is a key figure in its ongoing investigation into
the cooking oil contamination case.

The Taichung District Court on Thursday ordered the factory manager to post
an additional 1-million N-T bail.

The court had ruled that the suspect did not need to be detained, and along
with ordering him to post the additional bail, the court also placed him
under residential restrictions and barred him from leaving Taiwan.

The man is said to have cooperated with investigators after originally being
released on bail following his initial questioning and there is no evidence
he could tamper with evidence or collude with other suspects.

The man was among 11 suspects questioned by prosecutors during initial
searches of Central Union and three other companies on July 9.

Ten of those suspects were released on bail, while prosecutors sought the
detention of Central Union General Manager Yu Ling-chung.

Yu was ordered detained last Friday, after the district court initially ruled
that detention was unnecessary and granted Yu bail of 20-million N-T.

Posted on 2026-07-24 06:57:19

The Cabinet has approved plans to extend the High Speed Rail from Taipei to
Yilan.

The project is expected to help ease congestion on National Freeway No. 5 and
improve transportation between Taipei and Yilan.... its also aimed at
increasing rail capacity in eastern Taiwan and shortening travel time
between the two areas.

The Railway Bureau says the 60.6-kilometer line will connect Nangang Station
in Taipei with the planned Yilan High Speed Rail Station.... in a journey
expected to take less than half an hour.

The proposal cleared an environmental impact assessment in August of last
year and comprehensive strategy was completed in January this year.

The government has said the project is expected to cost 352-billion N-T, with
the cost of building stations, purchasing trains and acquiring land.

It's currently scheduled to be completed by 2037.

The Railway Bureau estimates that the extension will serve around 27,000
passengers on weekdays and 60,000 on weekends by 2051.

Posted on 2026-07-24 06:57:20

Meanwhile,

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang says a suspected benzoapyrene contamination
case involving camellia oil produced by a New Taipei-based company is
unrelated to the recent Central Union Oil Corporation scandal.

Shih says the two cases involved completely different raw materials and the
company which produced the camellia oil had already notified downstream
businesses to remove and recall the affected products.

Shih also says an investigation into the camellia oil contamination is
ongoing.

The statements come after the New Taipei Department of Health said it was
informed by Aconpure Green Technology that a batch of its camellia oil had
been found to contain levels of the carcinogen the exceed the legal limit.

City health officials say 5,024 bottles of the affected camellia oil were
produced, of which two batches totaling 939 bottles had been sold, while the
remaining products did not enter the market and were sealed for storage.

The Food and Drug Administration conducted an on-site inspection of
Aconpure's facilities and collected five camellia oil samples for testing.

Posted on 2026-07-24 06:57:20

conviction

The Supreme Court has upheld a two-year, eight-month prison sentence for
former independent legislative candidate Ma Chih-wei for accepting funding
from China during her 2024 election campaign.

The ruling is final and prosecutors have been notified to take measures to
prevent Ma from leaving the country.

Prosecutors said Ma received about 1-million N-T in cash and cryptocurrency
from two China-based contacts and the money was used to fund her campaign for
a legislative seat in Taoyuan in the January 2024 elections.

Ma then provided the pair with business cards belonging to national security
personnel and a directory of liaison officers between the central government
and the Legislative Yuan in return for the cash and cryptocurrency.

Ma was eventually indicted on charges of violating of the Anti-Infiltration
Act, the Personal Data Protection Act and the National Security Act.

The Taoyuan District Court initially found her guilty only of illegally
collecting and using personal data, sentencing her to eight months in prison.

The High Court overturned part of the lower court ruling on appeal, finding
Ma guilty of accepting election funding from an organization effectively
controlled by China and of illegally collecting and using personal data.

Posted on 2026-07-24 06:57:20

Taipei and New Taipei have launched a multilingual A-I chatbot that provides
passengers with information about bus services across the two cities.

Passengers can scan QR codes posted at bus stops to access the service, which
answers questions in Mandarin, English and Taiwanese.

The chatbot provides information on bus routes, estimated arrival times, stop
locations, waiting areas, fares and payment methods.

Transportation officials say the service is intended to reduce the number of
passengers asking drivers for directions or route information, easing their
workload.

The system was jointly developed by the Taipei and New Taipei transportation
departments and bus operators' associations in the two cities.

Taipei City Bus Management Committee Chair Li Bo-wen says the chatbot is the
first service of its kind in Taiwan and can recognize different accents.

The 24-hour service covers more than 12,000 bus stops accross the two cities.

Posted on 2026-07-24 06:57:20

The Central Weather Administration has issued a sea warning for tropical
storm Noul that formed in waters east of the Philippine island of Luzon late
last night.

The storm is currently located some 530-kilometers southeast of Eluanbi at
Taiwan's southernmost tip, and moving in a west-northwesterly direction at
speeds of between 25 and 28-kilometers-an-hour.

It has a radius of 60-kilometers, and is packing sustained wind speeds of
65-kilometers-an-hour, with gusts of up to 90-kilometers-an-hour.

According to the weather administration's forecast center, the storm will
have its greatest impact on Taiwan tomorrow daytime, when it passes closest
to the island as moves through the Bashi Channel and into the South China
Sea.

Eastern and southern parts of the island are expected to see heavy to
torrential rain tomorrow, but the unstable weather conditions are forecast to
persist from Sunday through next Wednesday as southerly winds continue to
bring rain to much of Taiwan.

Posted on 2026-07-24 06:57:20

Ukraine’s fired defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, has rejected President
Zelenskyy's offer to rejoin the government in a different role.

Fedorov was dismissed last week and is known for modernizing Ukraine's armed
forces and fighting corruption.

His departure led to protests across Ukraine and reactions in Moscow.

Fedorov insists on returning only as defense minister, citing the position's
critical role in shaping the war.

Zelenskyy had offered him the role of deputy prime minister for military
innovation.

Fedorov aims to complete his reforms and believes his work has created a
unique opportunity to pressure Russia into peace.

Posted on 2026-07-23 17:10:13

The Supreme Court has upheld an earlier ruling for babysitters charged with
abusing the one year old child Kai Kai.

The original ruling by the Taipei District Court sentenced the two sisters to
life in prison, and 18 years.

Prosecutors and the sisters both appealed the ruling, which the Supreme Court
today rejected.

Prosecutors and some members of the public had hoped that the older of the
two sisters would receive the death penalty.

The two sisters, surnamed Liu, are accused of neglecting and abusing Kaikai,
who was placed in their care by the Child Welfare League Foundation.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-23 17:10:13

The Control Yuan has censured the Air Force over what it decribed as serious
maintenance failures linked to the fatal F-16 crash that presumably claimed
the life of pilot Hsin Po-yi 辛柏毅earlier this year.

Hsin was piloting an F-16 fighter jet in January and crashed into the ocean
off the coast of Hualien.

Following a six month search, Hsin was declared dead, and his funeral held
days ago.

The Control Yuan says today that the aircraft had shown repeated navigation
system malfunctions in the week before the accident...

adding that the risks of conducting a night flight were not properly managed.

Investigators also found maintenance records were incomplete and accident
evidence wasn't properly preserved.

However, Control Yuan members did voice their approval of the Air Force's
reforms to pilots' emergency response training.

While the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, the
Control Yuan urged the Air Force to strengthen both maintenance oversight and
its flight safety culture.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-23 17:10:18

Drone manufacturers are urging lawmakers not to freeze funding for the
Executive Yuan's plan to support drone funding.

Referring to a six year, 44.2 billion NT drone industry development plan
drafted into the 2026 general government budget, industry representatives
voiced their support for the plan.

Industry representives say, companies have already invested heavily and need
stable, long-term government policies to continue expanding.

They warned that freezing the drone funds would create uncertainty,
discourage investment, and slow the growth of Taiwan's drone industry.

They also add that the government support is essential for building a strong
domestic market.

Meanwhile, industry reps also said they were in favor of the Executive Yuan's
version of a special drone funding bill...

over opposition versions that write the funding into the general budget.

They say, the Cabinet's version would translate to greater stability for the
industry...

without fear of the funds being cut from the general budget.

(AL/AH)

Posted on 2026-07-23 17:10:19

Thai authorities say, an investigation into an attack that killed 5 people
last night is underway.

About 10 attackers opened fire and threw pipe bombs at a security checkpoint
in the southern province of Narathiwat.

5 soldiers were killed in the attacks.

6 civilians were also hurt, including a 10 year old boy, who's in the
hospital in stable condition.

Narathiwat is 1 of 3 southern provinces with Muslim majorities in a mostly
Buddhist country.

They've been the site of a separatist insurgency since 2004.

The insurgency has killed thousands, though the fighting has eased in recent
years.

Posted on 2026-07-23 15:18:13

The Central Weather Administration says, a tropical depression is expected to
strengthen into this year's 12th tropical storm overnight, with a sea warning
possibly issued as early as tonight.

The storm is forecast to pass through the Bashi Channel and come closest to
Taiwan on Saturday.

As of this morning, the center of the depression was located 1110 kilometers
from Taiwan's southernmost point.

Heavy rain is expected in Hualien and Taitung earlier on Saturday, while
southern Taiwan can expect more intense rain Saturday evening.

Forecasters also warned of rough seas, large waves, and temperatures reaching
36 degrees Celsius in some areas before the storm arrives.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-23 15:18:13

Three of 15 fresh produce products tested by the Taipei Department of Health
have failed food safety inspections.

The products were sold through online shopping platforms, and have been
ordered removed and recalled.

Curry leaves and rosemary sold on Shopee contained pesticide residues above
permitted levels.

An avocado product contained excessive cadmium, a heavy metal.

The department says products supplied from outside Taipei have been referred
to the relevant local authorities.

Taipei-based suppliers could face fines if violations are confirmed.

Businesses may be fined up to 200-million N.T. dollars for excessive
pesticide residues.

Officials are urging online sellers to strengthen quality controls, while
consumers should check product sources, delivery temperatures and food labels
before purchasing.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-23 15:18:13

Bookings for flights to Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu during the Mid-Autumn
Festival and Teachers' Day holiday will open at 9 a.m. on Monday.

The four-day holiday runs from September 25 to 28, while additional transport
arrangements will cover September 24 through 29.

The Civil Aviation Administration says airlines will offer 1-thousand-340
flights and more than 111-thousand seats on the three outlying-island routes.

Peak-period tickets will be valid only for the specified date and flight.

Graduated refund fees will also apply, ranging from up to 10 percent of the
ticket price to 30 percent for cancellations made on the day of departure.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-23 15:18:13

Senior diplomats from Asia, Europe and North America are meeting in Manila
for the ASEAN Regional Forum, with the escalating war in Iran expected to
dominate discussions.

The conflict and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted energy
and food supply chains and raised inflation concerns across Southeast Asia,
which relies heavily on Middle Eastern oil.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Washington wants a diplomatic
solution, but claims Tehran is not serious about talks.

Rubio is also due to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to discuss
the war in Ukraine.

Tensions in the South China Sea are another major issue, following a
confrontation between Chinese and Philippine personnel near a disputed reef.

China is urging regional countries to resist outside interference and take
the lead in maintaining stability.

Posted on 2026-07-23 15:18:13

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi says special fast-track courts will
prosecute people accused of leaking exam papers.

The announcement follows days of youth-led protests demanding the resignation
of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The leaks affected about 2-million students and have been linked to several
suicides.

Protesters say the government has failed to protect students and are
continuing demonstrations in New Delhi until Pradhan steps down.

More than 10-thousand people reportedly gathered at a central protest site
Wednesday night.

Police used tear gas and canes after some demonstrators threw stones and
bottles.

Delhi Metro has closed 16 stations because of security concerns.

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has also called for Pradhan’s dismissal and
accused Modi’s government of damaging India’s education system.

Posted on 2026-07-23 15:00:13

New U.S. procedures for processing incoming international mail take effect
July 24, and Chunghwa Post is urging senders to provide complete and accurate
customs information.

For goods worth 2,500 U.S. dollars or less, senders must prepay the required
duties and fees.

More expensive shipments will require the recipient to complete a formal
import declaration.

Duties will no longer be charged at a flat 10 percent of the declared value.

They will instead depend on the product's tariff code, country of origin,
value, quantity and weight.

Every item containing goods will also carry a 2-U.S.-dollar processing fee,
even if no duty is charged.

Chunghwa Post says incorrect declarations could lead to additional charges,
customs delays or returned mail.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-23 15:00:13

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an is announcing stricter inspections of cooking oil
used in school lunches following the contaminated oil scandal involving
Central Union Oil corporation.

The city will add cooking oil to routine food safety testing, conduct at
least 30 additional inspections each year, and introduce monthly random
sampling.

Officials say 125 schools and kindergartens, affecting about 105 thousand
students and staff, had received the contaminated oil, which has since been
recalled and sealed.

Taipei has also joined a class-action lawsuit against Central Union.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-23 15:00:13

Classical music duo TwoSet Violin will return to Taiwan in September with its
latest touring show, "Sacrilegious Games."

Violinists Brett Yang and Eddy Chen say the production combines demanding
classical performances with comedy, audience interaction and unusual
challenges.

One segment even has the musicians playing violin while using a hula hoop.

The Australian duo became known through online videos about practice,
auditions and orchestra life.

Their YouTube channel has more than 4.3 million subscribers and over 1
billion views.

Yang says the show could help people who do not normally listen to classical
music become more interested in live concerts.

Performances are scheduled in Taichung on September 24, Kaohsiung on
September 27, and Taipei on September 29 and 30.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-23 15:00:13

The death toll from a tunnel explosion at a hydroelectric project in
northeastern India has risen to 22.

Sikkim state officials say rescue teams recovered seven more bodies from the
tunnel on Thursday.

The explosion happened Monday at a state-run power project under construction
on the Teesta River.

Authorities suspect methane trapped in or released from surrounding rocks
caused the blast.

Dense fumes and toxic gases left 25 workers and officials trapped underground.

Rescue crews are still searching for the three remaining victims.

Officials say mud, water and dangerous gas inside the tunnel have slowed the
operation and created breathing difficulties.

The project operator says it will provide compensation to the families of
those killed.

Posted on 2026-07-23 15:00:13

Firefighters in Spain and France are battling major wildfires as intense heat
and dry conditions grip Southern Europe.

Spain’s largest wildfire this year has burned about 32-thousand hectares in
Guadalajara province.

The blaze has begun to stabilize, allowing some residents to return home, but
authorities say the fire risk remains very high or extreme across much of the
country.

Temperatures in parts of Spain could reach 42 to 44 degrees Celsius before
easing later this week.

In France, two firefighters died after their vehicle was engulfed by flames
in the Gironde region.

Another fire near Bordeaux forced about 600 people to evacuate.

Authorities have banned barbecues and some outdoor work in high-risk areas.

Heat-related restrictions are also in place in Greece and Cyprus, while
severe storms have caused injuries and power outages in parts of the Balkans.

Posted on 2026-07-23 14:06:13

The DPP nominee for the Taipei mayorship is continuing his US visit in
California today.

Puma Shen says, long-term thinking is key to promoting public infrastructure
projects.

Shen's campaign office notes that he's met with several local officials on
the trip already.

The lawmaker remarked on a park in Los Angeles that used to be a landfill.

Shen says, the process that turned the site into a park took place over 20
years and was a bipartisan effort spanning several mayors' terms.

He emphasized that such plans require 20 or even 30 years of foresight- not
just one mayor's term.

Shen also visited the city of Irvine, where he lived while earning his PhD.

He remarked on Irvine's green spaces and safety, saying it would be a city he
would aim to emulate if elected mayor of Taipei.

Shen's trip continues through early next week in Washington DC and New York.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-23 14:06:15

More than 5,500 Filipino students are now studying in Taiwan, making the
Philippines the island's fifth-largest source of international degree
students.

The Ministry of Education says most are studying engineering, manufacturing,
information technology or medicine.

The figures were released as Philippine science and technology official
Maridon Sahagun led a 16-member education delegation to Taiwan.

The group visited schools and research institutions and attended a
Taiwan-Philippines high school exchange forum at National Sun Yat-sen
University.

Taiwan is offering 24 government scholarships to Filipino students this year.

A Taiwan Education Center in the Philippines has also opened 193 Mandarin
classes.

The ministry says it hopes to deepen cooperation in STEM and bilingual
education and attract more Filipino students to Taiwan.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-23 14:06:15

The 2026 Taiwan Literature Awards for Original Works have named nine
first-prize winners in Taiwanese, Hakka and Indigenous-Mandarin writing.

No first prize was awarded in the script category.

The National Museum of Taiwan Literature says this year's competition
received a record 225 submissions across four categories.

Winners were selected in fiction, essays and poetry after four rounds of
judging.

Three recipients have previously won Taiwan Literature Awards, while the
other six are first-time winners.

The museum says the results reflect both the continued work of established
writers and the emergence of new literary voices.

The awards ceremony will take place Aug. 1 at the National Museum of Taiwan
Literature in Tainan.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-23 14:06:19

Taiwan shares are slightly up today, with the benchmark tai ex gaining 25
points to close the session at 44850.

The turnover was 892 billion NT

Posted on 2026-07-23 14:06:20

Now turning to international news...

US foreign aid cuts left more than 280,000 aid workers worldwide unemployed
last year.

Many of those outside the US live in conflict zones or poor areas where job
opportunities are few and far between.

In Nepal, the impact on aid workers' lives has been particularly severe...

as over one hundred people were forced to turn to sex work to make ends meet.

The AP reports that former aid workers in Nepal that had conducted HIV
outreach amongst sex workers now work among them.

The issue has far reaching effects for public health, with experts expecting
the aid cuts in Nepal will ultimately mean a spike in HIV.

In Nepal alone, Trump administration aid cuts meant that an estimated 35,000
aid workers lost their jobs in a country already facing high unemployment.

Posted on 2026-07-23 13:07:13

The Ministry of Health and Welfare says, it's investigating another instance
of an oil exceeding permitted carcinogen levels.

That's after the New Taipei Department of Health announced last night that it
had received a report from Aconpure stating that the company had discovered
some of its camellia seed oil had benzopyrene levels exceeding the legal
limit by almost 50%.

That's the same carcinogen that's been discovered in tonnes of oils sold by
Central Union over the past weeks.

The company also notified businesses to remove the product from the shelves.

Minister of Health and Welfare Shi Chong Liang says, the case is still under
investigtion, but he confirmed that the case was not related to the Central
Union Oil recalls...

saying that the raw materials were completely different.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-23 13:07:13

Police in Hsinchu have arrested a man accused of selling illegal "Zombie
Vape" cartridges through social media.

Those products contain the controlled substances etomidate and metomidate.

After an online investigation and survilliance operation, officers seized
vape oil, cartridges, packing materials, and etomidate powder during a
search.

The suspect has been referred to prosecutors on drug-related charges.

Authorities warned that both substances are now classified as Category 1
drugs in Taiwan and can cause confusion, loss of motor control, and pose
serious public safety risks.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-23 13:07:13

The Ministry of National Defense says, China will launch a rocket today
that's expected to fly over Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone.

That's as the MND recorded 21 PLA sorties in the Taiwan Strait in the 24
hours between yesterday and today at 6am...

most of which crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait to enter Taiwan's
ADIZ.

The MND also notes 6 PLA boats and 2 Chinese government boats operating in
the same vicinity over the same period.

The MND also yesterday recorded some helicopters and drones in the Strait as
well.

Officials say, they're closely monitoring PLA activity in the Strait and
responding appropriately.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-23 13:07:13

Now turning to international news...

Spain is fighting one of the largest wildfires in its history.

The blaze in rural Guadalajara, northeast of Madrid, has burned more than
79,000 acres.

34 villages have been evacuated, though no deaths or serious injuries have
been reported.

Firefighters hope to have it contained by the weekend.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the area and called for the country's
political parties to unite on climate change, saying the issue isn't
politics, it's science.

A new heat wave is making the work harder, with temperatures above 40
degrees.

Elswhere in Europe, fires are also burning in Sicily, while Greece and Cyprus
are on high alert.

And in France, health officials now say last month's heat wave killed around
5700 more people than usual.

Posted on 2026-07-23 13:07:13

Singapore has reshuffled its cabinet with energy front and centre.

Nikkei Asia reports that the former Trade and Industry Ministry is being
renamed the Energy, Trade and Industry Ministry, and will now have two
ministers instead of one.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong says energy is becoming central to Singapore's
competitiveness and long-term resilience.

The city-state has been squeezed by the oil price surge since the US and
Israel began attacks on Iran, and as an export-driven economy, it's
especially vulnerable to such shocks.

Wong also says Singapore is looking into whether nuclear power is feasible
for the city-state.

Posted on 2026-07-23 13:07:13

The Louvre's Apollo Gallery has reopened 9 months after thieves stole French
crown jewels from it.

Visitors can now walk through the room again, on their way to the Mona Lisa.

But there are no jewels to see, and no empty display cases either.

The museum has removed the collections entirely, and returned the gallery to
its original 17th century ceremonial purpose.

The stolen jewels- worth around a hundred million US dollars- have still not
been recovered.

Security has been stepped up, with new cameras and anti-intrusion systems.

On the day of the heist, thieves needed less than eight minutes.

The museum's director resigned in the aftermath.

Posted on 2026-07-23 08:14:13

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency says the impact on the Wanli
River is expected to remain limited to the river channel under current
weather conditions.

The statement comes after the barrier lake in the area overflowed yesterday.

According to the agency's Hualien branch, the outflow remains stable and has
not caused significant erosion or cutting into the natural dam.

The highest water level recorded before the overflow was 1,090-meters, while
the level stood at 1,090-meters after the overflow, with an estimated water
volume of 6.02-million cubic meters.

The agency says drone images are showing no obvious erosion at the overflow
point, and there were no immediate signs of dam failure.

The barrier lake was discovered upstream of the Wanli River on June 21.

Authorities had previously warned that a possible overflow could threaten
downstream areas and issued a red flood alert to allow time for evacuations.

Posted on 2026-07-23 08:14:17

Civil mobilization drills scheduled for next month will be more closely
integrated with the annual Han Kuang military exercises this year.

The Han Kuang military exercise is scheduled for August 5 through 14.

While Urban Resilience All-Out Defense Mobilization Exercises will be tasking
place on August 10 and 13.

Sources are being cited as saying the drills will include military and
civilian scenarios and, for the first time, test coordinated responses among
administrative regions.

The exercises will cover the establishment of underground medical facilities,
civilian evacuations, medical evacuations to rear areas, joint transportation
and logistics operations, and drone-based resupply, aiming to strengthen
whole-of-society resilience.

According to Shen Ming-shih, a research fellow at the Institute for National
Defense and Security Research, the drills are designed to strengthen civilian
responses to gray-zone activities and wartime scenarios.

The first exercise will be taking place from 2:30 to 3PM on August 10 in
Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, Nantou Chiayi and Yunlin.

While the second exercise will be taking place from 2:30 to 3PM on August 13
in Keelung, New Taipei, Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Yilan.

Internet disruptions can be expected during the exercises, as mobile Internet
connections will be temporarily suspended to simulate network disruptions.

Posted on 2026-07-23 08:14:20

The Kaohsiung District Court has ordered a retired Navy rear admiral to be
detained on suspicion of corruption.

According to the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors' Office, the retired rear
admiral helped a solar power company secure a 50-million N-T government
contract while serving as commander of the Navy's Zuoying Logistics Support
Command.

Two other suspects in the case have also been ordered detained.

Prosecutors say the retired rear admiral used his position to help a solar
company win a contract install solar photovoltaic panels at the Zuoying
Logistics Support Command as part of the military's green energy policy.

He allegedly received kickbacks exceeding 1-million N-T.

The three suspects were questioned earlier this week after prosecutors
searched multiple locations.

Posted on 2026-07-23 08:14:25

Three Japanese nationals who ran a high-end barbecue restaurant in Taichung
have been sentenced to prison for selling expired wagyu beef to customers.

The Taichung District Court sentenced the former head of Wagyu Emperor, and
its former store manager, to two years and eight months in prison each.

The head chef received a two-year prison term.

The court says all three will also be deported after serving their sentences.

The court has also fined Libera Advertising Marketing, which operated the
restaurant 1-million N-T.

Prosecutors said the defendants knowingly served expired Kobe beef between
January and March of 2024 while marketing the restaurant as "the pinnacle of
Japanese barbecue in Taichung."

The district court rulings can be appealed.

Posted on 2026-07-23 07:04:13

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is accusing China of using "elite capture" in
South Pacific countres in order to advance its interests in the region.

The statement comes after Papua New Guinea ordered the closure of Taiwan
representative office in Port Moresby - citing its adherence to the
"one-China" policy.

Lin claims the announcement, which was made by Papua New Guinea's foreign
minister, reflected his own position rather than a decision by the country's
Cabinet, and was made after Beijing provided direct benefits to the minister.

Lin says it's another example of China's "elite capture" strategy, which
involves exerting influence over "a handful of leaders" in the South Pacific
through incentives, or by saddling their countries with debt in order they
adhere to Beijing's policies.

Reports says Papua New Guinea's Cabinet still conducting a two-year review of
its relationship with Taiwan and no consensus on that has yet been reached.

The foreign minister stressed that Taiwan's representative office in Port
Moresby is remains open and is continuiung to operate.

Posted on 2026-07-23 07:04:16

The Fair Trade Commission has announced that it's extending its review of
Grab's proposed acquisition of foodpanda's Taiwan operations until October
27.

That decision was made in accordance with the Fair Trade Act, as its needs
more time to assess the potential impact of Uber's 13-per cent stake in Grab.

The F-T-C says questions remain over whether Uber's stake, and its 3.7-per
cent voting rights in Grab could affect Uber Eats' and Grab's "incentive and
ability" to compete and as such "further analysis" is needed to determine the
impact on competition.

Opponents of the merger argue the deal will create a "de facto monopoly"
because Uber is Grab's largest shareholder and has influence over the
Singapore-based ride-hailing and delivery giant.

The National Delivery Union has said the resulting monopoly will harm
delivery workers, consumers and merchants, as there will be fewer choices.

The F-T-C formally accepted Grab Holdings' merger application last month
following several months of supplementary filings.

Posted on 2026-07-23 07:04:17

An institutional-use site New Taipei's Shulin District has been selected as
the location for the proposed 50,000-seat multipurpose indoor domed stadium.

Mayor Hou You-Ih made the announcement after receiving the final site
evaluation report from Sports Office Director Hung Yu-ling.

The city government says the Shulin site was chosen after two rounds of
scientific assessments and several dozen meetings and evaluations by experts
from government, academia and industry.

City officials say the review considered 26 criteria, including surrounding
conditions, transportation and long-term sustainability.

The site chosed is located south of the Shulin Civil Sports Center and at the
junction of New Taipei's Shulin, Xinzhuang and Banqiao districts.

The site is said to offer strong transportation links and is near a planned
station on the Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin MRT Line.

Preparatory work is expected to take about five years, with construction
scheduled to begin in 2032.

The site covers an area of roughly 23 hectares and when completed will
include a domed stadium, parking, retail, hotels and entertainment
facilities.

Posted on 2026-07-23 07:04:17

electronics manufacturing

Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang has described Taiwan as the world's "most
advanced epicenter" of electronics manufacturing.

Huang said Taiwan's manufacturing sector was "state-of-the-art" ... and as
artificial intelligence continues to grow rapidly, Taiwan companies are
expanding production capacity at a fast pace, creating challenges such as
ensuring sufficient energy supplies.

Huang said that the A-I industry is currently experiencing its largest ever
infrastructure construction boom and Taiwan's supply chain is playing a
crucial role in that.

The Nvidia founder and CEO went on to praise Taiwan's technology ecosystem
and said that having companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing,
Hon Hai and Wistron invest in and build manufacturing facilities in the
United States is "a great service and partnership."

Huang was at the inauguration of Wistron's new facility in Fort Worth.. which
will be the first to mass produce Nvidia's G-B-300 Grace Blackwell Ultra
Superchip in the U-S.

It is also capable of manufacturing Nvidia's Vera Rubin Superchip.

The facility is Wistron's first manufacturing base in the U-S and was built
at a cost of 700-million U-S dollars.

Posted on 2026-07-23 07:04:17

The Taipei District Court has sentenced a woman who repeatedly poisoned an
Australian exchange student, leaving him in critical condition in intensive
care, to 11 years in prison.

The woman was found guilty and convicted of attempted murder.

The court described her crime as premeditated, cruel and showing disregard
for human life.

The court found that woman poisoned Alex Shorey at least three times with rat
poison in 2023, causing him to suffer hypovolemic shock and dehydration.

The judges said her repeated actions showed indifference to whether Shorey
lived or died and amounted to conditional intent to kill.

Prosecutors has presented evidence that the woman mixed the poison into
Shorey's food and drinks in an attempt to stop him from returning to
Australia after completing a Chinese-language program at a university in
northern Taiwan.

The district court ruling can be appealed.

Shorey and his family have filed a civil lawsuit against woman seeking
damages.

Posted on 2026-07-23 07:04:17

A Taiwan-registered fishing boat has sunk after catching fire off Pengjia
Islet.

The Coast Guard Administration says all six crew members were rescued after
spending nearly 10 hours adrift in a life raft.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Keelung-registered "Yung Fu 188" caught fire in waters some 92-kilometers
northeast of Pengjia Islet and the fire spread rapidly forcing the the six
crew members to abandon ship.

Coast guard personnel located the life raft and none of the crew members were
injured.

The fishing boat was carrying about 2 metric tons of fuel.

A fuel slick about was spotted near the sinking site, a coast guard patrol
boat is said to be monitoring the pollution.

Posted on 2026-07-23 07:04:17

The Central Weather Administration says a tropical depression that formed in
waters east of the Philippines could strengthen into a tropical storm as
early as today.

The storm could affect Taiwan's coastal waters by the weekend and a sea
warning could be issued as it passes through the Bashi Channel and into the
South China Sea.

The tropical depression is currently located some 1,400-kilometers
east-southeast of Eluanbi at Taiwan's southernmost tip and is moving in a
northwesterly direction at 27-kilometers per hour.

If it develops into a tropical storm it will be called Noul and be the 12th
named storm of this year's Pacific typhoon season.

There's an increased chance of rainfall in the east starting on Friday
evening and the outer bands of the storm will likely result in localized
heavy-to-torrential rain in the Hengchun Peninsula, Hualien and Taitung on
Saturday.

Posted on 2026-07-23 07:04:17

France experienced at least 5,700 more deaths than usual during a historic
heat wave last month.

Public Health France reported Wednesday that regions affected by the heat
from June 17 to July 2 recorded 21,674 deaths from all causes.

Without the heat wave, those areas would have expected around 15,910 deaths
based on previous years' data.

The difference of 5,764 deaths is considered "excess" deaths due to the heat
wave.

This sharp increase highlights the severe impact of the record-shattering
temperatures.

Posted on 2026-07-23 07:04:17

U-S lawmakers narrowly passed its version of a massive defense policy bill...

The fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA authorizes an
unprecedented $1.15 trillion in spending for the military.

Republicans said the trillion-dollar spending is essential to support the
military as it wages war in Iran, fund defense systems development and
equipment purchases and provide benefits for the troops like raises of up to
7% and construction for barracks and family housing.

But Democrats worry that the bill expands military technology cooperation
between the United States and Israel,

There are calls to roll back U.S. support for Israel over concern about the
heavy toll on Palestinian civilians of its ‌attacks in Gaza.

They also object to the ongoing and deeply unpopular war with Iran, which
the Pentagon said has cost the US $37.5 billion so far.

Posted on 2026-07-22 19:08:13

The ruling DPP has criticized the opposition KMT over funding for the
govenment's drone development plan.

The proposed cuts would be to an Executive Yuan 6 year plan for drone
funding, with a pricetag of over 44 billion NT.

The DPP warns that cutting the funding would hurt disaster relief,
agriculture, pubilc safety, and industrial development...

... accusing the KMT of undermining Taiwan's drone industry despite publicly
claiming to support it.

The KMT rejects the criticism, saying it fully supports drone development and
has proposed seperate legislation with a much larger 240 billion NT budget.

Those funds would be slotted into a general budget, rather than being
allocated in a special budget.

It argues that the Cabinet's plan was approved through a legally flawed
budget process.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-22 19:08:13

A Taiwanese woman has been sentenced to 11 years and two months in prison for
repeatedly poisoning an Australian exchange student in 2023.

The Taipei District Court found Yang guilty of attempted murder, describing
the crime as premeditated and cruel.

According to prosecutors, Yang poisoned then-23-year-old Alex Shorey at least
three times by mixing rodenticide into his food and drinks, leaving him in
critical condition.

Prosecutors say Yang carried out the attacks in an attempt to stop Shorey
from returning to Australia after completing a Chinese-language program in
Taiwan.

The court said Yang showed no remorse and continued poisoning the victim
despite witnessing his suffering.

Shorey was later medically evacuated to Australia, where he recovered.

Posted on 2026-07-22 19:08:13

A retired Navy rear admiral has been detained in Kaohsiung on suspicion of
corruption.

Prosecutors say the officer, surnamed Shih, used his position to help a solar
power company win a government contract worth more than fifty million NT.

He allegedly allowed the company to install solar panels at the naval command
he once led.

In return, prosecutors allege he took more than one million NT in kickbacks.

A court ordered him and two others detained yesterday night, citing a risk of
collusion.

All three deny the allegations.

(JC-CNA)

Posted on 2026-07-22 19:08:13

The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo has climbed to 999.

The country's Health Ministry says 2,473 cases have been recorded since the
outbreak was declared on May 15th, making it the fastest-growing Ebola
outbreak on record.

The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which
currently has no approved vaccines or treatments.

Ebola is a rare but highly contagious disease that spreads through contact
with bodily fluids and can often be fatal.

Posted on 2026-07-22 19:08:13

More than 2,000 volunteers are helping Polish scientists restore the skeleton
of a Mastodonsaurus, one of the largest amphibian predators of its time.

The fossil was unearthed in southern Poland in 2023 and is believed to be the
largest nearly complete Mastodonsaurus skeleton ever discovered.

The animal lived about 240 million years ago, near the dawn of the dinosaur
age, where it preyed on fish and smaller amphibians.

Volunteers at the Copernicus Science Center in Warsaw are carefully removing
rock from the fossil as part of the restoration effort.

Scientists hope to complete the work by the end of the year and eventually
put the skeleton on public display.

Posted on 2026-07-22 18:08:14

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung has reaffirmed Taiwan's sovereignty
claims in the South China Sea while acknowledging that the government is
taking a lower-profile approach to asserting them.

Lin says Taiwan's position on its claims in the disputed waters remains
unchanged and that disputes should be resolved peacefully in accordance with
international law.

He also reiterated that Taiwan-administered Taiping Island is legally an
island and that Taiwan has legitimate claims in the South China Sea.

However, Lin says Taiwan has chosen not to actively publicize those claims
because of the current geopolitical situation and the overlap between
Taipei's and Beijing's territorial claims.

He added that Taiwan needs to maintain strong international support as China
continues to expand its influence in the region.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-07-22 18:08:14

China's Taiwan Affairs Office is declining to explain the criteria used to
question Taiwanese police officers and judicial personnel traveling to the
country.

The response came after two Taiwanese police officers were detained and
questioned for hours during a recent visit to China.

Instead of clarifying its screening standards, Beijing accused Taiwan of
speading misinformation...

and insisted that Taiwanese visitors have nothing to fear as long as they
obey Chinese law.

The Mainland Affairs Council says it will continue updating cases involving
Taiwanese nationals who go missing or face detention in China.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-22 18:08:14

The Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research has raised Taiwan's economic
growth forecast for this year to 10.35 percent ...

... citing stronger-than-expected exports driven by demand for AI-related
products and semiconductors.

The institute says Taiwan's economy is benefiting from both strong exports
and solid domestic demand, as companies expand investment and consumers
increase spending.

However, it has also raised its inflation forecast, projecting consumer
prices will rise by 2.02 percent this year because of higher international
oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.

Looking ahead, the institute expects economic growth to moderate to 3.71
percent next year, with inflation easing to 1.89 percent, below the central
bank's 2 percent warning threshold.

The institute says Taiwan's economic outlook remains positive, although
future growth will depend in part on geopolitical developments and energy
prices.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-22 17:10:13

The Fair Trade Commission says it has extended its review of Grab's proposed
acquisition of Foodpanda's Taiwan business and now expects to announce a
decision by the end of October.

Grab submitted its application on June 16th, triggering an initial review
period of 30 working days under the Fair Trade Act.

But the commission said it exercised its right to extend the review by an
additional 60 working days ...

... saying it needs more time to determine whether Uber's minority stake and
voting rights in Grab could reduce competition between Grab and Uber Eats
after the acquisition.

If approved, Taiwan's food delivery market would be dominated by Grab and
Uber Eats.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-22 17:10:13

DPP Taipei City Councilors are asking the city government to establish a
public information disclosure platform.

The platform would seek to provide a public record of councilors' requests to
the city government of information or documents, as well as the city
government's reponse to councilors' requests.

DPP Council Caucus Leader Wang Min Sheng cited dissatisfaction with the
Taipei City government's handling of councilors' requestions for information.

In a proposal that all 18 DPP city councilors signed on to, the caucus is
calling for increased transparency.

At a press conference today, Wang criticized the mayor for pushing back
against councilors' attempts to supervise the city government...

accusing the mayor of taking issue with only certain councilors' requests for
information.

Similarly, veteran councilor Liu Yao Ren said that Mayor Chiang Wan An's
attitude towards councilors was unprecedented.

Meanwhile, councilor Yan Ruo Fang said that the city government should have
to clearly state on a public platform its reasoning for denying requests for
information by councilors.

In response, Chiang Wan An said that he respected the councilors' right to
propose the motion.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-22 17:10:13

The DPP's pick to challenge the Taipei mayor in November has begun his trip
to the US with a stop in LA.

Puma Shen met with several mayors and other local officials to discuss urban
governance and tree conservation.

Shen also attended the launch of his first overseas campaign support group,
drawing hundreds of supporters.

He says, the visit aims to strengthen city diplomacy and legislative
exchanges while reaffirming that Taiwan will not be intimidated by what he
decribed as Chinese cross-border repression.

Accompanied by legislative colleagues Cai Qi Chang, Wu Si Yao, and Wang Ding
Yu, Shen is also slated to visit New York and Washington DC.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-22 17:10:13

Now turning to international news and in India,

authorities say 13 workers are trapped inside a collaped tunnel.

Toxic gas and a buildup of water are slowing rescuers at at the site in the
northeastern state of Sikkim in the Himalayas.

The blast triggered by methane gas buildup killed 12 people on Monday.

Experts say the region's seismic activity and fragile rock formations make
tunnel projects especially risky.

This comes after a Feburary explosion in coam mine killed 18.

Posted on 2026-07-22 14:16:13

Taiwan's top diplomat has accused China of using political and economic
influence to pressure South Pacific nations ...

... after Papua New Guinea announced plans to close Taiwan's representative
office there.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung described the move as an example of what he
called China's "elite capture" strategy, in which Beijing seeks to influence
political leaders through incentives and economic leverage.

Lin said Papua New Guinea's foreign minister announced the closure last week,
but stressed that the country's Cabinet has not yet reached a final decision
on its relationship with Taiwan.

He added that Taiwan's representative office there remains in operation.

Taiwan is also reviewing its liquefied natural gas imports from Papua New
Guinea amid the diplomatic dispute.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-07-22 14:16:16

Six fishermen have been rescued after their boat caught fire and sank off the
coast of northern Taiwan.

The Keelung-registered vessel "Yung Fu 188" caught fire Tuesday night near
Pengjia Islet, forcing the captain and five Filipino crew members to abandon
ship into a life raft.

A coast guard boat arrived at the scene early this morning, rescuing all six
crew members after they spent nearly ten hours drifting in open water.

No injuries were reported.

The fishing boat sank around 5:00 am., leaving an oil slick about 2 meters
wide and 30 meters long.

The Coast Guard says a specialized patrol vessel has been dispatched to
monitor the environmental impact, and an investigation into the cause of the
fire is underway.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-07-22 14:16:16

The Taiwan High Court has handed down a slightly reduced sentenced for Kinmen
County councilor Hsu Yu-zhao許玉昭 in an assistant fee fraud case.

Hsu, of the KMT, is accused of fraudulently claiming more than 2.32 million
NT in assistant fees.

Hsu allegedly claimed assistant fees for assistants that were not working
for at least part of the time they were employed.

The court overturned the ruling made by the Kinmen District Court, cutting
her prison time by 3 months for a sentence of 3 years and 9 months.

She will also be deprived of her civil rights for 4 years.

In partially overturning the case, the High Court said that Hsu was right to
appeal, and upheld part of the lower court's decision.

The case can still be appealed.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-22 14:16:16

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex gaining 592 point to
close the session at 44825.

The turnover was 982 billion NT

Posted on 2026-07-22 14:16:16

Now turning to international news...

The head of Indonesia's free meals program has resigned just 45 days into the
job.

Her predecessor was removed over corruption allegations.

Nanik Deyang's resignation today leaves the future of the program in doubt.

The program aimed to deliver on a key campaign promise of President Prabowo
Subianto.

Subianto pledged to fight malnutrition by feeding nearly 90 million kids and
pregnant women.

But the idea has come under steep criticism due to high costs and cases of
food poisoning among schoolchildren...

on top of corruption allegations.

Deyang said that she was resigning to undergo heart treatment abroad.

Posted on 2026-07-22 14:16:16

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said that the city will not be able to
arrest Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu if he comes to New York in September.

Mamdani is instead calling upon the federal government to execute the arrest
warrant.

Mamdani had campaigned on ordering New York police to arrest Netanyahu, under
a warrant from the International Criminal Court.

But this week, Mamdani said the city doesn't have the legal authority, but he
still called Netanyahu a war criminal, and said he's not welcome in the city.

President Trump has said Netanyahu will not be arrested in the US, in any
form.

Israel's UN ambassador told the mayor, simply, "enough."

The ICC issued the warrant in 2024, over Israel's conduct in its war in Gaza
including but not limited to the alleged starvation as a method of warfare.

Posted on 2026-07-22 13:13:13

Authorities are confirming that the barrier lake in Hualien's Wanli has begun
to overflow, but that the lake is currently in a stable condition.

Officials say, the small outflow this morning has not caused major erosion.

They believe that, if the weather is clear or only has light rain, the impact
should be limited to the riverbed itself.

Aerial surveying confirmed that there had been some level of overflow
overnight.

Officials emphasize there is no sign of immediate dam failure.

The Highway Bureau notes that the Wanli River Bridge on Provincial Highway 9
reopened earlier than planned today, as the water level in the barrier lake
had not risen significantly.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-22 13:13:13

The Ministry of Economic Affairs is slamming the KMT for threatening to cut
drone funding from the general budget.

The Executive Yuan in October wrote into the general budget for 2026 a 44.2
billion NT plan for drone funding.

But the KMT has threatened to cut those funds from this year's general
budget.

Economics Minister Gong Ming-xin says, cutting that money from the budget
would be like cutting off a second arm after already having axed drone funds
from a special defense budget passed earlier this year.

Gong says, the cuts would mean that th government would be unable to have any
funds for supporting local industry.

The 44.2 billion NT plan put forward by the Executive Yuan would seek to make
Taiwan the center of the drone supply chain in the Asia-Pacific.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-22 13:13:13

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an says he has met with the Legislative Speaker, to
push for amendments to Taiwan's Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation
following the Central Union Oil scandal.

Chiang urged Speaker Han Kuo-yu to make the bill a legislative priority,
saying reform is urgently needed.

He also invited Han to join a rally to be held Saturday in Taipei by
opposition supporters...

advocating stronger food safety protections.

Chiang said Han accepted the invitation.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-22 13:13:13

Japan has slipped into a trade deficit for a second straight month.

This is driven largely by the soaring cost of oil.

Government data out on today shows that Japan imported about 2 and a half
billion US dollars more than it exported in June...

a complete reversal from a surplus a year earlier.

The main reason is energy.

Japan imports nearly all its oil, and prices have jumped since the US war
with Iran disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Exports actually grew strongly- up 19%- helped by semiconductors.

But rising import costs, and a weak yen, outweighed them.

Posted on 2026-07-22 08:15:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

Minister Without Portfolio Chen Shih-chung says all six special
municipalities support the Cabinet's proposed amendments to the Act Governing
Food Safety and Sanitation.

The statement comes after Chen held talks with representatives from all six
cities.

They included Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen and
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai.

New Taipei, Taoyuan and Tainan were represented by their deputy mayors during
the two-hour meeting on the proposed amendments, which have been prompted by
the ongoing Central Union Oil food safety scandal.

According to Chen, all six cities also support refinements to the Act
including a tiered monitoring system for food businesses based on their size
and risk profile

Chen says the participants agreed with the overall direction of the
amendments and discussed ways to strengthen source management, production
oversight and digital governance ...

... including establishing a shared information platform for central and
local authorities.

The Ministry of Health will formally submit a series of draft amendments at
the Cabinet's weekly meeting tomorrow.

The amendments focus on strengthening five key areas.

Those being source management, process management, anomaly reporting, quality
management, and digital governance.

There are also ten key points being laid out in the amendments.

And they include increasing penalties for delayed, concealed, or false
reporting; clarifying the division of responsibilities between central and
local authorities for inspection; and increasing the frequency of
self-inspection by high-risk food businesses.

Posted on 2026-07-22 08:15:13

Lawmakers have passed amendments to the Sand and Gravel Excavation Act.

The revisions significantly increase penalties for illegal gravel mining.

The Cabinet approved the bill in May.

Under the revised law, those who excavate without a permit for financial gain
face up to five years in prison and fines of up to 500-million N-T.

Authorities may also confiscate vehicles and machinery used in the illegal
operation.

Those who fail to restore excavation sites by the specified deadline face
fines of up to 2.5-million N-T, and if such activities cause a disaster,
offenders face one to seven years in prison and fines of up to 60-million
N-T.

Those whose actions result in serious injury face three to 10 years in
prison, while those whose actions cause death face life imprisonment or a
prison term of at least seven years, along with fines of up to 100-million
N-T.

The amendments were prompted by a high-profile illegal mining case in
Kaohsiung's Meinong District last year.

Prosecutors indicted 106 suspects in connectio to that case in February and
estimate that the operation generated about 300-million N-T in illegal
profits.

Posted on 2026-07-22 08:15:13

The Centers for Disease Control says Taiwan has now officially entered a new
COVID-19 epidemic phase after 4,766 people sought treatment for the disease
last week.

That figure is a 66.5-per cent increase from the previous week.

According to the C-D-C, it recorded 25 domestic cases of severe COVID with
complications, including five deaths between July 14 and 20.

Since October of last year, the C-D-C says there have a been cumulative total
of 161 severe cases and 23 deaths.

Health officials say the C-D-C has sufficient supplies of antiviral
medications and vaccines to respond to the outbreak, including enough
publicly funded oral and injectable versions of such medications.

The C-D-C says the NB.1.8.1 variant has remained the dominant strain in
Taiwan for the past four weeks.

COVID activity is also increasing in China, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea.

Eligibility for publicly funded COVID vaccinations has been expanded to
everyone aged 6 months and older through July 31.

Posted on 2026-07-22 08:15:13

The Coast Guard Administration has taken delivery of the fifth of six
1,000-tonne-class patrol cutters ordered as part of an initiative to build
141 new coast guard ships by 2028.

The "Penghu" delivered to the administration at a ceremony held at C-S-B-C;s
Keelung shipyard, where the vessel has been berthed.

The cutters are being built under a 42.6-billion N-T, 10-year initiative
launched in 2018 to bolster the coast guard's ability to ensure maritime
safety and support the Ministry of National Defense's wartime operations.

The "Penghu" has a top speed of 24 knots, a range of 6,000 nautical miles.

The Coast Guard Administration says the vessel will be assigned to the
Southern Sector Flotilla when it enters service and will play a key role in
maritime patrols, search and rescue operations, and responses to major
incidents at sea.

Posted on 2026-07-22 08:15:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a new trade promotion office
aimed at building public-private cooperation and new opportunities with
Taiwan's diplomatic allies.

The Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Economic and Trade Office was inaugurated on
July 15 and is being overseen by the Taiwan International Cooperation and
Development Fund.

According to the foreign ministry, it is currently searching for a location
to house the office, and so far the likely spot will be in the Taipei World
Trade Center's International Trade Building.

Vivianne Wang, a deputy counselor under the foreign ministry's Department of
International Cooperation and Economic Affairs, has been selected as the
office's first chief.

The project was first announced by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung in late
March.

Officials say the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Economic and Trade Office has
been modeled on the Central America Trade Office and is aimed at promoting
economic development among Taiwan's diplomatic allies.

Posted on 2026-07-22 08:15:13

And finally,

Taipei has been ranked 14th in the UK-based QS Best Student Cities 2027
rankings behind Singapore, Beijing and Edinburgh.

The ranking matches its highest-ever placement after reaching the same
position in the 2026 edition.

Hsinchu, Taichung, Taoyuan and Kaohsiung were also among the 150 ranked
cities.

The rankings are based on indicators including university rankings,
desirability, affordability, student mix and employer activity.

Q-S says Taiwan's ranked cities performed particularly well for
affordability, with all placing among the world's top 30.

However, the they lagged in employer activity, which measures how strongly
employers associate a city with producing high-quality graduates.

According to Q-S, the results mirrored those of its World University Rankings
2027, released in June, in which Taiwan universities performed strongly in
the "employment outcomes" indicator but less well in "employer reputation."

Globally, Seoul topped the 2027 rankings, followed by Tokyo, London and
Melbourne.

Posted on 2026-07-22 07:00:13

Two consumer rights groups have launched separate legal actions over cooking
oil found to contain excessive levels of a carcinogen.

Both claims involve involve school lunches and are estimated to reach
6-billion N-T.

The Consumer Protection Association in Taiwan says it plans to name Central
Union Oil, Taisun Enterprise, Fwusow Industry and Formosa Oilseed Processing
as defendants and has now began accepting applications from schools seeking
compensation.

The legal action builds on a 2015 lawsuit in which it sought about
3.7-billion N-T for students at more than 90 schools affected by a previous
tainted cooking oil scandal.

The association says with more than 1,000 schools affected in the latest
case, it expects the amount sought to set a record.

Another group, The Consumers' Foundation, Chinese Taipei has also launched
legal proceedings on behalf of individual consumers, and has initially named
the same four companies as defendants.

But its stressing that additional companies could be added if investigations
determine that they also bear responsibility.

The foundation says in addition to compensation for purchases, it also plans
to seek punitive damages of between one and five times the amount of
consumers' losses under Taiwan's Consumer Protection Act.

Posted on 2026-07-22 07:00:13

The Ministry of National Defense says a Chinese military helicopter was
detected crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait median line on Monday.

Officials say the helicopter and a drone were detected between 10:20AM and
7:40PM on Monday.

Chieh Chung, a researcher at the Institute for National Defense and Security
Research, says he believes it is the first time a Chinese military helicopter
has been detected crossing the median line.

Chieh says Chinese helicopters have frequently been detected operating near
Taiwan since 2022, but on Monday the helicopter not only crossed the median
line but also operated for an extended period in Taiwan's designated no-fly
zone.

Chieh says that represents a new form of "gray-zone" operation.

Defense officials have not said whether the detected helicopter was a
shipborne aircraft or had been dispatched from a nearby Army aviation base
along China's coast.

Posted on 2026-07-22 07:00:13

Lawmakers have passed an amendment to the Telecommunications Management Act
which eases restrictions on foreign ownership of certain telecommunications
service providers.

The amendment cleared its third reading without a vote after lawmakers from
all three parties reached a consensus.

The revised rules state that applicants seeking to establish
telecommunications network operators using satellite communications
technology will be exempt from existing foreign ownership limits... it only
requires that the company's chairperson be a Taiwan national.

Foreign satellite-based telecommunications operators will now be exempt from
those restrictions if they pose no threat to national security and would
promote industrial development and market competition.

Lawmakers have also adopted a supplementary resolution requiring the
competent authorities to treat the installation of satellite ground receiving
stations and onshore data localization as key considerations when
implementing the new rules.

There have been claims that the relaxation of the rules was solely aimed at
allowing Elon Musk's Starlink to enter the Taiwan market.

But Digital Minister Lin Yi-jing has said Starlink has not been actively
pursuing the Taiwan market because it believes Taiwan's 4G and 5G population
coverage has already reached 99.9-per cent, limiting commercial
opportunities.

Posted on 2026-07-22 07:00:13

Opposition to Grab Holdings' proposed acquisition of foodpanda's Taiwan
operations is continuing ....

D-P-P lawmaker Wang Shih-chien is urging the Fair Trade Commission to reject
the deal - arguing it will create a "de facto monopoly" because Uber is
Grab's largest shareholder and has influence over the Singapore-based
ride-hailing and delivery giant.

The National Delivery Union says the people who will be ultimately harmed by
the resulting monopoly will be delivery workers, consumers and merchants, as
there will be fewer choices.

While an associate professor at the National Central University says the
proposed transaction could raise concerns over the handling of user
information because of Grab's technological ties to Chinese
telecommunications company Huawei.

Grab is dismissing those concerns.

The Singapore-based company says it will prioritize the livelihoods, welfare
and safety of delivery workers, reduce waiting times through technology and
promote safer driving through in-app features if the transaction is approved.

However, Grab has failed to directly address concerns raised by critics over
a potential market monopoly or data security.

The Fair Trade Commission accepted Grab Holdings' merger application last
month following several months of supplementary filings.

The commission has said a decision on the merger is expected by the end of
this month if the review period is not extended.

Posted on 2026-07-22 07:00:13

President Lai Ching-te has congratulated Andy Burnham on his appointment as
the U-K's new prime minister.

Lai used social media to send his felicitations, adding that Taiwan deeply
valued the U-K's staunch support for peace and stability across the Taiwan
Strait," even as he vowed his administration would "forward to further
deepening our robust ties in trade, energy, investment and more."

Burnham succeeded Keir Starmer and officially became the U-K's prime minister
Monday after he met King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.

Posted on 2026-07-22 07:00:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says officials from 11 of Taiwan's 12
diplomatic allies are taking part in a three-day workshop in Taipei aimed at
strengthening cooperation on carbon credits and boosting participation in
international carbon markets.

Participants include Saint Lucia's permanent secretary in the Department of
Sustainable Development and Guatemala's vice minister of rural economic
development.

Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu told participants that the workshop
reflects the Lai administration's commitment to working with its diplomatic
allies to strengthen their capabilities and resilience in engaging with
international carbon markets.

Wu said he hopes the event will help build the shared understanding and
expertise needed to advance future bilateral and multilateral collaboration
on carbon credits and emissions reduction.

The workshop has been jointly organized by foreign ministry and the
Industrial Technology Research Institute.

Posted on 2026-07-22 07:00:13

The Michelin Guide Taiwan 2026 has been unveiled and sees nine restaurants
earning their first One Michelin Star, two receiving Two Michelin Stars,
while all three restaurants that previously held Three Michelin Stars retain
their ratings.

The ninth edition of the annual guide features a total of 434 restaurants
across Taiwan.

That's up from 419 last year.

Sixty-one restaurants received Michelin Stars, comprising three three-star,
nine two-star and 49 one-star establishments.

Taipei's Mizue earned Two Michelin Stars on its debut in the guide, while
Nobuo was promoted from one star to two, bringing Taiwan's total number of
two-star restaurants to nine.

At the Three Michelin Star level JL Studio in Taichung, and Le Palais and
Tairroir in Taipei all retained their ratings.

Among the nine new One Michelin Star restaurants, six were promoted from last
year's selected restaurants, while three received one star on their first
appearance in the guide.

Posted on 2026-07-22 07:00:13

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has fired Gen. Oleksandr Syr-skyi as
commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces.

The decision on Tuesday followed days of mass protests in Kyiv, the country's
capital, and other cities demanding his removal.

At the same time as he fired Syrskyi, the Ukrainian leader appointed Mykhailo
Drapatyi as the new army chief. In a statement on social media,

Zelenskyy said he made the decision to appoint the new army chief after a
series of meetings with military commanders.

Posted on 2026-07-22 07:00:13

Southeast Asian foreign ministers are expressing their concern over renewed
hostilities in the Middle East.

The region is a major oil importer with a combined gross domestic product of
$3.8 trillion... it is highly exposed to the supply crunch and has sought to
fast-track an ASEAN oil-sharing mechanism to mitigate the impact.

Risks have increased in recent days, with Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis
announcing a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, opening a potential new front
in the conflict and raising the threat to global energy supplies and trade
beyond the Gulf.

Foreign ministers from the 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations
and major partners have meetings in Manila this week...

Aside from the Middle East conflict, officials are also likely to discuss
tensions in the South China Sea, with ASEAN and China still trying to
conclude a code of conduct to prevent disputes from escalating after nearly
10 years.

Posted on 2026-07-22 07:00:13

Posted on 2026-07-21 19:29:13

The United Nations is warning that conflicts and disruptions to global energy
markets could push millions more people into hunger.

Officials say rising fuel, fertilizer and food costs are threatening global
food security, particularly in developing countries.

A new U-N report released Tuesday shows progress in reducing hunger remains
too slow to meet international targets.

While global hunger has eased slightly in recent years, the report projects
that more than 500 million people could still face chronic hunger by 2030.

Africa is expected to bear the largest share of that burden.

Posted on 2026-07-21 19:29:13

Foreign ministers from Southeast Asia have opened three days of talks in the
Philippine capital, with regional and global security issues topping the
agenda.

The meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers comes amid renewed fighting in Iran
and ongoing tensions in the disputed South China Sea.

In a joint statement, the ministers called for an immediate halt to
hostilities in the Middle East and the full and safe reopening of the Strait
of Hormuz.

The talks are expected to focus on the region's most pressing security
challenges over the next three days.

Posted on 2026-07-21 19:29:13

New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is gathering his Cabinet after removing
allies of predecessor Keir Starmer from the government.

Key figures expected to convene in a first meeting on Tuesday include
Treasury chief John Healey, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and Defense
Secretary Wes Streeting.

Burnham has replaced Starmer as Labour Party leader, becoming Britain's
seventh prime minister since 2016.

Burnham comes to office pledging to ease the cost of living and decentralize
power. Burnham made a small first step on Tuesday, announcing a tax cut on
energy bills that will save households about $60 a year.

Posted on 2026-07-21 18:20:13

The Ministry of Health and Welfare today announced new rules governing when
cooking oil products recalled as a precaution can return to store shelves...

... in the ongoing food safety scandal surrounding Central Union Oil.

Under the new rules, nineteen batches of cooking oil, along with products
made from them, can to return to the market after passing food safety tests.

Health Minister Shih Chong-liang says the approved batches were tested batch
by batch and traced through the supply chain before being cleared.

Meanwhile, seven batches were found to contain excessive levels of the
carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene, or BaP.

They won't be allowed back on the market and will be destroyed.

The same applies to one export batch that couldn't be tested because no
retained sample was available.

Shih says another three batches also passed testing but were never shipped
and remain under government control, so they are not part of the reshelving
plan.

The Food and Drug Administration says a third-party investigation into the
main cause of the contamination is underway and is expected to be completed
within a week.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-21 18:20:14

Staying on that topic ...

New findings have emerged in the contaminated cooking oil scandal involving
Central Union Oil ...

... including changes to the company's soybean quality standards and failures
in its production process.

Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chong-liang says the company last year
relaxed its acceptance standard for heat-damaged soybeans from 0.5 percent to
5 percent — a tenfold increase.

He also says the company failed to properly follow its own production control
procedures during the oil manufacturing process.

Officials say preliminary findings suggest soybeans with higher levels of
heat damage tend to produce oil with higher concentrations of the carcinogen
benzo[a]pyrene, or BaP.

However, experts have yet to determine whether problems with the raw
materials and the production process directly caused the contamination.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-21 18:20:14

President Lai Ching-te has congratulated Andy Burnham on becoming the United
Kingdom's new prime minister.

In a social media post, Lai said Taiwan values Britain's support for peace
and stability across the Taiwan Strait and looks forward to further
strengthening ties in areas including trade, energy and investment.

Burnham officially took office on Monday after succeeding Keir Starmer and
meeting British King Charles the Third at Buckingham Palace.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-07-21 16:28:13

Taiwan People’s Party caucus has proposed amendments to the Food Safety and
Sanitation Act following the contaminated cooking oil scandal.

The proposal would require third-party cross-check testing, mandatory
reporting of abnormal results within 24 hours, and batch-by-batch inspections
of key food ingredients before they leave factories.

The TPP caucus also proposes strengthening the central government's
responsibility for proactive inspections.

It would require the central authority to classify foods according to their
risk level and publicly set minimum inspection frequencies and sampling
ratios for each category.

Under the proposal, once the first abnormal test result is detected, the
central authority should order a precautionary removal of the affected
products from the market and immediately launch comprehensive testing and
full supply-chain traceability.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-21 16:28:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is calling for restraint and condeming China
for use of force, during a recent clash in the South China Sea.

The confrontation occurred yesterday near the Second Thomas Shoal, where
Philippine military officials accused Chinese coast guard personnel of using
clubs to injure navy crew members.

Beijing responded by blaming Manila for provoking the encounter, while the
United States condemned China’s actions as dangerous and aggressive.

MOFA spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei condemned China’s use of force and urged
both nations to exercise restraint.

He emphasized that freedom of navigation in the South China Sea is crucial to
regional peace, adding that Taiwan opposes any unilateral attempts to change
the status quo through force, coercion, or gray-zone harassment.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-07-21 16:28:13

There were flight disruptions at Taipei Songshan Airport this afternoon after
ground operations were suspended just before 2:30 PM due to thunderstorms in
the area.

But by now most flights should have resumed normal schedules.

According to the airport's website, a total of 6 departing and arriving
flights between 3:20 and 4 PM were delayed, while the subsequent flights are
all on time.

The agency is advising passengers to check the latest flight information with
their airlines.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-21 16:28:13

Lebanon's president is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump later
today to conclude a visit to Washington.

The goal is to bring long-term calm to Lebanon after a war between Israel and
the militant Hezbollah group.

Lebanon and Israel are holding rare direct talks, mediated by Washington,
hoping for Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

They announced a framework agreement in June for Israeli forces to withdraw
and disarm Hezbollah.

The U.S. State Department says operations in a "pilot zone" have begun, but
details are scarce.

Lebanese troops have increased their presence, but Israeli forces remain in
control. Hezbollah dismisses the talks, backing U.S. negotiations with its
benefactor Iran.

Posted on 2026-07-21 14:32:13

The Legislative Yuan today passed amendments to the Sand and Gravel
Excavation Act, significantly increasing penalties for illegal extraction in
a bid to crack down on large-scale illegal mining.

Under the newly passed bill, if the illegal activity results in a fatality,
offenders could face life imprisonment or a prison term of at least seven
years, along with fines of up to 100 million NT.

It also stipulates that anyone who extracts sand or gravel without a permit
faces fines of up to 25 million NT, and those who do so for profit could face
up to five years in prison and fines of up to 50 million NT.

The Cabinet brought forward the draft bill in early May after news of of
large-scale illegal mining of sand showed that the practice caused serious
damage to the environment and endangered public safety.

For Indigenous peoples and the land owned by them, the amended law also
offers some exemptions.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-07-21 14:32:13

The Workforce Development Agency will host three large job fairs in Changhua
and Nantou during the summer, offering more than 3,200 job openings from over
80 employers.

More than 90 percent of the positions are with companies in central Taiwan,
covering industries including manufacturing, technology, healthcare,
hospitality, and long-term care.

Officals say the events aim to help new graduates find local jobs while
giving business access to local talent, with carreer counseling and resume
consultation also avaliable.

The three fairs are slated for this Saturday, July 25th in Changhua, August
22nd in Nan-tou and August 29th in Yuan-lin 員林。

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-21 14:32:13

Taiwan shares shot up today, with the benchmark tai ex gaining 1783 points to
close the session at 44232.

The turnover was 835 billion NT.

Posted on 2026-07-21 14:32:13

Now turning to international news...

The Israeli military is making moves that will further divide the Gaza
Strip...

rapidly constructing a large barrier in the enclave.

Satellite images show that more than 23 kilometers of the barrier have been
built in recent months...

running through Palestinian communities that the military demolished.

Israeli military officials confirmed that they are building a physical
barrier.

The wall will separate the over 50% of the Gaza Strip that Israel controls
from the rest of the territory.

Local residents fear that the line will become a border.

The military also said that it has developed what it calls a "security zone"
around the line, equipped with intelligence and tech assests.

Israel has crowded much of Gaza's 2 million people into a coastal area on one
side of the line, where most people live in tent camps.

On the other side, satellite imagery shows that Israeli forces have leveled
most buildings, virtually erasing several towns and Rafah, once home to more
than a quarter million people.

Posted on 2026-07-21 14:32:13

Experts say, Britain's new prime minister may be looking to Asia for growth.

Nikkei Asia reports that new PM Andy Burnham spent 9 years as mayor of
Greater Manchester, where he built a reputation for attracting foreign
investment including from China, Japan and India.

As mayor, Burnham visited China and led two delegations to Japan.

One former MP has called him potentially Britain's "most Asian" prime
minister.

Burnham's background matters because foreign investment in the UK has
slumped.

It is down 26 percent from the last financial year, the lowest in over a
decade.

But analysts say he faces a difficult balance, as he courts Asian money while
London tightens scrutiny of Chinese investment on national security grounds.

Posted on 2026-07-21 13:11:14

interruptions

The National Communications Commission is confirming that the south and east
will not be affected by a simulated telecommunications interruption next
month.

The interruption is part of the 2026 Urban Resilience Drills, aiming to
strengthen troops' ability to respond to threats in less-than-ideal
scenarios.

Officials say that the interruption will affect the center and north on the
afternoons of August 10th and 13th, respectively.

The NCC chair says that the south is not included because the Han-guang Air
Raid exercises, which happen at the same time with the resilience drills, are
scheduled to take place in the morning, overlapping with trading hours for
the Taiwan Stock Exchange's.

Meanwhile, the presidential office emphasizes that the north and center
together make up nearly 3/4ths of the population of the whole country, making
these regions a priority for such drills.

It says in the future, the drills will be expanded to all across the country.

People in the center will experience interruptions to cellular data on August
10th from 2:30-3pm, while those in the north will see the same disruptions on
August 13th, also from 2:30-3pm.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-21 13:11:15

The Legislative Yuan has approved amendments to the Telecommunications
Management Act, which could pave the way for Elon Musk's Starlink to enter
the Taiwan market.

Lawmakers passed the draft bill today aiming to promote the development of
satellite communications services and the related industry.

The amendments allow approved satellite telecommunications operators to be
exempt from both the requirement that their chairperson be a Taiwanese
citizen and the existing limits on foreign ownership.

The current law caps direct foreign ownership at 49 percent and combined
direct and indirect foreign ownership at 60 percent.

It also requires the chairperson of any operator establishing a public
telecom network using satellites to be a Taiwanese citizen.

The amendments, sponsored by both the DPP and the KMT, would see low Earth
orbit satellite communications systems complement existing infrastructure and
help ensure secure and reliable communications during emergencies.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-07-21 13:11:15

Japan may begin talks this month on reassessing the Cool Japan Fund.

That's according to Nikkei Asia.

Cool Japan is an investment fund aimed at expanding exports of products,
services, and content connected to Japanese culture, thus building Japan's
soft power.

Cool Japan's fiscal 2025 earnings showed losses growing to 332 million US
dollars, which far exceeded its target.

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry plans to create a panel this
month to examine options for the fund.

Those might include merging the fund with other institutions or abolishing it
altogether.

It will also seek to understand the causes of the fund's losses and assign
responsibility.

It remains unclear if the fund has delivered meaningful results or not.

Posted on 2026-07-21 08:17:13

The Food and Drug Administration says the remaining batches of cooking oil
made by Central Union Oil between April and June that had yet to undergo
safety tests have now all met safety standards.

According to the F-D-A, it has now completed the testing of all 30 batches
the produced by the company during the period.

Seven batches had previously been confirmed to contain excessive levels of a
carcinogen - which sparked widespread product recalls and safety concerns.

The administration tested 53 raw oil samples and 171 finished products.

Of those four raw oil samples and five finished products failed the tests,
but were all linked to two raw oil batches produced on April 8 and April 13
previously identified as having excessive levels of the carcinogen.

The Food Safety Risk Assessment Advisory Committee is slated to meet later
today to discuss whether products removed from shelves as a precaution can be
returned to stores.

An independent investigation team commissioned by the F-D-A will also inspect
Central Union's factory today to conduct a comprehensive review of its
manufacturing and quality management processes to try to determine the cause
of the contamination.

Posted on 2026-07-21 08:17:13

The Ministry of Economic Affairs is defending the resilience of Taiwan's
semiconductor supply chain and dismissing concerns that a disruption to
Taiwan's energy supply could devastate the global economy.

According to the ministry, the government works closely with global
semiconductor partners and that Taiwanese manufacturers have repeatedly
ramped up production during previous supply shortages to minimize disruptions
to global supply chains.

The statement comes after Intel C-E-O Pat Gelsinger said in a recent
interview that a disruption to Taiwan's power supply, if China cuts energy
supplies due to its blockade, would have an economic impact even greater than
the Great Depression.

The economic ministry says Taiwan plays a pivotal role in the global
semiconductor and artificial intelligence supply chain, supported by its
well-established industrial infrastructure , enabling it to respond
effectively to supply disruptions.

The ministry is stressing that even after major earthquakes, nearly all of
Taiwan's semiconductor companies remained in operation, although some
production lines were temporarily affected.

The ministry is also responding to Gelsinger by saying Tai-Power will
accelerate efforts to strengthen the resilience of the national power grid
network, improving its ability to cope with unexpected incidents, extreme
weather and other regional risks.

Posted on 2026-07-21 08:17:13

District

The Taiwan People's Party is is accusing the Ministry of Transport of failing
to fully clampdown on illegal short-distance scooter rides in Taipei's Beitou
District.

According to the party's legislative caucus, Uber is allegedly still offering
the illegal scooter rides.

The accusations against the transport ministry come after Uber launched a
one-month so-called "cultural experience" in Beitou on July 1.

The service offered free short-distance scooter rides for a limited period
and within a limited area.

The Taipei Department of Transportation last week announced the it had fined
Rides Formosa Company 500,000 N-T and Uber 100,000 N-T for violating the
Highway Act by using scooters for commercial passenger transport.

The drivers were also fined 100,000 N-T, and their vehicle registrations and
driver's licenses were suspended.

The T-P-P says Uber's electric scooter services are still appearing on its
app and people can book rides from the Xinbeitou M-R-T Station.

Posted on 2026-07-21 08:17:13

Labor unions representing food delivery workers are urging the Fair Trade
Commission to reject Grab Holdings' proposed acquisition of foodpanda's
Taiwan operations.

The unions are arguing the deal will create a de facto monopoly on the food
delivery sector.

The call is being made by the National Delivery Industrial Union, the Taiwan
Delivery E-Commerce and Articulated Transportation Alliance and the Taichung
Delivery Industrial Union.

It comes after the Fair Trade Commission formally accepted Grab Holdings'
merger application last month following several months of supplementary
filings.

The F-T-C has said a decision on the merger is expected by the end of this
month if the review period is not extended.

The unions argue the acquisition would put a single operator in control of
the local delivery market because Uber Technologies is Grab's largest
shareholder ...

.. and they say it would leave Taiwan with "two companies in name, but one in
reality."

Citing an online survey by the National Delivery Industrial Union, the unions
says nearly 90-per cent of delivery workers oppose the acquisition,
reflecting fears that reduced competition would further erode couriers'
bargaining power and livelihoods.

Posted on 2026-07-21 08:17:13

And finally,

Taiwan's Zhan Hao-ching and Japan's Miyu Kato have won the women's doubles
title at the Women's Tennis Association Athens Open.

They beat Britain's Maia Lumsden and China's Tang Qian-hui.

Zhan and Kato advanced to the final without dropping a set.

The victory was Zhan's first W-T-A doubles title since the Stuttgart Open in
April 2024.

It was also the 22nd W-T-A doubles title of her career.

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

Premier Zhu Rong-tai has says the Cabinet plans to review draft amendments to
food safety laws this week and will fully explain the proposed changes on
Thursday.

The government is looking to take action after Central Union Oil Corporation
was found to be selling soybean cooking oil products containing amounts of a
carcinogen that exceeded the legal limit.

Zhu says the proposed amendments focus on ensuring better production process
oversight, strengthening abnormal incident reporting systems, improving
source management, as well as imposing digital governance of food safety.

The premier says the government is also planning to ensure preventive product
recalls and tougher penalties against companies, or individuals found to be
in violation of food safety laws as part of its efforts to strengthen the
island's food safety framework.

The premier says the Cabinet will be considering proposals from the KMT and
DPP when it meets later this week and will incorporate any suitable
recommendations into its draft amendments.

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

Defense Minister Wellington Koo says mobile Internet disruptions can be
expected next month when the government stages its annual Urban Resilience
Exercises.

Koo says mobile Internet connections will be temporarily suspended to
simulate network disruptions in order to better test the military's command,
control, and backup capabilities.

The Urban Resilience Exercises are being held in tandem with this year's
annual Han Kuang military exercise.

The National Communications Commission has said that cell phone service will
be artificially interrupted in a simulation of an attack on communications
infrastructure... only SMS texting and calling will still be available for
the duration of the exercise.

Fixed-line communications will not be affected.

The first Urban Resilience Exercise will be taking place from 2:30 to 3PM on
August 10 and will affect mobile Internet connections in Miaoli, Taichung,
Changhua, Nantou Chiayi and Yunlin.

The second of the Urban Resilience Exercises will be taking place from 2:30
to 3PM on August 13 and will affect Keelung, New Taipei, Taipei, Taoyuan,
Hsinchu and Yilan.

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

The Intellectual Property Prosecutors' Office has indicted a former Taiwan
Semiconductor Manufacturing executive for allegedly attempting to leak the
chipmaker's core technologies to China.

Prosecutors say the former deputy manager has been charged with violating the
National Security Act and the Trade Secrets Act.

Prosecutors have requested a seven-year prison sentence - arguing that the
former T-S-M-C employees actions threatened Taiwan's technological advantage.

The indictment stems from a separate investigation into an alleged Chinese
espionage network developed by a Hong Kong national.

Prosecutors say Ding Xiaohu repeatedly entered Taiwan with the aim of
recruiting agents and gathering intelligence on critical technologies and
trade secrets.

Ding allegedly recruited the then deputy T-S-M-C manager, who made
unauthorized copies of 21 classified and general trade-secret documents
belonging to T-S-M-C and then took them home with the intention of using them
in China.

Prosecutors say T-S-M-C detected the irregularities through an internal
investigation and recovered all of the copied documents before any technology
was transferred.

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

The first dedicated law governing delivery platforms has taken effect today -
the legislation introduces measures that strengthen protections for delivery
workers such as minimum pay guarantees and greater transparency requirements.

The Delivery Workers' Rights Protection and Delivery Platform Management Act
was passed by lawmakers on January 6.

The Ministry of Labor says the law is intended to help create "a safer, more
transparent and fairer delivery industry."

It mandates that delivery workers receive at least 45 N-T per order and no
less than 1.25 times the statutory hourly minimum wage, calculated according
to the time spent completing an order.

That guaranteed amount is to be adjusted annually in line with minimum wage
increases.

The law also requires platforms to disclose information about order
assignments and pay calculations, establish reasonable grounds for suspending
workers or terminating their contracts, and strengthen insurance protections
for workers.

Labor Minister Hung Sun-han says data shows there were more than 100,000
delivery workers in Taiwan as of last November,

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

The Central Emergency Operations Center has lowered its alert for a barrier
lake on Hualien County's Wanli River.

However, bridges in the surrounding area remain closed at night as a
precaution.

The move to lower the warning from red to yellow comes after aerial images
taken by the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency showed no overflow at
the barrier lake.

Still, the agency says water is continuing to seep into the gap between the
barrier lake and the surrounding terrain and, altough the water volume was
still increasing, there were no signs of an immediate breach.

The Central Emergency Operations Center has said if a red alert is
reinstated, the local government must evacuate affected communities within
two hours.

The center also says it has ordered the Forestry and Nature Conservation
Agency's Hualien branch to strengthen monitoring of the barrier lake,
requiring it to report on the status of the barrier lake three to four times
a day.

Information on the lake must be shared with the central government, township
offices, and the county government.

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

Members of the Japan Association for Recovery and Repatriation of War
Casualties have begun to excavate land near the decommissioned No. 3 Nuclear
Power Plant in Pingtung to look for the remains of Japanese soldiers who died
during World War II.

The the 12-day excavation is taking place outside the plant's water discharge
outlet.

Local residents and Japanese cultural historian Kazuko Tachi, who lives in
Taiwan, are assisting in the effort.

The search is being supported by the Kenting National Park Headquarters,
Tai-Power and the Pingtung County Government.

Groups are searching for the remains of Japanese soldiers who died after
their transport ship was sunk by U-S forces and are believed to have washed
ashore near the site.

The Japan Association for Recovery and Repatriation of War Casualties says
based on oral accounts from local elders, the remains may be located among
coastal rocks near the discharge outlet of Pingtung's nuclear power plant.

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

An elevated pedestrian walkway connected to the Minquan Bridge in Taipei has
opened.

Mayor Chiang Wan-an is describing it as an ideal spot for watching aircraft
take off and land at nearby Songshan Airport.

Chiang said the project is part of a broader renovation project designed to
bolster the bridge's resistance to earthquakes and floods while also
improving the area's recreational facilities and pedestrian-friendly urban
environment.

The walkway provides easier access between riverside parks in Taipei's
Songshan and Neihu districts.

Construction of the walkway began in August of last year and was completed on
May 28.

The Taipei Public Works Department's New Construction Office says the walkway
features a lightweight steel structure and circular viewing platforms
overlooking the Keelung River.

It also incorporates nighttime lighting designed to complement the
illumination along both sides of the river.

Posted on 2026-07-21 07:07:14

Chinese and Philippines authorities are blaming each other for a row on
Monday between Chinese coast guard personnel and Philippine sailors in a
disputed shoal in the South China Sea.

The Philippine military said Chinese coast guard personnel aboard a motorboat
repeatedly struck a Filipino sailor on the head with a wooden baton, injuring
him and damaging his smaller vessel.

The assault was captured on video by other Filipino sailors in the hotly
disputed Second Thomas Shoal and set off angry condemnations by both
Philippine and Chinese officials.

They praised the Filipino navy personnel, saying they did not do anything
that could have caused an escalation.

Territorial disputes will be raised at annual talks in Manila this week
between foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and
their Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.

Posted on 2026-07-21 07:07:14

British prosecutors have charged a 28-year-old man with murder in the death
of former politician and reality TV contestant Ann Widdecombe.

Joshua Kerry was charged after being held for more than a week.

Police continue to investigate whether the killing had a political or
terrorist connection.

Widdecombe, 78, was a former member of Parliament and a prominent voice in
the British political world. She was known for her socially conservative
views.

Police believe she was attacked on July 8.

Posted on 2026-07-21 07:07:14

French lawmakers have reached a compromise that could lead to a ban on social
media for children under 15.
The bill, supported by President Emmanuel Macron, aims to take effect at the
start of the new school year.
Lawmakers agreed on a blanket ban after the European Commission found the
initial bill incompatible with EU law.

The bill excludes educational platforms and aligns with the EU Digital
Services Act.

The move follows global trends as countries like Australia and the UK impose
similar restrictions.

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