ICRT

Posted on 2025-06-14 11:18:13

Taiwan's Cabinet has announced Taiwan will have nine extended holidays in
2026, led by a nine-day Lunar New Year break.

The nine-day Lunar New Year holiday in 2026 matches the length of the 2025
holiday. This year will featured six extended holidays in total.

The increase in extended holidays in 2026 is due to legislation that was
passed in early May with support from the opposition KMT and Taiwan People's
Party.

Under the new act, the day before Lunar New Year's Eve becomes a national
holiday, and Labor Day will no longer be limited to blue-collar workers.

The legislation also designates Sept. 28, Oct. 25 and Dec. 25 as new
national holidays.

According to the latest calendar released by the Cabinet's
Directorate-General of Personnel Administration, the other eight extended
holidays in 2026 will include two four-day breaks and six three-day weekends.

The first four-day holiday will come in early April, combining Children's Day
and Tomb Sweeping Festival. The second will fall in late September, covering
Mid-Autumn Festival and Teachers' Day.

Posted on 2025-06-14 11:18:13

French President Emmanuel Macron says a top-level U.N. conference on a
two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians scheduled for next week
has been postponed.

Macron on Friday cited logistical and security reasons after Israel's
airstrikes on Iran.

France and Saudi Arabia were due to co-chair the conference hosted by the
U.N. General Assembly in New York on June 17-20.

Macron had been among leaders scheduled to attend.

France has pushed for movement toward recognizing a Palestinian state in
parallel with recognition of Israel and its right to defend itself.

Macron said he was in discussion with Saudi Arabia's crown prince about a new
date.

Posted on 2025-06-14 11:18:13

Indian investigators have recovered the digital flight data recorder or the
black box of the Air India flight that crashed a day earlier.

The crash on Thursday killed 241 people on board and at least five people on
the ground

India's civil aviation minister said that the black box recovery Friday marks
an important step forward in the investigation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met with the lone surviving passenger of the
London-bound Boeing 787 that struck a medical college hostel when it crashed
into a residential area of the northwestern city of Ahmedabad minutes after
takeoff.

DNA testing was being conducted to identify the victims.

More bodies are expected to be found in the search at the crash site.

Posted on 2025-06-13 18:33:13

Taiwan’s economy is expected to grow 2.9 percent this year, with challenges
ahead.

That's according to the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research, which says
strong exports and tech demand boosted growth early this year.

But in the second half, the impact of U.S. tariffs and fading rush orders
will slow progress.

Inflation is forecast to ease to 1.98 percent.

Private investment remains strong, thanks to AI and high-tech demand.

However, consumer spending is likely to grow just 1.5 percent as market
uncertainty rises.

T-I-E-R’s president warns the “real pain” will come later this year.

Founder Liu Tai-ying (劉泰英) says Taiwan should boost domestic demand to
handle global risks.

He suggests extending high-speed rail to eastern Taiwan to help balance
development and drive local growth.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-06-13 18:33:13

The opposition KMT and Taiwan People's Party are jointly proposing a
constitutional amendment to abolish the Control Yuan.

TPP chair Huang Kuo-chang says the proposal has gained the support of 29
legislators and has been officially submitted.

Huang and KMT lawmaker Lo Chih-chiang (羅智強) co-sponsored the amendment,
which seeks to revise articles 3, 4, and 7 of the constitution.

The changes would dissolve the Control Yuan and transfer its powers and
responsibilities to the Legislative Yuan.

Huang noted that while abolishing the Control Yuan has long been a TPP
priority, the party previously lacked the numbers to introduce a motion.

With KMT support, the proposal has now moved forward.

The Control Yuan serves as a government watchdog, intervening when it
determines that other government agencies have failed in their duties.

In recent years, it has investigated cases such as the Ministry of Labor
suicide and sexual assault allegations within the Ministry of Environment.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-06-13 18:33:13

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) says the city will move forward with
travel subsidies for pregnant women, despite recent cuts to central
government funding.

The program will launch as scheduled on July 1st.

Applications are now open through the Taichung Transit app.

Starting next month, pregnant women in Taichung will be able to use
electronic transit subsidies for taxi rides.

The city estimates that more than 11-thousand people will benefit from the
program this year.

Mayor Lu noted that the central government's funding cuts will mostly impact
health, welfare, education, and infrastructure programs, but emphasized the
city’s commitment to supporting pregnant women.

The subsidies are available to pregnant women registered in Taichung, as well
as those whose spouses are registered residents.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-06-13 18:33:13

Alishan Hotel and Lion Travel are launching special retro steam train tours
in Taiwan's stunning Alishan region.

These tours invite nature lovers and train enthusiasts to explore the
historic Alishan Forest Railway aboard the 'Fusen' steam train.

The "Forest Style Roaming with Fusen Steam Train Tour" runs August 25th and
26th.

It features century-old steam locomotives and beautiful cypress carriages.

Bookings are now open through Lion Travel.

In addition, Alishan Hotel is offering a "Cloud Kingdom x Sunrise at Dawn"
package, which includes two-night stays and a sunrise banquet.

Or choose the "Sunrise at Dawn" package for complimentary sunrise train
tickets with select rooms.

Those deals start July 1st.

Alishan Hotel's General Manager says these packages blend rich forestry
history, scenic views, and the global trend of vintage eco-train tourism.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-06-13 16:14:13

Seven people have filed charges after a crash on Chongqing South Road in
Taipei last month.

Police say a 78-year-old surnamed Chiu, who was driving without a license,
hit two scooters, three cars, and a bus on May 23rd.

Eight people were injured.

Chiu was not drunk but was later hospitalized for high blood pressure.

He has now been discharged.

The injured include a 79-year-old pedestrian who broke a leg and was moved to
intensive care.

A Tesla owner whose car was badly damaged also filed charges.

Police will question Chiu next week.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Police will also decide later if Chiu should face public endangerment charges.

Posted on 2025-06-13 16:14:13

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an will visit Paris next week for the Global Cities
Forum.

The event marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement.

Chiang says he will leave on June 19th and return on the 23rd or 24th.

During the trip, he plans to meet with leaders from Paris, London, Buenos
Aires, and other cities to build more international ties for Taipei.

Chiang spoke about the visit today before attending a ceremony at Zhinan
(指南) Temple.

There, he thanked the temple for working with the city on nature and culture
projects.

He also wished for peace and good fortune for Taiwan.

Chiang will meet with KMT Chairman Eric Chu before his trip.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-06-13 16:14:13

Taiwan PASS prices are going up as Taiwan Railway fares increase on June
23rd.

The Tourism Administration says prices for the popular travel pass will rise
between 5-percent and 31-percent.

The EasyGo version will see the biggest jump, from $1,900 NT to $2,500 NT.

Travelers can still buy passes at the current price before the hike.

Taiwan PASS lets users ride high-speed rail, Taiwan Railways, buses, MRT, and
visit attractions.

The price changes follow TRC’s fare hike of up to 33-percent on railway
passes.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-06-13 16:14:13

Investigators are searching the site of one of India’s worst aviation
disasters a day after the Air India plane crashed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the lone surviving passenger of the
crash that killed 241 people on board and several people on the ground.

The London-bound Boeing 787 struck a medical college hostel when it fell in a
residential area of the northwestern city of Ahmedabad minutes after takeoff.

DNA testing was being conducted to identify the victims.

More bodies are expected to be found in the search at the crash site.

There was no information on whether the flight data and cockpit voice
recorders had been recovered.

Posted on 2025-06-13 16:14:13

The new prime minister of Mongolia has pledged to address the economic
demands of protesters after their daily rallies led to the fall of his
predecessor.

Lawmakers approved former parliament speaker Zandanshatar Gombojav as prime
minister by an overwhelming majority in a vote late Thursday night.

His election appeared to mark the end of several weeks of political
uncertainty in still-young democracy of 3.4 million people.

The new leader faces multiple challenges including high inflation, a looming
government budget deficit and fears of power shortages this winter.

His predecessor resigned 10 days ago after losing a vote of confidence in
parliament.

Posted on 2025-06-13 15:13:00

Heavy rain and high waves have shut ferry services and mountain roads in
Pingtung today.

After one early trip to Xiaoliuqiu, ferry companies quickly stopped all
sailings for safety.

Strong winds and waves up to 3 meters are expected.

Parts of Pingtung are also under a heavy rain alert.

In the mountains, several roads in Chunri (春日), Shizi (獅子), and Laiyi
(來義) townships are now closed.

Falling rocks and flooding have blocked access to some villages.

Officials are warning of more rough weather today.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-06-13 15:13:00

Heavy rain has filled Tainan's Nanhua Reservoir to capacity for the first
time this year.

The reservoir began overflowing naturally this morning, after steady rain
from a tropical depression helped push water levels past 90 percent
yesterday.

By 8:36 a.m. today, the reservoir reached full capacity.

Cross-basin water transfers from the Qishan River were stopped.

Officials say water levels are now looking good.

Nanhua supplies drinking and industrial water to Tainan and also sends water
to Kaohsiung.

It is keeping space for flood control and moving extra water to Wushantou
Reservoir.

Zengwen Reservoir, Taiwan’s largest, also received strong rainfall and is
about 65 percent full as of this morning.

Wushantou is over 83 percent full.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-06-13 15:13:00

And if you're planning a trip on Taiwan Railways trains this weekend, be
aware that a few trains in Yilan will be delayed.

The TRC's Yilan line first and second shuangxi bridge reconstruction project
this weekend is likely to cause delays to four trains this weekend by 3-12
minutes.

The affected area of the track has been in use for over 40 years, according
to a statement from the TRC.

They emphasized that the area had suffered climate change-related wear and
tear in the past few years and needed relevant fixes.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-06-13 15:13:00

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has asked the International
Criminal Court to let him leave detention and stay in another country while
awaiting trial.

Duterte’s lawyer says a foreign government has agreed to take him in, but
the country’s name is not public.

Duterte, now 80, says he is not a flight risk and promises not to commit
further crimes.

He faces murder charges over his “war on drugs,” which led to thousands of
deaths.

ICC prosecutors do not oppose his release if certain conditions are met.

Victims’ lawyers say drug war victims must be heard before any decision is
made.

Posted on 2025-06-13 12:47:13

President Lai Ching-te has offered condolences, after an Air India plane
crash killed 241 people.

Lai stated today that Taiwan extends its condolences to all those affected
during this difficult time.

He says Taiwan is closely following the situation, and the nation's thoughts
are with the families and loved ones of the passengers.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-06-13 12:47:13

Kaohsiung is adding to its list for work and class suspensions, as strong
winds and rain continues in moutainous areas today.

The city has already cancelled work and school in Mao-lin District, and in
parts of Taoyuan Districts, as the rough conditions have made road access
difficult.

Na-ma-xing District will also be suspending class and work starting at noon
today.

Officials say 45 people have been evacuated from Taoyuan District for safety.

And parts of the Southern Cross-Island Highway have been closed as a
precautionary measure.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-06-13 12:47:13

A China Airlines flight landed on the wrong runway at Gimhae International
Airport in Busan, South Korea yesterday evening.

The Taiwan Transportation Safety Board confirms that Taiwan's flag carrier
voluntarily reported the incident, but because it occurred on South Korean
soil, Korea has territorial jurisdiction under international investigation
standards.

The TTSB has contacted its Korean counterpart to offer assistance with the
investigation.

If Korea declines to open a case, the TTSB will take over and start its own
inquiry.

China Airlines confirmed that one of its flights failed to follow air traffic
control instructions in Busan and has launched an internal investigation.

The incident delayed China Airlines flight CI187's return from Busan to
Taiwan to today due to the airport's curfew.

The airline said all passengers received accommodations and that a new cabin
crew was assigned for the rescheduled flight.

(CNA - NS)

Posted on 2025-06-13 12:47:13

Turning to the weather, Taiwan is in for a cloudy rainy weekend.

Weatherman Jimmy Lee has the details.

Heading into next week, conditions may stabilize as temperatures rise.

That was weatherman Jimmy Lee.

Posted on 2025-06-13 09:11:25

meeting

The Presidential Office says President Lai Ching-te has invited the leaders
of the K-M-T and the Taiwan People's Party to attend a national security
meeting next Wednesday.

The invitations were extended by Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan
Meng-an.

Presidential Office spokeswoman Karen Kuo says Pan contacted K-M-T
Secretary-General Justin Huang to invite Chairman Eric Chu and contacted
T-P-P Secretary-General Chou Yu-hsiu to invite Chairman Huang Kuo-chang to
the meeting.

According to the spokeswoman, Lai hopes to receive positive responses to the
invitations - in order that the opposition leaders can get a full
understanding of the national security situation and work with the government
on joint efforts to bolster and better safeguard security.

Both the K-M-T and the T-P-P have confirmed they received calls from the
Presidential Office Secretary-General.

However, neither party has yet confirmed whether or not their respective
chairs will be attending the meeting.

Posted on 2025-06-13 09:11:25

The Central Weather Administration says a tropical depression that made
landfall in Hualien yesterday evening has now dissipated - but rain will
continue through much of the day islandwide.

The weather administration has issued extremely heavy rain advisories for
Hualien, Taitung and Pingtung.

While heavy rain advisories are in effect Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan,
Kaohsiung and Yilan.

All of the rain advisories are in affect through late this afternoon.

However, the administration's forecast center says brief but intense showers
or thunderstorms are expected across Taiwan until early tomorrow due to the
combined effects of the tropical depression and southwesterly winds.

Posted on 2025-06-13 09:11:25

Israeli military official says that his country has targeted Iranian nuclear
sites, without identifying them.

The official spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity to discuss the
ongoing operation, which is also targeting military sites.

Air-raid sirens preventatively rang out in Israel

People in Tehran awoke to the sound, as state television acknowledged the
blast.

Israel’s Defense Minister announced a “special situation” in Israel over
Israel attacking Iran, and said schools would be closed in the country today.

The attack comes as tensions have reached new heights over Tehran's rapidly
advancing nuclear program.

The Board of Governors at the International Atomic Energy Agency for the
first time in 20 years on Thursday censured Iran over it not working with its
inspectors.

Iran immediately announced it would establish a third enrichment site in the
country and swap out some centrifuges for more-advanced ones.

Posted on 2025-06-13 06:40:13

U-S Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says while he believes China has not yet
decided whether to invade Taiwan, its military exercises suggest such intent.

Speaking at a Senate hearing, Hegseth said defense officials don't believe
China has made any decision yet in regards an invasion, but if you look at
their exercises in that area, "they look a lot like … what that would look
like."

Meanwhile, Joint Chiefs Chair General Dan Caine was asked whether he thinks
Beijing intends to take Taiwan by force at the hearing.

And according to Caine, he believes if Beijing thinks it could get its way -
"for sure" - and the U-S needs to be prepared.

Hegseth and Caine made their remarks during a Senate Appropriations
subcommittee hearing on the Defense Department's proposed fiscal 2026 budget.

Posted on 2025-06-13 06:40:13

President Lai Ching-te has met with a visiting French parliamentary
delegation - with both sides expressing a strong commitment to expanding
bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors.

Speaking during the meeting at the Presidential Office, Lai thanked the
delegation for supporting Taiwan's international participation and freedom of
navigation in the Taiwan Strait ..

.. and said Taiwan will continue working closely with France and other
like-minded countries to safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific
and contribute to global prosperity.

The French parliamentary delegation arrived in Taiwan last Sunday for a six
day visit.

It's being led Marie-Noelle Battistel, the president of the Assembly's
Taiwan-France Friendship Group.

According to Battistel, the delegation this week has also held talks with
government ministers and officials and gained insights into key cooperation
areas, including energy, semiconductors, and youth and cultural exchanges.

Posted on 2025-06-13 06:40:13

The High Court has upheld former Taiwan People's Party chair Ko Wen-je's
detention for another two months in connection with an ongoing trial over
alleged corruption during is tenure as Taipei mayor from 2014 to 2022.

The court has also upheld the detention of three other people connected to
the case.

They include co-defendants Core Pacific Group Chairman Shen Ching-jing, K-M-T
Taipei City Councilor Angela Ying, and former head of the Taipei mayor's
office Lee Wen-tsung.

The rulings all upheld a previous decision made by the Taipei District Court
on May 27 that extended the defendants' custody on June 2 - citing the risk
of collusion and unfinished witness testimony.

According to the High Court, it ruled that the defendants should remain in
custody, as the case is still in the evidence examination stage and
cross-examinations of several key witnesses have not yet been completed.

It also rejected arguments by the defendants legal teams that their continued
detention infringed on their right to a fair trial.

Posted on 2025-06-13 06:40:13

The Control Yuan has passed a motion to impeach former Workforce Development
Agency head Tsai Meng-liang and former New Taipei agency branch director
Hsieh Yi-rong over allegations that workplace bullying led to a subordinate's
suicide.

Hsieh has been accused of engaging in workplace bullying and graft in a
government procurement case.

And she faces accusations of disclosing confidential information, passed
undue benefits to a company, and accepted a gift box worth 20,000 N-T
purchased using the Ministry of Labor's Employment Stabilization Fund.

Hsieh has been indicted over alleged wrongdoing in connection with the
procurement case.

Prosecutors have not not press any charges over accusations of workplace
bullying that could have led to the suicide of a former employee - citing a
lack of cause.

Meanwhile, the Control Yuan has impeached Tsai for protecting Hsieh,
recommending her promotion, and "significantly boosting her scores" in job
performance reviews.

The government watchdog says Tsai was also negligent in an initial
investigation into the employee's death by "recklessly" determining that it
was due to "personal reasons."

Posted on 2025-06-13 06:40:13

Groups representing medical institutions and healthcare professionals say
they support the government's efforts to address the shortage of medical
staff at hospitals by cutting tax on doctors' overtime pay ...

.. but they hope to see further tax relief.

The statement comes after officials from the health, labor and finance
ministries agreed to reduce income tax on attending physicians' overtime pay
during on Wednesday.

However, five groups are calling on the government for other tax arrangements
to be introduced to help improve the income of healthcare workers who work
longer hours and in stressful environments.

The groups, include the Taiwan Medical Association, Taiwan Union of Nurses
Association and the Taiwan Hospital Association.

They argue the government should extend the same financial support provided
to police, firefighters and military personnel in the form of income tax
deductions to all healthcare workers.

Posted on 2025-06-13 06:40:13

A convicted drug smuggler who fled to Thailand has been repatriated to Taiwan.

Huang Li-wei was escorted to the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office after
arriving at Taoyuan International Airport.

He was sentenced to 10 years and six months by the Supreme Court in January
of last year for attempting to smuggle 5-kilograms of ketamine into Taiwan
from Thailand in April 2021.

However, he fled to Thailand before beginning his prison term.

Law enforcement authorities have not said when Huang left Taiwan, but have
said he was arrested at an international airport in Bangkok in May 2024 for
using a fake passport.

Media reports are claiming that the Criminal Investigation Bureau's office in
Thailand received word that a Taiwan national had been arrested at the
airport in Bangkok after arriving from Cambodia on June 1, 2024.

Posted on 2025-06-13 06:40:13

And,

Taipei has been named the 2025 Muslim Women-friendly City Destination of the
Year by CrescentRating at its 2025 Halal in Travel Awards.

The awards were held in Singapore.

And Shen Yong-hua, the secretary-general of the Taipei City Government's
Department of Information and Tourism, traveled there to accept the award on
behalf of the city government.

CrescentRating says Taiwan ranked fourth in the 2025 Global Muslim Travel
Index among destinations that are not members of the Organization of Islamic
Cooperation.

According to the Taipei tourism department, the ranking reflects the city's
efforts to create a diverse, inclusive and safe environment for Muslim
travelers.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an says the award represents international
recognition of the city's Muslim-friendly efforts, following its earlier
recognition in 2023 as the Most Promising Muslim-friendly City Destination of
the Year.

Posted on 2025-06-13 06:40:13

An Air India flight t from India's western city of Ahmedabad crashed shortly
after take off, killing 241 people on board.

One passenger who was thrown from the plane survived.

The Boeing Dreamliner passenger plane bound for London crashed into a medical
college shortly after takeoff Thursday.

At least five medical students were killed and around 50 more wounded.

According to the Aviation Safety Network database, this was the first crash
of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

Authorities are yet to confirm the cause of the crash.

Sreoshi Mukherjee reports...

Posted on 2025-06-13 06:40:13

Iran says it has built and will activate a third nuclear enrichment facility,
ratcheting up tensions with the U.N. immediately after its atomic watchdog
censured Iran for failing to comply with obligations meant to prevent it from
developing a nuclear weapon.

The U.N. watchdog’s censure on Thursday, its first in 20 years over Iranian
non-compliance, could set in motion an effort to restore sanctions on Iran.

US President Donald Trump had previously warned that Israel or America could
launch airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities if negotiators failed to
reach a deal on Iran’s nuclear program.

He said Thursday he is concerned a “massive conflict” could occur if it
does not.

A sixth round of Iran-U.S. talks is scheduled to begin Sunday in Oman.

Posted on 2025-06-13 06:40:13

U.N. member nations have voted overwhelmingly to demand an immediate
ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and
unrestricted access for the delivery of desperately needed food.

The vote Thursday in the 193-member General Assembly was 149 to 12 with 19
abstentions.

The resolution “strongly condemns any use of starvation of civilians as a
method of warfare.”

Speaking before the vote, Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon vehemently
opposed the resolution.

He denied that Israel was using starvation as a weapon of war and insisted
that aid is being delivered.

Experts and human rights workers say hunger is widespread in Gaza and some 2
million Palestinians are at risk of famine.

Posted on 2025-06-13 06:40:13

In related news....

Egypt has blocked activists taking part in a planned march to Gaza, halting
their attempt to reach the border and challenge Israel’s blockade on
humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory before it could begin.

An Egyptian official says more than three dozen activists, mostly carrying
European passports, have been deported upon their arrival at the Cairo
International Airport in the past two days.

The Global March to Gaza is the latest civil society effort pressing for the
entry of food, fuel, medical supplies, and other aid into Gaza.

Marchers had planned go to the border with Gaza on Sunday to “create
international moral and media pressure” to open the crossing and lift the
blockade.

Posted on 2025-06-13 06:40:13

A government minister says the death toll in floods in South Africa’s
Eastern Cape province has risen to 78.

Rescue teams are still working through debris and floodwater to find missing
people and retrieve bodies after heavy rain caused a river to burst its banks
in the predawn hours of Tuesday.

Floods hit the nearby town of Mthatha and surrounding areas, sweeping away
victims along with parts of their houses and their cars.

The missing previously included four high school students who were swept away
when their bus was caught up in the floods.

Authorities did not immediately say if those four children were among the
latest bodies retrieved.

Posted on 2025-06-12 18:50:13

A convicted drug smuggler who fled Taiwan has been successfully repatriated
from Thailand.

The Supreme Court last January had given Huang Li-wei a sentence of over 10
years in prison for attempting to smuggle five kilograms of ketamine into
Taiwan in April, 2021.

But he fled to Thailand before beginning his prison term.

The Ministry of Justice's Investigation Bureau announced today that Huang was
arrested at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport in May 2024 for using a fake
passport after arriving from Cambodia.

He had just completed a one-year sentence in Thailand for that offense.

Following coordination with Thai authorities, Huang Li-wei was escorted back
to Taiwan today and is now at the Taipei District Prosecutors Office.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2025-06-12 18:50:13

The death toll in floods in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province has risen
to 57, a government minister visiting the scene of the disaster said
Thursday.

Rescue teams have begun a third day searching for missing people after floods
devastated parts of South Africa’s rural Eastern Cape province.

Authorities say they expect the death toll to rise. The missing include four
high school students who were swept away when their bus was caught up in the
floods near a river on Tuesday.

Six of the students were confirmed dead, while three were rescued after
clinging onto trees and calling out for help.

The floods hit the province early Tuesday after an extreme cold front brought
heavy rain, strong winds and snow to parts of eastern and southern South
Africa.

Posted on 2025-06-12 17:08:13

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, made history this week by winning one of Broadway’s
highest honors.

This marks the first time in nearly 40 years that a Black playwright has won
Best Play.

At Sunday’s Tony Awards, playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins took home Best
New Play for Purpose, becoming the first Black playwright to win the award
since August Wilson in 1987.

His deeply moving family drama captivated audiences and critics, earning
widespread praise for its emotional depth and sharp writing.

Jacobs-Jenkins has long been recognized as one of the most exciting voices in
American theater, known for works that challenge race, identity, and family.

His victory with Purpose reflects growing recognition of diverse storytelling
on Broadway.

Speaking after the win, Jacobs-Jenkins called the honor “surreal and
beautiful” and dedicated it to his family, cast, and crew.

(Sebastian)

Posted on 2025-06-12 17:08:13

The world's most popular Tiktoker, Khaby Lame, has been deported from the U.S.

He was detained by immigration agents in Las Vegas for allegedly overstaying
his visa.

The I.C.E. detained him at the airport but he was allowed to leave the
country without a deportation order.

His voluntary departure allowed him to avoid a deportation order on his
immigration record, which could have prevented him from being allowed back
into the U.S. for up to a decade.

His detainment and voluntary depature from the U.S. likely comes from U.S.
President Trump's crackdown on immigration.

(Amber)

Posted on 2025-06-12 17:08:13

Cynthia Erivo has released her latest album, I Forgive You, blending upbeat
melodies with deeply personal storytelling.

This marks her most introspective work yet, unveiling hidden emotions behind
her powerful vocals.

Despite its upbeat sound, songs like “Replay” explore fragile, real
feelings—fear, inferiority, and the courage to forgive others and herself

Erivo said the album gave her “permission to actually say' difficult
words—even if listeners aren’t ready, ' making it a powerful invitation to
emotional honesty

She explains that singing and acting “feed each other,” allowing openness
and genuine connection whether on stage, in the studio, or on set.

(Sebastian)

Posted on 2025-06-12 16:08:13

Premier Cho Jung-tai has accused the legislature of violating the
constitution after it passed amendments to increase salaries for volunteer
military personnel.

The Legislative Yuan recently approved changes to the Military Personnel Act,
raising monthly allowances for volunteer soldiers by $30-thousand NT,
starting January 1st next year.

Cho criticized the move, saying the Executive Yuan had already approved a
comprehensive and balanced military pay raise back in April.

He argued it not only breaches the constitution and multiple laws, but also
bypassed proper consultation with the Executive Yuan.

Cho further warned the measure undermines the government's fiscal stability
and long-term financial planning.

He said the cabinet will pursue administrative remedies to address the issue.

Cho said the executive and legislative branches are one body and must work
together to care for the military ... in the face of growing threats from
China.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-06-12 16:08:13

Ferry operators are adjusting sailings between Donggang and Xiaoliuqiu as
rough seas from a tropical depression affect the area.

Public operator Liuxin Shipping (琉興航運) will cancel its last ferry for
three straight days starting tomorrow.

Other Dongliu Line operators will move up their final sailings.

On June 13th, the last Donggang ferry will depart between 11:30 a.m. and
noon.

The last Xiaoliuqiu ferry will leave by 1:30 p.m.

For the Yanliu (鹽琉) Line, the morning ferry from Yanpu (鹽埔) to Baisha
Harbor will sail as scheduled at 7:30 a.m., but the 4:30 p.m. Xiaoliuqiu
return trip is canceled.

Operators will announce any further changes based on sea conditions.

Travelers are advised to check updates before heading to the port.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-06-12 16:08:14

Oman’s foreign minister says there will be a sixth round of negotiations
between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear
program this weekend.

The minister made the announcement today on social media.

Iran for days has been saying there would be talks, but Oman, serving as the
mediator, has not confirmed them until now.

There was no immediate comment from the U.S.

Posted on 2025-06-12 16:08:14

The U.N. refugee agency says the number of people forcible displaced by
violence and persecution around the world has risen to more than 122 million.

That's up by about 2 million from last year and nearly double over the last
decade.

The findings come as the refugee agency released its Global Trends Report on
Thursday.

UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi nonetheless pointed to some “rays of hope” over
the last six months like the return home of nearly 2 million Syrians as their
country tries to recover from more than a decade of civil war.

Posted on 2025-06-12 15:10:13

The Ministry of Health and Welfare says tens-of-thousands of couples have
benefitted from the government's subsidies for in vitro fertilization
treatments.

Officials say the subsidies, which became available in July 2021, are not
subject to personal income tax, and approximately 58-thousand couples have
now completed treatments.

The ministry says the aid has resulted in over 26-thousand newborn babies.

Health officials says some expenses at medical institutions contracted or
approved by the government can be included as itemized deductions for income
tax purposes, and they are reminding the public not to overlook these
benefits when filing taxes.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-06-12 15:10:13

A tropical depression is moving toward Taiwan and could reach the island’s
east coast tonight.

The Central Weather Administration says the biggest impact will be from
tonight through tomorrow morning, with heavy rain likely in Hualien, Taitung,
and southern Taiwan.

There is also a risk of flooding in some southern areas due to high tides.

The depression is expected to weaken after passing Taiwan’s north coast
tomorrow.

Strong winds are forecast for many regions.

Areas from New Taipei down to Pingtung, as well as Yilan, Hualien, Taitung,
offshore islands, and Penghu, could see gusts of force 8 or stronger.

After tomorrow morning, occasional showers will continue in central and
southern Taiwan but will ease.

Meanwhile, Typhoon Wutip is moving northwest across the South China Sea and
is expected to pass over Hainan Island tomorrow, heading toward Guangdong and
Guangxi.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-06-12 15:10:13

In related news...

The U.N. General Assembly is expected to vote on a resolution demanding an
immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and
the opening of all Israeli border crossings for deliveries of desperately
needed food and other aid.

The resolution, drafted by Spain and obtained by The Associated Press,
“strongly condemns any use of starvation of civilians as a method of
warfare.”

Experts and human rights workers say hunger is widespread in Gaza and some 2
million Palestinians are at risk of famine if Israel does not fully lift its
blockade and halt its military campaign.

The resolution is expected to pass with strong support, but is not legally
binding.

Posted on 2025-06-12 15:10:13

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey will export 48 of its
nationally produced KAAN fighter jets to Indonesia.

Erdogan's announcement Wednesday marks the first export deal for the advanced
aircraft that is still in the development phase.

The Turkish leader has not elaborated or disclosed the agreement's financial
details.

The KAAN successfully completed its maiden flight in 2024.

Its first units are expected to be delivered in 2028.

The agreement comes amid growing economic and defense ties between Turkey and
Indonesia.

Turkish media reports say the deal was reached on the sidelines of a defense
industry exposition in Jakarta.

Posted on 2025-06-12 14:11:23

New Taipei Mayor Hou You-yi is calling for unity as the KMT moves into the
third stage of legislative recall votes.

KMT Chairman Eric Chu has launched a "Patriot Action" campaign to defend
party lawmakers facing recall efforts.

Hou says party members must work together and focus on what matters most:
improving people’s lives.

Speaking before a city council meeting, Hou stressed that there is no need
for more political conflict.

He hopes New Taipei’s KMT lawmakers will stay focused on building a better
city.

When asked if he had scheduled talks with Chu, Hou said they always have
opportunities to meet.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-06-12 14:11:24

This year's university admissions results show that law and political science
programs had the lowest enrollment rate

The College Admissions Committee says over 58-thousand spots were available
for the upcoming academic year, and about 44-thousand students were admitted.

Officials say about 8-thousand spots remained empty, which as the lowest in
the past four years.

On overall enrollment trends, the committee says the rise of artificial
intelligence might be influencing students' choices, with related fields like
information technology and computer science showing the highest enrollment
rates.

Medical programs saw enrollment decrease slightly, and "law and political
science programs" had the lowest enrollment, with about 70-percent fo spots
filled.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-06-12 14:11:24

Taiwan shares are lower as other Asian markets are trading mixed after Wall
Street’s rally stalled.

The TaiEx ended down 182 points, to end the session at 22-thousand-287 on
turnover of 338 billion NT.

Posted on 2025-06-12 14:11:26

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says Russia is trying to create chaos
and destroy southern Ukraine, as well as threaten Moldova and Romania.

Speaking at a meeting in Odesa, Zelenskiy called for stronger action against
Moscow to stop more military threats.

He said Odesa, a key port city, has faced repeated Russian attacks, including
a recent drone strike on a hospital and homes.

Zelenskiy warned that Russia’s plans also target Moldova and Romania, and he
urged for long-term security guarantees for the region.

Moldova’s president, Maia Sandu, said her country is facing election
interference from Russia and is ready to share its experience with hybrid
war.

Both leaders stressed the need for unity and protection across southeastern
Europe.

Both Ukraine and Moldova are seeking EU membership.

Posted on 2025-06-12 14:11:27

Brian Wilson, the musical genius and cofounder of the Beach Boys, has died at
age 82.

Wilson wrote and produced classic hits like “Good Vibrations,” “California
Girls,” and “God Only Knows,” helping shape the sound of American pop
music in the 1960s.

His family announced his passing but did not share the cause.

Wilson had struggled with mental health issues and dementia in recent years.

He formed the Beach Boys with his brothers and friends, creating songs that
captured the spirit of California and youth.

Despite his battles with addiction and illness, Wilson’s music inspired
generations and sold over 100 million records.

Tributes from musicians around the world praise his creativity and lasting
influence.

Posted on 2025-06-12 13:14:13

The Supreme Court has upheld a travel ban and $500-thousand NT bail for
entertainer Mickey Huang (黃子佼), who is accused of buying and possessing
child sexual exploitation images.

Huang was sentenced to eight months in prison in his first trial and is now
appealing.

The High Court ruled that Huang admitted to the crime and poses a flight
risk, given his past international travel.

Huang challenged the restrictions, but the Supreme Court rejected his appeal.

During the investigation by the Taipei District Prosecutors Office, Huang was
previously ordered to post bail of 350-thousand NT and was also banned from
leaving the country or traveling by sea.

In total, Huang’s bail now amounts to 850-thousand NT.

Authorities say Huang bought and held over 2-thousand-200 illegal images
involving 35 children aged 10 to 17.

Huang admitted to the crime during the investigation but later denied it in
court.

He has reached settlements with 21 victims so far, but details remain
private.

The case continues in the High Court.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-06-12 13:14:14

Industry leaders and academics are calling for a new law that would require
digital platforms to pay for news content.

At a public legislative hearing today, both the Ministry of Digital Affairs
and the National Communications Commission said they support the idea that
news has value.

A recent report shows that from 2012 to 2023, Taiwan’s digital ad revenue
rose sharply, while traditional media ad income dropped by half.

Groups say news outlets are not getting fair pay from big platforms.

The government is looking at new rules, including mandatory bargaining and a
news fund, to help protect the news industry and democracy.

MODA says it will help media and digital platforms talk and work together,
and will support new business models like subscriptions.

The NCC also wants to make sure news outlets are treated fairly and stay
independent.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-06-12 13:14:14

Israeli gunfire and airstrikes killed at least 60 Palestinians in Gaza on
Wednesday, most near a U.S.- and Israeli-backed food aid site.

Local health officials say 25 people died near a distribution center in
central Gaza and 14 more in Rafah.

Israel’s military says it fired warning shots at suspects near combat zones.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation says it is working with Israeli forces to
keep aid flowing but warned food remains scarce.

It reported distributing 2.5 million meals Wednesday.

The United Nations condemned the killings and has refused to supply aid
through the foundation, citing concerns over neutrality.

The war began 20 months ago after a Hamas attack killed 1,200 people in
Israel.

Since then, nearly 55,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have died,
according to Gaza’s health ministry.

Talks continue to free remaining hostages, though no breakthrough has been
reported.

Posted on 2025-06-12 13:14:14

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele is intensifying his crackdown on
dissent, a move observers suggest has been emboldened by his alliance with
U.S. President Donald Trump.

Authorities in the Central American country have targeted outspoken critics
of the president, journalists investigating his alleged deals with gangs and
human rights defenders calling for the end of a three-year state of
emergency, which has suspended fundamental civil rights.

Some say they have been forced to flee the country.

Posted on 2025-06-12 13:14:14

Russia’s new ambassador to the United States says he will work to fully
restore relations between Moscow and Washington.

Alexander Darchiev made the pledge after presenting his credentials to U.S.
President Donald Trump at the White House.

Speaking at the Russian embassy, Darchiev called for a peaceful,
non-confrontational relationship between the two powers.

He said it was an honor to meet Trump and promised that he and the embassy
would do everything possible to bring relations back to normal.

U.S.-Russia ties hit a low under President Joe Biden following Russia’s
invasion of Ukraine.

Darchiev said talks between the two countries are now more pragmatic under
Trump.

Darchiev is a veteran diplomat with two prior U.S. postings and has served as
ambassador to Canada.

Posted on 2025-06-12 11:09:13

Poor weather briefly disrupted air travel at Matsu’s Nangan (南竿) and
Beigan (北竿) airports this morning.

The Civil Aeronautics Administration says flights were suspended from 6:30 to
8 a.m. as a tropical depression approaches Taiwan.

In total, two flights were affected.

The Central Weather Administration reports unstable weather conditions across
the island today.

The south and east are seeing short showers and thunderstorms, with Hualien
and Taitung facing heavier and more persistent rain.

There is also a chance of torrential rain in Taitung.

Central and northern areas are mostly cloudy, with scattered afternoon storms
and possible heavy rain.

Flight operations at Matsu have now returned to normal.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-06-12 11:09:13

Starting July 1st, riders must have public bike injury insurance to rent
Kaohsiung’s YouBike 2.0E electric-assist bicycles.

The city's Transportation Bureau says the new rule aims to improve rider
safety.

Signing up is free through the YouBike app or website.

More than 90 percent of users are already insured.

YouBike 2.0 now operates more than 1-thousand-400 stations across Kaohsiung,
with over 66 million rides logged.

The electric-assist YouBike 2.0E is especially popular with commuters and
students, with some bikes used up to nine times a day.

Kaohsiung plans to expand to 1,500 rental stations next year.

The city also reports that more than half of YouBike rides now connect with
TPASS commuter passes and discounts, showing stronger links between bike
sharing and public transport.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-06-12 11:09:13

Violence broke out for a third night in Northern Ireland, though clashes were
smaller than earlier in the week.

Masked youths set fires and threw petrol bombs in Ballymena and nearby Larne
on Wednesday.

The riots began on Monday when a vigil for a girl, allegedly sexually
assaulted, was hijacked by anti-immigration mobs.

The unrest followed the court appearance of two teenage boys charged with the
assault.

Ballymena police call the recent attacks on homes and cars “racist
thuggery” and are treating them as hate crimes.

Two Filipino families fled their home after their car was set on fire.

Thirty-two officers have been injured since Monday and five people were
arrested.

In Larne, youths broke windows and started fires at a leisure center where
swimming classes were underway.

Staff escaped through a back door.

Police remain on high alert as the investigation continues.

Posted on 2025-06-12 11:09:13

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un says his country will always stand with
Russia.

State media reported Thursday that Kim sent a message to Russian President
Vladimir Putin for Russia Day today, calling him his "dearest comrade."

He praised their ties as a "genuine relationship between comrades-in-arms."

Kim said it is the unshakable will of both the North Korean government and
himself to strengthen ties with Moscow.

Earlier this year, North Korea confirmed for the first time that it had sent
troops to fight for Russia in Ukraine.

Kim’s message highlights growing cooperation between the two countries as
the war in Ukraine continues.

Posted on 2025-06-12 11:09:13

Australia says the AUKUS submarine deal with the U.S. and Britain will move
ahead, despite a new review by the Trump administration.

Defence Minister Richard Marles told ABC radio he is confident the plan,
which will give Australia nuclear-powered submarines, is in the best
interests of all three countries.

The $238 billion US dollar deal is Australia’s largest defense project.

Under the plan, Australia will buy up to three U.S. submarines starting in
2032, while also building new AUKUS-class submarines with Britain.

The U.S. is reviewing whether it can meet production targets for the
submarines.

Marles says improving production rates is important.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet President Trump next week to
discuss the deal and U.S. requests for Australia to raise defense spending.

Posted on 2025-06-12 08:15:13

Former President Ma Ying-jeou is slated to attend the 17th Straits Forum in
the Chinese city of Xiamen early next week.

According to the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, he will be leading a group of
students from the Da Jiu Academy to the event as part of a two-week trip to
China.

Ma and the students will leave for China on Saturday.

Foundation C-E-O Xiao Xu-cen says after attending the forum, Ma and the
students will travel to Gansu Province for a series of cultural activities
and to learn about the Silk Road.

Ma and the student group will attend on June 21 an annual ceremony
commemorating emperor Fu-Xi - who is credited with starting Chinese
civilization, while there.

Xiao says the visit is aimed at reducing hostility across the Taiwan Strait
by showing people on both sides the willingness of young people to engage and
interact with each other.

Posted on 2025-06-12 08:15:13

The New Taipei City Police Department has arrested six people for an
investment fraud that was centered on fake social media fan page that claimed
to belong to Nvidia C-E-O Jensen Huang.

According to the police department, the scam ring managed to defraud more
than 100 of a total of over 13-million N-T by using fake Facebook fanpage.

The scam ring operated as a digital technology marketing company, with a
manager five accomplices.

Police says the fake fan page lured people into joining LINE groups by
claiming to offer stock analysis and investment tips from Jensen Huang, that
in fact led them to fake investment websites.

Law enforcement authorities say the six suspects are also believed to have
collaborated with other scam rings by designing fake fanpages of celebrities
and posting fake advertisements featuring celebrities.

They were detained after police raided six locations in New Taipei.

Posted on 2025-06-12 08:15:13

Former lawmaker and Taiwan independence activist Chen Wan-zhen has died.

She was 75.

Her death was announced by the Taiwan Transitional Justice Association, an
N-G-O she founded in 2016.

According to the association, Chen died of cancer at a hospital in Chiang
Mai, Thailand, where she had been undergoing treatment for an extended
period.

Chen worked as a journalist in the 1970s, covering the Taiwan Provincial
Council.

She was blacklisted for her political activities and barred from returning to
Taiwan in 1979.

She returned to Taiwan in 1989 for Nylon Cheng's funeral before running for
office in the 1992 elections - when she was elected a D-P-P lawmaker for what
was then-Taipei County.

However, she was expelled from the D-P-P in 1997 for slandering party members.

Posted on 2025-06-12 08:15:13

And finally,

The Central Weather Administration says it's monitoring a tropical depression
that formed yesterday evening east of the Philippines.

It's currently located some 600-kilometers southeast of Eluanbi at the
island's southernmost tip and moving in a north-northwesterly direction at
33-kilometers-an-hour.

The weather administration says the weather pattern is moving towards Taiwan.

It's forecast to bring thunderstorms or heavy rain to the Taitung and Hualien
areas as well as to the north and center from this afternoon and into
tomorrow.

Meanwhile,

The weather administration says tropical storm Wu-Tip has veered in a more
westerly direction, but it still forecast to make landfall on China's Hainan
Island tomorrow morning.

Wu-Tip is the first tropical storm of this year's Pacific typhoon season.

Posted on 2025-06-12 06:45:13

The Central Weather Administration is warning of possible aftershocks of
magnitude 5 to 5.5 over the next three days following last night's magnitude
6.4 earthquake off Hualien.

That earthquake struck at 7PM and was centered some 70-kilometers south of
Hualien County Hall, at a depth of 31-kilometers.

It was felt strongest in Taitung's Changbin Township - where it registered a
magnitude 5 on the weather administration's intensity scale.

According to the weather administration's Seismological Center, the
earthquake was caused by the collision of the Eurasian Plate and the
Philippine Sea Plate.

The center says it was classified as a shallow quake - as the depth and
strong magnitude caused it to be felt across nearly all of Taiwan.

A magnitude 5 earthquake struck at just after midnight - and that was
centered some 81-kilometers north-northeast on Taitung County Hall at a depth
of 34-kilometers.

It was felt strongest in Hualien's Shi-Ti-Ping area - where it registered a
magnitude 4 on the weather administration's intensity scale.

Posted on 2025-06-12 06:45:13

U-S Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is warning that China poses an
increasingly aggressive threat to America - and deterring Beijing is the
Pentagon's top regional priority amid its rapid military buildup and invasion
drills near Taiwan.

Speaking before a House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee oversight
hearing, Hegseth said Beijing is preparing for war in the Indo-Pacific as
part of its broader strategy to dominate that region and then the world ..

.. and if it succeeds, it could derail American reindustrialization and
strangle the U-S economy.

Hegseth also emphasized President Donald Trump's "peace through strength"
strategy and called for revitalizing the stagnant American defense industrial
base.

According to the U-S Defense Secretary,China is undertaking a historic
military buildup and actively rehearsing for an invasion of Taiwan and
only by having the world's most powerful and lethal military can the U-S
effectively deter adversaries and win a potential conflict.

The comments follow a recent warning by U-S Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral
Samuel Paparo - who expressed concern at a forum last month over the rate at
which China is diversifying its military exercises.

Posted on 2025-06-12 06:45:13

The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has released a former part-time
social media manager for K-M-T Taipei City Councilor Wang Hsin-yi on bail of
100,000 N-T over his alleged involvement in a Chinese espionage case.

Lin Yueh-long has also served as assistant to several K-M-T lawmakers in Wang
Hong-wei, Hsu Yu-chen and Lin Qian-qi.

According to the prosecutors' office, Lin is suspected of having been
recruited by Chinese authorities several years ago and allegedly received
payments and provided confidential and sensitive information to Beijing.

The case is being investigated as a possible violation of the National
Security Act.

Two co-defendants have been released without bail.

Those co-defendants are Wang Kai-min, a former aide to K-M-T Keelung City
Councilor Lan Min-hui, and Kuo Wen-bin, a former senior executive officer in
the Presidential Office under then-President Chen Shui-bian.

Posted on 2025-06-12 06:45:13

Former Culture Minister Shih Che has been named the new chairman of the
Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation.

He replaces James Zheng, who has been appointed chairman of Taiwan Railway
Corporation.

Shih served as a Kaohsiung deputy between 2016 and 2023 and has been a
minister-without-portfolio since May 2024.

According to Transport Minister Chen Shih-kai, Shih was chosen for his
experience and will oversee the high-speed rail as its set to begin
construction of extensions, including a section from Kaohsiung to Pingtung.

Chen says he was picked for his ideas in marketing Kaohsiung, including
attracting global artists, such as Cold Play, Maroon 5 and Kylie Minogue, to
perform in city on their tours.

Meanwhile, James Zheng will be replacing Du Wei as head of the Taiwan Railway
Corporation after Du resigned from that post in March.

Posted on 2025-06-12 06:45:13

The Air Force will officially retire its F-5 series jets on July 4 at the
Hualien Air Base.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo says there are plans to produce a
commemorative video so the public can "witness the glory" of the fighter
jet's retirement ceremony.

The Air Force began operating F-5A/B fighter jets in 1965.

Taiwan partnered with Northrop to produce the F-5E model domestically under
what became known as the Tiger Peace Project in 1973 and the first
Taiwan-built F-5E rolled out the following year.

Taiwan manufactured a total of 308 of the jets under the project and the F-5
served as Taiwan's main combat aircraft from the 1970s through the 1990s
before being reassigned for training purposes.

The F-5E/F jets have ended their training role as the Air Force is now
receiving Brave Eagle jet trainers developed under the indigenous aircraft
program.

Posted on 2025-06-12 06:45:13

A labor rights group is urging the government to take more proactive steps to
help companies prevent forced labor.

The call follows the release of a survey that showed significant gaps in
corporate awareness and action.

Taiwan Labor Front Secretary-General Sun You-lian says although Taiwan plays
a key role in the global supply chain, especially in electronics, awareness
of forced labor risks in supply chains remains inadequate.

According to Su, the group's recent survey of Taiwan's 500 largest companies
by paid-in capital shows that only 18-per cent of them have dedicated
departments to address forced labor issues.

The survey also found that nearly 80-per cent of companies hope the
government can offer clearer policy guidance and training on forced labor
prevention ..

.. and while 70 percent of companies include anti-forced labor clauses in
procurement contracts, many of them lack complaint mechanisms and effective
remedies for workers.

Posted on 2025-06-12 06:45:13

And,

Nantou County has been selected to host this year's National Day fireworks
display.

It's the first time the county has been chosen to organize the annual October
10 event.

According to County Magistrate Hsu Shu-hua, the fireworks will be launched
from the Mao-Luo River - at a site which has also been used for the Nantou
Lantern Festival.

Hsu says the site has been vetted by the Ministry of National Defenses'
Armaments Bureau and planning is now underway.

The county government says it plans to integrate National Day fireworks
display is with the Nantou Global Tea Expo - and visitors will be encouraged
to explore the expo during the day and watch the fireworks display in the
evening.

The county magistrate says last year's National Day fireworks display in
Yunlin County attracted over 200,000 people, and it's hoped this year's event
will draw even larger crowds -- as it will be taking place on a Friday.

Posted on 2025-06-11 20:09:14

A captain and his crew are facing charges after sailing into Chinese waters
to smuggle goods.

Kinmen prosecutors said the captain, surnamed Chang, fled from the Coast
Guard in April and illegally entered Chinese waters.

There, he transferred unknown goods to a Chinese vessel.

Later that night, the ship’s owner, surnamed Wu, supplied fuel and tried to
collect the crew’s phones to hide evidence.

The Coast Guard boarded both vessels and arrested Chang, Wu, and two others.

Officers also seized a ship, phones, radios, and other equipment.

Further investigation led to seven more suspects, including the cargo owner
and lookout personnel.

In total, 11 people are now charged with sailing to China without permission,
a violation of Taiwan’s cross-strait laws.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-06-11 20:09:14

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen says she hopes the Chiang Kai-shek statue in
front of the Lishan Resort Hotel will remain in place, as plans are underway
to move it inside the museum.

Lu criticized the plan as a waste of time and called on the public to voice
their opposition.

She also questioned the central government's priorities, noting the irony of
spending money on relocating statues and renaming Zhongzheng roads while
citing budget shortfalls elsewhere.

Lu urged the central government to listen to public opinion before making
such decisions.

In response, the office overseeing the project said it had held a public
briefing to consult with local residents and received majority support for
the move.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-06-11 17:10:54

Japan is deepening ties with Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic allies to counter
China’s growing influence, according to a Nikkei Asia report.

Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru met Tuesday with Guatemalan President Bernardo
Arevalo.

The two announced a new strategic partnership and pledged support for a free
and open Indo-Pacific.

Japan also plans to boost investment in Guatemala and assist returning
migrants.

In recent months, Ishiba also met with leaders from Eswatini, Paraguay, and
Palau, all of which recognize Taiwan over China.

These talks included new partnerships, investment deals, and eased visa rules.

Beijing continues to pressure countries to drop Taiwan, with Panama,
Nicaragua, and Honduras switching in recent years.

Japan sees closer ties with Taiwan’s allies as a way to support shared
values and push back against regional security threats.

In return, these nations seek more economic support and cooperation from
Japan.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-06-11 17:11:01

New Taipei City Mayor Hou You Yi says, the city has been undergoing a
build-up of national defense, as it would likely be the first line of defense
in a potential Chinese invasion.

His comments were in response to a city councilor's questions regarding the
highly anticipated show "Zero Day," which speculates on how a Chinese
invasion would take place.

DPP Councilor Zhang Jin Hao 張錦豪 and others asked the mayor how the city
plans to protect itself against such an event.

Others also discussed how a Chinese magazine described attacking Taiwan by
targeting specific infrastructure.

Hou said that New Taipei City was well-prepared to respond to potential
attacks, and is capable of protecting key infrastructure, like electricity,
tap water, and transportation systems.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-06-11 17:11:04

Kaohsiung’s 2025 Pride Parade will take place in Fengshan District for the
first time on November 29th.

This year’s theme, Voting with Pride, aims to encourage voters to support
gender equality in Taiwan’s 2026 local elections.

Organizers say the parade will bring the message of equality into the heart
of city politics, as Fengshan houses Kaohsiung’s city government and
council.

The event will also include talks, guided tours, and parties across various
districts.

LGBTQ advocates stress that equality should reach beyond city centers and
into all communities.

They also call for more inclusive healthcare and education policies to better
support LGBTQ families.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-06-11 17:11:15

Now turning to international news...

15,000 Hungarians are protesting populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban in the
country's capital.

Nearly two dozens public figures joined the demonstration in Budapest,
criticizing what they called, they government's increasingly anti-democratic
conduct.

National elections are coming up next year, and Orban's party is trailing in
most polls to a new opposition challenger.

Critics say, Orban has turned to more and more authoritarian tactics to
silence his critics...

referring to a law Orban's party pushed through in March, and a
constitutional amendment, that effectively banned public LGBT events.

That law also allowed for authorities to use facial recognition technology to
identify and fine participants in prohibited assemblies.

Posted on 2025-06-11 17:11:29

Spanish officials say, the huge amounts of tourists in the country are posing
a challenge for residents, which the governor can no longer ignore.

Last year, the country got 94 million international visitors, making it one
of the most visited countries globally.

But there's rising home and rental costs in Madrid and Barcelona, which have
led to mounting frustration towards the proliferation of short-term rentals
in city centers.

The government recently announced that it was cracking down on illegal Airbnb
listings, but there's still more to be done....

as the bank of Spain recently said the country had a deficit of 450,000
homes.

Posted on 2025-06-11 16:08:13

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says China is the Pentagon’s top threat
and is preparing for a possible invasion of Taiwan.

Speaking to Congress on Tuesday, Hegseth said Beijing’s military buildup and
invasion drills are part of a broader plan to dominate the Indo-Pacific and,
later, the world.

He stressed that the U.S. must maintain the world’s most powerful military
to deter China and protect key interests.

Hegseth also called for strengthening America’s defense industry.

Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine added that China’s military is
now carrying out more frequent, complex, and large-scale operations near
Taiwan.

He said these are not just exercises, but rehearsals for forced unification.

Their comments echo recent warnings from U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral
Samuel Paparo, who raised concerns about China’s rapidly growing military
capabilities.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2025-06-11 16:08:13

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai has ordered faster fire safety upgrades after a
fire broke out at Qixian (七賢) Building in Yancheng (鹽埕) District last
night.

Six residents were sent to the hospital as a precaution.

The fire started on the seventh floor and was put out within an hour.

The building, which houses many vulnerable residents, is one of four older
high-risk buildings under city watch.

Mayor Chen said safety equipment, such as emergency lights, alarms, and
sprinklers, must meet standards.

The city will step up inspections and offer support to speed up improvements.

The fire department said Qixian Building has failed past safety checks and
has been fined over $960-thousand NT since 2015.

Recent problems include faulty sprinklers and smoke ventilation.

The cause of last night's fire is still under investigation.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-06-11 16:08:13

Costco Taiwan says it will soon launch an Uber Eats delivery service, but the
timing will follow instructions from its U.S. headquarters.

Reports say the service could start next week, during the 618 shopping
festival.

A delivery page briefly appeared on Costco Taiwan’s website, sparking public
interest.

Costco’s U.S. financial report shows that it already partners with Uber Eats
in 17 U.S. states.

The company confirmed plans to expand this service to the U.K., Taiwan,
Japan, and South Korea later this year.

Costco Taiwan said members and non-members will likely pay different prices
for deliveries, as in the U.S.

The company will later share details about membership checks and the official
launch date.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-06-11 16:08:13

Riots in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, erupted for a second night on Tuesday.

The violence began days ago when a vigil for a girl, allegedly sexually
assaulted, was hijacked by anti-immigration mobs.

Authorities say "racist thugs" used the incident to target foreign residents.

Masked rioters attacked police with petrol bombs and rocks, burned homes and
cars, and damaged businesses.

Police responded with water cannons and plastic rounds. One house was
destroyed and several officers were injured.

The unrest followed the court appearance of two teenage boys charged with the
assault.

Police are also investigating earlier attacks as racially motivated hate
crimes.

Protests spread briefly to Belfast, though no violence was reported there.

British and local leaders condemned the riots, calling the scenes of civil
disorder unacceptable and warning against using community tensions to fuel
hate.

Posted on 2025-06-11 15:27:13

re-serving food

Tainan City's Health Department is investigating, following reports that a
famous restaurant in the city was reheating food that had already been served
and re-serving it to other customers.

Specifically, customers said that a restarurant chain in Tainan had been
using tofu that customers didn't eat and returning it to the pot to serve to
other customers.

The health department says, if the chain is found to have any violations,
management will be required to make improvements within a certain time
period, and if they fail a re-inspection, they will be fined between 60,000
and 200 million NT.

This comes after there was uproar online following a social media post, and
the store manager even admitted to the offense after being presented with
security camera footage.

The store owners said that they had never ordered store employees to reuse
food in such a way.

Management added that they would conduct an internal investigation, and
apologized to customers.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-06-11 15:27:13

Government data shows that online gaming has topped consumer complaints in
Taiwan for the fourth year in a row.

The Consumer Protection Committee says last year, theer were over 77-thousand
cases of consumer complaints or mediation cases nationwide.

Of these, online gaming accounted for the most complaints at nearly
4-thousand-500 cases.

The committee says it is working with the Ministry of Digital Affairs to
address online gaming issues and promote awareness.

They are also reminding businesses to follow contract rules for online games,
while consumers are advised to avoid using unauthorized programs and to
choose online games from domestically registered companies to protect their
rights.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-06-11 15:27:13

The Food and Drug Administration will enforce new rules starting July 2026 to
protect the term "fresh milk."

Only products with an official label will be able use the name.

Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) says bubble tea and breakfast
shops will start promoting the use of local fresh milk.

Chen said small farmers will get help to earn the "fresh milk" certification.

Many shops now use "commercial milk," made by reconstituting imported frozen
milk bricks, but domestic milk offers better flavor.

Testing methods can spot fake products, and inspections will increase once
the rules begin.

Businesses that misuse the label could face fines up to $4 million NT.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-06-11 15:27:13

A former student killed 10 people and himself in a school shooting Tuesday in
Graz, Austria’s second-largest city.

It is the worst school shooting in the country’s modern history.

Authorities say the 21-year-old gunman entered the school with a shotgun and
pistol and opened fire.

The shooter was found dead in a bathroom.

A farewell letter was found, but no motive is yet known.

Local media reported he may have been bullied.

Chancellor Christian Stocker called it a dark day for Austria and declared
three days of national mourning.

More than 300 police responded to the scene.

Austria has one of Europe’s highest rates of civilian gun ownership.

Foreign leaders, including Germany’s chancellor, expressed their shock and
sympathy.

Posted on 2025-06-11 13:17:13

Defense Minister Wellington Koo says China is showing its expansionist intent
by sending two aircraft carriers into the Pacific at the same time.

He says Taiwan is fully monitoring the situation and calls the move a clear
political message.

His statements come after Japan’s Defense Ministry reported the Shandong
sailed near Miyako Island, accompanied by four vessels, including a missile
destroyer, and was heading east... while the Liaoning operated near
Minami-Torishima.

It is the first time Chinese carriers have crossed the island chain formed by
Japan's Bonin Islands and Volcano Islands.

Koo also says Taiwan is working to build an independent drone industry and
enter the global supply market.

He welcomed recent private-sector tabletop drills on defending the Taiwan
Strait.

The Ministry will consider the results and continue updating its defense
plans.

Koo added that Taiwan has strategies in place to counter gray-zone threats
and will keep refining them through regular exercises.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-06-11 13:17:13

The Central Weather Administration is warning that the east coast, center,
and south can expect heavy rain starting tonight, due to the tropical storm
forming in the South China Sea.

The CWA says the storm, called Wutip, will not directly hit Taiwan, but we
can still expect some abnormal weather conditions.

The CWA says the storm was upgraded this morning to the first tropical storm
of the year, as the winds at the center of the storm are moving at around 18
meters per second maximum.

Wutip is expected to move towards China's Hainan before heading into
Guangdong province.

Experts say this marks the latest in the season for a tropical storm to
develop since 2016.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-06-11 13:17:13

The Ministry of Education has announced the start of its annual competition
encouraging students to develop healthy eating habits.

The MOE says registration is now open for its "Healthy Eating Junior Anchors"
contest, with this year's theme focusing on food ingredients, menu design,
and nutrition.

Students in elementary, middle, and high schools are eligible to take part.

This year's event also features a new component, asking students to design
their own healthy school lunch menu.

Officials say prizes include certificates and gift vouchers, and registration
remains open until June 30th.

The ministry hopes to help deepen students' understanding of healthy eating,
and make this knowledge part of their daily habits.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-06-11 13:17:13

An international rights group says several global brands are among dozens of
companies at risk of using forced labor through their Chinese supply chains.

The Global Rights Compliance report says the companies might be linked
because they use critical minerals or buy minerals-based products from
China’s far-western Xinjiang region.

It says the global brands include Avon, Walmart, Nescafe, Coca-Cola and
Sherwin-Williams.

The report found 77 Chinese suppliers in the titanium, lithium, beryllium and
magnesium industries at risk of participating in the Chinese government’s
“labor transfer programs."

In these programs, Uyghurs are forced to work as part of a campaign of
assimilation and mass detention.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-06-11 13:17:13

Pakistan says it will increase defense spending by 20% for the next fiscal
year following last month's deadly conflict with India.

The government announced the increase Tuesday as part of the budget in which
overall spending will be cut by 7%.

Pakistan and India were pushed to the brink of war earlier this year.

Next year's defense allocation, the equivalent of $270 billion NT, is
considerably more than the government’s expenditure on higher education,
agricultural development, and climate-related risk mitigation.

India in February increased its defense spending by 9.5%.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-06-11 12:21:13

China Sea

The Central Weather Administration says the first tropical storm of this
year's Pacific typhoon season has formed in the South China Sea.

Tropical storm Wu-Tip is currently located some 1,000-kilometers southwest of
Eluanbi at the island's southernmost tip and is moving in a
west-north-westerly direction at 11-kilometers per hour.

Wu-Tip has a radius of 80-kilometers and is packing sustained wind speeds of
64-kilometers-an-hour, with gusts of up to 90-kilometers-an-hour.

The storm is currently forecast to make landfall on China's Hainan Island
Friday morning before veering in an easterly direction towards Guangdong
Province.

The storm is not forecast to directly impact Taiwan.

However, the weather administration says its outer bands may affect the
island from Thursday to Saturday, bringing localized heavy rain to some areas
and heavy rain is also possible in the south and southeast.

Posted on 2025-06-11 12:21:13

The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office says it has opened a fresh
investigation into former D-P-P lawmaker Chen Ou-po - this time for
fraudulently claiming assistant salaries during his tenure as a legislator.

According to the prosecutors' office, Chen fraudulently claimed over
1-million N-T in assistant fees and give the funds to his wife Hsu Hui-yu for
her personal use.

Hsu was questioned by prosecutors late last night as part of the
investigation and released on bail of 1.5-million N-T early this morning.

A former director of Chen's office and a former assistant have also been
questioned and both of them have been released on bail of 50,000 N-T.

Prosecutors says all of the suspects are under investigation for violating
Anti-Corruption Act and the Criminal Law.

Chen has been detained since last week in connection with an investigation
into allegedly accepting bribes from a logistics company during his second
term of office from 2016 to 2020.

Prosecutors say he attempted to assist the company by holding meetings and
conducting legislative hearings to support favorable legal amendments.

Posted on 2025-06-11 12:21:13

Meanwhile,

The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has released an assistant for KMT
Taipei City Councilor Wang Hsin-i on bail of 100,000 N-T on suspicion of
spying for China.

Lin Yue-lung also serves as the spokesman for the K-M-T's Taipei chapter.

He questioned overnight after authorities searched his residence and office.

Prosecutor says Lin allegedly receiving funds for transferring sensitive
information to China.

Lin previously also served as an assistant to K-M-T lawmakers Wang Hung-wei
and Zheng Cheng-chien.

An assistant to K-M-T Keelung City Councilor, Lan Min-hui and former
Presidential Office secretary Kuo Wen-pin have also been questioned in
connection with the case.

Prosecutor say all three suspects are under investigation for violating the
National Security Act.

Posted on 2025-06-11 12:21:13

Former President Ma Ying-jeou is slated to lead a student delegation to
attend the 17th Straits Forum Opens in Xiamen this coming weekend.

According to the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, the students from the Da Jiu
Academy will be in China from June 14 to 27 and along with attending the
forum, will also travel to Dunhuang in Gansu Province to see the ancient Silk
Road.

Foundation C-E-O Hsiao Hsu-tsen says as private organization, it is very
willing to assist the government in promoting cross-strait exchanges and
firmly believes that dialogue between the two sides should continue.

Ma last led a student delegation to China last year.

While a tour to China organized by his foundation and led by Hsiao traveled
there in March of this year.

Posted on 2025-06-11 12:21:13

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

The T-S-G Hawks beat the C-T-B-C Brothers 10-7 at the Intercontinental
Stadium in Taichung.

The Wei Chuan Dragons beat the Rakuten Monkeys 13-3 at the Rakuten Taoyuan
Stadium.

While the Uni-President Lions beat the Fubon Guardians 6-5 at the Chiayi
Municiple Stadium.

There are no games today.

-

And finally,

Taiwan's national soccer team remains winless in its A-F-C 2027 Asian Cup
qualifying third round group stage.

Taiwan lost 3-1 to Sri Lanka last night at the Race Course International
Stadium in Colombo.

It's Taiwan's second lose in Group D - after being beating 2-1 by group
leaders Turkmenistan in its opening match.

The two loses mean Taiwan is sitting at the bottom of Group D.

Taiwan's next match is on October 9 - when it plays Thailand - which is in
second place in the standings.

Only the winners of each of the six third round groups will qualify for the
2027 A-F-C Asian Cup which will be held in Saudi Arabia.

Posted on 2025-06-11 12:21:13

A series of bomb attacks struck southwest Colombia on Tuesday, killing at
least seven people and injuring more than 50.

Authorities believe a rebel group that split from the Revolutionary Armed
Forces of Colombia, or FARC, is behind the explosions.

Officials say the group has increasingly turned to drug trafficking to fund
its operations.

President Gustavo Petro has ordered tighter security for government officials
and opposition leaders.

The bomb attacks follow an assassination attempt on Senator Miguel Uribe, who
remains in critical condition after being shot at a campaign rally in Bogota
last weekend.

Uribe, a right-wing opposition figure and possible presidential candidate,
was shot by a teenager who claimed he was hired by a local drug dealer.

Colombia's Interior Minister suggested the bombings may be linked, though no
proof has been given.

The recent violence has raised fears of a return to Colombia’s darker days
of guerrilla warfare and drug-fueled conflict.

Posted on 2025-06-11 12:21:13

The European Commission has proposed a new set of sanctions against Russia,
aimed at cutting its energy income and targeting its banks and military
industry.

The plan includes banning deals with Nord Stream gas pipelines and
blacklisting 22 more Russian banks.

It also suggests lowering the G7 price cap on Russian crude oil from $60 US
dollars to $45 dollars per barrel.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Russia only responds to
strength.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the move but urges for a
lower oil cap of $30 dollars to reduce Russia’s war funds.

The plan would also ban products made from Russian oil and add over 400 ships
to the EU’s list of Russian shadow fleet vessels.

EU nations will start talks on the proposal this week.

Posted on 2025-06-11 12:21:13

China’s Vice President Han Zheng (韓正) arrived in Spain on Tuesday for a
four-day visit to strengthen political and economic ties.

He will meet Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and King Felipe in Madrid.

The trip follows Sanchez’s recent visit to Beijing, where he promoted
Spanish exports and sought more Chinese investment in technology and green
energy.

China is already helping build one of Europe’s largest EV battery factories
in Spain.

However, tensions remain.

Beijing’s anti-dumping inquiry on EU pork has hurt Spain, a major exporter.

Still, Spain recently gained approval to export pork stomachs to China.

Han will also visit Seville to meet Andalusia’s regional leader, who secured
billions in Chinese investment last year.

Meanwhile, Chinese tourism to Spain is expected to grow by 36 percent this
summer, the largest increase in Europe.

Posted on 2025-06-11 12:21:13

Members Jimin and Jungkook of the K-pop supergroup BTS were discharged from
South Korea’s military today.

They are the fifth and sixth members of the K-pop group to finish their
mandatory service.

BTS began its break in 2022 so members could complete their duties, which can
last up to 18 months.

Members RM and V were released yesterday.

The final member, Suga, will finish his service on June 21st.

Fans from around the world traveled to South Korea this week to celebrate the
stars’ return.

Many are now hoping for a full BTS comeback soon.

Posted on 2025-06-11 12:21:13

And,

Wall Street closed the trading day up just below its recent all-time highs -
as investors await the outcome of trade talks in London between the United
States and China.

The A-P's Seth Sutel has the latest.

Posted on 2025-06-11 09:10:13

And,

Political commentator Nan Fang Shuo has died.

He was 78.

His death was reported by a former colleague, who says Nan passed away on
Monday.

No cause of death has been announced, by reports say he died of pneumonia.

Nan, whose real name was Wang Hsing-jing, received a bachelor's degree and a
master's degree in forestry from National Taiwan University, followed by a
Ph.D program in economic planning at Chinese Culture University.

He worked for many years at the China Times before establishing The
Journalist in 1987.

Posted on 2025-06-11 08:15:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning ...

K-M-T lawmakers have passed an amendment to Article 5 of the Armed Forces Pay
Act raising volunteer soldiers' monthly allowance to 30,000 N-T.

That's an increase of over 15,000 N-T, along with other benefits.

The monthly allowance will be granted to all volunteer military personnel,
regardless of rank, effective January 1 next year.

The amended article introduces new types of designated allowances for
volunteer military personnel, with specific amounts to be determined by the
Cabinet.

And it requires all allowances to be adjusted accordingly whenever the
cumulative consumer price index reaches 3-per cent.

The amendment was passed during a second round of voting, with 52 votes in
favor and 50 against.

Eight Taiwan People's Party lawmakers were absent.

K-M-T lawmaker Wang Hung-wei says the amendment is intended to address a
shortage of recruits - as the number of volunteer military personnel declined
from over 164,000 in 2021 to more than 152,000 in 2024 - leading to a
significant shortfall in troop strength.

Cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee says the amendments violated Article 70 of
the Constitution, which states that the Legislative Yuan shall not propose
increases to the expenditures in the budget submitted by the Cabinet.

Posted on 2025-06-11 08:15:13

The American Chamber of Commerce has released its 2025 White Paper - in which
its calling on Washington to cancel import taxes on Taiwanese goods and for
more high-level visits by U-S officials.

According to the business group, it's members are urging the U-S government
to "remove new and proposed tariffs on Taiwanese goods" as they "unfairly
penalize a trusted democratic partner."

The chamber says it believes that maintaining tariffs on semiconductors,
advanced machinery and electronics raises costs for American businesses and
consumers while sending a conflicting signal about the strength of US.-Taiwan
ties.

Speaking at an event marking the release of the White Paper, chamber
president Carl Wegner said Taiwan is a reliable friend of the U-S, a major
investor in American industry, and a critical contributor to supply chain
resilience ..

.. and, as the U-S works to bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce supply
chain vulnerabilities, it's in America's interest to ensure that Taiwan is
treated as a partner, not as an adversary.

The White Paper also calls for more visits to Taiwan by U-S cabinet
officials, saying that routine visits by senior U-S officials are a
cornerstone of diplomatic normalization and demonstrate that engagement with
Taiwan is normal, expected and uncontroversial.

Posted on 2025-06-11 08:15:13

The Centers for Disease Control says the number of patients seeking treatment
for COVID stood at 70,182 last week - a sign that the case numbers are
slowing.

According to the C-D-C, the number of COVID related medical visits rose by
9.3-per cent between June 1 and 7 - which is much lower than the previous
week's rise of 49-per cent.

C-D-C spokesperson Philip Luo says the peak has passed earlier than the
originally predicted end of June or early July timefram - which suggests the
epidemic may also end a couple of weeks earlier than the projected date of
August 9.

Luo also says this season's peak of 70,000 medical visits was only about half
of the 132,000 last summer, but past experiences show that if the epidemic is
milder in summer, there may be another surge during autumn and winter.

Posted on 2025-06-11 08:15:13

Reports say all cargo on the "Wan Hai 503" container ship that caught fire
off India's west coast earlier this week was properly declared, while the
cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The ship is operated by Taiwan-based Wan Hai Lines.

And customs documentation has been filed in every country the vessel passed
through amid speculation the vessel might have been carrying illegal cargo.

The exact cause of the blaze and the container responsible remain unknown.

However, Indian media has been reporting that the ship was carrying hazardous
cargo, including flammable solids and liquids, as well as toxic substances.

The "Wan Hai 503" departed from Kaohsiung in late May, with port calls in
Hong Kong, China, Singapore and Sri Lanka, before heading toward Mumbai.

Taiwan's representative office in India says 18 of the 22 crew members
onboard were rescued after abandoning ship, while four - including two
Taiwanese - remain missing.

Posted on 2025-06-11 08:15:14

The central bank says it has no plans to halt circulation of the 1 N-T coin
despite production costs now exceeding its face value.

The statement comes amid a global trend to phase out low-denomination coins -
with the U-S Treasury announcing last month it will stop minting the one-cent
coin early next year.

According to the central bank, international inflation and rising material
costs have led many countries to reconsider small-denomination coins.

The bank is acknowledging that Taiwan faces a similar situation, but is
stressing that it won't stop circulation of the 1 N-T coin due to continued
public demand.

However, the bank is also urging the pubic to ensure the recirculation of
unused coins - as the coin now costs roughly 1.54 N-T to produce.

Data shows that as of February this year over 8 billion 1 N-T coins were in
circulation.

The bank launched a coin recirculation program in 2014 to allow people to
deposit coins at convenience stores, supermarket chains, and through
electronic wallets, while major metro systems and some A-T-Ms also support
coin deposits.

Posted on 2025-06-11 08:15:14

And,

The Central Weather Administration says a tropical depression that formed
over the South China Sea earlier this week could develop into a tropical
storm later today.

If it does develop, it will become the first tropical storm of this year's
Pacific typhoon season and be named Wu-Tip.

The weather pattern is currently not forecast to directly affect Taiwan.

According to the weather administration, the system will move toward China's
Hainan Island and Guangdong Province.

However, its outer rain bands may affect the island from Thursday to
Saturday, bringing localized heavy rain - but heavy rain is possible in the
south and southeast.

The tropical depression is currently located some 900-kilometers southwest of
Eluanbi at the island's southernmost point and is moving in a
west-north-westerly direction at 9-kilometers per hour.

Posted on 2025-06-11 06:53:13

The Taipei District Prosecutor' Office has indicted four former D-P-P members
for alleged espionage on behalf of China.

According to the prosecutor' office, Huang Chu-rong and Chiu Shi-yuan have
been charged with divulging or delivering classified national security
information to China; disclosing, delivering, or transmitting confidential
information for official use to China; and money laundering.

Huang has also been charged with "developing a criminal organization" for
China by the High Prosecutors' Office.

That charge has been added by the High Prosecutors' Office as it involves
threats to national security and social stability.

Ho Ren-chieh has been charged with divulging or delivering classified
national security information to China and disclosing, delivering, or
transmitting confidential information for official use to China.

While Wu Shang-yu has been charged with divulging or delivering classified
national security information to a foreign country.

Prosecutors say Huang and Ho denied any wrongdoing during the investigation
and fabricated false information to mislead authorities.

However, Chiu and Wu both confessed to their crimes.

All four are currently in custody.

Posted on 2025-06-11 06:53:13

The American Chamber of Commerce says it members are increasingly concerned
about Taiwan's energy security following the phase-out of nuclear power,
stalled renewable energy development and surging demand from the tech sector.

Speaking at the release of the chamber's 2025 White Paper, chamber president
Carl Wegner said the business group's members as are asking for a more stable
and predictable energy supply.

According to Wegner, AmCham 500 member companies represent a wide range of
industries and the group maintains a neutral stance on energy sources ...

.. but they are urged the Lai administration to engage foreign businesses in
discussions about its long-term planning, particularly on energy generation
and pricing, to provide companies with greater investment confidence.

The chamber's 2025 White Paper also highlights what it described as
"structural challenges" in Taiwan's energy transition.

The paper warns that Taiwan's energy outlook faces growing uncertainty, with
nuclear power phased out, coal use declining, gas development disrupted by
global fuel volatility and delays in energy projects ..

.. which raises concerns for power-intensive sectors like semiconductors and
artificial intelligence.

Posted on 2025-06-11 06:53:13

Three N-G-Os have simulated major escalations in Chinese military activities
around Taiwan in 2030 in a tabletop exercise.

The simulation included a scenario in which Chinese navy ships intruded into
Taiwan's territorial waters.

The two-day exercise focused mainly on China's "gray zone" activities.

It was jointly hosted by the Taipei School of Economics and Political Science
Foundation, the Center for Peace and Security think tank and the Wargaming
Studies research institute.

The event was attended by several former defense officials, including former
Chief of the General Staff Lee Hsi-min, retired U-S' Navy Admiral Michael
Mullen and former Japanese Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Shigeru Iwasaki.

The scenario envisoned Taiwan deploying Coast Guard and Navy vessels to
shadow Chinese vessels and deploying submarines to "ambush zones" in waters
northeast and southwest of Taiwan proper.

Taiwan decided not to open fire at the intruders based on the principle that
it "does not fire the first shot, thus starting a war."

Posted on 2025-06-11 06:53:13

Academia Sinica has inaugurated Taiwan's first quantum chip fabrication and
quantum computing test platforms.

Inauguration of the platforms came as Academia Sinica unveiled its research
and development achievements in quantum computer chip fabrication at its
South Campus in Tainan.

According to Academia Sinica, the achievements include the successful
production of high-quality superconducting quantum-bits using 8-inch wafer
equipment.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Academia Sinica President James Liao said
quantum science is rapidly developing globally and requires simultaneous
investment in advanced fabrication R&D talent and cutting-edge hardware.

Liao noted that a major bottleneck in quantum computing lies in process
stability and optimization, and the lack of quantifiable, high-quality
fabrication processes - but Academia Sinica has validated at least three
different fabrication methods.

He did not elaborate on those methods.

However, Liao did tell reporters that two key quantum infrastructure
facilities established by Academia Sinica will be open to collaborative use
by academic and research institutions islandwide.

Posted on 2025-06-11 06:53:13

The Food and Drug Administration says a batch of collagen drinks imported
from Germany has been seized after tests found it contained excessive
preservative levels.

According to the F-D-A, 500-kilogram shipment was found to contain 0.4 grams
per kilogram of benzoic acid and 0.4 grams per kilogram of sorbic acid.

The means the combined preservative amount exceeded legal limits.

The F-D-A says the shipment was imported by Fucoidan Pharmaceutical and the
company will now face an increased inspection rate of between 20 and 50-per
cent at the border, up from the usual 2 to 10-per cent.

Posted on 2025-06-11 06:53:13

The Taichung M-R-T has marked the milestone of 50-million cumulative rides
and announced a prize giveaway in partnership with Starlux Airlines.

According to Taichung Mass Rapid Transit Corporation, the passenger whose
trip constituted the 50-millionth journey recorded on the system will receive
a pair of Starlux business class round-trip tickets from Taichung to any
destination in Asia.

The metro operator says the milestone passenger took the ride by entering at
Jiushe Station with an iPASS card and exiting at Taichung City Hall Station
on Monday.

The passengers whose trips constituted the 49,999,999th and 50,000,001st
rides on the system will also each be awarded a Starlux economy class
round-trip ticket from Taichung to a destination in Asia.

The metro company has congratulated the three passengers and asked them to
contact the company to claim their prizes.

Posted on 2025-06-11 06:53:13

And,

Taiwan will showcase its literature and a variety of art forms as the guest
of honor at this year's Seoul International Book Fair.

Culture Minister Li Yuan says there will be 23 featured artists at the Guest
of Honor Pavilion, showcasing Taiwan's literature, picture books, comics,
documentaries and music to audiences in South Korea.

According to Taiwan Creative Content Agency, visitors will be able to learn
about literature, lifestyles, graphics, folk culture and tourism in Taiwan
from 550 books that will be showcased at the book fair.

The Hokkien rock band Tsng-kha-lang will kick off the book fair on June 18
with a performance.

While 40 events featuring Taiwanese and South Korean authors and discussions
among Taiwanese content creators, publishers and translators are also
planned.

Posted on 2025-06-11 06:53:13

The Israeli navy attacked docks in Yemen’s rebel-held port city of Hodeida,
likely damaging facilities that are key to aid shipments to the war-wracked
nation.

The Israeli military said navy missile ships conducted the strikes Tuesday,
the first time its forces have been involved in attacks against the Houthi
rebels.

Tuesday’s attack comes as the Houthis have repeatedly launched missiles and
drones targeting Israel during its war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Posted on 2025-06-11 06:53:13

Around 15,000 protesters have filled a square in Hungary’s capital.

Organizers call it the beginning of a resistance movement against the
government of populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Nearly two dozen public figures joined the demonstration in Budapest.

Most of the speakers criticized what they see as the government’s
increasingly anti-democratic conduct.

Some alleged corruption benefiting those with ties to Orban’s Fidesz party.

National elections approach in 2026 and Orban’s party trails in most polls
to a new opposition challenger.

The Hungarian leader’s detractors say he has turned to more authoritarian
tactics to silence critics.

Posted on 2025-06-11 06:53:13

The U.N. envoy to Myanmar is warning that the Southeast Asian country is on
“a path to self-destruction” if the violence doesn’t end.

Julie Bishop told the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday that “alarmingly”
the violence didn’t end after a powerful earthquake in late March devasted
the capital and the country's second-largest city, killing more than 3,000
people and injuring thousands more.

She said ceasefires announced by some parties have largely not been observed,
and people in Myanmar must now deal with the raging conflict and the
earthquake’s devastation.

A widespread armed struggle against military rule in Myanmar began in
February 2021 after generals seized power from the elected government of Aung
San Suu Kyi.

Bishop says more than 22,000 political prisoners are still in detention,
including Suu Kyi, and the ousted president, Win Myint.

Posted on 2025-06-11 06:53:13

The International Monetary Fund had said it visited Syria for the first time
since 2009 as the country scrambles to rebuild after over a decade of
conflict.

The IMF says Syria cannot afford hundreds of billions of dollars of damages
and losses from the conflict that first started as protests in 2011 against
Bashar Assad’s totalitarian government.

During its five-day visit this month, the IMF met with officials from Syria's
public and private sectors, notably the finance minister and central bank
governor, and said Syria was willing to reform its economy and make its
outdated state institutions viable again.

In 2017, the United Nations estimated that rebuilding Syria would cost about
$250 billion.

Since Assad was overthrown, some experts say that number could be as high as
$400 billion.

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