ICRT

Posted on 2025-12-26 08:07:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

The north concourse of Taoyuan International Airport's Terminal 3 has
officially began operating.

Speaking at the opening cermony, President Lai Ching-te said upcoming goals
include completing Terminal 3 by 2027 to allow construction of the airport's
third runway to begin ....

... and another goal is for the airport to handle 83 million passengers, 3.85
million tons of cargo, and 435,000 takeoffs and landings annually by 2045,
creating an economic impact of 2.2-trillion N-T.

According to the Taoyuan International Airport Corporation, the north
concourse is expected to ease congestion during early-morning transfer and
departure peak hours, as 40 arriving and departing flights will use the
concourse every day.

A trial period began on December 1 and the airport operator says a total of
259 takeoffs and landings were recorded during that period -- with passenger
traffic reaching 58,801.

Terminal 3 was designed by British architect Richard Rogers, who also
designed the Pompidou Centre in Paris, and it features a bright, modern
design with silver-gray and orange accents.

The north concourse extends from Gate D-10 at Terminal 2 and connects to
Gates D-11 through D-18.

The main Terminal 3 complex is scheduled to be completed and opened in 2027.

Posted on 2025-12-26 08:07:13

Police in Taipei say they're investigating a threatening note written in
English found on the memorial wall at Eslite Bookstore's Nanxi branch.

The statement comes after a member of the public reported discovering the
message on the memorial wall last night.

According to the Taipei City Police Department, officers have been reviewing
closed circuit television footage from the area and are actively
investigating the suspect's identity and related information.

Images and text posted on social media show the note reads - "I will kill
more people in the next few days."

The memorial wall outside the Eslite Bookstore's Nanxi branch appeared after
members of the public began placing flowers and candles there following last
Friday's deadly knife and smoke bomb attacks.

The suspect died after falling from the rooftop of the bookstore, which is
next to the Zhongshan MRT Station.

Posted on 2025-12-26 08:07:13

K-M-T lawmaker Hsieh Lung-chieh has been presented with a "prop handgun" that
he proceeded to brandish during a campaign event in Tainan.

Hsieh is the K-M-T's nominee for the 2026 Tainan mayoral election.

He was selected as the party's mayoral pick on Wednesday and was speaking at
a year-end event for K-M-T military veterans when deputy party chairman and
retired Marine Corps general, Chi Lin-lien pulled out the gun ...

.. which appeared to shock some of the people on stage.

Chi told Hsieh that the handgun was "the latest model" from a Marine Corps
manufacturing facility, and presented it to him with wishes for a "resounding
victory" with "full firepower."

Chi added that he had wanted to bring a rifle, but that it would have been
"inconvenient" to take on the High Speed Rail.

The K-M-T is stressing that the handgun was a "toy" and intended for use as a
"prop."

Hsieh previously ran for Tainan mayor in 2022, gaining 43.63-per cent of the
vote in a loss to D-P-P incumbent Huang Wei-che, who received 48.8-per cent
of the vote.

Posted on 2025-12-26 08:07:13

The Chiayi District Court has ordered a woma to pay 13.9-million N-T in civil
damages for selling her mobile phone number to scammers who used it to
defraud the man who filed suit.

According to a civil judgment issued by the court, the woman signed up for a
mobile phone number at a telecom store and sold the SIM card to a man for 300
N-T in August of last year.

Members of the telecom fraud ring the contacted a victim using the SIM card,
impersonating police officers and financial regulators.

The victim was led to believe that his bank account had suspicious
transactions and he transferred a total of 13.9-million N-T to unknown
accounts between August and October of last year.

The court says although the woman did not carry out the fraud herself, the
mobile number she sold was used to contact the victim -- and by providing the
number, she had in effect assisted the scammers.

The verdict can be appealed.

Posted on 2025-12-26 08:07:13

And finally,

The Taiwan Network Information Center says a survey shows that short-form
videos have become the most common media format consumed by users, ahead of
social media.

According to the survey, 78.46-per cent of respondents had watched a
short-form video in the past three months, surpassing the 76.86-per cent who
had used a social media platform.

More than three-fifths of respondents said they watched short videos daily
across multiple platforms, while nearly half reported viewing short videos
multiple times a day, compared to 8.06-per cent who said they watched once a
day.

The report defined a short-term video as content lasting 15 seconds to three
minutes on such platforms as TikTok, Instagram Reels, Facebook Reels and
YouTube Shorts.

The social media platforms it surveyed were Facebook, Instagram, Threads,
TikTok, PTT, X and Dcard.

Taiwan Network Information Center says the data shows that short videos have
embedded themselves into daily life in a relatively short period, and their
influence should not be underestimated.

Posted on 2025-12-26 06:55:13

A New York holiday tradition of ice skating is still going strong.

The A-P's Lisa Dwyer reports.

---

And finally,

American college football's signature event has seen a ratings dip in its
second year of a newer 12-team format.

Gethin Coolbaugh reports.

Posted on 2025-12-26 06:54:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it's maintaining an "open and pragmatic"
attitude towards future developments with Honduras after the country's
presidential election .

This comes after Nasry Asfura of the opposition National Party of Honduras
was declared the winner of the polls.

Asfura has pledged to restore formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

But MOFA has refused to offer any further comment on this possibility.

Instead, the foreign ministry said it called on the president-elect to
implement policies based on the welfare of the people.

Both Asfura and his opponent Salvador Nasralla had pledged to restore
diplomatic relations with Taiwan during their election campaigns.

Ties between Taiwan and Honduras were severed in 2023 by sitting President
Xiomara Castro - who established formal ties with Beijing.

Posted on 2025-12-26 06:54:13

The Pentagon has released its annual report to Congress, warning that Beijing
could eventually see a full amphibious invasion of Taiwan as the only
"prudent" way to bring about unification.

The Pentagon's "Annual Report to Congress: Military and Security Developments
Involving the People's Republic of China 2025," was similar to the 2024
report.

However, it reorganized its analysis of the options China has to take over
Taiwan.

U-S defense officials say Chinese leaders view Beijing's capabilities for a
Taiwan campaign as improving, but they remain uncertain about its readiness
to successfully seize the island while countering potential U-S involvement.

The report adds Beijing is busy refining several military options to force
unification with Taiwan, ranging from coercive actions short of war to a
full-scale joint island landing campaign ...

... and a landing campaign involving a large-scale amphibious invasion of
Taiwan would be the most decisive and riskiest option.

Washington is said to lack information about whether Beijing has determined
the viability of other unification options... but says the decisiveness of a
joint island landing campaign will probably make it an increasingly more
appealing option ..

..... as the decision space for other options is constrained.

Posted on 2025-12-26 06:54:13

The K-M-T and the Taiwan People's Party have unveiled the "Taiwan Future
Accounts" - which they say is aimed at providing government-funded investment
accounts for children that could be claimed in full when they turn 18 years
of age.

The policy is said said to be aimed at easing the financial pressure on
parents and help stop the island's declining birthrate.

Under the draft version of the plan, the government will be required to
establish accounts for children aged 12 years and below with valid household
registration in Taiwan.

The government will put an initial sum of 50,000 N-T in each account,
followed by an additional 10,000 N-T annually until a child turns 12, which
will be invested in index funds on Taiwan's stock market.

The draft states that on turning 18, the owner of the account will receive
the accumulated funds to help pay for higher education, start a business, put
towards a down payment on a house, or invest.

K-M-T Chair Cheng Li-wun says the funds for the program would be overseen by
a Taiwan Future Accounts Fund Management Committee established by the
government.

While T-P-P Chairman Huang Kuo-chang is acknowledging that the inspiration
for the proposal came from the "Trump Accounts" program - which was recently
announced in the U-S.

Posted on 2025-12-26 06:54:13

The Coast Guard Administration says it dispatched three patrol frigates to
shadow and monitor Chinese coast guard vessels after they entered restricted
waters off of Kinmen.

The three Chinese vessels were detected sailing in formation outside
restricted waters west of Dadan Island before entering Kinmen's restricted
waters.

The administration says it's patrol frigates sailed alongside each of the
Chinese vessels and prevented them from further advancing into water around
the outlying island.

The administration also says it broadcast radio messages in Chinese and
English -- informing the Chinese vessels that their actions severely
undermined regional peace and stability, posed a risk to navigation safety,
and demanded that they leave the area immediately.

The Chinese coast guard vessels left the area some two hours after first
being sighted.

The Coast Guard Administration has condemned the incursion -- describing it
as being unprofessional and irrational.

Posted on 2025-12-26 06:54:13

And,

The New Taipei Metro Corporation says the Circular Line, the Danhai Light
Rail Transit and the Ankeng Light Rail Transit in New Taipei will operate
through New Year's Eve to accommodate crowds attending year-end festivities
and fireworks displays.

Trains on the Circular Line will run at 12-minute intervals from 11PM on
December 31 to 1AM on January 1, before shifting to 15-minute intervals from
1AM to 6AM.

While services on the Danhai and Ankeng light rail transit lines will be
extended well into the morning of January 1, operating at 30-minute intervals
from midnight to 6AM in that day.

The metro company also says it has conducted a multi-hazard emergency drill
aimed to test emergency response mechanisms, the speed of police and fire
brigade support, and use of onboard self-defense and emergency equipment to
buy time before first responders arrived.

The metro operator is urging passengers to stay alert to their surroundings
and report to station staff immediately when they see anything abnormal.

Posted on 2025-12-26 06:54:13

The Ministry of Agriculture is warning that cat owners who fail to put
microchips in their pets could face fines of up to 15,000 N-T from next
month.

Under the Animal Protection Act, dog owners have been required to microchip
and register their pets since 2008 -- with violators subject to fines of up
to 15,000 N-T.

The same requirement was extended to cat owners at the start of this year
after an amendment to pet regulations was formally announced on December 16,
2024.

The penalties are set to take effect on January 1, 2026 -- that's next week.

From that time, cat owners who fail to microchip their pets may face the same
fines as for dogs and can be ordered to correct the violation within a set
time period.

If the owner still fails to comply by the deadline, additional fines may be
imposed for each subsequent offense.

Posted on 2025-12-26 06:54:13

The Reuters News Agency reports Poland sent fighter jets to intercept a
Russian reconnaissance aircraft flying near its airspace over the Baltic
Sea...

The Polish army also said dozens of objects entered from Belarus overnight,
and they're warning the incidents during the holiday season may signal a
provocation.

Countries on NATO's eastern flank have been on high alert for potential
airspace incursions since September when three Russian military jets violated
Estonia's airspace... and days after more than 20 Russian drones had entered
Polish airspace.

Belarusian and Russian embassies in Warsaw did not immediately respond to
Reuters requests for comment.

Posted on 2025-12-26 06:54:13

North Korea's state media says its leader Kim Jong Un has signaled the
country will continue to develop missiles in the next five years.

The comments came as Kim visited major munitions enterprises in the last
quarter of 2025.

KCNA quoted Kim as saying that "the country's missile and shell production
sector is of paramount importance in bolstering war deterrent."

Kim ratified draft documents for the modernization of major munitions
enterprises to be submitted to a key party congress expected to be held in
early 2026.

KCNA has said that that, in turn, will set a development plan for North Korea
for the next five years.

Posted on 2025-12-26 06:54:13

A New York holiday tradition of ice skating is still going strong.

The A-P's Lisa Dwyer reports.

---

And finally,

American college football's signature event has seen a ratings dip in its
second year of a newer 12-team format.

Gethin Coolbaugh reports.

Posted on 2025-12-25 17:19:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it will keep an 'open and pragmatic'
approach toward Honduras following the country’s presidential election.

This comes as Conservative, Trump-backed opposition candidate Nasry Asfura
was declared the winner on Christmas Eve, narrowly defeating rival Salvador
Nasralla in a closely fought vote.

During the campaign, both leading candidates pledged to restore diplomatic
ties with Taiwan, which Honduras severed in 2023 in favor of China.

In a statement, Taiwan urged the president-elect to govern in the interests
of the Honduran people, but avoided commenting on whether ties would be
restored.

The election outcome is still being contested, with Nasralla and senior
figures in the ruling party alleging voting irregularities.

Pressure to renew relations has grown as Honduras faces economic losses,
including a steep drop in shrimp exports to Taiwan since the diplomatic
break.

Posted on 2025-12-25 17:19:13

The Circular Line, Danhai Light Rail, and Ankeng LRT in New Taipei will
operate through New Year’s Eve to handle crowds at year-end festivities and
fireworks.

The Danhai LRT will add extra trains on its Blue Ocean Line from 3 to 5 ＰＭ,
while shuttle buses will replace train services between Binhai Shalun and
Kanding stations from 5 to 11 ＰＭ at five- to eight-minute intervals.

LRT services will continue into the morning of New Year's Day, running every
30 minutes from midnight to 6 ＡＭ.

While Circular Line trains will operate every 12 minutes from 11 ＰＭ to 1
ＡＭ, then every 15 minutes until 6 ＡＭ.

Posted on 2025-12-25 17:19:13

Taiwanese airline Tigerair Taiwan on Thursday launched its new Tainan-Okinawa
route, which will make round trips every Thursday and Sunday.

Attending the launch ceremony, Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (???) welcomed
travelers arriving in Tainan and presented them with a souvenir.

With the launch of the Tainan-Kumamoto route on Tuesday, operating flights
every Tuesday and Friday, Tainan City government said the routes between
Tainan and southwestern Japan would boost bilateral travel, trade and
cultural exchanges.

According to Tigerair Taiwan, the airline's Kaohsiung-Kumamoto route was
launched on Tuesday and is scheduled to fly every Tuesday and Friday,

Posted on 2025-12-25 15:06:18

Metro and light rail systems across New Taipei are set to run nonstop for 42
hours to welcome in the New Year.

According to the New Taipei Metro Corporation, the Danhai Light Rail, Ankeng
Light Rail, and the Circular Line will operate continuously starting December
31st, easing travel for New Year's Eve celebrations and post-fireworks
crowds.

Additional services will be added on the Danhai Light Rail mid-afternoon to
boost capacity to Fisherman's Wharf, a popular fireworks viewing spot.

However, commuters should note that from 5 PM to 11 PM on New Year's Eve, the
light rail section between Binhai Shalun and Kanding will be replaced shuttle
bus services running every five to eight minutes.

Then overnight, trains will run at reduced intervals through early hours on
New Year's Day.

Posted on 2025-12-25 15:06:13

The U-S Department of Defense warns that Beijing could eventually view a
full-scale amphibious invasion of Taiwan as the only 'prudent' option for
achieving unification.

In its newly released annual report to Congress on China's military
development, the Pentagon says Chinese leaders believe the PLA's capabilities
for a Taiwan campaign are improving, but remain uncertain about their ability
to succeed, especially if the U-S intervenes.

The report outlines several military options under consideration, ranging
from coercive actions short of war to missile strikes or a blockade.

However, it says a large-scale amphibious landing would be the most
decisive—and riskiest—approach.

Such an operation would require complex coordination to breach Taiwan's
defenses and establish a beachhead.

Despite the risks, the Pentagon warns Beijing is actively preparing for this
scenario and may see it as increasingly attractive as other options narrow.

Posted on 2025-12-25 15:06:18

Cat owners in Taiwan who fail to microchip and register their pets in the New
Year could face fines of up 15 thousand NT.

The Ministry of Agriculture officially extended the requirement for mandatory
microchipping to cats earlier this year.

Penalties are set to take effect on January 1st ... when cat owners who fail
to follow through can be ordered to correct the violation within a set time
period.

If the owner still fails to comply by the deadline, additional fines may be
imposed for each subsequent offense.

The MOA says the policy is designed to reduce pet abandonment, curb illegal
breeding, and make it easier to reunite lost cats with their owners.

According to the MOA's most recent pet census, Taiwan has 1.31 million cats.

But only around 164 thousand of them are microchipped ... as of this year.

Posted on 2025-12-25 15:06:18

Britain's King Charles III has chosen Westminster Abbey as the site of his
Christmas Day speech.

The choice reflects the idea of pilgrimage that is expected to be a theme of
the annual address on Thursday to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

The central London landmark is known for the lavish coronations and royal
weddings it has hosted for more than 1,000 years.

It's also the focus of an annual pilgrimage to the tomb of Edward the
Confessor which lies at the heart of the church.

The monarch’s annual holiday message is watched by millions of people in the
U-K and across the 56-nation Commonwealth.

Posted on 2025-12-25 14:49:13

The opposition KMT and Taiwan People's Party have jointly unveiled a proposal
to create a government-funded investment account for children.

Under the plan, the government would deposit 50,000 NT into a dedicated
account for every child aged 12 and under, followed by an annual contribution
of 10,000 NT until they turn 18.

These funds would be invested in the Taiwan stock market to ensure growth.

By the time a child reaches adulthood, the account is projected to be worth
at least 339,000 NT.

These funds could then be used for higher education, job training, starting a
business, or a first-home down payment.

TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang says the policy will help combat child poverty.

While KMT counterpart Cheng Li-wen noted the plan also encourages long-term
financial literacy.

The proposal carries an initial price tag of 113 billion NT, with annual
funding needs of 26 billion NT thereafter.

It now heads to the legislature for debate.

Posted on 2025-12-25 14:49:14

Saudi Arabia has called on separatists in Yemen to withdraw from two
governorates they now hold.

This move could spark tensions within the coalition fighting the Houthi
rebels.

On Thursday, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry urged the Southern Transitional
Council to pull back from Hadramout and Mahra.

The council is backed by the UAE, while Saudi Arabia supports the National
Shield Forces.

The ministry emphasized the need for Yemeni factions to cooperate and avoid
destabilizing actions.

The council's actions have strained Saudi-UAE relations, as they both seek
influence in the region.

Posted on 2025-12-25 13:22:13

The Central Weather Administration has issued a yellow low-temperature alert
for some areas of the north and northwest .... as a continental cold air mass
moves south and sends temperatures plunging across the island.

That means parts of New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu County, and Miaoli could see
temperatures fall below 10 degrees Celsius tonight through tomorrow morning.

Forecasters say temperatures will continue to drop through the evening,
bringing damp and chilly conditions ... especially for northern Taiwan and
Yilan, where daytime highs of around 18 to 19 degrees can be expected.

Central and southern regions, along with Taitung, can expect highs of 22 to
24 degrees during the daytime today, but overnight lows will fall sharply.

The coldest period is expected late tonight into early tomorrow.

Posted on 2025-12-25 13:22:14

If you’re heading to Taipei's Xinyi District for Christmas today, expect to
see a strong police presence — including heavily armed officers.

Police say security has been stepped up following the random attack in Taipei
last Friday, with extra patrols deployed to crowded areas such as shopping
malls, pedestrian boulevards, MRT stations, the Taipei Dome, and nearby
nightlife districts.

Uniformed and plainclothes officers will also be conducting foot and vehicle
patrols throughout the day, while armed police stand guard to deter any
potential threats.

In addition, traffic controls are in place around major intersections to
manage holiday crowds and reduce congestion.

Authorities urge the public to stay alert, and report any suspicious activity
to police.

Posted on 2025-12-25 13:22:14

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a national bravery
award to honor those who confronted an antisemitic terror attack.

The attack, which left 15 dead, occurred on Dec. 14 during Hanukkah
celebrations.

Albanese today highlighted the contrast between extremist violence and acts
of bravery.

He plans to establish a special honors system for those who helped during the
attack.

Meanwhile, New South Wales leader Chris Minns called for national solidarity
with the Jewish community.

The state has passed tougher gun laws and measures to restrict public
displays of terrorist symbols to prevent future violence.

Posted on 2025-12-24 20:06:13

Authorities say no injuries have been reported after a strong earthquake
struck Taitung late this afternoon.

According to the Central Weather Administration, the quake struck at around
5:47 PM and was centered 10.1 kilometers north of Taitung County Hall at a
depth of almost 12 kilometers.

Local media reports the quake sent residents rushing outdoors as buildings
shook.

Rail services remain suspended between Hualien and Taitung, as well as
Pingtung and Taitung, with bus replacement services in place while safety
inspections are carried out on tracks.

Minor damage has been reported, including cracked walls at Taitung Prison and
fallen ceiling panels at a local senior high school.

Posted on 2025-12-24 20:06:13

Seismologists are also warning residents in eastern Taiwan to prepare for
significant aftershocks.

Experts say tremors measuring between magnitude 5.5 and 6 could occur over
the next three days to a week.

Residents are urged to stay alert and secure heavy furniture or loose items
inside homes.

The quake originated near Beinan Township and was shallow, allowing shaking
to be felt across much of the island.

Seismologists say it was caused by the ongoing collision between the Eurasian
and Philippine Sea Plates near Taiwan's east coast.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-24 20:06:13

The Ministry of the Interior is reminding drivers not to brake suddenly if a
major earthquake strikes while they are on the road.

Drivers are advised to slow down safely, turn on hazard lights, and pull over
to the side of the road.

Once stopped, they should take their license and registration, leave their
keys and contact details in the vehicle, and move to a safe area.

The ministry also urges the public to remember the three key earthquake
safety steps: drop, cover, and hold on.

Posted on 2025-12-24 18:10:14

No damage or injuries are being immediately reported after a strong magnitude
6.1 earthquake struck in Taitung County just over 10 minutes ago.

According to the Central Weather Administration, the quake struck at around
5:47 PM and was centered 10.1 kilometers north of Taitung County Hall at a
depth of almost 12 kilometers.

It was felt strongest in many parts of Taitung County ... where it registered
a magnitude of 5- in Beinan on the Central Weather Administration's intensity
scale ... and intensity level 4 in other parts of the county, including
Taitung City, Donghe, Taimali, Luye and Chishang.

The quake also registered a magnitude 4 on the scale in many parts of
neighboring Hualien and Pingtung Counties ...

And registered a 3 in Nantou, Kaohsiung, Tainan, Chiayi, and Yunlin ... and
intensity level 2 a little further north in Miaoli and Taichung.

While up here in northern Taiwan, tremors registered intensity level 2 in
Taipei, and New Taipei.

Posted on 2025-12-24 18:10:15

Taipei City says it is strengthening security ahead of New Year's Eve
celebrations ... following heightened concerns after Friday's random knife
attack.

Police in the Xinyi District say armed officers will be deployed daily
through the end of the New Year's Eve countdown,

Authorities have also met with 45 businesses inside the fireworks control
zone, including department stores, nightclubs, and parking operators, to
coordinate safety measures.

Large numbers of officers will be mobilized to maintain order, manage
traffic, and prevent crowd congestion around Taipei 101 and nearby nightlife
areas.

Police say rapid-response units will remain on standby overnight to deal with
emergencies.

Officials say the goal is zero tolerance for crime and a safe New Year's
celebration for everyone.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-24 18:10:15

Chiayi City has announced universal cash handouts for residents in the New
Year.

According to Mayor Huang Min-hui (黃敏惠), each eligible resident will
receive six thousand NT, with distribution set for January twenty-fourth and
twenty-fifth.

The plan was approved by the city council this week as part of a broader
economic stimulus package.

The payments will be funded through budget surpluses and aim to boost
consumer spending and support local businesses.

Only residents registered in Chiayi City before December eighth will qualify.

City officials say further details on collection procedures will be announced
soon.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-24 17:08:13

Scholars are urging the public not to put the blame at the parents of
attacker Zhang Wen...

instead, they emphasize the importance of the social safety net.

That's as his parents went to Taipei yesterday and publicly apologized for
their son's actions.

Meanwhile he mother of Yu Chia-chang, who died trying to stop Zhang, called
on the public not to direct their anger towards Zhang's parents, as the
attack had nothing to do with them.

Social psychologists emphasize that it's key to integrate those who have been
alienated from society back into the fold, and to avoid blaming the families
of origin.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-24 17:08:17

President Lai Ching-te has instructed the Cabinet to codify whole-of-society
defense responses so that government agencies and civilians have standardized
courses of action to follow in an emergency.

He made the call after the sixth meeting of the Presidential Office's
Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee.

Lai emphasized that Taiwan needs social resilience just as much as military
might.

He asked the Cabinet to take charge of coordinating disaster prevention
efforts betwen central and local governments.

Additionally, the president asked the Ministry of National Defense to expand
military-civilian cooperation through drills, building on this year's Urban
Resilience Exercises.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-24 17:08:27

security

The Central African Republic will hold elections this weekend...

as concerns over armed groups have led to a growing reliance on Russia for
security.

The incumbent President has been in office since 2016 and is expected to win
a third term after a referendum removed term limits.

His decision to run again sparked a protest by thousands of people earlier
this year.

Meanwhile, rights groups are raising concerns about repression ahead of the
vote, while a major opposition group is vowing to boycott the elections.

On top of all that, the UN peacekeeping mission that helps protect election
sites is also downsizing.

Posted on 2025-12-24 17:08:27

Now turning to internatioanl news...

Russian officials say, three people have been killed in an explosion in
Moscow.

That's just days after a car bomb killed a high-ranking army general decently
close by.

Of the 3 dead in today's explosion, 2 were police officers.

Russian authorities say that the two were approaching a "suspicious
individual" when an explosive device went off.

The two officers, as well as another person standing nearby, were killed in
the blast.

Investigators say Ukraine may have been behind Monday's attack, which was the
third such killing of a senior military officer in just over a year.

Posted on 2025-12-24 17:08:22

Taipei's education budget for next year will rise to nearly 69.4 billion NT
— an increase of over 4.2 billion from this year.

The city's Department of Education says the added funding will support campus
upgrades, AI learning, and what officials are calling "trilingual"
education...

... which adds programming languages—or coding—to existing Chinese and
English instruction.

Starting next September, 65 schools will pilot this new curriculum

Schools that successfully integrate these digital skills into their
classrooms can apply for official "trilingual" certification starting in
2026.

Officials say the budget will also fund a major AI Education White Paper and
international exchange programs, as Taipei pushes to become a leading
high-tech learning hub.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-24 17:08:27

In Syria, hundreds of people have gathered to memorialize the victims of a
suicide attack.

The congregation at Mar Elias Church held mass a lit a Christmas tree
decorated with photos of those killed.

The attack in June near the Syrian capital killed 25.

Among the victims are 3 men who have been celebrated as heroes for tackling
the bomber and preventing a higher death toll.

The attack has been blamed on an Islamic State cell and was the first of its
kind in Syria in years.

Posted on 2025-12-24 14:22:14

The DPP election strategy committee is recommending lawmaker Chen Su
Yue陳素月 to run for Changhua magistrate in next year's local elections.

Chen and fellow lawmaker Huang Xiu Fang, as well as Changhua City Mayor Lin
Shi Xian and former mayor Qiu Jian Fu had all declared their interest in
running.

Spokesperson Wu Zheng said that the DPP earlier this month conducted a poll
to gauge support of the candidates, with Chen taking the leading.

Huang and Lin both respected the results of the poll... while Qiu stated that
he would not rule out running as an independent.

Meanwhile the committee has not yet decided who they will recommend for the
position of Keelung Mayor...

while many had speculated that they would announce City Council Speaker Tong
Zi Wei as the recommendation.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-24 14:22:14

Keelung's new metro system is set to begin construction this January, with a
groundbreaking ceremony to take place in Qidu (七堵) District.

Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang (謝國樑) says the first construction site will
be near Baifu (百福) Station, where early work will focus on retaining walls
and relocating vegetation.

The Mayor believes the project will create more local jobs, encouraging
residents to work in Keelung rather than commuting to Taipei.

The first phase of the Keelung Metro, with an estimated budget of nearly 70
billion NT, will span more than 15 kilometers, linking Keelung's Badu (八堵)
Station with Taipei's Nangang District, and passing through New Taipei's
Xizhi area.

The line will include 13 stations, five of them in Keelung.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-24 14:22:14

attacks

The Ministry of the Interior says, the next disaster preparation booklet will
offer updated information on how to respond to violent and large-scale
terrorist attacks.

However, Minister Liu Shi Fang noted that, as the legislature has yet to
approve next year's general budget, it's not yet certain if there will be the
funds to put out another edition of the "little orange book" next year.

Liu said her ministry will first update relevant online information, adding
that she will do her utmost to strive for another edition of the booklet.

Liu noted that this year's National Public Safety Guide booklet has seen 6.8
million copies already distributed.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-24 14:22:14

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at 28371 after
gaining 61 points

The turnover was 429 billion NT

Posted on 2025-12-24 14:22:14

U.S. President Donald Trump says he will be extending invitations to next
year's Group of 20 summit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

The summit is slated to be held at Trump's Miami-area golf club next
December.

The Republican administration is looking to deepen its relationship with the
Central Asian nations.

The region holds deep reserves of rare earth metals used in high-tech
devices.

Trump announced the plan on Tuesday after holding separate phone calls with
the presidents of the two countries.

Neither country is a member of the G20, but the host country of the annual
leaders' gathering often invites non-members to attend the summit.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-12-24 13:07:13

A special task force of police and prosecutors went back to the the crime
scene at Eslite Nan-xi Bookstore in Taipei this morning to carry out a 3D
reconstruction of the scene.

It is where the random attacker Zhang Wen killed three and injured 11 on the
19th.

The task force also wants to clarify unresolved questions and search for
additional evidence.

Zhang threw smoke bombs and attacked people with a knife near Taipei Main
Station and Zhongshan MRT Station, before entering the bookstore to continue
the attack.

Forensic experts concluded yesterday that he died by suicide after an
autopsy.

As for whether he may have planned additional attacks, police said current
evidence indicates there were only two targets: the area around Taipei Main
Station and the Eslite Nanxi bookstore.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-24 13:07:13

Taipei Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of at least 10 years for KMT
lawmaker Zheng Tian Cai (鄭天財) with charges of taking bribes totaling 7
million NT from businesses.

According to prosecutors, 9 businesses that paid the bribes were given the
title of "Special Assistants to Zheng's Legislative Office."

The indictment said Zheng and his office manager were involved in bribery and
money laundering beginning in 2020 and lasting three to four years.

It said the businesses transferred money ranging between 10-thousand and
100-thousand NT to Zheng on a regular basis.

In return he would take advantage of his position to provice service to them.

8 of the businesses owners who offered bribes were given deferred prosecution
with fines of up to 2 million NT, while one suspect is deceased and therefore
not prosecuted.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-24 13:07:13

Mexico's president says air traffic controllers lost communication for 10
minutes with a small Mexican Navy plane carrying a young medical patient and
seven others before it crashed off the Texas coast.

The crash killed at least six people.

Authorities initially believed the plane had landed safely in the city of
Galveston before learning it had gone down Monday afternoon.

A search-and-rescue operation pulled two survivors from the wreckage.

On Tuesday night, a search team found the body of the last person on the
flight, a 29-year-old Navy lieutenant.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Heavy fog blanketed the area at the time of the crash.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-12-24 13:07:13

An American woman suspected of killing two of her young children during a
custody dispute with her ex-husband two years ago has been extradited from
Britain to the United States to face charges.

Kimberlee Singler, 37, was arrested in December 2023 in London just over a
week after her 9-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son were found dead in
their home in the U.S.

Her 11-year-old daughter was injured but survived.

According to court documents in the United Kingdom, the girl told an
investigator that her mother said God made her do it.

Singler has denied attacking her children, telling police an intruder was to
blame.

(KK)

Posted on 2025-12-23 17:07:14

The Legislative Yuan has placed an impeachment initiation against President
Lai Ching-te on the agenda for Friday’s plenary session.

The Legislative Procedure Committee passed the proposal after heated debates
between the ruling DPP and opposition KMT and TPP members.

The move comes after Premier Chuo Rong-tai and President Lai last week
announced their decision not to countersign and promulgate amendments to the
Allocation of Government Revenues passed by the Legislature in November.

The KMT legislative caucus said the President's decision violated the
Consitutition and undermine the entire democratic system.

KMT lawmaker Luo Zhi-qiang said his party will consult the TPP to work out
details of the impeachment, including inviting Lai to the Legislative Yuan
for explanations.

He noted that a vote on the impeachment is tentatively expected around May 20
next year.

According to the constitution, an impeachment motion against the President
must first be proposed by at least one-half of all legislators and approved
by a two-thirds of the Legislative Yuan before it can be submitted to the
Constitutional Court for a ruling.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-23 17:07:14

Taipei officials say families of the three victims killed in last week’s
random attack in Taipei can each apply for 1.8 million NT in compensation.

The city's Department of Legal Affairs says it is moving to provide maximum
support for victims of the December 19th knife and smoke bomb attack at
Taipei Main and Zhongshan stations.

Officials say the family of Yu Jia-chang, who died while trying to protect
others, will receive an additional $6-million compensation payment, and a
$500-thousand NT funeral subsidy.

In addition, the Taipei Metro has already started the claims process for its
passenger liability insurance.

For the survivors who were injured, the city has assigned a social worker to
every case to ensure they receive medical care and support.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-23 17:07:14

The Legislature has passed a new law setting out how artificial intelligence
should be governed, and named the National Science and Technology Council as
the agency in charge of AI policy.

The Artificial Intelligence Basic Act requires the government to promote AI
development while also protecting social welfare, digital equality,
innovation, and national competitiveness.

The law outlines seven guiding principles for AI, including respect for
human autonomy, privacy and data protection, cybersecurity, transparency, and
accountability.

It also says AI must not harm people’s lives, freedom, or property,
threaten social order or national security.

However, the law does not spell out how these rules will be enforced.

(CNA)

Posted on 2025-12-23 17:07:14

Turning to world news....

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland are insisting that the U.S. won’t take
over Greenland.

The comments come after President Donald Trump announced the appointment of a
special envoy to the semi-autonomous territory.

Trump’s announcement Sunday prompted a new flare-up of tensions over
Washington’s interest in the vast territory of Denmark.

Trump earlier this year said he had not ruled out military force to take
control of the mineral-rich, strategically located Arctic island.

Danish intelligence has warned that the U.S. is using its economic power to
“assert its will” against friend and foe alike.

Denmark’s foreign minister said that he plans to summon the U.S. ambassador.

Posted on 2025-12-23 17:07:14

Nigerians on Monday got their first look at 130 children and teachers
released after being seized in one of the largest mass abductions in the
country's history.

Some of the children appeared to be malnourished or in shock as they arrived
at a government ceremony. Police said they were freed Sunday, a month after
gunmen stormed their Catholic school in a predawn attack.

Authorities said plans were underway to reunite the children with their
families before Christmas.

Authorities earlier said 303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were seized and
50 of them escaped in the hours that followed.

But on Monday, a government official indicated that 230 had been taken and
all had now been released.

Officials did not say whether a ransom had been paid.

Posted on 2025-12-23 14:07:13

The Cabinet has nominated Taiwanese Public Opionion Foundation chair Yo
Ying-long (游盈隆) as the candidate for the Central Election Commission's
chair.

Yo said he was fully aware that the post would be a difficult one, describing
it as “jumping into a fire pit.”

But he's vowed to do his utmost to face the toughest scrutiny and testing ,
and to live up to the expectations of society and the public.

Yo once served as DPP deputy secretary-general, but dropped out of the party
when former President Tsai Ing-wen took office.

The opposition KMT and TPP have welcomed the nomination, saying they're
pleased to see it after the CEC chair's office has been empty for nearly two
months.

The Executive Yuan has also nominated Soochow University's law professor Hu
Bo-yan as Vice CEC chair.

For the five CEC members, the Yuan has accepted two candidates recommended by
the KMT and one by the TPP.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-23 14:07:13

National freeways will use a flat-rate toll system with a 25 percent discount
tomorrow for Constitution Day.

The Freeway Bureau announced today that the discount will apply all day on
December 25th.

Under this special rate, the standard free first 20 kilometers of travel will
be canceled.

And as the national holiday also falls on Christmas Day, traffic officials
expect heavy congestion around major cities starting this evening.

To manage the flow, the bureau will open road shoulders to traffic and use
ramp signals where necessary, and is also encouraging the public to use
public transportation.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-23 14:07:13

Taiwan shares rose today as did many other Asian stock markets after Wall
Street closed higher.

The Taiex gained 160 points to end the session at 28,310.

But the turnover was relatively thin, at 420 billion NT.

Posted on 2025-12-23 14:07:13

Turning to world news...

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said U.S. proposals for a peace
deal between Ukraine and Russia meet many of Kyiv's demands.

On Monday, he said that while the drafts look solid, neither side is likely
to get everything it wants.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff held what he called productive talks with Ukrainian
and European representatives.

U.S. President Donald Trump said talks were continuing and “going OK.”

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have struck deep inside Russia, targeting an oil
terminal, pipeline, and military assets with the aim of disrupting Russia's
war effort.

Russia continues targeting Ukraine's energy sector, trying to deprive
civilians of heat and water during winter.

Posted on 2025-12-23 13:11:14

The Taiwan High Court has sentenced a teenage boy to 12 years in prison for
killing his schoolmate and a teenage girl to 11 years for causing the
incident.

It's three years more for both compared with the juvenile court's verdict,
which was based on the Criminal Code's rules that allow for reduced sentences
for offenders aged between 14 and under 18 on charges of jointly committing
homicide.

The High Court said its ruling took into account medical evaluations, the
views of the victim’s parents, and the need to protect the teenagers’
development.

The parents had initially called for 30-year prison terms, and witnesses said
their cries and protests could be heard outside the courtroom as the trial
was held behind closed doors.

The incident occurred at a New Taipei junior high school in late 2023, when
the perpetrator stabbed another student multiple times following a complaint
from the girl.

The victim died the next day despite emergency treatment.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-23 13:11:14

Starting next year, all YouBike riders in Hsinchu County must enroll in free
accident insurance before they can rent a bicycle.

The Hsinchu County government announced today that the mandatory insurance
policy will expand to all users on January 1, 2026.

This includes both regular members and one-time temporary users.

To qualify, users must register their real names through the YouBike website
or mobile app, and officials say the county government will pay the full cost
of the insurance premiums.

Riders do not have to pay any extra fees, but the person riding the bike must
match the name on the insurance record to receive any benefits.

Government data shows that since the bike-sharing system began in 2022,
Hsinchu County has recorded over 5.1 million rides.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-23 13:11:14

In world news...

Thailand’s foreign minister says Thailand and Cambodia will resume talks to
work toward a more durable ceasefire along their border.

Thai Foreign Minister said Monday after an Association of Southeast Asian
Nations foreign ministers’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur that progress depends on
detailed bilateral negotiations to take place this week.

He also said the general border committee involving both nations will meet
tomorrow to work on detailed measures.

The border conflict escalated into deadly combat two weeks ago, derailing a
ceasefire promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump in July that was brokered
by Malaysia and formalized at an October summit.

Meanwhile, fighting persists and both sides continue to trade accusations.

Posted on 2025-12-23 13:11:14

The US Federal Communications Commission says it will ban new foreign-made
drones, a move that will keep new Chinese-made drones out of the U.S. market.

Monday's announcement came a year after Congress passed a defense bill that
raised national security concerns about Chinese-made drones, which have
become a dominant player in the U.S., widely used in farming, mapping, law
enforcement and filmmaking.

The FCC said a review found that all drones produced in foreign countries,
not just by Chinese companies, posed “unacceptable risks to the national
security of the US."

Posted on 2025-12-23 11:07:13

Taipei police say, they are working to track the finances of the man who
killed 3 in Friday's knife and smoke bomb attack at Taipei Main and Zhongshan
stations.

Officials say that they will report any progress as soon as details become
available.

The attacker is believed to have planned the attack as early as April of 2024.

Some have raised concerns about how he paid for all the equipment used in the
attack.

A former professional soldier, Chang Wen was discharged from the military in
2022 for drunk driving, but had been unemployed for a considerable period.

It has been reported that his mother sent him four deposits of 30,000 NT each
last year.

Officials urge the public to avoid spreading misinformation, and say that
they will share information as quickly as it becomes available.

Posted on 2025-12-23 11:07:13

The mother of a man who died trying to stop Friday's attack at Taipei Main
Station says, she's proud of her son, but the loss left her "heartbroken."

Officials say that Yu Chia Chang's actions prevented multiple explosive
devices from being detonated and prevented further casualties.

Yu's mother, surnamed Huang, said it was a comfort to know that her son had
saved many people, though she remained deeply saddened.

Huang said that Yu texted her every day to wish her a good morning and
usually returned home to Taoyuan by 6:30pm every Saturday.

She became concerned when he did not return home or call to explain his
absence.

Huang described Yu as a devoted son, who had shwon courage and responsibility
from a young age.

Yesterday, the Legislative Yuan's Internal Administration Committee adopted a
motion calling for Yu to be enshrined at the Taoyuan Martyrs' Shrine.

Posted on 2025-12-23 11:07:13

The Ministry of National Defense is reporting 6 PLA sorties and 6 warships
operating in Taiwan's vicinity during the 24 hours between 6am yesterday and
today.

2 sorties crossed the median line in the Taiwan strait to enter Taiwan's Air
Defense Identification Zone in the north and southwest regions.

The MND says it deployed appropriate measures to respond to the intrusion,
and it will continue to monitor the situation.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-23 11:07:13

The US says that it will ban new foreign-made drones, a move that will keep
new Chinese-made drones out of the US market.

The latest announcement comes one year after Congress passed a defnese bill
raising national security concerns about Chinese-made drones, which have
become a dominant player in the US.

The country's Federal Communications Commissions says, a review found that
all drones and critical components produced outside the country, not just by
Chinese companies, posed national security risks.

But it said specific drones or components would be exempt if the Pentagon or
Department of Homeland Security determined they did not pose such risks.

Posted on 2025-12-23 11:07:13

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced the appointment of
financier Mark Wiseman as the country's next ambassador to the US.

Wiseman will assume the role in February and will be involved in negotiations
regarding the review of their free trade agreement.

In the announcement, Carney highlighted Wiseman's experience and commitment
at this crucial time.

Wiseman will replace Kirsten Hillman, who recently resigned.

The FTA between the US, Mexico, and Canada is up for review next year.

Canada is a major trade partner for the U.S., supplying key resources like
crude oil, steel, and aluminum.

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