ICRT

Posted on 2026-05-29 19:32:13

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications is planning to ease parking
space requirements for tour bus operators.

Under current rules, operators must provide one parking space for every eight
vehicles in their fleet.

The ministry is proposing to lower that ratio to one space for every ten
vehicles.

The MOTC says vehicles frequently operate away from home base and often park
overnight in other locations, reducing the need for on-site parking, and
limited land availability and the large space required for tour buses have
also made it increasingly difficult for operators to meet current
requirements.

The draft amendment has been announced for public review.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-29 19:32:13

TSMC said that, through a partnership with one of its suppliers of hydrogen
peroxide, it will be able to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1200 metric
tonnes annually.

That is roughly four or five times the weight of the Statue of Liberty in New
York.

In a newsletter, TSMC said that hydrogen peroxide and carbon dioxide are both
required in the production of semiconductors.

But carbon dioxide is emitted during the generation of hydrogen, which is a
chemical used in turn to produce hydrogen peroxide.

So, instead of using fresh carbon dioxide, TSMC and its suppliers have
installed a recovery pipeline at the hydrogen plant to capture and purify the
carbon dioxide that was already a byproduct of hydrogen peroxide production.

Posted on 2026-05-29 19:32:13

Kenyan soil

A court in Kenya suspended an American plan to establish a quarantine
facility for Americans exposed to Ebola in northeastern Democratic Republic
of the Congo.

The decision came earlier today after backlash from medical workers and
activists.

The United States had intended to send individuals exposed to the virus to
Kenya instead of flying them home to the States.

It was unclear whether the Kenyan government had signed off on the plan, or
where in Kenya it would have been constructed.

U.S. secretary of state Marco Rubio had promised Kenya 13.5 million USD (420
million NT) for its Ebola preparedness efforts.

But the Kenyan Law Society and Katiba Institute, an organisation devoted to
defending Kenya’s constitution, challenged the facility, citing public health
risks and a lack of public consultation.

The court will next hear arguments concerning this planned faclity on Tuesday.

Posted on 2026-05-29 19:32:13

The United States and Iran appear to be closing in on a deal to end the war
and open the Strait of Hormuz.

An American official said that American and Iranian negotiators have reached
a tentative agreement to extend the ceasefire in the three-month-old war by
sixty days and to start a new round of talks on Iran’s nuclear programme.

Iran has not immediately confirmed any such deal.

U.S. vice president JD Vance has confirmed that there is a tentative
agreement but says it is unclear whether president Donald Trump will approve
it.

Posted on 2026-05-29 19:32:13

A mosaic of a prancing bull on the floor of Milan’s Galleria Vittorio
Emanuele II arcade is being restored, because tourists have worn away the
tiles representing its testicles.

Superstition has it that visitors who grind their heels on the bull’s
testicles and then spin around three times are granted good fortune and are
fated to return to the mosaic.

City councillors said that thousands of people do that every day, leaving a
small crater where the testicles should be.

The mosaic was last restored in 2017.

One councillor said that the Galleria was a piece of living heritage, “which
can wear away precisely because it is loved and experienced.”

He added that they take of it, so that can continue to be loved and
experienced.

Posted on 2026-05-29 17:08:13

The Taoyuan Flight Attendants' Union is demanding that Tigerair Taiwan
immediately repay wages to cabin crew members who were forced onto unpaid
leave during pregnancy.

This comes after the Taoyuan City Government found the airline guilty of
discriminating against pregant staff.

The union said today that most airlines help pregnant cabin crew temporarily
transfer to ground duties to protect their income and comply with gender
equality requirements.

But it alleges that Tigerair required pregnant cabin crew to take unpaid
leave, with no option for internal reassignment.

The union is calling on the airline to stop using internal regulations to
override national law and to restore wages to affected employees without
further delay.

In response, Tigerair says the issues raised are being carefully reviewed and
discussed with employees at all levels.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-29 17:08:13

Lu Chun-hsiung of the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots has been named the most valuable
player in the P. League (Plus League).

He thus becomes the first player to receive this distinction for three years
in a row.

He averaged 18.5 points per game this season, ranking third in the league and
the highest amongst domestic players.

Lu also became the first player in Plus League history to record more than
2000 points in the regular season.

Lu's teammate, American Alec Brown, won the best foreign player award.

Brown was also named both star blocker and defensive player of the year.

Other players making the league's First Team include the Pilots' Lee
Chia-kang, the Fubon Braves' Mouhamed Mbaye, and the TSG GhostHawks' Ku Mao
Wei-chia.

The Braves defeated the GhostHawks in the semifinals of the league's
playoffs, and will thus head to face the Pilots for the first game of the
league trophy on June 5th.

(JM)

Posted on 2026-05-29 17:08:13

obstructing police officer

A prominent Hong Kong journalist began serving a five-day prison sentence
today after losing an appeal against his conviction for obstructing a police
officer.

Ronson Chan, a former chairman of the Hong Kong Journalists’ Association, was
arrested in 2022 on his way to a reporting assignment.

He was convicted in 2023 for failing to give an officer identification in a
timely manner and for continuing to ask the officer questions “recklessly”.

A judge upheld the conviction and sentence today.

The case has sparked concerns about the city’s declining press freedom.

Chan wore a black T-shirt with the words “Free Press” to court.

He said that he stayed in Hong Kong because press freedom was promised by the
city’s Basic Law.

Hong Kong ranked 140th of 180 countries and territories in Reporters Without
Borders’ latest World Press Freedom Index.

Chan's lawyer is considering an appeal.

Posted on 2026-05-29 17:08:13

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen says that Russia’s “war of
aggression has crossed yet another line”, after a Russian drone crashed into
an apartment block in the Romanian city of Galati, just two kilometres from
the border with Ukraine.

Meanwhile, NATO’s secretary general, Mark Rutte, said that Russia’s “reckless
behaviour” was “a danger to us all”.

He said that he assured Romania’s president, Nicusor Dan, that NATO “stands
ready to defend every inch of allied territory”.

And Dan that he will demand “proportional measures” to be carried out against
Russia.

He also said that he has formally requested allies to deploy additional
anti-drone weapons into Romania.

In the past few months, Russian drones have also crashed in all three Baltic
states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), even resulting in the collapse of
the government in Latvia.

No one has been reported dead from yesterday’s attack in Romania, but two
people were injured.

Posted on 2026-05-29 17:08:13

The overwhelming favourite to win the men's title at this year's French Open,
Jannik Sinner, has been knocked out of the tournament.

He came in on a 30-match winning streak, and the absence of his biggest
rival, Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, due to a wrist injury meant that many thought
his path to the title was all but clear.

But world number 1 Sinner let slip a 6-3, 6-2, 5-1 lead against Argentina's
world number 56, Juan Manuel Cerundolo, as his physical condition rapidly
deteriorated.

The heat has plagued Paris, with temperatures hovering around 34 degrees
Celsius, but Sinner said that that was not to blame.

He said that he could not find any energy, felt dizzy, and wanted to vomit.

This opens up the path to the title for 39-year-old Novak Djokovic of Serbia,
and for second-seed Alexander Zverev of Germany, widely regarded as the best
player still yet to win a Grand Slam title.

The top half of the draw is wide open, with both Juan Manuel Cerundolo and
his older brother, Francisco, still in contention.

Posted on 2026-05-29 16:16:13

The Legislative Yuan has approved a special defence budget of more than 8.81
billion NT for purchases of five U.S. weapons systems.

The vote comes just days before this Sunday's payment deadline for HI-MARS
rocket systems, which make up one part of the package.

The budget also includes funding for self-propelled howitzers, anti-armour
drones and two types of anti-tank missiles.

The entire package will be financed through government borrowing.

Earlier this month, lawmakers approved a special arms procurement framework
allowing up to 780 billion NT in U.S. weapons purchases between 2026 and
2033.

That includes 300 billion NT for weapons already approved by Washington and
480 billion NT for a future package that has yet to be formally announced.

This year's 8.81 billion NT allocation is the first funding package under
that plan.

(CNA_JM)

Posted on 2026-05-29 16:16:13

Starlux Airlines is launching flights to Zurich and Barcelona next year as
part of its efforts to extend its reach into Europe.

Starlux Chairman Chang Kuo-Wei says the company has applied to fly to these
two cities to expand its network in Europe beyond Prague, to which it will
begin service on Aug. 1st.

In addition to Europe, Chang said New Zealand and Australia will be expansion
targets next year, with Sydney a possible destination.

The airline also has plans to increase its presence in the United States.

(CNA - NS)

Posted on 2026-05-29 16:16:13

A Canadian man accused of selling lethal substances to people online for the
purpose of taking their own lives is expected to plead guilty today to
fourteen counts of counselling or abetting suicide.

Police in Canada and around the world have been investigating more than a
hundred suicides linked to Law.

All charges against him in Canadian court are related to those living in
Ontario between the ages of 16 and 36.

Police said that Law, from the Toronto area, used a series of websites to
market and sell a substance that is commonly used to cure meat, but that can
be deadly if ingested.

He is suspected of sending at least 1200 packages to more than forty
countries.

Authorities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, and
New Zealand have also conducted investigations.

Assisted suicide is legal for adults in Canada, but only through a physician.

Anyone else found guilty of aiding suicide in Canada can face up to fourteen
years in prison.

Posted on 2026-05-29 16:16:13

Aid supplies have been rushed into the centre of the Ebola outbreak in the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, where medical workers are struggling with
equipment shortages, distrustful locals, and armed groups.

Yesterday, a white cargo plane delivered masks, gloves, boots, and
medications donated by the European Union to Bunia, a town in the northeast
of the country at the heart of the outbreak.

The DRC government has confirmed more than a thousand suspected cases and at
least 220 deaths.

Dangers faced by health personnel have been compounded by anger from
residents over the stringent medical protocols that have prevented families
from burying loved ones.

The United States pledged yesterday to an extra $80 million in aid to the DRC
and Uganda, which has also been affected by the virus.

Posted on 2026-05-29 16:16:13

New Zealand defender Tim Payne has become an unlikely football superstar
after an Argentine influencer called on his followers to make the
little-known 32-year-old a “hero” of the upcoming World Cup.

Football influencer El Scarso, real name Valen Scarsini, identified Payne as
the least-known player at the upcoming World Cup in North America based on
his small social media following.

He only had 4,700 followers on Instagram earlier this week.

But after being singled out by El Scarso, Payne gained roughly a thousand
followers every minute to reach more than a million today.

“We are all waiting to cheer for our national team, but what if there was a
player who united us all, a footballer we all support regardless of their
nationality?” asked El Scarso.

Now there’s even a song in Spanish supporting Payne, which includes the line,
"No Payne, no gain.”

New Zealand is playing in the World Cup for the third time.

It plays in Group G against Belgium, Iran, and Egypt and will be looking for
its first-ever win.

Posted on 2026-05-29 15:10:13

Taiwan shares soared to a new record high today ...

... after global index provider MSCI increased Taiwan's weighting in several
major stock market indexes.

The benchmark Tai-ex jumped 1,096 points to close at 44,732.

Market turnover also reached a new all-time high, topping 1.81 trillion NT.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-29 15:10:13

In more business news...

(Taiwanese tech giant) Hon Hai approved its highest cash dividend in 35 years
... at its annual shareholder meeting this morning.

The record-breaking payout of 7.2 NT per share marks the highest since
listing on the stock market in 1991.

The total cash distribution will exceed 100 billion NT.

The company also says demand for artificial intelligence remains strong ...
with global spending on AI infrastructure expected to grow at a double-digit
pace this year.

Chairman Young Liu said the company remains very optimistic about operations
for the second half ... barring any major black-swan events.

Hon Hai says it's strengthening its supply chain and expanding financial
hedging measures to cope with currency swings and geopolitical risks.

The company adds that tariffs and geopolitical tensions continue to reshape
global manufacturing ... and that its worldwide production network helps
reduce those risks.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-29 15:10:13

The Ministry of National Defense says it detected 22 Chinese aircraft and
vessels operating around Taiwan between 6 a.m. yesterday and 6 a.m. today.

Of those sorties, ten PLA aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan
Strait and entered airspace to the north, central, southwest and east of
Taiwan.

The aircraft included fighter jets and helicopters.

The military also reported eight Chinese naval vessels and four government
ships operating near Taiwan during the same 24-hour period.

The defence ministry says it closely monitored the activity and responded
with aircraft, naval vessels and shore-based missile systems.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-29 15:10:13

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung says Taiwan is deeply grateful to Tuvalu ...

... for publicly supporting Taiwan after what he described as Chinese
interference in President Lai Ching-te's planned visit to Eswatini.

Lin made the remarks while hosting Tuvalu's foreign minister, Paulson Panapa,
during a luncheon in Taipei yesterday.

According to Lin, Tuvalu quickly issued a public statement backing Taiwan
when China allegedly sought to interfere with Lai's travel arrangements.

Panapa says the two sides will continue strengthening cooperation under their
recently signed partnership framework ...

... including collaboration on climate resilience, energy, healthcare,
education, and other fields.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-29 15:10:13

The Philippines' top diplomat says Southeast Asian leaders will meet with
Russian President Vladimir Putin at a commemorative summit in Russia next
month.

Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro says she and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey
Lavrov discussed the event during recent talks.

The two-day summit is scheduled to begin June 17th in the Russian city of
Kazan.

Ahead of the summit ... the Russian Embassy in Manila says Lavrov and Lazaro
discussed expanding a strategic partnership between Russia and ASEAN.

While most ASEAN members supported a U-N resolution condemning Russia's
invasion of Ukraine, the regional bloc has continued to maintain relations
with Moscow as a dialogue partner.

Posted on 2026-05-29 14:17:13

Police have confirmed that cameras discovered near restrooms at Fu Jen
Catholic University in New Taipei City were installed by the school itself
and were not positioned to record inside the facilities.

Officers received a report late yesterday that a smoke detector in a women's
restroom at one of the university's buildings may have concealed a pinhole
camera.

On-site inspection confirmed the cameras were hidden surveillance devices
installed by the university, positioned in the corridor corners outside both
the men's and women's restrooms.

The camera angles covered only the area outside the restroom entrances and
could not capture the interiors.

No cameras were found inside the restrooms.

In light of public concerns, the school said it will immediately post visible
notices at all camera locations to clearly disclose that recording is taking
place.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-29 14:17:13

The Central Weather Administration says Taiwan has received only 60 percent
of its historical average rainfall so far this year, with southern regions
running even drier.

The CWA says plains areas in central and northern Taiwan have received 60 to
80 percent of typical levels, while the south has received only 30 to 60
percent.

Officials say meaningful rain for southern Taiwan typically arrives after the
plum rain season gets underway.

Forecasts indicate a rain period of about a week beginning around June 7th as
southwest monsoon winds push into Taiwan, which may bring relief to central
and southern regions.

As for typhoon season, the CWA says El Niño conditions are expected to
persist through year-end, which means typhoons are likely to form farther
from Taiwan this year.

The greater travel distance will allow storms more time to develop and
intensify before approaching the island.

But the number of storms expected to directly affect Taiwan remains within
the normal range of three to five.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-29 14:17:13

Yemen's former President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi has died at 80.

State-run Yemeni TV reported that he died in Saudi Arabia's capital Thursday.

Hadi led Yemen's government mostly from exile for eight years during a civil
war and famine before stepping down in 2022.

Hadi became president in 2012, facing challenges from Houthis rebels and
al-Qaida.

He spent his final years in exile and transferred power in 2022.

Posted on 2026-05-29 14:17:13

Japan's population has fallen by a record 3.1 million over the past five
years, according to new census data.

Government data shows that the total population, including foreign residents,
stood at just over 123 million as of October last year.

That's a 2.5 percent decline and the third consecutive drop in the country's
five-year census.

The census also found that more than 30 percent of Japan's population is now
concentrated in the Tokyo metropolitan area, crossing that threshold for the
first time.

Among the world's 20 most populated countries, Japan recorded the steepest
population decline between 2020 and 2025, outpacing China, Russia and
Thailand, all of which also saw drops.

Posted on 2026-05-29 09:08:14

Now turning to internationla news...

A United Nations report on sexual violence in conflicts around the world has
included Israeli forces for the first time.

That's over their treatment of Palestinian detainees.

Also on the list was Hamas over their treatment of Israeli civilians during
October 7th attacks on Israel.

Russian armed and security forces were also blacklisted for the first time
this year for sexual violence against prisoners of war and civilians detained
during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Israel and Russia both deny the accusations.

The report points out that the number of cases overall rose sharply last year.

It says that the UN was able to document "patterns of sexual violence"
against Palestinians detained in Israel and in Palestine...

verifying multiple incidents of conflict-related sexual violence, including
as a form of tortue.

They say that Israeli forces carried out such actions on 14 men, 7 women, and
10 minors in 2025.

Posted on 2026-05-29 06:58:13

National Development Council Minister Yeh Chun-hsien is refusing to set a
timeline or target for President Lai Ching-te's proposed measures aimed at
reversing Taiwan's declining birth rate.

The proposed package will cost around 380-billion N-T annually, which is
roughly equivalent to 1-per cent of the island's G-D-P.

According to Yeh, the policies will be reviewed "on a rolling basis" and the
results of any population policies depend on people's willingness to start
families and are therefore difficult to predict.

Speaking at regular weekly Cabinet press conference, the N-D-C minister told
reporters the the government is unable to say how many children will be born
next year or five years from now ...

.. and the proposed measures are meant to send a "signal" to younger
generations that the government will provide support if they decide to get
married and have children.

Yeh said a Cabinet-level task force responsible for overseeing the
implementation of the measures will review their effectiveness regularly and
the effective policies will be expanded, while the weaker ones will be
adjusted.

Cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee says relevant government agencies have been
asked to earmark funding for the proposed measures in the general budget for
fiscal year 2027.

The government is insisting that increased tax revenues due to strong
economic performance are sufficient to fund the proposed policies.

Posted on 2026-05-29 06:58:15

term

Legislative Yuan Secretary-General Chou Wan-lai says he hopes a site for the
legislature's relocation or reconstruction can be decided during the current
term

The statement comes amid ongoing calls for the Legislative Yuan to be moved
from its current location, which is a complex that once served as the girls'
high school during the Japanese colonial period.

Although the building has undergone several expansions, the location still
faces space constraints.

Former legislative speaker You Si-kun convened a panel of experts to review
the issue and six potential expansion sites were shortlisted

They include the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei, the former Air
Force headquarters in Taipei, the Tucheng Detention Center in New Taipei, the
Chengkungling military training base in Taichung and the Chung Hsing Cultural
and Creative Park in Yilan.

However, no further decision were held at the time.

Current Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu has said that he favors the Grand
Hotel site in Taipei as a possible location.

The secretary-general of the Legislative Yuan says he hope Han will convene
cross-party talks to discuss the matter and establish a committee to finalize
a location.

Posted on 2026-05-29 06:58:19

The Supreme Court has ruled that former President Chen Shui-bian cannot be
prosecuted for money laundering in a case linked to the appointment of former
Taipei 101 Chairperson Diana Chen due to the expiration of the statute of
limitations.

The ruling uphold a similar verdicts by both the Taipei District Court and
the High Court.

According to the Supreme Court, it found no errors in the lower court's
ruling and rejected the appeal by the Taipei Prosecutors' Office.

The ruling is final an cannot be appealed.

It stems from a bribery case in which Chen and his wife, Wu Shu-jen, were
convicted of accepting 10-million N-T from Diana Chen in exchange for helping
her secure the Taipei 101 chairmanship.

Both were sentenced to eight years in prison at the time.

Chen served as president from 2000 to 2008 and was sentenced to 20 years in
prison for multiple corruption cases.

However, he was released on medical parole in 2015.

Posted on 2026-05-29 06:58:19

The Criminal Investigation Bureau says a total of 4,725 drug-related driving
under the influence cases have been referred to prosecutors from January to
April of this year.

That figure is three times the number recorded during the same period of last
year

The bureau says the increase in the number of drug-drving cases being
referred for prosecution so far this year follows the introduction of rapid
saliva tests for detecting drug residues.

According to law enforcement official, 98-percent of the cases were uncovered
during routine traffic stops, helping prevent potential accidents that could
have resulted in injuries or deaths.

A majority of the case involved methamphetamine, accounting for 70.06-per
cent of the total.

The National Police Agency launched several targeted operations against drugs
between January and April -- leading to the arrest of 17,022 suspects - and
increase of 31.75-per cent, from last year.

The rapid saliva tests can detect drug residues within three minutes and were
introduced late last year.

Posted on 2026-05-29 06:58:21

The first-ever direct ferry service between Keelung and Okinawa's Ishigaki
Island set out on its maiden voyage last nigt.

The ferry was carrying about 200 passengers -- roughly 40-per cent of its
capacity.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the launch ceremony, Wagon Group General
Manager Hung Yu-hang attributed the relatively low bookings to the short
sales period, noting that tickets only went on sale on May 15.

However, Hung says bookings for the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival long
weekend holiday have already sold out.

The ferry will initially operate once a week on a trial basis, before
expanding to two round trips per week starting in July.

The ferry departs Keelung between between 11PM and midnight on Thursdays and
arrives in Ishigaki around 8 o'clock the following morning.

Return trips from Ishigaki will depart every Sunday night and arrive back in
Keelung on Monday morning.

The 265-kilometer Keelung–Ishigaki route was originally slated to launch at
the end of last year, but was delayed due to ship preparation and engineering
work.

Posted on 2026-05-29 06:58:21

Monday

And finally,

The Central Weather Administration says Tropical Storm Jangmi is expected to
come closest to Taiwan between Sunday and Monday as it continues to move
towards Japan's Ryukyu Islands.

The storm is currently located some 1,700-kilometers east-southeast of
Eluanbi, at the island's southernmost tip and is moving in a northwesterly
direction at 22-kilometers-an-hour.

Jangmi currently has a radius of 100-kilometers and is packing sustained wind
speeds of 72-kilometers-an-hour, with gusts of up to 101-kilometers-an-hour.

The weather administration says the chances of the storm directly impacting
Taiwan remain low.

The storm is currently forecast to move toward southern Japan through June 4
and its outer bands could bring brief showers to northern and northeastern
parts of the island this weekend and early next week.

Taitung and the Hengchun Peninsula could see also see brief showers as the
storm makes it way towards the Ryukyu Islands.

Posted on 2026-05-28 20:08:13

cases

The Ministry of Health and Welfare says it plans to amend the Tobacco Hazards
Prevention Act to allow the immediate confiscation of e-cigarettes from
anyone found possessing them.

Health Minister Shih Chong-liang says the law already bans the manufacture,
sale, and use of e-cigarettes and related products ...

... but does not clearly address possession if someone isn't caught actively
smoking.

Officials say closing this loophole is urgent following a recent rise in
drug-impaired driving cases linked to the drug etomidate, which is often used
with these e-cigarette devices.

The health ministry also says it will step up enforcement against online
sales of vaping products.

Lawmakers say the number of drug-impaired driving cases uncovered in Taiwan
jumped from 335 in 2023 to almost 8 thousand 700 last year - an increase of
more than 2 thousand 400 percent.

Police data also show drug cases involving adolescent suspects rose more than
120 percent this year, while cases involving people aged 18 to 23 increased
by almost 50 percent.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-28 20:08:13

And for rail travellers in the east ....

Taiwan Railway has now fully restored service on the Hualien-Taitung line ...
after emergency repairs were completed ahead of schedule following two
separate incidents at Chishang Station earlier today.

Rail traffic between Chishang and Fuli was disrupted after a freight train
derailed during switching operations late this morning, striking a power pole
and damaging overhead equipment.

Then around midday, a northbound Puyuma Express train leaving Chishang
Station snagged and tore down overhead electrical wires, forcing a temporary
suspension of rail services through the area.

Taiwan Railway had originally expected repairs to continue until around 8:30
tonight ... but crews completed the work early, allowing normal operations to
resume from 7 p.m.

During the disruption, nearly one thousand passengers were transported by
replacement bus services between Guanshan and Fuli stations, while several
express train services were canceled.

Taiwan Railway says passengers affected by the disruption can apply for
refunds or ticket changes without handling fees within one year.

Posted on 2026-05-28 18:06:13

cases

The Ministry of Health and Welfare says it plans to amend the Tobacco Hazards
Prevention Act to allow the immediate confiscation of e-cigarettes from
anyone found possessing them.

Health Minister Shih Chong-liang says the law already bans the manufacture,
sale, and use of e-cigarettes and related products ...

... but does not clearly address possession if someone isn't caught actively
smoking.

Officials say closing this loophole is urgent following a recent rise in
drug-impaired driving cases linked to the drug etomidate, which is often used
with these e-cigarette devices.

The health ministry also says it will step up enforcement against online
sales of vaping products.

Lawmakers say the number of drug-impaired driving cases uncovered in Taiwan
jumped from 335 in 2023 to almost 8 thousand 700 last year - an increase of
more than 2 thousand 400 percent.

Police data also show drug cases involving adolescent suspects rose more than
120 percent this year, while cases involving people aged 18 to 23 increased
by almost 50 percent.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-28 18:06:15

Hualien-Taitung line

And for rail travellers in the east ....

Taiwan Railway expects to restore service on the Hualien-Taitung line by
around 8:30 tonight ... as repair crews continuing emergency work on damaged
power equipment.

This follows a pair of accidents at Chishang Station earlier today ... which
knocked out power and disrupted rail traffic across eastern Taiwan.

According to the Taiwan Railway Corporation, a freight train first ran away
and derailed during decoupling operations, striking a power line.

Later, a Puyuma Express train leaving the station tore down overhead
electrical wires, forcing the closure of the line between Fuli and Chishang.

Nearly one thousand passengers have been transported by bus replacement
services between Guanshan and Fuli stations, while several express train
services have been canceled.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-28 18:06:15

The secretary-general of the Legislative Yuan says he hopes a decision on
relocating or rebuilding the legislature can be made during the current
legislative term.

Chou Wan-lai (周萬來) made the remarks today during a legislative hearing on
proposals for the legislature’s future site.

The Legislative Yuan currently operates from a complex originally built
during the Japanese colonial era, but lawmakers and staff have long
complained about limited space despite several expansions.

Possible locations under discussion include the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
area, the former Air Force headquarters in Taipei and other sites across
northern and central Taiwan.

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu is reportedly interested in the Grand Hotel
site in Taipei, while some staff support relocating to the former Air Force
headquarters.

Chou said all options remain under review and any final decision would
require cross-party negotiations and agreement.

Posted on 2026-05-28 17:20:13

Labor inspectors and prosecutors are investigating a fatal accident at a
Taoyuan MRT construction site ...

... after a Thai migrant worker was killed early today in Bade District.

According to Taoyuan fire officials, the 50-year-old man was working about 18
meters underground inside a ventilation shaft when he was struck in the head
by the arm of an excavator.

Rescuers found the worker without signs of life and performed CPR before
rushing him to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Taoyuan Metro Coorperation says construction at the site has been suspended
... and will cooperate with relevant authorities.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-28 17:20:13

A major Taiwanese shipping company says it expects fuel costs to rise in the
second quarter of this year ...

... after Middle East tensions pushed up global oil prices.

Evergreen Marine says most of its first-quarter fuel was purchased earlier at
lower prices, helping keep average fuel costs relatively stable.

However, Evergreen says recent oil prices are now about 50 percent higher
than the first-quarter average.

Despite higher fuel costs, the company says it remains optimistic about
market conditions in the second and third quarters ...

... citing the third quarter as the traditional peak season for European and
U-S markets ....

... while saying Red Sea shipping routes are unlikely to return to normal in
the short term and supply and demand are expected to remain relatively
balanced.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-28 17:20:13

One in every two Tesla vehicles in Taiwan are now charged at home ...

... with more than half of owners having installed home charging units.

According to Tesla Taiwan, more than 78-thousand Tesla vehicles had been
registered on the island as of March ...

... while over 39-thousand wall-mounted chargers had been installed by owners.

Tesla says Taiwan now has more than 3,700 public electric vehicle charging
stations nationwide ...

... surpassing the total number of gas stations.

The EV maker is also expanding efforts to help apartment complexes and
residential communities install charging infrastructure ...

... including assistance for owners communicating with building management
committees.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-28 17:20:13

A fire at a girls' school in central Kenya has caused an unknown number of
deaths.

Local police said rescuers took injured people to medical facilities.

Search teams were deployed to account for everyone at the Utumishi Girls
School in the Gilgil area outside Nairobi.

The fire started early Thursday morning local time in the boarding school’s
dormitories.

The cause has not yet been established.

School fires are common in Kenyan boarding schools, with some caused by arson
and others by electrical faults.

Posted on 2026-05-28 17:20:13

France's parliament is moving to repeal a slavery law called Code Noir that
has remained quietly in place for nearly two centuries after slavery was
abolished.

French lawmakers will likely formally eliminate Code Noir or Black Code in a
vote later today.

The colonial-era law that classified people as property stayed quietly in
place.

That realization has upset many.

Especially those who live in French overseas departments.

Most of their residents are descended from the enslaved.

Posted on 2026-05-28 14:07:13

The Ministry of Health and Welfare says, it's hoping that low birth rates
will rebound with a new round of policy proposals from the Lai
administration.

That's after the president yesterday proposed a series of measures he says
will help address the problem, including pay subsidies to families with kids.

Health Minister Shi Chong Liang noted in comments today that a declining
birth rate is common in OECD countries...

but he emphasized that that the year-on-year decline in Taiwan's birth rate
last year was statistically significant.

Therefore, he says, the initial goal of the Executive Yuan's proposals is to
see the birth rate return to its original decline rate, or even to reverse
the decline overall.

Shi noted that the Cabinet's proposals still need legislative approval before
they can be carried out.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-28 14:07:13

Taiwan's Fisheries Agency says cases of imported oysters passed off as
domestic products have resulted in fines and time in prison.

The agency announced today that a cross-ministry task force involving
multiple government ministries collected over 100 market samples between
December 2023 and March this year.

Twenty samples of oysters were identified as illegally mislabeled foreign
imports passed off as domestic seafood.

The cases were referred to the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office for fraud and
violating food safety laws, and penalties included fines up to $100-thousand
NT and four months in prison.

The agency says random sampling will continue for oyster season, and it is
encouraging consumers to look for oysters with production and sales
traceability certification or QR codes.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-28 14:07:13

Taiwan shares are down today, with the benchmark Tai ex losing 620 points to
close the session at 43,636.

The turnover was 1.6 trillion NT

Posted on 2026-05-28 14:07:13

An Australian woman has been charged with traveling to Syria and joining the
Islamic State group.

Police say the 34-year-old woman was arrested at her Melbourne home today.

The arrest came eight months after she returned to Australia from Lebanon.

On Tuesday, seven women and 12 children linked to IS returned to Australia
from a Syrian refugee camp.

Three weeks ago, four women and nine children in similar circumstances
returned from the same camp.

Three of those four women were charged on arrival with slavery and terrorism
offenses and remain in custody.

Posted on 2026-05-28 14:07:13

Brazil was set to join other Latin American countries that have shortened
working hours as the lower house approved a constitutional amendment
establishing a 40-hour, five-day workweek.

The proposal is widely popular, and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has
repeatedly promoted it.

Currently, Brazilians work five eight-hour days and four hours on a sixth day
for 44 hours total.

The amendment won't reduce pay and gives businesses 14 months to adapt.

The lower house votes late Wednesday sent the proposal to the Senate, which
could make changes before Lula’s approval for the constitution to be amended.

Mexico and Chile also have recently shortened the workweek.

Argentina may extend it.

Posted on 2026-05-28 12:31:13

People with disabilities may now claim tax deductions for renting medical
assistive devices in Taiwan.

The Ministry of Finance says the rule applies when taxpayers, spouses, or
dependent relatives need the devices because of a disability.

The expenses can be listed as medical and childbirth deductions on individual
income tax returns.

The ministry says the same rule already applies to purchases of medical
assistive devices.

Covered items include medical rehabilitation devices, testing equipment,
training aids, and devices that help prevent pressure sores.

People with subsidy approval can attach the approval notice and a copy of the
invoice or receipt.

They can deduct the part of the cost that is not covered by the subsidy.

Those without subsidy approval must provide a doctor's diagnosis and the
original invoice or receipt.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-28 12:31:13

Taichung police say they have uncovered 24 drugged driving cases this year,
as part of a wider crackdown.

The Dajia Police Precinct says officers are also tracing the supply of
etomidate vape cartridges.

The drug is also known as "zombie vape cartridges."

Police say they have busted four packaging sites so far this year.

From Sunday to Tuesday, officers found two drugged driving cases and five
drunk driving cases.

One case involved a car stopped in Waipu District while the driver was buying
a late-night snack.

Another involved a suspected scooter thief who was also wanted in a theft
case.

Police say the crackdown is aimed at blocking dangerous driving from the
source to the street.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-28 12:31:13

Space debris streaked across the sky over Taitung County last night, creating
a bright light that looked like a meteor.

Live cameras on Taitung City's east coast and at the Southern Cross-Island
Highway pass both captured the scene.

An astronomy expert says the object was not a meteor.

Liu Chih-an (劉志安) of the Taipei Amateur Astronomers Association says it was
likely debris from a satellite or rocket.

Video showed the light crossing the sky before breaking into two points of
fire.

The whole event lasted about 15 seconds.

Internet users shared the footage online, with some joking about whether
people could make a wish on it.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-28 12:31:13

Britain and Poland are set to sign a new defense and security treaty in
London.

The agreement is aimed at countering threats from Russia and strengthening
European security.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk are
expected to sign the deal.

The treaty will deepen defense cooperation, improve border security, and help
fight organized crime.

Tusk says both countries see Russia as a strategic threat.

The leaders are also expected to discuss hybrid attacks, cyberattacks, and
espionage.

Britain says the deal will support work on next-generation weapons and air
and missile defense systems.

The agreement comes as Europe faces pressure from Washington to take more
responsibility for its own defense.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-28 12:31:13

The International Criminal Court will start the trial of former Philippine
President Rodrigo Duterte on November 30th.

Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity over killings during
his anti-drug campaign.

Prosecutors say the charges involve at least 76 murders and two attempted
murders.

They say the alleged crimes were part of a campaign that killed thousands of
civilians from 2016 to 2022.

Duterte has denied wrongdoing and says he told police to kill only in
self-defense.

His lawyers say he is unfit for trial because of cognitive decline.

But the court has ruled he can take part in hearings with some adjustments.

Duterte could face life in prison if convicted.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-28 12:31:13

Iran has begun restoring international internet access after a shutdown
lasting nearly 90 days.

State media says President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered the reopening after
months of restrictions.

Authorities first imposed the blackout during anti-government protests in
January.

A second blackout began after U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran in late
February.

Iranians celebrated the return of social media, but access remains unstable
and heavily restricted.

Internet monitoring group NetBlocks says full restoration could take hours,
days, or even weeks in some provinces.

Businesses that relied on Instagram and Telegram were hit hard by the
shutdown.

Analysts say the government could cut access again if protests return or
fighting resumes.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-28 11:07:13

A New Taipei man has been sent to the hospital after a fire left him with
burns over 50% of his body.

The fire broke out this morning at an abandoned building in Sanchong district.

The fire department dispatched over 100 firefighters to take part in efforts
to extinguish the flames...

as the significant amount of discarded items in the building allowed the fire
to grow quickly.

Firefighters rescued a man in his 60s at the scene, who was disoriented and
suffering burns to half his body.

The fire was put out around 7:30.

It is understood that the man regularly collects items to recycle at the
building.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Authorities remind the public to keep windows closed and wear masks when
going out due to the large amount of smoke emitted from the blaze.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-28 11:07:13

The Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation says it's planning a major schedule
overhaul early next year, as it prepares for the arrival of its new
generation of trains.

The first of the new N700ST trains is scheduled to arrive in Taiwan from
Japan in August.

And according to high speed rail operator, the company will restructure is
timetable as early as January next year in order to create slots for the new
trains and prepare for the fleet's official launch in July 2027.

The company says the new schedule will specifically target high-volume peak
hours in the northern sections of the line, with a focus on the Taoyuan and
Hsinchu sections.

However, it's also stressing that the final schedule adjustments will balance
the needs of all 12 stations to ensure all passengers benefit from the
expanded fleet.

The new N700ST trains will initially be assigned to express routes to
maintain fast travel times between Taipei and Kaohsiung.

Posted on 2026-05-28 11:07:13

A 6.0 magnitude earthquake has left many people in Hawaii without water.

The quake damaged water catchment systems on the main Hawaii island.

Those systems are crucial for rural residents and farmers.

Officials say, 500 people may be affected by the outage.

Farmers are having to rely on public spigots for water.

The quake comes during the rainy season, but residents are concerned about
future water needs.

Officials are assessing the damage, while emergency measures are underway.

The situation highlights the need for better water infrastructure in the
region.

Posted on 2026-05-28 08:15:49

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Chairman C.C. Wei is being cited as saying
employee bonuses are likely to grow over 30-per cent this year.

That's in line with the past few years as the company's profits continue to
set new records.

Unnamed sources are being cited as saying, Wei told employees that the
company os committed to taking care of its workers, while expressing
gratitude for their contribution to the company's improving bottom line.

According to the sources, Wei said T-S-M-C's employee bonuses have grown at
an annual rate of 30-per cent or more and as long as employee performance
stays strong, annual bonuses for this year are expected to grow at a similar
rate this year.

The meeting with employees was reportedly scheduled after recent online
speculation that T-S-M-C would adjust its employee bonus distribution
mechanism by cutting this year's bonus payout ...

... in a bid to keep more funds on hand to meet the company's plans to
aggressively expand production.

Local media reports say the rumors of cuts to bonuses had angered many of the
chipmaker's employees.

Posted on 2026-05-28 08:15:49

The Taoyuan District Prosecutors' Office has indicted a former Taipei ward
chief on charges of injury causing death after allegedly knocking over a
fellow inmate with a walker.

The indictment follows an investigation into the February 2025 incident at
Taipei Prison in Taoyuan City.

According to prosecutors, Chu Hsueh-chang used the walker to push another
inmate during an altercation in the prison's Nursing and Care Center.

The man fall backward and hot back of his head on the floor.

He was later taken to the Taoyuan General Hospital for emergency treatment
and discharged.

However, the injuries left him requiring around-the-clock assistance and he
was rushed to hospital again on March 31, where he was pronounced dead.

Chu has been charged with causing injury resulting in death.

Chu is currently serving a six-year prison sentence there for a high-profile
2016 assault, when he attacked someone with a knife.

Posted on 2026-05-28 08:15:49

And finally,

The Canadian Trade Office in Taipei has announced that Canada Day
celebrations will be taking place Hakka Cultural Park in Taipei once again
this year on June 27.

According to the office, this year's outdoor music and food festival will be
marking the 40th anniversary of the opening of Canada's representative office
in Taiwan and the country's 159th birthday.

Canada's representative to Taiwan, Marie-Louise Hannan says the festival has
become "a very important celebration not just for Canadians living in Taiwan,
but also for people in Taipei and throughout Taiwan who travel to the capital
to join the festivities."

Hannan also says thre festival has drawn as many as 10,000 visitors in years
past and affirms what brings Canada and Taiwan together.

Celebration Canada festival is free and will be taking place from 1 to 9PM on
Saturday June 27.

The annual Taipei event has long been touted as being the largest Canada Day
celebration outside of Canada.

Posted on 2026-05-28 07:01:14

President Lai Ching-te is proposing a series of measures he says will help
Taiwan's declining birth rate.

Speaking at a press conferance at the Presidential Office, Lai said a 5,000
N-T subsidy will be paid in cash to families with children aged 5 and under,
while half of the monthly subsidy will be deposited into a savings account
for each child aged between 6 and 17.

According to Lai, funds in those accounts will be managed by financial
institutions commissioned by the government and guaranteed to earn at least
the interest rate of a two-year fixed-term deposit.

The account holder will be able to withdraw the funds when they turn 18.

Lai also outlined a series of "parent-friendly" workplace policy proposals,
including extending maternity leave from eight to 12 weeks and paternity
leave from seven to 14 days and a proposal to increase assisted reproduction
subsidies.

Lai said the proposed measures will cost around 380-billion N-T annually,
which is roughly equivalent to 1-per cent of the island's G-D-P.

The spending plans will need to be approved by lawmakers before they can be
initiated.

Posted on 2026-05-28 07:01:14

Meanwhile,

The Ministry of Labor says President Lai Ching-te's proposed family support
measures to address declining birthrate will apply to certain foreigner
working and living in Taiwan.

According to Labor Minister Hung Sun-han, the measures will apply to foreign
workers, including households in which both parents are foreign nationals.

Although migrant workers covered by the Labor Standards Act will benefit from
the measures, migrant domestic workers and live-in caregivers would not be
fully covered.

Migrant domestic workers and live-in caregivers are not covered by the Labor
Standards Act, meaning entitlements under the act, such as marriage leave, do
not apply to them, nor would the proposed expansion of such benefits.

The labor minister says his agency hopes new measures can be implemented on
January 1 of next year - as many workplace systems are calculated on a yearly
basis, and businesses will need time to adjust their systems.

Posted on 2026-05-28 07:01:15

Visiting Nvidia C-E-O Jensen Huang is describing Taiwan as being the
"epicenter of the AI revolution" and at the center of nearly everything his
company does.

Huang made the statement at a company employee gathering celebrating Nvidia's
planned Taiwan headquarters at the Beitou-Shilin Technology Park in Taipei.

Speaking at the event, Huang said Taiwan is where chips, advanced packaging
systems and AI supercomputers are made, making it central to the global A-I
supply chain.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an also attended the event, at which he presented
Huang with a Key to the City to welcome Nvidia to Taipei.

Chiang told attendees that world is watching how Nvidia shapes the future of
A-I and Taipei was proud to be part of that future.

Construction of the new Nvidia headquarters is scheduled to begin at the end
of this year and be completed in 2030.

Posted on 2026-05-28 07:01:15

K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun says the purpose of her upcoming visit to the
U-S is to persuade Washington that the R-O-C Constitution was a "one China"
constitution that fosters stable and peaceful cross-strait relations.

Cheng made the remark at a meeting of the party's Central Standing Committee
- at which she also stressed that the Constitution upholds the island's
democracy and contributes to its strong economy, which aligns with U-S
interests.

The K-M-T chairwoman accused the D-P-P of hijacking the Constitution and
introducing a "New Two States Theory," which she described as pro-Taiwanese
independence rhetoric.

Cheng and her delegation are slated to leave for the U-S next Monday.

Although very few details of her itinerary have been released, Cheng has said
she will be visiting Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology ....

.. and holding talks with U-S officials, U-S lawmakers, think tanks and
members of overseas Taiwan community during her trip.

The delegation will begin its U-S visit on the West Coast, before traveling
to the East Coast, with stops in New York, Washington, D.C., and Boston.

Posted on 2026-05-28 07:01:15

The Ministry of Digital Affairs is warning of cybersecurity risks posed by
four Chinese-made mobile apps - including Amap, which currently tops both
the Android and iOS download charts for navigation apps in Taiwan.

The other three apps covered in the latest review are video platforms
bilibili and i-Q-I-Y-I, and messaging app BIMOBIMO.

According to the ministry's Administration for Cyber Security, the key
concern with Chinese-made apps is that they transmit data to China, which
poses "a greater risk to national security" and is something his agency
wanted to bring to public attention.

The administration says under China's Cybersecurity Law and National
Intelligence Law, the companies behind the four apps may be required to hand
over user data, including that of Taiwan users, to Chinese authorities.

The digital ministry's report said tests on the four apps were carried out
using 15 indicators across four categories.

Amap had the highest number of risk behaviors, with 11 detected on Android
devices and eight on iOS devices.

Posted on 2026-05-28 07:01:15

And,

The Fisheries Research Institute has developed a protein-packed instant drink
powder from grouper heads and it is working with a commercial partner to
market the product.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, export demand for Taiwan's frozen
grouper fillets has surged in recent years, leaving 20-per cent of the fish's
flesh remaining in the head and other byproducts during processing.

To prevent that flesh from going to waste, the Fisheries Research Institute
studied options for using the fish heads and successfully transformed them
into a sports nutrition supplement in collaboration with Fu Jen Catholic
University.

The institute says the powder derived from grouper heads with the jaws
removed, contains more than 90-per cent crude protein.

Researchers tested the impact of the powder on fitness and stamina and found
laboratory mice fed a single dose of the powder were able to run 1.62 times
longer than usual, and their muscle glycogen storage increased to 1.64 times
the normal level.

Posted on 2026-05-28 07:01:15

Protesters in Bolivia are calling on the new president to step down.

Rodrigo Paz was inaugurated less than 6 months ago after several years under
the Movimiento al Socialismo party led to an economic crisis.

Initially, Paz secured fuel imports and saw the local currenecy- the
boliviano- appreciate.

But the former optimism felt by many Bolivians has been replaced with dread
as protests shake the government.

Demonstrators have blockaded major cities, leading to shortages of food,
fuel, and medical supplies.

Indigenous and rural Bolivians who originally backed Paz's campaign promises
are now calling on him to step down.

Paz has threatened to declare a state of emergency which could pave the way
for a harsh security crackdown.

Protesters are taking advantage of the geography of the administrative
capital la Paz...

where blocking barriers along the slopes leading into the city can completely
cut off more than 1.6 million people- over 13% of the country's population.

In the early 2000s protesters blockaded the city and paved the way for the
rise of former President Evo Morales, the founder of the Movimiento al
Socialismo.

Posted on 2026-05-28 07:01:15

The Brazilian government has announced a huge investment in a highway that
environmentalists say could speed up deforestation.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva claims that, with the 75 million US
dollars investment, the road will be the most environmentally advanced in the
world.

The BR-319 highway links Amazonas and Rondonia and has remained mostly
unpaved in being unveiled in 1976.

The president also announced an environmental protection plan to safeguard
the forest from potential impacts from the highway...

with measures like environmental monitoring of each side of the road as well
as inspection checkpoints.

Projects on the road have run into legal trouble from environmental groups in
the past.

The Amazon plays a critical role in regulating the global climate.

The BR 319 highway cuts through one of the forest's most well-preserved
regions, which is home to dozens of protected areas and Indigenous
territories.

Research has shown that opening new roads in the forest drives deforestation
and spurs the spread of illegal side roads.

Posted on 2026-05-27 18:03:13

President Lai Ching-te says Taiwan will shift child care from a private
burden to a shared public responsibility.

Lai made the remarks as the government announced 18 new measures to support
families and respond to Taiwan's falling birth rate.

The plan includes a 5-thousand NT monthly growth allowance for people from
birth to age 18.

Cabinet Secretary-General Chang Tun-han (張惇涵) says children under six will
receive the full amount directly.

For children from six to 18, families will receive 2-thousand-500 NT a month.

The other 2-thousand-500 NT will be placed in a special child and youth
growth account.

Chang says recipients will have at least 360-thousand NT by age 18 for
education, starting a business, or other uses.

The government will also expand assisted reproduction subsidies to as much as
150-thousand NT for eligible people under 45.

Student loan interest will be cut by another 1 percent, and repayment
extensions will be increased by one year.

The plan also includes childcare tax cuts and longer marriage, maternity, and
paternity leave.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-27 18:03:13

The Coast Guard Administration says Chinese coast guard ships entered
restricted waters near Kinmen twice in 24 hours.

Taiwan coast guard patrol boats sailed alongside the Chinese ships and
gathered evidence throughout the operations.

The Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu Branch says four Chinese coast guard ships approached
waters south of Kinmen this morning.

It says the ships entered restricted waters near Liaoluo (料羅) and Zhaishan at
(翟山) around 9 a.m.

Taiwan's coast guard responded with one-on-one monitoring and broadcast
warnings in Chinese and English.

The Chinese ships all left Kinmen's restricted waters by 11:03 a.m.

The branch says China is trying to create a false impression that it has
jurisdiction over waters around Kinmen.

It says Taiwan will continue to protect maritime order and safeguard national
sovereignty.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-27 18:03:14

The digital ministry says four Chinese-made apps may pose cybersecurity and
privacy risks.

The tested apps are Amap, bilibili, iQIYI, and BIMOBIMO.

Officials say all four transmit data to servers in China.

They say Amap had the most risk items, with 11 on Android systems and eight
on iOS systems.

The ministry says Amap may access location data, microphones, contacts,
calendars, health records, and device identifiers.

It says some permissions appear unrelated to the app's main functions.

Officials say the data could expose users' movements, personal information,
or business secrets.

The ministry is urging people to read privacy terms, check app permissions,
and use cybersecurity protection tools.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-27 16:54:13

The finance ministry is aiming to launch a new child tax cut next year as
part of President Lai Ching-te's family support plan.

Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun (莊翠雲) says the tax exemption for each child
under 18 would rise by 50 percent.

That would raise the exemption to 151-thousand-500 NT per child.

Chuang says the ministry will amend the Income Tax Act to support the change.

She says the measure could benefit 2.7 million people and provide 8-billion
NT in tax cuts.

The government also plans tax relief for family housing tied to marriage and
child-rearing.

Chuang says that could benefit more than 1 million households.

Lai says the Cabinet will work on legal changes and seek support from the
Legislature.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-27 16:54:13

UMC says its joint 12-nanometer chip program with Intel is on schedule, with
mass production expected next year.

Company president Jason Wang says the process is now being certified at
Intel's Arizona site.

He says certification is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

UMC and Intel announced the partnership in 2024 to develop and produce chips
using FinFET technology.

Wang says UMC's 22- and 28-nanometer nodes, along with specialty processes,
posted record revenue last year.

UMC reported 237-point-6 billion NT in sales for 2025, up 2-point-3 percent
from a year earlier.

But net profit fell 11-point-6 percent to 41-point-7 billion NT.

Chief Financial Officer Chitung Liu says UMC will raise prices on some
products in the second half of this year because of higher production costs.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2026-05-27 16:54:13

In Belgium, a train traveling at high speed hit a minibus crossing a railway,
killing four people, including two children, and injuring five other
children.

Officials say the accident on Tuesday during the morning rush hour is one of
the worst rail accidents in the country's history.

It appeared that the minibus drove through the closed crossing barrier.

A security camera showed the minibus was moving when the train hit it.

The bus driver, an escort, and two children aged 12 and 15 died.

The injured children are hospitalized in serious condition.

The train, traveling at 120 kph, had no time to brake.

None of the rail passengers were injured.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-05-27 16:54:13

Chinese authorities have executed a man for poisoning a billionaire gaming
tycoon linked to the Netflix production of “The Three-Body Problem.”

Xu Yao was previously found guilty of poisoning Lin Qi, the founder of the
Shanghai-based Yoozoo Games, which holds the film adaptation rights for the
blockbuster trilogy.

The Hugo Award-winning sci-fi trilogy by Chinese author Liu Cixin has been
translated into more than 40 languages and adapted into television and game
productions including the Netflix series released in 2024.

Xu was the former head of a subsidiary of Yoozoo Games.

He poisoned Lin in December 2020 over Lin sidelining him after he had helped
land the Netflix deal, local media reported.

Xu was convicted in 2024 and executed on May 21.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-05-27 16:54:13

Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro had a meeting with U.S. President Donald
Trump on Tuesday, once again leaning on his family's connection with the U.S.
leader.

The senator is seeking to bolster his presidential bid after receiving
millions from a disgraced banker.

He arrived Tuesday without a public agenda. The encounter did not appear on
Trump’s public schedule.

Messages leaked by a news organization show he received about $12 million
USD, the equivalent of $377 million NT, from the banker, who is accused of
defrauding bank customers.

Bolsonaro denies wrongdoing, claiming the money was for a movie about his
father, Brazil's former President Jair (Jah EER) Bolsonaro.

Police investigations continue, potentially affecting his chances for winning
the election.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-05-27 14:35:13

President Lai Ching-te says the government will cut student loan interest
rates and extend repayment periods as part of a broader package of family
support initiatives.

The Presidential Office says the student loan interest rate will be reduced
by an additional one percentage point, and the repayment deferral period will
be extended by one year, with the government covering the cost difference.

The government will also continue providing free tuition for senior high and
vocational school students, annual subsidies of up to $35-thousand NT for
students at private universities and colleges, and dormitory subsidies of up
to $7-thousand NT per semester at higher education institutions.

The changes are part of a broader package of 18 measures announced today to
address Taiwan's falling birthrate and aging population.

Lai framed the measures as part of a comprehensive family support strategy to
reverse demographic decline and strengthen Taiwan's long-term population
structure.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-27 14:35:16

A light and art festival held in Tainan has won an international award for
design.

The city's Cultural Affairs Bureau says the "Longci Light Festival 2026" won
a gold award in the concept design category at the London Design Awards.

The awards are organized by the International Awards Associate and recognize
creative and influential design work across architecture, spatial design,
concept design, and visual communication.

Officials say this year's Longci Light Festival took the top prize for its
edition themed "Call of the Wild Woods — The Mountain Awaits"

The festival transformed Hu-xing Mountain into a nocturnal art space using
light installations, soundscapes, landscape art, and immersive experiences.

City officials say the award reflects how a small community has built a
unique identity through the creative use of its natural landscape.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-27 14:35:16

Asian shares are mostly higher after the U.S. stock market rose to more
records.

Here in Taiwan, shares are up today, with the benchmark Taiex gaining 844
points to close the session at 44,370.

Turnover was $1.49 trillion NT.

Posted on 2026-05-27 14:35:16

In international news,

In France, parents’ groups are calling for more attention to child abuse
scandals as a rare public trial opens in Paris.

A school assistant is accused of sexually assaulting nine young children
between August 2024 and April 2025.

Inspired by Gisèle Pelicot’s public trial, the parents agreed to open the
trial.

The children, aged 3 to 5, do not have to attend.

The defendant, 36, denies the charges.

Protesters outside the courthouse demand a national wake-up call.

The city's mayor has pledged to combat child abuse in schools.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-05-27 14:35:16

The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected a push to avoid a lawsuit alleging
Facebook and Instagram harmed young users.

The decision comes as social media companies increasingly face legal
scrutiny.

Parent company Meta Platforms Inc. appealed after Vermont’s highest court
allowed a suit filed in 2023 to move forward.

The company is facing similar lawsuits across the country accusing it of
knowingly designing addictive features.

The Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal in a brief, unexplained order,
as is typical.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-05-27 11:06:13

Vice premier Zheng Li Jun has convened the first meeting of a committee aimed
at promoting urban forestry.

That's as part of the president's plan to push urban forests.

The Executive Yuan says today that the committee will put forward 6 core
plans in September in pursuit of expanding urban forestry...

with those expected to be combined at a national level to be put into motion
officially next year.

The committee is chaired by Zheng, while vice chairs will include
representatives from the ministries of the interior, the environment, and
agriculture.

At yesterday's meeting, Zheng emphasized the importance of urban forestry
from a climate change perspective...

noting that the government aims to correct past fragmented approaches to
create an integrated plan.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-27 11:06:13

And,

Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei and her women's doubles partner, Wang Xin-yu of China
have begun their French Open campaign with a win.

Hsieh and Wang beat Russia's Daria Kasatkina and Camila Osorio of Colombia,
6-4, 6-1.

They now face China's Guo Han-yu and Kristina Mladenovic of France in the
second round draw.

Hsieh won her second and most recent French Open doubles crown partnering
with Wang in 2023.

She also won the Brisbane women's doubles title earlier this year with
Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko.

Hsieh is 11th in the W-T-A women's doubles rankings.

Posted on 2026-05-27 11:06:13

North Korea says, its latest launches involved multiple weapons systems,
including a nuclear-capable cruise missile...

which leader Kim Jong Un says, he plans to deploy with front-line units
facing South Korea.

The report comes one day after the South Korean military said it had detected
the north launching multiple projectiles toward the sea.

It said that Kim supervised the tests of ballistic missiles with new warheads
designed for battlefield nuclear use, nuclear-capable cruise missiles guided
by artificial-intelligence technology, and rocket artillery equipped with
“ultra-precision” navigation systems.

Kim has sped up efforts to modernize North Korea’s weaponry and has called
South Korea his country's "most hostile enemy..."

despite the more open approach to the North that South Korean President Lee
Jae Myung has taken.

Posted on 2026-05-27 11:06:13

People in parts of Syria are being urged to move inland...

as water levels of the Euphrates River in the north and east of the country
have risen, causing flooding.

The floods are damaging agricultural fields, homes, and businesses.

Such flooding has been rare ever since Turkiye built dams decades ago to
control the river's flow.

The floods are the result of rain levels that were higher than usual this
year prompting authorities to open some of the gates at the Euphrates Dam to
reduce pressure on it.

Officials are warning against swimming or using small bridges and boars,
instead advising residents to move to higher areas.

Posted on 2026-05-27 11:06:13

In the US,

one person has died following a chemical tank implosion in Washington.

Nin others were unaccounted for.

Emergency responders are still working on recovery efforts at Nippon Dynawave
Packaging Company...

but some liquid remained in the collapsed tank hours after the implosion,
thus complicating efforts to reach victims.

Authorities say that responders are trying to structurally reinforce and
strengthen the site before continuing recovery operations.

They add that some some victims suffered burns or inhalation injuries.

Posted on 2026-05-27 06:52:14

Premier Cho Jung-tai is insisting that Taiwan will not suffer any power
shortages before 2030 to 2032.

According to Cho, the dates are based on calculations by Tai-Power, which he
said has conducted detailed analysis of the issue.

Cho says the government's "second energy transition" policy will see
coal-fired plants converted to natural gas and that shift aims to improve air
quality, support net-zero goals, and boost efficiency.

Cho is also confirming that nuclear reactor restart reviews are actively
underway and as "Taiwan has a responsibility to industries worldwide" and the
government "must guarantee the provision of clean and stable power supply."

And the premier says the the Nuclear Safety Commission is conducting reviews
of nuclear plants under the Nuclear Regulatory Act and Tai-Power has
submitted restart plans currently being evaluated.

The statements come after visiting Nvidia C-E-O Jensen Huang told reporters
that the island needs more energy for its manufacturing sector and A-I data
centers -- as "without energy, there is no economic growth."

Huang arrived in Taiwan Saturday and will be hosting an employee gathering
tonight at Nvidia's planned headquarters site in the Beitou-Shilin
Technology Park.

Posted on 2026-05-27 06:52:14

Visiting German parliamentarian Till Steffen says exchanges between
democratic societies should not be affected by outside interference, as he
called for Berlin and Taipei to strengthen bilateral exchanges.

Steffen, who chairs the German-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, made
the statement during a meeting with President Lai Ching-te at the
Presidential Office.

According to the German lawmaker, he noticed that China's Ministry of Foreign
Affairs on Monday objected to his delegation's visit to Taiwan, but he
believes exchanges between democracies are normal and cannot be interfered
with by any third party.

Steffen said Taiwan-German relations have withstood the test of time and will
not undergo any major change - and there have not been any changes in the
German government or the Bundestag's stance on Taiwan.

The lawmaker went on to say members of the visiting delegation will pay close
attention to a potential telephone call between Lai and U-S President Donald
Trump and Washington's decision on an arms sales package to Taiwan.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Steffen's delegation has been meeting
other officials here this week, including K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun, and
Taiwan People's Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang and has also held talks with
former President Tsai Ing-wen.

Posted on 2026-05-27 06:52:14

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says government is still assessing the
possible recruitment of workers from Eswatini.

According to the ministry's Department of West Asian and African Affairs, a
feasibility study on labor cooperation between the two countries was still in
its early stages.

The statements come amid renewed speculation the Lai administration is
seeking to source workers from Eswatini.

The foreign ministry has recently dismissed online rumors that the government
has already agreed to recruit 1,000 workers from Eswatini annually following
President Lai Ching-te's trip to the kingdom earlier this month.

The ministy has insistited that such online reports are "a classic case of
disinformation" with "no basis in fact."

The 1,000-worker figure also appeared in a 2025 report published by the
Eswatini Observer.

Meanwhile, the foreign ministry says it is currently focusing on upgrading
vocational training in Eswatini and working with the Ministry of Labor's
Workforce Development Agency to help strengthen workforce training in the
Southern African country.

Posted on 2026-05-27 06:52:14

The K-M-T legislative caucus has proposed a referendum on flogging as a
judicial punishment for individuals convicted of certain serious crimes.

The motion has been jointly sponsored by all 52 K-M-T lawmakers.

It proposes subjecting those convicted of sexual assault, child abuse, major
financial fraud, and aggravated "hybrid scam" offenses to flogging.

The proposal argues that such crimes have significantly harmed social order
and raises the question of whether existing penalties are "adequate in
responding to public expectations for justice and social security."

The motion includes a referendum question that asks whether the government
should "establish a court-imposed and legally enforced criminal punishment
system targeting sexual assault, child abuse, major financial fraud and
aggravated hybrid scam, to deter such crimes."

The proposal will be considered in a plenary session on Friday.

If it passes the Legislature, the referendum process could be formally
initiated and potentially voted on alongside November's local elections.

Posted on 2026-05-27 06:52:14

The Food and Drug Administration has seized three shipments of fresh black
truffles imported from France and Bulgaria after tests found excessive levels
of the heavy metal cadmium.

According to the F-D-A, the shipments weighed a combined 4.3-kilograms and
were imported by two different companies.

The F-D-A says the truffles were found to contain between 3 and 5-milligrams
of cadmium per kilo, above the 2-milligrams of cadmium per kilo
limit.

Tighter inspection measures are now being imposed of the importers, Evergreen
Engineering and European Arcade Food.

Evergreen Engineering has reported seven other cases involving excessive
pesticide residues or heavy metal contamination in its food products since
2024 and will now require 100-per cent of its imported shipments to be
inspected.

Posted on 2026-05-27 06:52:14

The Taipei City Government says two men who caught an alligator gar in the
228 Memorial Park, ate it and then posted about it online are facing a fine.

The incident came to light after a Facebook page for the National Cheng Kung
University fishing club in Tainan posted a photo of two men holding a
meter-long fish identified as an alligator gar.

The post tagged accounts appearing to belong to the two men and said the fish
was invasive, and by removing it they were doing their part to "help native
species."

It also contained a video of the two men filleting fish in the kitchen of a
"hot fry" restaurant, and then displaying several dishes apparently cooked
from the fish.

The post drew widespread public anger and Facebook group's administrator
removed the post and issued an apology.

The men are now facing a 3,600 N-T fines each for illegal fishing.

Alligator gar are one of the world's oldest fish species, and can grow to
over 2-meters in length.

Posted on 2026-05-27 06:52:14

And,

Ruentex Group chairman and Tang Prize founder, Samuel Yin has passed away.

Yin died at Taipei Veterans General Hospital Tuesday early Tuesday morning.

He was 75.

According to the Ruentex Group, Yin passed on peacefully with family members
by his side and there will be no memorial hall or public memorial service in
accordance with Yin's wishes.

The billionaire businessman and philanthropist transformed the Ruentex Group
from textile manufacturer into a diversified conglomerate involved the
residential construction, financial, retail, biotech and medical care
sectors.

He founded the Tang Prize in 2012 to encourage scholars worldwide to pursue
research in the fields of sustainable development, Sinology, the rule of law
and biopharmaceutical science.

Posted on 2026-05-27 06:52:14

In related news,

Israel has killed another 3 people in Gaza after a pair of airstrikes.

They injured 12 more people in the attack.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed in a statement that the
strikes were targeting a Hamas military leader.

There was no immediate comment from Hamas.

The strikes took place on the eve of Eid al-Adha, a major Muslim holiday.

The holiday once again is subdued this year in Gaza, where the vast majority
of people remain displaced and live in tents or temporary shelters after a
devastating war.

Israel carried out the strikes during a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Israel has killed more than 880 Palestinian people since the ceasefire took
effect in October.

Posted on 2026-05-27 06:52:14

Relatedly,

The Canadian govenrment says it will require travelers from Ebola-affected
regions to self-isolate for 3 weeks.

That's as immigration authorities in the country have also temporarily
suspended decisions on applications from Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda.

Officials say, the measures come out of an abundance of caution, and will
stay in place through the end of August.

Travelers who have symptoms will be transferred to the hospital for further
medical assessment.

The measures come into effect starting this weekend.

Posted on 2026-05-27 06:52:14

In the US, a woman who was fired over comments she made online criticizing
Charlie Kirk after his death will receive 225,000 dollars in a legal
settlement.

Her former employer, Ball State University, agreed to the payout to settle a
First Amendment lawsuit by Suzanne Swierc.

The first amendment of the US constitution guarantees the right to free
speech.

Swierc worked as director of health promotion and advocacy at Ball State
before being fired.

The university cited her private facebook post about Kirk as the sole reason
for her termination...

claiming it caused "significant disruption" to the campus.

But her lawyers say, Swierc's firingviolated her constitutional rights, as
she was speaking as a private citizen.

Charlie Kirk was a conservative influencer vocal on gun rights who was shot
and killed last year.

Posted on 2026-05-26 20:09:13

Taiwan High-Speed Rail is describing yesterday's service disruption as its
most serious in over a decade ...

... with the last major operational incident dating back to a signaling
failure in 2013.

The company says about 180 thousand passengers were affected by cancellations
or delays ...

... after problems emerged in a newly replaced power module linked to the
network's signaling system.

Passengers delayed by more than 30 minutes are eligible for a 50 percent
refund, while those delayed by more than an hour can receive a full refund.

THSR says refund requests can be submitted within one year without any
handling fees.

The operator also handed out snacks, bread and bottled water at stations this
morning as a gesture of apology to passengers.

THSR resumed normal operations this morning ... after engineering crews
worked overnight to fix the issue.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-26 20:09:16

Taiwan is set to face dramatic weather swings this week.

The Central Weather Administration is forecasting another day of scorching
heat for tomorrow across the island ...

... before a weather front brings rain later this week.

According to the CWA, that front could bring localized showers and
thunderstorms to central, northern, and northeastern Taiwan this Thursday
when it arrives ...

... with possible heavy rain in northern Taiwan and Yilan.

Meanwhile, a developing tropical system east of the Philippines is also being
monitored.

Forecasters say the system could strengthen into a typhoon as early as
tomorrow ...

... though it's not forecast to directly affect Taiwan.

However, the storms outer cloud bands could bring brief showers to northern
and northeastern Taiwan early next week.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-26 19:32:13

The Centers for Disease Control has issued an alert to medical professionals
after Kaohsiung reported Taiwan's first locally transmitted dengue fever case
of the year.

According to the CDC, the patient is a man in his 60s living in Kaohsiung's
Cianjhen District who tested positive for Type-1 dengue fever after seeking
treatment for fever, headaches and muscle pain.

Health officials say the case appeared earlier than last year's first local
dengue infection ...

... but they believe the overall public health risk remains limited because
the patient was diagnosed on the same day symptoms appeared, leaving almost
no hidden transmission period.

Authorities have expanded testing to more than 400 people connected to the
case, with all results so far returning negative.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-26 19:32:13

Meanwhile,

Firefighters in Scotland have been battling a large grass fire as a spring
heatwave continues to scorch parts of Western Europe.

Temperature records have been broken in the U-K, where London experienced a
rare 'tropical night' with temperatures staying above 20 degrees Celsius
overnight.

Monday was officially the hottest May day ever recorded in the U-K, with
temperatures reaching 34-point-8 degrees at Kew Gardens in London.

The U-K Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat health alert, warning
of increased health risks, especially for older people.

In France, temperatures have also climbed above 30 degrees Celsius in many
areas, with officials reporting at least seven deaths potentially linked to
the heat.

Posted on 2026-05-26 18:07:13

The Centers for Disease Control has confirmed Taiwan's first meningococcal
disease death of the year.

The CDC says the patient is a woman in her 60s from central Taiwan who died
just one day after falling ill.

The woman, who had a history of hypertension, developed fever, vomiting,
diarrhea, dizziness, chills, and general weakness on May 7th.

She sought emergency care the following day, but rapidly deteriorated,
passing away on May 8th.

Health authorities have identified 20 close contacts including family members
and hospital staff, all of whom have received preventive antibiotics.

Officials say none of the contacts have shown symptoms so far.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-26 18:07:13

In similar news,

The CDC is also reporting a new imported measles case.

According to the CDC, the patient is a foreign woman in her 30s who developed
symptoms including fever and a rash after arriving in Taiwan for travel.

Health officials say she is believed to have contracted the disease in
Thailand before entering Taiwan.

The CDC says Taiwan has now recorded 10 measles cases this year -- including
eight imported infections and two domestic cases.

Officials also warned that measles outbreaks remain a concern in Bangladesh
and Japan, as well as parts of Europe and the Americas.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-26 18:07:13

Former foreign ministers from the Czech Republic and the Philippines will
speak at the first-ever Forum for Democratic Cooperation (FDC), set to be
held in Taipei tomorrow.

The FDC is being organized by the Forum 2000 Foundation, to get democratic
actors to address shared challenges in "an increasingly contested global
environment," the foundation said in an earlier press release.

The foundation's executive director says Taipei was chosen as the forum's
first stop as Taiwan plays a crucial role in the growth of artificial
intelligence and the restructuring of the global economy.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is co-organizing the FDC, and has
facilitated discussions by inviting parliamentarians and city councilors from
10 European countries to attend Wednesday's forum.

(CNA - NS)

Posted on 2026-05-26 18:07:13

An elderly dog that drew national media attention after its owner offered a
500-thousand NT reward for its return has been found safe in Yunlin County.

The mixed-breed dog, named Chen Mei-chi, had gone missing over the weekend
during a family visit in Erlun Township.

Its owner posted notices across social media offering the large reward,
sparking widespread discussion online.

The dog was eventually discovered Tuesday morning in a nearby resident's
yard, about 800 meters from where it disappeared.

The man who found the dog said he contacted the owner after his family
recognized the animal from online posts, but added he did not plan to accept
the full reward.

The owner said she was relieved to be reunited with her pet, but added that
the publicity also led to hundreds of scam calls and fake messages claiming
the dog had been found.

Posted on 2026-05-26 16:03:13

Premier Cho Jung-tai says the government will study stronger controls to
prevent drug use after a rise in drug-impaired driving cases.

It comes after lawmaker Chen Chao-tzu (陳昭姿) says drug use has become easier
because new drugs can be mixed into vape oil.

She says some members of the public want electronic vaporizers listed as
regulated drug-use tools.

Cho says e-cigarette devices are already banned items in Taiwan.

But he says any measure that helps prevent drug use will be reviewed.

Chen says etomidate can be mixed into vape oil and absorbed quickly.

She says that has made drug use more convenient and worsened drug-driving
risks.

Several public proposals now call for heavier penalties and tighter controls
on e-cigarette devices.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 16:03:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is urging its nationals to leave the
Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as soon as possible.

The ministry says both countries are under a red travel alert after recent
Ebola outbreaks, and that the public should not travel there for now.

Official Yen Chia-liang (顏嘉良) says MOFA is staying in close contact with
Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control.

He says overseas offices responsible for the two countries have posted
outbreak information on social media.

Taiwan's CDC raised its travel health notice for both countries to Level 2 on
May 17.

MOFA says it has also updated alerts for 10 other African countries listed as
high risk.

Officials say Taiwan will continue tracking the outbreak and follow the
latest health measures.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 16:03:13

Three pantropical spotted dolphins have safely left a Penghu fishing harbor
after staying there for several days.

The Ocean Conservation Administration says the dolphins left Shagang West
Fishing Harbor this morning during the spring tide.

Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) says Shagang was once known
for hunting dolphins.

But she says the area now protects dolphins and treats them like treasures.

Officials say the dolphins had no obvious injuries, though one showed unusual
behavior.

Experts believe the group may have stayed because dolphins often protect and
accompany each other.

Conservation teams worked with local officials to monitor the animals and
reduce human disturbance.

Officials urge the public to report injured or trapped dolphins, and not
intervene on their own.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 16:03:13

South Korea plans to launch its first nuclear-powered submarine by the
mid-2030s.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back says the program is aimed at countering North
Korea's submarine-launched nuclear and missile threats.

Ahn says the submarine will use low-enriched uranium fuel.

He says it will be developed and built in South Korea.

Ahn says Seoul will not acquire or develop nuclear weapons.

He says South Korea will work with the U.S. and the International Atomic
Energy Agency on nonproliferation rules.

The government says nuclear propulsion would let the submarine stay
underwater much longer.

It says the vessel would also have greater mobility than South Korea's
current submarines.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 16:03:13

Rescue crews in Laos are racing to free seven people trapped for nearly a
week inside a flooded cave.

The group entered the cave in Xaysomboun province last Wednesday to look for
gold and wildlife.

Authorities say rain and landslides blocked the cave entrance.

Rescuers are pumping out water and moving through narrow, muddy passages.

Some chambers are only about 50 centimeters wide.

Thai cave rescue experts from the 2018 Chiang Rai operation are helping with
the effort.

Rescuers say they have not detected signs of life so far.

But one Thai rescue worker says teams may be less than 20 meters from where
the group is believed to be trapped.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 15:58:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says plans to bring workers from diplomatic
ally Eswatini to Taiwan remains in the feasibility assessment stage,

The ministry made the statement this morning while reporting on the current
state of labor and vocational training cooperation between Taiwan and
Eswatini.

Officials say the immediate priority is helping Eswatini upgrade its
vocational training centers rather than recruiting Swati workers for Taiwan.

On the question of whether Swati workers or professionals might eventually
come to Taiwan, the ministry says any migrant workers from any country must
meet Taiwan's existing legal requirements for foreign worker recruitment, and
that filling specific labor shortages and promoting bilateral technical
exchange would be the key considerations in any future planning.

The Ministry of Labor has dispatched a team to Eswatini to conduct an on-site
assessment of vocational training centers, evaluating their current capacity
in manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, energy, and construction skills
training.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-26 15:58:13

Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai says Taiwan High Speed Rail must find
the cause of Monday's signal abnormality and review online refunds for
affected passengers.

Chen says THSR resumed normal operations this morning after crews completed
overnight repairs.

He says the company has replaced equipment and formed an investigation team.

The disruption began Monday morning after a signal problem on a section of
track near Miaoli.

It led to train cancellations and rescheduling, and forced northbound and
southbound trains to share a single track.

THSR says more than 200-thousand passengers were affected.

Chen says some passengers may receive a 50-percent refund, while others may
get a full refund.

He says asking passengers to apply at station counters would be inconvenient,
especially for those who bought tickets online.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 15:58:13

Two young anglers who caught an alligator gar in Taipei's 228 Memorial Park,
ate it and then posted about it online will be fined.

The incident came to light when the Facebook page for the National Cheng Kung
University (NCKU) fishing club in Tainan posted a photo of two men holding a
meter-long fish identified as an alligator gar.

The post claims the fish was invasive, and also contained a video of the men
filleting the fish, then display several dishes apparently cooked from the
fish to eat.

The post drew angry responses with several noting that fishing at the park is
illegal, adn the fish was well-known to park visitors, having been there for
over 20 years.

The Taipei City government says the men would be fined $3,600 NT each for
illegal fishing.

(CNA - NS)

Posted on 2026-05-26 15:58:13

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says talks with Iran could take a few
days, lowering hopes for an immediate end to the conflict.

Rubio spoke after U.S. forces carried out new strikes in southern Iran.

Washington says the strikes targeted boats laying mines and missile launch
sites.

Rubio says the Strait of Hormuz must remain open "one way or the other."

U.S. Central Command says the strikes were meant to protect American troops
from Iranian threats.

Talks are continuing in Doha, with discussions focused on the strait and
Iran's enriched uranium stockpile.

President Donald Trump says talks are going well, but warned of new attacks
if they fail.

The conflict has sharply reduced shipping through Hormuz and pushed up oil,
fuel, fertilizer, and food costs.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 15:58:13

A Paris school assistant is going on trial today over accusations of sexual
mistreatment of young children.

The case is part of a wider scandal involving after-school assistants in the
French capital.

Investigations are underway at nearly 100 daycares, kindergartens, and junior
schools.

Authorities are looking into claims of inappropriate, aggressive, or
sexualized behavior by assistants.

The assistant is accused of sexualized touching involving five children.

Paris officials have promised new training, monitoring, and faster
suspensions after complaints.

But assistants say they now face broad suspicion, as parents and unions
demand deeper reforms.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 15:18:13

Film score composer Hans Zimmer will perform in Taiwan for the first time
this September.

The two-time Oscar winner will bring "Hans Zimmer Live - The Next Level" to
Kaohsiung Arena on Sept. 19.

He will also perform at Taipei Arena on Sept. 20.

Zimmer has written music for more than 500 film and television works.

His scores include "Dune," "Interstellar," "Inception," "Gladiator," and
"Pirates of the Caribbean."

Organizers say the show will feature upgraded staging, visuals, and sound.

Zimmer says he wants the audience to feel like they are at a carnival or
riding a roller coaster.

Tickets will go on sale at noon on June 2.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 15:18:13

The 2026 East Coast Land Arts Festival will take place in Taitung from June
through September.

The annual event brings together local and international artists, who will
showcase a wide range of works for visitors to enjoy along Taiwan’s east
coast.

This year’s Moonlit Sea Concerts are scheduled for late June, as well as
July, August, and September.

The festival highlights sustainability, environmental awareness, and local
culture through art, music, and community activities.

In addition to performances, visitors will also be able to take part in
workshops and explore art markets during the festival.

More information is available on the Taiwan East Coast Land Arts Festival
website.

Posted on 2026-05-26 12:42:13

Premier Cho Jung-tai says Taiwan can meet electricity demand through 2032 as
it works to supply more clean energy for industry.

He made the comment after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said Taiwan needs more
energy, adding that there is no economic growth without energy.

Cho says the government is pushing a second energy transition to support
modern industries.

He says Taiwan Power Company has calculated that electricity demand will not
fall short before 2032.

Cho says several coal-fired power plants are being converted into gas-fired
plants.

He says traditional nuclear power plants are also under review for possible
restart plans.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 12:42:13

Formosa Petrochemical is speeding up sustainable aviation fuel development as
global energy risks raise pressure for transition.

Chairman Tsao Minh (曹明) says the U.S.-Iran war has highlighted the urgent
need for energy transition.

He says the company is building new equipment to recycle waste cooking oil
for SAF production.

Tsao says Formosa Petrochemical made about 5-thousand-500 metric tons of SAF
in 2025.

He says output is expected to rise by another 1-thousand metric tons this
year.

But the figure remains far below the company's medium- to long-term goal of
50-thousand metric tons.

Tsao says raw material supply and airline demand are the main challenges.

He says wider SAF use will depend on government rules, airline costs, and
passenger acceptance.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 12:42:13

Kaohsiung will reopen Singuang Riverside Park on May 30 after upgrading it
into a larger water recreation site.

The city's Public Works Bureau says the park covers about 2.9 hectares in
Asia New Bay Area.

It says the water play zone covers about 1.3 hectares.

The upgraded area adds water slides, water swings, shaded walkways, seats,
and outdoor shower areas.

Officials say visitors can also see sunset views over Kaohsiung Harbor.

The bureau says last year's trial run drew about 80-thousand people over a
three-day holiday.

The park will open from April 1 to Oct. 31 each year.

It will open Fridays to Sundays, with maintenance scheduled from Mondays to
Thursdays.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 12:42:13

Health workers responding to a rapidly spreading outbreak of a rare type of
Ebola in eastern Congo face two threats.

They risk contracting the virus and encounter hostility from wary locals.

Aid workers are especially vulnerable in this volatile region where armed
groups have caused significant unrest.

Trust is scarce among the traumatized population, complicating efforts to
contain the outbreak.

Healthcare facilities have been attacked at least three times in the past
week, forcing evacuations and hindering response efforts.

Gaining community trust is essential.

The World Health Organization reports over 900 suspected Ebola cases and more
than 220 deaths.

Posted on 2026-05-26 12:42:13

Australia's government says 19 Australian women and children linked to the
Islamic State group have booked flights to return from Syria and some could
face charges.

The seven women and 12 children are expected to arrive on flights to Sydney
and Melbourne on Tuesday less than three weeks after a group of 13 returned
to Australia’s largest cities.

Three of the four women on those flights were charged with slavery and
terrorism offenses and remain behind bars.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke says anyone among the 19 on their way to
Australia who had “committed crimes can expect to face the full force of the
law.”

Posted on 2026-05-26 12:42:13

South Korean retail tycoon Chung Yong-jin has apologized for a second time in
two weeks as Starbucks’ local operation faces a backlash over a recent
marketing campaign that was widely perceived as mocking victims of a bloody
military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in 1980.

The coffee chain sparked public outrage when it attempted to promote a large
size of tumbler it calls a “tank” by declaring May 18 to be “Tank Day.”

That’s the anniversary of a democratic uprising in the southern city of
Gwangju that was brutally suppressed by troops, tanks and helicopters,
killing or injuring hundreds.

Chung bowed three times as he asked for forgiveness on Tuesday, and asked
people not to take out their frustration on Starbucks staff, saying the
responsibility lies with management.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:13

The High-Speed Rail Corporation resumed regular services this morning - with
all trains departing according to the timetable - following major disruptions
on Monday after the network experienced a signal abnormality on a section of
track near Miaoli.

The signal problem resulted in the cancellation and rescheduling of trains
from 8AM yesterday.

Regular scheduled services were replaced with three hourly trains offering
only non-reserved seating and both northbound and southbound trains were
forced to use a single track.

The corporation says more than 200,000 passengers were affected.

According to the rail operator, an investigation found that the disruption to
services was due to faulty power module in a track switch control cabinet.

Repair work began at 11:30 last night and was completed at 1:43 this morning.

The corporation convened an Emergency Response Meeting at 3:30 last night at
which it was confirmed that all equipment and facilities were operating
normally.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:14

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is insisting that K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng
Li-wun adhere to the policy of diplomacy transcending party lines and serve
Taiwan's national interests when she travels to the U-S.

Speaking to reporters ahead of meeting of the Legislative Foreign Affairs and
National Defense Committee, Lin said diplomacy should not be divided along
partisan lines and he hopes Cheng's visit will convey the Lai
administration's policy positions.

According to Lin, Cheng should make it clear while in the U-S, that peace
must be backed by strength and both the government and the public are firmly
committed to defending the country.

The statements come amid reports the K-M-T chairwoman will travel to the U-S
next Monday and visit major East and West Coast cities.

The trip is reportedly focused on the "normalization of peace" in the Taiwan
Strait and Cheng is expected to meet with U-S lawmakers and think-tanks while
in Washington D.C.

The foreign minister is also insisting that the Lai administration maintains
institutional channels of communication with the U-S and arms sales to Taiwan
will continue to follow the Taiwan Relations Act and strengthen Taiwan's
defense capabilities.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:19

The US-Taiwan Business Council's 9th annual defense delegation will be
visiting Taiwan from today through Friday.

According to the council, the delegation is being led this year by retired
general Charles A. Flynn - who last served as Commanding General of United
States Army Pacific from 2021 to 2024.

It consists of 41 senior executives to promote expanded bilateral cooperation
with the U-S and in support of the national security goals of both countries.

The council says the delegation will be meeting with senior government
officials responsible for political, military, and security issues.

The talks are expected to focus on matters ranging from expediting U-S
weapons deliveries to supporting development and production of indigenous
platforms and systems.

The delegation will also visit think tanks, tour centers of defense
innovation, and participate in the public 2026 Taiwan-US Defense Industry
Forum - which will be held in Taipei on Thursday.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:21

The Ministry of Transport is planning to raise airport service fees in two
phases starting in September.

The move will see the current fee of 500 N-T increased to 1,000 N-T when
fully initiated.

According to the transport ministry, the airport service fee will be
increased to 750 N-T from September 1 in the first phase, while the second
phase will be implemented on September 1 of 2028 -- when it will be raised
further to 1,000 N-T.

The airport service fee is paid by departing passengers and has been frozen
at 500 N-T for 10 years -- which the transport ministry argues is lower than
the same fee paid in neighboring countries.

Ministry officials say the increase in the fee will be used mainly to fund
infrastructure projects at airports, particularly the construction of a third
terminal and runway at Taoyuan International Airport.

Currently, 50-per cent of the airport service fee is allocated to the
country's Tourism Development Fund, and the remaining 50-per cent to the
Taoyuan International Airport Corporation.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:26

The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has indicted a former engineer at
Avago Technologies for allegedly leaking the company's trade secrets,
including client orders and executive meeting materials.

Prosecutors say the former employee has been charged with violating the Trade
Secrets Act and related offenses.

The indictment follows an investigation triggered by an internal
whistleblower report.

The employee worked at the company from August 2012 to March 2025, serving as
an application engineer and a regional sales engineer in the semiconductor
solutions division.

According to prosecutors, he allegedly used a company-issued laptop to access
Avago's client order analysis system, without authorization.

Prosecutors say he downloaded and reproduced customer orders, financial
forecasts, product development schedules, client lists and operational data,
which he later compiled into lecture material for use at paid seminars.

He allegedly earned 2.9-million N-T in speaking fees from the seminars.

Avago Taiwan is a subsidiary of Broadcom -- a global semiconductor and
infrastructure software company headquartered in California.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:27

A woman has died after falling several floors inside the Taipei 101 shopping
mall.

Police says emergency service personnel found her with no vital signs and
rushed her to nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead after
resuscitation efforts failed.

According to police, the woman apparently fell from the mall's fifth floor
for unknown reasons to the second floor, with the incident immediately
reported to authorities by security personnel.

The cause of the fall is still under investigation.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts in Taiwan, please call the 1925,
1995, or 1980 hotlines for help.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:29

And,

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued its condolences over the passing
of former Foreign Minister Timothy Yang who died on Sunday.

He was 83.

Yang served as Taiwan's top diplomat from September 2009 to September 2012.

According to the foreign ministry, Yang was one of the key promoters of
Taiwan being granted preferential visa and/or visa-free treatments and of
signing trade agreements with foreign countries ..

.. and "his hard work and outstanding diplomatic achievements will be truly
missed by all his colleagues."

In his memoir, which was published in January, Yang said he saw the opening
of Taiwan's representative office in Ireland in 1988 and facilitating
visa-free entry to the European Union for R-O-C passport holders in 2011 as
the greatest achievements of his diplomatic career.

Prior to being appointed foreign minister under then-President Ma Ying-jeou,
Yang served as Taiwan's top envoy to Ireland, Australia and Indonesia.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:32

A new conscription law in Cambodia has come into effect, imposig penalties of
up to 5 years in prison for evading military service.

Prime Minister Hun Manet says, the law was signed by Senate President Hun
Sen, who is acting head of state.

This comes after significant border fighting with Thailand last year.

The law requires Cambodian men aged 18 to 25 to serve two years in the
military, while women may serve voluntarily.

Penalties for evasion vary, depending on whether Cambodia is at peace or at
war.

Individuals summoned for service must appear within 30 days of receiving
notice or be considered as evading their duty.

Exemptions to serving are granted to monks, priests, people with
disabilities, and those with specialized skills in science and technology.

After completing their required service, individuals become part of reserve
forces until age 45.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:33

And in related news,

Hospital officials in Gaza say two were killed in an Israeli airstrike.

Israel struck a tent sheltering displaced families in the area of Muwasi in
southern Gaza, killing a woman and child.

The Israeli military claimed to have struck a militant but did not offer
further details.

Despite a ceasefire, Israeli forces have carried out repeated airstrikes and
frequently fire on Palestinians near military-held zones, killing more than
880 Palestinians.

Meanwhile in Lebanon, Israel says it struck sites belonging to militant group
Hezbollah.

That's as Lebanese and Israeli officials are set to meet this week to discuss
a tenuous ceasefire.

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