ICRT

Posted on 2026-07-18 13:07:14

The Financial Supervisory Commission says a pilot program aimed at reducing
fraud at ATMs looks promising.

The commission says that 15 banks and 1,600 ATMs have been part of the pilot
project that so far essentially looks for obscured faces of people seeking to
withdraw money.

If the user's face is covered by a mask and/or helmet, he or she is asked to
remove the coverings. Data show that 95% of people comply, while the other 5%
are allowed to complete their transactions after a 2-minute wait.

Even with this limited intervention, the commission says the number of
fraudulent withdrawals has decreased by 60% at high-risk hotspots, which
account for about 1 in 50 of the country's ATMs.

More enhancements are on the way ... with plans to detect frequent card
switching at ATMs as well as people spying on customers as they key in their
PINs.

CNA_zh_JvW

Posted on 2026-07-18 13:07:14

Taiwan and Eswatini supporters are launching a project to expand charitable
cooperation and create new opportunities.

The Taiwan International Family Alliance says the campaign encourages people
to help others through practical action.

Organizers say the project combines education, charity and trade to
strengthen ties between Taiwan and Eswatini.

The alliance says donations include children's health books, water treatment
equipment, 45 boxes of toys, and 3,000 pairs of new shoes.

According to organizers, the goal is to support children in Eswatini, a
diplomatic ally in southeastern Africa, while promoting Taiwan's cultural,
educational and economic engagement in the continent.

Posted on 2026-07-18 12:08:13

Taiwan is removing Cambodia from two visa-facilitation programs on Aug. 1.

Meanwhile the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it's extending eased-entry
arrangements for Thailand, India and several other Southeast and South Asian
countries.

The ministry said Cambodia had failed to reciprocate Taiwan's goodwill and
had instead echoed China in statements undermining Taiwan's sovereignty.

MOFA also accused Cambodia of appearing to support Beijing's possible use of
force in seeking unification with Taiwan.

It added that Cambodia's links to recent cross-border fraud cases have also
raised public concern.

MOFA said any resumption of visa facilitation would depend on future changes
in Cambodia's policy toward Taiwan.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-07-18 12:08:17

The 2026 East Longitudinal Valley Festival will be held from August 20 to 23
at the Hualien Luoshan Visitor Center in Fuli Township.

"Indigenous Brewing" is this year's theme. The festival will bring together
more than 20 Indigenous communities from the East Longitudinal Valley for a
celebration of food, crafts and culture.

Visitors can enjoy traditional cuisine, a curated market, hands-on workshops
and themed areas showcasing the cultures of the Amis, Bunun, Seediq, Truku,
and Puyuma peoples.

Ticketed corporate banquet events will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on August
20 and 21 ... and the festival will open to the public free of charge from 3
to 8:30 p.m. on August 22 and 23.

Posted on 2026-07-18 12:08:17

The United States has expanded its airstrike campaign against Iran by hitting
more bridges and collapsing a tower at a key Iranian port.

The seventh night in a row of strikes came after President Trump had
threatened to start striking infrastructure to pressure Tehran to ease its
chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran also launched new missile attacks against US-allied nations in the
Middle East.

That includes Qatar, a key mediator in the war, and Kuwait, where one of the
desert nation's water desalination plants was damaged.

The US Central Command said its strikes had hit "surveillance sites, military
logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage and maritime
capabilities."

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-07-18 12:08:17

A landslide on the outskirts of Chongqing has killed at least eight people
and left 34 missing.

The disaster buried residential buildings and forced more than 1,100 people
to evacuate.

Yesterday's landslide occurred in Pengshui County, where massive amounts of
rocks and soil washed downslope, burying more than 10 buildings.

Ten people were rescued, including two seriously injured.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has asked authorities to determine the cause.

Over 800 rescuers are working on-site, helped by drones that are surveying
the area.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-07-18 11:07:13

The Taichung District Court has ordered Central Union Oil Corp. General
Manager Yu Ling-chung (余凌冲) detained and held incommunicado after a higher
court overturned an earlier ruling granting him bail in a tainted oil case.

Yu is under investigation over edible-oil products found to contain excessive
levels of the carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene.

The district court last week ruled that detention was unnecessary and granted
Yu bail of NT$20 million (US$621,960).
It also imposed residential restrictions, an eight-month overseas travel ban
and regular police check-ins.

Prosecutors appealed, and the Taichung branch of the Taiwan High Court
revoked the bail ruling on Thursday.

The higher court said the district court had failed to adequately explain why
detention was unnecessary despite Yu's alleged flight risk and the
possibility that he could collude with others or tamper with evidence.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-07-17 19:12:13

Taiwan Railway says tains on the Eastern Trunk Line have resumed normal
service after the threat from a barrier lake in Hualien eased.

Local trains between Fenglin and Guangfu stations resumed operations after 5
PM after the expected overflow from the Wanli River barrier lake was delayed.

Taiwan Railway says updated water level assessments showed the expected
overflow had been delayed, allowing services to restart.

The railway operator says it expects to announce train services through noon
Saturday by 9 PM tonight, depending on the latest water conditions.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-17 19:12:13

The Philippine government has lodged a strong protest over an animated video
by Chinese state-owned media that appears to depict Filipinos as monkeys.

The video, posted by China Daily, criticizes the 2016 international
arbitration ruling on the South China Sea and mocks the Philippines' legal
challenge against China's territorial claims.

Manila has demanded that the video be removed, calling it racist and
demeaning.

China's Foreign Ministry says the video does not represent the government's
official position, but reiterated Beijing's longstanding view that the
arbitration ruling is politically motivated and invalid.

The incident comes amid continuing tensions between the two countries over
disputed areas of the South China Sea.

Posted on 2026-07-17 18:31:13

New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih is condemning Central Union Oil over new
revelations in the contaminated cooking oil case.

The Food and Drug Administration says the company failed to report one
production batch made between April and June -- the period currently under
investigation.

Separately, two additional batches have also tested above the legal limit for
the carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene -- or BaP -- bringing the total number of
contaminated batches to seven.

Hou says about 230 businesses in New Taipei have been affected and that city
inspectors moved quickly to carry out inspections.

He is also calling on the FDA to release complete information all at once so
local governments can complete inspections more efficiently and reassure the
public.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-17 18:31:13

In related news,

The opposition KMT has announced plans to hold a mass rally in Taipei on July
25th over the contaminated cooking oil scandal.

That's next week on Saturday.

Participants will begin gathering at 5 PM ... after the party's national
congress ... with the main rally scheduled to start at 6 PM on Ketagalan
Boulevard in front of the Presidential Office,

KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) says the government has failed to effectively
manage the food safety crisis and should be held politically accountable.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an earlier today also called on President Lai
Ching-te to apologize and Premier Cho Jung-tai to resign over the scandal.

The KMT says it will invite representatives from opposition parties, experts
and civic groups to join the rally and demand greater transparency and
accountability from the government.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-17 18:31:13

Taipei prosecutors have indicted KMT Taipei City Councilor Lee Fu Chung-wu
(李傅中武) and six others on corruption and document forgery charges over an
alleged assistant subsidy fraud scheme.

Prosecutors allege that Lee Fu and his wife used relatives and acquaintances
as so-called ghost assistants and inflated reported salaries in order to
fraudulently claim nearly 10 million NT in government-funded subsidies.

The couple are accused of claiming subsidies for assistants who did not
perform any work and overstating salaries paid to office staff.

Prosecutors say Lee Fu and his wife admitted wrongdoing during the
investigation and have returned the full amount of the alleged illegal gains.

They are asking the court to consider reducing their sentences.

Posted on 2026-07-17 18:31:13

Researchers at National Taiwan University Hospital say adding a one-time
stomach bacteria test to Taiwan's colorectal cancer screening program could
reduce stomach cancer deaths ...

... while generating benefits worth more than five times its cost.

The two-in-one screening strategy uses the same stool sample to test for both
colorectal cancer and Helicobacter pylori infection - the leading cause of
stomach cancer.

Taiwan became the first country in the world earlier this year to offer the
combined screening nationwide for eligible adults aged 45 to 74.

Researchers say people infected with H. pylori face about six times the risk
of developing stomach cancer.

The study found that the combined screening program could reduce stomach
cancer mortality by 13.5 percent ...

... while every dollar invested in screening and early treatment could
generate more than five dollars in societal benefits.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-07-17 18:31:13

O'Pay has become Taiwan's first electronic payment platform approved to offer
overseas remittance services, including money transfers for migrant workers.

The Financial Supervisory Commission says the service is expected to launch
in the fourth quarter of this year and will initially allow migrant workers
from the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam to send money to their home
countries.

The approval marks the first time an electronic payment company in Taiwan has
been authorized to provide overseas remittance services.

O'Pay has also been approved to launch a separate overseas transfer service
for Taiwanese citizens and foreign nationals with local bank accounts.

That service is expected to begin in the second half of next year.

(CNA_IG)

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

President Lai Ching-te has asked government agencies to be on high alert ...

... after a pig carcass found on a beach in offshore Kinmen County earlier
this week tested positive for African Swine Fever.

Lai is urging relevant authorities to implement quarantine, surveillance, and
control measures ... to safeguard the nation's pig farming industry.

County officials immediately disinfected the site, incinerated the carcass
and suspended shipments of pork from Kinmen.

They also assure that pigs in nearby swineries are all confirmed to be in
good health.

The Coast Guard Administration has also stepped up patrols and anti-smuggling
operations.

In April, the World Health Organization officially approved Taiwan's
self-declaration as a African Swine Flu free area.

(JC)

Posted on 2026-07-17 17:18:14

The American Institute in Taiwan has welcomed TSMC's decision to invest an
additional 100 billion U-S dollars in the United States, calling it a sign of
confidence in U-S-Taiwan relations.

AIT Director Raymond Greene says the investment will allow the chipmaker to
work more closely with its largest American customers, respond more quickly
to growing demand for advanced semiconductors and help strengthen global
supply chains.

Greene also rejected concerns that the investment could weaken Taiwan's
position in the semiconductor industry, saying Taiwan will remain the anchor
of global chip manufacturing even as TSMC expands overseas.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-07-17 17:18:14

And,

Authorities in Tainan are investigating the death of a one-year-old boy who
died while in the care of an unlicensed babysitter.

The babysitter, surnamed Lee (李), reported that the child had stopped
breathing and no longer had a heartbeat.

The boy was pronounced dead before arriving at hospital.

Police say the cause of death has not yet been determined and have referred
the case to prosecutors for further investigation.

Tainan's Social Affairs Bureau says Lee was not licensed or registered as a
childcare provider and was illegally caring for children outside her
immediate family.

She faces a 60-thousand NT fine for violating child welfare regulations.

Officials say prosecutors will determine whether there is any criminal
liability in connection with the child's death.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-07-17 17:18:14

An independent committee investigating Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades
has heard closing arguments on how regulatory failures allowed a small fire
to become a major tragedy.

The November blaze spread through seven buildings at the Wang Fuk Court
apartment complex in Tai Po, killing 168 people and displacing thousands of
residents.

Lawyers for the inquiry say companies involved in renovation work at the
complex cut corners and misled regulators.

They also criticized the government's oversight system, arguing that it
relied too heavily on contractors to comply with safety requirements.

The inquiry is now moving toward its conclusion.

Posted on 2026-07-17 17:18:14

India has introduced its first domestically designed and built
hydrogen-powered train as part of efforts to expand the use of clean energy
on its rail network.

The train, named the "NaMo Green Rail" after Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
will begin operating in Haryana state.

Officials say it can carry up to 26-hundred passengers and travel at speeds
of up to 75 kilometers per hour.

The pilot project also includes hydrogen storage and refueling infrastructure.

Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity while emitting only water vapor,
making the technology a cleaner alternative to diesel-powered trains.

Posted on 2026-07-17 14:16:13

The Control Yuan has issued a stern rebuke to the Hsinchu City Government and
the Ministry of Sports over major failures in the Hsinchu Baseball Stadium
project.

The government watchdog announced today that it has passed official
corrections against both government agencies following a thorough
investigation into the stadium's multi-million NT renovation.

It says the city committed major administrative failures by opening the
unfinished stadium for professional games in 2022, which resulted in player
injuries.

Investigators found that the field's soil was filled with debris and lacked
proper drainage.

They also revealed that the city hired an unqualified firm to oversee the
project, violating regulations.

Watchdog members say they will wait for the Hsinchu District Prosecutors
Office to complete its ongoing criminal investigation before deciding on
final administrative punishments for the public servants involved.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-07-17 14:16:13

A Taoyuan airport MRT train, bound for Taipei, experienced a technical
malfunction at A6 Taishan Guihe Station during the morning rush hour today,
causing service disruptions and frustrating commuters.

The incident occurred at around 7:54 a.m..

The operator said passengers were transferred to another train within 10
minutes, and train dispatching was adjusted to restore normal service.

The company apologized for the disruption and said the affected train will
undergo a detailed inspection after service to determine the cause of the
malfunction.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-17 14:16:14

Taiwan shares have crashed today, in line with steep losses across Asia ...

... as heavy selling in chipmakers and other AI-related stocks have dragged
markets lower.

The benchmark Tai-ex lost 2 thousand 953 points to close at 42 thousand 671.

Turnover for the trading session topped 1.21 trillion NT.

Posted on 2026-07-17 14:16:14

The British government plans to tighten oversight of the MI5 spy agency after
a report revealed it misled courts about a neo-Nazi informant.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced urgent action on Thursday to address
the issue after the Investigatory Powers Tribunal found MI5 gave false
accounts regarding Agent X, an informant accused of attacking his partner.

Earlier this year, MI5 apologized and paid compensation to the woman
involved.

MI5 Director-General Ken McCallum acknowledged the agency's serious failings
and vowed to prevent similar issues.

The report highlights systemic failures and the need for improved integrity
and accountability within MI5.

Posted on 2026-07-17 14:16:14

Japan’s parliament has enacted a historic revision to the 19th-century
Imperial House Law by insisting only paternal-lineage men can become emperor.

The revisions include adoption of distant male relatives to father future
heirs and allowing princesses to keep their royal status after marrying
commoners.

Japan’s male-only succession rule means the line must move to the emperor's
younger brother, then to his 19-year-old nephew Prince Hisahito.

The emporer's 24-year-old daughter Princess Aiko is ineligible, because she
is a woman.

Friday’s revisions have led to protests from Japanese who see the government
efforts as meant to eliminate Aiko from ruling and to justify discrimination
against women and a patriarchal system.

Posted on 2026-07-17 11:08:13

Prosecutors have indicted a Taipei city councilor on corruption charges.

Li Fu Zhong Wu 李傅中武, of the KMT, is accused of taking fraudulent assistant
fees totaling 9,770,000 NT.

Prosecutors also indicted 6 others in the case.

Prosecutors are gunning for a lighter sentence for Li Fu, as he confessed to
the crimes and returned the stolen money to prosecutors.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-17 11:08:13

Classes and work are off in parts of Hualien today, ahead of the expected
overflow of a barrier lake in Wanli.

The county government is cancelling work and classes for those in Wanrong
village, as well as in Fenglin township's Senrong森榮, Chang Qiao長橋, Shan
Xing山興, Feng Xin鳳信, and Darong大榮.

That's after officials issued a red alert flood warning yesterday for the
barrier lake, which is expected to overflow today.

As of yesterday morning, the lake was about 97% full and just one meter below
its overflow warning level.

About 210 people in Wanrong and Fenglin were evacuated earlier this week.

Officials are forecasting a gradual overflow, but, they say, the possibility
of a suddent breach of the barrier lake cannot be ruled out.

Posted on 2026-07-17 11:08:13

Taiwan's freedom and prosperity indicies have risen in an annual
international report.

Taiwan ranked 21st in the freedom index and 19th in the prosperity index out
of 171 countries surveyed.

Both those indices mark improvements from last year.

But around the world, political freedom and the rule of the law declined
overall, while prosperity growth slowed.

The only country to beat out Taiwan for freedom in Asia was Japan at number
14...

but Singapore was the only one to beat Taiwan for prosperity.

The indices from the Atlantic Council were established in 2022 and have been
published annually since.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-07-17 11:08:13

Now turning to international news...

A law set to pass Japan's parliament today may spell trouble for the imperial
family.

The law would dictate that only men can be emperor, and would revise the
rules to allow distant male relatives to father future heirs.

It would also allow princesses to keep their royal status after marrying
commoners.

Emperor Naruhito's 24 year old daughter is very popular, and many Japanese
people want her to succeed him.

But Princess Aiko is ineligible because she is a woman.

Japan's male-only succession rule means that the emperor's teenage nephew,
Prince Hisahito, is likely to be heir instead.

Hisahito is the first such boy to be born in four decades.

Only five of the 16 adults in the imperial family are men.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and other conservatives insist that the male
bloodline is "the only source of the emperor’s authority and legitimacy."

There were 8 female monarchs before, the last reigning until 1770.

Critics say, the new measures treat female royals as "childbearing machines"
to produce male offspring.

Posted on 2026-07-16 19:14:13

The Executive Yuan is defending Taiwan's system for declaring typhoon days,
saying the criteria used by local governments are clear and objective.

The comments come after some areas suspended work and classes during Typhoon
Bavi despite experiencing little wind or rain, prompting calls for reforms to
reduce local officials' discretion.

Cabinet spokesperson Lee Hui-chih (李慧芝) says existing regulations already
contain specific standards for work and class suspensions during natural
disasters.

She says the Central Weather Administration provides local governments with
regular typhoon forecasts, wind and rainfall projections, and real-time
updates through coordination meetings.

Lee adds that local governments make decisions based on these forecasts ...
as well as regional circumstances, and the long-standing system remains
appropriate without the need for revisions.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-16 19:14:13

DPP Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen has unveiled a sports policy platform
aimed at expanding exercise opportunities in the capital.

If elected, Shen says he will seek to build an international-standard soccer
stadium and transform Taipei Expo Park in Yuanshan into a large community
sports center.

The facility would include traditional courts, rock climbing areas, youth
fitness spaces and adaptive sports facilities for people with disabilities.

Shen is also proposing converting electric buses into mobile fitness
classrooms that would provide senior citizens with exercise classes, health
screenings and fitness coaching.

Posted on 2026-07-16 19:14:13

The Ministry of Labor says the number of workers on Taiwan's reduced-hours
program has continue to decline.

As of today, 2,768 employees at 231 companies are participating.

That's down nearly 130 workers from two weeks ago.

More than 80 percent of affected employees are eligible for wage-difference
subsidies, while others can receive training allowances during working hours.

The maufacturing sector remains the hardest hit, especially the metal
industry, with Tainan reporting the highest of participating companies.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-16 19:14:13

In sports news,

TSG Hawks pitcher Huang Tzu-peng (黃子鵬) has set a new record for consecutive
scoreless innings by a Taiwanese pitcher in the Chinese Professional Baseball
League.

Huang threw six scoreless innings in the Hawks' 12-0 win over the Fubon
Guardians to extend his streak to 33 and two-thirds innings, breaking the
previous domestic record of 33 innings set by former Uni-President Lions ace
Pan Wei-lun (潘威倫).

The 32-year-old has now gone five straight starts without allowing a run.

The Hawks also delivered plenty of offensive support in the victory,
collecting 23 hits as they handed the Guardians a lopsided defeat.

(JC)

Posted on 2026-07-16 19:14:13

Polish prosecutors have charged a Ukrainian man with carrying out sabotage
activities on behalf of Russian intelligence.

They allege he desecrated memorials honoring Polish victims of World War Two
in an attempt to inflame tensions between Poland and Ukraine.

Warsaw has accused Russia of trying to drive a wedge between the two
countries, which have been close allies since Russia's full-scale invasion of
Ukraine in 2022.

Prosecutors say the suspect committed 47 offenses, including preparing a
drone attack, and was paid in cryptocurrency.

The case comes amid growing anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland and worsening
ties between Warsaw and Kyiv.

Posted on 2026-07-16 18:39:13

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company says it plans to invest an
additional 100 billion U-S dollars in Arizona to expand its advanced
chipmaking and packagaing capacity ...

... which would bring its total planned investment there to 265 billion
dollars ... and is expected to include four additional wafer fabs as well as
advanced packaging facilities.

The announcement came as the world's largest contract chipmaker reported
record quarterly earnings and raised its full-year revenue forecast, driven
by booming demand for artificial intelligence chips.

TSMC posted a record net profit of more than 706 billion NT, or nearly 22
billion U-S dollars, for the April to June quarter, up more than 77 percent
from a year earlier.

The company has raised its full-year revenue growth forecast for the second
time this year and now expects U-S dollar revenue to grow by slightly more
than 40 percent.

TSMC says demand remains particularly strong for AI and high-performance
computing applications and has increased its capital spending plans for this
year to between 60 and 64 billion U-S dollars.

Looking ahead, the chipmaker expects another strong quarter and says it sees
no major constraints on expanding production capacity to meet future demand.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-16 18:39:13

Apple has launched its annual Back to School promotion in Taiwan, offering
Apple Store gift cards instead of free accessories for eligible purchases.

The promotion runs through August 27th and is available to university
students and faculty members.

Customers who purchase selected MacBook Pro models will receive gift cards
worth up to 4 thousand 800 NT, while eligible MacBook Air and iPad models
come with 3 thousand 200 NT gift cards.

The promotion comes after Apple raised MacBook and iPad prices in Taiwan last
month, with the market watching closely to see whether the discounts will
help offset the impact of the higher prices.

The gift cards can be used toward future Apple Store purchases, encouraging
customers to return for additional spending.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-16 18:39:14

Japanese technology company Fujitsu is leading a major artificial
intelligence and robotics initiative using Nvidia's technology to develop
so-called "physical AI".

The project was announced in Tokyo by Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang and
Fujitsu Chief Executive Takahito Tokita.

Leading Japanese robotics manufacturers Fanuc, Yaskawa Electric and Kawasaki
Heavy Industries have also joined the initiative.

Fujitsu says the partnership combines Japan's expertise in robotics
manufacturing with advances in artificial intelligence.

Physical AI refers to intelligent robots that can make decisions and work
safely alongside people in settings such as factories, homes and hospitals.

Posted on 2026-07-16 18:37:13

Taiwan's Cabinet has approved the Youth Housing Loan 3.0 program, which will
take effect on August 1st and run for six years.

The new plan introduces age, income, and price limits to better fit targeted
homebuyers.

Applicants must be under 50 years old, earn less than 2 million NT annually,
and purchase homes within regional price caps, with Taipei's limits set at 35
million NT.

While interest subsidies will be gradually phased out, the five-year grace
period remains.

Loan ceiling will also be increased for newly married couples and families
with children to support home ownership and family formation.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-16 18:37:14

Taipei Metro has expanded its barrier-free gate pilot program to Taipei Main
Station, which replaces traditional gate flaps with LED traffic light
indicators.

Two gates on the B3 level near the Taiwan High Speed Rail and Taiwan Railways
transfer area have been modified to use green and red lights to indicate
whether a passenger's fare card has been successfully scanned.

The system also includes a flashing red warning light to alert staff to
unauthorized entry attempts.

Taipei Metro says the pilot program has received positive feedback since it
was first introduced at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station in June, allowing
passengers to pass through gates more quickly and intuitively.

Officials are continuing to evaluate the trial before considering a wider
rollout.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-16 18:37:14

(Jonathan )

Taiwan has improved its standing in the Atlantic Council's 2026 Freedom and
Prosperity Indexes, climbing nine places from last year.

Taiwan ranked 21st in the freedom index and 19th in the prosperity index
among 171 countries and territories.

The report found that global political freedom and the rule of law continue
to decline, while Taiwan scored well above the global average in both
categories.

In East Asia, Japan ranked 14th in freedom and 25th in prosperity.

While South Korea ranked 24th and 28th, respectively.

The Freedom and Prosperity Center publishes the indexes annually using
political and economic data to help inform policymakers.

(JC)

Posted on 2026-07-16 14:57:13

Exhibition

Taiwanese animated film "Madame: Welcome to Dolly's House" will team up with
its related webcomic "DOLLY" for a stage event at this year's Comic
Exhibition.

The film was selected as the Contrechamp competition opening feature at
France's Annecy International Animation Film Festival earlier this year.

Lead actors Yao Ai-ning, Teresa Daley and Chiu Yi-tai will appear at the
event.

The Taiwan Comics Pavilion will feature 75 works from 39 partner
organizations, publishers and major digital platforms.

Other programs include an animation teaser from workplace comic creator "I'm
Mark," a new-volume launch for "PATAAUW," and a preview performance from
"Your Work & Your Dayoff The Musical."

The exhibition runs from July 23 through 27 at Taipei World Trade Center Hall
1.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-16 14:57:13

Two 35-meter whale kites will make their debut at this year's Cijin Kite
Festival in Kaohsiung.

The event will take place at Cijin Beach on Saturdays and Sundays from July
25 through Aug. 2.

The whale kites will be joined by stingrays, octopuses, sea turtles and other
ocean-themed designs.

The festival will also feature an inflatable water park with nine
attractions, including water-play structures and amusement rides.

Sunday programs will include evening fire-dancing performances.

A DJ show is scheduled for July 25, while singing, dancing and a bubble show
will take place on Aug. 1.

Family activities and food promotions will also be available in Cijin and
nearby Hamasen.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-16 14:57:13

The United States has intensified its strikes targeting Iran, hitting targets
further north.

American forces also fired into a ship it accused of trying to break its
naval blockade on the Islamic Republic.

Tehran retaliated early Thursday with missile and drone fire targeting
Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait before dawn.

Days of back-and-forth strikes by the U.S. and Iran across the Middle East
and renewed threats to the Strait of Hormuz have shredded the interim deal to
end the Iran war and the region could tip back into all-out war.

Already, Iranian officials say U.S. strikes have killed at more than than 35
people and wounded over 300 others.

Posted on 2026-07-16 14:57:13

U.N. agencies say more than 500 people are feared dead after reports that two
boats carrying members of Myanmar’s persecuted Rohingya minority have
capsized in the Bay of Bengal.

The International Organization for Migration and the United Nations refugee
agency said Thursday that according to preliminary information, the two boats
left Myanmar’s in late June carrying mostly Rohingya passengers.

One boat, believed to have been carrying around 250 people, lost contact
shortly after departure.

A second boat, reportedly carrying 280 people, is believed to have sunk off
Myanmar’s coast on July 8.

Posted on 2026-07-16 14:57:13

The northern Indian town of Banda has endured weeks of extreme heat, with
daytime temperatures repeatedly reaching 46 degrees and nighttime lows
staying above 33 degrees.

Banda has repeatedly ranked among India's hottest cities, with temperatures
peaking at 47 degrees.

A climatologist and weather historian also said Banda was the hottest spot on
Earth seven times this year, most of them in April.

Brief spells of rain have brought only temporary relief.

Residents, long accustomed to scorching summers, are now changing their daily
routines to cope, beginning work at the vegetable market by 4 a.m. or
shifting hours to avoid the afternoon heat.

Posted on 2026-07-16 11:09:13

President Lai Ching-te has presented the outgoing French representative with
the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon.

The award honors Franck Paris' efforts to strengthen Taiwan/France
cooperation in politics, culture, science, and other fields.

Paris took office in August 2023, and is set to leave Taiwan today after
completing his tenure.

Lai praised him for helping to elevate ties between the two countries...

pointing out Paris' contributions to major milestones in relations between
the two sides, like closer political exchanges, scientific collaboration, and
youth programs that helped more than 100 Taiwanese young people pursue
opportunities in France.

Paris thanked Lai for the honor and shared the recognition with his team at
the French Office in Taipei.

He said working with Taiwan has been a rewarding experience and that France
will remain Taiwan's partner.

Posted on 2026-07-16 11:09:13

A French national has been detained for allegedly attempting to smuggle
heroin into Taiwan, by swallowing over 100 capsules full of the drug.

Prosecutors say that investigators received a tip off that a drug trafficking
ring planned to use a "body packer" to bring drugs into Taiwan by air.

A task force identified the body packer as a French man arriving from
Thailand.

The office did not provide more details on the tip or how it would able to
pinpoint the man as a drug mule...

but Kaohsiung police say the suspect had entered Taiwan several times prior
from other Southeast Asian countries.

On this trip, police said, an X-ray examination revealed numerous oval-shaped
foreign objects in the man's gastrointestinal tract, confirming he was
concealing drugs inside his body.

He ultimately passed all the heroin capsules over a 5 day period.

Police warn that swallowing drugs- even within packaging- can be fatal if the
packages break while inside the digestive tract.

Posted on 2026-07-16 11:09:13

Now turning to international news...

A new survey shows that most countries now view China more favorably than the
US.

The findings mark a significant shift, especially for US allies like Canada.

Only 6 countries surveyed still view the US more positively than China.

Those countries include Japan and Israel.

Experts say, not only are views of the US declining, but those of China are
improving at the same time.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping is also viewed more favorably than his US
counterpart...

but people in many countries view both men relatively negatively.

However, the US still leads on government respect for personal freedoms...

although the gap is narrowing.

The results mark the first time in the 20 year study that China has been
viewed more positively than the US.

The survey was conducted after the US and Israel launched their war on Iran.

Experts say, the results reflect the view that US is just not contributing to
peace and stability, with actions in Iran and Venezuela as well as demands to
control Greenland at the forefront.

Posted on 2026-07-15 19:12:13

China's Taiwan Affairs Office is rejecting reports that Taiwanese nationals
have gone missing in China, calling them "fake news".

The denial comes after the Mainland Affairs Council said 10 Taiwanese
citizens have gone missing or had their personal freedom restricted in China
during the first nine days of this month.

According to the M-A-C, a total of 385 Taiwanese nationals have gone missing,
been detained or had their personal freedom restricted in China since 2024.

The council says it is investigating the latest cases and has upgraded its
travel alert for Hong Kong and Macau to orange, advising Taiwanese citizens
to be aware of safety risks when traveling to China.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office says the number of Taiwanese people visiting
China has continued to increase since 2024.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-15 19:12:13

A U.S. citizen who teaches at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University has
been arrested after allegedly stabbing a relative to death in Hsinchu.

Police say the 43-year-old suspect attacked the owner of a musical instrument
store on Sanmin Road Tuesday afternoon.

Officers found the victim lying in a pool of blood and the suspect still
holding a knife.

Police say he refused to surrender and repeatedly confronted officers.

They fired four shots, hitting him in the leg, before taking him into custody.

Ten people, including four children, were trapped inside the store during the
incident.

The victim was later pronounced dead.

Police are investigating the motive and circumstances of the killing.

The university says it will cooperate with the investigation.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2026-07-15 19:12:13

A new market survey by FundRich Securities shows fund managers in Taiwan
remain cautiously optimistic about investment opportunities in the second
half of 2026.

Technology was the top investment pick among the eight fund companies
surveyed, followed by Taiwan equities, U-S equities and Asia-Pacific stocks.

Fund managers say AI has moved beyond the infrastructure buildout phase and
into a stage of commercial returns, benefiting semiconductor, server and
cloud computing companies.

The survey also found positive sentiment toward investment-grade bonds, with
fund managers saying they can provide stable income and help cushion against
geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

FundRich also advises investors to diversify rather than concentrate too
heavily in any single asset class.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-15 19:12:13

Clouded Leopard armored vehicles rolled through the streets of Taipei earlier
today as part of Taiwan's Joint Defense Exercises, which run through Friday.

The vehicles traveled from the Presidential Office area to the Ministry of
National Defense's Bo'ai Camp in the Dazhi neighborhood.

The drills simulate Chinese forces entering Taiwan's territorial waters and
test the military's ability to prepare forces, assemble units by operational
sectors and conduct mobile deployments under a decentralized command
structure.

The exercises are designed to improve troops' familiarity with their missions
and help ensure the security of critical infrastructure and key military
facilities in the Taipei garrison area.

Posted on 2026-07-15 19:12:13

In international news,

Thai officials say two more people have died following a fire at a music bar
in Bangkok, bringing the death toll to 32.

More than 70 people were injured in the blaze, and 30 remain hospitalized,
including 15 in intensive care.

The fire broke out late Sunday at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar in northern
Bangkok and was brought under control within about 30 minutes.

Authorities say it was the city's deadliest fire in 17 years and are
investigating its cause and whether the venue complied with safety
regulations.

Posted on 2026-07-15 19:12:13

A group of Brazilian mothers whose sons were killed by police are calling for
a nationwide policy to support families affected by state violence.

The nonprofit Crossfire Institute says 460 people were killed during police
operations in Rio de Janeiro last year, the highest number since 2016 and a
sharp increase from the previous year.

Among the activists is Monica Cunha, whose 20-year-old son was killed by
police in 2006.

Cunha later entered politics and says she will launch her campaign this month
to run for a seat in Brazil's state legislature in October.

Posted on 2026-07-15 19:12:13

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is visiting Kyiv to mark
Ukraine's Statehood Day and pledge continued military and financial support.

Von der Leyen is expected to announce new steps to strengthen cooperation
between European and Ukrainian defense industries during her 11th wartime
visit to the country.

Russia first annexed Crimea in 2014 before launching its full-scale invasion
of Ukraine in 2022.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials say Russian attacks have killed at least eight
civilians.

Posted on 2026-07-15 18:25:13

The Central Union Oil contamination case has now affected more than 1,000
downstream businesses across Taiwan.

The Food and Drug Administration says five batches of cooking oil from the
company containing excessive levels of the carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene have
been traced to the affected businesses.

Officials say more than 1,661 metric tons of the contaminated oil have been
removed from the market.

Another 6,020 metric tons of oil from other batches produced between April
and June have been precautionarily removed while testing continues.

The affected businesses include well-known restaurant chains, hotels and food
manufacturers, including TTFB Restaurant Group, Dim Dim Sum, Regent Taipei,
and others.

The FDA says it is continuing to investigate whether the contamination was
caused by raw materials, manufacturing processes or both.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-15 18:25:13

The Directorate-General of Personnel Administration says nearly all civil
servants have signed declarations stating they do not hold Chinese household
registration or identity documents.

The figures were released after lawmakers questioned the government's policy
requiring the declarations.

Officials say 99.8 percent — more than 620 thousand civil servants — have
signed, while 95 people had not done so as of May.

The agency says no disciplinary or adverse action has been taken against
those individuals.

Beginning this year, the declaration requirement has become a standard
procedure for newly appointed and transferred civil servants, with officials
reporting full compliance so far.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-15 18:25:13

straight year

Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital was Taiwan's most profitable hospital in
2024, marking its ninth consecutive year at the top.

According to the National Health Insurance Administration, the hospital
posted a surplus of over 3.72 billion NT that year, although profits declined
from the previous year due to lower dividend income.

Officials say much of Linkou Chang Gung's earnings came from non-medical
income, including dividends from affiliated investments.

When looking only at medical operations, China Medical University Hospital
ranked first, posting an operating surplus of 1.78 billion NT for an eleventh
consecutive year.

Overall, about 90 percent of Taiwan's hospitals reported surpluses, while
roughly three-quarters made money from their core medical operations.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-15 18:25:13

In international news ... and in the latest from the Middle East ...

The U-S military has reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports as
Washington seeks to stop Iran's attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The move comes amid days of retaliatory strikes between Iran and the United
States that have raised fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

An Iranian government official says more than 30 people have been killed in
recent days, including seven troops in southeastern Iran.

The Iranian Health Ministry also reports that more than 260 people were
wounded in today's strikes alone.

Posted on 2026-07-15 18:25:13

Confirmed cases of Ebola in Congo have reached 2,011, including 754 deaths,
in what authorities say is the country's fastest-growing outbreak on record.

Government data show that 753 people remain in isolation or in hospital,
while 366 have recovered.

Health officials say contact tracing remains a challenge, with only 67
percent of those exposed to the virus currently being monitored.

The Central African nation has been battling the outbreak, caused by the rare
Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, since May 15.

Posted on 2026-07-15 18:25:13

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will face lawmakers in the House of
Commons for the final time today before stepping down next week.

The weekly Prime Minister's Questions session marks the end of his two years
in office -- and is scheduled to begin in around 40 mintues from now.

Starmer is due to leave office this coming Monday, after announcing his
resignation in the wake of the ruling Labour Party's poor showing in local
elections earlier this year.

He was elected in a landslide victory in July 2024 but has seen his
popularity decline amid a series of political missteps.

Andy Burnham is expected to succeed him as Labour Party leader and Britain's
next prime minister.

Posted on 2026-07-15 15:34:13

work together

Premier Zhuo Rong Tai says, central and local governments should work
together to confront the Central Union Oils contamination scandal.

That's as Zhuo faces mounting criticism over the central government's
handling of the issue.

Zhuo today thanked deputy Legislative Speaker Chiang Chi-chen for yesterday
allowing him to time and opportunity to report on the handling of the issue.

He also thanked Taichung Mayor Lu Xiu Yan for reporting the issue on June
30th...

before the Ministry of Health and Welfare took action the following day to
order Central Union to stop production and remove products from the shelves.

Zhuo said, cooperation between central and local governments is the only way
to ensure food safety for the public.

Meanwhile, Mayor Lu criticized the central government for what she called a
spotty response, saying they failed to disclose information to the public in
a timely manner.

Lu further suggested that the central government should not only investigate
the cause of the incident, but also should apologize, and those responsible
should resign.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-15 15:34:13

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang says the government's decision to raise the
permitted level of pesticide residue on apples was not linked to a trade
agreement with the United States.

The revised limit for the pesticide fipronil is 3 parts per million.

That compares with 5 parts per million in the United States, 3 in South Korea
and 2 in Japan.

Shih says Taiwan did not simply adopt the U.S. standard.

He says the change was based on scientific evidence, expert review and
domestic demand.

An application to establish a separate fipronil limit for apples was first
submitted in 2022.

The proposal was announced in January and formally adopted in April as part
of revisions covering 174 agricultural products.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-15 15:34:13

DPP Lawmaker and Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen is downplaying concerns
for his safety ahead of a trip overseas...

as China has initiated a criminal investigation into Shen for what they call
"separatism."

That, on top of the recent attack on Japanese-Taiwanese political commentator
Akio Yaita in Taichung...

which the DPP believes to be an instance of cross-border repression.

Shen says, he's not too concerned about the risks of traveling to the US,
adding that he "will speak every word that ought to be spoken."

The remarks come after Shen and his campaign office announced next week's
trip to the US.

Responding to media questions after the announcement, Shen said that the more
China sought to prevent Taiwan from participating in the international
sphere, the more Taiwan would strengthen its international outreach.

Shen added that the attack on Yaita and past actions targeting Vice President
Hsiao Bi-khim while abroad did not lead either of them to be any less
outspoken.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-15 15:34:13

Smoke from multiple wildfires in Canada and Minnesota is expected to swamp
vast areas of the Midwest and Northeast US this week.

It will expose millions of people to dangeous air pollution, and the air
quality levels are expected to be hazardous, making the area unsafe for
everyone.

The wildfires come as the combination of severe dought conditions and extreme
heat in Canada and the US has created perfect fuel for the wildfires to burn.

Yellowish and brownish color skies were reported in parts of Maine, while
officials in Minnesota advised people to stay indoors as much as possible and
to avoid the extreme heat.

Exposure to fine particulate matter in the air can cause health issues,
particularly for more sensitive groups, like kids and the elderly.

Posted on 2026-07-15 15:19:13

Three Air Force personnel have been sentenced to between two and
eight-and-a-half years in prison in a Chinese espionage case.

Prosecutors say an illegal lender surnamed Huang targeted military personnel
in financial trouble and offered money or debt relief in exchange for
classified information.

One Air Force captain received eight-and-a-half years for leaking military
documents.

A staff sergeant was sentenced to eight years for providing military and
official secrets, while another received two years for accessing classified
records for people linked to China.

Huang remains at large.

His sister received prison terms of up to 10 months for helping conceal
payments and conduct underground money transfers.

The rulings can still be appealed.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-15 15:19:13

Taipei Zoo has welcomed six African penguin chicks after successfully
incubating their eggs.

The chicks were born to four breeding pairs between mid-May and late June.

Keepers are raising them by hand in a nursery area inside the penguin house.

They are weighed and checked several times a day, and fed either pieces of
fish or mashed fish depending on their size.

The chicks will gradually join the zoo's larger penguin colony after they
develop swimming feathers and pass health and feeding checks.

Visitors may be able to see them during extended Saturday evening hours this
summer.

African penguins are classified as endangered, and the zoo says its breeding
program helps maintain population numbers and genetic diversity.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-15 15:19:13

Production has begun in New Zealand on "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for
Gollum."

Warner Bros. has released the first behind-the-scenes footage showing Andy
Serkis back in a motion-capture suit as Gollum.

Serkis is also directing the film, which reunites him with original trilogy
filmmakers Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens.

Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood are returning as Gandalf and Frodo.

Jamie Dornan will take over the role of Aragorn, while Kate Winslet and Anya
Taylor-Joy are among the new cast members.

"The Hunt for Gollum" is scheduled to open in theaters on December 17, 2027.

Posted on 2026-07-15 14:09:13

DPP Lawmaker and Taipei Mayoral Candidate Puma Shen will be heading to the US
next week.

That's according to an announcement from Shen and his campaign manager and
colleague, Wu Si Yao, today.

Shen and his delegation including Legislative Caucus Whip Cai Qi Chang and
lawmaker and chair of the Taiwan-US Legislative Friendship Association Wang
Ding Yu will visit Los Angeles, Washington DC, and New York from July 20th to
28th.

Wu said at a press conference this morning that the trip would aim to provide
support to overseas Taiwanese communities and promote the "limitless city"
concept.

The "limitless city" concept refers to Shen's alternative to the Twin Cities
Forum, aimed at establishing relationships with more cities in democratic
countries.

Wu emphasized that the campaign office has received invitations from overseas
communities requesting help in establishing support associations.

In addition to working with local support associations, Shen is also expected
to give a speech to the Washington DC chapter of the Taiwanese Association of
America.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-15 14:09:13

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che has visited the Osaka City Council to promote
closer exchanges between the two cities.

Huang met with council Speaker Shu Umezono and the head of its Japan-Taiwan
friendship alliance, Junko Tsuji.

They discussed tourism, culture, local products and student exchanges.

Huang invited Osaka students to visit Tainan and explore historic sites and
buildings connected to Taiwan-Japan relations.

Tsuji, who has visited the city several times, praised Tainan's pineapples
and said she had fond memories of its museums and other attractions.

The Tainan and Osaka city councils are also discussing a possible formal
partnership.

Huang invited both council members to visit Tainan and experience the city's
culture and attractions.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-15 14:09:13

A French man has been detained after allegedly trying to smuggle more than
100 heroin capsules into Taiwan inside his body.

Police stopped the man after he arrived at Taoyuan airport from Thailand on
July 7.

An X-ray showed numerous foreign objects in his digestive tract.

The suspect took five days to pass 101 capsules containing about 1.4
kilograms of heroin.

Prosecutors estimate the drugs were worth more than 20-million N.T. dollars.

Police say the man claimed he accepted the job because he needed money for
medical treatment and was promised about 3-thousand U.S. dollars.

A court has approved his detention while authorities continue investigating
the trafficking group.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-15 14:09:13

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex gaining 893 points to
close the session at 45631.

The turnover was 984 billion NT

Posted on 2026-07-15 14:09:13

In the US,

A Senator says the motorist shot and killed by an ice agent in the state of
Maine was not even the target of the warrant the agents were serving.

Advocates say he was authorized to work in the US, and lived nearby with his
wife and daughter.

The man was a 25 year old from Colombia.

Trump administration officials claim that the vehicle tried to flee, and that
an officer fired fearing for public safety.

But accounts of what happened differ, and the shooting is now under
investigation.

It's at least the ninth death since US President Trump's immigration
crackdown began.

Hundreds gathered in the city of Biddeford, Maine, to protest.

Posted on 2026-07-15 13:30:13

A judge is calling for closer cooperation with the United States to counter
suspected Chinese transnational repression.

Taipei District Court judge Hsu Kai-chieh (許凱傑) says law enforcement agencies
from both sides should form a joint task force.

He says they could share cases, enforcement experience and response
strategies.

Hsu also wants Taiwan to improve its reporting platform so suspected
incidents can be reported and reviewed immediately.

His comments follow the assault of Taiwan-based commentator Akio Yaita by a
Chinese national in Taichung.

Taiwanese officials have described the attack as the first transnational
repression case since China's new ethnic unity law took effect on July 1.

Hsu says Taiwan's Anti-Infiltration Act may not cover state-directed assault,
harassment or property damage.

The government says it is considering amendments to increase penalties for
such crimes.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-15 13:30:13

The government may revise its rules for removing food products from store
shelves as food safety cases become more complex.

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang says the current guidelines were introduced
after the 2014 cooking oil scandal, when major companies were exposed for
recycling and selling tainted waste oil as edible cooking oil.

His comments come as authorities continue investigating contaminated soybean
oil produced by Central Union Oil.

Shih says the most likely cause is the manufacturing process, including
possible temperature changes during refining.

However, experts must confirm the findings before a final report is released.

He says products removed as a precaution may return to stores once individual
batches are confirmed safe.

The Food and Drug Administration has also begun discussing whether the
current recall system can adequately address newer forms of food safety
incidents.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-15 13:30:13

The Taitung County Government is partnering with a major travel group to
launch direct charter flights to Penghu.

Officials say the new flights will fly directly from Taitung Airport, cutting
travel times down to a fraction of the usual journey.

The initiative includes four round-trip flights scheduled for September 11th,
13th, 15th, and 17th.

The flights are paired with three-day tour packages that include popular
sites like the historic Magong Old Town, and the famous volcanic basalt
columns at Daguoye.

Travelers will also be able to take boat trips to the southern islands of
Qimei and Wangan.

The county says the charter packages are open for registration starting today
through local travel agencies in Taitung.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-07-15 13:30:13

Moscow's mayor says 340 Ukrainian drones were sent toward the Russian capital
region over a 24-hour period.

Sergei Sobyanin says most were intercepted far from the city, including more
than 50 destroyed while approaching Moscow.

Ukraine has increased drone attacks on Russian infrastructure, particularly
oil and petrochemical facilities.

Ukraine's military says it struck the Salavat petrochemical complex in the
Ural region and the Afipsky refinery in southern Russia.

The attacks have contributed to fuel shortages in parts of Russia.

Russia has also intensified strikes on Kyiv.

Ukrainian officials say drones and ballistic missiles hit the capital early
Tuesday, damaging 16 sites, including a school and a business.

It was the fifth major attack on Kyiv this month.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-15 13:30:13

China has reported that its economy grew at 4.3% for the April-June quarter,
slowing from the strong 5% at the start of the year.

That's the slowest growth since the last quarter of 2022.

Exports rose 17.6% in the first half of the year from a year earlier, thanks
partly to the artificial intelligence boom.

Though China has largely absorbed the shock of the economic impacts of the
Iran War, domestic spending and investment have slowed...

restricting the growth driven by Chinese export manufacturing.

Chinese leaders have set a growth target of 4.5% to 5% for this year, and the
international monetary fund expects China's economy to expand just 4.1% in
2027.

Posted on 2026-07-15 11:09:13

TaiSugar says, the precautionary removal of some products over the ongoing
Central Union Oils scandal is sure to incur losses for the company.

TaiSugar Executive Wu Ming Chang says, the company has removed 9 products
from shelves, in accordance with government regulations...

but, he says, TaiSugar will wait to observe the fallout to decide whether or
not to request compensation from Central Union.

Wu said that the company complied with government orders to remove the
products for now, but said that the company always rigorously tests oils
purchased from outside companies.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-15 11:09:13

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung says the Taiwan-France Cultural Association,
also known as Alliance Française de Taiwan, will move into a historic former
U.S. aid housing complex in Taipei.

Lin made the announcement at a French National Day reception on Tuesday.

He says the building on Chang'an East Road will become a new center for
French language, culture, art and food.

Lin also thanked outgoing French Representative Franck Paris for his work
over the past three years.

Paris said he had fallen deeply in love with Taiwan and would not forget the
country or its people.

Lin says Taiwan and France are expanding cooperation in semiconductors,
artificial intelligence, solid-state batteries and space technology.

He also praised France for supporting peace and stability in the Taiwan
Strait.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-15 11:09:13

The US military is reimposing a blockade of Iranian ports as Iran launches
attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

In response, Iran threatened to halt energy exports from the Middle East.

The US first imposed that blockade in mid-April before lifting it about 2
months later...

one day after the signing of an interim deal aimed at permanently ending the
war.

But another wave of US strikes on Iran, plus Iranian attacks on shipping and
US allies left the deal in tatters.

The agreement was supposed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and give
negotiators time to hammer out a permanent deal.

Posted on 2026-07-15 11:09:13

A historic treaty between the European Union and the United Kingdom has
dismantled the fence separating Gibraltar and Spain, making travel easier for
thousands who cross daily.

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory that is also claimed by Spain.

Yesterday, the territory secured their economic future through an agreement
signed between the UK and the EU.

Without such an agreement, Gibraltar's border could have been much more
difficult to navigate, with passport checks and frontier queues, posing an
economic risk for the territory deeply dependent on around 15,000 Spaniards
for their workforce.

The entry points of Gibraltar are now fit with CCTV cameras and live facial
recognition...

or what Gibraltar's chief minister calls "a digital fortress."

The deal also de facto brings Gibraltar into the EU's Schengen free travel
area, where EU passport holders can travel freely.

The territory's contested status still remains unresolved between Spain and
the UK.

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