ICRT

Posted on 2026-01-22 13:06:13

Taipei prosecutors are launching an investigation into TPP chair and lawmaker
Huang Kuo-chang...

after he allegedly removed classified materials from a secure briefing room.

On Monday during a classified briefing with Defense Minister Wellington Koo,
Huang left the secure briefing room with classified materials.

As soon as other lawmakers and Ministry of Defense members realized, they
tracked him down and he handed over the materials.

DPP legislative caucus leader Chen Pei Yu and her legal counsel launched a
criminal complaint against Huang today.

In the complaint, they state that the materials were removed from the room
for only one minute and 15 seconds...

but for 42 of those seconds, Huang was not visible to security cameras.

They also state that Huang was at the time accompanied by an aide who had a
camera and recorders on them.

Chen raised concerns that Huang may have copied and collected classified
defense information and leaked it.

Huang downplayed the claims as ridiculous, hinting at political persecution.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-22 13:06:17

Chiayi County has trained nearly 100 "ambassadors" to serve as guides and
staff for the upcoming 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival.

The group includes professional tour guides and students from several local
universities.

They completed a four-day training program last week to prepare for the event.

County officials say these teams studied several subjects, including foreign
languages, first aid, and fire safety.

And a core part of the training focused on the history and culture of Chiayi,
with the county aiming to tell stories about the region's transition from an
ancient settlement to a modern industrial hub.

The Taiwan Lantern Festival will run from March 3rd to March 15th.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-22 13:06:17

The Central Weather Administration says, Yushan this morning hit a low
temperature of negative 6.8 degrees celsius.

Officials say, the cold weather and moisture even caused frost to form on top
of the mountain...

but this cold air mass hasn't yet led to snow on Taiwan's tallest mountain.

However, The CWA notes that there is still the possibility of snow in high
altitude regions.

Officials are also warning hikers to prepare adequately for the subzero
temperatures and slippery conditions.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-22 13:06:17

Now turning to international news...

In Hong Kong, a trial has opened against 2 activists that organized a vigil
to commemorate those killed in the Tiananmen Square massacre.

Two former leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic
Democratic Movements of China were charged with incitement to subversion in
2021 under Beijing's National Security Law.

Chow Hang-tung and Lee Cheuk-yan are accused of inciting others to organize,
plan, or act through unlawful means.

If convicted, they face up to 10 years in prison.

Chow and Lee both pleaded not guilty, while another activist, Albert Ho,
entered a guilty plea, which may help him get a sentence reduction.

The trial is expected to last 75 days, with 3 government-vetted judges
presding.

The organization was best known for puttingon the only large-scale public
commemoration of the 1989 crackdown in Beijing.

Tens of thousands of people attended annually until it was banned in 2020,
allegedly for anti-pandemic measures.

Posted on 2026-01-22 09:06:13

Opposition lawmakers have slammed President Lai Ching-te after after he
refused to to appear at an impeachment motion hearing.

The impeachment proceedings were initiated against Lai last month after he
failed to enact a bill passed in the Legislative Yuan that would increase the
share of tax revenue allocated to local governments.

The first impeachment hearing took place yesterday.

The K-M-T and the Taiwan People's Party had invited Lai to attend to allow
his to explain his position at the Legislature and respond to lawmakers'
questions.

Lai declined to attend in a letter to Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu.

Posted on 2026-01-22 09:06:14

Iranian state television has issued the first official death toll from recent
protests - saying 3,117 people were killed in the demonstrations that began
December 28.

The figure is lower than the 4,560 people that activists say died.

State television has also carried a statement by the Martyrs Foundation
saying 2,427 of those killed were civilians and members of the security
forces.

It didn't elaborate on the rest.

Posted on 2026-01-22 09:06:18

Two organizers of a Hong Kong vigil commemorating people killed in Beijing's
Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989 will go on trial beginning today.

Their co-defendant plans to plead guilty under a national security law
imposed by China.

All three were charged with incitement to subversion in 2021.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years.

Critics argue the case shows Beijing's erosion of Hong Kong's civil
liberties.

The trial is expected to last 75 days.

Posted on 2026-01-22 09:06:20

And finally,

Taylor Swift has become the youngest female artist to have been inducted into
the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

It comes after the 36-year-old pop superstar broke her own sales record with
her latest album, "The Life of a Showgirl," in October.

Taylor will be welcomed into the prestigious club during a private ceremony
in New York later this year.

Taylor is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, reaching stardom
with her 12 studio albums and four re-recorded "Taylor's Versions" albums.

She is among nine songwriters within the 2026 class, which also includes
Canadian-American singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette and Footloose
singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins.

Posted on 2026-01-22 07:03:13

Opposition lawmakers lashed out at President Lai Ching-te in the Legislature
after he declined to attend a hearing on an impeachment motion against him.

The impeachment bid was launched after Lai refused to sign into law an
opposition-backed bill that would increase tax revenue allocations to local
governments.

The KMT and Taiwan People's Party invited Lai to explain his decision, but he
cited a Constitutional Court ruling saying lawmakers cannot question the
president.

Despite his absence, opposition lawmakers proceeded with the hearing and
accused Lai of evading oversight and infringing on Taiwan's demoncracy and
constitutional order.

Ruling party lawmakers countered that the hearing was a political stunt and
that Lai was not legally required to attend.

A second impeachment hearing is scheduled for May, with a legislative vote
set for May 19th.

However, the motion is unlikely to pass, as the opposition lacks the
two-thirds majority required to advance the case.

Posted on 2026-01-22 07:03:13

A U-S House committee has released its draft of the 2026 Consolidated
Appropriations Act, including $1.15 billion U-S dollars to support security
cooperation with Taiwan.

The proposal allocates $1 billion U-S dollars for the Taiwan Security
Cooperation Initiative and $150 million dollars to replace defense equipment
and reimburse services provided to Taiwan.

The funding follows provisions in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act
and aims to strengthen Taiwan's self-defense through training, medical
support and joint development of unmanned systems.

However, the funds will only be released if the full appropriations bill
passes Congress.

U-S lawmakers are under pressure to approve the budget by January 30 to avoid
another government shutdown.

Despite bipartisan talks, the bill still faces hurdles in both the Senate and
the full House before the deadline.

Posted on 2026-01-22 07:03:13

Two U-S naval vessels transited the Taiwan Strait last Friday and Saturday,
marking the first such passage by American warships this year.

According to the U-S 7th Fleet, the transit involved the guided-missile
destroyer U-S-S John Finn and the oceanographic survey ship U-S-N-S Mary
Sears.

The U-S Navy said the passage was routine and conducted in international
waters where freedom of navigation applies under international law.

It was the second time during U-S President Donald Trump's second term that a
U-S destroyer has sailed through the strait alongside a survey ship.

The U-S-N-S Mary Sears is designed to collect oceanographic and acoustic data
that can support submarine, anti-submarine and mine warfare operations.

U-S officials said the transit underscored that navigational rights in the
Taiwan Strait should not be restricted.

Posted on 2026-01-22 07:03:13

The D-P-P has finalized its candidates for key mayoral positions in southern
Taiwan.

According to the party, it has approved Lai Jui-lung as the D-P-P's candidate
for the Kaohsiung mayoral election, Tsai Yi-yu as its candidate for the post
of Chiayi County magistrate, and Chen Ting-fei as its Tainan mayoral
candidate,.

Final approval for all three candidates was made during a meeting of the
D-P-P's s Central Executive Committee.

President Lai Ching-te, who doubles as the party chairman, says all three of
the nominees have proven to be outstanding lawmakers with strong public
support and deep-rooted connections to their communities ...

.. and he hopes they will integrate local efforts and support other party
members seeking office in November's local elections.

Posted on 2026-01-22 07:03:13

Taiwanese tourists

Rescuers in Japan have spotted wreckage believed to be from a sightseeing
helicopter that was carrying two Taiwanese tourists and a Japanese pilot that
went missing near one of Japan's most active volcanoes

Authorities say the helicopter lost contact during what should have been a
10-minute flight over Mount Aso in southern Japan on Monday.

According to local police, the wreckage, possibly of the missing helicopter,
was spotted inside the crater of Nakadake, one of Mt. Aso's five peaks.

However, officials had said bad weather and high levels of volcanic gases
were hampering the rescue operation.

Taiwan's representative office in Fukuoka says it was notified of a
helicopter crash involving the two Taiwanese tourists immediately after the
accident occurred on Tuesday morning.

The helicopter's operating agent has said the two tourists from Taiwan were a
41 year old man and one 36 year old woman.

Their names have not been released.

Posted on 2026-01-22 07:03:13

Taipei authorities will hold a drill simulating an indiscriminate attack at
Taipei Main Station this afternoon ... from 2 to 3 PM.

Mobile phones within a one-kilometer radius will receive alert messages
during the exercise.

City officials advised travelers to allow extra time, as access controls and
traffic measures may be put in place.

The live drill will test coordination among transit operators, retailers and
emergency services ... and conducted with the transport ministry.

It comes in response to the December 19th stabbings at Taipei Main and
Zhongshan MRT stations ... which resulted in four deaths, including the
perpetrator.

Authorities said alert messages will clearly state the situation is a drill
and urge the public to remain calm and avoid crowding.

Mayor Chiang Wan-an added that more security drills are planned ahead of
Lunar New Year.

Posted on 2026-01-22 07:03:13

New data shows that 86 percent of residents in Taiwan are satisfied with the
safety of their homes and neighborhoods.

The survey by National Chung Cheng University also found nearly 79 percent of
respondents are satisfied with police efforts to maintain public order, the
highest level in five years.

However, fewer than half rated overall public security as good, which
researchers linked to frequent crime reporting in the media.

Support was strongest for community policing, with over 90 percent backing
services such as escorts for large cash withdrawals and home patrols during
travel.

More than 80 percent also approved of police measures to secure public
transport during holidays and deter organized violence.

Researchers cautioned the survey was conducted before fatal stabbing attacks
in Taipei last December and warned against a false sense of safety.

They said further work is needed on traffic safety, fraud prevention and drug
control, including the use of artificial intelligence tools.

Posted on 2026-01-22 07:03:13

Kaohsiung Metro has announced that it will adjust its rules on bringing
standard bicycles onto the metro starting February 1st.

The company says standard bicycles will still be allowed on the metro under a
combined passenger-and-bicycle fare scheme, which will be increased to $80 NT
per trip, regardless of distance traveled.

On weekdays, bicycles will be permitted during off-peak hours from 9 a.m. to
4 p.m. and from 8 p.m. until the end of service.

On weekends, bicycles will be allowed all day.

However, given the heavy passenger traffic at major transit hubs, the company
stresses that some stations will be closed to standard bicycles throughout
the day.

They include Zuo-ying (左營), Formosa Boulevard, and Kaohsiung Arena
stations, as well as light rail transfer stations.

Separately, the company has also issued new guidelines on passenger attire,
reminding riders that their appearance should not compromise public safety or
the comfort of others.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-01-22 07:03:13

U-S President Donald Trump has announced that he's scrapping plans to add a
10-per cent tariff to goods from eight European countries over their
opposition to his push to acquire Greenland ...

.. following talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

The A-P's Sagar Meghani reports.

Posted on 2026-01-22 07:03:13

European Union lawmakers have voted to challenge the bloc's free trade
agreement with South America.

The move that could delay the deal by two years and potentially derail it.

The E-U signed its largest-ever trade pact with Mercosur members Argentina,
Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay on Saturday after 25 years of negotiations.

It still requires approval before it can take effect.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is calling the referral to the E-U's top
court regrettable - saying the E-U assembly has "misjudged the geopolitical
situation."

Merz is also insisting that the agreement should be applied soon on a
provisional basis.

Posted on 2026-01-22 07:03:13

Japan has restarted operations at the world's largest nuclear power plant for
the first time since the Fukushima disaster forced the country to shut all of
its reactors.

The decision to restart reactor number 6 at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa north-west of
Tokyo was taken despite local residents' safety concerns.

It was delayed by a day because of an alarm malfunction and is due to begin
operating commercially next month.

The seventh reactor at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa is not expected to be brought back
on until 2030, and the other five could be decommissioned.

That leaves the plant with far less capacity than it once had when all seven
reactors were operational: 8.2 gigawatts.

All 54 of Japan's reactors had to be shut in 2011 after the most powerful
earthquake it had ever recorded triggered a meltdown at Fukushima, causing
one of the world's worst nuclear disasters.

Posted on 2026-01-22 07:03:13

A South Korean court has sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23
years in prison after finding him guilty of charges that included
insurrection relating to ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial
law in December 2024.

Han is the first former cabinet minister to be handed a ruling by a court on
criminal charges directly related to martial law.

Legal experts have said the ruling could prove a bellwether for other trials.

The Seoul Central District Court found Han guilty - say he was was
instrumental in setting up the outward appearance of a cabinet meeting that
facilitated the declaration.

The court also said Han discussed plans to block the function of major
institutions such as parliament as part of the insurrection.

Posted on 2026-01-22 07:03:13

Spain's biggest train drivers' union is calling for a nationwide strike to
demand safety assurances after three derailments in 48 hours caused crashes
that left dozens dead - including two drivers.

A commuter train derailed on Tuesday after a retaining wall collapsed onto
the track during heavy rains near Barcelona, killing the driver and seriously
injuring four passengers.

That incident came after two trains collided on Sunday in the southern
Cordoba province in what is one of Europe's worst train accidents.

A train driver was among the 43 people who died.

While a third derailment of a train on Barcelona's regional network, also on
Tuesday, left no injuries, and was caused by a rock falling on the line
during the same storm.

Posted on 2026-01-22 07:03:13

Handprints on the walls of Indonesian caves may be the oldest rock art
studied so far, dating back at least 67,800 years.

The tan-colored prints uncovered on the island of Sulawesi were made by
blowing pigment over hands placed against the cave walls.

Some of the fingertips were also tweaked to look more pointed.

Researchers have dated mineral crusts that had formed on top of the art and
discovered it is the oldest to be found on cave walls.

However, they aren't yet sure whether the prints were made by modern humans
or an ancient human group called Denisovans.

Posted on 2026-01-21 20:07:13

Taipei city officials will hold a major emergency drill at Taipei Main
Station tomorrow, to prepare for a potential random attack.

The exercise is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow.

During this time, anyone within one kilometer of the station will receive an
emergency alert on their mobile phone.

The alert, which will be labeled as a "drill", will state that a "major
security incident" is occurring and instruct people to find cover and stay
calm.

Officials say the goal is to help the public practice what to do during a
real crisis.

The exercise follows a random attack in December that killed four people,
including the suspect.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-21 20:07:13

The Taipei Zoo will host a special event on January 31 to celebrate
International Zebra Day and the upcoming Year of the Horse.

Visitors can participate in games at the African Animal Area to learn how to
identify different zebra species.

The zoo says every zebra has a unique pattern of stripes, similar to a human
fingerprint.

Keepers say the event features two sessions at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

People who complete the educational challenge can win a limited-edition 2026
zebra badge.

The zoo is also holding storytelling sessions about Mongolian wild horses
every Thursday morning through February.

The zoo currently cares for Chapman’s zebras, which have shorter ears and
brownish "shadow" marks within their white stripes.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-21 18:26:13

Premier Zhuo Rong-tai is calling for direct debates with lawmakers over the
2026 general budget, saying it has been delayed for too long.

Zhuo said the 3-trillion-and-35-billion-NT budget is intended for the Cabinet
to implement the central government’s policies this year, and that he wants
to learn from the debates which items lawmakers consider “unnecessary.”

The budget plan has been pending in the Legislative Yuan as the opposition
parties blocked it from being reviewed because they said it was not drawn up
according to the laws passed by the Legislature last year.

Last week the opposition-majority legislature voted to pass $71.8 billion NT,
that's 2.4 percent of the total budget, for a separate, expedited review, and
the items mainly include public welfare and infrastructure programs.

The move drew strong criticisms from the ruling DPP, saying that the general
budget should not be divided that way.

Zhuo said today that he'll provide further explanations on the $300 billion
NT in newly added and continuing programs, expressing hope that issues can be
addressed through direct debates.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-01-21 18:26:16

school

Keelung city has proposed that the threshold for a suspension of work and
classes to be lowered in mountainous regions.

Currently the criteria for canceling work and school is when forecast
cumulative rainfall reaches 350 millimeters within 24 hours, regardless of
whether the area is flatland or mountainous.

But according to a National Taiwan Ocean University's study, Keelung City
covers 132 square kilometers, with 95 percent consisting of hillside terrain,
and rainfall there shows clear spatial variability.

Professor Gu Cheng-yu (顧承宇), leader of the study, says 200 millimeters
already carries a high likelihood of causing disasters.

As a result, city officials say they'll formulate operating guidelines to
clearly define area-based assessments, providing greater flexibility in
future decisions on whether to suspend work and classes.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-01-21 17:29:13

The United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations will review four
Taiwan-related bills next week on "sovereignty symbols," energy security,
undersea cable protection and support for Taiwan's partners.

The four measures are the Taiwan Symbols of Sovereignty Act, the Taiwan
Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act, the Taiwan Undersea Cable Resilience
Initiative Act, and the Taiwan Allies Fund Act.

They would allow Taiwanese diplomats and military personnel to display
national symbols, such as the flag and unit insignia, during official visits
to the US.

The energy bill would also boost Taiwan’s energy security through expanded
U.S. LNG exports, infrastructure support, and emergency supplies.

One of the bills would protect undersea cables that carry most of Taiwan’s
internet traffic; and counter Chinese “gray zone” activities through
cooperation, intelligence sharing, and sanctions.

Another proposal would create a $120 million-U.S.-dollar fund over three
years to help Taiwan’s diplomatic allies and partners facing Chinese
pressure.

All the bills must still pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by the
U.S. president before becoming law.

(CNA)

Posted on 2026-01-21 17:29:14

A new poll shows that the public's satisfaction with the safety of their
communities has reached a 5 year high in Taiwan.

The poll by Zhongzheng University states that over 85% of people are
satisfied with safety of their homes and communities, while nearly 80% are
satisfied with police efforts to uphold safety and security.

However, less than half of respondents said that the overall safety situation
was good.

Experts say, that's because of the influence of negative news media.

They also noted that the poll was conducted before December's random attack
on Taipei Main and Zhongshan MRT Stations.

Experts point out that the results may reveal concerns about if satisfaction
provides a false sense of security, leading people to not know how to protect
themselves in the event of an emergency.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-21 17:29:14

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is welcoming the partliament's
passing of anti hate speech and gun laws.

That's after a deadly attack at a Jewish festival in Sydney last month.

The gun laws passed introduce new restrictions and a government-funded
buyback program.

The anti-hate speech laws allow for groups not classified as terrorist
organizations to be banned.

Officials say that the alleged gunmen would not have been allowed to possess
guns under the new laws.

Meanwhile the opposition party believes that the anti hate speech legislation
could limit free speech.

Posted on 2026-01-21 17:29:14

Colombia is taking moves to reduce wages for members of Congress by about 30%.

That's as the South American country faces a budget crunch and prepares to
hold elections.

Congress members in Colombia earned about 13000 US dollars monthly last
year...

representing about 32 times the country's minimum wage.

The disparity in the wages of lawmakers and average Colombians has often come
under scrutiny in the country...

with some members of Congress in recent years proposing bills to reduce their
own wages.

However, those initiatives have failed multiple times, and have been blocked
by legislators that argue they need high wages.

Posted on 2026-01-21 15:22:13

Families of two Taiwanese tourists are traveling to Japan as rescue teams
search for survivors of a helicopter crash near Mount Aso.

Japanese authorities located the wreckage of the sightseeing helicopter near
a crater today.

However, the condition of the two Taiwanese passengers and their pilot
remains unknown.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says its representative office in
Fukuoka is in contact with the families.

A spokesperson for the Taiwanese community in Kumamoto also says it is in
contact with the families, and will provide all possible assistance.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-21 15:22:13

Two US navy ships have transited the Taiwan Strait for the first time this
year.

The journeys, made on Friday and Saturday, were reported by USNI news.

The two ships reported conducted a routine transit through waters where they
say "high-seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with
international law."

That's the second time during US President Donald Trump's second term that a
US Navy transit of the strait featured a destroyer sailing in tandem with a
survey ship.

The first was nearly a year ago.

Public fleet information notes that the data gathered by such survey ships
can directly support the Navy's submarine and anti-submarine operations...

as well as mine warfare and special operations.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-21 15:22:13

Nantou police are warning the public to avoid fatigued driving on the roads
to Hehuanshan, citing accidents that caused deaths last year.

County police say fatal crashes last year led to 10 deaths, with most of the
drivers being young people from other parts of Taiwan.

Authorities say many young people take "night runs" to the mountain to see
the stars or the sunrise, but underestimate how tired they are.

Police warned that staying awake all night increases the risk of a crash by
15 times.

They say driving while exhausted is just as dangerous as driving while drunk.

Officers are encouraging visitors to use public transportation or carpool to
reduce the risk of accidents.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-21 15:22:13

Iran's foreign minister is warning the US of retaliation if attacked.

Araghchi made the threat in an opinion article published by The Wall Street
Journal, blaming armed demonstrators for the recent violence in the country.

The minister said Iran has "no qualms about firing back" if it comes under
renewed attack."

He also warned that an all-out confrontatino would drag on, and would engulf
the wider region.

The death toll from the protests has reached over 4-thousand-500 according to
U.S.-based activists.

More than 26-thousand-300 people have been arrested, with fears of executions
coming amid the ongoing tensions.

This comes as a U.S. aircraft carrier group moves toward the Middle East.

Ship-tracking data shows that the USS Abraham Lincoln, which had been in the
South China Sea in recent days, had passed through the Strait of Malacca, a
key waterway connecting the South China Sea and Indian Ocean, by Tuesday.

A U.S. Navy official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the aircraft
carrier and three accompanying destroyers were heading west.

Posted on 2026-01-21 13:06:13

Applications are now open for nearly 300 new social housing units in Taipei
City.

Hopeful residents can apply now through February 3rd for housing in the
city's Wenshan and Nangang districts.

Taipei officials say, available units have one-, two-, and three-bedroom
options, and applicants do not necessarily have to be Taipei City residents.

Applicants may be Taipei City residents, or those without residency who do
have local school or employment status.

They note that the application website is already live, but applicants may
also apply in person.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-21 13:06:13

National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology is expanding to a
sixth campus to provide more talent for southern Taiwan’s growing technology
industry.

The university held a ceremony today to open an industrial park at its new
site in the Hunei District.

The expansion aims to bring the school closer to companies located along the
region's high-tech industrial corridor.

The university says it plans to use the site for research, international
student housing, and a Chinese language learning center.

The campus will also serve as a training ground for national exams and
employment.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-21 13:06:13

In international news,

Iran has warned U.S. President Donald Trump not to take any action against
the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (ah LEE kah men AY),
days after Trump called for an end to Khamenei’s near 40-year reign.

a spokesman for Iran’s armed forces said Tuesday that“Trump knows that if
any hand of aggression is extended toward our leader, we not only cut that
hand but also we will set fire to their world,”

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have been high since a violent crackdown
by authorities on protests that began over Iran’s ailing economy on December
28.

Trump has drawn two red lines for the Islamic Republic — the killing of
peaceful protesters and Tehran conducting mass executions in the wake of the
demonstrations.

Activists say at least 4,519 people were killed during the protests.

The death toll exceeds that of any other round of protest or unrest in Iran
in decades.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-01-21 11:34:13

The Kaohsiung Branch of the Taiwan High Court has sentenced Zhou Manzhi to
eight years in prison in a retrial for developing China-directed
organizations in Taiwan.

Zhou, a Chinese spouse who later gained Taiwanese citizenship, was found to
have set up immigrant associations under the direction of groups controlled
by the Chinese Communist Party.

In the ruling, judges said she followed United Front instructions to
establish a Kaohsiung-based group and expand it nationwide with political
objectives.

The court ruled the associations targeted Chinese spouses and new immigrants,
threatening Taiwan’s constitutional order under the Republic of China.

While the case involved ideological infiltration rather than espionage, the
court said it seriously undermined social stability.

The sentence follows a Supreme Court ruling that overturned Zhou’s earlier
acquittal, and the decision may still be appealed.

Posted on 2026-01-21 11:34:14

And finally,

Thrash metal pioneers, Megadeth is going out on their own thunderous terms —
as the Grammy-winning band is set to release its self-titled 17th and final
studio album on Friday.

It marks more than 40 years of guitar-shredding.

The album includes a reimagined version of Metallica's "Ride The Lightning."

Founder, frontman and the only constant member of Megadeth Dave Mustaine says
he added that song to pay respects to his career's beginnings.

Posted on 2026-01-21 06:54:13

Taiwan is closely watching a pending ruling by the United States Supreme
Court on tariffs imposed under U-S President Donald Trump, as trade talks
with Washington near completion.

Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) says nine months of negotiations could be
affected if the court rules that Trump's so-called "reciprocal tariffs" are
unconstitutional.

Trump has said the U-S would respond by imposing a blanket ten percent import
duty on all goods.

Cho says U-S officials are already shifting some products to U-S trade law
Section 2-3-2 rules to safeguard tariffs on national security grounds.

Taiwan's trade team has reached a tentative deal to cut U-S import duties on
Taiwanese goods from 20 percent to 15 (percent), matching rates for Japan,
South Korea and the European Union.

The agreement would also give Taiwan's semiconductor exports the most
favorable treatment under Section 2-3-2, with details still to be finalized.

In return, Taiwan has committed to at least 250 billion U-S dollars in
investment in the United States, plus major government-backed credit
guarantees.

Posted on 2026-01-21 06:54:13

Media personality and politician Jaw Shau-kong (趙少康) has been given a
suspended sentence for illegally displaying a marked ballot during a recall
vote last July.

The Taipei District Court sentenced Jaw to 55 days in prison, convertible to
a fine, with the sentence suspended for two years, and ordered him to pay an
additional $50 thousand NT fine.

The ruling follows charges that Jaw violated Taiwan's election laws by
showing his completed ballot to the media at a polling station in Taipei's
Da'an District.

Prosecutors said Jaw had been warned by election staff not to display the
ballot but did so briefly for photographs before casting it.

The incident occurred during recall votes held in July of last year ...
targeting several KMT lawmakers and one mayor, all of which ultimately
failed.

Jaw later apologized, saying he only wanted to show he had voted, not how he
voted, and called the case an unnecessary use of judicial resources.

A longtime political figure and former vice-presidential candidate, Jaw
remains a prominent voice in Taiwan's media and politics.

Posted on 2026-01-21 06:54:13

Pedestrian deaths from January to October last year fell to an 18-year low.

According to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, 295
pedestrians died in traffic accidents in that period, the lowest figure since
2008.

Overall road deaths for the same period totaled 2,338 — also the lowest
since 2019.

That marks a year-on-year drop of nearly four percent, but officials say it
still falls short of the government's target of a seven percent annual
reduction.

The ministry also reported fewer traffic deaths in several other high-risk
categories, including motorcycle crashes, drunk driving cases, elderly
people, and children.

Officials say while progress is being made, further cooperation between
central and local governments is needed to further improve road safety across
the country.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-01-21 06:54:13

Six of the Taiwan People's Party's eight lawmakers will step down on February
1st under the party's internal two-year term rule.

According to the Legislative Yuan, those resigning include Huang Shan-shan
(黃珊珊), Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌), Lin Kuo-chen (林國成), Lin Yi-chun
(林憶君), Chang Chi-kai (張啟楷) and Mai Yu-chen (麥玉珍).

Their resignations are expected to be formally processed at the legislature's
plenary session this Friday.

The vacancies will be filled by six candidates from the party's 2024 at-large
list, including academics, civic group leaders and a Taichung city councilor.

The two-year rule shortens the standard four-year term to allow more TPP
members to serve as lawmakers.

Two TPP legislators, Chen Gau-tzu and Liu Shu-bin, will remain in office, as
Chen was allowed to complete her work and Liu has not yet served two years.

Posted on 2026-01-21 06:54:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is uring the public not to buy or sell
Taiwanese passports, saying the practice is illegal and can carry prison
terms of up to seven years.

The warning follows a recent Yilan District Court ruling that sentenced four
people to between 14 and 26 months in jail for selling passports.

Local media reported the group supplied Taiwanese passports to a Chinese
human trafficking ring.

Prosecutors say the ring paid up to 10 thousand NT per passport and resold
them overseas for about 10 thousand euros each.

At least 14 passports were traced to buyers in Greece and Indonesia,
according to investigators.

The foreign ministry said it has been assisting police since late 2023 and
monitoring passports suspected of being sold abroad.

Officials stressed that trading passports violates the Passport Act ...
carrying up to 7 years in jail and a fine up to 700 thousand NT.

Posted on 2026-01-21 06:54:13

And,

Taiwan Lottery has launched five new Lunar New Year scratch-off games, led by
the popular '$20 Million NT Super Red Envelope'.

The flagship game features ten top prizes and 1,200 second prizes of one
million NT, with total prize money exceeding 17.2 billion NT.

Taiwan Lottery President Hsieh Chih-hung said the game matches last year’s
record highs and has an overall winning rate of nearly 70 percent.

Four additional Year of the Horse–themed scratch tickets for 2026 were also
unveiled, priced between 100 and 500 NT.

Together, the five new games offer more than 1,200 prizes worth at least one
million NT and over 22 billion NT in total prize money.

Hsieh also announced that Taiwan Lottery posted record sales of over 168
billion NT in 2025, up more than 12 percent from the previous year.

He said growth was driven by strong demand for both computer-based lotteries
and scratch-off tickets.

Posted on 2026-01-21 06:54:13

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia has launched more than
300 drones and missiles in a nighttime attack on Ukraine's power grid.

The assault knocked out heating to more than 5,600 apartment buildings in
Kyiv.

The city's mayor says nearly 80-per cent of those buildings had just regained
heat after a previous attack.

Ukraine's air force command said that 27 missiles and 315 drones were shot
down or jammed, while five missiles and 24 drones hit 11 locations.

Ukraine is facing one of its coldest winters with temperatures in Kyiv
dropping to minus 20-degrees.

Ukrainian officials are currently in the U-S for peace talks - where they
hope to finalize documents for a proposed peace settlement that focuses on
postwar security and economic recovery.

Posted on 2026-01-21 06:54:13

The Syrian military is reporting that guards from the Kurdish-led Syrian
Democratic Forces have abandoned a camp in northeast Syria, allowing
detainees linked to the Islamic State group to escape.

The al-Hol camp mainly houses women and children related to I-S members.

The S-D-F is blaming international indifference for the situation.

However, the Syrian defense ministry is accusing the S-D-F of using the
detainees as bargaining chips.

Thousands of I-S fighters of different nationalities were captured during
fighting between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces and the Islamic
State group over the past decade,

The have since been held in some dozen jails across northeast Syria

Posted on 2026-01-21 06:54:13

Mexico's security minister says the country has sent 37 more cartel members
to the United States.

The announcement comes as Washington is increasing pressure on governments to
tackle drug smuggling networks.

In a social media post, Mexico's security minister described the individuals
as "high impact criminals" posing a significant threat to national security.

It marks the third time in the past year that Mexico has transferred detained
cartel members to the U-S - sending a total of 92 people so far.

Posted on 2026-01-20 20:07:13

Vice Premier Zheng Li Jun is downplaying rumors of run for Taipei mayor...

saying that she does what she says and says what she does.

That's as Zheng is fresh off of leading a team to undergo tariff negotiations
with the US.

She added that she's been asked about a run for the post for more than a
decade, saying her past answers to the same question "still count."

Zheng was previously considered a frontrunner within the green camp back in
2022, but ultimately Chen Shi Zhong 陳時中 ran for the position.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-20 18:06:13

Taiwan's machinery exports are set for a major comeback this year, off the
back of a new trade deal between Taipei and Washington.

The Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry expects exports to the U-S to
grow by between six and eight percent ... with 60 percent of business owners
anticipating increased revenue ...

While overall machinery exports are targeted to rise five to ten percent.

The Association says the trade deal finally puts local manufacturers on an
equal footing with rivals such as Japan, South Korea, and the E-U.

The surge would also be driven by the global tech boom.

Orders are pouring in for high-precision equipment used in semiconductor
expansion, defense, and green energy projects.

Industry leaders say the tax savings will allow companies to reinvest in
research—helping the sector return to solid growth after a challenging year.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-01-20 18:06:13

Six of the opposition TPP’s eight lawmakers have tendered their resignations
and will leave their posts on February 1st.

It's in line with the TPP's two-year term rule for at-large legislators, set
by the party's founder Ko Wen-zhe.

The six people include current TPP chair Huang Guo-chang, Huang Shan-shan and
Zhang Qi-kai (張啟楷), who's been nominated as a candidate for Jia-yi Mayor's
race.

Meanwhile another two TPP lawmakers, Chen Zhao-zi and Liu Shu-bin will stay
on.

Ko previously explained that he allowed Chen to remain in office as the draft
bill she championed has yet to be passed by the Legislative Yuan, while Liu
only took over the seat in March, 2025.

According to the TPP’s 2024 at-large candidate list, the six individuals
expected to fill the vacancies include the R-O-C Sunshine Association chair
Cai Chun-chou (蔡春綢) and National Zhong-zheng University's Social Sciences
professor Wang An-xiang.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-01-20 18:06:13

Health officials warn that Taiwan could enter a flu epidemic as early as this
week ... as case numbers continue to climb ahead of Lunar New Year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 104 thousand people
sought treatment for flu-like symptoms last week, marking the second straight
weekly increase.

Over the past week, the CDC also recorded 17 new severe cases and two deaths.

Data shows that over 80 percent of severe cases involve patients with chronic
illnesses, and nearly 90 percent had not received a flu shot this season.

Officials are urging high-risk groups to get vaccinated as soon as possible
before the holidays begin ... when flu case numbers are expected to peak ...
and weekly visits could rise to as much as 140 thousand.

However, the window to getting protected is closing — as only around 152
thousand doses of the publicly-funded flu vaccine are available.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-01-20 17:06:13

Under opposition parties' pressure, the Lai administration has unveiled a
detailed list of the weapons systems it intends to buy with a proposed $1.25-
trillion-NT special defense budget.

The KMT and the TPP have blocked the bill from being reviewed by the
Legislative committee multiple times, citing a lack of transparency.

They have also called on President Lai to explain the bill to lawmakers and
answer questions, but the request was rejected.

According to the National Defense Ministry, 76-percent of the 8-year special
budget, that's 950 billion NT, will be spent on U.S. weapons systems.

Among them are 82 high mobility artillery rocket systems, or HIMARS,
accompanied by 1-thousand 200 pods of precision rockets and 420 tactical
missiles, and 60 self-propelled howitzers, which had all been approved by the
U.S.

Other items of U.S. origin are 1-thousand 500 counter-drone systems, and 70
Javelin anti-armor missile systems with 1,000 missiles.

These weapons to be purchased from the U.S. were announced by the U.S. in
mid-December as part of a $11 billion U.S.-dollar arms package approved for
sale to Taiwan.

Also on the list are more than 200-thousand unmanned aerial vehicles, and 1
thousand-plus unmanned surface vehicles, which may be procured domestically.

The list was made public following a confidential meeting held at the
Legislative Yuan's Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee.

(CNA)

Posted on 2026-01-20 17:06:14

A Taiwan traveler who was detained for weeks in Abu Dhabi has returned home
after government officials helped clear his name.

The traveler, surnamed Chen, was arrested in November while transferring
through the Abu Dhabi International Airport.

He was released from custody four days later, but authorities placed him
under a travel ban.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says local police cleared Chen of any
wrongdoing earlier this month.

MOFA says Taiwan representative office in Dubai assisted Chen with housing,
medical care, and legal meetings.

He arrived back in Taiwan on Saturday.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-20 17:06:14

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is calling for calm in Davos, insisting
that America’s ties with Europe remain "stronger than ever" despite a
deepening crisis over Greenland.

At the World Economic Forum today, Bessent urged allies to “take a deep
breath” and let recent tensions play out.

The comments follow President Trump’s bombshell announcement on Saturday of
a 10-percent import tax on eight European nations—including Germany, France,
and the U.K.

The tariffs are a direct retaliation against countries that have backed
Denmark’s refusal to cede Greenland to the United States.

President Trump has repeatedly claimed the Arctic territory is vital for
national security to counter Russian and Chinese influence.

While European leaders have labeled the move "economic blackmail", Bessent
dismissed the friction as a temporary hurdle in an otherwise close
partnership.

Posted on 2026-01-20 17:06:14

The British government is defending its decision to transfer sovereignty of
the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after U-S President Donald Trump criticized
the move.

Trump called it an act of stupidity on Tuesday, He argued that it weakens
national security.

He also linked it to his interest in acquiring Greenland.

The United Kingdom and Mauritius signed a deal in May that allows the U-K to
lease back Diego Garcia where a vital U-S military base is located for at
least 99 years.

The U-S government welcomed the agreement at the time and emphasized its
importance for security operations.

But Britain's opposition parties have raised concerns about increased Chinese
access to the region.

Posted on 2026-01-20 16:15:13

Rescue teams in southern Japan are searching for a missing helicopter
carrying two Taiwanese tourists and a pilot.

The aircraft disappeared today near the summit of Mount Aso in Kumamoto
Prefecture.

It took off from a local tourist facility just after 10 a.m. Taiwan time.

Officials say the three people aboard the aircraft are a male pilot in his
60s and two tourists from Taiwan, identified as one man and one woman.

Local fire departments say they received an automatic "impact detected"
notification from a passenger’s smartphone.

Police and mountain rescue teams are searching the area.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-20 16:15:13

Pedestrian deaths from January to October last year fell to an 18-year low.

According to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, 295
pedestrians died in traffic accidents in that period, the lowest figure since
2008.

Overall road deaths for the same period totaled 2,338 — also the lowest
since 2019.

That marks a year-on-year drop of nearly four percent, but officials say it
still falls short of the government's target of a seven percent annual
reduction.

The ministry also reported fewer traffic deaths in several other high-risk
categories, including motorcycle crashes, drunk driving cases, elderly
people, and children.

Officials say while progress is being made, further cooperation between
central and local governments is needed to further improve road safety across
the country.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-01-20 16:15:13

Starlux Airlines is set to launch the only scheduled direct flight between
Taichung and Kumamoto this spring.

The carrier says that starting March 31st ... it will run three flights per
week between the two destinations, operated by Airbus A321-neo aircraft.

The new service is expected to give a boost to both tourism and the
semiconductor industry, with Kumamoto emerging as a key hub in the global
chip supply chain.

Starlux says the route will also strengthen business ties with the Taichung
Science Park.

The airline is targeting strong leisure demand as well, offering easier
access to Kyushu’s hot spring resorts and Mount Aso.

Japan remains Taiwan's top overseas travel destination, accounting for more
than a third of all outbound trips last year.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-01-20 16:15:13

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has dismissed a vice premier for causing
“man-made confusions” in works to modernize a major machinery plant.

The dismissal is seen as a bid to strengthen discipline among senior
officials ahead of the upcoming ruling Workers’ Party congress to establish
new economic and other state objectives.

The Korean Central News Agency said today that Kim announced the sacking of
Yang Sung Ho, a vice premier in charge of the machine-building industry, in a
speech marking the completion of the first-stage modernization project at the
Ryongsong Machine Complex in the northeast on Monday.

Posted on 2026-01-20 15:12:13

Media celebrity Zhao Shao-kang has been given a suspended sentence on charges
related to his display of a marked ballot during a recall vote last July.

The Taipei District Court sentenced Zhao to 55 days in prison, commutable to
a fine and suspended for two years, as well as a fine of $50,000 NT.

He was indicted by Taipei prosecutors in November for displaying his marked
ballot to members of the media at a polling station in Taipei.

He was casting a ballot in one of several votes on July 26th, 2025, that
sought to recall various KMT lawmakers and one city mayor.

Prosecutors charged him of violating the Public Officials Election and Recall
Act, which carries a maximum prison term of two years.

Zhao later apologized to the general public, saying that he merely wanted to
show that he had voted.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-01-20 15:12:17

Air travel in Taiwan has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with total passenger
traffic reaching nearly 69 million in 2025.

The Civil Aeronautics Administration reported today that flight numbers and
cargo volume are now higher than they were in 2019.

International flights currently average 2,981 per week.

This is an increase over the levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CAA says growth has been strongest on routes to the Middle East, North
America, and Japan.

The agency expects air travel to reach new record highs this year.

It says new flight agreements with Italy and Finland and the opening of a new
concourse at Taoyuan Airport are expected to help drive that growth.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-20 15:12:18

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Taiwan has yet to recieve an invitation
to Honduras' newly-elected President Nasry Asfura's inauguration at the end
of this month.

Asfura, who had promised that he would re-establish diplomatic ties with
Taiwan, won the election three weeks ago.

The Central American country had been Taiwan's ally for 82 years before it
switched recognition to Beijing in March, 2023.

MOFA says it maintains a longstanding approach of candor and openness when it
comes to relations with Honduras and other central and southern American
countries.

Local news media quoted a Wall Street Journal report last week that said
President Lai Ching-te had expressed willingness to attend President Asfura's
inauguration on January 27th.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-01-20 15:12:18

A surfer had minor injuries from being bitten by a shark in the fourth attack
off the coast of Australia’s most populous state in three days.

The man attacked Tuesday was surfing about 460 kilometers north of the New
South Wales state capital.

He was treated at a hospital and discharged.

In the earlier attacks, a man and a boy suffered critical leg wounds and the
surfboard of another boy was bitten by sharks at Sydney locations Sunday and
Monday.

Beaches along the New South Wales’ northern coast and northern Sydney were
closed indefinitely.

Posted on 2026-01-20 14:10:13

Vice Premier Cheng Li-chun is once again dismissing rumors that she might run
for Taipei Mayor, calling the speculation an "old exam question" she's
already answered.

Cheng's name has resurfaced as a top contender for the D-P-P's mayoral
primary, especially following her high-profile success leading Taiwan's trade
team in recent U-S tariff talks.

However, the Vice Premier says her stance hasn't changed in over a decade.

She told reporters she remains focused on her current role, adding that she
"does what she says, and says what she does".

Cheng reiterated that staying true to her political ideals is far more
important to her than chasing a specific office.

Posted on 2026-01-20 14:10:19

The Central Weather Administration has issued a geomagnetic storm alert after
a major solar flare on Monday.

The CWA says a severe solar storm is expected to affect the Earth for the
next 36 hours, potentially causing power outages and radio interference.

Experts say the event sent a large cloud of solar material toward Earth,
which began arriving early this morning.

While the storm may disrupt technology, the CWA says it could also provide a
rare sight for some.

People living in mid-latitude regions may be able to see the aurora, commonly
known as the northern or southern lights.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-20 14:10:27

U-S President Donald Trump has linked his hardline stance on Greenland to
last year's decision not to award him the Nobel Peace Prize.

In text messages released by Norway, Trump told Prime Minister Jonas Gahr
Store that after being passed over for the prize, he no longer feels an
obligation to “think purely of peace.”

He reportedly said he is now focused on what is “good and proper” for the
United States, reaffirming his demand for what he called “complete and total
control” of the Danish territory.

The exchange comes as tensions deepen between Washington and its NATO allies.

Over the weekend, Trump threatened escalating tariffs on eight European
countries unless they drop their opposition to a U-S takeover of the island.

Posted on 2026-01-20 14:10:23

In related news,

Investors in Taiwan's stock market are divided over whether the recent boom
can be sustained.

A new survey from Cathay Financial Holding shows nearly half of respondents
expect the Tai-ex will continue to soar above 30 thousand points by June.

However, around 40 percent of those surveyed believe the market could also
swing below the 25 thousand mark in the coming months ...

... with 12 percent believing it could drop below 23 thousand points.

Analysts say that while strong corporate earnings are fueling this "bullish"
outlook, investors are wary of potential market corrections.

In addition, over half of respondents expect inflation to exceed 2 percent
this year—more conservative than the government's estimate of 1.61 percent.

Despite the jitters, government indicators remain in the "yellow-red" range,
signaling that the broader economic recovery is still on track.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-01-20 14:10:23

Taiwan shares managed to buck the regional trend today, closing higher even
as other Asian markets are drifting into the red.

With Wall Street closed for the Martin Luther King Junior holiday, the Tai-ex
found its own momentum—gaining 120 points to finish at 31,759.

Trading remained heavy, with marker turnover topping 777 billion N-T.

Posted on 2026-01-20 13:06:13

Independent Meteorologist Wu De-rong says northern Taiwan will turn colder
and wetter as the day goes on, due to a strong continental cold air mass
moving south.

The Central Weather Administration has already issued a heavy rain advisory
for Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, and Yilan, saying brief but intense rainfall
is possible under strengthening northeasterly winds.

This cold snap is expected to persist from Wednesday through Friday.

Forecasters warn that lowland temperatures could fall to around eight degrees
Celsius, with snow possible on mountains above three thousand meters on
Wednesday and Thursday.

Expect conditions to finally dry out on Saturday, but don't put the winter
gear away just yet—as another cold front is already eyeing the island next
week on Tuesday evening ... bringing more cooler, wetter weather.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-01-20 13:06:13

The Legislative Yuan is passing an amendment to agricultural product laws, to
protect market stability.

The update to the Agricultural Product Market Transaction Act bans
monopolies, price manipulation, and the intentional changing of food quality
to gain unfair profits.

It also makes it illegal for anyone to spread rumors or fake news that could
hurt market order or affect prices.

Violators can be fined up to $300-thousand NT, and businesses that hold
government permits could have their licenses canceled.

Lawmakers say the update was necessary as false information can harm national
security.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-20 13:06:13

New electric vehicle charging stations at Taoyuan International Airport's
Terminal 2 will begin charging fees on Feb. 2.

The airport has expanded the number of electric vehicle parking spots in some
Terminal 2 lots, and the upgrade includes 21 slow-charging spaces and 20
fast-charging spaces.

The airport says slow charging will cost $8NT per kilowatt-hour, and fast
charging will cost 12NT.

Drivers can use QR codes on the charging units to start the process, check
their status, and pay their bills online.

And airport officials said charging stations at Terminal 1 will be closed
starting in March for renovation work.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-20 13:06:13

Over in Australia...

A shark-attack spree in New South Wales has left swimmers and surfers on high
alert, after a fourth person was bitten in just three days.

The latest victim—a man surfing on the state's north coast—was treated for
minor injuries today and has already been released from the hospital.

Since Sunday, a man and a young boy have been left in critical condition
after separate attacks near Sydney ...

... while a second teenager escaped unhurt after a shark bit his surfboard.

Authorities have closed beaches from Sydney to the northern border
indefinitely.

They warn that recent heavy rains have left coastal waters murky—creating
dangerous, high-risk conditions for predators.

Posted on 2026-01-20 13:06:13

Bulgaria's President Rumen Radev has announced he is stepping down from the
largely ceremonial role, fueling speculation he'll run in the nation's
upcoming elections.

The left-leaning leader was a vocal critic of the center-right government
that was forced out by mass protests last month.

In a televised address Monday, Radev confirmed he will formally submit his
resignation to the Constitutional Court tomorrow.

He told viewers that the "battle for the future of the homeland lies ahead",
and vowed to stand with the protesters he supported during the recent unrest.

Under the Bulgarian constitution, Vice President Iliana Yotova will serve as
head of state for the remainder of the term.

Posted on 2026-01-20 11:09:13

An explosion in downtown Kabul has killed at least 7 people and wounded about
a dozen others.

Afghan authorities did not say what caused the blast, but said it was under
investigation.

The president of Pakistan said the explosion was due to a bomb.

The blast occurred in a Chinese restaurant, with the Italian charity
EMERGENCY saying its surgical center received 20 people from the blast,
including 7 who were aleady dead.

Police say, the restaurant was popular with Chinese Muslims, adding that one
Chinese national and six Afghans were killed and several others were wounded.

The blast occurred near the restaurant’s kitchen, and the cause was under
investigation.

Posted on 2026-01-20 07:03:13

Defense Minister Wellington Koo has briefed members of the Legislative
Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee on weapons systems the
military hopes to procure under the 1.25-trillion N-T special defense budget.

According to Koo, the defense ministry is seeking to purchase more than
200,000 U-A-Vs, as well as precision artillery, long-range missiles, air
defense missiles and anti-tank missiles.

Koo told lawmakers during the closed-door session that lawmakers will be
given a detailed explanation in regards to the weapons systems being eyed by
the defense ministry, when the special defense budget has been referred to
committee review.

The Ministry of National Defense released information concerning planning and
implementation details for the proposed budget after the legislative
committee meeting had concluded.

They include precision artillery platforms and munitions, long-range
precision strike missiles, U-A-Vs and counterdrone systems, air-defense and
ballistic missile defense systems, and related equipment to strengthen
sustained combat capabilities.

Posted on 2026-01-20 07:03:13

Premier Zhuo Rong Tai greeted the government's trade negotiation team when
they returned to Taiwan yesterday from the US...

commending them for achieveing a tariff reduction from the Trump
administration.

Zhuo told reporters at Taoyuan international airport that the team, led by
vice premier Zheng Li Jun, negotiated a "substantive" and "meaningful" deal
with the US.

Zheng herself said that the trade agreement proved that the "hard work of the
Taiwanese people... had become a key force in the world," showing that the
world "needs Taiwan."

The team returned after reaching a preliminary agreement with the US last
week on the reduction of tariffs on Taiwanese goods to 15% from 20%...

in return for Taiwan semiconductor and tech comapnies investing at least 250
billion US dollars in the country.

That figure includes a 100 billion dollar investment from TSMC announced in
March of last year.

As part of the new agreement, Taiwan has also agreed to provide up to 250
billion dollars in credit guarantees for financial institutions to support
invesment in the US.

The terms of the agreement will be signed as part of a formal trade pact,
which would require approval by the Legisative Yuan.

Posted on 2026-01-20 07:03:13

KMT heavyweights yesterday declined to return criticism angled at them from
TPP founder Ke Wen Zhe...

as the two opposition parties seek to work together in local elections later
this year.

Ke over the weekend slammed KMT Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan An over his decision
to offer free school lunches to all elementary and junior high school
students rather than only those who have financial need.

Ke called the policy "populist governance."

He also dismissed Taipei's policy of providing free milk for students as a
way of "deceiving voters, with no real significance."

Ke went on to claim that the failure of the Great Recall was due to public
anger over his indictment rather than satisfaction with the KMT itself.

But when asked about the comments yesterday, Deputy KMT chair Xiao Xu Cen
brushed it off, saying that Ke is "straightforward" and that the KMT did
indeed need the TPP in order to defeat recall efforts.

Meanwhile Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan An defended his free lunch policy, saying
it would ease the burden on working families.

Posted on 2026-01-20 07:03:13

about simplified

The Minister of Education yesterday said that the government understands the
need for educational support for "new immigrants."

That's after a complaint about the complexity of traditional Chinese
characters gained media attention.

Several media outlets reported recently that a so-called "Chinese spouse"
posted online that writing traditional Chinese characters in Taiwan was a
pain.

She went on to express that Taiwan's "reunification" with China would allow
the use of simplified characters.

Education Minister Zheng Ying Yao said that Taiwan is a multicultural
society, and that the needs arising from marriages between Taiwanese and
Chinese people are "understandable."

Zheng said children of "new immigrants" who may have previously learned
simplified will need assistance after coming to Taiwan, both in their daily
lives and in school.

Zheng noted that local education departments across Taiwan provide
transitional learning programs as well as language counseling and assistance.

Posted on 2026-01-20 07:03:13

Taxi fares across northern Taiwan are set to rise temporarily during the
Lunar New Year period.

That's according to announcements from local governments yesterday.

In New Taipei, Taipei, and Keelung a 30 NT surcharge will be added to taxi
fares between Feburary 11th and 22nd...

while an additional 20 NT will apply to nighttime rides during the same
period.

Officials say, the nighttime fee will be automatically calculated by the
meter, while the 30 NT holiday surcharge will be manually entered by drivers.

Meanwhile in Taoyuan, fares will increase by 50 NT during the holiday, from
Feburary 13th to 22nd.

Taxi services from the Taoyuan International Airport will be subject to a
higher surcharge of 100 NT per trip during the same period, according to the
local government.

And for trips that extend into the nighttime surcharge hours, fares in
Taoyuan will be calculated based on when the passenger got into the taxi.

Posted on 2026-01-20 07:03:13

Taiwan's first women's bobsleigh team, known as "ice baby," is training
intensively in hopes of qualifying for this year's Winter Olympics next
month.

That's less than two years after the team was formed.

The team is led by pilot Lin Xin Rong (林欣蓉), who is seen as having
virtually secured qualification in the women's monobob and the two-woman
bobsleigh events after placing in the top 6 at compeitions in Europe and
North America.

At a press conference yesterday, team members described the challenges of
pursuing Olympic qualification with limited winter sports resources...

having to rent sleds from overseas and repairing equipment that's past its
prime.

The Winter Olympics will be held in Italy from February 6th to 22nd.

Posted on 2026-01-20 07:03:13

7-Eleven is setting a new record for the most expensive cup of coffee ever
sold in a Taiwan convenience store.

Starting tomorrow, the company is launching a premium hand-brewed Royal Bean
Geisha Estate coffee under its 'Unbelievable Coffee' brand, priced at two
thousand NT per cup.

However, this ultra-premium brew will only be available at five select
locations nationwide.

The move comes as international coffee bean prices remain high.

7-Eleven says the strategy helps widen its product range without raising
prices for its mainstream CITY CAFE lineup.

Meanwhile, rival FamilyMart is taking a different approach with a more
budget-friendly option.

It's launching its own Alishan-blend coffee at over 4 thousand stores this
week, but keeping prices firmly under one hundred NT.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-01-20 07:03:13

Reports are saying Israel has received an invitation from the United States
to join President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace" initiative aimed at
resolving global conflicts.

It's not immediately known if Israel has accepted the invitation.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has criticised the composition of
a Gaza Executive Board announced by the U-S last week, saying that it ran
counter to Israel's policy.

The Gaza Executive Board would fall under the authority of the Board of
Peace, and the White House has said that it will focus on advancing stability
and prosperity in Gaza.

There are no Palestinians on the board - but it does include Turkey and Qatar.

sraeli officials have repeatedly objected to any Turkish involvement in Gaza,
and Israel has a tense relationship with Qatar, which has helped mediate
between Israel and Hamas.

Posted on 2026-01-20 07:03:13

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has called a snap election for February
8.

Takaichi will dissolve parliament on Friday, paving the way for the early
election that she hopes will give her a big majority in the lower house.

The country's first female leader and her cabinet have enjoyed high public
support since taking office last October.

However, her Liberal Democratic Party lags behind in polls.

It's Japan's second general election in as many years and will be taking
place as the cost-of-living tops of voters concerns.

Campaigning for the vote to elect the 465 lower house lawmakers, who will
serve four-year terms will begin on January 27.

Posted on 2026-01-20 07:03:13

Syrian government forces and Kurdish fighters have clashed around two prisons
housing members of the Islamic State group in the country's northeast.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces are reporting that several of its
fighters have been killed and over a dozen wounded.

The fighting follows recent clashes where the S-D-F ceded areas to the Syrian
army and it also comes after Syrian government announced a ceasefire with the
S-D-F on Sunday.

The S-D-F controls over a dozen prisons holding around 9,000 Islamic State
members.

The army says some detainees escaped from Shaddadi Prison, leading to a
curfew and the S-D-F has confirmed losing control of that prison.

Posted on 2026-01-20 07:03:13

The death toll from coordinated gang attacks in Guatemala has risen to nine
police officers -- following a weekend of violence that began with prison
riots.

The conflict started on Saturday when inmates from the Barrio 18 gang took 46
guards hostage at three prisons, demanding greater privileges.

The violence escalated on Sunday after security forces regained control of a
prison holding the gang's leader.

Gang members then launched a series of attacks on police in and around
Guatemala City.

Guatemala's president Bernardo has declared a 30-day "state of siege" --
which expands the power of security forces and may temporarily limit some
civil liberties.

Posted on 2026-01-20 07:03:14

Armed bandits have abducted dozens of worshippers from two churches in
Nigeria's Kaduna state.

A senior church leader has put the number of those missing at more than 160.

Kaduna state police say armed gunmen attacked the two churches in a remote
and difficult to reach forest community and officers are still trying to
confirm how many people were taken.

According to a police spokesperson, the area is difficult to reach due to bad
roads, making it challenging to obtain reliable information in the immediate
aftermath of such attacks.

Northwestern Nigeria has seen a surge in mass kidnappings by armed gangs
operating from forest enclaves, attacking villages, schools and places of
worship.

Posted on 2026-01-19 18:52:13

Taiwan shares hit another record high on Monday, driven by renewed strength
in TSMC and gains across AI-related sectors.

TSMC shares rose more than one percent, briefly hitting a record intraday
high of 1,780 NT.

That surge helped push the benchmark Tai-ex up 230 points to a record close
of 31,639 ... with market turnover just shy of 800 billion NT.

While the NT shed 1.8 cents, to trade at 31.59 to the U-S Dollar.

Analysts say buying interest is spreading well beyond TSMC.

Stocks in memory chips, PCBs, and semiconductor materials all climbed during
the day's trading ... on expectations of tight supply and rising prices.

Analysts add that even if TSMC pauses after all these recent gains, strong AI
demand is still supporting the market, with Taiwan's bullish trend unchanged.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-01-19 18:52:15

In international business news,

China has reported its economy expanded at a 5% annual pace in 2025, buoyed
by strong exports despite U-S President Donald Trump's tariffs.

However, growth slowed to a 4.5% rate in the last quarter of the year.

That was the slowest quarterly growth since late 2022 when China loosened
strict COVID-19 restrictions.

The economy, the world's second largest, grew at a 4.8% annual pace in the
previous quarter.

China’s leaders have been trying to spur faster growth after a slump in the
property market and disruptions from the pandemic rippled through the
economy.

Strong exports helped to compensate for weak consumer spending and business
investment, contributing to a record trade surplus of $1.2 trillion USD.

Posted on 2026-01-19 18:20:13

The DPP legislative caucus has filed a legal challenge with the
constitutional court ... seeking to block a bill that would halt planned
pension cuts for government workers through 2029.

The move follows similar challenges by the Cabinet and the Examination Yuan
... and comes just weeks after President Lai Ching-te signed into law
amendments passed by the legislature ...

... amendments that would halt planned reductions of pensions for teachers,
civil servants and military personnel.

DPP caucus leader Ko Jian-ming warns that if the cuts are suspended, the
pension fund could face premature bankruptcy and create what he calls
"intergenerational injustice".

However, the legal challenge faces a major hurdle, as the Constitutional
Court currently has only eight sitting justices—two short of the legal
minimum required to rule on a case.

(JL/IG)

Posted on 2026-01-19 18:20:15

The Tourism Administration says hotel bookings for the Lunar New Year holiday
are picking up, with Chiayi City leading at nearly 56 percent.

That figure covers the period from Februrary 14th to the 21st ...

... with officials attributing the lead to returning families and tourists
visiting the Alishan Forest Railway.

Miaoli and Tainan follow closely, at 51 and 49 percent respectively,
maintaining their status as holiday favorites.

Overall, five other regions—including New Taipei, Taichung, and Taitung—are
also outperforming the national average of 38 percent.

The agency notes these figures are based on early reports, and final
occupancy rates may rise ... as travelers book closer to the holiday.

Officials note that the peak travel window falls between February 17th and
19th, coinciding with the first three days of Lunar New Year.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-01-19 18:20:15

7-Eleven is setting a new record for the most expensive cup of coffee ever
sold in a Taiwan convenience store.

Starting this Wednesday, the company is launching a premium hand-brewed Royal
Bean Geisha Estate coffee under its 'Unbelievable Coffee' brand, priced at
two thousand NT per cup.

However, this ultra-premium brew will only be available at five select
locations nationwide.

The move comes as international coffee bean prices remain high.

7-Eleven says the strategy helps widen its product range without raising
prices for its mainstream CITY CAFE lineup.

Meanwhile, rival FamilyMart is taking a different approach with a more
budget-friendly option.

It's launching its own Alishan-blend coffee at over 4 thousand stores this
week, but keeping prices firmly under one hundred NT.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-01-19 16:50:16

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency said on Tuesday that the number
of green iguanas removed last year reached a record high of 260-thousand.

This year, efforts will focus on removing reproductively capable adults,
defined as individuals with a snout-to-vent length of at least 30
centimeters.

Bounties for adult captures have also increased, with the reward raised to
$300 NT per iguana from 250 NT.

To curb the growth and spread of the invasive green iguana population, the
Ministry of Agriculture set up a Green Iguana Control Task Force in 2025.

According to data, last year's total removals were three times the number
recorded in 2024.

Forestry officials said in the past, removal programs focused mainly on total
numbers, lacking a strategic emphasis on targeting reproductively capable
individuals, resulting in limited effectiveness.

They're hoping that the new measure will help boost the removal efforts.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-01-19 16:50:20

Officials say the death toll from a massive fire at a shopping plaza in
Pakistan’s largest city, Karachi, has risen to 11 after rescuers recovered
five more bodies from the building during the search for those reported
missing.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze at the multistory Gul Plaza late Sunday,
nearly 24 hours after it erupted.

According to local officials, families reported about 60 people missing.

The fire broke out late Saturday and spread quickly through shops storing
cosmetics, garments and plastic goods.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

Police said an investigation was underway.

Posted on 2026-01-19 16:08:14

Premier Zhuo Rong-tai has greeted the government's trade negotiation team on
their arrival at Taoyuan Airport this morning, commending them for the
Taiwan-U.S. tariff reduction and investment agreements.

He said the team, led by Vice Premier Zheng Li-jun and chief trade negotiator
Jen-ni Yang, hashed out a "substantive" and "meaningful" deal with
Washington.

Zheng said the trade agreement proved that Taiwan's technology and industries
had become "a key force in the world," and showed that the world "needs
Taiwan."

Taiwan reach a preliminary agreement with the U.S. last week on the reduction
of tariffs on Taiwanese goods to 15 percent, in return for Taiwan
semiconductor and technology companies investing at least $250 billion
dollars in the U.S.

The figure includes a $100 billion-dollar investment pledged by TSMC in March
2025, weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump took office according to
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

As part of the new trade agreement, Taiwan's government has also agreed to
provide up to $250 billion dollars in credit guarantees for financial
institutions to support investments in the U.S. market by Taiwan's
semiconductor industry.

The terms of the agreement will be signed in the coming weeks as part of a
formal trade pact.

Posted on 2026-01-19 16:08:14

Failing to bring valid ID was the most common issue reported among exam
takers during Taiwan's college entrance tests on Sunday.

According to the College Entrance Examination Center, that accounted for more
than 100 of the 222 exam violations recorded on the day — the second of the
three-day exams.

Other common violations included mobile phones not fully switched off and
students continuing to write after the final bell.

The center also reported that just over four percent of around 100 thousand
registered candidates were absent from Sunday's test.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-01-19 16:08:14

Hackers have disrupted Iranian state television to air footage supporting the
exiled crown prince.

The footage calls for security forces to not “point your weapons at the
people.”

This comes amid ongoing nationwide protests and a crackdown that has left at
least 3-thousand 900 people dead, according to activists.

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran remain high over the crackdown.

Meanwhile, the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and other American
military vessels are on a route that could bring it to the Middle East
according to AP's analysis of ship-tracking data.

The vessels likely would still need several days of travel before its
aircraft would be in range of the region.

Posted on 2026-01-19 16:08:14

China has reported its economy expanded at a 5% annual pace in 2025,
supported by strong exports despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

However, growth slowed to a 4.5% rate in the last quarter of the year.

That was the slowest quarterly growth since late 2022 when China loosened
strict COVID-19 restrictions.

The economy, the world's second largest, grew at a 4.8% annual pace in the
previous quarter.

China’s leaders have been trying to spur faster growth after a slump in the
property market and disruptions from the pandemic rippled through the
economy.

Strong exports helped to compensate for weak consumer spending and business
investment, contributing to a record trade surplus of $1.2 trillion U.S.
dollars last year.

Posted on 2026-01-19 15:20:13

Education Minister Zheng Ying-yao has dismissed former Taipei Mayor Ko
Wen-zhe's criticism of local governments' free school lunch policy, saying
that he respects the decision.

The comments come after Ko yesterday criticized the policy of making school
lunches fully free, calling it populist and “very useful vote-buying.”

But Zheng said today that the law stipulates that school lunch programs fall
under local government authority, which the Ministry of Education respects.

He added that if local governments require central assistance to strengthen
professional oversight, the M-O-E is ready to cooperate.

Meanwhile Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said the policy aims to ensure children
can eat well, and also to ease the financial burden on families.

Chiang announced earlier this month that Taipei would introduce free lunches
at all public and private elementary and junior high schools.

Almost all other cities and counties later announced plans to follow suit.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-01-19 15:20:14

A national early childhood teachers' union is warning that fixed after-school
staff ratios are failing children with special needs.

The Taiwan Early Childhood Education Union says while daytime ratios have
improved, after-school care remains stuck at one teacher for every 15
children.

The union cited one kindergarten running three after-school classes for about
25 children, including up to seven with special needs.

It says that puts added strain on staff, especially when emotional or
behavioral issues arise, disrupting the learning of other children.

The union is urging authorities to adjust after-school ratios based on the
number of children with special needs.

It warns that without reform, these children won't get the support they need,
affecting both educators ... as well as families who depend on care beyond
school hours.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-01-19 15:20:14

of Prison

Guatemala President Bernardo Arevalo (ah REH vah loh) has declared a state of
siege after suspected gang members in the capital of Guatemala City killed
seven police officers.

The killings on Sunday were in apparent retaliation for the police regaining
control of one of the three maximum security prisons where inmates had staged
a coordinated uprising the day before, rioting and taking hostages.

The armed attacks on police in and around Guatemala City came after hundreds
of anti-riot police stormed into the prison to free nine guards who had been
taken hostage there.

Later, police retook control of the other two prisons, freeing six guards at
one and 28 at the other.

The state of siege still requires congressional approval, but can take effect
before that vote occurs.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-01-19 15:20:14

China's population continues to shrink.

Government statistics released today revealed the population fell for the
fourth straight year to 1.4 billion in 2025, 3 million less than the previous
year.

Births dropped by 17% to 7.9 million.

Despite lifting the longtime one-child policy to allow two children in
2015three children, the fertility rate remains low.

Most families cite the costs and pressure of raising a child in a highly
competitive society.

The Chinese government published a fertility rate of 1.3 in 2020, but experts
estimate it is now around 1.

Officials have offered cash subsidies and started taxing condoms to encourage
births.

The government also has removed taxes on kindergartens, daycares, and
matchmaking services.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-01-19 14:31:14

Six people have been killed in a fire at a shopping centre in the Pakistan
city of Karachi.

The Gul Plaza contained 1,200 stores and parts of it have collapsed.

Authorities say that's hampering rescue efforts.

There are concerns people are still trapped inside the multi-storey mall.

More than 30 people have been reported missing by their families.

Posted on 2026-01-19 14:07:13

The Defense Minister has told the media that he'll make a behind-the-door
report to the Legislative Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee today on the
1.25-trillion-NT special national defense budget.

Wellington Koo said he hopes that the legislature will review the special
budget as soon as possible.

The Committee invited him to make the report today for lawmakers to better
understand the special defense budget, which until now has mostly remained
opaque.

The Minister also stated that military procurement projects with the US will
not be publicly discussed until the Trump Administration informs the U.S.
Congress of the items.

He stressed that his Ministry respects the Legislative Yuan's authority,
saying the defense procurement plans, including commercial purchases or
commissioned manufacturing, will be arranged based on the level of funding
ultimately approved by the Legislature.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-19 14:07:14

Crashes

The Highway Bureau is sounding the alarm on road safety after five fatal
accidents were reported on national freeways last month.

According to the bureau, they were all 'A1' accidents—those where a victim
dies at the scene or within 24 hours.

And four of them were caused by rear-end collisions.

The Bureau says the most common cause is simply following too closely to the
vehicle in front.

Drivers are being urged to maintain a safe distance and stay alert for sudden
stops.

Officials also advise smaller vehicles to avoid driving between large trucks.

If that can't be avoided, drivers should closely monitor front and rear
distances and change lanes when safe.

And in heavy traffic, don't be afraid to use hazard warning lights to alert
large vehicles behind to slow down.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-01-19 14:07:14

Taiwan shaires rose today led by TSMC stock price. After some fluctuations,
it soared to 1,780 NT per share, a new record high.

The benchmark Taiex closed up 231 points this afternoon to close at 31,639.

The turnover remained robust, at nearly 800 billion N-T.

Posted on 2026-01-19 14:07:14

Spain's transport minister says that at least 21 people have been killed
Sunday in a high-speed train crash in southern Spain.

The transport minister said the death toll may rise, and rescue operations
are ongoing.

Seventy-five people were hospitalized with injuries.

The tail end of a train traveling from Malaga to Madrid with some 300
passengers went off the rails near Cordoba at 7:45 p.m. local time.

It jumped onto the track in the opposite direction and slammed into the front
of a train with some 200 passengers traveling from Madrid to Huelva.

The collision caused the two front passenger carriages of the second train
rolled down a slope.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-01-19 14:07:14

In the U.K., Prince Harry returns to court this week for the third and final
chapter in his legal quest to tame the British tabloids.

He leads a group including Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley that accuses the
publisher of the Daily Mail of privacy invasion through unlawful tactics.

The publisher denies these claims.

The case is part of a wider phone hacking scandal.

Harry won a court judgment in 2023 that condemned the publishers of the Daily
Mirror for “widespread and habitual” phone hacking.

Last year, Rupert Murdoch’s flagship U.K. tabloid made an unprecedented
apology for intruding on his life for years, and agreed to pay substantial
damages to settle his privacy invasion lawsuit.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-01-19 13:07:13

Taiwan’s economic growth is forecast at 4.14 percent in 2026, driven by
strong demand for artificial intelligence–related products and services.

The Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research (CIER) president Lien
Hsien-ming also said the forecast has yet to factor in the Taiwan–U.S. trade
deal, which he expects to have a largely positive impact.

The projection is the most optimistic for 2026 among domestic think tanks so
far.

Looking back at last year, C-I-E-R put Taiwan’s 2025 GDP growth at 7.43
percent, slightly higher than the 7.37 percent projected by the central
government.

The institute also said inflation in 2026 is expected to remain moderate,
with the consumer price index rising 1.64 percent, citing stable global
commodity prices and falling oil prices.

While details of the Taiwan–U.S. trade deal have yet to be released, Lien
said Taiwan’s conventional industries are now on a more equal footing with
South Korea and Japan, after U.S. tariffs on Taiwanese goods were lowered to
15 percent, matching those applied to the two countries.

He noted that sectors such as textiles and plastics have long faced a
disadvantage in international competition due to higher tariff rates.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-01-19 13:07:13

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has announced that he's planning to completely ban
smoking on Di-hua Street and the surrounding neighborhood starting January
31st.

That's when the traditional shopping area is scheduled to open its Lunar New
Year Market.

Mayor Chiang said it's part of his "smoke-free city" policy with designated
areas for smokers.

Officials from the city's Department of Health, Office of Commerce and other
agencies have inspected venues around the Di-hua Street, including Yong-le
(永樂) Market and Da-dao-cheng (大稻埕) Park to look for suitable sites for
smoking areas.

But local opposition was strong as nobody wants a smoking area nearby, and
officials said planning and evaluation are still ongoing.

Smoking was banned on Dihua Street ahead of the Lunar New Year shopping
season last year, but the lack of designated smoking areas led many people to
smoke in alleyways and litter.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-01-19 13:07:13

Chilean authorities say that wildfires in the country have killed at least 18
people...

and have scorched thousands of acres of forest and destroyed hundreds of
homes.

That's as Chile swelters under a heat wave.

Temperatures topping 38 degrees Celsius on Sunday, in addition to strong
winds, have hampered firefighters' efforts.

President Gabriel Boric (Gah-bree-EL BOR-ich) declared a state of catastrophe
in the country's central Biobio (BEE-oh BEE-oh) region and neighboring Nuble.
(nyoo-bleh)

The emergency designation allows greater coordination with the military to
rein in the fires.

More than 2 dozen wildfires ravaged 8,500 hectares of land and forced 50,000
people to evacuate.

Local leaders have criticized the central government for failing to provide
help.

Posted on 2026-01-19 11:05:14

The Tai-Ex lost ground this morning - with the index falling by over
100-points in early trading.

The main board dropped to a low of 31,350.

The decline came as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing saw it share price
fall by 15 N-T to stand at 1,725 N-T in early trading.

Analysts says the stock market remains bullish due to positive guidance from
T-S-M-C's earnings call last week and the finalization of trade talks between
Taiwan and the U-S.

However, market watchers are also warning of profit-taking and selling
pressure due to the main board's recent major gains and record setting highs.

Posted on 2026-01-19 11:05:14

Meanwhile,

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing chief financial officer Wendell Huang says
the company's most advanced processes will remain in Taiwan, despite
commitments to expand operations in the U-S.

The statement comes after reports said at the end of last week that T-S-M-C
will have to commit to the construction of at least five new semiconductor
plants in the U-S as part of a trade deal with Washington.

According to Huang, the chipmaker's strategy has not changed and remains
based on practical considerations.

Huang is stressing that the trade deal agreed on by Taiwan and the U-S was an
intergovernmental agreement, and T-S-M-C was not involved in the
negotiations.

Posted on 2026-01-19 11:05:14

And,

The Philippine-Taiwan Business Association has held a handover ceremony in
Manila - welcoming its new president and new board of supervisors.

The handover was overseen by Taiwan's top envoy to the Philippines Wallace
Chow and several Philippine cabinet officials were also present, along with
representatives from the Manila Economic and Cultural Office.

According to newly appointed association president, Hsieh Chia-chen, she
plans to make "Taiwan Link" the core theme of her term in office to boost
cooperation between businesses from both sides.

Hsieh also voiced he support for the Lai administration's support for the
Luzon Economic Corridor initiative - saying the Philippine-Taiwan Business
Association will fully back the government's related plans.

Posted on 2026-01-19 11:05:14

In international news,

At least eight more countries say the United States has invited them to join
President Donald Trump's new Board of Peace overseeing next steps for Gaza.

A U-S official has confirmed that a 1-billion dollar contribution secures
permanent membership, while a three-year appointment requires no
contribution.

India, Jordan, Australia, Greece, Cyprus and Pakistan say they have received
invitations, and Hungary and Vietnam say they have accepted theirs.

The official member list is expected in the coming days.

Posted on 2026-01-19 11:05:14

The Syrian government has announced a ceasefire with the Syrian Democratic
Forces.

It means government forces have now taken almost full control of the country.

The move dismantles the Kurdish-led forces that controlled the northeast for
over a decade.

Tensions between government forces and the S-D-F boiled over earlier this
month, leading to a major push toward the east.

The S-D-F appears to have largely retreated after initial clashes.

Syria's Defense Ministry says it ordered the fighting to halt and the
agreement includes dismantling the S-D-F and having its forces join Syria's
military.

However, there is no clear timeline on when the agreement will go into effect.

Posted on 2026-01-19 11:05:14

Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of catastrophe in two
regions where deadly wildfires are raging.

At least 16 people are confirmed to have dead in areas south of the capital
of Santiago.

While at least 50,000 have been evacuated.

More than two dozen wildfires have raced across those areas and ravaged 8,500
hectares of land.

The most dangerous fire has swept through dry forests bordering the coastal
city of Concepcion - where about 250 homes have been destroyed.

Chile has experienced a series of devastating fires in recent years, worsened
by long-term drought.

Posted on 2026-01-19 11:05:14

And finally,

Thousands of people have gathered at San Francisco's Civic Center to
celebrate Bob Weir -- the legendary Grateful Dead guitarist who died last
week at the age of 78.

Musicians Joan Baez and John Mayer spoke on a makeshift stage.

Fans passed around long-stemmed red roses, which are integral to the Dead's
music and art.

The San Francisco Bay Area native joined the Grateful Dead in 1965.

Weir died January 10.

Posted on 2026-01-19 09:09:13

The D-P-P says China is carrying out "cognitive warfare" related to Taiwan's
trade agreement with the U-S to lower tariffs on Taiwan goods entering the
American market to 15-per cent.

According to the party's China Affairs Department, it has seen rapid and
widespread comments related to the trade deal circulating on social media
since the deal was announced last Friday.

The D-P-P says those comments include claims such as "the cost of the deal is
a 500-billion U-S dollars investment in the United States," "it provokes
China," "the U-S is hollowing out Taiwan," and "the government is selling out
Taiwan in exchange for U-S protection."

Posted on 2026-01-19 09:09:13

And,

Badminton player Lin Chun-yi has won the men's singles title at the Badminton
World Federation Super 750 India Open in New Delhi.

Lin took the title after beating Indonesia's Jonatan Christie 21-10, 20-18.

The victory is Lin's first title at the Super 750 level.

It follows seven titles at lower-tier international tournaments and four at
Super 300 events.

The 26-year-old is currently 12th in the B-W-F's men's singles rankings.

Posted on 2026-01-19 09:09:13

Now turning to international news...

Spanish officials say, the death toll in a train crash has now risen to 21
people.

That's after a high-speed train derailed, jumped onto the track in the
opposite direction, and hit an oncoming train in Cordoba.

And two passenger cars rolled down a four meter slope.

Local officials in Andalusia say, the death toll is likely to continue to
rise.

Rescue operations are currently ongoing, and officials say that 73 passengers
are injured.

Media reports say that the two trains were carrynig around 500 passengers.

Posted on 2026-01-19 09:09:13

In Portugal, a hard-right candidate has come in second place in the country's
presidential election.

Andre Ventura, of the Chega party, will face a center-left opponent in a
runoff next month.

With almost all of the votes counted, Ventura had 24% of the vote, while the
Socialist candidate led with almost 31%.

That runoff is set for Feburary 8th.

Ventura's rise marks another milestone for Europe's far-right, as populist
parties gain influence.

Chega became Portugal's second-largest party last year.

The runoff winner will replace current president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

The president holds a largely symbolic role in Portugal, but can veto
legislation and dissolve parliament.

Posted on 2026-01-19 06:55:13

The Taiwan People's Party has unveiled its policy platform for November's
local elections.

Party chairman Huang Kuo-chang says the 80-page policy white paper is more
substantive and practical than typical reports submitted by central
ministries to the Legislature.

The platform centers on four core goals ..

.. those being "stabilizing society, supporting families, safeguarding health
and safety, and strengthening industry."

It also comprises nine thematic points covering housing justice,
people-oriented transportation, family support, age-friendly communities,
education, physical and mental health, low-carbon development, industrial
upgrading, and social inclusion.

According to Huang recent amendments to the Act Governing the Allocation of
Government Revenues and Expenditures will give local governments adequate
funding through a more transparent fiscal system ..

Huang also says the T-P-P intends to monitor spending closely to ensure
public funds are used effectively and mayors and county heads will no longer
need political connections to secure budgets for infrastructure projects.

The statements come as T-P-P and K-M-T affiliated think tanks have been
holding consultations on election cooperation and have largely completed a
preliminary draft of that bill.

The draft is reportedly now awaiting ratification by the K-M-T.

Posted on 2026-01-19 06:55:13

The Taichung Veterans General Hospital has suspended three doctors from
performing surgeries after video footage surfaced allegedly showing a
medical-device vendor handling part of an operation.

The video dates back to July of 2023 and its release came amid allegations
made earlier this month that a medical-device vendor was allowed to enter
multiple operating rooms and take part in procedures.

According to the hospital, it will fully cooperate with investigations by
prosecutors and health authorities -- stressing that any illegal conduct will
be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The hospital has acknowledged that the three doctors allowed a vendor to
enter operating rooms without proper reporting, but it says an internal
review found no evidence the vendor participated in operations.

The Ministry of Health ordered a new review of the case late last week, after
video footage circulate on by local media appears to show the vendor
performing part of a procedure.

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang says authorities are reexamining the facts
and that a joint task force will conduct on-site inspections at the hospital.

Posted on 2026-01-19 06:55:13

The D-P-P says China is carrying out "cognitive warfare" related to Taiwan's
trade agreement with the U-S to lower tariffs on Taiwan goods entering the
American market to 15-per cent.

According to the party's China Affairs Department, it has seen rapid and
widespread comments related to the trade deal circulating on social media
since the deal was announced last Friday.

The D-P-P says those comments include claims such as "the cost of the deal is
a 500-billion U-S dollars investment in the United States," "it provokes
China," "the U-S is hollowing out Taiwan," and "the government is selling out
Taiwan in exchange for U-S protection."

The department says the claims are counterfactual and deliberately
inflammatory, aimed at causing public anxiety and anger - and is describing
them as a typical tactic of cognitive warfare.

The D-P-P is also seeking to stress that the trade deal has been widely
praised as beneficial to Taiwan by the Chinese National Federation of
Industries, professionals in the technology and machine tool sectors, and
financial experts.

Posted on 2026-01-19 06:55:13

The Central Weather Administration says Sunday's magnitude 4.9 earthquake
that struck off the coast of Yilan Sunday afternoon was an independent event
and part of a stress-adjustment process.

The earthquake struck at at 4:47PM and was centered some 45-kilometers south
of Yilan County Hall at a depth of 6-kilometers.

It was felt strongest in several townships in Yilan and Hualien County, where
it measured 4 the weather administration's intensity scale.

According to the administration's Seismological Center, the quake occurred in
the Heping Basin, an offshore basin in the waters between Yilan and Hualien,
and was caused by the Philippine Sea Plate subducting beneath the Eurasian
Plate ...

..... with fracturing occurring during the process.

Center director Wu Chien-fu　吳健富 says the quake was not an aftershock of
the December 27 magnitude 7 earthquake, as it was centered in a more
southerly location.

Dats shows there have been 20 earthquakes of magnitude 5.5 or higher within a
20-kilometer radius of the epicenter of Sunday's quake from 1973 to the
present.

Posted on 2026-01-19 06:55:13

A newly formed company under the 202nd Military Police Command in Taipei has
been equipped with US-made Stinger shoulder-fired missiles and Javelin
man-portable anti-tank systems.

Reports say the weapons systems will enhance air defense capabilities in the
city.

Reports are also citing sources as saying the new Air Defense Company under
the Military Police Command's 228 Artillery Battalion is stationed in
Taipei's Shilin District.

The Military Police Command has confirmed the existence of the newly
established unit -- saying the change was made as part of an ongoing
structural reform of the command structure amid rising military threats.

Defense analysts say equipping the new unit with the Stinger and Javelin
systems is expected to significantly enhance its counter-assault and
counter-decapitation capabilities.

Posted on 2026-01-19 06:55:14

President Lai Ching-te says his administration is seeking to continue
amending to Animal Protection Act.

Speaking at the Dogs and Cats Carnival in Taipei, Lai said the Cabinet has
submitted draft amendments to the Act and those revisions are aimed at
strengthen measures to stop illegal breeding operations and punish animal
abusers.

The proposal also seeks to establish more humane methods to capture,
sterilize, and find homes for stray cats and dogs and calls tougher standards
for reviewing animal shelters.

Lai said his administration will work to promote "adopt, don't shop" and
"zero pet abandonment" policies as part of efforts to encourage more people
looking for a pet to take-in abandoned or abused cats and dogs.

According to Lai, the government will expand cooperation with individuals and
organizations committed to animal protection - a move that is supported by
the Ministry of Agriculture's Animal Protection Division ...

..... which is responsible for coordinating with civil groups to enhance
animal welfare programs.

Data shows that that the number of cats and dogs owned as pets stood at more
than 3.4 million here in Taiwan last year.

Posted on 2026-01-19 06:55:14

And,

Nearly 2,300 people took part in a Penghu County road race that offered a
one-kilogram grouper to each runner who crossed the finish line.

The "Run in Penghu" began in front of the Penghu County government building
in Magong City.

And Penghu County Magistrate Chen Kuang-fu and other local officials sent the
runners on their way.

Participants were able to sign up for a full 11-kilometer race or a more
leisurely 5-kilometer route for adults and children.

Each competitor who reached the finish line at the Magong Caiyuan's Soil and
Water Conservation Classroom was able to claim a free one-kilogram frozen
grouper or a voucher for a grouper-related meal.

The "Run in Penghu" race is held annually with the goal of boosting winter
tourism.

Posted on 2026-01-19 06:55:14

A US-based activist agency is reporting over 3900 deaths during recent
protests in Iran.

That figure surpasses previous estimates and highlights the severity of the
crackdown...

and exceeds the death toll of any other round of protest in Iran in decades,
recalling the chaos of the 1979 revolution.

Iranian officials have not provided a clear death toll, but leaders mentioned
"several thousand" deaths, blaming the US and Israel for creating unrest.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Activists News Agency says, nearly 25,000
protesters have been arrested in the crackdown.

But now, no protests have been reported for days in Iran, while internet
access has also been mostly blocked since earlier this month.

Posted on 2026-01-19 06:55:14

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni is claiming landslide victory in the
country's presidential election, saying the win shows his party's dominance.

He made the declaration after being announced the winner, following a
dayslong internet shutdown and the failure of a biometric voter ID system
that caused delays in many areas.

The 81 year old has been in power for four decades by changing constitutional
rules and sidelining opponents.

Data shows that Museveni took over 71% of the vote, while opposition leader
Bobi Wine received nearly a quarter.

Wine has rejected the results as fake, with voter turnout sitting at only
about 52%.

Museveni accused the opposition of inciting violence.

As Africa's third-longest governing president, Museveni is credited for the
relative peace and stability that makes Uganda home to hundreds of thousands
of people fleeing violence in other areas.

Posted on 2026-01-19 06:55:14

At least 10 people are dead in Spain after a train accident.

A high-speed train derailed in the country's south, colliding with an
oncoming train.

The evening train was traveling between MAlaga and Madrid when it derailed,
hitting a train coming from Madrid to Huelva.

Emergency services in Andalucia earlier said that they had recorded 25 people
with severe injuries.

Posted on 2026-01-19 06:55:14

And, in Sri Lanka, a massive purple star sapphire is going on sale, estimated
to be worth at least 300 million US dollars.

Named the "Star of Pure Land" and weighing over 3500 carats, it's the largest
documented natural purple star sapphire.

Experts say, the gem shows a well-defined asterism with six rays, making it
unique.

It was found in 2023 near the so-called "city of gems," Rathnapura, and was
certified by two laboratories.

Sri Lankan sapphires are renowned for their unique color, clarity and shimmer.

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