ICRT

Posted on 2026-05-05 08:12:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

President Lai Ching-te is scheduled to arrive back in Taiwan in the coming
hour following his state visit to Eswatini.

Lai left Eswatini at around 6:30 yesterday evening Taiwan time.

Neither the Presidential Office or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released
details of Lai's return flight.

However, reports say he's making the trip on board a private Airbus A340-313
owned by the country's King Mswati.

That's the same aircraft he flew to the Southern African kingdom on late last
week.

The government has also not said what route Lai is taking.

But data from flight-tracking websites that has appeared online shows his
aircraft flying south from Eswatini in order to avoid airspace around the
Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar.

Those three countries allegedly revoked overflight permits for the
president's chartered plane to Eswatini due to pressure from China two weeks
ago.

Posted on 2026-05-05 08:12:13

Premier Cho Jung-tai has instructed government agencies to coordinate
assistance for Taiwan shipping company whose vessels are stranded due to the
blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the Cabinet, the directive was issues after the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs released data showing of the about 1,600 vessels from various
countries currently stranded, eight are operated by Taiwan firms.

The Cabinet says Cho has asked the Ministry of Transport to coordinate with
the foreign ministry in contacting foreign governments and Taiwan shipping
firms, to offer assistance measures to enable the vessels to resume normal
operations as soon as possible.

However, the Cabinet has not released any details concerning how such
measures could be adopted.

The government is also seeking to allay concerns over shortages of key
commodities due to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

With the Cabinet saying the government is helping manufacturers secure raw
materials for plastic bags, corn for animal feed remains stable, and fuel
costs for intercity buses, domestic shipping and domestic flights will be
frozen for three months.

Posted on 2026-05-05 08:12:13

Taiwan's delegation to the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Maryland has once
again topped the list of all participating countries.

Economic's Minister Kung Ming-hsin is leading the delegation to the May 3
through 6 event.

According to Kung, 207 representatives from 113 Taiwan companies are
participating this year, setting a new record, and that demonstrates the very
high willingness of Taiwan companies to invest in the U-S.

National Development Council Minister Yeh Chun-hsien, who is accompanying the
Taiwan delegation, says the government's Development Fund will provide
financing guarantees for Taiwan companies intending to invest in the U-S.

The government has set funding for the first phase of that financing
guarantee program for Taiwan firms investing in the U-S at approximately
50-billion U-S dollars.

The program is slated to begin later this month.

Posted on 2026-05-05 08:12:13

The government says labor funds rose in the first quarter of this year by
more than 400-billion N-T, despite record monthly losses seen in March due to
global financial volatility.

According to the Bureau of Labor Funds, the funds lost 378.7-billion N-T in
March due what it's describing as "headwinds in the global financial markets
after war broke out in the Middle East."

That's the largest monthly decline on record.

The previous record loss occured in March of 2020 due to the COVID outbreak.

The Bureau of Labor Funds says funds still managed to record 434.4-billion
N-T in gains in the first quarter and March's losses were offset by the
massive gains seen in the first two months of the year.

Data show the gains in the January to March period translated into a 5.76-per
cent rate of return.

The bureau says 57-per cent of its first-quarter investments were made
overseas, while the remaining 43-per cent were in the domestic market.

Posted on 2026-05-05 08:12:13

The K-M-T and the Taiwan People's Party have released the results of a joint
poll that shows K-M-T Legislator Wu Tsung-hsien is the leading candidate for
Yilan County magistrate in November's local elections.

The results of the poll were released at a news conference attended by K-M-T
Vice Chair and Secretary-General Lee Chien-lung and T-P-P Secretary-General
Chou Yu-shiu.

The survey asked respondents who they would support in two scenarios against
the D-P-P's candidate Lin Kuo-chang.

In a head-to-head with Lin, Wu received 27.6-per cent support, compared with
28.9-percent for Lin, while the T-P-P's Chen Wan-hui received 21.1-per cent,
compared with 27.5-per cent for Lin.

Although the poll showed Lin leading in both results, Wu says he will work
harder to win over voters in Yilan and is calling on supporters of the
opposition alliance and centrist voters to unite and bring change to the
county.

Posted on 2026-05-05 08:12:13

New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih says the Sanying M-R-T Line could become
operational in the coming couple of months.

According to Hou, an application for a final inspection by the Ministry of
Transport will be submitted later this month.

If approved, trains could start running on the 14-kilometer line from Dingpu
Station in New Taipei City's Tucheng District to Yingge via Sanxia District
in June at the earliest.

The city government has said five suggestions for improvement identified
during initial inspections have all been corrected after being submitted to
the New Taipei City Department of Rapid Transit Systems.

The Sanying Line will have 12 stations.

The New Taipei City Department of Rapid Transit Systems says it is expected
to cut commute times from Sanxia and Yingge to Taipei by nearly 20-minutes.

Posted on 2026-05-05 08:12:13

And finally,

The Central Weather Administration says rain will continue today in the north
and center - as the island continues to be affected by the first rainfall of
this year's plum rain season.

The first of the two weather fronts forecast for this week began affecting
the island on Monday.

Along with rain, the first front has also pushed temperatures down

The northeasterly winds and rain are expected to weaken tomorrow and
Thursday, giving way to sunny to partly cloudy skies across much of the
island, but mountainous areas may still see brief afternoon showers.

Temperatures are also expected to rebound.

However, another front is forecast to arrive on Friday, accompanied by
slightly stronger northeasterly winds, bringing brief showers to central,
northern, and eastern parts of the island and possible afternoon
thunderstorms to the south.

Posted on 2026-05-05 07:03:17

Meanwhile,

The U-S State Department is describing President Lai Ching-te's visit to
Eswatini as a routine trip and is stressing that that its should not be
politicized.

The State Department called Taiwan a trusted and capable partner of the U-S
and many other countries and Taiwan's relationships with countries around the
world bring significant benefits to their citizens, including those of
Eswatini.

A State Department spokesperson also pointed out that every democratically
elected Taiwan president has visited countries with which Taiwan has
diplomatic relations ... and "Lai's predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen visited
Eswatini in 2023 and 2018."

The statements came after the U-S State Department was asked whether
Washington helped make Lai's trip possible.

Posted on 2026-05-05 07:03:13

investment

President Lai Ching-te used the last day of his visit to Eswatini to visit
the Strategic Fuel Reserve Facility and Taiwan Industrial and Innovation Park
.

Lai said the two cooperative projects are seen to be the largest and most
strategically significant since the establishment of diplomatic relations
between the two sides...

he said they mark a crucial milestone in the next stage of Taiwan-Eswatini
cooperation.

The president said Taiwan remains a reliable and resilient partner for
Eswatini and is a major gateway for Taiwanese businesses seeking to expand
into the African continent... and he called on more private Taiwan companies
to invest in Eswatini and cultivate talent there as part of his
administration's efforts to deepen bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

The Presidential Office says Lai was briefed on the projects by officials
from the Overseas Investment & Development Corporation and Shih-Hsi
Engineering Consultants.

The president is expected to land at Taoyuan International Airport in about
an hour.

Posted on 2026-05-05 07:03:17

The K-M-T's legislative caucus is slated to meet tomorrow to discuss the
Cabinet's special defense budget bill.

The meeting takes place before a new round of cross-party negotiations on the
issue.

Legislative party caucuses failed to reach a consensus on the Cabinet's
1.25-trillion N-T special defense budget bill last Monday.

Those talks centered on the procurement items listed in the draft bill.

Lawmakers have repeatedly failed to reach any agreements on specific
procurement items and a ceiling for the budget.

Agreements have only been reached on two basic administrative provisions so
far...

They included that the Ministry of National Defense would be required to
submit a special report to the legislature on the progress and performance of
projects that are included in the special defense act ..

.. and that the special defense budget be in effect from the date of its
promulgation until December 31 of 2033.

Posted on 2026-05-05 07:03:17

Two second-generation satellites developed by Hon Hai has been launched
successfully into orbit from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The low-Earth orbit satellites PEARL-1A and PEARL-2B have entered their
intended orbits for expected on-orbit mission durations of between one to
three years.

Hon Hai says the PEARL project demonstrates its positioning in the space
industry... its project team accumulated extensive experience from orbital
operations of the first generation mission through receiving stations in
Taiwan and Europe.

The satellites have been primarily designed for payload technology
verification in communication and space science.

The second-generation satellites are equipped with Ka-band inter-satellite
link payloads that enable broadband communication with ground stations, as
well as peer-to-peer link verification between the two satellites.

Hon Hai co-developed the satellites with the National Central University.

Posted on 2026-05-05 07:03:22

The International Table Tennis Federation is raising concern after a player
from Taiwan was allegedly inappropriately touched by security personnel at
the World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals in London.

According to the federation, World Table Tennis and the local organizing
committee were also "deeply troubled by the account of a female athlete who
reported experiencing inappropriate physical contact during an entry security
check."

The three organizations have issued a joint statement saying they have "been
in contact with the athlete's team to provide assistance and opened a
"comprehensive fact-finding and safeguarding investigation" into the
incident.

The statement was issued after Taiwan team coach Zheng Jia-qi took to social
media to say one of the team's players had been sexually harassed and blocked
from entering the tournament venue before the team's 3-1 victory over South
Korea on Saturday.

Zheng says the team reported the incident and asked that tournament
organizers "give a clear response" and provide updates on the investigation's
findings.

Posted on 2026-05-05 07:03:24

The Tainan District Prosecutors' Office has indicted a man for allegedly
slapping a part-time Chinese Professional Baseball League worker during a
game in Tainan in March.

Prosecutors say the man has been charged with assault and publicly insulting
another person using violence.

The incident occurred at the Asia-Pacific International Baseball Stadium in
Tainan on March 27.

The man slapped a part-time C-P-B-L staff member on the left cheek after
being asked to return to his seat to keep the stadium's aisle clear.

The C-P-B-L staff member sustained minor injuries in the assault, which was
witnessed by multiple people at the scene.

Prosecutors say the assault was captured on surveillance footage and recorded
by witnesses, and the man admitted to the assault during police questioning.

The C-P-B-L issued a statement condemning the assault and banned the man from
attending future games.

The man was also fired for his behavior by his employer.

Posted on 2026-05-05 07:03:28

The Ministry of Finance is reporting a sharp increase in the number of people
opting to use mobile phone apps to file their individual income tax returns.

Yesterday marked the first day of this year's tax filing season.

More than 1.08-million returns were completed by Monday afternoon and about
65-per cent of that total were filed via mobile devices.

That marks a significant increase from last year's average of 43-per cent.

Officials say the figure reflect efforts to promote mobile filing, allowing
people to avoid long lines and complete the process from home.

The government is offering a nationwide lottery - with a top prize of 50,000
N-T for those who file their taxes via mobile phone apps before the June 1
deadline.

Posted on 2026-05-05 07:03:30

And,

A local movie production company has released a trailer for an English
language sci-fi horror film.

"Mr. Monster" was produced by Killing Angel Film.

The official trailer for the movie has been released on the YouTube channel
of local production company Vie Vision Pictures.

The fully trailer features Chinese subtitles and teases a plot surrounding a
game that determines the survival of its participants.

The movie stars Taiwanese American actor Andrew Chau and French Taiwanese
actress Camille Chalons.

"Mr. Monster" is directed by Taiwanese Canadian filmmaker Simon Hung and
based on his short film entry to the 65th Cannes Film Festival in 2012.

It is slated for released in Taiwan May 22.

Posted on 2026-05-05 07:03:31

Russia’s Defense Ministry declared a unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine the
coming weekend.

Moscow says it is marking the 81st anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany
in World War II, but it threatened to strike back at Kyiv if it tries to
disrupt the Victory Day festivities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in response said his country would
observe a truce beginning at 12 a.m. on Wednesday... he also said Ukraine
would respond in kind to Russia’s actions from that moment on.

He did not put an end date on the truce.

Russia prepares to celebrate its most important secular holiday with a
traditional military parade on Moscow’s Red Square pared down due to what
officials say are concerns over possible Ukrainian attacks.

Ukraine has been launching drone attacks deep inside Russia to counter its
more than 4-year-old invasion.

Posted on 2026-05-05 07:03:32

Philippine officials say nearly 200,000 people in 124 villages in the
northeastern Philippines were evacuated after Mayon volcano spewed plumes of
ash... and after huge lava deposits cascaded down.

No deaths or injuries were reported... but many were caught by surprise after
massive plumes of ash billowed from Mayon volcano.

Huge deposits of lava on its southwestern slope suddenly cascaded down in a
pyroclastic flow in an avalanche of hot rocks, ash and gas.

Officials were told to ensure evacuation centers were adequately ventilated
given the sweltering summer heat.

Posted on 2026-05-04 19:05:13

An 83-year-old man arrested after an arson and axe attack in Tainan... has
been formally detained ...

... after the Tainan District Court approved the prosecutors' request ...
citing concerns he may flee or commit further acts of violence.

The court says the suspect admitted to some of the offenses ...

... and that evidence seized point to possible charges ...

... including attempted murder and arson, and armed obstruction of official
duties.

Police say the incident followed a family dispute, when the man allegedly set
fire to his wife's younger sister's home in Tainan's South District.

When emergency crews arrived, he allegedly attacked the woman and responders
with an axe, injuring three people ... though none are in serious condition.

He then fled in a stolen ambulance... and was later arrested in Yongkang
District... after a police pursuit.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-04 19:05:13

A man has been indicted after slapping a part-time stadium worker at a pro
baseball game in Tainan in late March.

The Tainan District Prosecutors Office says the suspect was attending a
Chinese Professional Baseball League game at the Asia-Pacific Baseball
Stadium on March 29th when a dispute arose over crowd management as
spectators exited the venue.

The prosecutors say the suspect has been indicted on charges of assault and
public humiliation through force, as the worker suffered verbal abuse and
sustained injuries in full view of bystanders.

Prosecutors are asking the court to apply the heavier assault charge in
sentencing.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-04 19:05:13

Britain's Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, announced that
they are expecting their third child.

Buckingham Palace says Eugenie, the younger daughter of the former Prince
Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, is set to give birth this summer.

The couple’s two sons August, 5, and Ernest, 2, are “very excited’’ to
welcome a new sibling to the family, and Britain's King Charles III is
“delighted’’ with the news, the palace said.

Charles is the older brother of the former prince, now known as Andrew
Mountbatten-Windsor, and Eugenie’s uncle.

Posted on 2026-05-04 18:22:13

The Ministry of Finance is reporting a sharp rise in the number of people
using mobile phones to file their individual income tax returns.

According to the ministry, more than 1.08 million returns had been completed
by this afternoon, on the first day of filing season — and about 65 percent
were filed via mobile devices.

That marks a significant jump from last year's average of 43 percent.

Officials say the figures reflect efforts to promote mobile filing, allowing
people to avoid long lines and complete the process from home.

The ministry also announced several changes this year, including a higher
basic living expense allowance, increased long-term care deductions, and
expanded eligibility to claim assisted reproduction expenses.

To encourage phone-based filing, the government is offering a nationwide
lottery, with a top prize of 50 thousand NT for those who file before the
June first deadline.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-04 18:22:13

New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih says the Sanying MRT Line could begin service
as early as mid-year.

Hou said the line will be submitted for final inspection by the Ministry of
Transportation and Communications later this month.

If approved, trains could start running soon after.

Once operational, the line is expected to cut commute times from Sanxia and
Yingge to Taipei by nearly 20 minutes.

City officials say the project includes seven joint development sites along
the route, five of which have already been awarded.

Three are under construction, with two others applying for building permits.

The developments are expected to bring in around 14 thousand new residents.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-04 18:22:13

More Taiwanese traveled to Hong Kong in the first quarter compared with a
year earlier.

Figures from the Hong Kong Tourism Board show nearly 420 thousand visits —
up over 13 percent year-on-year.

About 214 thousand were overnight stays, making Taiwan the second-largest
source of visitors after China.

Officials say travelers are mainly drawn by events such as concerts, food,
and attractions like Disneyland.

Despite a recent rise in airline fuel surcharges, travel interest has dipped
slightly, though the impact has been limited, partly due to Hong Kong's close
proximity to Taiwan.

Authorities are also promoting seasonal events, including the Cheung Chau Bun
Festival in May and international dragon boat races in June.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-04 08:04:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang says Taiwan is expanding its long-standing
medical cooperation with Eswatini, with future efforts to focus on digital
health and artificial intelligence applications.

Shih made the remarks on the sidelines of a health forum in Taipei as
President Lai Ching-te is continuing a state visit to Southern Afican
kingdom.

According to Shih, in recent years, cooperation has expanded to building
healthcare information systems similar to those used in Taiwan, covering
services from outpatient registration to treatment and medication management.

The health minister says the next phase will center on adopting Fast
Healthcare Interoperability Resources, an international standard for medical
records that could help Eswatini develop AI-assisted healthcare systems.

Posted on 2026-05-04 08:04:13

Experts say Taoyuan International Airport has strong potential to become a
major transfer hub between Southeast Asia and North America.

According to the data from the Institute of Transportation, the airport
handled 22.1-per cent of the 9.82-million passengers traveling from Southeast
Asia to nine destinations in North America directly connected to the airport.

That figure was second only to Incheon International Airport's 23.6-per cent
and ahead of rivals including Tokyo's Haneda and Narita airports and Hong
Kong International Airport.

It's hoped that new routes to Europe and the U-S will boost Taoyuan
International Airport's transits capacity.

EVA Airways is set to launch direct flights to Washington, D.C., in July,
while Starlux will begin direct service to Prague in August.

Posted on 2026-05-04 08:04:13

C-P-C has once again opted to keep gasoline and diesel prices unchanged this
week as part of government efforts to ease the impact of rising international
crude oil prices amid continuing tensions in the Middle East.

It marks the fifth consecutive week that the state refiner has held fuel
prices steady.

The move means 92 octane unleaded remains at 32.4 N-T per liter, while the
price of premium diesel stays at 31 N-T a liter.

Since the US, Israel, Iran conflict broke out in late February, C-P-C has
absorbed an estimated 13.2-billion N-T in losses, as supports government
efforts to limit the impact of rising crude prices on consumers and
businesses.

Posted on 2026-05-04 08:04:13

And,

The Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation says it is carrying out inspections on
all of its trains to ensure passenger safety.

The statement comes after a glass partition inside a train on the Bannan Line
cracked Sunday morning.

No injuries were reported.

The incident occurred on a train traveling westbound from Yongning to Dingpu
and a passenger reported the damage via the onboard intercom.

The metro operator says the affected train was taken out of service and
returned to the depot for inspection and repairs.

According to company, an initial review suggests the damage may have been
caused by temperature changes or long-term wear, which led to uneven stress
on the glass.

Posted on 2026-05-04 07:01:13

President Lai Ching-te and Eswatini's King Mswati have reaffirmed diplomatic
ties.

Lai arriving in the African kingdom at the weekend... he was welcomed at the
airport by Eswatini's prime minister and foreign minister.

King Mswati later greeted Lai at the Mandvulo Grand Hall at Lozitha Royal
Palace with a military salute ceremony.

Lai and the king both mentioned the 58th anniversary of diplomatic relations
between their countries this year during a bilateral meeting and a joint
communique released after that meeting stated that both sides will continue
to strengthen ties and trade relations.

Neither Taiwan nor Eswatini has disclosed how Lai traveled to the kingdom.

The two leaders also witnessed the signing of an agreement on mutual
assistance in customs matters by Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and
his Eswatini counterpart during the meeting.

Posted on 2026-05-04 07:01:13

During his visit... President Lai Ching-te is said to have presented cattle
and Taiwan-themed cultural gifts to Eswatini's king.

Presidential Office spokeswoman Karen Kuo says Lai gave the king five cows to
the king and three to the queen mother, in line with local customs... where
cattle carry deep cultural significance.

Lai also presented several gifts highlighting Taiwan's cultural identity,
including a miniature model of a traditional fishing boat used by the Tao
people of Orchid Island, green tea from Luye Township, and porcelain
stackable tea cups inspired by Taipei 101.

Kuo says the gifts were chosen to convey Taiwan's blessings while showcasing
the country's Indigenous heritage and cultural creativity.

Posted on 2026-05-04 07:01:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is defending its decision to announce
President Lai Ching-te's visit to Eswatini only after he arrived in the
country... saying the practice is not uncommon in international diplomacy.

It said out of consideration for both safety and diplomatic interactions...
announcing a head of state's visit to a country only after their arrival is a
"practice with many international precedents."

The ministry also said Lai's trip to Eswatini was conducted entirely in line
with international and Taiwanese law, and with diplomatic practices and
norms.

Lai announced his arrival in Eswatini in a social media post Saturday after
an earlier visit scheduled for April 22 was canceled due to reported
interference by China.

The government typically announces such trips before the president's
departure.

Lai reportedly traveled to the Kingdom on an Eswatini government jet that had
earlier brought Eswatini's deputy prime minister to Taiwan.

China's Foreign Ministry has accused Lai of "smuggling" himself out of Taiwan
on a "foreign plane" and warning that efforts to "collude with external
forces will not "change the fact that Taiwan is part of China."

Posted on 2026-05-04 07:01:13

participation

The government is slamming China after an annual digital rights conference
scheduled to be held in Zambia later this week was canceled at the last
minute following pressure from Beijing over Taiwan's presence.

The Cabinet's Department of Human Rights and Transitional Justice said
China's suppression of public- and private-sector participation in RightsCon
2026 was another attempt to isolate Taiwan internationally.

The department says the cancellation means Taiwan's civil society has lost an
opportunity to engage with the international community on digital human
rights issues ...

It added the incident underscores the need for Taiwan to work more closely
with international civil society to strengthen digital and democratic
resilience, and safeguard the values of freedom, democracy.

The 14th edition of RightsCon had been scheduled to take place in Lusaka from
tomorrow through Friday.

Posted on 2026-05-04 07:01:13

Police in Tainan have arrested an 83-year-old man after he set fire to a
relative's home, attacked three people with an axe, and stole an ambulance.

The city's Fire Bureau says the man attacked firefighters as they entered the
townhouse on Xinle Road in the city's South District.

Two emergency service personnel and one female resident of the building were
injured in the attack and taken to the National Cheng Kung University
Hospital for treatment.

The man ran out of the building and jumped into an empty ambulance before
fleeing the scene.

Police followed the stolen ambulance to the Yongkang District before pulling
it over and arresting the suspect.

Reports say the man was threatening police officers with the axe they
approached him, but was subdued with pepper spray and batons.

The suspect is in custody.

Posted on 2026-05-04 07:01:13

And,

The Highway Bureau says events held near the soon-to-open Danjiang Bridge
this past long weekend holiday drew large crowds.

The "2026 Danjiang Bridge Together Arts Festival" was organized ahead of the
bridge's official opening to traffic on May 12.

A concert on Saturday and a picnic event on Sunday attracted a combined
attendance of more than 150,000.

Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai attended Sunday's event, where he spoke
with visitors and vendors and was briefed on preparations for the bridge's
opening ceremony on May 9.

Chen says the bridge is expected to improve traffi, and boost tourism between
New Taipei's Tamsui and Bali districts, as well as along the north coast
area.

The weekend events are part of the third week of celebrations marking the
completion of the bridge.

Posted on 2026-05-04 07:01:13

Seven countries in the OPEC grouping of oil-producing countries — including
Saudi Arabia and Russia — say they’ve decided to a modest increase in
production starting in June as part of a commitment to “market stability.”

The commitment to raise production by 188,000 barrels per day comes after a
virtual meeting they held on Sunday.

The move is mostly symbolic because it comes as Iran blocks on the Strait of
Hormuz at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, where about a fifth of the world’s
trade in oil and natural gas typically passes in the midst of the
U.S.-Israeli war.

That blockage has knocked millions of barrels a day off the global market.

Posted on 2026-05-04 07:01:13

Police in eastern Austria say a 39-year-old suspect has been arrested after
rat poison turned up in some HiPP baby food jars on supermarket shelves in
central Europe.

The company recalled some of its baby food in Austria, the Czech Republic and
Slovakia after the case came to light last month. It said in a statement
Saturday it was “greatly relieved” by the arrest.
Authorities said previously they believe the tampering occurred in 6.7-ounce
jars of baby food made with carrots and potatoes for 5-month-olds that were
sold from SPAR supermarkets in Austria.

They also say the suspect was being questioned, and that no further details
would be immediately provided.

Posted on 2026-05-04 07:01:13

The World Health Organization says that a suspected hantavirus outbreak on a
cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has killed three people and sickened at
least three others.

In a statement to The Associated Press on Sunday, the WHO said an
investigation was ongoing but that at least one case of hantavirus had been
confirmed.

One of the patients was in intensive care in a South African hospital, the
U.N.’s health agency said, adding that it was working with authorities to
evacuate two other passengers with symptoms from the ship.

South African media reports said the outbreak happened on the MV Hondius
cruise ship while it was sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde off the coast
of West Africa.

Posted on 2026-05-02 12:03:13

The National Taxation Bureau says in-person counter services begin this
Monday, May 4th.

Residents can book an appointment up to 3 working days in advance through the
Ministry of Finance's e-filing website or by calling the toll-free line
0800-000-321.

Walk-ins can also use a same-day queue number service on the same websites to
reserve a spot before heading to the office.

The filing deadline is June 1st, when offices will stay open until 7 P-M.

Extended lunch-hour service will also be available from May 25th through the
29th and on June 1st.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-02 12:03:13

The Freeway Bureau says today's projected total traffic volume is 107 million
vehicle-kilometers, about 1-point-2 times the daily norm.

Congestion is expected on multiple freeway, with Freeway 5 southbound users
advised to wait until after 5 P-M.

Several on-ramps and junctions will be closed at various times throughout the
day, and high-occupancy vehicle restrictions will apply on Freeway 5
northbound from 1 to 6 P-M.

The bureau urges drivers to rest well, wear seatbelts, and avoid over-relying
on driver assistance systems.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-02 11:50:13

A former top U-S military intelligence official is calling on Taiwan's KMT
party to stop blocking the government's supplementary defense budget bill.

Michael Studeman, former intelligence chief of U-S Indo-Pacific Command, made
the remarks at a public event in Taipei on Friday.

Studeman urged K-M-T lawmakers and leaders to "be on Taiwan's side" and
advance the Cabinet's 1-point-25 trillion NT dollar defense budget proposal.

He warned that those working to thwart the bill risk doing, in his words,
"Beijing's work for them," and that delay only benefits China.

Studeman also said Taiwan risks losing the trust of the U-S and Indo-Pacific
partners if it fails to invest in its own defense.

The K-M-T and T-P-P, which together hold a legislative majority, have been
blocking the bill, arguing it would allow the government to bypass routine
oversight.

The K-M-T has put forward its own version earmarking 380-billion NT dollars.

Studeman says the full 1-point-25 trillion NT dollar bill, developed by
defense professionals based on Taiwan's needs, must pass as soon as possible.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2026-05-02 11:50:13

E-V-A Air says it has updated its uniform policy to allow cabin crew to wear
framed glasses and comfortable black leather shoes while on duty.

The airline says the changes are aimed at reducing health issues associated
with long-haul flights, including eye discomfort, herniated discs, and
varicose veins.

Previously, framed glasses were only permitted if a crew member could not
wear contact lenses due to a medical condition.

The new footwear rule allows any black leather shoe that meets safety and
comfort standards, dropping a previous requirement for heels of at least
2-point-5 centimeters.

E-V-A Air follows China Airlines, which began allowing framed glasses in
December 2025 and casual black athletic shoes in January, and Tigerair
Taiwan, which also started permitting glasses in January.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2026-05-02 11:50:13

China's U-N Ambassador Fu Cong says maintaining the Iran war ceasefire is an
urgent necessity, as US President Donald Trump prepares for a visit to
Beijing later this month.

Fu told reporters at the United Nations the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened
as quickly as possible, calling on Iran to lift its restrictions and the U-S
to end its naval blockade.

He expressed concern over recent remarks suggesting the ceasefire is
temporary and that a new round of attacks may be coming.

Fu said the international community should raise its voices against any
resumption of fighting.

On Trump's upcoming China visit, Fu said the strait will almost certainly be
on the agenda if it remains closed by then.

He also rejected U-S allegations of military cooperation between China and
Iran as false.

China currently holds the month-long presidency of the U-N Security Council,
with Foreign Minister Wang Yi set to chair a council session on May 26th.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-02 11:43:13

The Ministry of National Defense says it tracked 37 Chinese military
aircraft, naval vessels, and government ships operating around the Taiwan
Strait from 6AM Friday to 6AM today.

Of 29 detected P-L-A sorties, 15 crossed the median line, entering Taiwan's
northern, central, and southwestern airspace.

The incursions involved J-10 and J-16 fighters, K-J-500 early warning
aircraft, and drones, operating alongside naval vessels under the banner of
what Beijing calls "joint combat readiness patrols."

Six P-L-A warships and two government ships were also tracked in surrounding
waters.

The ministry says they maintained close surveillance throughout, and
shore-based missile systems and mission aircraft and vessels were deployed in
response.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-02 11:43:13

The Mainland Affairs Council says a Chinese student admitted to National
Taiwan University will be unable to enroll due to his residency status.

The boy came to Taiwan as a young child with his parents, who legally reside
and operate a business here.

He has studied in Taiwan since elementary school and was recommended to N-T-U
through the Stars Program by his senior high school in Nantou County.

But he turns 18 in August, at which point his status as a minor dependent
expires, making him ineligible to remain in the country.

The Mainland Affairs Council says no special exemption will be made, citing
fairness to others in similar situations.

Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) says current regulations leave no
room for flexibility.

The student's father says the boy has also been admitted to universities in
Hong Kong and Singapore.

China currently prohibits Chinese students from studying in Taiwan.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2026-05-02 11:43:13

The Eta Aquariid meteor shower reaches its peak Tuesday, but moonlight will
limit viewing conditions.

The Taipei Astronomical Museum says the shower, which originates from
Halley's Comet, is best viewed from 1:30 A-M until just before dawn.

Under normal conditions, the shower produces around 50 meteors per hour, but
this year a waning gibbous moon is expected to reduce that to fewer than 10.

The museum recommends finding an open area, facing away from the moon, and
lying back to take in as much of the sky as possible.

Later in the month, skywatchers can look for Saturn and Mars near a crescent
moon in the pre-dawn eastern sky on the 14th and 15th, and a
Venus-Jupiter-crescent moon grouping in the western evening sky on the 19th
and 20th.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-02 11:43:13

The United States is pulling 5-thousand troops from Germany after a public
dispute between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich
Merz over the Iran war.

Merz said earlier this week that Iran was humiliating the U-S in talks and
that Washington lacked an exit strategy, prompting sharp pushback from the
Pentagon.

A senior Pentagon official called the German remarks "inappropriate and
unhelpful," saying Trump was rightly reacting to counterproductive rhetoric.

The withdrawal is expected to take six to twelve months to complete, bringing
U-S troop levels in Europe back to roughly pre-2022 levels.

Germany currently hosts around 35-thousand U-S military personnel, more than
any other country in Europe.

Trump has also threatened troop withdrawals from Italy and Spain, and last
month warned of a full trade embargo on Madrid after Spain said it would not
allow its bases to be used to attack Iran.

A former Pentagon official warned the move risks further dividing the U-S and
Europe, with European leaders likely to push for greater defense
self-reliance.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-02 11:43:13

Australia's government says it is concerned about a growing mouse plague
affecting farms in the western state of Western Australia.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the government is working with industry to
reduce the plague's impact on local and overseas food supply.

Local media reports say mice have been infesting farms across Western
Australia's wheatbelt region, prompting grain producers to warn of crop
losses and call for access to stronger rodent poison.

Australia is the world's fourth-largest wheat exporter.

The country's worst mouse plague on record was in 1993, when rodents
destroyed thousands of hectares of crops and attacked livestock across the
country.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-02 11:06:13

Taiwan is seeing warm, sunny conditions on the second day of the Labor Day
long weekend, with southern areas expected to hit highs of 34 degrees Celsius
today.

Meteorologist Wu De-rong says the first cold front of the plum rain season is
set to arrive late Sunday night and into Monday morning.

The front will bring scattered showers and thunderstorms to central and
northern Taiwan through Tuesday, with brief rain also possible in the south.

Temperatures will drop island-wide, with northern Taiwan turning noticeably
cooler.

Conditions are expected to improve from Wednesday, with warm and sunny
weather returning, before a second plum rain front is forecast to affect
Taiwan next weekend.

Wu cautions that model forecasts for next week remain inconsistent and will
continue to be updated.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-02 11:06:13

The German Trade office Taipei says during the first quarter of the year,
Taiwan's exports to Germany jumped by over 28-percent, to reach 2.12 billion
US dollars.

Linda Blechert… the General Manager of DEInternational Taiwan… the service
unit of the German Trade Office… says Taiwan's growing exports reflect the
importance of the semiconductor industry.

Blechert adds that the growth of the semiconductor industry is also sparking
unprecedented interest in Taiwan, with companies deciding they must be near
of this global juggernaut.

That was Linda Blechert, General Manager of DEInternational Taiwan.

Posted on 2026-05-02 11:06:13

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is visiting Hanoi Saturday to meet
Vietnamese leader To Lam, as the two countries work to strengthen ties amid a
sharp drop in Japanese investment.

New Japanese investment pledges in Vietnam fell around 75 percent in the
first quarter, to 233-million U-S dollars.

Takaichi is expected to push for improvements in Vietnam's business
environment, including concerns over delayed payments and access to large
infrastructure projects.

The two sides will also discuss energy, technology, critical minerals, and
regional stability under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,
established in 2023.

Despite the investment slowdown, bilateral trade rose 12-point-3 percent
year-on-year to 13-point-7 billion U-S dollars in the first quarter.

Takaichi will also meet her Vietnamese counterpart and deliver a speech at
Vietnam National University on Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy,
before traveling on to Australia.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-02 11:06:13

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has announced plans to reform the
military this summer, targeting chronic infantry shortages, low pay, and the
discharge of long-serving soldiers.

Zelenskiy says key details will be finalized in May, with reforms beginning
in June.

He promised higher wages for infantry troops, who face constant drone attacks
on the front line, and said non-combat pay should reach around 683 U-S
dollars a month, up one-third from current levels.

The reforms also include a new contract system with defined terms of service
and a transparent rotation policy, addressing widespread reports of soldiers
serving for months without relief.

Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov called the changes a systemic
transformation of the army.

Ukraine's military is estimated to have more than one million personnel, but
has been outmanned throughout the war against Russia, which launched its
full-scale invasion in 2022.

Peace talks mediated by the U-S remain stalled.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-02 10:42:13

Transportation agencies are urging holiday travelers to plan ahead on the
second day of the Labor Day long weekend.

The Freeway Bureau says 8 freeway sections are expected to see morning
congestion, including Freeway 1 southbound between Yangmei (楊梅) and Toufen
(頭份), and Freeway 5 southbound between the Nangang Junction (南港系統) and
Toucheng (頭城).

Drivers heading south on western freeways are advised to wait until after
noon to depart, while Freeway 5 southbound users should wait until after 5
P-M.

Meanwhile, the Highway Bureau is flagging 15 provincial highway sections for
potential congestion, including Highway 2 between Wanli (萬里) and Dawulun
(大武崙).

Both agencies are urging the public to use mass transit.

Intercity freeway bus fares are discounted 15 percent during the holiday,
with T-PASS 2-point-0 members eligible for combined savings of up to 40
percent.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-02 10:42:13

A magnitude 6-point-1 earthquake struck waters off Taiwan's northeast coast
Friday evening at 8:39 P-M.

The quake was centered about 38 kilometers east-northeast of Yilan County
Hall, at a depth of 98 kilometers.

Yilan, Hsinchu, Nantou, and Hualien counties recorded the strongest shaking,
at intensity level 4.

Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, and several other cities and counties felt level-3
intensity.

Lighter shaking was reported as far south as Tainan and Chiayi City, with
minor tremors reaching Kaohsiung and Pingtung.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-02 10:42:13

Teachers marked their first-ever Labor Day holiday Friday by joining rallies
in Taipei and Kaohsiung to push for pension and pay reforms.

The National Federation of Teachers Unions called on the government to fully
fund public-sector pension reserves and align contribution rates between
public and private schools at 15 percent.

The National Education Industry Union welcomed the new holiday but warned of
growing workloads and called for stronger legal protections for teacher
salaries and benefits.

Teachers were granted Labor Day leave for the first time this year, following
a 2025 legislative amendment.

Across Taiwan, more than 100 labor groups joined May Day events, with around
7-thousand people rallying in Taipei alone.

The Taiwan Confederation of Trade Unions called for stronger retirement
protections and higher mandatory employer pension contributions.

The Ministry of Labor says it will continue gathering input and facilitating
dialogue among stakeholders.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2026-05-02 10:42:13

US President Donald Trump says he is not satisfied with Iran's latest
diplomatic proposal, signaling the deadlock from the two-month-old war is
likely to continue.

Trump told reporters Iran was asking for things he could not agree to, though
he said phone negotiations are ongoing.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran is ready for diplomacy if
Washington drops what he called its excessive approach and threatening
rhetoric.

The war began with U-S and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28th, and has
killed thousands of people.

A ceasefire has held since April 8th, but the two sides have yet to agree to
a second meeting after brief talks in Islamabad last month.

Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has cut off roughly 20 percent of
global oil and gas supplies, with Brent crude trading around 109 U-S dollars
a barrel.

Separately, the U-S announced it is withdrawing 5-thousand troops from
Germany, after tensions with Berlin over the conflict.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-02 10:42:13

World Health Organization member states have extended negotiations on a key
section of last year's pandemic treaty, casting doubt on when the agreement
can take effect.

The sticking point is the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing annex, which
governs how countries share disease samples and ensures equitable access to
vaccines and treatments in return.

Without a deal on that section, the broader pandemic accord cannot enter into
force.

W-H-O chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged member states to keep working
with urgency, warning the next pandemic is a matter of when, not if.

The World Health Assembly will take up the issue later this month and is
expected to authorize continued talks, with a final agreement due no later
than May 2027.

(PB)

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