ICRT

Posted on 2026-01-23 14:06:14

DPP Secretary General Xu Guo Yong is downplaying rumors of opposition
interference in the Tainan mayoral primary polling.

That's as media reports have indicated that some members of the DPP's central
standing committee raised questions about if the KMT and TPP were involved in
the polling...

as they say there were unusual results.

Xu says today that the primary polling was open, fair, and impartial.

Media reports said that one of the committee members raised doubts about the
Tainan polling, saying that the results looked significantly different from
those in chiayi and Kaohsiung.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-23 14:06:14

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex gaining 215 points to
close the session at 31961.

The turnover was 794.4 billion ny

Posted on 2026-01-23 14:06:14

Labor Unions in the US city of Los Angleles are preparing for strikes during
the 2028 Olympics Games in the city.

They hope to win better wages and benefits, having been inspired by
successful strikes during the Paris Games.

Unions are setting things in motion for over 100 contracts to expire just
before the Olympics.

The timing is intended to maximize the unions' bargaining power.

A coalition of advocacy groups is also pushing for affordable housing and
protections for immigrant workers.

Los Angeles recently approved a 30 US dollars hourly minimum wage for hotel
workers by 2028, despite pushback from business groups concerned about the
impact on tourism.

Posted on 2026-01-23 13:06:13

Two Control Yuan members investigating the government's measures of
protecting undersea cables said more must be done.

Ye Yi-jin (葉宜津) and Lai Ding-ming (賴鼎銘) said in their report that while
considerable progress in legal frameworks has been made, it's not enough to
prevent the problems.

They said that in terms of situational awareness, the government currently
relies on monitoring tools including the Automatic Identification System,
coastal radar, and Chunghwa Telecom’s Submarine Cable Automatic Warning
System.

In practice, however, authorities still depend heavily on large volumes of
alerts and manual assessments, making it difficult to quickly and effectively
identify high-risk vessels from a massive amount of data.

They said the Executive Yuan should continue to coordinate relevant agencies
to strengthen technological integration and early-warning mechanisms.

Taiwan has experienced an increased number of undersea cable severance in
recent years, including the 2023 Matsu Islands cables and the 2025
Trans-Pacific Express cable.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-01-23 13:06:15

Taiwan High Speed Rail is adding 12 extra discounted trains next month to
help college students return for the new semester.

The company announced today that it will offer 50-percent discounts on these
specific trips on February 24th and 25th.

These dates fall between the Lunar New Year and the Peace Memorial Day
holiday.

Tickets go on sale starting at midnight on January 27-th.

Students can buy tickets through the rail company's website, the T-EX mobile
app, convenience stores, or at station ticket windows.

The THSR reminds travelers they must carry a valid student ID card to use the
discount.

If the card does not have a clear registration stamp, students must also show
a certificate of enrollment.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-23 13:06:15

Now turning to international news...

Russian President Vladimir Putin is doubling down on territorial demands in
Ukraine.

That's after a long meeting between Putin and US envoys.

The Kremlin insisted that the territorical issue needs to be resolved in
order to make peace...

referencing Moscow's demand that Kyiv withdraw its troops from regions of
Ukraine's east that Russia illegally annexed but never fully captured.

That meeting ended just hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
sharply criticized his European allies for what he called their slow and
fragmented response to Russia's nearly 4 year invasion.

Zelenskyy also said after meeting with the US president in Switzerland that
the future status of land in Ukraine's east is unresolved but that peace
proposals are "nearly ready."

Posted on 2026-01-23 13:06:15

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is dissolving the lower house of
Parliament today, paving the way for a snap election in early February.

Elected in October as Japan's first female leader, Takaichi has been in
office only 3 months.

Her strong approval ratings of about 70% have led her to push for an election
to capitalize on her popularity and help her Liberal Democratic Party to
regain ground.

Her move to dissolve parliament will delay a vote on a budget aimed at
boosting a struggling economy and addressing soaring prices.

Takaichi is also seeing rising animosity with China, while the US wants her
to up weapons spending.

The dissolution of the 465-member lower house opens the door for a 12-day
campaign that officially starts Tuesday.

Posted on 2026-01-23 13:06:15

Officials in Chile say that at least 21 people have been killed by ongoing
wildfire in the country...

as firefighters and security forces try to keep the fires in check.

So far, they've ravaged 45,700 hectares of land, reducing several towns to
ashes and forcing hundreds of people into shelters.

More than 2300 homes have been destroyed and 300 people injured.

But firefighters face other dangers too, including attempted attacks and the
threat of drone collisions.

In one case, a fire brigade was attacked with gunfire- a case that is
currently under investigation by police.

Another challenge is the presence of civilian drones, with unauthoritized
flights forcing the suspension of operations in some areas.

Posted on 2026-01-23 11:08:14

The Taipei District Court has ruled that former KMT Taipei Party office chief
Huang Lyu Jin-ru be placed under electronic bracelet monitoring instead of an
ankle one.

Huang, aged 76, was released in August last year on $10 million NT bail, with
restrictions on her residence and travel, and be put under technological
monitoring.

She had been detained for over three months for charges of forgery and
violating the Personal Data Protection Act during the height of the ruling
DPP's massive recall campaign.

Huang recently applied to remove the monitoring, saying that she's old and
frail and poses no risk of flight.

She also noted that wearing an electronic ankle device causes uneven weight
on her legs, leading to inflammation of the hip muscles.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-01-23 11:08:14

Meteorologist We De-rong says the strong continental cold air mass that has
affected us several days will weaken today and send the mercury up.

According to the central weather administration, the lowest temperature in
the low-land areas today , at 7.4 degrees Celsius, occurred in Tai-nan
Nan-xi.

Wu says rain has stopped in most places across the island, and the skies in
the north will clear up with high temperatures reaching 17 degrees.

Looking ahead through the weekend, he expects to see sunny and warmer weather
across western Taiwan, but the eastern half of the island may still see some
brief, localized rain showers, and temperatures should rise day by day.

In greater Taipei, the mercury can rise to 22 degrees on Sunday.

Posted on 2026-01-23 11:08:14

Parts of Provincial Highway 14A in the Hehuanshan area, between Yuanfeng and
Dayuling, remain icy with snow that has not yet melted.

Highway authorities say vehicles passing through that section of the road
must be fitted with snow chains.

The section was closed last night as a precaution, and while it's open today,
officials are calling on divers to heed traffic rules and drive carefully.

Posted on 2026-01-23 11:08:14

European Union leaders have welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision
to drop his tariff threats over Greenland, but they are wary about his Board
of Peace project.

After chairing their summit on Thursday, EU Council President Antonio Costa
emphasized the importance of preserving the transatlantic partnership.

He said the priority is to implement the EU-U.S. trade deal agreed last July.

French President Emmanuel Macron was more assertive, highlighting Europe’s
ability to command respect.

Trump had backed away from his insistence on acquiring Greenland.

The leaders remain cautious about Trump’s unpredictability and have serious
doubts about the Board of Peace’s scope and governance.

Posted on 2026-01-23 11:08:14

73 South Koreans detained in Cambodia for alleged involvement in online scams
have been returned home to face criminal investigation.

Their arrivals on Friday is the largest group reparation of Korean criminal
suspects from abroad.

South Korean officials say the suspects scammed fellow Koreans out of 48.6
billion won, the equivalent of nearly 1 billion NT.

Cybercrime has flourished in Southeast Asia, particularly in Cambodia and
Myanmar.

Trafficked foreign nationals are employed to run “romance” and
cryptocurrency scams, often recruited with false job offers and then forced
to work in conditions of near-slavery.

Posted on 2026-01-23 11:08:14

Posted on 2026-01-23 09:11:13

After back-to-back fatal train crashes in Spain, Thursday brought the good
news that Boro the missing dog was found.

Days earlier, Boro's owner Ana Garcia issued a desperate plea to help find
the dog.

Boro had bolted Sunday after the high-speed train crash in southern Spain.

For days, people had rallied online to find him, amplifying Garcia’s call by
sharing video of an interview she had given to local media.

Photos of Boro, a medium-sized black dog with white eyebrows, went viral
alongside phone numbers for Garcia and her family.

Spanish television broadcasters and newspapers covered the search.

Forest firefighters in southern Spain said Thursday that they had found and
returned the black-and-white pooch.

Spaniards online celebrated the glimmer of hope that Boro's discovery
provided in an otherwise grim week.

Posted on 2026-01-23 07:52:13

cooperation

American Institute in Taiwan Deputy Director Karin Lang says preparing talent
in critical and emerging technologies, including semiconductors, advanced
manufacturing and A-I, requires sustained investment in education and
exchange.

Speaking after the fifth round of high-level dialogue under the US-Taiwan
Education Initiative, Lang said language learning and cross-cultural
competence are "essential skills for a workforce that must operate
effectively in global high-tech environments."

The latest US-Taiwan Education Initiative dialogue saw officials from both
sides discussing language education and cultural exchange.

Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-qi says the two sides pledged to work
together to build bilateral talent cultivation frameworks, strengthening
Mandarin and cross-cultural education ...

.... improving English education in line with Taiwan's bilingual policy, and
expanding platforms for US.-Taiwan educational cooperation.

According to Chen, such efforts will not only contribute to global language
technology standards but also help ensure that Mandarin learning worldwide
remains free from authoritarian censorship and control.

Posted on 2026-01-23 07:52:13

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an says the city will hold a joint response drill
with New Taipei.

The statement comes after the Taipei City Government held a response drill
simulating an indiscriminate attack at Taipei Main Station on Thursday.

According to the city government, the exercise simulated multiple assailants
throwing smoke grenades on the platforms and indiscriminately attacking
people before fleeing to the station's underground shopping area.

Emergency text alerts were sent to phones within a 1-kilometer radius of the
scene, informing them in Chinese and English that a "drill" was taking place
and advising them to remain calm, seek nearby cover, and avoid gathering or
crowding.

Speaking to reporters after the drill, the Taipei mayor said it integrated
the city's railway and metro, underground malls, as well as various resources
from central, local, and private agencies.

Chiang also said another drill will be held in conjunction with New Taipei
before the Lunar New Year holiday in February.

Posted on 2026-01-23 07:52:13

The Keelung City Fire Department is mourning the death of firefighter Zhan
Neng-chieh -- who died on Thursday after reportedly giving his oxygen mask to
a woman who was trapped inside a buring building the city's Anle District.

The 41-year old was a 20-year veteran of the fire service and a squad leader
with the Keelung City Fire Bureau's Ren-ai Branch.

Zhan held multiple professional firefighting certifications, won a National
Fire Agency award and took part in rescue efforts following the 2015
TransAsia Airways crash and the 2018 Hualien earthquake.

According to the fire department, he lost consciousness after inhaling thick
smoke during the rescue operation in a six-story building.

Both Zhan and the woman were declared dead on Thursday following
resuscitation efforts.

Another person suffered minor injuries is the fire.

Keelung City Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang says the city government will make every
effort to secure the highest level of compensation for Zhan's family and have
his name inducted into the Martyrs' Shrine in recognition of his sacrifice.

Posted on 2026-01-23 07:52:13

And finally,

American free solo climber, Alex Honnold will be attempting to scaling the
Taipei 101 tomorrow.

Taipei 101 chairwoman Janet Chia has led a bilingual blessing ceremony for
the American climber ahead of his historic free solo climb.

Honnold will scale all 101 floors of the 1,667-foot structure without ropes
or safety equipment.

He's attempting what organizers a describing as potential milestone in human
achievement.

The climb will be broadcast live by Netflix.

The event will be hosted by American sports anchor Elle Duncan.

Netflix's live program, "Alex Honnold Skyscraper: Live," will run for
approximately two hours and begins at 9AM tomorrow.

Posted on 2026-01-23 06:36:14

The Cabinet has approved draft amendments aimed at expanding the legal
definition of terrorist activities.

The move means that attacks on national critical infrastructure, major
facilities and core systems will be broadened and the revisions also
addresses the pro-liferation of weapons of mass destruction.

The proposed changes revise parts of the Counter-Terrorism Financing Act.

The amendments will rename the law the "Counter-Terrorism Financing and
Counter-Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation Act."

According to Cabinet Spokeswoman Michelle Lee, the amendments incorporate
counter-W-M-D proliferation measures and improve the overall legal framework.

The draft bill also imposes new reporting obligations on banks, trust
investment companies and credit cooperative institutions regarding asset
freezes of sanctioned individuals and suspected terrorism or W-M-D
proliferation financing transactions.

The amendments will now be submitted to the Legislative Yuan for review.

Posted on 2026-01-23 06:36:14

Foreign Minister Lin Jia-long says he remains optimistic about Taiwan's
relations with Honduras -- saying he expects further developments after the
January 27 inauguration of president-elect Nasry Asfura.

According to Lin, Asfura said during his election campaign that he will
re-establish formal ties with Taiwan if he was elected Honduras' next
president.

Lin also says that Asfura has been stressing that Taiwan, Israel and the
United States are Honduras' most important allies.

The statements come after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced earlier
this week that the government has not received an invitation to attend
Asfura's inauguration ceremony.

Reports had been saying President Lai Ching-te had indicated his desire to
attend the event.

The foreign ministry attributed that lack of an invitation due Taiwan not
having official diplomatic ties with Honduras.

However, the foreign ministry's Department of Latin American and Caribbean
Affairs refused to say whether or not it had asked the incoming Asfura
administration for an invitation to the inauguration ceremony

Honduras severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 2023.

Posted on 2026-01-23 06:36:14

American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene says Washington is
committed to expanding Taiwan's domestic defense industrial base.

Speaking at a seminar hosted by the Institute for National Defense and
Security Research, Greene cited a new medium-caliber ammunition test range
installed in Taiwan and other initiatives to help build secure drone supply
chains.

Greene highlighted the ammunition test facility established by Northrop
Grumman ...

.. saying the facility allows Taiwan's defense ministry to test ammunition to
global industry standards, enabling the advancement of indigenous development
projects through the transfer of technology, proprietary procedures, and
expert training.

Greene underscored efforts to develop secure drone supply chains, noting that
U-S defense technology company Anduril now sources Taiwan-made components to
diversify production of its Ghost-X unmanned aerial system.

The A-I-T also touted US President Donald Trump's contributions to Taiwan's
defense efforts and praised President Lai Ching-te for boosting the island's
defense budget to 5-per cent of G-D-P by 2030 and for his 1.25-trillion N-T
special defense budget.

Posted on 2026-01-23 06:36:14

Premier Cho Jung-tai is expressing his thanks to Japanese government for
their swift and comprehensive rescue operation after a helicopter carrying
two Taiwanese tourists and a Japanese pilot went missing near one of Japan's
most active volcanoes.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has arranged for the Taiwan victims' families
to travel to Japan following the accident.

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

Rescuers on Wednesday said they'd spotted wreckage believed to be from the
sightseeing helicopter inside the crater of one of Mt. Aso's five peaks.

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

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

Posted on 2026-01-23 06:36:21

Mandarin Airlines says it believes the government should allow domestic
carriers to hike ticket prices due to increase in operational costs and a
rise in the number of elderly passengers.

According to the airlines' president Zhuang Ming-zhi, the carrier's
operational costs have increased by nearly 20-per cent due to the acquisition
of new aircraft, salary increases ...

.... and a significant increase in the number of elderly passengers, who pay
half price.

Zhuang says the number of elderly passengers now choosing to take domestic
flights has risen from 9 to nearly 14-per cent in recent years, which, due to
their paying half-price, is hurting the company's bottom line.

The Mandarin Airlines president says the company submitted a request to Civil
Aviation Administration calling for ticket price adjustments in November and
is seeking to increase its ticket prices by at 10-per cent.

The C Double A says is is still reviewing that request.

Posted on 2026-01-23 06:36:21

Vice Economics Minister Lai Chien-hsin says large new buildings with a floor
area of more than 1,000 square meters will be required to install rooftop
solar panels beginning from August 1.

According to Lai, the move is as part of government efforts to reduce carbon
emissions and pollution.

Speaking at the sixth meeting of the National Climate Change Committee, Lai
said the regulation is one of several diversified green energy measures for
this year ....

.... which include expanding household rooftop solar installations to add 200
megawatts of capacity.

Lai said the government also plans to increase offshore wind financing
guarantees to 156-billion N-T, allocate 400-million N-T for 20
community-scale disaster-resilient projects, and set aside another
1.5-billion N-T for industrial-scale energy storage.

Data shows Taiwan added 2.6-gigawatts of green energy capacity and achieved
deep energy savings of 10.8-million kilowatt-hours last year.

Posted on 2026-01-23 06:36:21

The New Taipei City Education Department says it will conduct an inspection
of a major preschool operator following reports of alleged child abuse.

According to city education department officials, it will carry out the
inspection within a week of all 10 preschools under the Yu Chuan group ...

... and the violations could result in penalties ranging from reduced
enrollment to suspension of enrollment, suspension of operations and
revocation of its operational permit.

The statements came after D-P-P lawmaker Lin Yueh-qin accused the preschool
operator of illegally employing unqualified staff, repeatedly violating
regulations over multiple years, and the improper treatment of children.

Lin says the Yu-Chuan group's 18 preschools in New Taipei and Taoyuan were
repeatedly penalized for violating regualtions from between 2020 and 2025,
yet oversight failures allowed the problems to continue.

Posted on 2026-01-23 06:36:21

And finally,

A team of Taiwanese bakers have placed second at the Bakery World Cup, which
took place in Paris this week.

Taiwan was represented by traditional bread specialist Gao Qi-wei, laminated,
and flaky breakfast pastry expert Chang Shi-bin ...

and Peng Xin-rou - who was tasked with creating a giant bread sculpture under
the theme of "The Great Inventions of Your Country."

The team combined Tie-guan-yin tea from Taipei's Muzha area with dried
pineapple, incorporated it with Taiwan fruits into sweet breads inspired by
the Taipei 101 ...

.. and the whole thing was then sculpted into three Taipei 101 buildings for
team's final pastry.

Taiwan previously won the Bakery World Cup in 2022, when a team led by Justin
Wu, who served as this year's team coach.

The competition at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles drew 10 teams from
around the world.

Posted on 2026-01-23 06:36:21

France says it has seized a suspected Russian 'shadow fleet' oil tanker in
Mediterranean.

According to French President Emmanuel Macron the tanker was subject to
international sanctions and suspected of flying a false flag when it was
intercepted by the French navy.

It was reportedly travelling from the Arctic port of Murmansk in northern
Russia when it was intercepted and boarded in waters between Spain and
Morocco.

Macron says the operation was assisted by allies including the UK.

Moscow's so-called shadow fleet is a clandestine network of tankers used to
evade Western sanctions on Russian oil exports by shipping the oil on aged
tankers with obscure ownership or insurance.

Posted on 2026-01-23 06:36:21

Japan has suspended operations at the world's largest nuclear power plant
only hours after it was restarted.

According to the Tokyo Electric Power Company, an alarm sounded "during
reactor-start-up procedures" at the plant located north-west of Tokyo.

However, the company says the reactor remained "stable."

Reactor number six was restarted on Wednesday a day later than planned due to
an alarm malfunction.

It's the first reactor at the plant to be turned on since the 2011 Fukushima
disaster.

Japan shut down all of its 54 reactors after the magnitude 9 earthquake
triggered a meltdown at its Fukushima plant.

Posted on 2026-01-23 06:36:21

The United Nations special envoy for Haiti says a UN-backed security force
deployed to the country to help local police tackle armed gangs should reach
its new full-strength of 5,500 troops by the this summer, or autumn at
latest.

The announcement comes amid on-going political uncertainty in Haiti ahead of
February 7 -- when the current transition government's mandate ends.

No official succession plan has been put forward.

Around 1,000 mostly Kenyan police are currently in Haiti as part of the force.

But the deployment has been marked by delays and severe lack of funding.

Since the first deployment in June of 2024, gangs have since expanded their
control of much of central and rural Haiti.

Posted on 2026-01-22 18:07:13

Chia-yi Mayor Huang Min-hui is getting ready to distribute $6-thousand NT to
every resident of her city, and $7-thousand for older folks aged 65 and
above.

She went to the Bank of Taiwan's Chia-yi branch to receive 1.58 billion NT in
cash under the escort of city police.

The Mayor said Chia-yi City can afford to do so because it has not borrowed
loans for 15 consecutive years and has remained public debt-free for seven
years.

Her government has also remained fiscally disciplined by avoiding new debt,
using budget surpluses effectively,
and keeping annual spending under control.

The mayor is urging Chiayi residents to spend the money on local shops and
activities to help boost the local economy.

Huang reminded residents that 136 distribution sites have been set up for
this cash payout and residents should bring their national ID card and
personal seal to receive it.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-01-22 18:07:13

With the 2026 Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics set to open on February 6,
Sports Minister Li Yang has hold a flag-presentation ceremony for 10 athletes
qualified to compete at the event.

Li encouraged them the showcase the skills and experience built through years
of hard training.

Taiwan has secured qualification spots for 10 athletes—surpassing its
previous record. Women’s bobsleigh and men’s skeleton have qualified for
the first time.

Skeleton is a winter sliding sport in which a person rides a small sled,
known as a skeleton bobsled, down a frozen track while lying face down and
head-first.

Taiwan is expected to field a 37-member delegation, still seeking its
first-ever medal at the Winter Games.

The 25th Winter Olympics, co-hosted by Milan and Cortina in Italy, will run
from February 6th to 22nd.

Sports fans in Taiwan can watch live broadcast of the event on the Elta
Technology channels on Chung-hwa Telecom's MOD or Hami Video.

Posted on 2026-01-22 18:07:13

Foreign Minister Lin Jia-long is optimistic about Taiwan's relations with
Honduras, saying that he's expecting further developments after January 27th
when the new President Nasry Asfura takes office.

Honduras severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 2023 after more than 80 years
as an ally.

Lin noted that newly-elected President Asfura had said during his campaign
that he would re-establish formal relations with Taiwan as Taiwan, Israel and
the United States are his countries' most important allies.

Lin said ties with Taiwan’s current 12 allies, including Honduras'
neighboring countries Belize and Guatemala, remain stable.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-01-22 18:07:14

The Taipei City government says, it's expanding its free milk program to
include kids as young as 2 years old.

That program has provided 1 free carton of milk or soy milk weekly to kids in
the city as young as in kindergarten.

But starting in Feburary, kids as young as 2 can take advantage, getting one
free carton of milk or soy milk at their local convenience store or Carrofour
supermarket.

Officials say, regardless of whether or not the student is enrolled in
kindergarten, Taipei City residents can apply for a digital card when their
child turns two.

They note that, to apply, parents can bring their ID and household
registration certificate to a district office in the city.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-22 17:16:13

The National Fire Agency said today that a total of 31 firefighters and
emergency medical technicians have died in the line of duty since 2015.

N-F-A officials said the incidents involved not only fires, but also gas
explosions, drowning cases, traffic accidents, and typhoon-related disasters.

The most recent one happened last night when firefighter Zhan Neng-jie gave
his breathing mask to a trapped woman and later died of asphyxia in a fire in
Keelung.

In July 2014, five firefighters were killed while responding to a
petrochemical gas explosion in Kaohsiung’s Qian-zhen (前鎮) District and
Lingya (苓雅) District.

In addition, six firefighters died in a bowling alley fire in 2015, and
another six were killed in 2018 while battling a factory fire at Jing-Peng
(敬鵬) Industrial in Taoyuan.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-01-22 17:16:13

The central government is expanding its "Culture Points" and "Sports Coin"
programs to benefit more than 2.6 million citizens this year.

The Executive Yuan announced today that eligibility for these digital points
will be broadened to encourage spending on arts, exercise, and local culture.

The expansion includes significant changes to how young people and the
general public can access these subsidies:

Officials say Culture Points are now for everyone aged 13 to 22, and Sports
Coins are now open to all citizens aged 16 and older.

Premier Cho Jung-tai said these initiatives aim to build long-term habits in
arts and sports while helping local industries grow.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-22 17:16:13

A man surnamed Hsu has been indicted for allegedly trying to extort
$600-thousand US dollars from a Taipei hotel after finding a cockroach in a
meal.

Prosecutors said Hsu and a friend were dining at the hotel around in August
last year, when the friend discovered a cockroach in a dish.

Hsu subsequently threatened to expose the incident to the media and warned
that the hotel could be forced to suspend operations, before demanding the
money as a "donation".

It came after the hotel's manager apologized on behalf of the hotel, waived
the meal charges and provided gifts.

The indictment said Hsu could have sought legal remedies, but instead issued
threats and demanded money unrelated to medical expenses or emotional
compensation.

(CNA)

Posted on 2026-01-22 17:16:13

Now turning to international news

3 people have died following a shooting in Australia's New South Wales.

Emergency services were called to an address at Lake Cargelligo following
reports of a shooting.

Three people were dead when they arrived, and a fourth was taken to the
hospital in serious but stable condition.

The suspect is assumed to be at large.

Police urged the public to avoid the area, and for local residents to stay
inside.

Posted on 2026-01-22 17:16:13

Campaigning has begun for Bangladesh's elections next month.

That will be the first vote since the 2024 uprising that forced out longtime
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party is considered the front-runner...

while a 10 party alliance has emerged as the main opposing contender.

The interim government has promised a free and fair election, but questions
were raised about the ban on Hasina's Awami League party.

The election on Feburary 12th will be held alongside a referendum on a
proposed charter with changes supported by the interim government.

Posted on 2026-01-22 15:10:13

A firefighter in Keelung died early this morning after giving his breathing
mask to a woman trapped in a burning building.

Authorities say, the woman also eventually passed away.

Keelung Mayor Xie Guo Liang said that Zhan Neng Jie 詹能傑 lost consciousness
from inhaling smoke.

Xie says that the city government will make every effort to obtain the
highest level of compensation for Zhan's family and will seek to have him
interred in the Martyrs' Shrine.

The fire broke out last night around 10pm on the second floor of a 6 story
building in the city's Anle (安樂) district.

When Zhan made his third entry into the building, around 1am, he found the
woman pinned on the floor by debris and hardly breathing.

Nearly an hour later, Zhan was found unconscious in the building, suffering
from oxygen deprivation.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-22 15:10:13

A lawmaker is calling for a freeze on new enrollments for a major education
group after reports that an employee mistreated children more than 50 times
in only four days.

Legislator Lin Yueh-Chin says today that a group running 18 kindergartens in
New Taipei and Taoyuan has been hiring unqualified staff for years.

She also alleges that the group has been fined every year since 2019 but
continues to break the law

The lawmaker cites video of one employee at a school in Tucheng, repeatedly
pulling, pushing and hitting at least five children in a single week last
year.

The city's Education Department says it is investigating a new complaint
filed this Monday.

Officials are promising to apply the highest standards in the probe, and help
parents view surveillance footage of the incidents while protecting the
privacy of other students.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-22 15:10:13

The National Defense Ministry says two military C-130 aircraft will be
standing by to support transportation operations for the Lunar New Year
holiday period.

The Ministry says from February 13th to 23rd, the aircraft will offer
services between Taiwan proper and outlying Kinmen, Matsu and Peng-hu islands
to civilians and military personnel.

It says the Civil Aviation Administration would request the support depending
on weather forecasts and the number of stranded passengers at airports.

According to the Air Force, a total of 114 C-130 sorties were dispatched to
assist stranded passengers traveling between the three outlying islands and
destinations such as Taipei and Kaohsiung from 2023 to 2025.

They transported a combined total of nearly 7-thousand 900 passengers and
service members.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-01-22 15:10:13

Japan has reported it posted a trade deficit for the fifth straight year in
2025 as exports were hit by President Donald Trump’s tariffs and a
diplomatic rift with neighboring China.

Government data released Thursday show a trade deficit of $17 billion.

The Finance Ministry said exports for the year rose 3.1%, while imports
remained about the same on-year, gaining less than 1%.

Exports to the U.S. fell 11%, while shipments to Britain, Africa and to some
other Asian countries rose.

Posted on 2026-01-22 14:17:14

The Taiwan High Speed Rail has been named the fifth most sustainable company
in the world for a fourth consecutive year.

The 2026 "Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World" ranking was
released at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.

The list, compiled by Toronto-based research firm Corporate Knights,
evaluated more than 8,000 large companies with at least $1-billion US dollars
in revenue.

Taiwan High Speed Rail also took first place globally in the specific
categories for transportation and infrastructure.

THSR chairman Shih Che says the honor is a result of the company's focus on
low-carbon technology and environmental protection.

Shih took the opportunity to announce the railway's next generation of trains
is scheduled to arrive in Taiwan this August.

The N-700-S-T models are designed to be lightweight, energy-efficient, and
more comfortable for passengers.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-22 14:17:14

Independent Taitung County Councilors are launching an advisory group to
advance political prospects for indepdent candidates and to increase their
quality of service.

Independent councilor Lin Liang Chong will serve as chair of the group.

Another independent councilor said that there will be 11 deputy heads,
including people from all walks of life.

Out of the 30 councilor in the Taitung County Council, 10 are independent, 2
are in the DPP, and 18 are in the KMT.

This marks the first time that the independent councilors have established an
advisory group tp expand their service.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-01-22 14:17:14

The Ocean Conservation Administration says its cooperative program with
fishermen has resulted in hundreds of whale sharks successfully released back
into the wild.

The OCA says it works with National Taiwan Ocean University and local fishery
operators to track whale sharks that are accidentally caught in fixed fishing
nets.

Fishermen use a mobile messaging group to record each encounter, then r
eturn
the animal back into the sea, with the data helping the government create
better conservation strategies.

The OCA says the program has successfully released 372 whale sharks back into
the wild over the last five years

Officials say the program has been a success also because it makes fishermen
active participants in protecting the ocean and gives them a sense of pride
in their work.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-01-22 14:17:14

Taiwan shares are up today with the benchmark tai ex gaining 499 points to
close the session at 31746.

The turnover was 791 billion NT

Posted on 2026-01-22 14:17:14

Turning to international news now and in the US,

a memo from Immigration and Customs Enforcement reveals that the agency
allows immigration officers to forcibly enter homes to make arrests without a
warrant from a judge.

It has previously been considered illegal for ICE officers to force entry to
a home without a judicial warrant.

The change reverses previous guidance and raises concerns about
constitutional protections against illegal search and seizure...

guaranteed under the US Constitution's Fourth Amendment.

The memo, signed by ICE's acting director, states that administrative
warrants are sufficient for forced entry if there's a final order of removal.

Such a policy is likely to face legal challenges.

Already, Whistleblower Aid has described the directive as appearing to be
unconstitutional and marking a significant shift in arrest powers.

Posted on 2026-01-22 14:17:14

Wildfires are continuing to devastate central and southern Chile, killing at
least 20.

Already, the fires have consumed about 450 square kilometers of land, with
tens of thousands having to evacuate.

Some small fires remain active, but many of the bigger ones are now under
control.

The town of Lirquen was hardest hit, with residents slowly returning to the
streets to collect donated emergency supplies.

Hundreds of volunteers have traveled to help out, cooking and handing out
food and removing debris.

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.

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