ICRT

Posted on 2026-06-09 08:13:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim has addressed Palau's National Congress.

Speaking in the congress building in Palau's capital, Hsiao said the Lai
administration is preparing to assign Investigation Bureau personnel to the
Pacific ally to help it combat transnational crime, including fraud and
cybercrime.

According to Hsiao, fraud, cybercrime, money laundering, drug trafficking and
other forms of transnational crime threaten communities across the Pacific
...

... and Taiwan is committed to being a "trusted partner" in strengthening law
enforcement cooperation and safeguarding the security and well-being of
people in both countries.

Palau's President Surangel Whipps attended the address and he told lawmakers
that he welcomes the announcement that investigators from Taiwan will "work
alongside" local law enforcement personnel.

Whipps also described Taiwan's support for Palau's efforts to clampdown on
transnational crime as being "invaluable."

Whipps last year told the B-B-C that "crimes linked to China, including
scamming, illegal casinos, and cyberattacks" and being reported in Palau.

While an American think tank has warned that China is using transnational
criminal organizations to advance its political agenda in Palau.

Posted on 2026-06-09 08:13:13

Defense Minister Wellington Koo says the military will formulate a
replacement plan for its aging T-34C basic trainer aircraft.

The statement comes after a T-34 trainer crashed at the Gangshan Air Base in
Kaohsiung last week during a routine engine failure test exercise - leaving
two pilots dead.

According to the defense minister, although the Air Force's T-34 prop
training aircraft have not yet reached the end of their service life, the
defense ministry plans to complete plans for a new primary trainer aircraft
next year.

Speaking prior to a meeting of the Legislative Foreign Affairs and National
Defense Committee, Koo told reporters that his office is drafting a plan to
replace the T-34s with new basic trainer aircraft, either through overseas
procurement or domestic production.

Koo said a final decision will be made before the end of May next year and
the defense ministry hopes to secure funding by 2028 to begin implementing
the replacement plan.

The Air Force's T-34C fleet has been in service for over 40 years, after 49
were purchased in 1985 for use as basic trainers.

Posted on 2026-06-09 08:13:13

The Legislative Finance Committee has frozen nearly a quarter of the funding
Taiwan has proposed to give the Asian Development Bank this year in protest
over the bank's change of Taiwan's designation.

That designation was changed to "Taipei, China" in 1986, after Beijing joined
the bank.

Lawmakers across party lines have agreed to freeze 30-million N-T of the
126-million N-T 2026 A-D-B funding budget, which was proposed by the Ministry
of Finance.

Lawmakers say the funding will not be unfrozen until the A-D-B responds to
Taiwan's concerns over the designation.

D-P-P lawmaker Wu Ping-jui says the A-D-B has persistantly failed to treat
Taiwan fairly, despite annual protests against the designation that has seen
no response.

While K-M-T lawmaker Lai Shyh-bao says Taiwan has been belittled at the
A-D-B, and he initially suggested not providing any funding to the bank other
than its 1-million N-T in annual basic administrative fee.

Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun protested Taiwan's designation at the
A-D-B's 59th annual meeting in May for the third time since assuming her post
at the end of January 2023.

Posted on 2026-06-09 08:13:13

EVA Airways President Sun Chia-ming has become the first Taiwan member of the
International Air Transport Association's board of directors.

According to the carrier, Sun was elected as one of the board members at the
association's 82nd Annual General Meeting held in Rio de Janeiro this past
weekend.

EVA Airways is describing Sun's election as being a major milestone,
indicating that the airline had earned the recognition of its global peers
for its dedication to international civilian aviation and its status in the
industry.

International Air Transport Association Director-General Willie Walsh is
being cited as saying he expects board members to take advantage of Sun's
experience in passenger and cargo services to define the agency's policy
directions and aviation development strategies.

Sun began his career in the Evergreen Group in 1986 and started with EVA
Airways in 1991.

He was appointed company chairman in 2018.

Posted on 2026-06-09 08:13:13

The Kaohsiung District Court has sentenced a male elementary school teacher
to four years in prison after finding him guilty of molesting three young
boys.

The court found Yeh Shang-min guilty of two counts of violating the video
production provisions of the Child and Youth Sexual Exploitation Prevention
Act and one count of underage provisions of the Criminal Code.

According to the court ruling, Yeh coerced three students into exposing their
genitalia and convinced two of them to let him take a photo of them while
exposed.

The first incident occured in 2018, when Yeh was working as a substitute
fifth-grade teacher in Hsinchu City.

The other two incidents occured in Kaohsiung in 2023, after Yeh had became a
full-time elementary school teacher there.

The district court's ruling can be appealed.

Posted on 2026-06-09 08:13:13

And finally,

The Central Weather Administration says short-duration heavy rainfall can be
expected islandwide today and tomorrow, while thunderstorms could occur in
the western half of the island and in Yilan in the northeast.

According to the administration's forecast center, mountainous areas in the
center and south will also likely see extremely heavy rainfall.

The frontal system is forecast to move south toward the Bashi Channel on
Thursday, when the rain will ease off in the north, but central and southern
part of the island are still expected to see brief showers or thunderstorms.

The same weather patterns are expected to persist from Friday through June 15
before more stable conditions return to the island's north and east.

Posted on 2026-06-09 06:57:43

Palau's President Surangel Whipps has reaffirmed his strong support for
Taiwan as Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim continued her visit to the Pacific
island ally.

During Hsiao's welcome dinner, Whipps said the failure to recognize Taiwan's
sovereignty calls into question the sovereignty of small countries, and if
Taiwan's sovereignty is not recognized, then all small countries may as well
be eliminated.

Whipps said Taiwan is "a prosperous and growing nation" that has demonstrated
leadership in healthcare, technology, aviation and other fields, and should
be included in international discussions.

He added that Taiwan needs to be a part of these discussions, needs to be a
part of the United Nations, the World Health Organization and International
Civil Aviation Organization.

Hsiao arrived in Palau for five-day visit on Saturday.

It is her first trip to a diplomatic ally since she took office in May of
2024.

Posted on 2026-06-09 06:57:46

Defense Minister Wellington Koo has called Chinese Coast Guard patrols in
waters east of Taiwan a "provocative act."

The defense minister called China's actions were a form of cognitive warfare
aimed at claiming Taiwan's eastern waters as belonging to Beijing - which
shows serious disrespect for Taiwan's national sovereignty.

Koo also says the Coast Guard Administration and the military will work
closely together to respond to such actions if they happen in the future.

His statement comes after four Chinese ships, including three coast guard
vessels, sailed into Taiwan's restricted waters 30-nautical miles southwest
of the island's southern most tip on Sunday.

The Coast Guard Administration eventually dispatched seven if its vessels the
area to warn away the Chinese ships.

China's state media reported that that four ships were deployed to carry out
a "special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation" in waters east of
Taiwan in response to a Japanese and Philippine announcement delimit their
maritime boundary.

Posted on 2026-06-09 06:57:48

Justice Minister Cheng Ming-chien says his office is taking steps to
reclassify etomidate, which is also known as "zombie vape."

The Narcotics Review Committee is scheduled to hold talks next week, which is
when the drug could be upgraded from a Category 2 narcotic to Category 1 due
to its potential for abuse.

Cheng says if the committee agrees to reclassify the drug, those convicted of
manufacturing, transporting or selling etomidate could face life in prison or
the death penalty.

The National Police Agency recently reported that large numbers of people
have been arrested for driving under the influence of etomidate in recent
years.

But law enforcement authorities say the substance metabolizes in the body
very rapidly and is difficult to detect.

Premier Zhu Rong-tai last week told reporters that authorities will be
stepping up border inspections targeting the so called "zombie vapes."

Posted on 2026-06-09 06:57:48

The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has indicted independent lawmaker Kao
Chin Su-mei and 23 other people on corruption and fraud-related charges
related to the embezzlement of public funds and imports of unapproved
COVID-19 test kits from China.

The prosecutor's office says Kao fraudulently obtained more than 7.87-million
N-T in public funds through false claims for legislative assistant salaries,
overtime pay, bonuses and childcare subsidies.

They add the lawmaker knowingly registered several individuals, including her
siblings, as publicly funded legislative assistants despite them not
performing any actual duties.

She also allegly helped a staff member obtain childcare subsidies through
false claims and of authorizing her office director in 2022 to exploit
customs regulations to allowing individuals to import COVID rapid test kits
from China.

Prosecutors say 74,400 unapproved test kits were received from a manufacturer
in Xiamen by circumventing medical device regulations.

Kao Chin has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and has served in legislature since
2002, prosecutors are recommending a prison sentence of more than 12 years.

Posted on 2026-06-09 06:57:48

The Yilan District Court has sentenced the owner of a private Taoist temple
to 25 years in prison for sexually assaulting a female devotee.

The court found Huang Kuo-ching guilty of 39 counts of sexual assault
committed between December 2020 and November 2023.

The court says Huang founded the temple in 2015 and also served as its shaman.

The unnamed victim who was said to be suffering from long-term emotional and
mental stress, was referred to Huang's temple in 2015 by one of her husband's
coworkers, who recommended it as a treatment option.

The court says evidence showed that Huang sexually harassed and assaulted the
woman after she complained about being haunted by evil spirits and affected
by terrible karma from her past life.

She reported the incidents to police after being sexually abused by Huang for
nearly four years.

The district court ruling can be appealed.

Posted on 2026-06-09 06:57:48

The Central Weather Administration says we could see the heaviest rainfall of
this week today and tomorrow, as a weather front and seasonal southeasterly
winds continue to hover over the island.

Extremely heavy rain or torrential rain advisories have been issued for
mountainous areas of Kaohsiung and Pingtung.

Heavy rain or extremely heavy rain advisories are in effect for Yunlin,
Chiayi County and Tainan, as well as for low-lying areas of Kaohsiung,
Pingtung and Taitung ...

.. and also for mountainous areas of Miaoli, Taichung and Nantou.

Heavy rain warnings are up for Keelung, New Taipei, Taipei, Taoyuan,
Hsinchu, Hualien, Changhua, Chiayi City, Yilan and Hualien, as well as for
low-lying areas of Miaoli, Taichung, Nantou.

All of the rain advisories are in effect through tonight.

Posted on 2026-06-09 06:57:48

And,

The heavy rain that's battering much of the island has resulted in school and
office closures today in some areas.

Schools and offices are closed today in Taichung's Heping District and
Nantou's Ren'ai Township.

In Chiayi, schools and offices are closed in Zhuqi, Meishan, Fanlu, Dapu and
Alishan townships.

The Kaohsiung City Government has announced closures in the mountainous
districts of Namasia, Taoyuan, Jiasian, Liouguei and Maolin.

While in Pingtung, schools and offices are closed today in accross Wutai,
Sandimen, Majia, Laiyi, Taiwu, Chunrih, Shizi and Mudan townships.

Posted on 2026-06-09 06:57:48

In Europe,

Ukrainian forces have struck oil facilities in Russia and occupied Ukraine as
part of their campaign to impose economic costs on Moscow.

Ukrainian and Russian officials confirmed the attacks on Monday.

Ukraine's President Zelenskyy also says that Roman Abramovich acted as a
mediator between Kyiv and Moscow, delivering messages from Russian President
Putin.

Russia's Defense Ministry reported shooting down 310 Ukrainian drones
overnight.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's General Staff said Ukrainian forces targeted Russia’s
Krasnodar Krai region and Crimea, sparking fires at oil facilities.

Russian drone strikes injured civilians in several Ukrainian regions,
including Kharkiv and Odesa.

Posted on 2026-06-09 06:57:48

The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor Karim Khan ‌has been
suspended pending a vote by member states on his fate.

The court's governing body's executive bureau has ruled Khan had committed
serious misconduct following an 18-months long probe into ‌accusations that
Khan had non-consensual sexual interactions with a lawyer in his office.

Khan has always denied the charges.

The ICC's governing body will send its conclusion on to all 125 ICC member
states who are expected to put Khan's possible removal from office to a vote
at a later date.

Posted on 2026-06-09 06:57:48

The death toll from a powerful quake that struck the southern Philippines is
now at 35..

Most of the deaths from the 7.8 temblor occurred in Sarangani province due to
a landslide.

The quake, which struck early yesterday, caused buildings to collapse and
triggered small tsunamis... with waves were detected as far away as Japan.

Officials are also reporting more than 200 injuries and significant damage in
General Santos city.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered disaster-response
efforts.

Posted on 2026-06-08 20:15:13

The Central Weather Administration warns that heavy rain will affect parts of
Taiwan through to the middle of the week as the island moves into the active
phase of the annual plum rain season.

Forecasters say the heaviest rainfall is expected tomorrow and Wednesday ...
as a weather front combines with southwesterly winds to bring unstable
conditions across much of the island.

Western and northeastern Taiwan, along with mountainous areas in the east and
southeast, could see thunderstorms and localized heavy downpours.

Other regions are also expected to experience periods of rain and
thunderstorms during the week.

The weather administration says conditions should improve somewhat on
Thursday as the front moves south, although central and southern Taiwan could
still see scattered showers.

Another increase in rainfall is possible from Friday into Saturday as the
front shifts north again, bringing wetter weather to western Taiwan and
mountain areas in the east.

Posted on 2026-06-08 20:09:13

The Chiayi District Prosecutors Office has indicted a male school sports
coach accused of molesting a minor student.

Prosecutors say the coach, surnamed Lin, allegedly engaged in a series of
inappropriate acts during training trips, competitions and other team
activities between August and September of 2024.

They say the incidents included unwanted hugging, touching and other physical
contact with the student.

Lin has denied the allegations.

Investigators say the evidence includes testimony from multiple witnesses,
counseling records, findings from a school investigation and gender-equity
committee, and LINE message records.

Lin has been charged with committing indecent acts through the abuse of
authority.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-08 20:09:13

EVA Air President Sun Chia-ming (孫嘉明) has become the first Taiwanese
representative elected to the board of the International Air Transport
Association ...

... after winning a seat at the organization's annual general meeting in Rio
de Janeiro over the weekend.

EVA Air says the appointment reflects international recognition of the
carrier's role in the global aviation industry.

According to I-A-T-A, its board is made up of the chief executives of 31
airlines along with Director-General Willie Walsh and is responsible for
overseeing the organization's strategic direction and major policies.

*EVA Air says Sun joined the Evergreen Group in 1986, began working for the
airline in 1991 and became president in 2018.

I-A-T-A represents more than 360 airlines worldwide, accounting for over 80
percent of global air traffic.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-06-08 20:09:13

The death toll from a powerful earthquake in the southern Philippines has
risen to 32, with most of the victims killed in a landslide in Sarangani.

The magnitude-7-point-8 quake struck in the morning, causing buildings to
collapse and triggering small tsunami waves.

Local officials say more than 200 people were injured, while significant
damage was reported in General Santos.

Tsunami waves were detected as far away as Japan, although the Pacific
Tsunami Warning Center later lifted its alert.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered disaster response
efforts as rescue and recovery operations continue.

The Philippines is frequently affected by earthquakes because it lies along
the Pacific "Ring of Fire".

Posted on 2026-06-08 18:17:13

The Central Weather Administration is warning of heavy rain across parts of
Taiwan as a stationary front and strengthening southwesterly winds affect the
island.

Forecasters say the weather system could bring short periods of intense
rainfall to northern Taiwan, with Taipei, New Taipei and Keelung facing the
greatest risk.

Localized heavy rain is also possible in Taoyuan, Matsu, areas south of
Yunlin, and mountainous parts of Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung and Nantou.

According to the CWA, the highest accumulated rainfall as of late this
afternoon was recorded in Kaohsiung's Meinong District at 138 millimeters.

In Taipei, Zhongshan District recorded the highest total at 137.5 millimeters.

The weather administration is urging the public to watch for lightning and
strong wind gusts ... as well as landslides in mountainous places ... and
flooding in low-lying areas.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-08 18:17:13

The Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Sports have agreed to work
together to provide locally produced food for Taiwanese athletes competing at
this year's Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

Officials say the initiative is intended to help athletes maintain their
nutrition and energy levels during the competition.

Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) says the government will supply
agricultural, fishery and livestock products through the National Sports
Training Center and other facilities serving Taiwanese athletes during the
Games.

The two ministries say they hope to turn the cooperation into a long-term
partnership that promotes both Taiwanese sports and domestic agriculture.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-08 17:15:13

Taipei prosecutors have indicted independent lawmaker Gao Jin Su Mei on
corruption charges.

She allegedly took 7.87 million NT in fraudulent assistant fees...

while her assisstant is accused of taking even more.

Prosecutors indicted Gao Jin and 23 others in the case today, requesting at
least 12 and a half years behind bars for Gao Jin...

and 16 years for the assistant surnamed Zhang.

Investigators carried out searches back in February related to the case, and
brought Gao Jin and others in for questioning.

（AH）

Posted on 2026-06-08 17:15:13

The DPP is ushering in a new generation of leaders...

as Lawmaker Huang Jie takes office as the party's new Kaohsiung branch party
chair.

Huang says, she aims to create a new united environment in the southern
city...

with her first priority being to support the candidacy of her colleague Lai
Rui Long in running for mayor, as well as those city councilor candidates.

She added that she would conduct meetings with previous chairs while serving
as chair, in order to learn from their experiences.

Huang takes office just as fellow lawmaker Wu Pei Yi took over as the DPP's
Taipei chair, in what may signify a broader shift in party perspective.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-08 17:15:13

Taipei health authorities have found one product containing excessive levels
of aflatoxin in a pre-Dragon Boat Festival sweep of seasonal foods.

The Taipei City Department of Health announced today that it sampled 85
products from specialty rice dumpling shops, convenience stores,
supermarkets, and traditional markets ahead of the holiday.

One peanut powder product was found to exceed legal limits for total
aflatoxin and aflatoxin B1 under food contamination and toxin hygiene
standards.

The operator has been ordered to remove the product from sale.

The department notes that Taiwan's hot and humid climate makes improperly
stored foods particularly susceptible to mold growth and fungal toxin
contamination.

Consumers are advised to purchase from reputable suppliers and store food
products properly.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-06-08 17:15:13

ntl. security

Hong Kong's government is pushing to expand its national security powers...

This time, by proposing new legislation that would allow the city’s leader to
deem certain criminal acts as national security offenses.

Under this new proposal, the chief executive would hold the power to
designate acts as national security by issuing a certificate.

Critics have raised concerns that the laws continue to undermine the civil
liberty laws Beijing promised to enact following the handover from Britain in
1997.

Authorities, however, stress that the laws are essential for stability,
stating that no new criminal offenses are being created.

The move is the latest in a series of security measures from the city since
Pro-democracy protests shook the city in 2019.

(MW)

Posted on 2026-06-08 17:15:13

controversies

Pope Leo's ongoing visit to Madrid, where he hopes to inspire greater faith
amongst European youth, is seeing some friction in an increasingly secular
Spain.

Leo has been making waves in Europe and across the world since his
appointment in May of last year.

The pope today highlighted Spain's Catholic cultural roots with a hefty
Sunday Mass procession that drew over a million attendees, complemented by
elaborate flower carpets and altars.

However, the Spanish Catholic Church's decades' long sexual abuse scandal
remains a serious issue to be reckoned with.

The Pope is expected to meet with some survivors of abuse in Spain during his
visit...

but the total number of victims is estimated at 200 to 400 thousand.

(AT)

Posted on 2026-06-08 16:09:13

In New Taipei City, the KMT has put out a new poll indicating that their
mayoral candidate is leading the DPP's by over 6 percentage points.

According to local KMT officials in the city, their polls shows KMT candidate
Li Si Chuan's support at 39.2%...

while the DPP's Su Qiao Hui was polling at 33%.

That's a difference of 6.2 percentage points.

For her part, Su says that she will take into consideration polls conducted
by several different organizations before deciding which areas require
improvement.

KMT officials say that their polling indicates that Li has had at least a 6
point lead over Su for the past couple of months...

noting that that 6% gap exceeds the 3% margin of error.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-08 16:09:13

In international news,

Israel and Iran have traded fire in retaliatory strikes that threaten to drag
the wider Middle East back into a regional war....

... and in another new escalation today, Yemen’s Houthi rebels also fired on
Israel and warned Israel-affiliated vessels would again be a target in the
Red Sea.

Israeli authorities warned today of three waves of Iranian missiles targeting
the country, and urged the public to seek shelter.

Explosions could be heard in central Israel as Israeli air defenses sought to
intercept the incoming Iranian fire.

The Iranian fire came after Israel launched strikes on central and western
Iran early today in response to missile fire from Tehran.

This was the most serious crossfire since an April 8 ceasefire was reached in
the Iran war.

Tehran warned of retaliation on Sunday after Israel struck Beirut’s southern
suburbs without warning in defiance of Washington’s request days ago to stand
down.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-06-08 16:09:13

In Kosovo, the ruling party of Prime Minister Albin Kurti appears to have won
most votes in an early parliamentary election.

But it remains unclear if the outcome will bring an end to a political
impasse in the Balkan nation seeking closer ties with the European Union and
NATO.

The election on Sunday was Kosovo’s third in less than 18 months.

It was scheduled after the main political parties failed to agree by a March
deadline on who should be the next president.

The prolonged crisis has negatively affected Kosovo's economy and fueled
voter disappointment with mainstream politicians.

Kosovo, one of the youngest and poorest countries in Europe, declared
independence from Serbia in 2008.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-06-08 14:07:13

The Ministry of National Defense is accusing China of intentionally provoking
Taiwan...

following an announcement from Chinese officials that they were carrying out
a "special enforcement on maritime traffic" in Taiwan's eastern waters.

Defense minister Wellington Koo has called the announcement a form of
cognitive warfare that harms Taiwan's sovereignty.

Koo says, the MND and Coast Guard Administration are closely monitoring the
situation to protect Taiwan's maritime safety.

Taiwanese authorities yesterday also called China's announcement "out of step
with reality..."

not to mention that such actions violate international law.

Meanwhile, DPP legislative caucus secretary general Zhuang Rui Xiong is
emphasizing that Taiwan is not the instigator of tensions in the relationship
between China and Taiwan...

adding that he hopes there will be opposition agreeement to support the
government and CGA to increase Taiwan's defense preparedness.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-08 14:07:14

Kaohsiung City has raised its flood response center warning to Level 2 today,
as forecasters warn of heavy rainfall.

The Central Weather Administration is forecasting intense short-duration
rainfall for the city over the next two days,

The city's Water Resources Bureau, Fire Department, and related agencies are
now staffing the response center around the clock, monitoring rainfall, water
levels, and any developing emergencies.

Officials say flood prevention measures have been initiated in advance across
the city.

They are advising residents to closely follow city government alerts over the
coming days, inspect drainage facilities around their homes, and stay away
from rivers, coastal areas, and mountainous zones during the heavy rain
period.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-06-08 14:07:14

The Tourism Administration says no Taiwanese tour groups have been reported
affected in the Philippines after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the
south of the country.

The agency says it has checked with Taiwan's representative office in the
Philippines, major travel industry associations, and travel agencies, and
none have reported any tour groups being impacted.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning following the
quake.

Officials say they will continue monitoring the situation and respond as
needed.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-08 14:07:14

Taiwan shares are down today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at 43502
after losing 1568 points.

The turnover was 1.132 trillion NT.

Posted on 2026-06-08 14:07:14

Now turning to internaitonal news...

Israel launched aistrikes on Iran today following missile fire from Iran, in
what marks the first such attack since ceasefire took effect in April.

A US military base was also under fire in Saudi Arabia.

The strikes have raised concerns about the return of full-fledged attacks.

Iranian state media reported explosions in Isfahan, Tabriz, and Tehran.

The Israeli strikes came in apparent defiance to Washington's wishes, as they
said that they didn't think an Israeli response was necessary.

Posted on 2026-06-08 14:07:14

The Philippines is reporting 4 dead following an earthquake...

while there have been more than 200 injuries and a 1 meter tsunami in some
places.

Several buildings were damaged in the city of General Santos near the
epicenter of this morning's earthquake.

Officials in the Philippines, as well as in Indonesia and Malaysia, have
issued warnings to those in coastal areas.

The quake was the strongest to strike the Philippines this year, hitting the
city with a population of more than 700,000 people.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said that disaster-response agencies were on
standby.

Several aftershocks followed the quake this morning, while the inernational
airport was temporarily shut and some domestic flights were cancelled.

Posted on 2026-06-08 13:08:13

The food delivery workers' union is calling on the Fair Trade Commission to
investigate recent fee hikes by some food delivery platforms.

They say that food delivery platforms are using the delivery worker rights
protection and delivery platform management act as a pretext to raise service
fees for partner restaurants.

The act was passed in January, and established concrete regulations and
protections for delivery workers, customers, and partner restaurants.

The Taiwan Delivery Industry Union Alliance today points out that Uber Eats
recently notified merchants that it was changing its fee structure as a
result of the act, raising fees for partner restaurants by 2.5% in July.

They emphasize that partner restaurants are essentially powerless to
negotiate with the platforms, leaving small and medium-sized businesses
forced to continue relying on the business brought in by delivery platforms
with ever-increasing fees.

Advocates also warn that the potential acquisition of Foodpanda by Grab
Holdings risks making it even harder for partner restaurants to negotiate
fees and for drivers to get reasonable working conditions.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-08 13:08:13

The president of Palau is expressing his strong support for Taiwan's
sovereignty, as Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim continues her visit to the
country.

President Surangel Whipps said that the failure to recognize Taiwan's
sovereignty would call into question the sovereignty of all small countries.

He called on other countries to "stand up for freedom," "democracy," and "the
rule of law."

Whipps also noted that Taiwan has demonstrated leadership in healthcare,
technology, and other fields, and that they should be included in
international discussions.

He called on Taiwan to be included in the UN and the WHO as well as other
international organizations.

Meanwhile Hsiao noted that Palau is Taiwan's only diplomatic ally that can be
accessed by such a short flight, encouraging Taiwanese tourists to take
advantage of Palau's natural beauty and sustainable tourism.

Today is the third day of Hsiao's five-day visit to Palau, which is her first
to a diplomatic ally since taking office.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-06-08 13:08:13

In international news,

In Congo, authorities say that there have been 488 confirmed cases of Ebola,
including 86 deaths, as of last Friday.

The Central African nation recorded 71 new cases last Thursday.

Authorities on Sunday said that's a sign of active community transmission.

Health workers at the epicenter of the outbreak say they are working with
little rest and minimal resources.

The outbreak began in a mining town that attracts a huge number of laborers.

Crowded mining camps make transmission of the disease easier.

The virus spreads through close contact with sick or deceased patients’
bodily fluids.

Neighboring Uganda has had 19 confirmed cases and two deaths.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-06-08 13:08:13

The Hong Kong government is proposing to allow the city’s leader to classify
certain criminal acts as national security offenses.

The proposed subsidiary legislation would clearly state the classification
mechanism for “other offenses endangering national security under the law.”

This is the latest effort to stamp out challenges to its rule.

After massive democracy protests in 2019, the city enacted two national
security laws that critics say have stifled Hong Kong's freedoms.

Authorities insist the laws are crucial for the city’s stability.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-06-08 13:08:13

Peru's presidential runoff election on Sunday remains undecided as
authorities tally votes for the country's ninth leader in a decade.

Conservative Keiko Fujimori holds a slight lead over nationalist Roberto
Sánchez with 58% of ballots counted.

Fujimori has 52.6% of the votes, while Sánchez has 47.4%.

The outcome is expected to be tight and may take days to finalize.

Crime was a major concern for voters, with both candidates focusing on
crime-fighting strategies.

Fujimori is linked to her father's controversial legacy, while Sánchez is an
ally of jailed former President Pedro Castillo.

Voting is mandatory in Peru.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-06-08 11:05:13

The Tai-Ex plunged in early trading following Friday's decline after big
artificial intelligence-related stocks saw sharp dips on Wall Street.

The main board shed 2,600 points shortly after opening this morning to drop
to 42,389 - as it fell to below the monthly moving average.

The fall was led by tech stocks ....

... and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing saw its share price decline by 135
N-T to 2,230 - marking the chipmaker's largest ever intraday decline.

While A-S-E, Hon Hai, and Delta Electronics all fell by about 7-per cent.

Posted on 2026-06-08 11:05:14

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim is slated to address Palau's parliament today,
as part of her five-day trip to the diplomatic ally.

The Presidential Office says the address is seen as one of the most important
public events of her visit.

It will be made in the domed courtyard of Palau's National Congress and the
address will attended by Palau's President Surangel Whipps.

It's expected to focus on issues including Taiwan-Palau friendship,
democratic partnership, and regional peace and stability.

Hsiao is also scheduled to attend a drone donation and demonstration event ..

.... which officials say will showcase the partnership between Taiwan and
Palau in sharing democratic values, deepening technological cooperation, and
promoting sustainable development.

Posted on 2026-06-08 11:05:14

And,

The Central Weather Administration says heavy rain is expected to affect
parts of Taiwan this week due to the annual "plum rain" season.

The center says unstable weather and rain can be expected from today and the
heaviest rainfall is forecast for tomorrow and Wednesday.

The rain is forecast to ease off slightly on Thursday as the front shifts
southward, but central and southern parts of the island could still see
scattered showers and thunderstorms.

The front is expected to move north again between Friday and Saturday,
bringing another increase in rain, which could effect the west and
mountainous areas in the east into late next week.

Posted on 2026-06-08 11:05:14

In international news,

Israel says Iran has launched missiles at it in the first such bombardment
since a ceasefire took effect in early April and Israel's military has warned
it will retaliate.

Tehran had warned of retaliation after Israel struck Beirut’s southern
suburbs in defiance this past weekend.

Israel has said that strike came after Hezbollah fired at northern Israel.

Israel’s attack on Beirut came a few days after the Lebanese and Israeli
governments agreed to a ceasefire in US-hosted talks.

However, Hezbollah rejected the deal.

Iran wants any ceasefire deal to include the Lebanon situation.

Posted on 2026-06-08 11:05:14

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to travel to Pyongyang in his first visit
in seven years.

The trip is likely meant to reassert China’s unique influence over North
Korea in return for providing economic and political benefits.

Xi's two-day visit starts from today and he's slated to meet North Korean
leader Kim Jong Un.

No specific agenda for the Xi-Kim summit has been released by both countries.

Foreign experts are predicting the meeting will have big ramifications on
bilateral ties and beyond, as they both seek to fully restore their
traditional cooperation in the face of separate confrontations with the U-S.

Posted on 2026-06-08 11:05:14

Peruvians are voting in what is expected to be a tight presidential run-off
election.

Voters are choosing between two presidential candidates with starkly
different views.

Keiko Fujimori is a conservative and daughter of a disgraced former
president, while Roberto Sanchez, is a nationalist congressman.

Neither candidate secured even 20-per cent support in the first round in
April and polls show the candidates are tied.

Official outcomes of the ballot may take days.

Peruvian voters are concerned about crime - as homicide and extortion rates
have soared, leading to widespread protests and the ouster of the country's
former president.

Voting is mandatory for Peruvians aged between 18 and 70.

Posted on 2026-06-08 11:05:14

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa says his government will crack down
on groups behind xenophobic violence.

The statement comes as anti-immigrant protests have been erupting across the
country - as immigrants are often blamed for economic woes such as high
unemployment and crime.

According to Ramaphosa, citizens should cease stopping people on the streets
to demand their identities, and enforcement of immigration laws is
responsibility solely for the state.

Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi and Mozambique have been repatriating some of their
citizens caught up ‌in the protests, which have sometimes turned violent.

Mozambique has said five of its citizens have been killed.

Posted on 2026-06-08 11:05:14

And finally,

A packed Danish crowd have celebrated the enduring mullet hairstyle.

Denmark’s 2026 Mullet Championship took place in central Copenhagen,
attracting 12 competitors and over a thousand spectators.

The event featured over-the-top performances, including beer-swilling and a
live saxophone show.

Thomas Berg won the top prize with a trampoline act.

The mullet has seen a global resurgence in recent years.

Posted on 2026-06-08 06:56:13

The Coast Guard Administration is condemning China's announcement of its
maritime law enforcement operation in waters east of Taiwan -- saying Beijing
has no sovereign rights in the area and its claims violate international law.

The administration also rejected assertions by China's Ministry of Transport
that it's conducting a "special maritime traffic law enforcement operation"
in the area.

Officials say China does not enjoy any sovereign rights in waters east of
Taiwan and Beijing's actions violate international law.

The Coast Guard Administration says it closely monitored the situation and
took concrete steps to defend Taiwan's sovereignty and secure its waters.

Four Chinese ships reportedly sailed into Taiwan’s restricted waters
30-nautical miles southwest of Taiwan proper’s southern most tip.

Seven coast guard vessels were deployed to warn away the Chinese ships before
all four vessels were then "expelled" from the restricted waters.

China's state media has reported that that ships were deployed to carry out a
"special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation" in waters east of
Taiwan as a response response to a Japanese and Philippine announcement
defining their maritime boundaries.

Posted on 2026-06-08 06:56:13

K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun says the party aims to serve as a "bridge
builder" in cross-strait relations and will help chart a new path toward
peace and regional stability.

At a business community event in Boston, Cheng said the K-M-T remains
committed to upholding the Constitution of the Republic of China and
advancing what she described as its historic mission of promoting peace and
prosperity.

Cheng also said the K-M-T will not stand by while younger generations face
the risk of military conflict, and she believes there is an alternative to
confrontation across the Taiwan Strait ...

.. while Taiwan and China should pursue peace and mutually beneficial
development.

The K-M-T says more than 300 overseas Taiwan attended the event, waving R-O-C
flags to welcome Cheng and her delegation during their ongoing visit to the
U-S.

Cheng is expected to travel to Washington D.C. this week for talks with
lawmakers, policy experts and think tank representatives to discuss
cross-strait stability, regional security and Taiwan-US relations.

Posted on 2026-06-08 06:56:13

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim is urging more Taiwan tourists to visit Palau.

She made the call after snorkeling with Palau's President Surangel Whipps
during her first visit to the diplomatic ally as vice president.

Hsiao arrived in Palau on Saturday on a direct flight from Taiwan.

She joined Whipps on a boat trip Sunday morning to Big Drop Off, a renowned
snorkeling and diving site in the southern part of Palau's Rock Islands.

Hsiao said after working hard in their daily lives, people in Taiwan deserve
to arrange an island getaway to relax and recharge, and Palau is a convenient
choice because it is close to Taiwan and served by direct flights.

Data from the Tourism Administration shows that the number of Taiwan visitors
to Palau has increased in recent years, rising from more than 10 thousand in
2023 to just over 14 thousand in 2025.

Hsiao also traveled to Peleliu on Sunday, one of the states in southern
Palau, where she visited a World War II memorial museum .

Sunday marked the second day of Hsiao's ongoing five-day trip to Palau -
during which she is representing President Lai Ching-te, following an
invitation from Whipps.

Posted on 2026-06-08 06:56:13

Premier Zhu Rong-tai has used a ceremony marking National Oceans Day in
Kaohsiung to push the Lai administration's anti-crime efforts.

Zhu reaffirmed the government's commitment to combating drugs and organized
crime, highlighting the Cabinet's recently announced anti-crime and anti-drug
initiatives.

Those measures include plans to establish a central command task force
bringing together prosecutors, police, investigators, military police, coast
guard and customs authorities.

Zhy also said he hopes National Oceans Day will come to symbolize national
sovereignty, maritime security and environmental protection.

He touted plans to establish of marine survey teams and a national ship-model
testing laboratory and said the government will also continue to promote an
integrated sea-air coast guard to enhance maritime security and national
resilience.

The event also saw the first public display of the Coast Guard
Administration's newly acquired Penguin second-generation vertical takeoff
and landing drone drones.

The drones cost 7-million U-S dollars are were developed by US-based Edge
Autonomy and full delivery is expected by end of this month.

The drones are being assembled by Taiwan Color Optics and are designed for
maritime surveillance and aerial patrol missions.

Posted on 2026-06-08 06:56:13

Taipei Songshan Airport was forced to suspend ground operations on Sunday, as
heavy thunderstorms battered northern Taiwan.

Bad weather triggered flight delays and disrupted services at airports with
scheduled flights to and from Songshan Airport.

The suspension took effect at 2:38PM due to thunderstorms and lightning
activity.

The disruptions came as the Central Weather Administration issued extremely
heavy and heavy rain advisories for cities and counties across western
Taiwan, Yilan and mountainous areas of Hualien.

The administration said a strong convective cloud systems brought
short-duration intense downpours, with New Taipei and mountainous areas of
Yilan facing the most severe conditions.

That resulted in both areas being placed under extremely heavy rain
advisories.

Posted on 2026-06-08 06:56:13

And,

Taiwan's representative to Japan, Lee Yi-yang has attended the Tokyo Pride
Parade.

Lee was invited to speak on the event's main stage by Britain's ambassador
to Japan, Julia Longbottom.

He was only official representative from an Asian country to do so.

Lee used his speech to tout Taiwan as the first country in Asia to legalize
same-sex marriage in 2019, describing the move as not only a legal milestone
but also a reflection of broader social progress.

He also noted that Taiwan ranks first in Asia and sixth globally in
gender-related rankings compiled by the Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development.

Memwbers of Team Taiwan, a group formed by the Taipei Representative Office
in Japan, the Taiwan Alliance to Promote Civil Partnership Rights and the
Taiwan AIDS Foundation attended the event.

The groups operated a booth themed around Taiwanese temples and night
markets, featuring divination slips highlighting milestones in Taiwan's
progress toward gender equality.

Posted on 2026-06-08 06:56:13

Europe said it would play a role in any ceasefire talks between Russia and
Ukraine.

This comes as the leaders of Britain, Germany and France said they supported
a proposal for talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and
Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In a joint statement, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor
Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron "commended" Zelenskiy's
call for an end to the war... as well as his proposal for direct dialogue
between Ukraine and Russia, with active U.S. and European participation.

The leadershave an informal security alliance called the E3.

They were joined by Zelenskiy in Downing Street days after the Ukrainian
leader published an open letter to Putin.

He proposed face-to-face talks with Putin about ending the war, which is now
in its fifth year, but he was rebuffed by the Russian president.

Posted on 2026-06-08 06:56:13

U-S leader Donald Trump walked out an interview after reporter Kristen Welker
challenged unsubstantiated election claims.

The interview aired on Sunday's Meet The Press, the president claimed both
the current primary elections in California and the 2020 presidential
election were "rigged".

Much of the interview involved Welker questioning Trump over the conflict
with Iran, with him insisting the US needed to act to stop Iran from getting
a nuclear weapon and that it would not be "an endless war".

There has been no comment from the White House over the walkout.

Posted on 2026-06-06 15:12:13

Members of the Iranian World Cup soccer team have been granted US visas,
clearing them to enter the country ahead of matches near Los Angeles this
month.

The team had moved its training base to Tijuana, Mexico, because of problems
with processing the visas.

US officials speaking on condition of anonymity told AP that the way is now
clear for them to enter the country.

Three US officials said players, coaches, trainers and some support staff
received visas, but one official suggested some applicants affiliated with
the team had been rejected for requesting visas "under false pretenses."

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-06-06 15:12:13

Democrat Xavier Becerra has advanced to the general election for California
governor after pitching himself as an experienced choice to lead the US's
most populous state.

Becerra leaned on his more than 35 years in public office, including as state
attorney general and US health secretary.

AP says the runner-up in the runoff is still too close to call. Republican
Steve Hilton is currently in second place, with Democrat Tom Steyer in third.

Becerra was once an afterthought in the race but surged in the final months,
after frontrunner Eric Swalwell pulled out.

Becerra has vowed to maintain the state's mantle as a chief antagonist to
President Donald Trump.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-06-06 13:08:13

The New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson hit a go-ahead free throw with less than
10 seconds left after a turnover by Victor Wembanyama moments earlier to
break a tie in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

Moments later, Wembanyama missed a jumper that would have put the San Antonio
Spurs over the top in the game and even the series.

But in the end, the Knicks won 105-104 for a 2-nil lead in the NBA Finals.

Karl-Anthony Towns had 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Brunson and Mikal
Bridges each scored 20 for the Knicks, who have now won 13 straight, the
second-longest streak by any team in NBA playoff history.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-06-06 12:09:13

The New York Knicks have defeated the San Antonio spurs 105-104.

This puts the Knicks up 2 and "O" in the NBA finals, as they head to New York
to try to win two more at home.

AP_JvW

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