ICRT

Posted on 2026-10-16 19:17:13

New Taipei City council candidate Talud, also known as "忠仁．達祿斯", has been
released on 80-thosuand NT bail and placed under house arrest over
allegations of vote-buying.

The New Taipei District Prosecutors Office says Talud hosted banquets for
voters in March, involving around 18 tables at 5-thosuand NT each.

Prosecutors have searched locations and questioned 20 witnesses as part of
the investigation.

Talud previously served as a councilor in Taipei County and later New Taipei
City.

However, he was removed from office and stripped of his civil rights in 2021
after being convicted of preparing to offer a bribe.

He is now running as an independent candidate in New Taipei City's 12th
electoral district, which represents lowland Indigenous people.

(JM)

Posted on 2026-10-16 19:17:13

An engineer surnamed Chen has been accused of illegally betting on the
outcomes of Taiwan’s local government elections.

Prosecutors in Nantou County say that Chen used a virtual private network, or
VPN, to access Polymarket.

That's a platform where gamblers can place bets on the outcomes of future
events, and it has been banned in Taiwan.

Chen is said to have wagered cryptocurrency worth roughly NT18,000 on the
results of the elections for the heads of five local governments.

These actions violate the Public Officials Election and Recall Act, which
prohibits gambling on elections.

Bail has been set at NT50,000 and his cryptocurrency is currently being held.

(JM)

Posted on 2026-10-16 19:17:13

International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva is calling for
safeguards to manage the risks of artificial intelligence, comparing the
technology to a Formula One car that could go off track.

Georgieva stressed the need for regulation to prevent potential harm.

Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark echoed her concerns, saying toys face more
regulation than A-I.

He called for policy frameworks to guide the technology's development.

An I-M-F study estimates A-I could transform or create 10 percent of jobs,
while repetitive tasks could disappear.

Georgieva also stressed the need for reliable electricity and digital
networks to help countries benefit from A-I.

Posted on 2026-10-16 19:17:13

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his government have condemned
remarks by China's ambassador to Manila, calling them a thinly veiled threat
to use force.

The dispute began after Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
described China as a "troublemaker."

On Thursday, Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan dismissed the criticism as
"nonsense" and suggested the Philippines should feel fortunate to have China
as a neighbor.

Marcos said the ambassador's remarks sounded like a threat.

China and the Philippines have long clashed over competing territorial claims
in the South China Sea, leading to repeated confrontations.

Posted on 2026-10-16 19:17:13

Indian authorities have tightened security in New Delhi and closed a central
park ahead of a protest by the youth-led "Cockroach" movement.

The demonstrators are demanding the resignation of India's election chief
over a review of voter lists that has removed more than 130 million names
since last year.

Opposition parties and the movement say the review is politically motivated
and disproportionately affects minorities, particularly Muslims.

The Election Commission and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government deny
the allegations.

Modi has not publicly commented on the protests, while some members of his
party have dismissed the demonstrators as "anarchists".

Posted on 2026-10-16 18:28:13

DPP Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen says incumbent Mayor Chiang Wan-an's
proposal to relocate Songshan Airport must address how emergency medical
evacuations would be handled.

Shen says nine major hospitals are within a 10-to-15-minute drive of the
airport ... making it difficult to replace its role in transporting patients
who need urgent medical care.

He argues that expanding Taoyuan International Airport's capacity would not
necessarily provide the same emergency services.

Shen also criticizes the Taipei City Government's 2023 letter supporting the
relocation, saying it failed to address national defense, security and
disaster response concerns.

He acknowledges that relocating the airport could free up valuable land for
development, but says suitable alternatives must be worked out before any
move goes ahead ...

... adding that any relocation could take between 10 to 20 years.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-16 18:28:13

The Central Election Commission is removing 10 former city council candidates
from the registration rolls.

That includes a New Party Taipei City Council candidate, Yu Zhi Bin游智彬, who
has not met the minimum 10 year requirement of giving up Chinse household
registration.

Yu only turned in his loss of household registration in China to authorities
last year...

but the law dictates that Chinese nationals must wait 10 years after doing so
before they can run for office.

Meanwhile KMT New Taipei candidate Lin Zheng Feng 林正峰 was removed for
violating the Money Laundering Control Act...

Taichung's Zheng Bo Qi 鄭伯其, an independent, was removed for fraud, and Tsao
Wei-kuo 曹暐國 was removed for possession of a weapon.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-16 18:28:13

The Ministry of Finance is warning businesses about scam emails disguised as
corporate income tax assessment notices.

The National Taxation Bureau of the Northern Area says several companies have
received the fraudulent messages ... and warns recipients not to click
suspicious links or open attachments.

The bureau says important tax matters are handled through formal written
notices, not emails containing unfamiliar links or files.

Businesses are urged to verify suspicious messages through official tax
authority channels and avoid entering sensitive information on unverified
websites.

Anyone who receives a suspected scam email can also call Taiwan's 1-6-5
anti-fraud hotline or contact their local tax office.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-16 18:28:13

weekend

The Freeway Bureau advises travellers to use public transportation on
National Freeway 5 between Nangang in Taipei and Su'ao in Yilan next weekend.

That's the Retrocession Day long weekend, which runs from next Saturday (the
24th) to the following Monday (the 26th).

The Bureau predicts a time saving of 30 minute in each direction by taking a
bus, as they will be given dedicated lanes and be allowed to drive on the
shoulders of the freeway.

The Bureau plans to close the southbound entrance ramps at Shiding and
Pinglin during peak hours, and could implement special measures at the
Nangang System Interchange in Taipei, where National Freeways 3 and 5 meet.

(FEEL FREE TO CUT THE BELOW)

The southbound queue at Nangang could reach up to 10 kilometres long on the
Saturday.

And on Monday, the northbound queue at the entrance to the Hsuehshan Tunnel
in Toucheng Township in Yilan County could reach up to 6.5 kilometres.

(JM)

Posted on 2026-10-16 18:28:13

Could flying cars soon be allowed on Taiwan's roads?

The Ministry of Transportation says any vehicle capable of flying would have
to meet both road safety and civil aviation regulations.

The comments follow interest in a new Tesla model reportedly capable of
hovering or flying.

A transport ministry official says information on Tesla's website suggests
the vehicle has not yet been approved for use on public roads.

The ministry says it plans to investigate the vehicle's capabilities and
whether it has been approved for use in the United States ... before
discussing the issue with other government agencies.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-16 17:08:14

A KMT proposal to double next year's universal cash payment to 20-thousand NT
has been fast-tracked to a second reading at the Legislative Yuan, forgoing a
first reading.

Lawmakers from the opposition KMT and TPP voted in favor of the move today,
despite objections from the ruling DPP.

President Lai Ching-te announced plans in August to distribute 10-thousand NT
to citizens next year.

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu says the proposal will now go to cross-party
negotiations, with the KMT caucus responsible for convening the talks.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-16 17:08:14

A Taoyuan man's 7 and a half year prison sentence for drugging and raping his
female employee has been finalized.

The man, surnamed Wu 伍 was a manager at a convenience store in Taoyuan
district back in 2021, when he allegedly dosed her drink during a night shift
they were working together.

The employee lost consciousness, and Wu took advantage of her inebriated
state to rape her.

The Taoyuan District Court originally sentenced Wu to 8 years in prison,
which he appealed.

But the Taiwan High Court revised the sentence to 7 and a half years, saying
that Wu infringed on the girl's bodily autonomy.

The court added that Wu did not express remorse or make amends with the
girl's family after the fact.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-16 17:08:14

8 students in Taipei's Tianmu are suffering from suspected food poisoning
after eating their free school lunch.

The city's education department says they've already sent samples from the
Tianmu Junior High School for testing.

Results are expected in 2 weeks.

Some of the students were reportedly suffering from swollen lips and
discomfort and were taken to the hospital.

The education department says that the food in question was provided by the
Ai Xin food company in new Taipei and was provided to 6 other schools in
Taipei as well...

however, they say they have not received reports of food poisoning from other
schools.

The students have now returned to classes.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-16 17:08:14

Now turning to international news...

Pakistan has ordered the inspection of all private schools in the province of
Khyber Pakhtunkwa after a school roof collapse killed nearlly 3 dozen people.

Some victims relatives say the structure was weak before the disaster.

At least one person had also warned the owner about leaks.

The province's education department set up committees to carry out the
inspections and submit findings and recommendations within three days.

Police have arrested the school's owner, who told officers that recent rains
had indeed weakened one of the roofs.

Posted on 2026-10-16 17:08:14

Puerto Rico is raising concerns about a new proposal that would require the
Head Start programs for low-income children to be taught in only English.

Educators and government officials in the US territory say it would be
incredibly expensive and nearly impossible to find bilingual teachers.

English and Spanish are both official languages in Puerto Rico, but mot
residents do not speak English fluently.

Officials warn the change will undermine kids' connection to their language
and culture.

Some local groups are seeking a waiver to exempt Puerto Rico from the
proposal from the Trum administration.

Few deny the value of learning English, but critics say imposing it without
Spanish would be insulting and expensive.

Posted on 2026-10-16 15:43:13

The Ministry of National Defense says that 8 PLA planes crossed the median
line of the Taiwan strait in the 24 hours between 6 am yesterday and the same
time today, as did 9 military vessels and 7 government vessels.

The MND says it's closely monitoring the situation and has deployed mission
aircraft, ships, and shore-based missile systems.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-16 15:43:13

A borough chief in Taoyuan's Yangmei has posted bail in a vote-buying
investigation.

The borough chief, surnamed Hao (郝), is seeking reelection.

Prosecutors say that Hao twice gave sums of two to three thousand NT to over
a hundred households in the area under the guise of "donations."

His wife and a campaign worker were also questioned yesterday.

Hao was released on bail of 100,000 NT.

Prosecutors also seized 300,000 NT that is believed to be the money Hao used
for the alleged bribes.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-16 15:43:13

Taipei's historic Dadaocheng district is becoming a stage for local and
international artists as the Tua-Tiu-Tiann International Festival of Arts
returns for another year.

Organizers say the festival blends the neighborhood's cultural history with a
playful, contemporary spirit.

Music Global curator Matt Fullen adds that one of the festival's main events
is a street parade this Saturday featuring historical and creative costumes,
along with theatre, music, and circus arts.

Already in its 12th year, TTTIFA (triple-T I-F-A) is a festival of dance,
music, lectures and theatre, set against the backdrop of one of Taipei’s
oldest neighborhoods.

(TB)

Posted on 2026-10-16 15:43:13

Non-stop rains have forced roughly a thousand families to evacuate their
homes in the region of Ciudad del Este in eastern Paraguay, close to the
triple border with Brazil and Argentina.

These rains have been attributed to El Niño, a weather phenomenon that warms
the Pacific and intensifies droughts, floods, and other extreme weather
conditions.

This natural meteorological event amplifies manmade climate change.

Scientists say that this year's El Niño started in June and might be the most
intense ever.

The Parana and Uruguay Rivers have already overflowed, submerging dozens of
houses.

And the Devil's Throat, the most famous of the waterfalls at Iguazu Falls,
has been closed since August.

Floods destroyed several footbridges at Iguazu, the world's largest waterfall
system, during the last El Niño three years ago, and the flow of water
running at Iguazu is ten times its normal amount.

Posted on 2026-10-16 15:43:13

Sources say that Ukraine has run out of Patriot interceptor air defence
missiles.

These American-made missiles have allowed Ukraine to intercept Russian
ballistic missiles, and without them, Ukraine is more vulnerable to Russian
attacks.

Russia hit three power plants in Kyiv on Tuesday night.

This was in spite of a ceasefire announced by Donald Trump over the weekend
on strikes against energy facilities.

Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned about dwindling stocks of
Patriot missiles for months now.

He has asked Washington to licence Ukrainian factories to manufacture such
missiles on home soil.

Ukraine resumed its attacks on Russia yesterday, retaliation characterised by
Trump as a "disgrace".

Zelenskyy went to Brussels yesterday to call on his European allies to
maintain pressure on Russia.

Posted on 2026-10-16 15:43:13

Officials in Nevada have identified a body found with a gunshot wound to the
head in a barrel in Lake Mead.

Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States and is located 40
kilometres east of Las Vegas.

The barrel washed up four years ago, surfacing as water levels dropped
precipitously after a severe drought.

Edward "Buddy" Lelburian Jackson was identified through his DNA.

He is believed to have died in the 1980s, when he was in his 50s.

Jackson came from Arkansas and had no known ties to Las Vegas.

His death is not believed to be related to the mob or to gambling.

Lake Mead provides water to 20 million people in Nevada, Arizona, California,
and even parts of Mexico.

Authorities predict more bodies will turn up as water levels continue to fall.

Three other bodies have already been found in the lake.

Two of these deaths have been attributed to drowning; the other death is
still unexplained.

Posted on 2026-10-16 14:06:13

The Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research has raised its forecast for
Taiwan's economic growth this year to 12.16 percent ... driven by booming
demand for artificial intelligence.

The forecast is the highest among major forecasting institutions and would
mark Taiwan's fastest annual growth since 1988.

CIER says strong demand for AI-related hardware is boosting exports of
semiconductors, electronics and communications products.

Domestic spending is also picking up, supported by a stronger job market and
rising stock prices.

Private investment is expected to grow by nearly 11 percent as technology
companies expand production and traditional industries upgrade their
equipment.

However, the institute has raised its inflation forecast to 2.06 percent,
citing high oil prices ... as Middle East tensions persist.

Economists say AI demand remains strong, but warn that maintaining such rapid
investment growth could become increasingly difficult.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-16 14:06:13

A candidate for city councilor in Tainan and their father have posted bail in
an investigation into vote buying.

They're accused of holding banquets for constituents planning to travel to
China, from April to June.

The two have been released on bail of 1 million and 1.5 million NT.

The candidate is running in Tainan's second electoral district, which
includes Jiali, Xigang, Qigu, Jiangjun, Xuejia, and Beimen.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-16 14:06:13

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex gaining 141 points to
close the session at 47111.

The turnover was 935.9 billion NT

Posted on 2026-10-16 14:06:13

Now turning to international news...

The head of a truckers union in Gaza says, Israel has cut off imports of
commercial goods into the strip.

The Gaza Strip is 100% reliant on Israel for imports of commercial goods, so
if Israel doesn't allow items to enter the strip, there's no other way to get
them.

Israeli authorities claim that the suspension is due to local vendors'
decisions.

The halt to commercial shipments like fruit and winter clothing cuts off a
key source of food and other critical supplies as fears grow about getting
supplies needed to get through winter.

Aid groups generally bring in staples like flour, while merchants import more
perishable foods like fruits and meat.

The suspension is raising fears about affordability, with humanitarian
workers saying a combination of aid and a robust commercial market is needed
to keep prices under control.

The world's leading authority on food insecurity earlier reported that
conditions in Gaza were improving since famine was declared there last
August, but said that they were still at crisis levels.

The report added that "even small disruptions to humanitarian access could
rapidly reverse recent gains.”

Posted on 2026-10-16 14:06:13

In France, teenagers are protesting for better resources in schools.

That's led to clashes with one of Europe's largest internal security forces.

This comes as the tail end of President Emmanuel Macron's 10 years in power
is seeing protests that hurt his popularity.

This round of protests have resulted in mass arrests, with many teenagers
detained or injured.

The vast majority of the 8000 people arrested in recent weeks are minors, and
police usage of weapons is being blamed for life-changing injuries suffered
by some young people.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said this week that security forces
have used crowd-control weapons at least 18,000 times during the protests —
mostly smoke and tear gas but also projectiles and grenades.

Posted on 2026-10-16 13:07:13

The Tainan district court has approved prosecutors' request to detain 4
people suspected of embezzling funds transported in an armored vehicle.

Prosecutors say, the four people conspired to steal 14.5 million NT in the
scheme.

One of the man who allegedly worked on the truck and facilitated the scheme,
surnamed Kuo, is believed to have distracted his coworker on October 8th,
driven the truck off course...

and stolen the 14.5 million NT before escaping the truck and leaving on a
pre-prepared motorbike.

Police then arrested Kuo and three suspected accomplices in Taichung and
Tainan, and recovered 12.5 million NT.

Police say the suspects used the other 2 milllion NT to buy cars and phones,
among other things.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-16 13:07:13

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan An is pledging to build more social housing, while
saying that his achievements as mayor are thanks to the foundation built by
former mayor Ke Wen Zhe.

On a podcast appearance alongside TPP chair Huang Kuo Chang last night,
Chiang said that the construction of the Taipei Dome was ultimately because
of Ke's contributions.

He made the statements after commenters on the livestream questioned why
Chiang failed to thank Ke at ribbon-cutting ceremonies and when promoting his
achievements as mayor.

Chiang pushed back on the claim, saying that he had several times thanked Ke,
crediting him for the Shanghai-Taipei Twin Cities Forum and other events.

As for social housing, Chiang also thanked Ke for promoting the policy and
prioritizing newlyweds and families with young children.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-16 13:07:13

Now turning to international news...

Drone attacks on cargo ships in the Black Sea this month have raised concerns
among NATO members.

Those attacks near Romania and Bulgaria threaten shipping routes and have
killed crew members and left others missing.

NATO suspects Russia of being behind the attacks but has no evidence to back
it up.

Some believe the attacks are in an effort to pull other countries into the
war.

Since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has
repeatedly attacked Ukrainian river ports, leaving Kyiv increasinly reliant
on alternative routes to get grain exports to markets in Africa and the
Middle East.

Russian drones have also repeatedly violated Romanian airspace near some of
Ukraine's Danube ports.

Earlier this month, sea and aerial drones attacked two other commercial
vessels in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone.

Posted on 2026-10-16 13:07:13

In related news,

A medical evacuation drone is being tested in Ukraine for battlefield
evacuations that ground vehicles can't get to.

The drone can carry a casualty up to 15 kilometers, going over obstacles like
mines and enemy drones.

This week, the drone, called StarGate was handed off to a combat brigade for
evaluation under frontline conditions.

Stargate has been developed by the Ukrainian defense tech company SkyFall...

which emerged after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and has
become a major Ukrainian drone manufacturer.

If successful, StarGate could revolutionize how soldiers are evacuated from
the battlefield.

Posted on 2026-10-16 11:14:13

The Cabinet has approved an upgraded national dementia prevention and care
plan.

The plan is aimed at achieving the Lai administration's "Dementia-Friendly
Taiwan 888" targets by 2035, expanding support for younger patients while
strengthening early diagnosis, long-term care and public awareness.

The Dementia Prevention and Care Policy and Action Plan 3.0 were both
proposed by the Ministry of Health.

They are integrated into the government's Long-Term Care Plan 3.0 and,
according to the health ministry, focuses on "all ages and stages of the
disease and comprehensive support."

Under the plan, the government aims to achieve an 80-per cent accurate
dementia diagnosis rate, 80-per cent service coverage for people with
dementia, and 80-per cent dementia literacy among personnel in designated
organizations and service sectors by 2035

The initiative builds on the "Dementia-Friendly Taiwan 777" targets, which
the government says were achieved in 2025

According to government data, there are about 10,000 people with early-onset
dementia and around 400,000 older adults living with the condition here in
Taiwan.

Posted on 2026-10-16 11:14:13

Trains are set to begin running underground in Tainan from tomorrow - when
the new underground section of track opens to the public after reaching its
first-stage completion.

According to the Ministry of Transport, the 8.2-kilometer underground section
eliminates 23 railway crossings and related structures, improving access for
pedestrians and cyclists while easing traffic bottlenecks.

The project was approved by the Cabinet in September of 2009.

The cost of the project rose over 17 years from an intial estimate of
33-billion N-T to 41.2-billion N-T.

The Railway Bureau says the full project is scheduled for completion by March
2031.

The transport ministry says once the existing tracks are removed, there are
plans to turn the former railway corridor into a greenway, with walking and
cycling paths and landscaped areas linking new stations, neighborhoods,
schools and public facilities.

Posted on 2026-10-16 11:14:13

Now turning to international news...

The Ukrainian military has faced sudden disruptions to SpaceX's Starshield
satellite connectivity, causing lost drones and failed operations.

The incident highlights Ukraine's reliance on Starshield and has raised
questions about who exactly controls access to it.

The satellite service has become critical to Ukraine's resistance against the
Russian invasion.

Some units have now reported restored connectivity, but the cause of the
disruptions remains unclear.

The incident adds to tensions between Ukraine and the US, which is a
relationship already strained by the US president's deal with Moscow on
Russian diesel imports...

which Ukraine and many European allies viewed as a betrayal.

The US government controls Starshield, which is designed for national
security and military missons.

Posted on 2026-10-16 11:14:13

The government of Cameroon says, 70 women have been killed for reasons
relating to their gender in the country this year.

The femicides have sparked protests and calls for government action.

Activists say inadequate laws and a poor judicial system contribute to the
crisis the government is working on a new bill to establish femicide as a
standalone criminal offense.

This year's figure marks an increase from estimates of 50 in 2023 and 67 in
2024.

The rise in killings has sparked protests and calls for government action, as
many murders remain unsolved while others are unreported.

Posted on 2026-10-15 19:07:14

Incumbent Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and DDP mayoral candidate Puma Shen will
hold their first televised debate on October 31st.

The debate will run from noon to 2 P-M, following a second round of
negotiations between representatives of both camps today.

Broadcasters T-V-B-S and SET-N are jointly organizing the event.

At their first meeting on Monday, representatives agreed to include
cross-examination in the debate ... with today's talks finalizing the date
and time.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-15 19:07:14

A Thai influencer's TikTok videos helped Taiwan's immigration authorities
track down 20 Thai nationals who had overstayed their visas and five people
suspected of illegally employing them.

The National Immigration Agency says the influencer was working illegally at
a remote farm in Kaohsiung and posting videos of her work and daily life.

She also used the videos to recruit other Thai nationals, with one clip
attracting more than 100-thousand views.

Investigators used clues in the footage to identify the farm, despite its
secluded location, before carrying out arrests.

The agency says employers who illegally hire foreign workers face fines of up
to 750-thousand NT.

Those who do so for profit can also face a prison sentence of up to three
years, as well as fines of up to $1.2 million NT.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-10-15 19:07:14

Airfares for the upcoming New Year holiday are expected to rise by more than
15 percent ... but that isn't stopping Taiwanese travelers from booking trips
overseas.

Online travel agency ezTravel says flight bookings for the Christmas and New
Year period are up 10 percent from a year earlier, despite higher fuel
surcharges and other travel fees.

Japan remains the most popular destination, with Tokyo topping the list and
Okinawa climbing from fifth to second place.

South Korea's Busan is also gaining popularity, with bookings for both Busan
and Okinawa jumping more than 40 percent year-on-year.

EzTravel says short flights, convenient transportation and good value for
money are helping make the two coastal destinations especially attractive.

Meanwhile, government figures show Taiwanese travelers made more than 14.5
million trips overseas in the first eight months of this year ... up 15
percent from a year earlier.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-15 19:07:14

The Health Promotion Administration is reminding adults in their 30s to get
their health checkups.

The HPA says government data showed over 355-thousand young adults took
advantage of subsidized health screenings after eligibility was lowered to
age 30 last year.

And results revealed that nearly 50 percent of participants aged 30 to 39
were overweight or obese, while nearly 20 percent had elevated blood lipids.

The administration is urging the public to take advantage of the government's
incentive program, which awards 800 Health Coins to citizens who complete
subsidized adult health checkups.

And officials say an additional 800 Health Coins are available for
individuals undergoing lifetime public screenings for hepatitis B and
hepatitis C.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-15 19:07:14

In similar news ...

Russia's Federal Security Service says it has arrested a Swedish citizen
accused of illegally crossing the border.

The F-S-B says the man was detained in the northwestern Pskov region, but has
not released his name.

The agency claims the man previously served in a military drone unit in
Ukraine and fought against Russian forces.

It also alleges that he said he wanted to join the Russian military as a
cover for plans to sabotage Russian military facilities.

Sweden's Foreign Ministry says it is aware of media reports but is not
currently handling such a case.

The Swedish Embassy in Moscow has declined to comment.

Posted on 2026-10-15 18:21:14

The Ministry of National Defense says it's closely monitoring China's
Liaoning aircraft carrier group ... which has entered the western Pacific,
raising concern among countries in the region.

The ministry says it has been tracking the carrier group's movements and
accuses Beijing of using propaganda to expand its cognitive warfare efforts
... calling such actions harmful to regional stability.

It also says it's watching for the possibility of large-scale Chinese
military exercises around Taiwan, as the traditional peak season for People's
Liberation Army drills approaches in November and December.

China staged its first large-scale exercises encircling Taiwan in 2022,
following then-U-S House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the island ...

... and has held similar drills every year since 2023, although none have
taken place so far this year.

The MND says Taiwan's military will remain on high alert and take appropriate
measures in response to China's activities.

China's Defense Ministry, meanwhile, says the Liaoning group's deployment is
part of routine training and is not directed at any particular country or
target.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-15 18:21:14

Taiwan's first domestically built submarine, the Hai Kun, has begun its 25th
sea trial ... with a military expert saying the vessel is entering the final
stage of testing.

The submarine headed out to sea this morning for its 19th diving test.

The expert says upcoming trials are expected to become more demanding ...
with the submarine diving deeper and spending longer periods underwater.

He also points to earlier statements by shipbuilder CSBC, which says most of
the submarine's system integration problems have been resolved following
repeated adjustments and technical assistance from equipment manufacturers.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-15 18:21:14

A new tropical storm has formed in the western Pacific ... but forecasters
say it's too early to tell whether it will affect Taiwan.

The Central Weather Administration says Tropical Storm Champi developed from
a tropical depression east of Guam at 2 this afternoon.

The storm was moving west at around 24 kilometers per hour, with maximum
sustained winds of around 65 kilometers per hour near its center.

The weather administration expects Champi to move west-northwest in the
coming days ... and will continue to monitor the storm.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-15 18:21:14

Kuo Kuang Motor Company is facing a fine of up to 90-thousand NT under road
transport regulations ...

... after cancelling at least 65 intercity bus services without warning over
the past two days.

The cancellations today and yesterday affected several routes and were blamed
on a shortage of drivers.

The Taipei Motor Vehicles Office says the company failed to apply for
permission to reduce its services ... and has been ordered to address the
problem as soon as possible.

Kuo Kuang had said it would provide further details about the cancellations
later today.

The company also cancelled some services without warning in September because
drivers took leave.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-15 17:08:13

The Health Promotion Administration says an estimated 12-thousand-600
e-cigarettes have been collected through a new disposal program in its first
month.

And about 70 percent were collected in the six special municipalities.

The agency says 432 collection points have been set up nationwide since
September 8th ... allowing people to dispose of unwanted e-cigarettes
anonymously, without providing personal information.

The program comes as the government moves to tighten Taiwan's existing ban on
e-cigarettes.

Proposed amendments to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act would also make
possession illegal ... with fines of up to 100-thousand NT after a grace
period.

The administration says the disposal program will continue through that grace
period, and more collection sites may be added depending on demand.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-15 17:08:13

A Taipei prosecutor has resigned after failing a drug test earlier this year.

The Taipei Prosecutors Office earlier this month initiated an investigation
into the prosecutor in question, surnamed Liu.

The results of the investigation show that Liu failed the urine test back in
Feburary, with meth detected in his system after he was stopped by police in
New Taipei's Luzhou.

Liu later admitted to using drugs, calling it a lapse in judgement, and
agreed to undergo addiction treatment.

Liu has been greanted deferred prosecution, during which he is required to
complete addiction treatment, undergo drug testing, and report to his
probation officer.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-15 17:08:13

showings

Kaohsiung Mayoral Candidate Lai Rui Long will be joined by green heavyweights
at a rally this Saturday as he faces fierce competition from the KMT's Ke Zhi
En.

The event celebrating Lai's campaign office's establishment will see former
president Tsai Ing-wen, vice president Hsiao Bi-khim, mayor Chen Chi-mai, and
former mayor Xie Chang ting all in attendance.

Lai's office says today that the event will aim to establish a sense of unity
and the passage of the baton from one mayor to the next.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-15 17:08:13

The DPP's Puma Shen says, he hopes to bring nature closer to the public if
elected mayor.

He says, those measures would include planning new hiking paths and improving
the transit infrastructure to those areas, as well as making them safer, and
making it easier to access necessary equipment.

Shen made the comments in Dazhi this morning, accompanied by several outdoors
NGOs.

Experts at the event emphasize that Taipei is particularly well-suited to
stretching city life further into the mountains...

as the transit infrastructure allows residents to quickly access nature.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-15 17:08:13

Now turning to international news...

China has opened a new joint military airfield in Laos, which is now
Beijing's first overseas facility focused on air power.

The project has raised concerns about China's expanding military reach in
Southeast Asia.

Satellite imagery shows construction at Ban Keun airport, with a runway at
the site able to accomodate fighter jets and potentially larger aircraft if
extended.

China claims the facility supports pilot training and poses no threat to
other countries...

but Vietnam and Thailand are closely observing developments, while analysts
warn the base may provide China with alternative air routes and operational
flexibility in a conflict with Taiwan.

Similar facilities abroad are located in Djiboui and Cambodia.

Posted on 2026-10-15 17:08:13

At least 27 kids and a teacher are dead following a school roof collapse in
Pakistan.

More than 50 others were also injured, and several kids are still trapped
under the rubble.

Rescuers in the capital of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province are removing
debris to reach those trapped.

A hospital spokesman confirmed that some of the injured are in critical
condition.

Posted on 2026-10-15 17:08:13

Floods in Istanbul have shut down the city, flooding homes and roads and
killing at least 2 people.

Rescuers worked overnight to save hundreds of people stranded at their
workplaces, while bystanders helped countless others.

The deluge stranded vehicles and caused traffic chaos.

Rain has continued to fall in the city, with local officials saying some
areas had the highest amout of rain since 1985.

Officials say education is suspended today, with some state employees being
placed on leave.

Posted on 2026-10-15 15:27:13

Taiwan’s hot spring season is heating up.

As the weather starts to cool, it’s a great time to plan a hot spring
getaway.

The 2026–2027 Taiwan Hot Spring and Fine-Cuisine Carnival is now underway,
bringing together 19 hot spring areas across the island.

This year’s campaign combines Taiwan’s mineral springs with local food,
hiking, culture and accommodation, giving travelers plenty of reasons to turn
a soak into a full getaway.
Chef Edward Lee, known from Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars, is also joining
the campaign as one of its hot spring travel guides.

And in Guguan, there’s even more to enjoy.

The Lishan-Guguan Light Art Festival is now on, so visitors can pair a
daytime soak with nighttime light displays through November 1st.

The nationwide hot spring campaign continues through June 30th next year.

Posted on 2026-10-15 15:27:13

The Central Weather Administration says wide fluctuations in day and night
temperatures are expected to continue through early next week.

Sunny to cloudy skies expected islandwide from tomorrow through Tuesday,

From tomorrow, daytime highs could exceed 30-degrees across Taiwan, with
temperatures in the center and south ranging from between 33 and 35 degrees.

The day-night temperature difference will be most pronounced in western parts
of the island - with lows of between 23 and 25-degrees.

However, the weather administration is warning that some parts of Taiwan
could see overnight lows of below 20 degrees due to radiative cooling.

Posted on 2026-10-15 14:51:13

The Overseas Community Affairs Council has formed a special team to
investigate allegations that former Minister Hsu Chia-ching (徐佳青) misused
overseas mission resources.

Acting Minister Yen-Hui Lee (李姸慧) told lawmakers the team was established on
October 13.

The allegations concern her husband's use of an official vehicle and her
son's participation in overseas visits as a "photography officer."

Lee says the council has never had that job title, and it does not appear on
the relevant personnel lists.

The foreign ministry says vehicle records show no irregularities, but the
council must investigate its actual use.

Lee says the council's internal checks so far have found compliance with
regulations.

Hsu has denied misusing public funds.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-10-15 14:51:13

An assistant to a Nantou County councilor has been detained over allegations
of buying votes for a council candidate.

Prosecutors say the assistant, surnamed Shen (沈), directed three local
campaign operatives to offer voters between 500 and 1-thousand N.T. per vote.

The court approved Shen's detention last night, with restrictions on outside
contact.

The three other suspects were each released on bail of 50-thousand N.T.

Investigators searched four locations and questioned 24 voters before
arresting Shen.

Authorities seized 320-thousand N.T., including alleged bribes returned by
voters.

Prosecutors say the investigation is continuing to establish who else may
have been involved.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-10-15 14:51:13

Taiwan Railway announced Thursday that the first phase of the Tainan Railway
Undergrounding project will open this Saturday, retiring surface tracks
across the city.

The 8.23-kilometer underground corridor includes the new underground Tainan
Station featuring modernized platform and safety infrastructure.

To mark the occasion, Taiwan Railway will sell 2,000 limited-edition
commemorative ticket sets Saturday morning at the new Tainan Station hall.

Yongkang Station will also release 10-thousand traditional hard-cardboard
"Yong Bao An Kang" commemorative train tickets priced at $31 NT each.

And officials say special collectible rubber stamps will be available at
Tainan Station to allow railway enthusiasts to mark the historic opening.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-15 14:51:13

CNN reports the U.S. military has developed plans for possible new strikes on
Iran that could involve the weapon known as the “mother of all bombs.”

Citing U.S. officials familiar with the matter, CNN says the plans target
Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites, should President Donald
Trump order renewed combat operations.

Using the largest non-nuclear bomb in the U.S. arsenal would mark a
significant escalation.

However, officials involved in military planning told CNN that questions
remain about whether the weapon would achieve Washington’s strategic
objectives.

The report does not indicate that Trump has ordered the strikes.

Posted on 2026-10-15 14:51:13

Ukrainian officials say SpaceX has restricted some Starlink satellite
internet services, disrupting military drone missions.

A presidential adviser says the military received no warning before a speed
limit was introduced for the service’s military-grade version.

One military unit says connections dropped for up to 20 seconds during
flights, making drones harder to control and forcing some missions to be
cancelled.

The reason for the restrictions remains unclear.

They come as Washington pressures Kyiv to stop attacking Russian oil
refineries.

However, reports say that drones used for those strikes rely on other
communications systems, as Starlink does not operate inside Russia.

Posted on 2026-10-15 14:51:13

European Union leaders are set to discuss curbing imports from China and
easing high energy costs at a summit in Brussels today.

The talks follow an agreement with Beijing to limit imports of Chinese hybrid
cars.

France and Germany are pushing for further action on chemicals and packaging
plastics, alongside faster responses to harmful trade practices.

Draft summit conclusions call for continued talks with China and stronger use
of European trade protections.

Leaders are also expected to request more short-term measures to ease energy
prices.

They remain divided over the bloc's next seven-year budget, with another
summit planned for late November.

Posted on 2026-10-15 14:15:14

Former CPC Executive Hsu Han has been handed another 2 years and 8 months in
prison for absconding after he was sentenced to jail time in a corruption
case previously.

He was convicted of severing his ankle monitor after being released on bail
and fleeing to Taitung, where he was later arrested.

The judgement says that Hsu and a man surnamed Lin conspired to evade
authorities, along with Hsu's girlfriend.

The Qiaotou District Court believes that they hatched the plan over several
months.

They sentenced Hsu's girlfriend to 6 months behind bars, commutable to a
fine, as she was not deeply involved in the crime and confessed.

They say that Lin, however, had a big hand in planning the whole thing, and
he has a previous criminal record as well.

He was sentenced to 1 year and 4 months.

All three sentences are subject to appeal.

Hsu was sentenced to 25 years in prison by the Qiaotou District Court in
March for allegedly violating the Anti-Corruption Act.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-15 14:15:14

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan An is seeking help from the central government to
carry out a reloction of the Songshan Airport.

He says that the airport should be moved in order to build an "AI park,"
which he says it critical to Taipei's economic future.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications previously noted that, in
Chiang's nearly 4 year tenure as Taipei mayor, it hasn't been an issue he's
discussed or brought up at all...

even though Songshan is a critical node for international, cross-strait, and
outlying island travel and would require significant planning to move.

Pegatron chairman Tong Zi Xian also yesterday said that he did not approve of
the idea to relocate the airport.

Chiang says today that he's the first sitting mayor to propose moving the
airport and said that it would be a good opportunity for the Taipei and
central governments to collaborate.

When asked how moving the airport might affect medical travel into Taipei,
Chiang, citing his next engagement, did not answer.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-15 14:15:14

Taiwan shares fell sharply today, with the benchmark tai ex losing 1655
points to close the session at 46969.

The turnover was 1.319 trillion NT

Posted on 2026-10-15 14:15:14

Now turning to international news...

Estonia has joined Finland's calls for the EU to suspend tourist visas for
Russian citizens while Russia continues its 4 and a half year invasion of
Ukraine.

European media outlets report that, such a move would be difficult to achieve
a consensus on, as several EU countries are economically reliant on Russian
tourism.

A more popular option, they say, is to ban Russian soldiers that fought in
Ukraine from entering the EU.

Estonian officials say that EU policy should reflect the scale of Russian
aggression.

Finland and Estonia both share borders with Russia, and their governments are
both more suspicious of Moscow.

Finland stopped issuing visas for non-essential travel to Russian citizens in
2022.

Posted on 2026-10-15 12:25:13

in former OCAC minister case

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says vehicle records show nothing
particularly suspicious amid allegations involving former Overseas Community
Affairs Council Minister Hsu Chia-ching (徐佳青).

But Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi (陳明祺) says the unit using the
vehicle must still investigate who actually used it.

Hsu resigned following allegations that her husband used an official vehicle
and her son accompanied overseas visits.

She has denied misusing public funds.

Chen says the vehicle was mainly used by the council's culture center in
Washington.

He says official duties and private matters must be kept separate.

The ministry is also investigating allegations concerning spending on Hsu's
hotel accommodation in Geneva.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-10-15 12:25:13

Chunghwa Post is set to increase its single-transaction ATM cash deposit
limit starting Nov. 12-th.

The deposit limit will rise from $60-thousand to $100-thousand NT for
customers depositing cash into their own account using a debit card.

Chunghwa Post says the new policy applies to cardholders depositing cash
directly into their corresponding postal or commercial bank accounts.

The maximum limit per transaction remains restricted to 100 banknotes, while
cardless deposits remain capped at $30-thousand NT daily.

Postal authorities stated the adjustment aims to reduce transaction
processing time and boost automated banking efficiency nationwide.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-15 12:25:13

A Taiwan university research project has become an international partner of
NASA's lunar research institute.

National Central University says the partnership will strengthen cooperation
on research supporting future exploration of the moon and Mars.

The Taiwan Universities Lunar Investigation Project is led by astronomy
professor Wing-Huen Ip.

Its work includes monitoring flashes caused by objects hitting the moon,
studying its thin atmosphere, and exploring how lunar resources could be
used.

The university says observations from its Lulin Observatory can complement
impact monitoring in the United States and Europe.

The project also aims to develop the scientific expertise and technical
skills needed for future lunar and Mars exploration.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-10-15 12:25:13

Two cargo ships have sunk near the Strait of Hormuz after separate attacks,
maritime officials say.

Singapore's maritime authority says the container ship GFS Pride caught fire
and sank after being struck on Tuesday.

All 21 crew members were safely evacuated, with no injuries reported.

The bulk carrier Cape Dao also sank, weeks after being hit on September 23.

Reports indicate that one crew member died in that earlier attack, and the
remaining crew were evacuated.

Singapore also confirmed another container ship, the GFS Giselle, was struck
yesterday.

It reached a safe anchorage under its own power, and all 22 crew members are
safe.

The incidents come amid a surge in attacks on commercial shipping around the
strait.

Posted on 2026-10-15 12:25:13

China and North Korea have opened a long-delayed border bridge, creating a
new route for trade between the two countries.

Trucks lined up today at the New Yalu River Bridge, which links China's
Dandong with North Korea's Sinuiju.

The bridge was completed in 2014 but remained unused while approach roads and
customs facilities on the North Korean side were unfinished.

China is North Korea's largest trading partner.

Its exports to the North rose 25 percent last year to 2.3-billion U.S.
dollars.

But United Nations sanctions continue to restrict trade over Pyongyang's
nuclear and missile programs.

Analysts say the bridge could help transport equipment and raw materials,
although trade is unlikely to return immediately to levels seen before
sanctions tightened.

Posted on 2026-10-15 12:25:13

The Vatican says Pope Leo is walking and eating normally as he recovers from
lung cancer surgery.

Doctors removed the lower lobe of his right lung on Tuesday at Rome's Gemelli
Hospital.

The Vatican says the operation went without complications, and follow-up
blood tests and a chest X-ray show his recovery is progressing normally.

The 71-year-old pontiff has also begun breathing exercises.

He is expected to remain in hospital for about a week, with public
engagements cancelled until October 20.

The Vatican has not disclosed whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph
nodes.

It says his planned visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru next month remains
unchanged.

Posted on 2026-10-14 18:32:13

Pegatron Chairman Tung Tzu-hsien (童子賢) is opposing a proposal to relocate
Taipei's Songshan Airport ...

... saying a major capital city needs a convenient airport close to its
downtown area.

Tung points to Tokyo and Seoul, where airports near the city centers have
continued to expand to meet growing transportation needs.

He also warns that replacing Songshan Airport with more buildings could make
Taipei even more crowded.

Instead, Tung suggests developing an artificial intelligence industrial park
in Danhai New Town ... connecting it with Guandu (關渡) and the Beitou-Shilin
Technology Park.

He says the area could benefit from improved transportation links and
convenient power supplies if the Second Nuclear Power Plant is restarted.

Tung believes the plan would provide a better setting for AI industry
development while preserving Songshan Airport's transportation role.

*Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has proposed moving the airport to make room for
an AI park, housing and green space.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-14 18:32:13

The Ministry of Agriculture is backing a proposal to make farmers eligible
for disaster relief when wild animals damage their crops.

Agriculture Minister Chen Chun-chi told lawmakers that the ministry supports
amending the Agricultural Development Act to include damage caused by
wildlife.

The move comes amid growing complaints about monkeys destroying crops ...
including mangoes, peaches and persimmons.

Chen warns that unless the problem is addressed, monkeys could spread into
more areas.

Under current rules, farmers can receive disaster assistance for certain
weather-related crop losses ... but damage caused by wild animals is not
covered.

Chen says agriculture and forestry agencies are assessing the extent of the
damage while working to drive monkeys away or remove them from affected
areas.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-14 18:32:13

The Taiwan Creative Content Agency is partnering with South Korea's B.A.
Entertainment to help bring more Taiwanese films and television productions
to international audiences.

TAI-C-C-A says the agreement will focus on talent development, financing,
co-productions and international distribution.

B.A. Entertainment is known for "The Roundup" film franchise and "The
Gangster, the Cop, the Devil."

The agreement was signed during the Busan International Film Festival, where
Taiwan also showcased more than 230 works at an industry market.

More than 100 Taiwanese companies took part in the event, while a reception
hosted by TAI-C-C-A attracted over 500 film industry professionals and
buyers.

A Taiwanese film project titled "Uncle" also won an award at the Asian
Project Market.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-10-14 18:32:13

The Taiwan Railway Corporation is announcing the latest operational schedule
for its Pokémon 30th Anniversary theme train.

The fully wrapped EMU800 commuter train features iconic Pokémon artwork,
Pokéball floor patterns, and fully evolved character graphics.

A total of 21 regular scheduled runs will operate across major regional rail
lines from today through Oct. 22nd.

Specialized weekend charter trains will also run on designated dates
connecting Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.

The Pokémon themed train service will continue operating across the national
rail network through Dec. 13-th.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-14 17:12:13

CNA is reporting that a confidential source has indicated that recent
accusations against Taipei Mayoral Candidate Puma Shen's father are
fabricated by China's Taiwan Affairs Office.

That's after Hong Kong media outlets reports that Shen's father was doing
business with China.

The source says that the original report is the result of the TAO's
manuevering, and that those outlets forwarded the reports to Taiwanese media
outlets, who did not publish the stories.

That person says that, it was for this reason that the TAO held another press
conference today to push the narrative.

They also added that the Hong Kong media outlets, when forwarding the
information to the Taiwanese ones, intentionally attempted to broaden the
reach by having them be from Hong Kong outlets rather than Chinese ones.

However, it would appear that that was not successful, as only a handful of
fringe oulets and social media accounts reposted the reports.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-14 17:12:13

Tainan City has confirmed two new imported cases of dengue fever today.

The latest cases bring Tainan's total number of imported dengue fever
infections to 13 this year.

Officials say the patients contracted the virus during recent travel to
Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines.

Local health teams initiated emergency control measures, breeding site
inspections, and vector surveys around the patients' residences.

Authorities are urging residents returning from Southeast Asia to monitor
their health and report fever symptoms promptly to local clinics.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-14 17:12:13

Taiwanese-American baseball player Stuart Fairchild, who hit two home runs
for Taiwan at this year's World Baseball Classic, will visit Taiwan next
month.

His agency says the trip will give him a chance to experience the enthusiasm
of Taiwanese fans in person, although dates and other details have yet to be
announced.

Fairchild, nicknamed "Feizai" (費仔) by Taiwanese fans, hit a grand slam
against the Czech Republic and a two-run homer against South Korea, helping
Taiwan win both games.

He is also scheduled to receive a Taiwan Employment Gold Card at a public
ceremony in November, allowing him greater flexibility to work and live in
Taiwan.

Fairchild made his Major League Baseball debut in 2021 and has played for
several teams, including the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-10-14 17:12:13

Now turning to international news...

Two leaders of India's Cockroach youth movement have been sentenced to five
days' jail time after climbing barricades to attend a protest.

Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das are among about 2 dozen people detained by
police at a historic protest site in the Indian capital.

Police say the site is no longer officially designated for protests.

Opposition leaders have condemned the arrests, calling them an attack on the
right to protest.

The protests have intensified over a nationwide revision of voter lists that
critics say could disenfranchise millions of voters.

The central government says, the revision is intended to remove duplicates
and ineligible entries/

Posted on 2026-10-14 17:12:13

Israel has killed a woman in Gaza in the latest strike on the Palestinian
territory.

That's according to a hospital in Gaza.

The Israeli military claimed that it had struck a Hamas militant.

This comes as a ceasefire has been in effect between Israel and Hamas for
over a year.

Despite the agreement, Israel continues to launch near-daily strikes on Gaza.

Since the ceasefire went into effect, Israel has killed nearly 1500
Palestinian people.

Posted on 2026-10-14 17:12:13

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet his British
counterpart in London today.

That's as Kyiv urges European allies to help bolster Ukrainian defenses as
Russia continues attacks and the US remains a wild card.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that his country will provide urgent
aid to Kyiv, including air defense missiles.

Meanwhile the US president has recently struck a controversial deal with
Russia to import diesel, raising concerns among European leaders.

Analysts say, Trump's actions have led Europe to offer more support to
Ukraine.

London is also considering further sanctions on Russia.

Posted on 2026-10-14 14:56:13

Transport and defense officials say any relocation of Songshan Airport needs
careful assessment to protect air services and national defense.

It comes after Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an proposed moving the airport to make
room for an A-I park, housing and green space.

Deputy Transport Minister Lin Kuo-hsien (林國顯) says Songshan handles about
half of Taiwan's domestic passenger traffic.

He says it also provides important access to medical care for residents of
offshore islands and eastern Taiwan,...

...while Defense Minister Wellington Koo says the airport supports military
operations in both peacetime and wartime, along with emergency rescue
missions.

He says those functions would need effective replacements.

Both ministries say the proposal must be assessed from a national perspective.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-10-14 14:56:13

An independent candidate for Hualien mayor has been released on bail in an
investigation into potential violations of the Anti-Infiltration Act.

Zhang Rong Fa 張榮法 is suspected of taking money from a foreign adversary.

He was released on bail of 60,000 N-T this morning.

Zhang previously ran for Taipei City Councilor four times with the New Party
but is now running for Hualien mayor as an independent.

Prosecutors say that his campaign has received funding from China, making a
violation of the Anti-Infiltration Act.

Meanwhile, prosecutors have also detained a candidate running for city
councilor in Hualien.

Yang Wu Kong 楊悟空, also running as an independent, is suspected of
misappropriating public funds and has been detained.

He's accused of misappropriating donations from charities for election
purposes to the tune of several million N-T.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-14 14:56:13

In international news,

In Germany, a former Ukrainian army officer is going on trial today over
undersea explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines meant to carry
Russian natural gas to Germany.

The September 2022 explosions in the Baltic Sea are considered one of the
biggest acts of sabotage in Europe since World War II.

The suspect faces charges of causing an explosion, damaging property, and
being an accomplice to war crimes by attacking civilian infrastructure.

Prosecutors say the aim of the plot was to permanently disrupt gas deliveries
and prevent Russia from using the revenues to finance its military
operations.

The suspect, the alleged ringleader of the attack, was detained in Italy and
extradited to Germany last year.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has denied allegations that his
country was involved in the pipeline blasts.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-10-14 14:56:13

Hurricane Simon and the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel have led to six
deaths after heavy rains triggered flooding and landslides along Mexico’s
Pacific coast.

Simon was a Category 1 storm before strengthening Tuesday night and was
nearly a major hurricane again.

Simon is bringing heavy rain to the states of Nayarit and Sinaloa, where
authorities remained on alert for rising rivers and flooding.

Over the weekend, the storm hit the state of Guerrero, killing one person.

The worst damage occurred in the city of Ensenada in Baja California, where
the tropical storm's remnants caused flooding that killed at least five
people, including 2 children.

Five others remain missing.

Floodwaters have also swept away vehicles, damaged homes, and cut off access
to some communities.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-10-14 14:17:13

Two bridges in Hualien's Fuli are being rebuilt after being damaged in a 2022
earthquake.

Fuli Township Chief Jiang Dong Cheng 江東成said that the Luntian bridge is
expected to be passable by the end of the month.

Meanwhile, he said that the long neglected Mingli bridge requires new support
beams anyway...

so some of the old pillars will be blown up as part of a military exercise;
two birds, one explosion.

Those drills will take place Tuesday.

Jiang notes that the repairs were delayed due to insufficient funding.

Fuli officials note that there will be safety measures in place on Tuesday,
and they're reminding the public to stay away from the Mingli bridge area and
riverbed.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-14 14:17:13

3 people suspected of vote buying in Tainan have now been released on bail.

That's after prosecutors announced investigations into borough chief
candidates in Jiali佳里, Liujia六甲, and Rende districts.

Tainan prosecutors say that, a candidate for borough chief in Jiali's Wenxin
held a banquet in September for the Moon Festival, where they handed out red
envelopes to attendees.

An investigation uncovered that each red envelope contained 2000 NT cash.

That candidate has been released on 120,000 NT bail.

Meanwhile, the candidate in Liujia's Qijia is accused of handing out free
breakfast and packaged rice to people at a group trip, with each item valued
at about 200 NT.

They were released on bail of 80,000 NT.

And, in Rende's Shanglun, a candidate and their spouse allegedly handed out
meal and haircut vouchers worth about 400 NT to voters.

The candidate's spouse was released, while the candidate is being held on
bail of 50,000 NT.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-14 14:17:13

Taiwan shares rose today, with the benchmark tai ex gaining 284 points to
close the session at 48625.

The turnover was 928.6 billion NT

Posted on 2026-10-14 14:17:13

The Colombian government has modified guidelines dictating how police can
react to street protests.

The changes give greater leeway to police for breaking up demonstrations.

The modifications under new president Abelardo de la Espriella are being
critizied by activists and opposition politicians.

They say, the changes may lead to more cases of police violence.

The guidelines were published just hours before de la Espriella's government
faces its first major protest.

Opposition parties, trade unions, Indigenous groups, and other social
movements are expected to mobilize to protest the new president's economic
and security policies.

Posted on 2026-10-14 14:17:13

In Indonesia, 8 endangered orangutans have been released in a protected
forest.

Conservationists say, the group includes three mothers with babies and two
young males.

They were rescued after being stranded when fires destoyed forest habitat in
the Borneo Rainforest, and cut off food sources.

They've now been relocated to the Batu Nyambu Protected Forest.

The new site was chosen for its intact habitat, water sources, and links to
neighboring forests.

This comes as Indonesia battles worsening forest and peat fires fueled by the
El Nino-driven drought.

Conservationists warn that shrinking habitats mean that more orangutans are
vulnerable to displacement, injury, and death.

Posted on 2026-10-14 12:29:13

More than 1-thousand-300 people have officially registered as Siraya Plains
Indigenous people following Cabinet recognition of the group in July.

The recognition followed decades of efforts by the Siraya to restore their
official Indigenous status.

The Council of Indigenous Peoples says 1-thousand-336 had completed
registration by the end of September.

And more than 12-thousand had applied to join the group's membership
register, a step required before registering their Indigenous status.

Applications opened in August under a law that took effect last October to
protect Plains Indigenous peoples' identity rights.

The council has received recognition applications from nine groups, including
the Siraya.

It says several other applications are being prepared for expert review, and
it will speed up recognition and registration procedures.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-10-14 12:29:13

New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih is calling for a full inspection of the Sanying
MRT Line after another power problem disrupted services this morning.

A train stopped at Yingge Station around 5:30.

Trains are operating between Dingpu and Taipei University, with shuttle buses
continuing to Yingtao Fude (鶯桃福德).

Hou says initial reports suggest a contact problem with the rail supplying
power to trains.

He has ordered quick repairs and checks of the line's electrical, mechanical
and structural systems.

The disruption follows another train power failure on October 7th.

The line opened in June and began charging fares in September.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-10-14 12:29:13

Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) says the nationwide ban on feeding
pigs food waste will take effect January first as scheduled.

He says at least three companies are expected to supply manufactured feed
made from recycled food waste by the end of this year.

That would give farmers another option alongside conventional feed and
improved formulas developed by the government's livestock researchers.

The alternatives are particularly relevant to black pig farmers, many of whom
rely on food waste.

Some farms with monitoring equipment can continue using permitted food waste
during this year's transition period.

But that permission ends December 31st.

Chen says the government is helping feed producers and pig farmers prepare
for the change.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-10-14 12:29:13

In international news,

In France, Greta Thunberg has thrown her support behind high school
protesters.

On Tuesday, in a surprise appearance, the 23-year-old climate activist joined
hundreds of teenagers demonstrating outside their school north of Paris under
the watchful eye of police.

Thunberg praised the students for demanding more resources for their run-down
schools.

The protests have been ongoing for over three weeks, despite mass arrests and
injuries.

Outside the high school, Thunberg said these students are reclaiming their
future and inspiring others globally.

She emphasized that Gen Z is determined to fight for their rights when adults
fail to protect them.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-10-14 12:29:13

Jets

In Germany, authorities briefly shut down an airport and scrambled fighter
jets to escort a passenger plane from Greece after an emergency call raised
fears of a possible hijacking.

Officials later said it was a radio problem.

The Boeing 737-800 from Corfu to Nuremberg sent an emergency code over
Croatia due to a radio malfunction.

The airline confirmed no emergency occurred, and said the plane landed
safely.

Police cordoned off the Nuremberg airport as a precaution.

Six flights were delayed, and two were diverted.

Authorities across Europe have increased surveillance of the skies amid an
increasing number of mostly mysterious drone incidents and concerns about
Russian activities.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-10-14 07:02:13

Premier Zhu Rong-tai says the government will continue monitoring online
rumors that a pneumonic plague outbreak has spread from Russia into China.

Zhu says the government could take steps to strengthen existing quarantine
measures if the need arises.

Those rumors are sparking concerns because so many people from Taiwan travel
to China.

The premier told lawmakers that the Ministry of Health implemented border
quarantine measures after briefing the Cabinet on the issue two weeks ago.

The premier also stressed the government is "highly, highly concerned" and
authorities will continue to monitor online information from China about the
disease to identify any "suspicious" developments.

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang has said his agency has contacted the World
Health Organization to verify whether the October 2 death of a 28-year-old
laboratory worker at Russia's Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute was due
to pneumonic plague.

However, Shih told lawmakers that no tests of pathogens or other samples have
returned positive results to date, and the cause of death remains unclear.

Posted on 2026-10-14 07:02:13

The International Monetary Fund has raised its forecast for Taiwan's G-D-P
growth for this year to 10.7-per cent.

That's up from the I-M-F's previous forecast of 5.2-per cent growth made in
April,

That forecast is the highest projected rate in the Asia-Pacific region and
comes amid the ongoing artificial intelligence boom.

It also makes Taiwan the only economy worldwide projected to post
double-digit growth this year.

Taiwan's projected growth outpaces that of neighbors in the Asia-Pacific
region, including Japan at 0.7-per cent, South Korea at 3.3-per cent,
Singapore at 5-per cent and Hong Kong at 3.8-per cent.

China's economy is expected to grow 4.5-per cent in 2026, while the United
States is forecast to grow 2.3-per cent.

The I-M-F's latest forecast remains below the 11.05-per cent growth
projection released by the government in August.

Its also forecasting that Taiwan's consumer price index will rise by
2-per-cent in 2026, up from its April estimate of 1.5-per cent, while the
island's unemployment rate is projected to remain largely unchanged at
3.4-per cent.

Posted on 2026-10-14 07:02:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that one Taiwan national was
injured in one of the attacks targeting Khalid International Airport in Saudi
Arabia's capital last week.

The ministry has not disclosed the victim's identity, citing privacy concerns.

However, it has said the individual remains hospitalized in Saudi Arabia and
Taiwan's representative office there has sent officials to visit them.

In response, the government has raised its travel alert for Saudi Arabia's
border regions on Sunday, with Yemen now the "red," or highest level.

It's also raised the travel alert for the rest of Saudi Arabia to the
"orange," or second-highest level and is advising Taiwan nationals to avoid
unnecessary travel to the country.

Posted on 2026-10-14 07:02:14

The Water Resources Agency says it hopes to complete a network of water
supply pipelines within two to three years so water can be shifted between
regions during shortages.

Aagency Director-General Lin Yuan-peng noted that 11 of the 16 pipelines
under the Ministry of Economic Affairs' "String of Pearls" initiative have
been completed.

Lin says completing the remaining five pipes will improve water transfers
between northern, central and southern Taiwan and the goal is to give major
industrial parks and cities access to two water sources.

Lin told participants at the Taiwan International Water Forum that goal is
aimed at reducing disruption to households and businesses when one source is
constrained.

The Water Resources Agency head also said his office has been developing
alternative water sources, including artificial lakes, subsurface river
water, reclaimed water and desalinated seawater.

Posted on 2026-10-14 07:02:14

The High Court has upheld a life sentence handed down to a man who killed his
ex-girlfriend by stabbing her multiple times in public.

The ruling upheld a Shihlin District Court verdict finding Su Shih-hsin
guilty of homicide.

The case dates back to November 2024, when Su attacked his ex-girlfriend with
a knife on the street after going to her workplace to confront her.

He was disarmed by a passerby who called the police... who arrested Su at the
scene.

His ex-girlfriend was rushed to nearby hospital, but died of her injuries
that same day.

The High Court ruling can be appealed.

Posted on 2026-10-14 07:02:14

A plant compound may help repair damaged nerve cells and improve movement
after traumatic brain injury, offering a potential new approach to treatment.

A research team from the National Tsing Hua University says its been able to
isolate an extract from a type of Monstera plant, which improved recovery
from traumatic brain injuries in mice.

Research team head Chen Lin-yi, says the study found that the extract has the
potential to help damaged nerve projections grow back and created a better
environment for nerve repair.

Chen, who is dean of the university's College of Life Sciences and Medicine,
says the findings could provide a basis for future research into other
neurological injuries and inflammatory conditions... including stroke and
"brain fog" associated with COVID-19.

Posted on 2026-10-14 07:02:14

And,

Early-bird tickets are now on sale for the Taiwan International Travel Fair
which takes place in early November.

The annual exhibition was previously called the Taipei International Travel
Fair.

Tourism authorities from South Korea, the United States, Thailand, Malaysia,
France and the Czech Republic are expected to take part, as are 12 airlines,
including first-time exhibitors Etihad Airways and Sun PhuQuoc Airways.

Early-bird tickets cost 150 N-T and are available today through six sales
channels, including Klook, KKday and ibon.

Advance tickets will go one sale from tomorrow through November 5 for 180 N-T

The 2026 Taiwan International Travel Fair will take place at the Taipei
Nangang Exhibition Center from November 6 though 9.

Posted on 2026-10-14 07:02:14

Anthropic has caused a stir among cybersecurity circles by issuing a new
warning about AI models...

Its ‌raised the possibility that rogue AI could spin up a botnet, spread
quickly, fight takedown attempts and even break into data centers to
turbocharge its growth.

While some experts said Tuesday they shared the company's concern, although
at least one said the company appeared to be engaging in "vendor
exaggeration."

Cybersecurity experts who pushed back on the doomsday scenario argued that
models would be too big to move around efficiently and ⁠could not draw on
enough computer power to operate independently.

Posted on 2026-10-13 19:25:13

Labor groups are urging the government to raise the mandatory employer
contribution rate under Taiwan's new labor pension system.

They also criticize authorities for failing to pursue legislative reform
despite repeated calls to improve workers' retirement benefits.

The May 1 Action Alliance, a coalition of labor unions and advocacy groups,
held protests outside the Executive Yuan and Legislative Yuan in Taipei
earlier today.

It said the mandatory employer contribution rate has remained unchanged at
6-percent for 21 years, and that it should be raised to at least 12-percent
due to soaring living costs.

The Alliance's representatives also remind President Lai Ching-te of his
campaign promise to encourage higher employer contributions through tax
incentives.

Around 8 million workers had contributions made to their accounts under the
new system as of July 2026.

(CNA JL)

Posted on 2026-10-13 19:25:13

Premier Cho Jung-tai says Taiwan is closely monitoring reported pneumonic
plague concerns in Russia and neighboring regions.

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang 石崇良 confirmed that Taiwan contacted the
World Health Organization, adding that no plague pathogens have been verified
in Russian laboratory tests to date.

Health officials warned that pneumonic plague spreads through airborne
droplets and carries a mortality rate of up to 60 percent.

In response to regional outbreak rumors, the premier ordered comprehensive
health screening across Mini Three Links travel routes with mainland China.

And the Mainland Affairs Council confirmed it is coordinating with health
agencies to update Taiwanese business owners and travelers across the region.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-13 19:25:13

In world news...

France faces nationwide student protests that are destabilizing the
government and influencing the presidential election campaign.

The protests began in a Paris suburb over a lack of staff and have spread
nationwide. Students are expressing grievances over under-resourced schools
and complex university entrance systems.

The government has faced criticism for its police response, with thousands of
arrests and injuries reported.

Presidential candidates are seizing the moment, with some supporting students
and others calling for stronger police powers.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg joined high school students in Paris today as
marches and strikes continued.

Posted on 2026-10-13 17:09:13

The Water Resources Agency says, Taiwan will aim to complete a network of
water supply pipelines within the next few years.

Such a network would allow water to be moved between regions during
shortages.

The WRA says, 11 of the 16 pipelines under the Ministry of Economic Affairs'
so-called "String of Pearls" initiative have been completed.

Completing the remaining 5 would improve water transfers between northern,
central, and southern Taiwan...

thus giving major industrial parks and cities access to two water sources.

The WRA adds that, to reduce reliance on reservoirs, Taiwan has been
developing alternative water sources, including artificial lakes, subsurface
river water, reclaimed water and desalinated seawater.

Authorities also note that Taiwan faces increasingly volatile weather due to
climate change, noting that Pingtung and Kaohsiung received the equivalent of
70% of Taiwan's annual rainfall in just three days back in August.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-10-13 17:09:13

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan An is attempting to fight off accusations that he has
"no new ideas..."

pointing to plans for urban renewal in Nan Jichang (南機場) as evidence.

The mayor's comments come after Tainan DPP lawmaker Lin Jun Xian 林俊憲 remarked
that Chiang lacked new ideas of and only discussed his free milk policy and
the Taipei Dome.

Chiang attended a ceremonial signing this morning for an urban renewal plan
in Nan Jichang, and said that Lin should "be sure" of what he was saying, as
the project marks a milestone for urban renewal in the city.

The mayor also cited MRT construction on the yellow line and the reduction of
working hours for parents as original ideas of his.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-13 17:09:13

Now turning to international news...

South Korean officials say, a man in the city of Incheon stabbed at least 8
people in an attack at a shopping mall.

Police say, the suspect moved thruogh the mall, attacking people, before
bystanders subdued him.

A motive for the attacks is not immediately clear.

The injured have been taken to nearby hospitals, with one victim undergoing
surgery after arriving under cardiac arrest.

Local reports say the suspect appeared to have knives strapped to both hands.

Posted on 2026-10-13 17:09:13

destabilization

Palau is raising concerns about drugs brought into the country by Chinese
nationals.

President Surangel Whipps says, the country is awash in illicit drugs,
causing overcrowding in the country's only jail.

Nikkei Asia reports that the jail has a capacity of 65 prisoners but held 113
as of the end of last month.

The Chinese nationals imprisoned there account for over 11% of those
incarcerated in the country.

Six Chinese people were sentenced between July and October of last year for
trafficking, possessing, attempting to import illicit drugs.

Palau maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan instead of China, and Whipps
has been critical of Beijing in the past.

Although the president is not claiming state involvement in the drug issue,
he told reporters that what the Chinese nationals bring into the country is
"directed at the Palau market" so that they can "weaken our government and"
social structures.

Posted on 2026-10-13 14:15:13

The Taiwan High Court has rejected an appeal from a man convicted of killing
his ex-girlfriend.

The Shilin District Court previously sentenced the man, surnamed Su 宿, to
life imprisonment for allegedly stabbing the woman 19 times, killing her.

According to the indictment, the two had been in a realtionship many years
ago, but later got back together in 2022.

The woman, surnamed Tsai, later broke up with Su again.

Su then proceeded to harass Tsai via LINE.

Prosecutors say that Su, in 2024, went to Tsai's workplace in Neihu, where
the two talked before Su took a switchblade from his pocket and stabbed her
several times.

Su continued attacking until passerby intervened.

Tsai was sent to the hospital but efforts to resuscitate her failed and she
died.

The sentence can still be appealed.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-13 14:15:17

New Taipei City is ordering an immediate halt to a construction project in
Zhonghe District Tuesday after a road collapse trapped an engineering truck.

The truck fell into a three-meter-deep sinkhole adjacent to a private
construction site around 10 a.m, rupturing an underground water pipe.

Emergency crews removed the trapped vehicle by noon and initiated concrete
backfilling to stabilize the roadbed.

Engineers determined that construction damaged a drainage structure, leading
to prolonged water erosion and soil loss.

City officials are requiring the developer to conduct ground-penetrating
radar inspections on surrounding roads before applying for work resumption.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-13 14:15:17

The Freeway Bureau says highway congestion during the National Day holiday
dropped 20 percent compared to last year.

Officials say daily traffic volume averaged nearly 104 million
vehicle-kilometers, with peak southbound travel recorded on the holiday's
opening day.

Traffic accidents averaged 100 incidents per day during the holiday,
representing a 9 percent increase over last year's figures.

But authorities noted that emergency response teams cleared traffic accidents
in an average of 16 minutes to minimize traffic delays.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-13 14:15:17

Asian shares are mostly down today, after South Korea's Kospi fell more than
7% on a selloff of chip shares.

Japan's Nikkei 225 is also trading lower.

Taiwan shares are down today as well, with the benchmark tai ex losing 960
points to close the session at 48341.

The turnover was 1.125 trillion NT

Posted on 2026-10-13 14:15:17

Now turning to international news...

Pakistani officials say, four people have been killed after a train derailed.

Another 30 people were injured.

The train had been traveling from the port city of Karachi to the
northwestern city of Peshaway when in derailed in Punjab province.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief
in separate statements and urged authorities to provide the best possible
medical care to the injured.

Posted on 2026-10-13 14:15:17

A Ukrainian man is on trial over explosions that damaged a gas pipeline
between Russia and Germany four years ago.

That attack led to internaitonal political tensions, and prosecutors say that
the man aimed to disrupt gas deliveries and cut Russian revenues used to wage
war on Ukraine.

The trial is one of the most politically charged court cases of wartime
sabotage in Germany.

The man is a former army officer for the Ukrainian military.

He is accused of causing an explosion, damaging property, disrupting public
service, and being an "accomplice to war crimes" by attacking civilian
infrastructure.

Some suggest that Ukrainian state security agencies may have been involved in
the attack, even though Ukraine counts Germany as one of its closest allies.

Posted on 2026-10-13 13:07:13

The Haikun Submarine prototype has undergone its 24th sea test.

That's as experts are advising the public to be patient, as safety can't be
rushed.

Military expert Ji Dong Yun notes that the Haikun is the first submarine that
has been planned and built in-country.

Therefore, he says, comparing the Haikun's progress to that of other
submarine models in Korea or Australia, for example, is like comparing apples
and oranges.

Ji also notes that Taiwan faces unique challenges in procuring materials
needed for the Haikun, intensifying the entire process.

He adds that the Haikun will continue to readjusted ahead of its handoff to
the military.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-13 13:07:14

The Ministry of the Environment is warning of poor air quality in central and
southern Taiwan as well as in Kinmen starting today.

They say, that's due to northeasterly winds bringing pollutants from abroad.

Officials say that, as of this morning, 11 monitoring stations across the
country were sitting at "orange alert" levels, most of which were located in
central Taiwan...

particulary in Taichung, Yunlin, and Changhua.

An "orange alert" indicates unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups.

Meanwhile the north and much of the south can expect "yellow alert" air
quality levels at this time...

indicating moderate air quality.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-13 13:07:14

Now turning to international news...

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit Panama this morning, but there are no
immediate reports of casualties or damage.

The quake struck at a depth of 10 kilometers about 18 kilometers west of Rio
Grande in the country's south.

This earthquake follows two powerful ones last week that toppled buidlings
and prompted evacuations across the country.

Posted on 2026-10-13 13:07:14

Indian young people are continuing to protest against a voter list purge that
they say favors Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP.

That review removed more than 130 million people from the voter registration
list since last year.

Critics believe that the move is politically motivated and is likely to
remove millions more people.

They're seeking the resignation of election chief Gyanesh Kumar.

The Election Commission, meanwhile, says the exercise is necessary to remove
duplicate and ineligible entries.

Public institutions in the world's largest democracy have come under growing
pressure from the Modi government, as critics accuse him of weakening checks
on executive power and cubing dissent, as well as targeting minorities,
particularly Muslims.

Earlier this summer, protesters forced the resignation of Modi’s education
minister.

Police crackdowns on protesters have also intensified anger among younger
voters.

Posted on 2026-10-13 08:13:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

Defense Minister Wellington Koo says the military is closely monitoring
China's military exercises, but they are taking place off the coast of China
rather than near Taiwan.

However, Koo is stressing that the Ministry of National Defense is preparing
for various scenarios.

The statement comes after China's Maritime Safety Administration issued
no-sail notices late last week for five marine areas ahead of military
exercises scheduled for this week.

The five no-sail areas listed are in the Yellow Sea, the East China the Sea,
South China Sea and Bohai Sea, where China's military is carrying out
live-fire drills.

According to Koo, the military has assessed that the exercises will be held
near China's coastline and will involve only artillery units.

Beijing has not explicitly said whether or not the exercises are in response
to President Lai Ching-te's National Day address on Saturday, but has said
the drills are a deterrent to any move by Taiwan towards "independence."

Posted on 2026-10-13 08:13:13

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang is defending the government's drug
harm-reduction program against mounting political criticism, stressing that
it does not involve supplying illicit drugs in communities.

Shih is also calling for the privacy of people seeking addiction treatment to
be protected.

The calls come came as drug policy has become a flashpoint in the Taipei
mayoral race.

Methadone maintenance treatment and clean-needle distribution are at the
center of dispute between incumbent K-M-T Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and the
D-P-P's mayoral candidate Puma Shen.

Speaking at a hearing of the Legislative Social Welfare and Environmental
Hygiene Committee, Shih said recent political rhetoric has distorted public
understanding of the drug harm-reduction program.

Shih stressed that the Ministry of Health does not support legalizing
cannabis and has no plans to adopt a model involving the direct provision of
illicit drugs in communities.

He also insisted that the health ministry's drug harm-reduction policy is
evidence-based and focuses on needle-exchange programs and methadone
treatment.

Posted on 2026-10-13 08:13:13

Tai-Power Chairman Tseng Wen-sheng says he believes the island's electricity
industry should be brought into technology-sector decision-making as soon as
possible.

According to Tseng, energy will become increasingly important to the tech
industry because computing power depends on electricity, while electricity
will also become a critical part of the supply chains of the semiconductor
and technology industries.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the 2026 Net-Zero Taiwan and Energy Taiwan
exhibitions, Tseng said Tai-Power needs to play a greater role in industrial
decision-making rather than simply providing electricity, as industrial power
supply and demand patterns evolve.

Tseng also said parts of Tai-Power's operations should take a more
industry-oriented approach, enabling the company to better understand the
technology sector's operating models, business challenges, financial
arrangements and supply chain partnerships.

He also stressed that as businesses' demand for renewable energy grows,
electricity suppliers and consumers should jointly discuss energy
procurement, the acquisition of renewable energy certificates and energy
storage.

Posted on 2026-10-13 08:13:13

In local election news

Kaohsiung's two major-party mayoral candidates have been outlining their
plans for developing the city's artificial intelligence industry.

The proposals range from an A-I industry cluster and closer industry-academia
ties to wider access to A-I education.

D-P-P candidate Lai Jui-lung says Kaohsiung was well positioned to become an
A-I industry hub due to its available land, power supply, talent pool and
established industrial ecosystem, and the Asia New Bay Area had the potential
to become such a hub.

Lai says former site of the now relocated 205th Arsenal military production
site, spans about 58 hectares and could provide additional space for
industrial development.

And K-M-T Kaohsiung mayoral candidate Ko Chih-en is proposing developing A-I
parks and the drone industry, including flight control and geospatial
information applications.

Ko's campaign office says she is also proposing expanding A-I education
through school programs, teacher training and digital learning opportunities
for workers, small and medium-sized businesses, and older adults, to make the
technology more accessible in everyday life.

Posted on 2026-10-13 08:13:13

Meanwhile,

Twelve candidates in the upcoming local government elections have signed
pledges to promote sustainable and resilient policies if elected.

The names of the 12 candidates who have signed the pledges were announced at
a press conference held by civic groups.

Those civic groups include the Green Citizens' Action Alliance and the Taiwan
Climate Action Network.

The groups invited candidates running for mayor in Taiwan's six special
municipalities to sign a pledge on 18 policies in the areas of renewable
energy, disaster preparedness and resilience, heat adaptation, flood
management, and sustainable transportation.

The 12 candidates who have signed the full pledge include K-M-T Taipei Mayor
Chiang Wan-an and D-P-P Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen.

Tainan mayoral candidate Hsieh Lung-chieh has signed it in part, while New
Taipei candidate Lee Shu-chuan and Taichung candidate Johnny Chiang have
declined to sign.

Posted on 2026-10-13 08:13:14

And finally in last night's Chinese Professional Baseball League play-offs
....

.. the C-T-B-C Brothers booked their spot in the Taiwan Series after beating
the Uni-President Lions 8-2 in the deciding Game 4 at the Intercontinental
Stadium in Taichung.

A second-half season champions, the Brothers entered the play-offs with a one
game advantage.

It's the third consecutive year the Brothers have made the finals and they
will now meet the first half season champion Wei Chuan Dragons.

The best-of-seven Taiwan Series will begin on October 17 at the Taipei Dome,
where the Dragons will host Games 1 and 2 and, if necessary, Games 5 through
7.

Games 3 and 4 are scheduled for October 20 and 21, and will also be played at
Taipei Dome.

The Brothers last won the Taiwan Series in 2024, while the Dragons most
recent C-P-B-L title was in 2023.

Posted on 2026-10-13 06:54:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is slamming China's decision to sanction two
ministers from Taiwan's diplomatic allies.

This, after China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Belize's Foreign
Minister Francis Fonseca and Paraguay's Minister of Information Gustavo
Villate as "anti-China politicians" and barred them from entering China.

Beijing called the two officials "pawns" who have smeared Beijing... but did
not say why the two ministers were singled out.

Taipei's foreign ministry describes Beijing's sanctions as "preposterous" and
a "blatant interference in other countries' sovereignty and diplomacy."

It adds action is evidence of China's "futile attempt to deploy political
intimidation and transnational repression to coerce other countries into
submission to its political agenda."

The move is seen as symbolic, since ministers from Taiwan's diplomatic
allies generally don't travel to China

Posted on 2026-10-13 06:54:13

The Ministry of National Defense is proposing scrapping the maximum length of
service for the Air Force.

The Air Force is now experiencing a shortage of experienced pilots, since
many leave the military to fly for civilian airlines.

The ministry has cited defense needs in proposing to remove the cap, which it
says will apply to selected experienced pilots.

If the Cabinet approves the proposal and it takes effect, the defense
ministry aims to retain 74 pilots ranked lieutenant colonel or colonel in
service longer.

Under the law, pilots holding the rank of lieutenant colonel can currently
serve a maximum of 26 years and those ranked colonel a maximum of 30 years.

That means pilots at these ranks must leave military service at around 48 and
52 years of age, respectively.

Defense officials say as a result of that, many pilots leave the Air Force
before reaching their service limits so they can join civilian airlines
sooner.

Airline pilots can work until 65 and earn significantly higher salaries.

The defense ministry sent proposal to the Cabinet last month and it is still
awaiting approval.

Posted on 2026-10-13 06:54:13

The Taoyuan District Prosecutors' Office has detained two executives of drone
supplier Jiin Ming Industry over allegations the company used banned
China-made chips and camera lenses in drones supplied under recent military
contracts.

Officials raided Jiin Ming offices as well as those of its subsidiaries and
its suppliers last week.

The raids followed a report that the company had breached its procurement
contracts by putting the prohibited components into drones delivered to the
military

Prosecutors say Jiin Ming Vice Chairman and President Chien Hao-ting,
business manager Chen Yang-cheng and seven other people connected to the case
have been questioned.

Chien and Chen are believed to have violated the National Security Act by
knowingly supplying Chinese-made products under military procurement
contracts.

The two are also suspected of submitting falsified business records and of
aggravated fraud committed by three or more people under the Criminal Code.

The other suspects have all been released without bail.

Posted on 2026-10-13 06:54:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has resumed accepting visa applications from
Moroccan nationals.

The move ends a months-long suspension imposed after Morocco abruptly halted
visa applications from Taiwan nationals earlier in the summer.

The ministry says it made the decision after receiving official confirmation
that Morocco had resumed accepting visa applications from Taiwan nationals on
September 21.

MOFA has said it welcomes the Moroccan government's decision, ending a
dispute that began in July when the Moroccan Embassy in Japan suspended its
review of Visa Confirmation Letter applications from Taiwanese without saying
why.

In response, the foreign minister announced it would suspend processing visa
applications from Moroccan nationals effective July 31, except for applicants
involved in special projects approved by the Taiwan government.

Travel agencies here in Taiwan most frequently submit visa applications for
travelers heading to the North African country to the Moroccan Embassy in
Japan.

Posted on 2026-10-13 06:54:13

The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office says a man who admitted to reposting
a defamatory fake image of D-P-P Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen has been
granted deferred prosecution for two years.

Prosecutors say the ruling was made on the condition he regularly attends
legal education sessions.

The statement comes after the man reposted a fake photo on his Facebook page,
purporting to show Shen with a nude woman near a table littered with drug
paraphernalia on June 7.

Prosecutors says the fake image of Shen was first posted earlier in June on
an X account by a user named "Hsueh Ting-ting Returns," whose IP address had
been traced to China.

Shen filed a complaint with Ministry of Justice, saying that the fake photo
was defamatory because it falsely implied that he frequented disreputable
places, used drugs, and engaged in sexual activity with unidentified women.

Posted on 2026-10-13 06:54:13

Police in Taoyuan have arrested a 33-year-old man suspected of stabbing his
aunt to death in New Taipei's Xinzhuang District.

Police in New Taipei say they received a call Sunday evening about the
stabbing and found a 59-year-old woman dead in her kitchen after arriving a
the scene.

Authorities say the woman had suffered multiple stab wounds.

The victim's husband, found her when he returned home from work, told police
that their nephew had recently moved in with them and had quarreled with his
wife earlier that same day.

A preliminary investigation found the man to be unemployed and frequently
asked for money to buy alcohol and tobacco.

Posted on 2026-10-13 06:54:13

Lala Mountain in Taoyuan has been designated an Urban Night Sky Place by
DarkSky International.

This makes Lala Mountain has become the first site in Taiwan and only the
third in Asia to receive the recognition.

The Taoyuan City Government's Department of Tourism said it was notified of
the designation by the US-based nonprofit, which will formally announce it
tomorrow.

The nonprofit works to protect the nighttime environment.

An Urban Night Sky Place is a municipal park, open space, stargazing site or
similar property in or near a heavily urbanized area that promotes an
authentic nighttime experience despite significant artificial light.

The designation recognizes sites that educate the public about responsible
outdoor lighting that maintains public safety while reducing harm to the
nighttime environment.

DarkSky International currently lists 19 Urban Night Sky Places worldwide.

The other two in Asia are Minami-Rokuroshi in Japan's Fukui Prefecture and
Zhangwu Town in China's Zhejiang Province.

Posted on 2026-10-13 06:54:13

India’s opposition parties have marched to the Supreme Court to protest a
voter list purge they claim favors Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party.

Police detained thousands of activists over the weekend in a sweeping
crackdown.

Opposition lawmakers and their supporters submitted a petition alleging
irregularities in the nationwide revision of voter lists.

The protesters are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner
Gyanesh Kumar.

Protests led by the “Cockroach” youth movement have intensified since
election authorities began the revision last year, removing more than 130
million voters.

Critics say the process is politically motivated. Modi’s party and the
Election Commission deny allegations of manipulation.

Posted on 2026-10-13 06:54:13

And finally,

The Trump administration has been ordered to temporarily halt work on a
historic D-C golf course near the Jefferson Memorial.

The A-P's Lisa Dwyer reports.

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