ICRT

Posted on 2025-12-18 07:05:13

The Ministry of National Defense says China's new aircraft carrier has been
spotted for the first time since it was commissioned... as it was making a
transit through the Taiwan Strait.

The defense ministry said it closely monitored the Fujian's passage through
the waterway... and released a surveillance photograph of the vessel, which
show no aircraft on its flight deck.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo said the aircraft carrier did not have any
aircraft on it because it was headed back to its manufacturer on Shanghai's
Changxing Island to improve some of its flaws.

China's state-run media has said the Fujian entered service in Hainan
province on November 5.

It's China's third aircraft carrier and its first to have been designed
domestically.

Reports say it the first Chinese aircraft carrier capable of more advanced
catapult-assisted take-offs.

Posted on 2025-12-18 07:05:13

National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen says Russia could
support China with military logistics and engage in provocations elsewhere in
the Indo-Pacific region if China were to use force against Taiwan.

Tsai told lawmakers at the Legislative Foreign Affairs and National Defense
Committee... that attention should be paid to whether Russia conducts
military patrols around the Taiwan Strait, the Western Pacific and Japan's
Miyako Island ....

... as such actions would make a response by the United States and its allies
more complicated and "increase regional complexity."

The bureau director-general said, his agency has been monitoring potential
China-Russia military cooperation through international intelligence
exchanges.

Tsai told lawmakers that has also attended "nearly 100 formal bilateral
meetings" with 45 other countries on Indo-Pacific security issues this year.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo also attended the hearing on on potential
conflict flashpoints near Taiwan.

And he told lawmakers that beyond military exercises, a recent joint
China-Russia aerial patrol sent a "clear message" that China and Russia have
a cooperative relationship in the region.

Posted on 2025-12-18 07:05:13

The U-S Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the
Environment Jacob Helberg praised Taiwan for making essential contributions..
that's after it was invited to participate in the first summit of the US-led
AI supply chain strategy initiative.

The inaugural Pax Silica summit took place in Washington D.C. last Friday.

Helberg said Taiwan was at the table and was absolutely present in all of the
sessions in which one would expect Taiwan to play an important role ..

.. and Taiwan participated in discussions on manufacturing and semiconductors.

The statement comes after the U-S State Department didn't list Taiwan as
being includes on a list of participants and guest contributors slated to
meet for the summit.

A fact sheet on Pax Silica's webpage did name Taiwan as having made "guest
contributions" alongside the European Union, Canada and the Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development.

Representatives from the U-S, the U-K, Australia, Japan, South Korea,
Singapore and Israel signed The Pax Silica Declaration at the event - vowing
to cooperate in building a "trusted" supply chain ecosystem for A-I and
critical minerals.

Posted on 2025-12-18 07:05:13

President Lai Ching-te says his administration will apply for World Health
Organization certification for its success in preventing and treating
hepatitis C by the end of this year.

Lai says Taiwan has met the criteria for gold tier certification under the
W-H-O's three-tier "Path to Elimination" framework designed to reduce new
hepatitis infections by 90-per cent and hepatitis-related deaths by 65-per
cent globally from 2015 levels.

Lai said the government is scheduled to file an application with the W-H-O
Regional Office for the Western Pacific to certify the elimination of
hepatitis C soon.

He says he move is aimed at demonstrating Taiwan's resolve to safeguard
public health to the world and he's confident that Taiwan has positioned
itself for such recognition, despite the island not being a member of the
W-H-O.

The Ministry of Health is currently finalizing a report detailing Taiwan's
efforts to prevent and treat hepatitis C.

And Deputy Health Minister Zhuang Ren-xiang says says his office has informed
experts at the W-H-O Regional Office for the Western Pacific of that report
and sent them an advance copy.

Posted on 2025-12-18 07:05:13

The Coast Guard Administration says it seized a record 13,800-kilograms of
narcotics so far this year.

The administration says that's about 1.46 times the amount seized in 2024 -
when authorities seized 9,440-kilograms of narcotics.

The administration says the seizures were carried out in conjunction with
other law enforcement agencies and include seven major maritime smuggling
cases and two container-smuggling cases ...

.... which uncovered a combined 7,000-kilograms of narcotics.

Authorities also broke-up five drug manufacturing sites, confiscating just
over 2,000-kilograms of drugs and 481 cannabis plants.

The Coast Guard Administration says is also collaborated with foreign
authorities to intercept over 4,000-kilograms of drugs destined for Taiwan
through international information-sharing channels.

The seized drugs primarily consisted of ketamine and mephedrone, which is
also known as meow meow.

Posted on 2025-12-18 07:05:13

The Pingtung District Prosecutors' Office is appealing the acquittal of nine
Indigenous men from the Labuwan Tribe in connection with the killing of four
Formosan black bears and other endangered animals.

The nine men were all charged with violating the Wildlife Conservation Act
over the killings, which took place between 2020 and 2022.

They were acquitted by Pingtung District Court late last month.

The court ruling cited Article 21-1 of the Wildlife Conservation Act
exempting Indigenous people from penalties for hunting or killing wildlife
for "non-profit personal use" and in accordance with traditional tribal
culture.

However, prosecutors says the clause should not be used to shield
perpetrators who kill wildlife for entertainment.

Authorities say one of the bears surrounded by five men and shot, a second
was caught in a snare and shot three times, while another bear was shot dead
and its carcass hung at the entrance of a residence in the village.

Authorities say the killings all took place in areas that did not constitute
intrusions by the bears into a residential area.

Posted on 2025-12-18 07:05:13

And,

Director Tsou Shih-ching's "Left-Handed Girl" has been selected as one of the
15 movies shortlisted for the best international feature film by the Academy
of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

It was chosen from films from 86 countries or regions.

The shortlisted films now advance to the next round of voting and the final
nominees for the will be announced on January 22.

The Oscars shortlist announcement came after the National Board of Review
selected the film as one of its top five international films in early
December.

The coming-of-age drama was co-written by Oscar-winning filmmaker Sean Baker,
and centers on a left-handed girl navigating clashes with traditional
patriarchal expectations.

It has aleady received accolades from more than 15 international film
festivals.

Posted on 2025-12-18 07:05:13

Venezuela

U.S. President Donald Trump's announced blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil
could lead to shortages of food, fuel, and other basic goods.

But Venezuelans seasoned by ongoing crises are treating it as another
inconvenience.

Trump aimed to increase pressure on President Nicolas Maduro with his
announcement.

Toni Waterman has more from Washington.

Posted on 2025-12-17 19:17:13

Taipei City says eight percent of soy products tested in a recent random
inspection failed to meet food safety standards ... and have been ordered off
shelves.

The products were sampled from traditional markets, supermarkets, and food
outlets ... with seven out of eighty-five non-compliant.

Officials say the main violations involved the illegal use or excessive
amounts of preservatives.

For instance, some tofu products were found to contain benzoic acid, which is
banned in tofu.

While other dried soy products showed residual traces of hydrogen peroxide,
which must not be detectable in any food.

Manufacturers of non-compliant products now face fines of up to three million
NT.

Health officials are urging retailers to keep proper sourcing records to
ensure food safety.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-17 19:17:14

A new exhibition at the Alishan Railway Station is highlighting the threat
that free-roaming dogs and cats pose to Taiwan’s native wildlife.

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency opened the touring exhibit today
in the first-floor lobby of Alishan Station.

The display uses videos and interactive wall displays to show how roaming
pets impact the survival of wild animals.

The exhibit is free to the public and will run through March 1st.

According to the agency, more than 160-thousand dogs are currently roaming
wild across Taiwan, threatening local wildlife and preventing them from
breeding.

Officials hope that visitors to the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
can stop by the exhibit and learn about supporting Taiwan's ecological
conservation.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-17 18:58:13

The Ministry of Labor has announced plans to remove the 65-year-old age limit
for employment insurance ... to encourage older workers to stay in the
workforce.

Under the proposal, workers over 65 who are still employed and have not yet
claimed retirement pensions will be eligible for coverage.

Officials say more seniors are choosing to delay retirement, so they need
protection against risks like involuntary unemployment.

However, those already receiving old-age benefits will remain ineligible, due
to complications involving pension payments.

Also as part of the same reform package, the ministry will shorten the
waiting period for unemployment benefits from 14 days to seven.

In addition, the plan adds an extra month of parental leave allowance to
better support new parents taking unpaid leave.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-17 18:58:13

Drivers headed to Taoyuan International Airport this week should prepare for
traffic controls at both Terminal One and Terminal Two ... due to ongoing
construction.

Airport officials say most road closures will happen during off-peak hours
... to minimize the headache for travelers.

Starting tonight at Terminal Two, work on the elevated roadways will take
place between midnight and 4 AM.

These overnight closures will continue in stages into mid-January and beyond.

During those hours, traffic controllers will guide all vehicles—including
buses—to alternate routes and parking areas.

Daytime travelers can also expect lane reductions near Terminal One for road
improvement projects.

Drivers are being urged to slow down, follow signage, and cooperate with
traffic control personnel when traveling through the airport area.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-17 18:58:14

LINE Pay Money is seeing a rapid surge in users just two weeks after its
official launch.

The company says more than 1.7 million people have already signed up, after
hitting one million users within just 70 hours of going live on December 3rd.

General Manager Chang Hsiu-chi (張修齊) says the main challenge now is system
stability, as users must complete real-name verification to activate the
service.

The company expects Line Pay Money to reach two million users by the end of
the year.

Chang says the company is also prioritising profitability.

LINE Pay reported operating profit of nearly 500 million NT for the first
three quarters of the year, down about 15 percent year-on-year.

Executives say this is mainly due to increased investment in new services and
infrastructure.

However, they stressed LINE Pay's established user base and merchants in
Taiwan give it strong long-term growth potential.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-17 17:18:13

Hsinchu mayor Gao Hong An will return to work tomorrow, as the Ministry of
the Interior has approved her reinstatement request.

That's after the Taiwan High Court acquitted her of corruption charges, after
she was suspended last year for violating the anti-corruption act.

However, she was still found guilty of forgery charges, which carry a 6
months prison sentence that can be commuted to fines.

Both Gao herself and prosecutors are still able to appeal the high court's
ruling.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-17 17:18:16

Two legislative committees convened a public hearing today to discuss changes
to the way that legislative assistants are paid, but no consensus was
reached.

That's after a proposal by KMT lawmaker Chen Yu Zhen drew ire from
legislative assistants and the DPP, who slammed the proposal as effectively
giving lawmakers an 8 million NT pay raise...

and not requiring receipts for reimbursement.

Ultiamtely a meeting last week between Chen and the legislative assistants'
union saw both parties agree that further legislation is needed.

Legal experts attended the hearing today to emphasize that assistants'
salaries should be clearly separated from those of lawmakers...

and said it is already the norm to require supporting documents before being
reimbursed.

However, they agreed that improvement is needed.

Meanwhile, DPP lawmaker Lin Dai Hua, who's under investigation for allegedly
taking hundreds of thousands in assistant fees, said that she supports
improving the way that assistant fees are dealt with.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-17 17:18:16

same

Wu Yi Nong, as the hopeful DPP nominee to run for Taipei mayor, is pledging
that he will not accept any corporate donations in his campaign...

and says that he also would use a completely electronic donations platform
that would document each donation, so as to ensure that the flow of political
donations can be clearly monitored.

He also called on incumbent Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan An to do the same.

Chiang responded today to say that he "wasn't thinking about the election
right now."

Wu says, he would run a grassroots campaign for mayor, only accepting public
donations.

Wu added that, as a potential candidate for leader of the capital city, his
job is not only to follow standards but to take the initiative to raise them.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-17 17:18:16

Chiayi county is warning the public to be vigilant against scammers, as they
say that someone has been using the title "2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival" to
trick people into sharing their personal information.

The scammers are apparently using the title of the event to impersonate
organizers and and ask victims to fill out a form with their personal info.

The local government is emphasizing that they only use official websites to
to communicate with the public...

at the address 2026taiwanlanternfestival.org.

They point out that they will not use personal social media accounts to post
information.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-17 16:17:13

New Taipei is aiming to double its number of mental health centers to tackle
a surge in depression.

Mayor Hou Yu-ih says the city will have 14 mental health centers running by
2030 ... with two new locations set to open next year in Banqiao and
Sanchong.

The expansion comes as national data from 2019 shows nearly two million
adults in Taiwan suffer from depression—a number the mayor warns is growing
... especially among young people.

He also pointed out that the depression rate for working-age adults had
reached nearly twenty-five percent over a ten-year period ... from 2010 to
2020.

Hou says the goal is to make support easy to find in schools and workplaces,
while breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-17 16:17:13

The Ministry of Environment is preparing to expand its waste reduction rules
to target excessive packaging on all retail products.

The ministry announced today that it will reveal a new "Single-Use Product
Reduction Milestone" by the end of this year.

The new policy will move beyond current restrictions that only cover gift
boxes and online shopping packages, to set new standards for the packaging
layers and volume for a wide variety of commercial goods.

Officials say many products use too much plastic or leave too much empty
space inside boxes, and most online shipping materials also lack clear
labels, making it difficult for consumers to sort their trash correctly.

Now, a government task force including representatives from manufacturers,
packaging suppliers, and retailers, are working on the new set of guidelines
to reduce packaging waste across the entire supply chain.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-17 16:17:13

Taiwan has officially met global targets for eliminating Hepatitis C —
reaching the milestone five years ahead of the 2030 deadline.

Health officials say more than 90 percent of patients have now been diagnosed
and treated, placing Taiwan alongside global leaders such as Australia and
Iceland.

The success follows a massive screening campaign that tested more than
seven-and-a-half million people to date, nearly a third of the population.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to submit its results to the World
Health Organization by the end of this month.

To avoid political friction with China, the application will be filed under
the name 'Chinese Taipei'.

While officials acknowledge the process could face challenges because Taiwan
is not a WHO member, they say public education efforts will continue —
aiming to further reduce liver-related deaths by 2030.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-17 15:36:13

Representatives from Taiwan participated in the first-ever Pax Silica Summit
hosted by the US, top discuss advanced manufacturing and artificial
intelligence infrastructure.

The summit in Washington D.C., held on December 12th, brought together eight
nations with the world's most advanced A-I supply chain ecosystems to sign
the "Pax Silica Declaration."

This declaration officially launches the US-led "Pax Silica Initiative",
which aims to secure the supply chains for minerals essential to artificial
intelligence.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs
Isabel Hou and senior Industrial Technology Research Institute expert Wu
Chih-I attended the event as guests.

MOFA says Taiwan plays a critical role in promoting A-I supply chain
security, and the government expects to continue discussions on supply chain
resilience with the U.S. through existing channels.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-17 15:36:17

Regulations

The Ministry of Environment is reminding businesses in national scenic areas
that they must follow plastic reduction regulations, following reports of
non-compliance.

The ministry conducted a survey covering 29 national parks and forest
recreation areas, finding that some shops in these protected areas are still
providing free plastic bags and straws to visitors.

Officials also found that some lodging facilities still provided single-use
toiletries.

The ministry says local environmental bureaus will increase inspections for
single-use products.

They are also encouraging hotels to apply for subsidies to install water
dispensers to replace plastic bottled water.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-17 14:06:13

yesterday

The Ministry of National Defense has released footage of the PLA's Fujian
aircraft carrier transiting through the Taiwan Strait yesterday.

Officials say, the MND closely monitored the situation.

Defense minister Wellington Koo says the flight deck did not have any planes
on board, likely meaning that the ship was heading to Shanghai for repairs.

That marks the first time that the Taiwanese military has seen the Fujian
transiting through the strait since the vessel was commissioned last moth.

The ministry also says that, in the 24 hours between 6 am yesterday and
today, they detected 7 Chinese warships and 9 PLA aircraft in the vicinity...

with 5 of those aircraft crossing the median line in the strait to enter
Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone in the north and southwest.

Ministry officials note that the ROC armed forces deployed ships and missile
systems as appropriate.

As of the end of last month, PLA aircraft made nearly 3500 flights in
Taiwan's ADIZ this year, topping last year's record already.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-17 14:06:13

Prosecutors in Chiayi are investigating the KMT offices in Chiayi city as
part of an investigation into potential forgery in a recall campaign.

Prosecutors say, they're questioning 11 individuals believed to have forged
signatures in a recall campaign against Chiayi City DPP lawmaker Wang Mei Hui

Officials say that the petition to recall Wang included the names of several
dead people, a discrepancy that was reported to authorities by families of
the deceased and one woman surnamed Zheng who was impersonated on the
petition.

Chiayi prosecutors say that they investigated in April following these
reports, gathering evidence in the case.

Then, they say, they conducted another search in May.

One suspect was questioned and released on bail of 100,000 NT with travel
restrictions.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-17 14:06:13

The National Immigration Agency is emphasizing that it's free to fill out
their online arrival cards required for foreign visitors to enter the
country.

That's after a Japanese tourist reported that they were scammed after
arriving at a local airport and scanning a QR code to complete the arrival
card...

with a fraudulent website requesting a 50 US dollar "processing fee."

Officials say that employees stationed at airports and seaports regularly
inspect all QR codes linked to the system.

After conducting another sweep yesterday, they found no banners or QR codes
directing users to fraudulent or fee-charging websites.

However, they caution against searching for the "Taiwan arrival card website"
rather than scanning a QR code, which could potentially lead to fraudulent
sites.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-17 14:06:13

Taiwan shares are down today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at 27525
after losing 11 points.

the turnover was 507 billion NT

Posted on 2025-12-17 13:06:13

Taichung is warning pig farmers of heavy fines for illegally using kitchen
waste as pig feed.

That's after officials received a report that a pig farmer in the city's
Longjing 龍井 district had been doing so.

After an investigation, officials said that they confirmed the report, and
noted that those who violate the ban could see fines of up to 4 million NT.

That's after the federal government banned using kitchen waste as pig feed
through January after an outbreak of African Swine Fever in Taichung.

Officials this week took blood samples from pigs at the Longjing farm after
confirming that the farmer was illegally using kitchen waste.

They also took precautions to disinfect the area and restrict movement.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-17 13:06:13

The latest phase of Tainan's opening of more than 200 new electric vehicle
stations will see 15 new docks open on Friday.

Tainan's transportation bureau says that this is the fourth stage of the plan
to open the new charging stations in an effort to promote carbon neutral
policies.

The plan began to take shape in May, with the expectation set to add a total
of 202 charging stations for EVs to 37 administrative regions across the
city.

The local government has allocated a total of two and a half hundred million
NT for the plan.

The newest phase will include 4 new fast-charging docks and 11 regular ones
across 8 administrative districts...

including stations by the Tainan Municipal swimming pool, in Anping district,
and in Beimen district.

Officials say that stations added in the earlier phases of the plan have
already been used nearly 500 times since beginning operation in May.

They also note that gas vehicles using a space designated for EVs can be
fined 1200 NT in accordance with the law.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-17 08:15:13

Four independence-leaning smaller political parties have officially launched
an alliance ahead of next year's local elections.

The "Taiwan Go Go Front" has been formed by the New Power Party, the Taiwan
Statebuilding Party, the Taiwan Obasang Political Equality Party and the
Green Party Taiwan.

The launch formalizes the party's cooperation plans, which were first
outlined in a joint declaration in September.

The alliance is pledging to pool and maximize its resources for the local
elections, vowing not to collude with pro-China forces, and stressing the
need for a "reliable third force."

Speaking to reporters following the announcement, N-P-P Chairwoman Claire
Wang said antagonism between the administrative and legislative branches, as
well as the K-M-T and D-P-P, has thrown Taiwan's constitutional governance
into a crisis ...

... and the alliance aims to unite Taiwan against Chinese invasion as well as
monitor and balance the central and local governments.

Posted on 2025-12-17 08:15:13

Former Premier Liu Chao-shiuan has been highlighting opportunities for deeper
cross-strait industrial cooperation at the 2025 Cross-Strait C-E-O Summit in
Nanjing.

Speaking at the event, Liu said industries in Taiwan and China are facing new
challenges and opportunities amid shifting global and regional conditions ..
..

... and as China prepares to roll out its next five-year plan, the
Cross-Strait C-E-O Summit will seek to adopt new thinking and pursue broader
and higher-level cooperation.

Liu said the C-S-C-S will closely track key policy priorities under the plan,
including technological self-reliance, efforts to strengthen China's domestic
market, the promotion of a comprehensive green transition and continued
cross-strait industrial cooperation.

He also highlighted Taiwan's experience in multinational supply chains and
encouraged joint efforts to build smart manufacturing ecosystems and
strengthen industrial cooperation.

Liu serves as co-president of the Cross-Strait C-E-O Summit.

Established in 2013, the annual summit is currently the highest-level
platform for entrepreneurs from China and Taiwan to engage with each other.

Posted on 2025-12-17 08:15:13

The Control Yuan has censured the Ministry of Health for what is says was its
rushed and flawed handling of widespread workplace bullying allegations.

Five senior ministry officials have been impeached.

The government watchdog says suspected bullying cases involving nine health
ministry units and 13 senior civil servants was "shocking and deeply
regrettable."

According to the Control Yuan, the ministry's hasty response raised serious
concerns over investigative fairness and the proportionality of disciplinary
measures, prompting the censure.

An investigative report and corrective motion against the health ministry was
approved in mid-November and urged the Examination Yuan, in coordination with
the Cabinet, to strengthen civil service mechanisms to prevent workplace
bullying.

The Control Yuan approved the impeachment of the five senior officials last
week and those cases have now been transferred to the Disciplinary Court for
trial.

All five senior health ministry officials have been accused of abusing their
authority by exploiting power imbalances with subordinates during work
supervision.

Posted on 2025-12-17 08:15:13

The Taiwan Network Information Center has launched a program that allows
non-profit organizations to apply for free "green domain" certification for
their org.tw websites.

The center says the move is aimed guarding against phishing scams and
boosting public trust in online donations.

According to center CEO Jofan Yu, some non-profit organizations that rely on
public donations have been voicing concerns that fraud rings are setting up
fake versions of their websites to scam donors.

Yu says that resulting in a decline in fundraising and sees the reputations
of non-profit organizations suffer.

Taiwan Network Information Center is the only non-profit organization
responsible for coordinating domain name registrations and I-P address
allocations and is supervised by the Ministry of Digital Affairs.

Posted on 2025-12-17 08:15:13

A woman in her 70s has been killed after being struck by a bus in Taipei
while riding a bicycle across a crosswalk.

The incident occured in the city's Zhongzheng District at the intersection of
Chongqing South and Zhongxiao West roads, near the Taipei Main Station.

Police say a preliminary investigation has found that the driver of the No.
223 bus initially yielded to pedestrians at the crosswalk, but then
accelerated and struck the female cyclist as she was on the crosswalk.

According to police, it's not clear why the bus driver failed to notice her.

The woman suffered serious injuries and was rushed to the National Taiwan
University Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Posted on 2025-12-17 08:15:13

And finally,

The 2026 Taiwan-Japan baseball exchange series will be taking place at the
Taipei Dome from February 25 and 28.

According to Bros Sports Marketing, it will be held under the slogan of
"Ready for Classic" and will serve as a warm-up for Taiwan's World Baseball
Classic team ahead of the W-B-C, which will be taking place in March.

The opening game will see Chinatrust Brothers playing Japan's SoftBank Hawks.

Taiwan's W-B-C team will then play one game each against the Hawks and the
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.

While the final game in the series will be between the Wei Chuan Dragons and
the Nippon-Ham Fighters.

Ticket prices will range from 680 to 2,880 N-T depending on the game.

General ticket sales start at noon on December 24.

Posted on 2025-12-17 07:06:13

The High Court has overturned Ann Kao's corruption conviction after finding
her not guilty of embezzling assistant fees.

However, it found her guilty of causing public officials to make false
entries in official records in a case involving assistant fees during her
tenure as a lawmaker.

The court has sentenced her to six months in prison commutable to a fine for
falsifying official documents.

That ruling can be appealed.

It comes nearly a year-and-a-half after Kao was sentenced to seven years and
four months in prison by the Taipei District Court for violating the
Anti-Corruption Act and Criminal Code.

That lower court ruling led to Kao's suspension as Hsinchu City mayor.

The Hsinchu City government says it submitted an application to the Ministry
of the Interior for Kao's reinstatement in accordance with relevant
regulations immediately after the High Court issued its ruling

Acting Mayor Chiu Chen-yuan says city departments have begun preparing for
the handover and is urging the interior ministry to approve Kao's
reinstatement as soon as possible.

Taiwan People's Party Chairman says Kao's acquittal on corruption charges has
finally cleared her name and is "justice delayed."

Posted on 2025-12-17 07:06:15

Lawmakers have passed amendments to four separate acts governing ships,
ports, meteorological facilities and telecommunications.

Passage of the amendments is part of the Cabinet's moves to update Taiwan's
so-called "seven undersea-cable laws."

The changes to the Law of Ships, Meteorological Act, Telecommunications
Management Act and Commercial Port Law are aimed at strengthening protections
for submarine cables ...

.... which the government has said could pose a threat to national security
if cut or otherwise damaged.

The amendments include requiring Taiwan-registered vessels and certain
foreign vessels operating within Taiwan's territorial waters to keep their
automatic identification system turned on and transmit accurate vessel
identification information.

Penalties have been introduced for negligently damaging or illegally
endangering the normal functioning of meteorological facilities and
equipment.

Authorities can confiscation of tools, vessels and machinery used to steal,
damage or otherwise illegally endanger equipment relating to undersea cables.

And foreign merchant vessels detained for serious violations may be
confiscated if discrepancies in vessel registration, vessel certificates or
other identification information are not corrected within three months.

Posted on 2025-12-17 07:06:16

The owner of a Taichung-based tea company that recently won a French tea
competition award says two individuals, believed to be Chinese diplomats, had
tried to disrupt the awards ceremony.

Lishan Juxin Tea Industry C-E-O Leo Hsieh said two members of the Chinese
embassy in France who attended the "Teas of the World" contest earlier this
month shouted out slogans when the R-O-C flag was shown on the screen.

Hsieh has posted a video clip of the event on his social media pages.

The two individuals can been seen shouting "Taiwan is part of China" and
"Taiwan is just a province" in English when Hsieh's tea brand won a special
mention.

However, the outburst didn't interrupt the awards ceremony - some attendees
booed the two people, asking them to be quiet or leave the venue.

Hsieh says many participants at the ceremony offered him words of
encouragement following the incident.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it isn't known if the two people were
Chinese diplomats.

Posted on 2025-12-17 07:06:16

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is warning of a rising number of Taiwanese
nationals are being lured into shady part-time jobs in Japan and is urging
the public not to be fooled by the illicit schemes.

The Taiwan-Japan Relations Association says Taiwan's representative office in
Tokyo has been seeing growing number of nationals engaging in the shady jobs
that support criminal activity, known as "yami baito."

"Yami baito" is a Japanese term referring to the recruitment of individuals
without prior criminal records for illicit activities.

Association deputy head Lin Yu-hui says 50 Taiwanese have been arrested in
Japan so far this year for doing the illicit jobs and that's a 10-fold
increase from both 2023 and 2024.

Lin says many of those who have been arrested were lured to Japan by social
media posts promising free travel and easy money, but ended-up working for
telecom fraud rings as money mules.

Posted on 2025-12-17 07:06:16

The Ministry of Transport has announced that new regulations governing tinted
vehicle windows will take effect in the first quarter of next year.

Owners of new vehicles must now ensure that the tint on the front windshield
has visible light transmission of no less than 70-per cent, while front, side
windows must allow at least 40-per cent light transmission.

The new regulations are being introduced as part of proposed amendments to
the Road Traffic Safety Rules to address concerns over safety risks posed by
tinted windows.

The proposed amendments will apply to all newly registered and licensed
vehicles.

The Department of Public Transportation says the amendments mainly target
newly registered vehicles and will not apply retroactively to older, already
registered vehicles.

Vehicles that fail to meet the new requirements will not be eligible for
registration.

Posted on 2025-12-17 07:06:16

The Food and Drug Administration has seized two batches of imported
American-made salsa after test found them to contain residue of the banned
pesticide Ethylene Oxide.

Ethylene Oxide is commonly used in pesticides to control fungal and bacterial
growth in dry food products and is prohibited under the Standards for
Pesticide Residue Limits in Foods.

A total of 460-kilograms of American-made salsa was seized and both batches
were imported by Taiwan Kaldi.

This is the first non-compliant case from the importer Kaldi in the past six
months.

But the F-D-A says Kaldi's spice and condiment imports have been subject to
100-per cent sampling since August 6, because the firm is listed as an
"affiliated company" of a business previously found to have products
containing Sudan dye.

That sampling rate is slated to remain in place until March of next year.

Posted on 2025-12-17 07:06:16

And,

Both the Taiwan Railway Corporation and High Speed Rail say tickets for
travel during the Febraury 14 to 22 Lunar New Year holiday will be available
in mid-January.

The Taiwan Railway says tickets for trains running on east coast lines from
February 10 to 23 will go on sale January 13.

While tickets for trains on the west coast lines from Febraury 11 to 23 will
go on sale January 14.

The High Speed Rail Corporation says tickets for trains from Febraury 13 to
23 will go on sale January 1.

Demand for tickets is expected to be high - and both rail carriers expect
people to log onto their respective websites or apps at midnight on the day
ticket sales begin to book their seats.

Posted on 2025-12-16 18:20:14

Hsinchu City says it has asked the Ministry of the Interior to reinstate
suspended Mayor Kao Hung-an (高虹安).

The move follows a High Court ruling that overturned her first-instance
corruption conviction.

The High Court instead sentenced Kao to 6 months for falsifying official
documents, a term that can be converted into a fine.

The city says it filed the reinstatement request immediately under the Local
Government Act rules.

Acting Mayor Chiu Chen-yuan (邱臣遠) says departments are preparing for a
handover and wants quick approval.

Prosecutors say they are reviewing the ruling and considering a further
appeal.

The Interior Ministry says Kao can return to office if her reinstatement
application is approved.

(CNA)

Posted on 2025-12-16 18:20:19

The Legislative Yuan has passed amendments aimed at strengthening protections
for undersea cables.

The changes update four laws covering ships, ports, weather facilities, and
telecommunications.

Lawmakers say cable damage could threaten national security and must be
deterred.

Under the ship law changes, certain vessels must keep AIS tracking on and
transmit accurate ID details.

Foreign vessels in designated waters must also show correct names and IMO
numbers on their hulls.

Penalties include fines up to $10 million NT, and expanded confiscation
powers for equipment used to damage cable sites.

Port rules also allow authorities to order obstructing vessels to leave, and
in some cases confiscate vessels that do not comply.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2025-12-16 18:20:20

The Centers for Disease Control says influenza-like illness visits held
steady at 85-thousand-374 from December 7th to 13th.

Officials say flu activity is still expected to rise again after mid-December
and peak around Lunar New Year.

The CDC reports 10 new severe flu cases and 2 deaths from December 9th to
15th.

One severe case is a 9-year-old boy in northern Taiwan who got vaccinated in
late October but developed flu pneumonia.

Doctors say he was treated in intensive care, improved after 2 days, and left
hospital in mid-December.

The CDC says global flu is rising, mainly H3N2, and some countries have
detected "K clade" viruses.

Officials say 150-thousand extra public vaccine doses are being delivered,
with distribution set to finish on December 17th.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-16 17:10:13

4 of Taiwan's pan-green opposition parties announced today that they're
uniting to form an alliance called the "Taiwan Go Go Front."

The New Power Party, Obasang, Green Party Taiwan, and Taiwan Statebuilding
Party say, they are pledging to work together in next year's local elections
to bring a trustworthy third party into the fray.

Leaders of the four parties at a press conference today said that the
opposition between the pan-blue legislature and the DPP has led Taiwan's
constitutional governance to a place of grave danger.

They slammed the TPP for failing to keep either major party in check, and
said that, in the legislature, there is only DPP and anti-DPP.

The alliance says that Taiwan needs a reliable third party in the legislature
to truly keep the DPP, KMT, and TPP in check.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-16 17:10:13

The Kaohsiung City government says the Lightrail and Metro system will
extend their operating hours on New Year's Eve.

The Taiwan Railway Corporation will add more trains for that night's events
as well.

City officials say the 2026 Xiong-hai Party, scheduled to launch at 7 PM on
the Shi-dai Boulevard, features 17 performing groups and a grandiose
fireworks show lasting 240 seconds.

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Qi-mai says roads around the Dream Mall area will be
subject to three phases of traffic control on New Year’s Eve, adding that
MRT and light rail services will run more frequent trains.

To accommodate departures after the event, the Kaohsiung MRT will operate
until 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day, while the light rail will run until 1:30
a.m.

Taiwan Railways will also add extra train services, operating until 2:30 a.m.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-16 17:10:13

Authorities in Kaohsiung have issued fines after a factory fire at the Dafa
Industrial Park caused significant air pollution today.

The city's Environmental Protection Bureau says it detected black smoke
rising from the industrial park around 11:30 this morning using its A.I.
cloud monitoring system and immediately dispatched personnel.

The fire was traced to a plastics manufacturing plant holding highly
flammable materials, resulting in emissions containing visible particulate
matter.

Responsible parties face a fine of up to $5-million NT.

The bureau says northwesterly winds may cause the airborne pollutants to move
toward Daliao District in Kaohsiung City and Sinyuan Township in Pingtung
County.

Officials are urging residents in those areas to stay indoors, keep windows
and doors tightly closed, and wear a mask if they must go outside.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-16 16:07:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says more Taiwanese have been arrested in
Japan after being lured into shady part-time jobs and urged people not to
fall for the illicit schemes

Officials say the number this year has surged to 50, about 10 times higher
than last year.

The ministry says some people were misled by online offers linked to shady
part-time jobs known in Japan as "yami baito /bye-toh/."

It says the posts may promise free travel or easy work, but can push people
into breaking Japanese law.

The ministry urges Taiwanese to respect local rules and not chase short-term
pay that could lead to jail.

Japanese media report that these schemes often use messaging apps to direct
recruits to commit crimes.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-16 16:07:13

Starlux Airlines has restarted direct flights between Taipei and Manila.

The airline says it will operate 1 flight a day, leaving early and returning
around midday.

Starlux says it now serves 3 Philippine cities: Manila, Cebu, and Clark.

It says total weekly round-trip flights between Taiwan and the Philippines
now reach 23.

The company notes frequent business and tourism travel, and over 160-thousand
Filipinos work in Taiwan.

It also points to a 14-day visa-free arrangement between Taiwan and the
Philippines.

Starlux says it paused the route in 2023, and is restarting as transfer
demand to the United States rises.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-16 14:16:13

The Ministry of the Interior says, suspended Hsinchu Mayor Gao Hong An can be
reinstated in accordance with the law...

after they receive her application for reinstatement.

That's after the Taiwan High Court acquitted Gao on charges of corruption,
although they upheld the lower court's ruling on forgery charges, which hold
a 6 month jail time that can be commuted to a fine.

After she was found guilty of corruption charges by the district court, the
Interior Ministry suspended her from office under the Local Government Act,
appointing Deputy Mayor Qiu Chen-yuan (邱臣遠) as acting mayor.

However, now having been cleared of that charge, Kao is able to hold public
office again.

In a statement, she said she would submit her application as soon as possible
and return to her post as Hsinchu Mayor, as she had promised voters.

Meanwhile prosecutors say they'll appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court,
meaning her tenure could once again be in jeopardy.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-16 14:16:13

An education NGO is calling for upgrades to drug testing systems after a
recent high-profile case involving a student using an e-cigarette with
suspected drugs tested negative.

The incident occurred at a junior high school in Taoyuan City, where a
student showed symptoms after using an e-cigarette in class.

School officials suspected the substance was etomidate, often referred to as
a "zombie vape"

, but tests on the seized e-cigarette, the liquid, and the
student's urine all returned negative results.

The Action Alliance on Basic Education contends that the incident is not a
false alarm, but rather a sign that the current testing tools cannot keep up
with the constant change in the chemical makeup of new illicit drugs.

The alliance is advocating for a two-tiered detection and reporting system to
combat new drug variants in schools, involving saliva rapid screening, then
verification using more advanced technology involving liquid chromatography
to avoid misjudgment.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-16 14:16:13

Taiwan shares are down today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at 27536
after losing 330 points

The turnover was 425.9 billion NT

Posted on 2025-12-16 13:06:13

The Taiwan High Court has overturned a lower court ruling that found
suspended Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao guilty of corruption, effectively clearing
her of those charges.

The court did, however, convict her of forgery and imposed a much lighter
six-month sentence that can be commuted to a fine.

According to the District Court, Kao fraudulently claimed some $116-thousand
NT in assistant salaries and overtime pay when serving as a TPP legislator
at-large between 2020 and 2022.

The court sentenced her to seven years and four months in prison under the
Anti-Corruption Act, and also stripped of her civil rights for four years.

She was suspended from official duties in July last year, less than two years
after being elected as Hsinchu Mayor in 2022.

Meanwhile the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office says it plans to appeal the
case, while the TPP is calling for it to "stop political persecution."

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-16 13:06:13

The Mayor of New Taipei is calling for stricter enforcement against driving
under the influence during the holiday season.

Hou You Yi says that he's asking the city's police department to step up
enforcement against driving while drunk or high in order to protect
pedestrians.

He also encourages the public to take advantage of public transit during the
holiday season, especially as 2 dozen MRT stations in the Taipei area are
offering sick bags from now until March.

Hou also said that his administration is asking relevant work units to step
up public awareness around driving under the influence ahead of the holidays.

Hou, a former police officer himself, also emphasized the city government's
zero-tolerance policy against drunk and drugged driving, and encouraged those
who've had even one drink to find a different way home.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-16 13:06:13

Taichung City Police says online shopping scams are rising and victims are
getting younger.

Police say people aged 20 to 29 made up the largest proportion of victims
from January to November.

The precinct says cases tied to the social media app Threads have grown, as
more young people use the platform to buy and sell.

It says November alone saw 44 reports, up 14 from October.

Police say many scams involve cheap concert tickets and celebrity
merchandise, using "limited-time" sales pitches.

They say scammers often push buyers to leave the platform and trade
privately, including through the messaging app LINE.

Officials urge three rules: too cheap is a trap, add-LINE "customer service"
is a scam, and OTP or ATM requests are always fraud.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-16 08:15:13

edge of dictatorship

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

President Lai Ching-te recorded a public address late last night in which he
accused opposition lawmakers of forcibly pushing forward legislation that
poses - what he described as - being a significant threat to the nation and
its people.

According to Lai, the central government's general budget for next year not
yet been reviewed ...

... the special defense budget has been deliberately shelved, and opposition
lawmakers are forcibly pushing through controversial amendments to laws such
as the decriminalizing of the embezzlement of assistant funds ...

... all which Lai said will push Taiwan to the brink of "legislative abuse of
power and an opposition dictatorship."

Lai said the legislative actions being taken by the opposition lack
sufficient discussion or oversight and such actions violates constitutional
principles.

The president also said the abusive legislation sends a dangerous signal - as
if the bills are passed and take effect, Taiwan's security, democracy,
economy, and the rights of its people, will be jeopardized.

And he went onto say the opposition's actions are not a demonstration of
democracy, but an erosion of it.

Lai's address was released after Premier Cho Jung-tai defended his decision
not to enact amendments to the Act Governing the Allocation of Government
Revenues and Expenditures - saying the Cabinet has exhausted all available
constitutional remedies.

Lawmakers from the K-M-T and the Taiwan People's Party passed the amendments
on November 14 - stating that local governments will receive a larger share
of the central government revenue each year.

According to the premier, the amendments violated constitutional principles,
undermined the separation of powers and encroached on the executive branch's
authority over budget formulation.

Cho says his decision to not countersign the amendments represents the
Cabinet's final means to correct what it considers to be legislative
wrongdoing.

The opposition led Legislative Yuan could now initiate a no-confidence vote
against the premier.

Posted on 2025-12-16 08:15:13

tourism

The Tourism Administration says Beijing is ignoring repeated calls for
dialogue on issues related to cross-strait tourism.

According to the administration, the Taiwan Strait Tourism Association has
reached out to the Association for Tourism Exchange Across the Taiwan Straits
to discuss such cooperation on numerous occasions beginning in February of
this year, but China has not replied.

The Tourism Administration says it has been seeking to normalize travel
exchanges between the two sides through dialogue between the tourism
associations following the COVID pandemic.

The statement comes after the China Times reported that Taiwanese had made
more 4.2-million trips to China as of October this year and Beijing estimates
the number of Taiwanese tourists in China could reach 4.5 million for the
whole year.

The newspaper said only 500,000 Chinese tourists are expected in Taiwan this
year and those figures equate to gap of nearly 3.8 million cross-strait trips
and a tourism deficit of about 152-billion N-T.

The report also said that local travel agencies are hoped for a breakthrough
regarding cross-strait tourism during the Taipei-Shanghai Twin-Cities Forum
in Shanghai, which is scheduled to take place on Friday and Saturday next
week.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an leading the delegation to Shanghai for the summit.

Posted on 2025-12-16 08:15:13

K-M-T Taoyuan City Councilor Ling Tao has filed a complaint with the Taipei
District Prosecutors' Office alleging the Ministry of National Defense
improperly awarded a contract for ammunition primers in 2024 to a
Tainan-based shoe company.

The 205-million N-T tender was for 5.56-millimeter ammunition primers was
awarded to Big Stone International - a company that mainly sells sneakers and
leather shoes.

According to Ling, the bidding process may have violated the Anti-Corruption
Act and Article 131 of the Criminal Code, related to bribery of public
officials.

Ling says Big Stone International completed a change to its business
registration in June of 2024 to add "ammunition primers" to the items it was
allowed to handle and then won the tender for the item just 41 days later.

Ling also says several other vendors winning military tenders in recent
months had undergone similar business registration changes.

The defense ministry is dismissing the charges, saying Big Stone delivered
the contracted ammunition primers in March 2025 and that the goods had been
accepted by the military.

The complaint has been filed a week after the defense ministry granted a
tender to Home-Max Furniture Trading to import military grade explosive for
around 590-million N-T.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo is defended the tenders and winning trading
companies, saying that any qualified international trading company can submit
a bid.

Posted on 2025-12-16 08:15:13

The central bank is expected to leave its key interest rates unchanged for a
seventh straight quarter following its next policymaking meeting on Thursday.

Analysts say the central bank will not be influenced by the U-S Federal
Reserve's decision last week to cut interest rates for a third consecutive
policymaking meeting ...

... as Taiwan is still seeing strong economic growth and stable inflation.

The central bank opted to kept the local discount rate at 2-per cent
following its previous policymaking meeting in September.

That figure is already the highest level in 15 years.

According to economists, the bank has little incentive to adjust its key
interest rates, as the island's economy is forecast to grow by 7.37-per cent
this year, while the government has also cut its inflation forecast to
1.67-per cent for this year.

Economists says unless Taiwan's exports show signs of decline, it will be
hard for the central bank to find a reason to cut interest rates in the near
term.

Posted on 2025-12-16 08:15:13

The Taiwan Health Alliance is calling on the the Lai administration to add
the shingles vaccine to government-funded vaccination programs for adults.

According to alliance director Wu Yu-chin, adult vaccinations are more
important than ever now, as Taiwan is projected to become a super-aged
society by the end of this year - when at least 20-per cent of the population
is aged 65 or over.

Wu says cases of shingles are more common amongst the elderly as rates
significantly increase with age due to weakened immune systems.

The call comes as the Taiwan Health Alliance has released its adult
vaccination program white paper.

The paper cited studies and suggested the government offer subsidized vaccine
for preventing shingles as part of the Lai administration's Healthy Taiwan
policy.

Shingles causes rashes and blisters and can result in patients suffering
intense nerve pain that can last years after rashes and blisters heal.

The Tainan Municipal Annan Hospital earlier this year said about 32-per cent
of individuals are likely to develop shingles at some point in their lives.

The shingles vaccine costs between 8,500 to 10,000 N-T per dose and requires
two doses.

Posted on 2025-12-15 18:47:13

The Tourism Administration says Taiwan's tourism exchange body has shown
goodwill, but China has not responded.

It says the Taiwan Strait Tourism Association contacted China's counterpart
in February 2025 to propose talks through a "mini two-associations" channel.

Officials say any restart of group tours should first cover safety, quality,
stability, and fairness.

A China Times report estimates a 2025 gap of nearly 3.8 million cross-strait
trips and a tourism deficit of about $152 billion NT.

The report says Taiwanese travel to China has continued, while direct flights
have fallen and airfares have risen.

It also notes Shanghai officials discussed possible tour groups to Taiwan at
last year's Twin-City Forum in Taipei.

This year's forum is set for December 27th and 28th in Shanghai, with the
travel industry watching for progress.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-15 18:47:13

The Hualien County Government is reminding residents affected by the Mata'an
barrier lake overflow to collect their disaster relief payments before the
application deadline this Friday.

Officials say they have already disbursed relief funds to 4,470 households
severely impacted by the September 23rd disaster, with each eligible
household receiving $50-thousand NT.

The county says the majority of affected households have claimed the funds,
and the final deadline is December 19th.

They say relief efforts are now transitioning to the long-term recovery and
reconstruction stage, and thanked the public for their patience and support.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-15 18:34:13

Premier Chuo Jung-tai has defended his decision of withholding its
countersignature for the amendment to the Allocation of Government Revenues
passed by the Legislature, arguing that "it's the only option left."

As a press conference, Chuo said the Cabinet "has exhausted all available
constitutional remedies" after the Legislative Yuan rejected his request for
lawmakers to reconsider on December 5th.

According to the Constitution, the Premier is obligated to countersign the
bill for the President to promulgate it within ten days.

But Chuo stressed at today's press conference that the power to refuse to
countersign does not amount to executive dominance or authoritarianism,
noting that the Legislative Yuan retains the right to check the Cabinet by
initiating a no-confidence vote against him.

He made the move after President Lai Ching-te met with the DPP lawmaker last
Thursday and came to the conclusion that refusing to countersign and
promulgate the bill does not violate the Constitution.

The opposition KMT and TPP, however, have rejected the idea of a
no-confidence vote as it could lead to the Legislature being dissolved,
triggering new elections, while a new Premier is not likely to change
anything.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-15 18:34:13

The mayor of Tainan is raising concerns over the contentious revenue-sharing
amendment passed by the legislature.

Mayor Huang Wei Zhe says, that's as Taiwan's oldest city is aiming to make
improvements to its water infrastructure.

Huang says, he worries about impact the amendment will have on what services
and upgrades the city government is able to provide to residents.

Huang met with local and central leaders today, saying that he hopes the
central government will continue to subsidize irrigation improvements.

This comes as the Executive Yuan has refused to promulgate amendments passed
by the legislature, setting the stage for a face-off over the
constitutionality of the move.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-15 17:56:13

Economists say the Central Bank is likely to keep interest rates unchanged at
its policy meeting on Thursday.

They expect a seventh straight quarter with no rate move, despite recent U.S.
rate cuts.

Forecasters point to solid growth and inflation that is now seen below the
bank's 2-percent alert line.

The central bank held its discount rate at 2-percent in September, its
highest level in 15 years.

Experts say the bank will closely watch the Taiwan dollar after a rapid rise
last May that squeezed exporters.

They also warn future U.S. policy could add upward pressure on the Taiwan
dollar.

On housing, economists expect selective credit controls to stay for now, with
any easing more likely in the first half of 2026.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2025-12-15 17:56:13

The Ocean Conservation Administration is providing details on recent changes
to step up protection for the whale shark.

The OCA says the "Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species"
agreed by consensus to impose the highest level of international trade
protection on the whale shark, banning all international commercial trade,
and reserving trade only for special, non-commercial circumstances.

The administration says Taiwan listed the whale shark as "protected" under
the Wildlife Conservation Act, and harassing, abusing, hunting, or
slaughtering whale sharks is punishable by up to five years in prison, along
with fines up to $1.5 million NT.

And the OCA says in 2021, it established a notification network for fishermen
to immediately report accidental catches for proper handling, resulting in
over 360 accidentally caught whale sharks rescued and safely released.

The OCA welcomes the CITES decision and plans to continue sharing Taiwan’s
conservation efforts with the international community.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-15 17:29:13

Legislative Yuan

Premier Chuo Rong-tai has announced his refusal to countersign and promulgate
amendments to the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures passed
by the Legislative Yuan last month.

Chuo said at a press conference this afternoon that the amended law
"infringes upon the rights of the Executive branch," and that the amendment
process "violated democratic principles of openness, transparency, and
substantive deliberation."

The Premier also said that if the government carries out the law, it would
"cause irreparable and serious harm to national development."

The decision prevents the amended bill from taking effect and has sharply
escalated tensions between the Cabinet and the Legislature.

This is the first time ever in the nation's constitutional history that a
Premier has chosen not to follow the procedures stipulated in the 37th
article of the Constitution.

The article says the President shall, in accordance with law, promulgate laws
and issue mandates with the counter-signature of the leader of the Executive
Yuan.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-15 17:29:13

President Lai Ching-te says Taiwan stands with Australia and the Jewish
community after a deadly shooting in Sydney.

Australian authorities report the attack happened during a Hanukkah event at
Bondi Beach on Sunday.

16 are reported dead, including one of the alleged gunmen.

Police say 40 people remain in hospital after the attack, including 2
officers.

In a post on social media platform X, Lai said he was offering his deepest
condolences to the victims and all those affected.

He also says Taiwan strongly condemns terrorism and stands with Australia at
what he calls a difficult time.

The case remains under investigation, as officials confirm casualties and
assess what happened.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-15 17:29:13

Prosecutors today told the Taipei District Court that the Core Pacific City
(京華城) case involved an illegal, tailor-made zoning plan.

They say the detailed plan violated legal authorization rules, misapplied
urban renewal incentives, and breached equal-treatment principles.

Prosecutors argue the benefits were unique, with only Core Pacific City able
to qualify nationwide.

The case includes former Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), Core Pacific City
Group chairman Sheen Ching-jing (沈慶京), and KMT councilor Ying Hsiao-wei
(應曉薇).

Prosecutors say Ko and others were indicted on corruption-related charges,
and they are seeking a combined 28 years and 6 months for Ko.

They cite past court rulings and witness testimony to argue detailed plans
cannot create floor-area ratio incentives.

Prosecutors also question whether the public benefits promised by the
developer match the value of the incentives.

The court has begun oral arguments and the case remains under trial.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-15 16:28:13

Taichung Mayor Lu Xiu-yan has congratulated Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny
Chiang for his decision to join the Taichung Mayor's race next year.

Chiang declared his candidacy for the election last night, a move long
expected by the media and the public.

But it happened several days behind veteran KMT lawmaker Yang Qiong-ying
(楊瓊瓔), who made it clear that she hopes to win the KMT nomination.

Mayor Lu today declined to answer the question whether she'll be involved in
coordinating between Chiang and Yang.

It's currently not clear if the KMT will hold a primary for prospective
candidates in Taichung city.

Meanwhile DPP's Taichung Mayor nominee Ho Xin-chun (何欣純) said she will do
everything she can to garner Taichung people's support.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-15 16:28:17

DPP legislator Chiu Chih-wei (邱志偉) says he will visit Japan's parliament
to seek continued support for Taiwan’s C-P-T-P-P bid.

Chiu leads a Legislative Yuan task force promoting Taiwan's entry into the
trade pact.

He spoke at a news conference on Taiwan's possible timeline and key
conditions for moving into substantive review.

Chiu says Japan is a core member of the Comprehensive and Progressive
Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and a key player in high-standard
regional trade rules.

He says Taiwan has pushed legal and institutional reforms since applying in
September 2021 to align with C-P-T-P-P standards.

Chiu says while Taiwan was not included in accession procedures at a
C-P-T-P-P ministerial meeting held in Australia in November, member economies
have recognized that Taiwan meets the pact's standards.

Taiwan will keep explaining this through parliamentary diplomacy as well.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-15 16:28:17

The Taiwanese Representative to Japan is pledging ongoing support for Japan
amidst tensions between Tokyo and Beijing.

Li Yi Yang says, Taiwan will be a reliable partner to Japan in confronting
Chinese economic measures against the country.

He emphasizes that Taiwan and Japan already cooperate in areas of
semiconductors and drones as a means of promoting a "non-red supply chain..."

and he adds that he welcomes the next wave of economic cooperation.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-15 15:38:14

The United States Senate has recently passed the so-called Porcupine Act to
include Taiwan in a list of countries eligible for shorter notification and
reporting periods in terms of arms purchases.

The Porcupine Act, which stands for Providing Our Regional Companions
Upgraded Protection in Nefarious Environments Act, is meant to amend the Arms
Export Control Act to speed up licensing for allies transferring military
equipment to Taiwan.

It stipulates that within 90 days of the law taking effect, the U.S.
Secretary of State must assess whether an expedited approval process can be
created for third-party transfers of defense equipment and services to
Taiwan.

The review would cover transfers from NATO countries, as well as Japan,
Australia, South Korea, New Zealand, and Israel, including U.S.-origin
weapons sold or granted through military sales or commercial channels.

The bill will go to the House of Representatives and it must be approved in
identical form by the House before it can be signed by the president and
enacted into law.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-15 15:38:17

Reporters Without Borders is condemning the conviction of former Hong Kong
media mogul Jimmy Lai, and calling on democratic leaders worldwide to secure
his release.

Lai, an outspoken critic of Beijing, was found guilty of conspiring with
others to collude with foregin forces to endanger national security and
conspiracy to publish seditious articles, under Hong Kong's sweeping national
security law.

He is facing up to life imprisonment.

RSF emphasizes Lai has been in prison since December 2020, subjected to
solitary confinment, and his health is deteriorating.

RSF Director General Thibaut Bruttin calls the conviction "unlawful", and
warns that if democracies do not act fast, "Lai will die in jail, and they
will send a clear signal to the Chinese regime that it can spread its
authoritarian model and violate international law, scot-free."

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council also denounced the verdict against the
founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, criticizing
the Hong Kong government for using its national security law to restrict
freedom of speech and the press and politically persecute democratic figures.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-12-15 14:07:13

Premier Chuo Rong-tai said he'll announce the Cabinet's reactions to the
Legislative-Yuan's amendments to the Allocation of Government Revenues and
Expenditures at a press conference this afternoon.

Titled "Defending Constitutional Order", the press conference will also see
the presence of Vice Premier Zheng Li-jun and Finance Minister Zhuang Cui-yun
莊翠雲.

Today marks the deadline for President Lai Ching-te to promulgate the
amendments, and based on the Constitution, Lai is supposed to do so after
lawmakers on December 5th rejected the Cabinet's request for the Legislative
Yuan to reconsider.

However, Lai convened a DPP meeting last week and concluded that his
administration will neither countersign nor promulgate the law, saying it
does not run against the Constitution.

The opposition KMT and TPP have slammed the Lai Administration, accusing it
of "destroying the Constitution and pushing the government toward disaster,"
and say that they are preparing countermeasures..

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-15 14:07:17

The Bureau of Labor Insurance says its 2026 relief loan program opens from
today.

Applications are accepted through January 2nd of next year to help workers
before the Lunar New Year.

Eligible workers must have at least 15 years of Labor Insurance coverage and
no overdue premiums or late fees.

The bureau says loans of up to $100-thousand NT are available, with a term of
3 years.

The annual interest rate is just over 2-percent, and borrowers pay interest
only for the first 6 months.

From month 7, borrowers repay principal and interest in equal monthly
payments.

Officials say people can apply online, in person, or by mail, and the Land
Bank's digital system works on holidays as well.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-15 14:07:17

Deputy Legislative Speaker Jiang Qi Chen says, he hopes he will have the
chance to realize his hopes for Taichung's future.

That's after the long-time lawmaker declared his interest in the mayor's
position over the weekend.

However, KMT lawmaker Yang Qiong Ying has also stated his interest in getting
his party's nomination for the role.

After Jiang made his announcement, Yang emphasized that this stage of the
race is ultimately a cooperation- not a contest.

Whoever wins the KMT's nomination, they will face DPP Lawmaker He Xin Chun in
the November elections.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-15 14:07:18

Taiwan shares are down today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at 27866
after losing 331 points.

The turnover was 436.7 billion NT

Posted on 2025-12-15 13:09:13

The hunger for semiconductors and the supercharged artificial intelligence
boom fueled Taiwan's economy in ways few could have predicted in 2025...

I-N-G's Bank's Chief Economist for Greater China Lynn Song tells I-C-R-T how
AI demand turned Taiwan into an Asian economic success story.

But Song warns it isn't all good news.

That was I-N-G Bank Chief Economist for Greater China Lynn Song.

Posted on 2025-12-15 13:09:13

Once hailed as the “jewel box of Taipei’s East District,” the Far Eastern
Sogo Dun-hua Department Store has shut down for good as its lease is due to
expire at the end of the year.

Sogo Dun-hua had been in operations for 31 years and many international
brands, including Tiffany, first entered Taiwan through the store.

Chairperson Sophia Huang said the store had formed close relations with
customers due to its smaller size and refined atmosphere.

While the Dunhua store is closing, Huang said it also signals the start of a
new chapter for Sogo, with its new Garden City outlet at the Taipei Dome
scheduled to open in March.

Meanwhile, Huang Hsiang (皇翔) Construction, which purchased the SOGO Dunhua
building five years ago for $13 billion NT, said it was planning to seek
another operator to continue the department store business.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-15 11:06:13

The Tai-Ex plunged over 500-points in early trading this morning.

The decline came after tech heavyweights caught up in the
artificial-intelligence frenzy lost ground on Wall Street last Friday.

The main declined from the 28,000-point mark and hit a low of around
27,684-points.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufactiuring lost 30 N-T, as it fell to 1,450 N-T,
reflecting weakness in heavyweight stocks.

Hon Hai fell nearly 3-per cent, while MediaTek and Delta Electronics both
fell over 1-per cent.

While A-I heavyweights Quanta and Wistron also both lost over 1-per cent.

Posted on 2025-12-15 11:06:13

tensions

Taiwan's top envoy in Tokyo is pledging Taipei's ongoing support for Japan
amid tensions between Tokyo and Beijing.

According to Li Yi-yang says, Taiwan will be a reliable partner to Japan in
confronting Chinese economic measures against the country.

Li is stressing that Taiwan and Japan already cooperate in areas of
semiconductors and drones as a means of promoting a "non-red supply chian and
he welcomes the next wave of economic cooperation.

Li also says the economic and trade relationship between China and Japan is
quite deep - making Japan very susceptible to retaliatory measures from
Beijing.

Posted on 2025-12-15 11:06:13

The mercury fell islandwide this morning as a continental cold air mass
affected the island.

The Central Weather Administration issued the first cold surge advisory of
this winter overnight and into this morning - and the warning covered parts
of New Taipei, Hsinchu, Miaoli and Yilan.

According to the weather administration, the lowest temperature in low-lying
areas this morning were recorded in Hsinchu's Guangxi Township, where the
mercury dropped to 7-degrees.

That was followed by Touwu Township in Miaoli, where a low of 8.5-degrees was
recorded.

The cold air system is expected to weaken tomorrow - bringing rising
temperatures and mostly sunny skies and stable conditions through much of
this week.

Posted on 2025-12-15 07:00:13

The Cabinet is set to refuse to countersign and enact amendments to the Act
Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures today.

The Presidential Office says President Lai Ching-te will address the public
over the issue later today and explain why he isn't countersigning the bill.

The Act governs how tax revenue is allocated between the central and local
governments.

The amendments were passed by lawmakers from the K-M-T and the Taiwan
People's Party on November 14 and state that local governments will receive a
larger share of the central government revenue each year.

The Cabinet had requested a reconsideration, arguing that the changes could
not be implemented.

That request was rejected on December 5, requiring the Cabinet to promulgate
the legislation by today at the latest under normal procedures.

However, the Cabinet has said the amendments will force the central
government to borrow beyond the legal debt ceiling starting in 2026, making
them unworkable.

The Executive Yuan's refusal to countersign and promulgate the amendments is
being by opposition lawmakers.

Posted on 2025-12-15 07:00:15

Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang has announced that he will seek the
K-M-T's nomination to represent the party in next year's Taichung mayoral
race.

Chiang made the announcement in response to a question by reporters, while
attending a Christmas concert in city's Fengyuan District.

Fengyuan is Chiang's legislative constituency and hometown.

Chiang claims there has been growing talk about next year's local elections
and that he doesn't disappoint members of the public who wanted him to run.

He added that would do everything in his power to win the party's nomination,
and strive for the opportunity to realize his vision for Greater Taichung.

K-M-T lawmaker Yang Qiong-ying has also expressed interest in running for the
nomination, while the D-P-P has already selected lawmaker Ho Hsin-chun as its
nominee for Taichung's top job in next November's election.

Incumbent K-M-T mayor Lu Shiow-yen is termed out and cannot run for
reelection.

Posted on 2025-12-15 07:00:17

A batch of 42 M-1-A-2-T Abrams main battle tanks from the United States in
July will begin a month-long testing program today.

Reports indicate the testing will be taking place at an Army base in northern
Taiwan and include multiple live-fire drills using the tanks' 120-millimeter
main guns.

The tanks were recently deployed to an Army training ground in the Kengzihkou
area of Hsinchu County for training sessions ahead of the testing phase.

The testing program is set focuses on evaluating the tanks' observation and
targeting systems, as well as their integration with the ammunition system.

Reports say the month-long tests are expected to conclude by the end of
January, after which the tanks will enter active service with the Army.

The 42 Abrams tanks are the second batch of a total of 108 tanks that Taiwan
purchased from the U-S for about 40.5-billion U-S dollars.

The first batch was commissioned into the Army's 584th Armored Brigade in
Hsinchu County in late October after completing required training and
testing.

The remaining 28 tanks are expected to arrive in Taiwan early next year.

Posted on 2025-12-15 07:00:17

Police in Taipei have arrested a man for allegedly filming and confronting
D-P-P lawmaker Puma Shen while he was out walking with his daughter earlier
this month.

Authorities say the 45-year-old suspect has been referred to prosecutors on
suspicion of coercion, defamation and violations of the Child and Juvenile
Welfare and Rights Protection Act.

Police say the incident occurred on the evening of December 7 near the
National Concert Hall, when Shen was out with his daughter.

The man allegedly approached the pair from the side, shone a bright mobile
phone flashlight at Shen and his daughter, recorded them on video and
verbally confronted the lawmaker.

Shen later reported the incident and described it in a Facebook post as
"precisely the darkness we must confront."

Police says the suspect was traced after they reviewed nearby surveillance
footage and the man was identified resident of the Zhongzheng District
through his EasyCard transit records.

Posted on 2025-12-15 07:00:17

Law enforcement agencies in Kaohsiung have raided a mephedrone manufacturing
site - arresting three suspects and seizing drugs with an estimated market
value of 100-million N-T.

Kaohsiung City Police say the site was located in the city's Dashu District
and was being used to produce "meow meow."

Police say the site was raided following a tip-off.

The raid was led by the Ciaotou District Prosecutors' Office.

Police say they seized drug manufacturing equipment, more than 47-kilograms
of finished mephedrone, and about 300-kilograms of unfinished product during
the raid.

The case has been transferred to the Ciaotou District Prosecutors' Office for
potential indictments under the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act.

Posted on 2025-12-15 07:00:18

track

Taiwan-France and Indian teams won the international track of the 2025
Presidential Hackathon.

The awards were handed out at a ceremony at the Presidential Office.

The winners were Beyond Hearing, a Taiwan-France collaboration, and CropNow
from India.

They were selected from among nine international finalists who were competing
under the theme "Digital Innovation for Resilience and Sustainability."

Beyond Hearing presented smart glasses that use artificial intelligence and
augmented reality to help people with hearing loss visually identify
surrounding sounds.

CropNow developed an AI-driven Internet of Things solution, called the NEST
device, which monitors soil conditions, microclimate changes and crop health
to provide farmers with data-driven cultivation advice.

The awards ceremony was hosted by President Lai Ching-te and attended by both
the French and Indian representatives to Taiwan.

Lai congratulated the winners and praised local teams - saying the government
will review hackathon proposals for possible use in governance.

Posted on 2025-12-15 07:00:18

And,

The Manila Economic and Cultural Office has held its Christmas event in
Taipei - drawing around 1,500 Filipinos living in Taiwan.

MECO Chair and Resident Representative Corazon Avecilla-Padiernos says the
turnout reflects the "strong friendship and cooperation between the
Philippines and Taiwan."

She also praised Filipinos in Taiwan for their contributions to Taiwanese
society.

Ministry of Labor official Huang Wei-cheng is also thanked Filipinos workers
for their contributions - expressing hope that those unable to return home
for Christmas would see Taiwan as a "second home."

Government data shows more than 190,000 Filipinos were living in Taiwan as of
October, with around 170,000 of them working in blue-collar jobs such as
caregiving and manufacturing.

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