ICRT

Posted on 2026-03-21 16:06:14

President Lai Ching-te said today that he won't stand in the way of
restarting two nuclear power plants in Taiwan.

Taipower shut down Taiwan's last nuclear reactor in Pingtung County last
summer. Around the same time, the opposition-controlled legislature passed
amendments to nuclear legislation that required restarts if there are no
safety concerns.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs has deemed the restart of the Pingtung
plant, as well as the No. 2 plant in New Taipei City, to be feasible.

Lai said the restart plan will be submitted to the Nuclear Safety Committee
for review by the end of this month. He added that General Electric is also
conducting its own safety inspection of the No. 2 plant.

Lai said that although Taiwan isn't currently generating any electricity
using nuclear power, keeping the power supply stable won't be a problem -- at
least through 2032.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-03-21 15:07:18

defense: FT

The Financial Times is reporting that Taiwan is concerned about the war with
Iran depleting stocks of long-range cruise missiles that could otherwise be
used to defend against any Chinese invasion.

According to the FT, the US has fired hundreds of Joint Air-to-Surface
Standoff Missiles as well as ship-launched Tomahawk missiles. More than a
thousand in total, based on a Center for Strategic and International Studies
estimate last week.

The newspaper quoted a Taiwanese national security official saying the US "is
spending too much time on other" battlefields, which he said could create an
"imbalance" in any engagement between Taiwan and China.

Eric Heginbotham, an expert on Asian security issues at MIT, told the FT that
the missiles were acquired for a potential fight with China ... and QUOTE,
"No one really calculated on using up large portions of the inventory on an
unrelated war, or a war of choice, especially one of this scale."

JvW

Posted on 2026-03-21 14:20:14

The Taiwan Betel Nut and Oral Cancer Prevention Association says
sugar-coated and flavored betel nuts have been sold in Taiwan since last year
and called for the early passage of a bill to regulate the sale of betel
nuts.

The association said the sugar-coated betel nuts have been found in major
night markets in Taoyuan, Taichung, Chiayi and Tainan since February last
year.

Meanwhile, online marketplaces sell "flavored betel nuts," offering a range
of flavors that include goji, coffee, curry and preserved fruit.

Betel nuts are classified as a group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency
for Research on Cancer. The association warns that the sweetened and flavored
betel nuts could reduce public awareness of the risks and even attract
minors.

It added that whether they're consumed with lime or not, betel nuts still
have a high risk of causing cancer.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-03-21 13:07:15

Defense Minister Wellington Koo says the country's military hasn't considered
sending troops to assist in the defense of the Strait of Hormuz, which is
currently blocked by Iranian forces.

US President Donald Trump has asked US allies to send ships to help secure
the strait. In a joint statement issued on Thursday, Canada, the United
Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan expressed their
readiness to "contribute to appropriate efforts" to ensure safe passage
through the strait.

At a legislative meeting yesterday, opposition KMT Legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin
asked the defense minister how Taiwan would respond if Trump asked it to help
defend the strait.

Hsu cited a former Pentagon official and a think tank head, who both
recommended that Taiwan proactively signal to Trump its willingness to send
troops to the Strait of Hormuz to help secure it ... as a way of furthering
bilateral ties.

Koo replied that the ministry "has not considered such an operation," adding
that the overarching focus of Taiwan's armed forces is on escalating
gray-zone harassment and potential military threats in the Taiwan strait.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-03-21 13:07:15

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai and Taichung Mayor Lu Show-yen have both wrapped
up visits to the United States, with both saying their trips were successful.

Chen Chi-mai said his eight-day trip to the US helped the city connect with
leading global resources, while laying the groundwork for next-generation
silicon photonics technology.

Chen made his remarks on arriving back in Taiwan after concluding his trip to
Arizona and Silicon Valley, focused on semiconductor and AI development.

The Kaohsiung City government said the delegation signed a memorandum of
understanding with Arizona and Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture to advance
trilateral semiconductor cooperation.

Lu Show-yen will land in Taiwan this afternoon after her 11-day trip, which
she said exceeded her expectations.

While in the states, she said visits to various cities helped to strengthen
exchanges while promoting investment cooperation and solidifying friendship
between Taiwan and the US.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-03-21 12:07:13

US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have
affirmed their shared commitment to peace and stability across the Taiwan
Strait. They also said they opposed any attempts to unilaterally change the
cross-strait status quo.

According to the White House, Takaichi and Trump discussed trade and
cooperation in defense, technology and space when they met on Thursday.

Kyodo News reports that Takaichi expressed concern about the security
environment in the Indo-Pacific in the face of an "increasingly assertive"
China, while also noting reports that the US has shifted some of its military
assets in the region to the Middle East.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude to the two leaders
for reaffirming their commitment to security across the Taiwan Strait.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-03-21 12:07:13

Ministry of Economic Affairs data shows Taiwan's export orders totaled nearly
US$64 billion in February, up 24 percent on year, beating expectations amid
surging demand for electronic and information and communications technology
products.

A stats department official at the ministry said stronger-than-expected
demand for semiconductors, memory chips and servers was the main driver of
growth in orders.

The MOEA had projected February export orders of between US$56 billion and
US$58 billion.

ICT products accounted for nearly US$48 billion of export orders in January
and February combined, a record that's up 77 percent on year.

Exports of electronic products totaled nearly US$59 billion in the period,
also a record, up 51 percent.

Among traditional industries, machinery orders increased 21 percent in the
first two months and basic metals rose 0.7 percent.

The ministry said orders for chemicals and plastics remained weak due to
sluggish market conditions, falling 7.0 percent and 4.4 percent on year,
respectively.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-03-21 12:07:13

Police say a tour bus crashed into a parked truck in Taoyuan's Luzhu District
overnight, injuring 21 people.

The incident on Rong-an Road involved the bus, a large truck and two
motorcycles.

Among the injured were 19 female migrant workers and two male motorcyclists.

Authorities say alcohol played no role in the accident.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-03-20 19:24:13

The Ministry of Agriculture is warning of impersonation scams involving
agricultural products on social media platforms.

According to the ministry, fraudsters have been impersonating the institute
and its branch offices, offering so-called "trial product discounts", among
others, on fruits like mangosteen and honey jujube.

The MOA stresses it does not sell products, run group orders, or conduct
commercial transactions online.

Officials say these scams often use phrases like "limited-time offer" to lure
buyers, and may even contact users directly to request payments or orders.

The MOA says all legitimate announcements about research results or crop
trials are only published on official websites or verified social media
accounts.

Authorities warn that legal action will be taken against those involved in
impersonation scams.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-03-20 19:24:13

The Taichung city government said today that it had decided not to designate
the remains of the Huguoshan temple as a historical site.

This comes after a cultural heritage review said that it was insufficiently
representative of its era and thus failed to meet the standards to be
designated as a cultural heritage site.

The Huguoshan temple, which dates back to 1902 during the era of Japanese
colonisation, was unexpectedly discovered last year during the demolition of
a tin-roofed house in Taichung's Central District.

Cultural workers and DPP opposition city councillors announced yesterday that
they had discovered that the site had already been demolished.

But the city's Cultural Affairs Bureau said that that the temple's main hall
was already demolished by 1982, and that the structure that remains was just
a later addition used to store the remains of ancestors.

It said that the most important components of the temple, such as the
entrance hall, were already lost.

(JM)

Posted on 2026-03-20 19:24:13

Threatening Flyers; Suspect Arrested in Taitung

It was announced today that a 21-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday in
Taitung for intimidating a high school student.

The 17-year-old student was suspected of owing $388 000 NT in gambling debts.

He denied any such debts and any online gambling.

The man was accused of posting threatening "missing person" flyers around the
student's school gate featuring the student's photo.

The man has denied operating an underground gambling ring, saying that he was
just a henchman in the operation.

The police say they are tracing the gambling ring.

Posted on 2026-03-20 17:36:13

Government monitors are demanding a major overhaul of the national social
worker complaint system.

The Control Yuan says that the Ministry of Health and Welfare failed to meet
its own 60-day deadline for more than half of the cases filed last year.

Investigators found that 17 out of 27 complaints were delayed, and some cases
took about a year, or even up to a year and nine months to process.

The Control Yuan blamed the delays on slow responses from local governments
in Chiayi County and Taitung County, as well as slow internal procedures at
the health ministry.

The report also warns that the system is not linked to the government’s
subsidy or contract selection process, meaning that groups that break labor
laws or fail to pay full salaries can still receive public funding.

The Yuan is calling on the ministry to fix these administrative gaps.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-03-20 17:36:13

Employees at Taiwan's state-run postal service could receive bonuses of up to
4.4 months' worth of salary.

Chunghwa Post reported net profits of more than 10 billion NT last year,
exceeding its performance target by around 6 billion NT.

Chair Wang Kwo-tsai (王國材) says that the company is currently looking for a
top performance rating, which would unlock the maximum bonus payout.

Under government rules, top-rated state enterprises can issue up to two
months of evaluation bonuses, on top of performance-based incentives.

Despite global financial uncertainty, Chunghwa Post met its goals and is now
looking to boost capital levels to between 100 and 120 billion NT in the
coming years.

Officials also say there are no immediate plans to raise postal rates,
focusing instead on growing parcel and express delivery services.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-03-20 16:07:13

The TPP legislative caucus has proposed a censure against Interior Minister
Liu Shi-fang (劉世芳), who refused to answer TPP lawmaker Li Zhen-xiu's
(李貞秀) questions at the Legislative Internal Affairs Committee on Monday.

The TPP accuses Liu of deliberately violating checks and balances between the
executive and legislative branches and showing little respect for lawmakers.

It says Liu's "arrogant behaviors" not only undermined democratic rule of
law, but reduced vulnerable groups to tools in political conflict.

Li is a so-called "Mainland spouse," and was repeatedly pushed by the DPP
government to prove that she has given up her Chinese nationality.

But it can't be done as China does not issue such documents.

The TPP's proposal also includes DPP lawmaker and the committee chair Li
Bo-yi, who said he respected both "Madam Li's" right to speak and the Cabinet
member’s right not to respond.

The TPP said Li interfered with proceedings based on personal and party
positions and should be referred to the Disciplinary Committee.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-03-20 16:07:13

Taiwan's top cybersecurity agency is cooperating with a criminal
investigation after a staff member allegedly used an internal loophole to
access and download sensitive data.

The National Institute of Cyber Security says it recently discovered an
employee’s work computer was used to access internal files in violation of
agency rules.

The institute says it has reported the matter to the Investigation Bureau,
and investigators are now working to determine if any laws were broken or if
sensitive information was leaked.

The government-funded body, which plans national cyber defenses and help
government agencies respond to major security threats, says it will fully
cooperate with authorities to resolve the case.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-03-20 16:07:13

Costco Taiwan has announced price cuts on imported juices, citing lower costs
... as market effects from recent U-S tariff developments begin to emerge.

According to the wholesaler, three juice products will be reduced by between
4 and 10 percent, effective immediately.

The company says the adjustments reflect lower costs and are part of ongoing
efforts to offer competitive pricing to members.

Executives also noted that if tariff refunds are received, further price
reductions could follow.

The U-S Supreme Court struck down Trump's sweeping tariffs in late February,
prompting plans for tariff refunds.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-03-20 14:06:14

Kaohsiung's Qiao-tou (橋頭) District Court has put former CPC Refinery
division CEO Xu Han (徐漢) on the most wanted list and confiscated his
5-million-NT bail bond.

The Court issued a warrant for Xu's arrest this morning while Kaohsiung and
Ping-tung police are looking for him.

Xu was indicted in 2022 on corruption charges after police found 27 million
NT cash in his office, and prosecutors determined that some 17 million of
that sum was bribe money.

He had been under technological surveillance since May, but at around 2 PM
yesterday, the Monitoring Center notified the court that Xu’s ankle bracelet
had been removed.

Police later found that he took a train to Ping-tung's Chao-zhou and then to
Wan-luan by taxi last night.

The Kaohsiung Prosecutors Office has asked Ping-tung authorities, the Coast
Guard Administration, and the National Immigration Agency to aid in the
search.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-03-20 14:06:14

The Defense Minister has declined to set a date for the delivery of Taiwan's
first indigenous submarine, the Hai-kun.

The original plan was for it to be delivered to the Navy in June.

Wellington Koo said today that his Ministry will proceed step by step, and
will only move forward with delivery after all testing has been fully
completed under safe conditions.

His comments come after President Lai Ching-te boarded the vessel for the
first time yesterday and inspected its interior.

The Hai-kun successfully conducted its 6th sea trial dive on the 12th.

Koo stressed that that all test items for the submarine prototype, whether
shallow-water or deep-water dives, must be fully completed and verified under
safe conditions.

He said only after all testing is complete will the submarine be delivered,
and no specific delivery date will be set in advance.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-03-20 14:06:14

Taiwan shares are down today, with the bench mark Tai ex losing 145 points to
close the session at 33543.

The turnover was 966.1 billion NT

Posted on 2026-03-20 13:06:14

Officials say, Taiwan should not be lulled into a false sense of security
after a US report claimed that China does not plan to invade Taiwan in 2027.

Mainland Affairs Council Chair Chiu Chui Cheng(邱垂正) says, he's aiming for
continued defensive preparation in the face of Chinese threats.

Chiu notes that the Taiwanese government will consider both domestic and
international analyses in evaluating risks...

emphasizing that one report alone does not change the need for planning and
preparation.

The U.S. Intelligence report downplays the immediate risk of a Chinese
invasion of Taiwan...noting that although Beijing continues to undertake
military buildup, it does not yet have a concrete plan to take Taiwan.

The MAC chair said that China’s threats toward Taiwan are ongoing, and that
the CCP is internally focused on preparations for reunification.

Chiu says, Taiwan must prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-03-20 13:06:14

Health officials have shut down an elementary school kitchen in Pingtung
County after dozens of students fell ill following a school event.

The Pingtung County Public Health Bureau says 44 students from Wandan
Elementary School sought medical treatment on Wednesday.

Two of those students remain in the hospital.

Health inspectors visited the school yesterday to collect environmental
samples, but school officials note that the kitchen also provides meals to
two other schools where no illnesses were reported.

The kitchen must undergo deep cleaning and pass a government inspection
before it can reopen.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-03-20 08:12:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

Premier Cho Jung-tai has approved an expansion of eligibility to hire migrant
domestic helpers.

Under the expansion, employers will required to pay monthly fees of between
2,000 and 10,000 N-T in a "employment stabilization" fee

The fee is in addition to the domestic helper's salary and goes towards
funding Ministry of Labor measures aimed at mitigating potential impacts on
the local workforce.

The move will allow families with at least one child under the age of 12 to
apply to hire a foreign domestic helper.

Previously, families were required to have three or more children aged 6 or
under to be eligible to hire domestic helpers.

According to the labor ministry's Workforce Development Agency, foreign
employers with household registration in Taiwan are also eligible to hire
migrant domestic helpers.

They will be required to pay 10,000 N-T per month in employment stabilization
fees.

The agency says the fee for foreign families with special care needs is still
being determined and will be before April 13 - when the new policy takes
effect.

More than 1.4-million households could qualify under the expanded rules and
disadvantaged or special-needs households will receive priority review of
their applications.

Labor Minister Hung Sun-han says his office will work with the Ministry of
Health to offer job-matching services to Taiwanese babysitters and domestic
helpers affected by the new rules.

Posted on 2026-03-20 08:12:13

The Central Bank has opted to leave its key interest rates unchanged
following its quarterly policymaking meeting.

It was the eighth consecutive quarter that the central bank has maintained
its monetary policy.

The latest decision had been widely anticipated by the market, in particular
after the U-S Federal Reserve left interest rates intact overnight.

It means the discount rate will stay at 2-per cent, which is still the
highest level in 15 years.

The rate on accommodations with collateral remains at 2.375 percent, while
the rate on accommodations without collateral stays at 4.25-per cent.

According to economists, the central bank needs more time to observe the
situation as tensions in the Middle East have sent international crude oil
prices higher.

They also say the strong economic performance due to strong exports due the
current A-I boom is allowing little room for the central bank to cut interest
rates for the time being.

Posted on 2026-03-20 08:12:13

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai has visited several major American techn
companies, including Google and AT&T during a trip to Silicon Valley.

The visits are part of Chen's ongoing U-S trip.

The Kaohsiung City Government says Chen and his delegation also visited M-S-S
U-S-A, a subsidiary of Taiwan-based semiconductor material analysis provider
M-S-S, as well as the Hoover Institution ...

... in a bid to strengthen ties in A-I and semiconductor development.

Chen exchanged views with representatives from the organizations on
geopolitics and energy security, with a focus on ensuring Kaohsiung's
industrial development to adapt to a rapidly changing global environment.

According to the city government, the visit to Silicon Valley was aimed not
only to seek collaboration opportunities with U-S companies but also to boost
Kaohsiung's international visibility.

Chen has been bust promoting Smart Kaohsiung AI Lighthouse Project while in
the U-S.

That project was established by the city government as part of efforts to
develop its own sovereign AI system.

Posted on 2026-03-20 08:12:13

Taiwan has been named the happiest place in East Asia in 2025and ranks 26th
globall in the United Nations-backed World Happiness Report 2026.

Taiwan scored 6.714 out of 10 in the report.

That was ahead of Singapore, which ranked 36th, Japan at 61st, China at 65th,
South Korea at 67th and Hong Kong at 90th.

The rankings are based on the three-year average of individuals'
self-reported well-being from 2023 to 2025.

Among 147 countries and regions ranked by the index, Finland remained at the
top for the ninth consecutive year with a score of 7.764.

The report is published by the University of Oxford's Wellbeing Research
Centre in partnership with Gallup, the U-N Sustainable Development Solutions
Network and its editorial board.

The report debuted in 2012 and is issued each year around March 20 to align
with the International Day of Happiness.

Posted on 2026-03-20 08:12:13

A former head of C-P-C's refinery division has gone missing, just days before
he was due to be sentenced for corruption.

Law enforcement authorities say Hsu Han removed his ankle monitor and was
reported missing in Pingtung.

According to the Kaohsiung Ciaotou District Court, it activated a response
plan after receiving a notification Hsu Han removed the monitor.

News reports say police recovered the broken device in Pingtung's Wanluan
Township.

Hsu was indicted in May of 2022 along with 20 other suspects from three
companies for violating the Anti-Corruption Act and other crimes.

Prosecutors said Hsu used his procurement authority limit of 200-million N-T
to steer eight purchasing contracts worth almost 1-billion N-T to select
companies, which in turn paid him 16-million N-T in bribes.

He was released on bail of 5-million in June 2023 and banned from leaving the
country.

The district court says it will revoke his bail and an arrest warrant will be
issued if he remains missing.

Posted on 2026-03-20 08:12:13

And finally,

Olympic gold medal winning boxer Lin Yu-ting has been approved to compete in
the 2026 Asian Boxing Elite Championships.

The championships are scheduled to begin on March 28 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

World Boxing's medical committee confirmed Lin's eligibility for the Asian
Championships on Thursday after more than six months of appeals.

Lin became entangled in a gender controversy at 2024 Paris Olympics, despite
the International Olympic Committee confirming her eligibility to compete as
a female boxer.

World Boxing mandated a new regulation in August of 2025, that required all
athletes to undergo a P-C-R genetic test to determine their sex at birth and
their eligibility.

Lin has missed several international competitions held by World Boxing since
the introduction of the new test and appealed the ruling with assistance from
the Ministry of Sports.

The ministry formed medical team to help Lin in compiling supporting medical
data to support her appeal.

Posted on 2026-03-20 07:13:13

National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Lin Fei-fan has announced
that five air raid drills and other exercises have been planned nationwide as
part of this year's Urban Resilience Exercises.

This, after a meeting of President Lai Ching-te's Whole-of-Society Defense
Resilience Committee.

A drill simulating the launch of a Central Joint Emergency Operations Center
will be held over six days during the computer-aided phase of the annual Han
Kuang military exercises from April 10 through 24.

While military-civilian joint air raid drills are scheduled for August 7
through 13 in the north, south, center, east and offshore islands.

Lin says the government plans to issue cell broadcast messages and sound
sirens to inform the public of the start of the drills ..

The exercises will be focused on government buildings, shopping areas and
public transportation stations.

Lin says the goal of the drills is to validate key tasks aimed at
facilitating civilian-military cooperation, training and deploying civilian
forces, managing hospitals and shelters, as well as bolstering transportation
and communications networks.

Posted on 2026-03-20 07:13:13

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung says the government is waiting for South
Korea's response to the latest move in a dispute between the two countries
over the way the countries' names are listed in travel documents.

Taipei says South Korea mislabelled "Taiwan" in its e-arrival card system,
which was introduced on February 24 of last year to replace paper arrival
card.

In response, the foreign ministry earlier this week changed the designation
of South Korean nationals in government-issued A-R-Cs.

It also says if Seoul continues to ignore the request to alter its e-arrival
card system by March 31, it will also change South Korea's designation on its
arrival cards from "Republic of Korea" to "South Korea."

Lin says he believes the countermeasures will generate a positive response
and the South Korean government should listen to the opinions of the majority
of people in Taiwan.

The foreign ministry has said it has repeatedly asked Seoul to correct the
"wrongful" listing which downgraded Taiwan's sovereignty status, but has not
received a positive response.

Posted on 2026-03-20 07:13:13

Canada's top representative to Taiwan is pledging closer bilateral exchanges
in the decades to come.

At a reception to mark the 40th anniversary of the Canadian Trade Office in
Taipei, Marie-Louise Hannan touted the office's growth over the past four
decades - from a staff of three to 50 ...

She added the office has worked hand in hand with partners across Taiwan to
achieve remarkable milestones - including the tuned mass damper in the Taipei
101 skyscraper and major transportation projects like the Taipei Metro line
in Neihu District.

Hannan also noted that offshore wind projects developed by Canada's Northland
Power also stand as "powerful examples of how our two economies can advance a
more sustainable future together."

Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-qi attended the anniversary reception on
behalf of the government - and he said Taiwan and Canada share a strong
commitment to democracy, diversity and the rule of law.

Chen also said the Lai administration looks forward to deepening
collaboration in emerging and critical areas, including green energy,
artificial intelligence, and critical minerals.

Posted on 2026-03-20 07:13:13

Taiwan maintained its status as a "free" country and the second freest in
Asia in the latest annual report released by the US-based democracy watchdog,
Freedom House.

Taiwan has an overall score of 93 out of 100.

That was down one point from last year.

Taiwan also ranked second in Asia behind Japan, which scored 96.

The "Freedom in the World 2026: The Growing Shadow of Autocracy" report
assessed access to political rights and civil liberties in 195 countries and
13 territories from January 1 to December 31 last year.

Taiwan scored 38 out of 40 in political rights and 55 out of 60 in civil
liberties.

Freedom House says Taiwan's vibrant and competitive democratic system has
enabled regular, peaceful transfers of power since 2000, while protections
for civil liberties remain generally strong.

However, it also flagged concerns, including insufficient protections for
migrant workers and efforts by the China to influence policymaking, media,
and democratic institutions.

Finland topped the global rankings with a perfect score of 100.

Posted on 2026-03-20 07:13:13

The National Development Council says the New Taipei Metro's Sanyin Line and
the eastern extension of the Taipei Metro's Tamsui-Xinyi Line are scheduled
to begin operations in June.

The Red Line, which currently terminates at Xiangshan, will be connected by
the 1.4-kilometer extension to the Guangci/Fengtian Temple Station.

Whilke the Sanyin Line will link New Taipei's Tucheng and Yingge districts
via the Sanxia District.

The announcement of the pending opening of the two metro lines came as the
N-D-C gave the updates on several public construction projects.

It said the Danjiang Bridge is scheduled to open in May.

And the northern section of the Taoyuan Metro Green Line and the first phase
of the Tainan Railway Underground Project are set to begin operations by the
end of this year.

Posted on 2026-03-20 07:13:13

And,

Starlux Airlines has been named the world's fifth best airline by Airline
Ratings.

That's the highest-ever placing by a Taiwan carrier.

Airline Ratings says its 2026 World's Best Airline rankings considered
in-flight products and passenger experience based on measurable onboard
criteria rather than public opinion or voting.

The criteria included catering options, seat comfort, product values and
overall service quality.

Starlux Airlines also won the "World's Best In Flight Catering" award.

Posted on 2026-03-19 18:58:13

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications says it has received 34
consumer disputes linked to tour groups since the start of the month ... and
these are now being mediated.

The cases involve departures, contract fulfillment, and refund issues, as
ongoing conflict in the Middle East disrupts travel plans.

Officials say that as yesterday, overseas offices in the region have
proactively contacted or assisted over 6 thousand 700 people, received almost
500 requests for help, and helped almost 2 thousand 400 citizens return to
Taiwan.

Travelers facing disputes are encouraged to seek assistance through official
channels.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has raised travel alerts for several
countries in the region—including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, and
Lebanon—to the highest "red" level, urging citizens to leave as soon as
possible.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-03-19 18:58:14

Forestry officials are warning of a high risk of wildfires across six central
and southern counties due to a lack of spring rain.

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency says parts of Taichung, Nantou,
Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung have reached "warning" to "dangerous"
levels.

Data shows that nearly half of all wildfires in Taiwan happen during March
and April, and officials say more than 90-percent of these fires are caused
by human activity.

Common causes include burning trash or agricultural waste, burning paper
money, and dropping lit cigarettes.

The agency warns that lighting fires in forest areas without a permit can
lead to a fine of up to $600-thousand NT.

And those who intentionally start a forest fire could face up to 10 years in
prison.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-03-19 18:58:14

Health experts in Taiwan are urging greater awareness of depression following
recent research.

A study cited by the John Tung Foundation found that patients who recognize
their symptoms as depression are 57 percent more likely to seek treatment.

The research, published last year, tracked adults with moderate symptoms who
had not previously sought help.

It found that patients were more likely to seek care if they recognized the
impact of their symptoms, trusted treatment, and identified their condition
as depression.

Despite more than one billion people worldwide living with mental health
conditions, only about 9 percent of depression patients receive treatment.

Doctors say early recognition and timely support are critical to reducing
long-term impact.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-03-19 15:34:13

The Cabinet has approved a plan to let families with one child under 12 apply
to hire migrant domestic helpers from April 13.

Officials say the move is meant to ease caregiving pressure and help more
women stay in the workforce.

Under current rules, only families with three children under 6 can apply, a
threshold the Labor Ministry says is too strict.

Under the new rules, eligible households must pay a monthly 20-thousand NT
salary and a 5-thousand NT employment security fee.

Special-needs families will pay a lower 2-thousand NT monthly fee and will
get priority review.

That includes single-parent families, families with a disabled parent, or
households with children who have rare diseases, disabilities, or
developmental delays.

Labor Minister Hung Shen-han (洪申翰) says the government will also set up a
matching platform to help local nannies and domestic workers find more jobs.

He says more training will also be offered as officials try to protect the
work opportunities of about 21-thousand local childcare and domestic service
workers.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-03-19 15:34:13

The Cabinet has approved a 2-year plan to expand services for elderly people
living alone as the island enters a super-aged society.

The government will invest 6-point-25 billion NT this year and next year.

Officials say the plan will expand in-person visits, with priority this year
for people aged 75 and older who live alone.

It will also widen subsidies for emergency alert systems to cover 70-thousand
seniors, including those in general households.

New meal delivery services will also be added, with workers checking on
seniors in person as they deliver food.

Officials say support services could grow from 70-thousand people to
350-thousand.

The plan will also add more home visits, phone check-ins, daily living help,
and medical escort services.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-03-19 15:34:13

Doctors say people with heart and cerebrovascular disease face a 40 percent
higher risk of shingles.

A new survey found more than 70 percent of those patients believe their
immunity is strong and do not worry about the disease.

But doctors say chronic inflammation, aging, and some treatments can weaken
the immune system.

They warn shingles can cause long-term nerve pain, blindness, hearing damage,
and in rare cases facial paralysis.

Doctors also say patients who have had a heart attack, stroke, or heart
failure face a higher risk of hospitalization if shingles develops.

Taiwan research shows stroke patients face a much higher shingles risk,
especially in the first year after a stroke.

Doctors are urging high-risk patients to ask about prevention, including
vaccination, and to keep healthy daily habits.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-03-19 15:19:13

Japan has rejected a US intelligence assessment that its position on a
possible Chinese attack on Taiwan marks a major policy shift.

The comment follows remarks last year by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that a
Taiwan crisis could trigger a military response from Tokyo.

Beijing reacted angrily to those comments, as it claims Taiwan as its own
territory.

Japan's top government spokesperson says Tokyo's position is unchanged and
remains in line with past policy.

The issue comes just before a summit between Takaichi and US President Donald
Trump in Washington.

The meeting is already under pressure from wider regional tensions, including
the war involving Iran and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

A new US report says China is likely to keep up pressure on Japan through
2026 over Taiwan-related statements.

But the report also says China is not currently planning to invade Taiwan in
2027 and still wants control of the island without using force.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-03-19 15:19:13

Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) is questioning a
proposed meeting between KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) and Chinese leader
Xi Jinping.

Chiu says Beijing has long linked peace across the Taiwan Strait to
unification.

He says that raises doubts about Cheng's call for a cross-strait peace
framework.

Chiu says Taiwan sees growing pressure from China, including military,
diplomatic, economic, and legal tactics.

He also cites official polling that shows about 70 percent of people in
Taiwan see China as hostile.

Chiu warns that Beijing's version of the 1992 Consensus leaves no room for
the Republic of China.

He says any party exchange with China must follow the law and must not help
Beijing's united front efforts against Taiwan.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-03-19 15:19:13

Hon Hai says it will invest another 25-million euros, or about 918-million
NT, in ZF Foxconn Chassis Modules.

The investment will be made through a subsidiary and will give Hon Hai Class
A convertible preferred shares.

The company says the move is a long-term strategic investment.

Hon Hai had already invested 30-point-1 million euros in the same venture in
December 2024.

Earlier, in July 2023, Hon Hai announced a broader partnership with Germany's
ZF Group on passenger vehicle chassis systems.

Industry sources say the company spun off from ZF's axle assembly business
and supplies Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Stellantis.

The deal gives Hon Hai a way into the supply chain of major traditional
European carmakers.

Japanese media also report Hon Hai is in talks to buy a 50 percent stake in
Mitsubishi Electric's auto parts unit, though the company has not commented.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-03-19 14:54:13

A Chinese coast guard ship entered restricted waters near Dongsha Island on
Wednesday, and Taiwan sent a patrol vessel to drive it away.

The Coast Guard Administration says the Chinese ship, numbered 3-1-0-2, was
first detected outside the area at about 9:15 yesterday morning.

Officials say the ship moved into restricted waters at about 9:40, and a
coast guard vessel stayed close and issued warnings in both Chinese and
English, telling the ship to turn away.

The vessel left the restricted waters at about 10:55 today.

The coast guard says this is the fourth such incursion involving three
Chinese ships in Dongsha waters this year.

It says China may be using gray-zone tactics to test Taiwan's surveillance
and response capabilities in the area.

It also urges Beijing to stop what it calls intrusive actions and says Taiwan
will defend its sovereignty and maritime security.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-03-19 14:54:13

Taiwan says nearly 2-thousand-400 people have returned safely from the Middle
East as regional tensions stay high.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) told lawmakers some tour groups still
plan to leave for Dubai in the coming days.

He said officials have warned people, but some travelers are still going
ahead with their trips.

Lin also said the government will not block people from leaving on any
airline, including Chinese carriers, if they need to get out.

He said many of Taiwan's overseas offices do not have full diplomatic
privileges, but staff are still working hard to help.

The ministry says its offices in the region have made over 6-thousand-700
welfare check contacts and handled close to 500 requests for help.

Officials now say there are no known cases of Taiwanese in the Middle East
seeking urgent evacuation.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-03-19 14:54:13

Starlux Airline said it has been ranked 5th in the world’s best airlines for
2026, marking the highest ranking ever achieved by a Taiwanese carrier.

It has also won the award for World's Best In-Flight Catering.

The rankings were done by a global aviation rating organization, Airline
Ratings, which focuses on the actual passenger experience, including food and
beverage options, seat comfort, value, and overall service quality.

Starlux stressed that it is entering a peak aircraft delivery period this
year, with its fleet expected to grow to 43 aircraft by the end of the year,
significantly boosting capacity.

Its network has already expanded to 31 cities across 37 routes, and is
planning to launch its first European destination, Prague, as well as its
first South Korean destination, Busan.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-03-19 14:19:13

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has welcomed St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock and his delegation in Taipei.

The visit comes as Taiwan and St. Vincent and the Grenadines mark 45 years of
diplomatic relations.

Lin says the trip is the first high-level visit from the Caribbean ally since
its new government took office.

He says Taiwan plans to expand cooperation under its comprehensive diplomacy
policy in agriculture, tourism, the blue economy, and the new economy.

Leacock also brought greetings from Governor-General Stanley John and Prime
Minister Godwin Friday.

He says people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are grateful for the results
of cooperation with Taiwan over the past 45 years.

Officials and business representatives at the luncheon also exchanged views
on smart healthcare, smart agriculture, youth empowerment, and bilateral
technical cooperation.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-03-19 14:19:13

The CTBC Brothers have signed Venezuelan right-hander Angel Macuare to
complete a six-man foreign pitching staff for the upcoming season.

The 26-year-old pitcher has eight years of experience in the U.S. Minor
Leagues as both starting pitcher and long reliever.

Over his career, Macuare has recorded 372 strikeouts in 363 innings.

The Brothers say Macuare has already arrived in Taiwan to join spring
training, and its group of pitchers will provide the depth needed for a long
season.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-03-19 14:19:13

Taiwan shares fell today with the benchmark Taiex losing 659 points to close
the session at 33,690.

Turnover was $846-billion NT.

Posted on 2026-03-19 08:15:14

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

The K-M-T and the Taiwan People's Party have approved a cooperation agreement
for November's local elections.

The agreement was separately passed by the K-M-T Central Standing Committee
and the T-P-P's Central Committee and means that two party's will jointly
field candidates.

Under the pact's "nominate first, coordinate later" model, the two parties
will prioritize incumbent mayors or county magistrates seeking re-election.

The two parties will jointly nominate candidates only in cities and counties
where both sides have negotiated and agreed to cooperate, while candidates
will be selected through opinion polls in selected jurisdictions.

The agreement stipulates that unweighted samples must reflect distributions
of gender, age, education level and geographic area, and pass a
representativeness test showing no significant difference from the overall
population.

Each party will assign three representatives to facilitate communication in
future negotiations between the party headquarters and a joint KMT-TPP
campaign group will be established to support candidates nationwide.

Posted on 2026-03-19 08:15:14

The Ministry of Economic Affairs says C-P-C has absorbed about 3.3-billion
N-T in fuel costs over the past two weeks to help stabilize domestic prices
due to the US-Isreal war with Iran.

According to Vice Economics Minister, Lai Jien-hsin, the government has been
prioritizing price stability as global energy supplies face disruptions from
the conflict.

Under a price-stabilization mechanism, C-P-C absorbs at least 60-per cent of
cost increases while keeping domestic fuel prices among the lowest in
neighboring markets.

The government has also expanded fuel tax cuts to 50-per cent, lowering
gasoline tax to 3.415 N-T per liter and cutting diesel tax 1.995 N-T per
liter.

The vice economics minister says his agency will continue to monitor
developments and assist C-P-C with financing arrangements if needed, as
global oil prices remain volatile.

Posted on 2026-03-19 08:15:14

The central bank is expected to leave leave its key interest rates unchanged
for the ninth consecutive quarter due to the ongoing US-Israel war against
Iran following today's policymaking meeting.

According to economists, global energy prices have been on the rise due to
the Middle East conflict, which has raised concerns over inflation and the
global economy ..

.... both of which are factors that impact the central bank's monetary
policies

The central bank kept the local discount rate at a 15-year high of 2-per cent
following its last policymaking meeting in December.

It also left the rate on accommodations with collateral at 2.375-per cent,
and the rate on accommodations without collateral at 4.25-per cent.

Analysts say the central back could choose to focus on ways to respond to the
volatile global situation during today's policymaking meeting ..

.. as sustained increase in energy prices will push up shipping costs, which
in turn will result in higher imported and domestic product prices.

Posted on 2026-03-19 08:15:14

Nuclear Safety Commission chief Chen Ming-zhen says restarting nuclear power
generation will have to follow established procedures, with the exception of
an emergency order by the president.

The statement comes amid questions as to whether the government is
considering bringing the the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant in Pingtung back
on-line due to potential supply shortages from the Middle East.

Speaking during a legislative hearing, Chen told lawmakers restaring a
nuclear power plant will have to follow the legally mandated process,
beginning with a formal request by Tai-Power and then an inspection by the
Nuclear Safety Commission.

According to Chen, the only exception would be if President Lai Ching-te
issued an emergency order, but even then, there would still need to be a
formal request and safety inspection.

Economics Minister Kung Ming-hsin last week told lawmakers the Maanshan plant
could begin generating electricity as early as 2028.

The Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant was decommissioned on May 17 of last year.

Posted on 2026-03-19 08:15:14

Labor groups are urging the Ministry of Labor to place all migrant workers
under the newer pension system, as it will allow them greater acces to the
state pension program.

The call as labor groups were rallying outside the labor ministry building in
Taipei.

The rally was organized by the Taiwan International Workers' Association.

Protesters criticized the planned measure set to take effect on April 1,
under which employers will be required to place all blue-collar migrant
workers who have worked for them for 10 years or more under the older pension
system.

According to the labor ministry, employers will be required to enroll
eligible migrant workers in the older pension system ...

.... under which they must contribute 2 to 15-per cent of each worker's
monthly salary to a pooled labor retirement reserve fund rather than an
individual account.

The planned measure expands the application of the older pension system to
migrant workers.

However, labor groups argue the eligibility criteria means that pension
benefits will still be largely out of reach for most migrant workers.

Posted on 2026-03-19 08:15:14

And finally,

Police in New Taipei's Tamsui District have broken up an illegal mahjong
gambling venue patronized by retirees.

According to the New Taipei City Police Department's Tamsui Precinct, the
underground casino was located in a private residence on Zhongshan North
Road, Section 1 and came to its attention due to the frequency with which
people came and left.

Police raided the residence and seized gambling paraphernalia and over
100,000 N-T.

The underground casino's operators were also arrested during the raid, along
with nine patrons aged between 50 to 70.

The patrons were mostly of retirees and local housewives.

Police say the patrons claimed they thought playing mahjong in a private home
was just a way to pass the time, and that they did not know they were doing
anything illegal.

The two underground casino operators have been referred to the Shilin
District Prosecutors Office for further investigating.

While the nine patrons are facing a fine of 9,000 N-T each for violating the
Social Order Maintenance Act.

Posted on 2026-03-19 07:04:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has changed the designation of South Korean
nationals in government-issued alien resident certificates in response to
Seoul's mislabeling of Taiwan in its e-arrival card system.

MOFA says A-R-C holders from South Korea will now be identified as being from
"South Korea" rather than the "Republic of Korea."

The foreign ministry says if the South Korean government continues to ignore
the request to alter its e-arrival card system by March 31, it will also
change South Korea's designation on its arrival cards from "Republic of
Korea" to "South Korea."

The the designation change will only affect first-time applicants and those
renewing their A-R-Cs.

The foreign ministry says it decided to change how it refers to South Korea
in its A-R-C system in accordance with "the principle of reciprocity" after
receiving multiple complaints from Taiwan travelers.

Seoul rolled-out its online entry system on February 24 of last year to
replace paper arrival card.

Taiwan is listed as "China (Taiwan)" in dropdown menus for both "place of
departure" and "next destination."

The ministry says it has repeatedly asked Seoul to correct the "wrongful"
listing which idowngraded Taiwan's sovereignty status, but has not received a
positive response.

Posted on 2026-03-19 07:04:14

The government is set to allow families with at least one child under the age
of 12 to apply to hire migrant domestic helpers from April 13.

The move is part of a new national policy aimed at easing the burden of
childcare.

Current regulations only allow families with three children under the age of
6 to hire migrant domestic helpers.

Minister without Portfolio Chen Shih-chung has said that standard has been
widely seen as being too strict.

As a result, only 2,003 of the more than 870,000 migrant workers were
employed as domestic helpers as of late January.

Under the new rules, households with one child under the age of 12 can apply
to hire migrant domestic helpers, provided they pay a monthly salary of at
least 20,000 N-T, plus a 5,000 N-T employment security fee per worker.

The Workforce Development Agency says more than 1.4- million households could
qualify under the expanded rules and disadvantaged or special-needs
households will receive priority review of their applications.

Posted on 2026-03-19 07:04:14

The Army's Kinmen Defense Command is carrying out its "Taiwu Exercise"
live-fire drills on the outlying island.

The first drill saw armored and artillery units firing live ammunition toward
waters off Donggang on Lieyu Island.

Lieyu Island is located some 5-kilometers from the Chinese city of Xiamen.

Defense officials says troops from the Lieyu Garrison Battalion deployed
standard-issue weapons to perform drills covering drone response, live-fire
defense, near-shore defense and beach combat, as well as final protective
fire.

The live-fire drill simulated combat scenarios in which real equipment and
live troops were deployed in an environment where situations evolved
continuously from gray zone threats to enemy landings.

Posted on 2026-03-19 07:04:14

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen says raised the issues of tariffs and military
preparedness during her ongoing trip to the U-S.

Lu also said she has conveyed Taiwan's "needs and views" even as she
expressed Taiwan's sincerity in strengthening cooperation with the U-S.

The Taichung mayor says she firmly believes that cooperation with regional
partners is critical, and the U-S has long been a key partner of Taiwan and
plays a crucial role in maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait and the
broader Pacific region.

The mayor has described her meetings during the trip as exceeding
expectations, with in-depth discussions on a wide range of issues.

Lu met with with Ingrid Larson, the managing director of the American
Institute in Taiwan's (AIT) Washington office, earlier this week.

Lu has been in the US since March 11, her trip is scheduled to wrap up on
March 21.

Her itinerary has included visits to Boston, New York and Washington D.C.

Posted on 2026-03-19 07:04:14

The Ministry of Health denies reports that the government's free lung cancer
screening program has led to overdiagnosis.

The ministry's Health Promotion Administration has been offering free
low-dose computed tomography screening for heavy smokers and those with a
family history of lung cancer, since 2022.

That made Taiwan the first country in the world to do so.

However, in an op-ed published by a local media outlet, a professor at Taipei
Medical University's College of Public Health argued that the widespread use
of free L-D-C-T screening has led to lung cancer overdiagnosis.

The academic pointed out that he use of L-D-C-T screenings over the last 10
years has also subjected many patients to "unnecessary" lung surgery.

The National Health Insurance Administration says data shows the number of
patients undergoing lung-related resection surgery rose slightly in 2025.

The health ministry says it will now compare data with the Health Promotion
Administration to better track the subsequent treatment of patients who test
positive in L-D-C-T screening.

Posted on 2026-03-19 07:04:14

The Ocean Conservation Administration says a leatherback turtle that died
following surgery earlier this week had nine meters of fishing net in its
digestive tract.

Veterinary surgeons found signs of a possible intestinal obstruction, as well
as significant kidney abnormalities during the autopsy.

The surgeons extracted a nine-meter-long wad of fishing net from the turtle's
stomach as they searched for the cause of death.

That was in addition to a 1.6-meter section of net pulled from the turtle's
digestive tract during earlier surgery.

The adult turtle was discovered by a fisherman on Saturday and sent to
Keelung for treatment, but later died despite efforts to treat its injuries

Leatherback turtles are the world's largest sea turtles and are listed as an
endangered species here in Taiwan.

Posted on 2026-03-19 07:04:15

And,

A visually impaired Taiwanese perfumer has created a sun cake-inspired
fragrance.

Liu is the world's first visually impaired perfumer and trained at the Grasse
Institute of Perfumery in France.

She led the team at the Chinxiang Academy to develop the fragrance - which
has been named "Bite of the Sun."

Liu says she inspiration from the sun cake, which has long been seen as a
symbol of central Taiwan's warmth and sunshine.

The perfume is set to debut at Scent Taipei 2026 - Taiwan's first
professional fragrance trade show.

Scent Taipei 2026 takes place at the Taipei World Trade Center from tomorrow
through Sunday.

Posted on 2026-03-18 18:07:13

And starting off with a major political development...

Taiwan's main opposition parties are joining forces ahead of the 2026
Nine-in-One local elections.

The KMT and the Taiwan People's Party have signed a formal pact ... aimed at
integrating opposition support and avoid splitting the vote,

Under the agreement, the two parties will first nominate their own
candidates, then use public opinion polls to select a single unified
candidate in key battlegrounds, starting with New Taipei and Chiayi cities as
well as Yilan County.

The winner of those polls will receive the full backing of both parties.

Beyond the ballot box, the deal also lays the groundwork for "joint
governance".

If their unified candidates win, both parties have committed to sharing
administrative responsibilities to ensure stable local leadership.

Both parties say the strategy could maximize their chances in the 2026
elections.

KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun said the agreement is about upholding fairness and
democratic principles ... while seeking the greatest chance of victory for
the opposition.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-03-18 18:07:13

A concert by Super Junior at the Taipei Dome last November helped drive
tourism and consumer spending in Taipei.

According to the National Credit Card Center, international visitor spending
on accommodation and dining rose by nearly 20 percent during the concert
period.

Data shows foreign tourists increased their hotel spending by about 19
percent and dining expenses by more than 21 percent compared to the same
period in 2024 when no concert was held.

Domestic visitors also contributed, with dining spending rising by nearly 12
percent.

Analysts say the findings highlight how large-scale concerts can attract
overseas fans, encourage multi-day stays, and generate broader economic
benefits for the tourism industry.

The report also notes that Taipei Dome is beginning to show growing appeal in
the international concert market, helping draw visitors from both within
Taiwan and abroad.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-03-18 18:07:13

Mandopop superstar Jay Chou (周杰倫) has officially announced his new
13-track album, Children of the Sun.

The title was inspired by a nickname from fellow icon Jacky Cheung ...

... who sent Chou mangoes printed with the words "Children of the Sun" and a
handwritten card during a rainy concert in Hong Kong.

Chou says the gesture made him feel like "the sun was in his heart",
prompting him to embrace the name for his first album release since 2022.

One hundred lucky fans will also get to catch a global MV premiere at MUVIE
CINEMAS in Taipei's Xinyi District on March 24th.

The album hits digital platforms on March 25th, with physical copies arriving
in stores on April 10th.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-03-18 14:07:13

A fire at a hotel in Alishan National Forest Recreation Area last night,
affected over 150 visitors, but caused no injuries.

The Chiayi County Fire Bureau says the blaze occurred at around 11 p.m. at
the Kaofeng Hotel in Alishan Township.

Nine fire brigades, various firefighting vehicles and a special
search-and-rescue unit were dispatched to the scene to deal with the fire
that started on the third floor of the four-story hotel.

Thick smoke affected the adjacent Guesthouse but did not spread indoors as
the blaze was extinguished at 2:30 a.m. this morning.

A total of 159 visitors -- all hotel and guesthouse guests -- were affected
by the fire, including five from Malaysia, three from Poland, and three from
Thailand.

Officials say all have been properly accommodated.

(CNA - NS)

Posted on 2026-03-18 14:07:17

The Nuclear Safety Commission says it has yet to receive Taiwan Power's plan
of reactivating the third nuclear power plant.

N-S-C chair Chen Ming-zhen (陳明真) says once the plan is submitted, the
commission will review it, but the timing of the restart remains uncertain
because inspections and verification procedures take time.

Taiwan Power chair Zeng Wen-sheng (曾文生) recently said the restart plan for
the number 3 nuclear power plant had been largely completed and would be sent
to the commission by the end of March.

He also noted that manufacturer Westinghouse's technical personnel had begun
independent safety inspections and equipment analysis at the plant.

The power plant's first generator was decommissioned in July 2024, and the
second in May 2025.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-03-18 14:07:18

Kaohsiung is launching Taiwan's first subscription service for public
transportation to make commuting easier and more automatic.

The city's Transportation Bureau announced today that the $399-NT QR monthly
pass now includes a subscription option.

Passengers can link a credit card to the MeNGo platform to have their passes
renew automatically every month.

This removes the need for commuters to buy a new pass manually every 30 days.

Officials say now the entire process can be done on a smartphone, and the new
system is part of a plan to make travel in the city fully digital.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-03-18 14:07:20

Asia shares are mostly higher today with benchmarks in Japan and South Korea
increasing sharply.

Taiwan shares have also gained ground. The Taiex rose 512 points to end the
session at 34,349.

The turnover was 897 billion NT.

Posted on 2026-03-18 14:07:20

US President Donald Trump says he is postponing his trip to Beijing to meet
Chinese President Xi Jinping by up to six weeks while he deals with the war
in the Middle East.

It comes as the war delays an effort to ease tensions between the world's two
biggest economies.

Laura Westbrook reports from Hong Kong.

Posted on 2026-03-18 13:06:13

Health Minister Shi Chong-liang has promised to continue monitoring whether
the use of low-dose CT scans leads to an increase in unnecessary surgeries.

Local news media recently reported medical experts' criticisms against the
scans, saying that they often led to over treatment, which actually caused
more harm than benefits.

Taipei Medical University Professor Gao Zhi-wen said in some cases, patients
underwent unnecessary lobectomy surgeries.

Taiwan's National Health Promotion Administration in 2022 started sponsoring
LDCT scans for high-risk people with a family history of lung cancer or heavy
smokers.

The Minister today defended the policy, saying lung cancer has been the
leading cause of cancer deaths in Taiwan for years, and as early-stage lung
cancer often shows no symptoms, it is difficult to detect.

He said the LDCT program targeting high-risk groups has had a positive
detection rate of about 1.2 percent.

As to whether the scan would lead to excessive treatment, he said the Health
Ministry will continue monitoring differences among hospitals and physicians
and provided the analysis to hospitals with the aim of improving surgical
decisions

(JL)

Posted on 2026-03-18 13:06:13

Agriculture Minister Chen Jun-ji (陳駿季) says fertilizer raw material
inventories held by the state-run Taiwan Fertilizer Company are currently
enough to meet demand for up to eight months.

According to the media, much of the world's fertiliser is made in the Middle
East, with one-third of global trade in it passing through the Strait of
Hormuz.

Addressing concerns about fertilizer imports, Chen said today that Taiwan
sources fertilizer raw materials not only from the Middle East but from
Southeast Asia and Australia as well.

He noted that when factoring in existing stockpiles and shipments already on
the way to Taiwan, supplies of fertilizer raw materials should be enough to
last about six to eight months.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-03-18 08:14:13

The Air Force Command Headquarters says it has found and retrieved the flight
data recorder of the F-16V fighter jet that disappeared off the east coast in
January.

According to defense officials, the flight data recorder will now be sent it
to its manufacturer in the U-S to decode the data to determine the cause of
the plane's disappearance.

The Air Force Command Headquarters has not released any information
concerning the exact location where the black box was found by the salvage
company responsible for the mission.

The single-seat F-16V went missing on January 6 after taking off from Hualien
Air Base on a routine nighttime training mission.

The pilot, Captain Hsin Po-yi reported that the aircraft was losing altitude
shortly before he was about to eject from the aircraft.

The fighter jet's signal disappeared from radar eight seconds later off the
coast of Fengbin in Hualien.

Posted on 2026-03-18 08:14:13

The K-M-T legislative caucus is urging the government to conduct a
comprehensive review of its New Southbound Talent Policy in order to better
safeguard the rights of overseas and international students in Taiwan.

The program was established by the Tsai administration in 2016 with the aim
of attracting some 200,000 applicants from Southeast Asia, Australia, and New
Zealand to Taiwan.

According to the K-M-T legislative caucus, it has since cost taxpayers
4.2-billion N-T and the retention rate stands at only 30-per cent.

Caucus secretary-general Lin Pei-hsiang says many private schools chose to
recruited students from Southeast Asian countries under the program which was
geared towards students studying and leaning Mandarin ...

.. but many of those students actually ended up working at restaurants,
factories and hotels as the schools formed a "profit chain" involving lower
and mid-tier private universities, and businesses.

Lin says that has resulted in the promise of studying in Taiwan becoming one
of working in Taiwan and filling labor shortages with "disguised migrant
labor."

The K-M-T is calling on the Ministry of Education to fully review the current
system, including recruitment mechanisms, broker oversight, industry-academia
cooperation programs and student working hours.

Posted on 2026-03-18 08:14:13

The Taipei District Court has rejected a request by former Taipei Mayor Ko
Wen-je for a short exemption from his travel ban to attend his son's
graduation ceremony in Japan.

The ruled the trip to be unnecessary - saying Ko's presence is not essential
for the graduation to take place and that his absence would not prevent his
son from successfully obtaining his degree.

Ko filed a request with the court to allow him to visit Japan from March
23-25 to attend his son's doctoral graduation ceremony at the University of
Tokyo last week.

The request was opposed by the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office - which
argued Ko had not presented a concrete plan to ensure he would not flee or
collude with co-defendants.

The Taipei District Court stated that Ko failed to provide sufficient
rationale for the court to lift the travel restrictions imposed when he was
released on bail of 70-million N-T in September of last year.

Ko had been in custody for a year prior to that on corruption-related
charges linked to the Core Pacific City project and political donations.

The district court's decision can be appealed.

Posted on 2026-03-18 08:14:13

New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih has visited the Asia-Pacific headquarters of
global architecture firm, Populous - which is known for stadium design as
part of his ongoing trip to Australia.

According to the New Taipei City Government, Hou and his delegation met with
Populous' Global Director Paul Henry inBrisbane, and heard a presentation on
several Major League Baseball stadium design projects from one of the
company's senior architects.

City officials say Populous also introduced their projects in Japan, South
Korea and Australia to illustrate their experience in large-scale public
construction in different cultural and market environments.

The visit to Populous comes after New Taipei announced plans last year for a
50,000-seat multipurpose domed stadium.

That stadium will be built in either in the Shulin District or at the Danhai
New Town Phase 2 site in Tamsui District.

The final location for the stadium is expected to be confirmed in the middle
of this year, following feasibility studies.

Hou is leading a delegation of local government officials and city councilors
on a 10-day visit to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Posted on 2026-03-18 08:14:13

And finally,

The Taiwan Smart City Summit & Expo is underway in Taipei - showcasing the
island's strengths in digital governance and smart public services.

The event is organized by the Taipei Computer Association and the National
Development Council.

Organizers say this year's expo highlights Taiwan's technological "soft
power" and features more than 2,250 booths and over 70 professional forums
through Friday in Taipei ...

.. before it moves to Kaohsiung from Friday through Sunday.

According to the organizers, this year's event includes representatives from
174 cities across 53 countries and is expected to attract more than 3,000
international visitors and over 250 startup teams.

Tokyo and Poland are participating with dedicated pavilions for the first
time.

This year's exhibition is being held under the theme of "Digital and Green
Transformation" and feature the world's first A-I City Pavilion ...

.... which combines A-I computing infrastructure, operating platforms, and
integrated smart city applications for international city leaders and system
integrators.

Posted on 2026-03-18 07:01:13

Defense Minister Wellington Koo says he believes a U-S internal review
process for the sale of a second package of arms to the island is proceeding
on schedule.

The statement comes amid concerns the package could be delayed due to the
ongoing U-S Israeli war against Iran.

Koo said the government is coordinating closely with the U-S and he is
unaware of any related information indicating delays.

The 14-billion U-S dollar arms package includes advanced interceptor missiles

A defense official earlier this week denied reports that that delivery of the
first two MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones from the U-S was delayed due to the war in
the Middle East.

Local media outlets had reported of the first two drones is set to take place
in the second half of this year in accordance with the original schedule.

Taiwan has ordered four MQ-9B surveillance drones from the U-S and delivery
timeline has been set for 2026 and 2027 in two batches of two each.

Posted on 2026-03-18 07:01:14

The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology will be
live-firing its newly developed air-launched variant of the Hsiung Feng III
supersonic anti-ship missile later this month.

The live-fire exercises take place on March 26 and 27 in waters near the
military's Jiupeng Base in Pingtung against a target ship.

An Air Force I-D-F completed the first test launch of an air-launched variant
of the Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missile in December.

The air-launched Hsiung Feng III has a smaller airframe than the
ship-launched and land-based versions and is designed to be carried under the
wings of the fighter jets.

Posted on 2026-03-18 07:01:14

bias

The Ministry of Labor has launched a free video legal consultation service
for workers facing suspected pregnancy or gender-based workplace
discrimination.

The ministry hopes to provide a consultation channel that is professional,
private and convenient and believes it will make workers less likely to feel
intimidated about seeking help than other channels ...

.... such as filing complaints directly with local governments.

The free video legal consultation service is being carried out in partnership
with the Legal Aid Foundation.

Workers who suspect they faced pregnancy or gender-based discrimination will
get the chance to hold
one-on-one video consultations with lawyers beginning April 1.

Migrant workers and foreign nationals who do not speak Mandarin are also
eligible for the service - the Legal Aid Foundation says interpretation
assistance will be provided if needed.

The labor ministry says the video consultation service is expected to handle
more than 600 cases a year and has been allocated a budget of 2-million N-T.

Posted on 2026-03-18 07:01:14

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai is pushing the Smart Kaohsiung AI Lighthouse
Project on the sidelines of this year's Nvidia G-T-C conference in San Jose.

Chen said the project is aimed at applying a "sovereign AI" approach to city
governance as demand for computing power surges amid a shift toward
generative A-I inference and "AI factory" development.

The Kaohsiung city mayor said his administration plans to work with Nvidia
and Hon Hai to establish centers using compute unified device architecture.

The system was created by Nvidia to support demand for computing power and
for software development.

When fully developed, the system is expected to utilize the A-I platform for
large-scale event planning, traffic flow analysis, disaster prevention, and
industrial safety monitoring.

The Kaohsiung mayor also net with representatives from Amazon Web Services
and AT&T at the Nvidia G-T-C conference to explore ways to integrate telecom
services with Nvidia's vision-language model training results to address
urban challenges ..

.... such as traffic, flood prevention and environmental monitoring.

Posted on 2026-03-18 07:01:14

The Centers for Disease Control says a man in his 70s from northern Taiwan
has been discharged from hospital after being diagnosed with a viral illness
tied to tick bites.

The patient sought emergency treatment in late February after developing
weakness and a fever, and was later admitted to hospital.

He was was released from isolation and discharged after more than two weeks.

It was was the third ever domestic case of the disease known as
"thrombo-cytopenia" ... it is primarily caused by tick bites but the C-D-C
says it can also spread between humans.

The source of infection remains under investigation.

The C-D-C and local health authorities have conducted an environmental
investigation at the patient's residence, and no ticks were found inside the
residence or on pets.

Although total of 16 ticks were collected outside the residence, none tested
positive for the virus.

Nine contacts have been identified and none have so far shown symptoms

They will continue to be monitored until March 26.

Posted on 2026-03-18 07:01:14

The Taiwan Cetacean Society says a 280-kilogram leatherback turtle rescued
this past weekend has died despite efforts to treat its injuries.

It had undergone surgery meant to remove a 160-centimeter long net that it
had eaten... and which had become entangled in its mouth and gastrointestinal
tract.

The society says it will conduct an autopsy to assess the damage caused by
the net.

The turtle was estimated to be between 25 and 30 years old.

It was found in a set-net fishing ground near Gengfang Fishing Harbor in
Yilan County.

The animal was then sent to Keelung for treatment.

Leatherback turtles are the world's largest sea turtles and are listed as an
endangered species here in Taiwan.

Posted on 2026-03-18 07:01:14

And,

The Freeway Bureau will be offering a 30-percent discount on long-distance
highway tolls on the two weekends leading up to the April 3 through 6
Tomb-Sweeping holiday.

The move is aimed ease traffic congestion over the holiday weekend.

The discounted toll rate is set at 0.63 N-T per kilometer, which translated
into savings of about 130 N-T for a trip from Yuanshan in Taipei to
Kaohsiung.

But tolls will increase for travel of under 42-kilometers per day during
those weekends.

The Freeway Bureau is advising motorists making shorter trips to use city or
alternative roads to avoid higher fees and potential highway congestion.

Data shows that that traffic volume increases by about 10-per cent on
weekends when the discount is being implemented.

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