ICRT

Posted on 2026-06-20 15:07:14

Taiwan's Central Weather Administration says a tropical depression near Guam
in the western Pacific strengthened into a tropical storm early today.

The CWA said that as of 8 am, Tropical Storm Mekkhala was located just under
2,000 kilometers east-southeast of Taiwan, moving at 27 kilometers per hour
toward Okinawa.

The storm was packing maximum sustained winds of up to 90 kph near its
center, with gusts of 119 kph.

The CWA is advising fishing vessels in the area to stay alert.

It also issued heat alerts for parts of Taiwan today, warning of maximum
temperatures of 36 degrees Celsius or higher.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-06-20 14:07:13

The Ministry of National Defense says that as of 6 o'clock this morning, a
total of 19 Chinese aircraft and ships were operating in Taiwan's airspace
and around the Taiwan Strait.

That includes 5 People's Liberation Army aircraft, 9 PLA vessels and 5
government vessels.

One of the aircraft the MND detected was a drone in Taiwan's airspace
southwest of the island.

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard warned a Chinese oceanographic research vessel
that it was in restricted waters off the coast of Su-ao in Yilan County.

The Coast Guard also detained six men on a fishing vessel off Penghu last
night.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-06-20 13:10:13

The CTBC Brothers announced the team has ended its contract with pitcher Hsu
Ji-lin (徐基麟), because he failed to inform the team about a car crash last
fall.

Hsu drank alcohol at a friend's place in Pingtung in September and then
crashed into a utility pole while driving. Police gave him a breathalyzer
test in the hospital and charged him with driving under the influence.

A court sentenced him to five months in prison, convertable to a fine of
1,000 NT per day -- or about 150,000 NT.

He failed to report the incident to the team, which is a breach of contract.

The Brothers said it released him from his contract for cause as soon it
found out about the accident ... and it will be seeking damages.

This morning, the CPBL said it was suspending Hsu from playing in the league
for 40 games and fining him 440,000 NT.

Hsu was drafted by the MLB's Philadelphia Phillies in 2018 and returned to
Taiwan in 2022, when he was picked up by the Brothers.

CNA_zh_JvW

Posted on 2026-06-20 12:07:13

Labor Minister Hung Sun-han (洪申翰) says Taiwan is working to align its labor
policies with evolving international standards ... particularly in the areas
of gig-worker protections and labor rights in global supply chains.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 7th EU-Taiwan Labor Consultation Meeting in
Brussels, Hung said Taiwan's recently enacted law governing food-delivery
platforms is an example of the direction many countries are progressing
toward.

The law is scheduled to take effect in July. It includes measures that Hung
said are aimed at strengthening protections for delivery workers, including
fair treatment, workplace safety and access to social insurance.

The labor minister said that labor rights in global supply chains were
another key focus of the meeting in Brussels.

He noted that forced labor and labor rights are no longer solely human rights
issues. They've also become important considerations in international trade
and supply-chain management.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-06-20 11:08:13

The Coast Guard Administration has detained six crew members from a Chinese
fishing vessel caught operating in restricted waters off an islet in the
Penghu Islands.

The Coast Guard said the vessel was spotted operating 24 nautical miles west
of Huayu -- the westernmost island of the Penghu archipelago yesterday
evening.

The fishing boat ignored repeated siren warnings and tried to evade Taiwanese
authorities.

The boat was soon intercepted and its cargo of 750 kilograms of fish was
dumped into the sea.

The six men will be detained while an investigation proceeds.

The Coast Guard said this was the second time this year a Chinese fishing
vessel has been intercepted while trespassing and fishing in Taiwanese
waters.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-06-20 11:08:13

Taiwan's central bank has raised its economic growth forecast for this year
to 9.45%, reflecting continuing robust demand for AI equipment.

9.45% is more than 2 percentage points higher than the central bank's last
forecast ... in March.

The central bank said the global AI wave has become a key growth driver in
Taiwan, which has become a global AI supply hub.

CNA_zh_JvW

Posted on 2026-06-20 11:08:13

The Central Weather Administration says a tropical storm near Guam could
strengthen into a typhoon and come closest to Taiwan around the middle of
next week.

The CWA cautions that the system's projected path remains highly uncertain.
Tropical Storm Mekkhala could intensify into a typhoon by Monday.

The system's future direction will depend on the strength of a Pacific
high-pressure system.

Current forecasts suggest it could move north after reaching waters east of
the Philippines on Tuesday and approach waters south of the Ryukyu Islands
... though a CWA meteorologist says a closer northward turn could bring it
nearer to Taiwan.

The weather across Taiwan is expected to remain stable from today through
Wednesday as the Pacific high-pressure system gradually strengthens, with
only isolated brief showers forecast in some mountainous areas.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-06-19 18:07:13

The Coast Guard has warned off a Chinese research vessel from restricted
waters after initially warning it in its exclusive economic zone.

The boat entered Taiwan's restricted waters off the coast of Su'Ao in Yilan.

Restricted waters extend 12 to 24 nautical miles off Taiwan's coast.

The Coast Guard dispatched the Lanyu patrol vessel along with a patrol boat
to shadow the Chinese ship and issue radio warnings.

Video footage shows the crew of the Lanyu telling the Chinese ship that China
has no sovereignty over waters off Taiwan's east coast, demanding the vessel
leave immediately.

The two Taiwanese vessels then flanked the Chinese research ship and carried
out maneuvers designed to generate waves and disrupt its operations.

The ship then left Taiwan's restricted waters and continued north to near
Pengjia islet.

The Lanyu had previously spotted the boat near Hualien and issued similar
warnings to leave the exclusive eeconomic zone.

Posted on 2026-06-19 17:06:14

Next month… four Taiwanese performing arts groups will be heading to France
to join the 2026 Festival Off Avignon.

Supported by the Ministry of Culture, the delegation includes various dance
troupes, focusing on Taiwan’s Hakka and indigenous traditions, as well as
reflections on technology and modern society.

Head of the Academic Cooperation and Culture Department of the French Office
in Taipei… Josue (Joshua) Serres says the Taiwanese artists will be
performing at Festival Off Avignon… one of world’s most important
contemporary performing arts events…

He adds that Avignon will be a offer the Taiwanese artists a global stage
like no other.

That was Josue (Joshua) Serres… of the French Office in Taipei.

Festival Off Avignon runs July 4th through the 25th.

Posted on 2026-06-19 16:13:14

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim is calling on opposition lawmakers to support
the Executive Yuan's special budget proposal for drone production.

Hsiao says today that national security is not a political problem...

adding that the proposal would not only increase the miltiary's combat
capacity, but would also strengthen the "non-red supply chain."

According to the Executive Yuan, the special budget includes a budget ceiling
of 210 billion NT for spending through 2031...

with the funds for both surveillance & reconnaisance drones, as well as for
attack drones.

The proposal followed an earlier special defense proposal by the Cabinet,
from which lawmakers cut out funding for the domestic drone industry.

Meanwhile, Taichung Mayor Lu Xiu Yan says, she would be in favor of the KMT
putting forward its own version of a bill for drone spending.

Posted on 2026-06-19 16:13:14

Taiwan and the US are considering expanding cooperations between the two
countries in Paraguay.

That's as Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming Chi met with US officials in the
South American country earlier this week.

They reportedly discussed views on several issues, like ongoing
Taiwan/Paraguay cooperation on an AI computing center.

They also discussed higher education talent cultivation, Mandarin language
education, and efforts to encourage Taiwanese tech firms to invest in
Paraguay.

Chen says, Taiwan the US both hope to support Paraguay's long-term
development and can achieve greater results through joint cooperation.

US officials said that they will continue to help Paraguay enhance its
cybersecurity capabilities, but that Taiwan and the U.S. should also work
together to facilitate cooperation between Paraguay and trusted partners to
address increasingly serious cyber threats.

Posted on 2026-06-19 15:13:14

The military will soon deploy a drone battalion in Penghu to bolster early
warning capabilities.

That's according to a military source, who added that the move will expand
the area covered by Taiwan's early warning mechanisms and enable the military
to conduct anti-blockade operations closer to the enemy...

as well as to swiftly deploy kill chains using drone and anti-ship missiles.

The Liberty Times reported that the drone battalion will be an upgrade from
an existing squadron there.

It'll likely be launched in July.

Army Chief of Staff Chen Chun-yi (陳俊義) previously told lawmakers that the
Army will establish a drone battalion in each of Taiwan's five theaters of
operations to defend northern, central, southern and eastern Taiwan, as well
as offshore Penghu County.

Meanwhile research fellow Su Tzu-yun (蘇紫雲) described the deployment of drones
on the country's offshore islands as strategically significant...

emphasizing drone strengths, like long-range reconnaissance.

Posted on 2026-06-19 15:13:14

her own fame"

Taitung farmers say, it doesn't matter whether or not magistrate Rao Qing
Ling's video appearance at China's Straits Forum was legal...

as all the debate does is serve to elevate Rao's personal profile and has no
impact on the sugar apple market.

That's after Rao's video appearance promoting Taitung's sugar apples in the
Strait Forum incited controversy, prompting the Mainland Affairs Council to
turn the case over to the Ministry of the Interior for investigation.

But farmers say, Rao's appearance and any of the surrounding controversy hold
little significance when China continues to levy 29% tariffs on Taiwanese
agricultural products.

They add that the "noise" generated by Rao's participation has no effect on
the Taiwanese sugar apple market.

Meanwhile DPP candidate to succeed Rao, Chen Ying stated that she believed
farmers "should not be the victims of political maneuvering."

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-19 15:13:14

Traffic is looking mostly clear across the south and center at the moment...

but a few parts of the north appear to be a little backed up.

Traffic on National Freeways 1 and 3 southbound near Hsinchu's Zhubei and
Xiangshan is quite heavy,

while drivers on National Freeway 5 southbound from Nangang to Toucheng can
also expect some backups.

Officials advise those planning to be heading south on National Freeway 5 to
depart after 5pm.

Posted on 2026-06-19 14:07:14

KMT Chair Zheng Li Wen says, she would be in favor of retaliating against a
Chinese invasion...

so long as Taiwan does not declare independence.

Zheng emphasizes that the KMT supports pursuing peace, but would not give up
on self defense.

She added, the KMT opposes Taiwan declaring independence, but if Taiwan did
not declare independence, and China still invaded Taiwan, Zheng said "we
would certainly retaliate."

The comments come after an interview Zheng gave with the Economist, in which
she said that Taiwan should not become a pawn, adding that she hopes to
undertake more exchange with the US and other international partners.

She added that she considered her recent US trip to be a success, saying that
she hopes to convince leaders in Washington DC that peace is pursued through
dialogue.

Posted on 2026-06-19 14:07:14

The Ministry of Culture says the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe is getting a
taste of Taiwan again this summer.

Now in its twelfth year, the Taiwan Season will bring four Taiwanese troupes
to Scotland, including dance and magicians.

One of the performers… Lin Lu-jie… says this is his second time at the
Edinburgh Fringe… and he is surprised and proud, that his magic show… and
Taiwan culture… resonate with audiences around the world.

The Edinburgh Fringe runs August 7th - 31st, and is the world’s largest
performing arts show, attracting an audience of over 2.6 million people last
year.

Posted on 2026-06-19 14:07:14

South Korea is extending a 5% preferential tariff rate on imported fruits
such as Taiwanese bananas, pineapples, and mangoes.

This was announced by the Ministry of Agriculture which said the measure will
reduce the cost of exporting Taiwanese fruit to South Korea and provide a
significant boost to Taiwanese farmers and exporters seeking to expand into
high-end overseas markets.

South Korea has been facing rising consumer prices and a weak currency,
which have significantly increased the cost of imported fruit.

To help stabilize domestic prices, South Korea introduced a tariff-rate quota
program in February, reducing import duties on fruits such as mangoes from
the original 30% tariff to 5%.

The preferential tariff program had originally been scheduled to expire on
June 30.

But the South Korean government announced yesterday that it would extend the
5% tariff rate on fruits including bananas, pineapples, and mangoes until
August 15.

Posted on 2026-06-19 13:06:14

The Cabinet has proposed a legal revision that would provide a legal basis
for administering saliva tests on certain individuals as a means to identify
users of the illicit narcotic etomidate.

The proposal is part of the government's ongoing drive to combat "zombie
vapes," electronic cigarettes containing etomidate, which has sparked
widespread public safety concerns.

Premier Zhu Rong Tai said he had approved a proposal to amend the Narcotics
Hazard Prevention Act which authorizes authorities to conduct saliva tests in
addition to urine tests to detect drug offenses in a more timely manner/

The move is meant to strengthen drug prevention efforts... and comes after
the Cabinet proposed a separate set of amendments aimed at increasing
penalties for drug-impaired driving.

Under the proposals, anyone caught driving a motor vehicle under the
influence of illegal narcotics would have their driver's license revoked, be
barred from retaking the driver's license test for three years and have their
vehicle confiscated.

Posted on 2026-06-19 13:06:14

The Central Weather Administration is issuing an extreme heat alert for
today..

as temperatures are expected to rise steadily during the Dragon Boat long
weekend under the influence of a strengthening Pacific high-pressure system.

The CWA warns that parts of Taipei, New Taipei, Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin,
Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, Taitung, and Hualien can expect
temperatures as high as 36 degrees celsius today.

The rest of the country, meanwhile, can expect temperatures between 33 and 35
degrees celsius.

The CWA is also forecasting partly cloudy to sunny skies over the coming
days, with some afternoon thunderstorms expected in mountainous areas, as
well as in Greater Taipei and Yilan.

As of 10:30 this morning, the highest recorded temperature across Taiwan was
in Yunlin's Dounan, coming in at 35.8 degrees celsius.

Forecasters also warn of strong winds in parts of Green and Orchid Islands,
as well as in Mazu.

They're urging caution for those engaging in coastal and marine activities.

Forecasters say, we can expect temperatures to increase day by day through
Wednesday.

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

Taipei Songshan Airport has resumed normal operations after temporarily
suspending ground activities this afternoon due to thunderstorms in the
capital region.

The Civil Aviation Administration says ground operations were halted at 2:35
PM as lightning and severe weather moved into the area, affecting some
arriving and departing flights.

Officials say flight schedules may still experience some delays as airlines
work to clear the backlog.

Airports served by Songshan routes may also see residual disruptions.

Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight
information.

(IG)

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

The Ministry of Agriculture says supplies of key food products remain
sufficient ahead of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday despite recent heavy
rain.

Officials say additional supplies of pork, native chickens, vegetables and
fruit have been made available to help meet holiday demand and keep prices
stable.

The ministry says some vegetable crops were damaged by the rain, but leafy
vegetable production was only lightly affected and is expected to recover as
weather conditions improve.

Shipments of vegetables and fruit have also been increased ahead of the
holiday.

Officials say supplies of ingredients commonly used in rice dumplings,
including glutinous rice, mushrooms, peanuts and dried seafood products,
remain adequate.

The ministry says it will continue monitoring production and market
conditions during the holiday period.

(IG)

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

A record four Taiwanese universities have been ranked among the world's top
200 in the latest QS World University Rankings.

National Taiwan University led the way, rising to a record-high 54th place.

It was joined in the top 200 by National Tsing Hua University, National Yang
Ming Chiao Tung University and National Cheng Kung University.

According to QS data, all four institutions achieved their highest-ever
positions in the rankings, with the latter (National Cheng Kung University)
entering the top 200 for the first time.

The rankings evaluate universities in areas including research,
employability, learning experience, international engagement and
sustainability.

QS says Taiwan's universities performed particularly well in measures related
to graduate employment outcomes.

(CNA_IG)

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

And in similar news,

Researchers and students in Japan will now have easier access to information
and research about Taiwan with the opening of Japan's first Taiwan Academic
Digital Resource Center.

The center was established through a partnership between Taiwan's National
Central Library and the University of Tsukuba.

Officials say the project is intended to strengthen academic and cultural
exchanges between Taiwan and Japan.

To mark the opening, Taiwan's National Central Library presented
reproductions of two treasures from its collection, including an 800-year-old
annotated edition of Su Shi's poems and an early printed edition of the
"Diamond Sutra".

(JM)

Posted on 2026-06-18 16:08:48

Thirty Taiwan-made electric buses are now running in Paraguay, as Taiwan and
its South American ally expand green transport cooperation.

The Foreign Ministry says all 30 buses entered service in March.

Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi (陳明祺) inspected the project during a
visit to Paraguay on June 15.

He also rode one of the buses on a city route and tested its electronic fare
system.

Paraguay's Deputy Minister of Public Works Emiliano Fernandez said passengers
have praised the buses for their comfort and accessibility.

The ministry says the buses are quiet, produce no pollution and are improving
public transport in Asuncion.

Taiwan and Paraguay say they will keep working on smart transport solutions
to support Paraguay's green transport goals.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-18 16:08:48

Taichung City's late appeal in the Costco hepatitis A berry case has been
rejected, making the court ruling final.

The city had fined two Costco branches 1-million NT each over frozen berries
imported in 2023.

The berries tested positive for hepatitis A at the border, according to court
documents.

The city said the Taichung and North Taichung branches failed to report the
risk immediately.

But the Taichung High Administrative Court revoked the fines on April 2.

It said the city violated the principle against punishing the same act twice.

City health officials say staff have been disciplined, and he has also asked
to be punished.

The city says it will study whether it can issue another fine.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-18 16:08:48

Taipei's immigration detention center held a Dragon Boat Festival event to
help detainees experience Taiwan's holiday traditions.

The National Immigration Agency says detainees from different countries were
invited to make zongzi rice dumplings.

The center also prepared ingredients that respected different religions and
eating habits.

For many Indonesian detainees who are Muslim, the center used chicken instead
of pork.

It also prepared Southeast Asian ingredients, including coconut milk and
pandan leaves.

Officials say the Taipei Detention Center currently holds 360 people, with
Vietnamese nationals making up the largest group.

A Vietnamese detainee said the activity reminded him of food from home.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-18 15:39:38

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim is weighing in on the debate over whether or not
to abolish the Control Yuan, emphasising that the Constitution grants the
Control Yuan the power of oversight.

She says that government actions should first adhere to the constitution
before carrying out constitutional reforms.

She added that she hopes the Legislative Yuan will review and approve
nominations put forward to fill slots in the Control Yuan by the president.

Following the presidential office's announcement of their nominations, the
TPP legislative caucus said that it would attempt to amend the constitution
to abolish the government watchdog.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an also expressed his support for abolishing the
Control Yuan, going so far as to say that opposition legislators should use
their majority to reject all two dozen nominees, paralysing the Control
Yuan's operations.

Meanwhile, two of those named by the presidential office, both of the KMT,
rejected their nominations.

Hsiao says in remarks today that she hopes the Legislature will adhere to the
rule of law in reviewing the nominations.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-18 15:39:41

Shilin prosecutors have indicted two food companies and three people over
allegedly selling olive pomace oil as olive oil.

The defendants include a father and son surnamed Chen (陳), linked to Baocheng
Co. (堡晟) and Fengyuan Co. (楓緣).

Prosecutors say they imported olive pomace oil from Italy starting in October
2024.

The oil allegedly contained copper chlorophyll, which was not approved for
use in edible oil.

Prosecutors say the products were relabeled as Japanese pure olive oil and
premium olive oil.

They were then repacked into one-liter bottles and sold through distributors.

Prosecutors say these distributors were unaware of the deception.

The alleged illegal profit totaled more than 20-million NT.

Prosecutors are asking the court to confiscate the proceeds.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-18 15:39:41

Taiwan is set for intense summer heat through the Dragon Boat Festival
holiday and beyond.

Meteorologist Wu De-rong says from tomorrow through next Thursday, a Pacific
high pressure front will strengthen day by day, pushing temperatures
island-wide above 38 degrees under clear summer skies.

Mountain areas may see brief afternoon showers.

Looking further ahead, Wu says a weather front associated with the final wave
of the plum rain season is expected to approach between June 25th and 27th.

He also says a separate tropical disturbance developing east of the
Philippines around June 20th and 21st is being tracked by forecasters.

Most models suggest it will curve northeast toward waters south of Japan
rather than approaching Taiwan, but experts are watching the system closely.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-06-18 14:08:14

The Executive Yuan is proposing a special budget for drones, after a previous
special budget passed by the legislature failed to include funds for drones.

The latest special budget includes a budget ceiling of 210 billion NT for
spending through 2031.

The Executive Yuan has set aside the funds for both surveillance and
reconnaissance drones as well as attack drones.

The proposal comes after the legislature cut out funds for developing the
domestic drone industry...

prompting blowback from the DPP as well as even some blue camp figures.

Premier Zhuo Rong Tai says, he hopes that Taiwan can use local materials and
domestic production and maintenance to build up its drone defense
capabilities.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-18 14:08:16

China Airlines will cut fuel surcharges for cargo exports from Taiwan by more
than 20 percent from July 1.

The reduction follows two straight months of increases, as oil prices have
moved lower.

For cargo sent to Europe and the Americas, the charge will fall from 84 NT to
62 NT per kilogram.

That is a drop of about 26 percent.

For cargo sent to Asia, the charge will drop from 29 NT to 21 NT per kilogram.

That is a reduction of about 27-and-a-half percent.

China Airlines says the new rates were calculated from its average fuel
purchase costs and filed with the Civil Aeronautics Administration.

Last month, cargo surcharges rose slightly even as passenger fuel surcharges
fell, partly because cargo demand from the AI sector remained strong.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-18 14:08:16

The landmark rock musical "Jesus Christ Superstar" makes its Taiwan debut
this week, bringing a celebrated revival production to Taipei.

The show, created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice and first staged in
1971, is widely credited with pioneering the rock musical format.

Songs including "Superstar", "I Don't Know How to Love Him", and others have
become standards of the musical theater repertoire.

And according to organizers, this touring production, led by British producer
David Ian, combines the show's original musical vision with contemporary
staging technology.

Four performances will run at the National Theater Hall from June 18th to
21st.

(N)S

Posted on 2026-06-18 14:08:16

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex gaining 548 points to
close the session at 46425.

The turnover was 1.255 trillion NT.

Posted on 2026-06-18 11:50:13

Taiwan could move as soon as next week to sharply tighten controls on
e-cigarettes.

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) says a draft legal amendment may pass
the Cabinet before going to lawmakers.

The bill would add criminal liability for manufacturing and importing
e-cigarettes, not just administrative fines.

It would also punish possession, with products confiscated and heavy fines
possible.

Education officials say campus reports involving students carrying or using
e-cigarettes have surged.

Cases rose from 237 in 2023 to 1-thousand-692 in 2025.

This year, more than 1-thousand cases had already been reported by the end of
May.

Shih also warned that etomidate vape pods are drugs, not tobacco, and said
the government will strengthen campus enforcement.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-18 11:50:13

The Ministry of National Defense reports eight Chinese naval vessels
operating around Taiwan from 6 a.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. today.

No Chinese military aircraft were detected during the same period.

Taiwan's armed forces used mission aircraft, ships, and shore-based missile
systems to monitor the situation.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-18 11:50:13

Din Tai Fung will raise prices on some menu items from Monday, citing higher
operating costs.

The restaurant chain says the average increase is expected to be about 5
percent.

Its famous xiaolongbao will rise from 28 NT to 29 NT each.

Shrimp fried rice with egg will rise from 300 NT to 320 NT.

Shrimp and pork wontons in spicy red oil will rise from 230 NT to 240 NT.

Side dishes will rise from 120 NT to 130 NT.

Din Tai Fung says raw material and labor costs have continued to rise.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-18 10:55:13

Taiwan Railways is adjusting train services this morning... after an
excavator overturned as workers were carrying out maintenance work.

Trains between Miaoli and Zhunan are forced to operate on a single track in
both directions... causing some passengers to wait for up to half an hour.

To maintain operational efficiency, six train services were suspended between
Miaoli and Zhunan.

TRA has apologized for the delays affecting northbound and southbound train
services between Miaoli and Zhunan.

Normal operations are expected to resume at 1:00 p.m.

Posted on 2026-06-18 10:55:16

The Ministry of Justice has decided to reclassify etomidate from a Category 2
to a Category 1 narcotic.

The decision was made during a meeting of the Narcotics Review Committee.

This comes amid growing public concern over drug-impaired driving which has
caused multiple deaths and injuries.

If the decision is formally approved and announced by the Cabinet, those
convicted of manufacturing, transporting or selling the drug could face heavy
prison sentences and the death penalty in the most serious cases.

Posted on 2026-06-18 10:55:16

A Taitung county councilor has been indicted for allegedly claiming more than
$4.68 million NT in public subsidies through fake staffing arrangements.

The Taitung District Prosecutors Office on Wednesday said councilor Wang
You-li listed four fictitious assistants in her accounts between December
2022 and April 2026, using the names of relatives and associates to obtain
publicly funded salaries intended for legislative aides.

Four other individuals were also indicted in connection with the case.

Wang, a KMT nominee for the upcoming Green Island township chief election,
denied wrongdoing.

She said she will continue her campaign, leaving her fate to voters.

(CNA - NS)

Posted on 2026-06-17 20:07:13

New data suggests many disadvantaged children in Taiwan face food and
caregiving difficulties during school vacations.

It's from a recent survey by the Child Welfare League Foundation ...

... which found that one in five children have relied on snacks instead of
regular meals because school lunches are unavailable during the summer break.

Researchers also found that more than 13 percent of children are left home
alone during the vacation period, while nearly 30 percent take care of
younger siblings or sick family members.

The foundation says the loss of school meals, after-school care and learning
support can create significant challenges for vulnerable families.

More than half of respondents said their greatest wish was for no one in
their family to become ill, reflecting concerns about financial and
caregiving pressures.

The foundation says it plans to provide food assistance and summer programs
for thousands of children this year.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-06-17 20:07:15

Costco Taiwan says a food product linked to an E. coli outbreak in Japan has
never been sold at its stores in Taiwan.

The statement follows a suspected food poisoning incident involving a Mexican
wrap sold at a Costco warehouse store in Nagoya.

Japanese health authorities say five people became ill after eating the
product, with three requiring hospitalization.

Officials say all five tested positive for a particular strain of E. coli
bacteria ... and local health officials have suspected kitchen operations at
the affected store as they investigate.

Costco Taiwan added that similar items sold locally meet food safety
standards.

(IG)

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

The DPP nominee for Taipei Mayor says, claims that he is in favor of
integrating housing and workplaces are fake news.

That's after a KMT city councilor stated that Shen's strategy to alleviate
traffic in Neihu was to have people live in the same place that they work.

The candidate's office emphasizes today that Shen's website has a page
specifically dedicated to combating fake claims about him.

They noted that the fake claims stemmed from an interview Shen gave, in which
he said that there are solutions to the traffic issue, citing examples from
former Mayor Ke Wen Zhe and former Health Minister Chen Shi Zhong.

He also noted that future MRT expansions will alleviate the issue, but there
are still six years before then in which the problem will persist.

Shen added that there should be more affordable housing in Neihu that can
accomodate those that work in the area, prioritizing couples and young
professionals...

in addition to encouraging companies in Neihu to offer flexible working
hours.

(AH)

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

Taoyuan International Airport is urging passengers to arrive 3 hours ahead of
their flights during the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival holiday...

as they brace for record crowds during the long weekend.

They also encourage the use of self-service bag tagging and mobile check-in...

and advises passengers to double-check liquid and lithium battery regulations
before heading through security.

Between June 18th to 22nd, Taoyuan international airport is expecting to
average143,000 passengers a day.

It is expected to be the highest Dragon Boat holiday average on record,
surpassing numbers both last year and pre-pandemic peaks.

The single busiest day is expected to be Friday

(MW)

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

Chinese Historian Ge Zhaoguang 葛兆光 has been named the winner of the 2026 Tang
Prize in Sinology, becoming the first China-based scholar ever to receive the
honor.

The 76-year-old Fudan University professor was recognized for his decades of
work on Chinese history, including his studies on the question "What is
China?"

The Tang Prize Selection Committee praised his mastery of ancient Chinese
thought, saying his influence has reached far beyond China into other regions
of the world.

In a recent interview, Ge said studying Chinese history gave him a chance at
what he called "rebirth".

He didn't pursue higher education until his late twenties, eventually
studying classical philology at Peking University.

He said Sinologists carry a mission to help the world better understand China
through its history and culture.

The Tang Prize comes with a cash award of 40 million NTD, plus an additional
10 million for research funding.

Posted on 2026-06-17 15:24:47

Taiwan's renewable power share could rise to 15 percent this year as offshore
wind power grows.

Economics Minister Kung Ming-hsin gave the estimate today at the
Legislature's Economics Committee.

He says renewables made up 13 percent of total power generation last year.

The comments came after TPP lawmaker Hung Yu-hsiang (洪毓祥) questioned the
government's renewable energy policies.

Hung raised concerns about project delays, solar panel oversight, and safety
rules for rooftop solar.

Kung says offshore wind contracts were awarded through bidding and will be
handled according to contract rules.

The Energy Administration says imported solar equipment can be installed if
it meets required standards.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-17 15:24:47

Immigration officers have rescued five Thai nationals from a suspected human
trafficking ring in Taiwan.

The National Immigration Agency says the group used false online job ads to
recruit people from remote areas of Thailand.

Authorities say some victims sold property or borrowed money to pay high
brokerage fees.

But after arriving in Taiwan, they were allegedly sent to do illegal labor
across the country.

Investigators say some victims had their passports withheld and were forced
to work long hours for low pay.

A task force rescued the five people from mountain farms and seized 47
passports.

Officials estimate the group made nearly 4-million NT in criminal proceeds.

Twenty-two suspects have been referred to prosecutors for alleged human
trafficking and employment law violations.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-17 15:24:47

Southern Taiwan's blood supply has fallen to urgent levels after days of
heavy rain kept donors away.

The Kaohsiung Blood Center says the region is nearly 6-thousand bags short of
expected donations.

It says the overall blood supply is down to 4.4 days.

Type O blood is the tightest, with only 2.9 days left.

The center says southern Taiwan needs about 1-thousand-900 bags of blood each
day for medical use.

Officials say a shortfall could affect surgeries, trauma care, and patients
who need long-term transfusions.

Supplies are falling in Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, Penghu, and
Taitung.

The center says healthy people can donate if they have not been sick, taken
medicine, or received injections in the past two weeks.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-17 15:14:13

G7 leaders have opposed unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the
Taiwan Strait.

A leaders' statement issued at the summit in France also mentioned the East
China Sea and South China Sea.

The statement says such disputes should only be resolved peacefully through
dialogue.

It did not name China, but stressed the importance of a free and open
Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law.

The G7 statement also covered tensions in the Middle East, Russia's invasion
of Ukraine, and North Korea's weapons programs.

Leaders said they support keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and expanding
military aid to Ukraine.

The Yomiuri Shimbun says the G7 is trying to show unity as regional tensions
rise.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-17 15:14:13

A Miaoli elementary student has been rescued after drifting out to sea while
playing hooky.

County officials say the boy in fourth grade slipped away from school
yesterday without notifying anyone and made his way alone to the beach near
the Zhonggang River mouth in Houlong.

An alert angler spotted him wandering alone on the beach, climbing onto a
piece of styrofoam and floating out onto the water.

The fisherman called the Coast Guard, and personnel brought the boy back to
safety conscious and uninjured.

Officials say schools have been reminded to strengthen water safety education.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-06-17 15:14:13

Campus safety reports involving students carrying or using e-cigarettes have
surged nearly sevenfold in three years.

TPP lawmaker Tsai Chun-chou (蔡春綢) says authorities should trace the sources
and cut off supply channels.

Tsai says there were 237 reported cases in 2023, rising to 1-thousand-692
last year.

This year, schools had already reported 1-thousand-50 cases by the end of May.

Tsai says some vape cartridges may be used to disguise emerging drugs,
including so-called "zombie vape cartridges."

The Ministry of Education says local governments have been asked to include
student tobacco cases in campus safety reports.

It says schools should notify parents, provide anti-smoking education, and
refer students for medical help when needed.

Health officials say payment and pickup records can help trace e-cigarette
products back to underground factories.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-17 14:15:14

The DPP is naming the Penghu magistrate's wife to run in his stead...

as Chen Guang-fu remains hospitalized.

The party's Election Strategy Committee announced today that they would
nominate Wu Shu Jin 吳淑瑾to run in Chen's place.

Chen had already received the DPP's blessing to run for re-election when he
fell, hitting his head, back in Feburary.

He's been hospitalized since then.

DPP Spokesperson Wu Zheng said that the party is rooting for Chen's speedy
recovery...

adding that Wu Shi Jin's nomination will be confirmed at a press conference
later today.

Meanwhile, the KMT's pick to lead Penghu, Chen Zhen Zhong 陳振中, says he
welcomes Wu's decision to take over and believe the family has made
arrangements for the magistrate's medical care...

putting their full effort behind the election campaign.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-17 14:15:15

New Taipei police arrested a man within four minutes today after a bank
robbery in Banqiao.

Police say the suspect entered Taishin Bank's Bannan Branch with scissors.

The robbery was reported at 10:15 this morning on Guanqian (館前) East Road.

Officers rushed to the scene after the emergency report and quickly subdued
and arrested the suspect.

No one was injured at the scene.

Police are investigating whether Wang had accomplices or planned the robbery
in advance.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-17 14:15:16

Taiwan shares are down today, with the benchmark tai ex losing 93 points to
close the session at 45716.

The turnover was 1.039 trillion NT

Posted on 2026-06-17 12:42:14

The Ministry of National Defense says it will find ways to fund its drone
program even after the legislature slashed the budget.

Deputy Defense Minister Hsu Szu-chien 徐斯儉 says today that demand for drone
and counter-drone capabilities is only growing.

He calls them "indispensable" on the modern battlefield.

This comes as the legislature recently passed just over 60% of the Executive
Yuan's original proposal for additional defense spending over the next 8
years.

Notably cut was funding for the development of Taiwan's domestic drone
industry, a move that DPP lawmakers called hard to understand.

This comes as KMT figures like Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen have publicly
championed making Taichung a hub for drone manufacturing.

The Deputy Defense Minister added that his ministry will pursue multiple
funding routes to fill the gap.

Those include supplementary budgets, next year's annual budget, and
potentially a new special budget.

President Lai Ching-te has said the cabinet will propose another special act
to keep defense development on track.

(MW)

Posted on 2026-06-17 12:42:14

We're heading into a sunny and very hot Dragon Boat Festival long weekend as
rain systems weaken.

Weather expert Daniel Wu says a stationary front is weakening today, and the
southwest monsoon will weaken tomorrow.

He says Taiwan will still see unstable air today, with afternoon convection
and hot conditions when rain stops.

The Central Weather Administration says Taitung County could see foehn winds
and temperatures above 36 degrees Celsius.

Wu says the Pacific high pressure system will strengthen from Friday through
June 24.

That means most areas will be sunny and hot, with only brief afternoon
showers possible in mountain areas.

A final plum rain front may approach next week Thursday and Friday, but
forecast models still differ.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-17 10:47:13

The Taiwan Research Institute has raised its forecast of Taiwan's gross
domestic product (GDP) growth to 9.33 percent for 2026, citing robust global
demand for AI applications.

TRI said its new forecast represented a significant upgrade from the previous
estimate of 3.46 percent that the institution made at the end of last
year.... and comes even as the global economy faced military conflicts in the
Middle East, which have pushed up crude prices and inflationary pressure.

Growth is expected to drive demand seen in the local semiconductor and ICT
industries resulting from significant AI development.

The 9.33 percent forecast is close to a similar upbeat forecast by the
Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, which raised its
prediction to 9.64 percent in May.

Posted on 2026-06-17 10:47:13

The Centers for Disease Control says a dengue fever cluster at Kaohsiung
Municipal Min-Sheng Hospital has been confirmed as linked to an imported case
from Vietnam.

A localized dengue cluster emerged at Min-Sheng Hospital after five
inpatients tested positive for dengue fever on June 12-th.

As of Monday, the cluster totaled six cases, with no new infections reported.

The CDC has since expanded testing to more than 1,400 people at the hospital,
including staff, inpatients and those who were recently discharged.

There is currently no evidence of broader community transmission, and
monitoring will continue until July 12-th.

Posted on 2026-06-17 10:47:13

A Taiwanese research team has discovered a novel strategy to revive worn-out
immune cells in cancer patients.

The treatment offers a breakthrough for people who have become resistant to
current immunotherapy treatments.

The team said that while modern immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer
treatment by waking up frontline immune cells burned out by long-term tumor
exposure, a significant number of patients still fail to respond or build up
resistance.

Recharging these permanently exhausted T cells has become one of the biggest
challenges in oncology -- one that the NTUH team set out to tackle directly.

The NTUH team comprises researchers from the National Taiwan University
College of Medicine and Academia Sinica.

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