ICRT

Posted on 2025-09-18 14:15:13

Taipei officials are responding to complaints over bus traffic near the
under-construction Gongguan roundabout...

as posters online said they were caught in bumper-to-bumper bus traffic
yesterday.

Posters on Threads showed the stop-and-go traffic on Roosevelt Road near the
roundabout, while commenters joked that it looked more like a bus stop than
moving traffic.

Additionally there were two bus accidents nearby today.

Officials say that the company handling the construction inappropriately
closed certain lanes at peak hours, and said the company would be fined.

They emphasize that the flow of traffic has now returned to pre-construction
levels without noticeable congestion, and they're working with relevant units
to resolve the acccident issue.

Meanwhile Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan An said simply "thank you" this morning
when reporters asked about the issue.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-09-18 14:15:15

Officials have unveiled commemorative gifts for this year's National Day
celebrations

The National Day Committee says the 10 items, including a thermos, a baseball
cap, and a tote bag, all feature this year's National Day visual theme and
colors.

And the committee says those unable to attend the National Day ceremony in
person still have a chance to draw for the special items, by sharing psots
from the National Day celebration Facebook page and tagging friends.

Officials say 100 winners will be announced on October 1st.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-09-18 14:15:15

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmmark Tai ex closing at 25769 after
gaining 331 points.

The turnover was 455.3 billion NT.

Posted on 2025-09-18 13:06:14

Taiwan has signed an agreement with US agricultural associations to purchase
over $10 billion US dollars-worth of US farm products over the next four
years.

At the signing ceremony on Capitol Hill, Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih
says Taiwan's biennial agricultural trade goodwill mission has historically
pledged about $1.9 billion in purchases annually.

But this year the amount was raised to $2.5 billion, as part of moves to take
the partnerhsip "to the next level".

According to the minister, Taiwan imported more than $3.7 billion in US
agricultural products last year, including soybeans, corn, wheat and beef.

Chen says the delegation, made up of major Taiwanese food companies and
agricultural groups, will now split into teams to visit eight U-S states, to
meet with local politicians, farmers' associations and exporters to explore
further cooperation.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-09-18 13:06:15

Taiwanese actor-director Sylvia Chang yesterday was honored for contributions
to women in cinema at the 30th Busan Internationl Film Festival.

Accepting the Camellia Award at the opening ceremony, Chang said that she got
her start as an actor in 1972, and has been fascinated with cinema ever
since.

Chang added that she's been more active in writing scripts, directing, and
producing in recent years, the difficulty of which only boosted her
motivation to succeed.

Chang said she was excited to premiere a new film, called Measure in Love, at
the festival from Sunday to Monday.

Chand served as a co-writer and producer on the new fantasy romance.

The Camellia Award was established last year to honor the power of women in
film, and is presented to a prominent filmmaker or industry professional
whose work elevates the status of women in the field.

(AH_CNA)

Posted on 2025-09-18 09:05:13

The Central Weather Administration will be issuing islandwide cellphone
messages tomorrow to mark National Disaster Prevention Day.

The administration says the drill is aimed at boosting the public's
preparedness, by simulating earthquake and tsunami alerts to test the
emergency warning system.

Messages will be sent to people's cellphones in three stages ...

.. those being a nationwide earthquake alert at 9:21AM, a tsunami warning for
coastal areas at 9:30AM, and a tsunami cancellation at 10AM.

Posted on 2025-09-18 08:16:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

C-S-B-C says its first indigenous submarine will miss its September deadline
for completing sea acceptance tests.

Sea trials for the Narwhal began in June.

Navy Chief of Staff Chiu Chun-rong says the vessel is still moored in a port
and needs to clear a safety assessment before it can undergo surfaced and
submerged tests at sea.

According to C-S-B-C President Tsai Kun-zong, completing the sea acceptance
trials this month is now "impossible" due to the current progress.

The shipbuilder's chairman Chen Cheng-hong says the company will make every
effort to accelerate progress of ongoing trials without sacrificing safety.

The Navy has warned C-S-B-C that it will face a fine if it fails to deliver
the submarine by November as stipulated in the contract.

Posted on 2025-09-18 08:16:13

K-M-T lawmakers are proposing creating a two-round absolute majority system
for choosing Taiwan's president in time for the 2028 election.

According lawmaker Lo Chih-chiang, the proposal has two parts ..

... one being to amend the Constitution to change the presidential election
system to an absolute majority two-round system, and the other to revise
election laws to resolve the difficulties of minority presidents.

Lo says a two-round presidential vote would allow voters in the first round
to "support their favorite candidate without worrying" that strategic voting
could "let the most disliked candidate win."

Lo is criticizing the current relative majority system saying it results in
candidates working to split the opponent's camp and manipulating strategic
voting - making voters afraid to support their favorite candidate .

The K-M-T lawmakers says the changes could improve the election atmosphere
and strengthen the president's legitimacy.

Lo has told reporters that the proposal has the support of a majority of the
K-M-T lawmakers and he has privately exchanged views with Taiwan People's
Party lawmakers and will continue to work to build cross-party consensus on
the issue.

Posted on 2025-09-18 08:16:14

The Ministry of Agriculture says broader public support is needed to
implement humane euthanasia in animal shelters.

The statement comes after a citizen-led petition called for such action.

The public proposal was submitted via the National Development Council's
public policy participation website in early July.

It urged the government to "implement humane euthanasia in animal shelters,
strengthen management of owner responsibility, and require any animal feeder
or animal caretaker to bear legal responsibility under the Animal Protection
Act."

According to the agriculture ministry, it held a meeting with animal
protection agencies and groups in response to the petition.

Public animal shelters have not carried out euthanasia since June 2017, which
has led to overcrowding.

And some animal protection groups argue that animals dying of old age or
illness in cramped spaces is a greater neglect of animal welfare than humane
euthanasia.

The Animal Protection Act allows for the euthanasia of animals with
notifiable infectious diseases, incurable serious illnesses, or conditions
that seriously affect public sanitation.

Posted on 2025-09-18 08:16:14

The Central Weather Administration says a tropical depression that former
near Guam yesterday could strengthen into a typhoon as it nears Taiwan.

According to the administration's forecast center, the storm could have a
radius of some 200-kilometers by Sunday and a sea warning could be issued on
Monday at the earliest - potentially affecting southeastern and southern
parts of the region.

That weather pattern is currently expected to approach southeastern Taiwan on
Tuesday of next week before passing through the Bashi Channel.

However, the weather administration says it's exact path and strength remain
uncertain and it will be closely monitoring the storm's movements over the
coming days.

Meanwhile,

A tropical depression that formed east of the Philippines earlier this week
is located some 600-kilometers south of Oluanpi at Taiwan's southernmost tip
and is now heading into the South China Sea.

It's expected to move in a northwesterly direction and make landfall on the
coast of China's Guangdong Province on Saturday.

However, eastern and southern parts of Taiwan will be affected by it today
and tomorrow - and heavy rain is forecast for parts of the south and east.

The third tropical depression formed north of Wake Island overnight, but that
is not forecast to have any impact on Taiwan and instead move towards
southwestern Japan in the coming days.

Posted on 2025-09-18 08:16:14

And finally,

Former National Security Council Secretary-General Ding Mao-shi has died.

He was 99.

Ding died at the Cheng Hsin General Hospital in Taipei.

Born in 1925, in China's Yunnan Province, Ding was a senior diplomat who
served as the Taiwan's top diplomat from 1987 to 1988 and later as
representative to the United States.

Ding's previous overseas posts also included being a top envoy to South
Korea, Rwanda, and Zaire.

He played a crucial role during the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis in 1996 while
serving as National Security Council secretary-general under then President
Lee Teng-hui.

Ding traveled to New York to engage in a high-level talk with James
Steinberg, then deputy national security adviser under U-S President Bill
Clinton, during the crisis.

That meeting was the first between high-level U-S and Taiwan security
officials since the sides ended official relations in 1979.

Posted on 2025-09-18 06:39:13

Tai-Power says it has activated all five of standby units at its two power
plants in Kaohsiung.

The statement comes after its operating reserves fell to below 6-per cent due
to the hot weather and mechanical failures.

According to Tai-Power, four old coal-powered generators at the Hsinta Power
Plant and one gas-powered unit at the Talin Power Plant have been activated
to maintain an adequate reserve level during the nighttime peak hours.

Power reserves dropped to 9.06-per cent on Wednesday - triggering a "yellow
light" warning, due to increased electricity usage over several consecutive
hot days in the north.

While Tai-Power says solar power output fell in the south as a result of
overcast skies and rainy weather in the afternoon.

And that has resulted in Tai-Power''s reserves falling to 4-per cent.

The state-generator says the situation has been exacerbated by a power
deficit of 2,900 megawatts caused by problems at the Hsinta Power Plant in
Kaohsiung and the Linkou Power Plant in New Taipei.

Posted on 2025-09-18 06:39:16

Minister Without Portfolio and former health minister Chen Shih-chung says a
government birth subsidy program will likely take effect on January 1 of next
year.

According to Chen, the program is aimed at addressing payout discrepancies
for birth subsidies across government insurance programs and will provide
payments of up to 100,000 N-T.

Participants in any national insurance program will be eligible for the
payment for every new child they have ..

.,.... and the program is also expected to benefit some 7,100 people who are
not covered by government insurance programs.

Chen says the government subsidies will also increase payements for couples
undergoing artificial fertilization procedures.

Posted on 2025-09-18 06:39:16

President Lai Ching-te has welcomed the new chair of the Japan-Taiwan
Exchange Association.

Shuzo Sumi is making his first visit to Taiwan since assuming office earlier
this year.

Sumi is leading a delegation of association officials to Taipei this week.

Speaking during the meeting at the Presidential Office,Lai congratulated Sumi
on taking up the post and his expressed his hope that Sumi's leadership,
along with his decades of experience in Japan's business sector, will further
boost bilateral relations.

A press released from the Presidential Office is quoting Sumi as saying he
feels honored to contribute to bilateral cooperation in various fields, as
both sides share similar challenges, including military coercion from China,
declining birthrates and natural disasters.

Sumi began his tenure as the chair of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association
on June 20 - replacing Mitsuo Ohashi, who chaired the association for the
past 14 years.

Posted on 2025-09-18 06:39:16

The Disciplinary Court has fined former Atomic Energy Council Chairman Hsieh
Xiu-xing 600,000 N-T for workplace bullying and sexual harassment.

Hsieh headed the council from 2016 to 2023 and has persistently denied any
wrongdoing.

According to the court, Hsieh abused his power, created a hostile work
environment for women and his conduct included inappropriate physical
contact, invading personal space, ogling, and making remarks about their
figures and attire.

The court says Hsieh discriminated on the basis of gender, hired only young
women as his office secretaries.

Hsieh also repeatedly bullied staff by publicly reprimanding them, using foul
language and belittling them ..

.... and insisted on having lunch with his secretary in his office during the
level 3 COVID alert - violating epidemic prevention measures.

The Cabinet launched an investigation into Hsieh in October 2022 after he was
accused of sexual harassment and bullying.

He was removed from office in January 2023 and the Control Yuan unanimously
impeached him in July of 2023.

The Disciplinary Court ruling can be appealed.

Posted on 2025-09-18 06:39:16

The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has indicted the owner and the
manager of a nightclub in Taipei on charges of negligent homicide after a man
died from acute alcohol intoxication during a drinking contest.

The prosecutors' office says the club owner and manager face charges in
connection with the death of a man who took part in the drinking event at the
nightclub inside the ATT 4 Fun building in Xinyi District in Sepember of last
year.

According to prosecutors, the man consumed a one-liter vodka and passion
fruit cocktail in just one minute and 10 seconds.

He felt unwell, left the event and entered a restroom in the building's
basement parking area, where a security guard found him dead several hours
later.

Prosecutors says the the club owner and manager violated the Tobacco and
Alcohol Administration Act, which bans alcohol advertising or promotions that
encourage drinking ...

.. and the Regulations Governing the Labeling of Alcohol Products, which
require warning statements such as "Large quantity intake of alcohol product
in a short period of time is lethal."

Posted on 2025-09-18 06:39:16

And finally,

Taiwan's first hospital-based therapy dog has been honored with a medal and a
retirement ceremony at the Taipei Veterans General Hospital.

More than 40 former patients and their family members along with over 50 of
the hospital's staff turned out to wish the 10-year-old black Labrador, Oba a
happy retirement.

Oba has served on the hospital's Hospice and Palliative Care Unit since 2019
comforting terminally ill patients and their families.

The hospital let Oba keep his ID card, awarded him a medal and gave him the
title of "lifelong volunteer."

It has passed on Oba's role to a three-year-old dog named Olga.

Hospital superintendent Chen Wei-ming says Oba was "always there for those
who needed comfort" and his calm temperament allowed him to go almost
anywhere in the hospital except operating rooms.

Posted on 2025-09-17 19:35:13

A new survey in Taiwan is sounding the alarm on youth mental health.

The Child Welfare League Foundation says nearly 40 percent of teenagers are
struggling with emotional distress — problems that spill over into poor
sleep and even refusing to go to school.

More than 22 percent admitted having suicidal thoughts.

Among girls, nearly one in four showed moderate to severe suicidal ideation,
more than three times the rate of boys.

The survey of over seven thousand students found the top stress sources are
academics, peer pressure, family conflicts, and past trauma.

Almost half reported sleep problems, and one in five said they often feel
like skipping school.

Interestingly, many teens are turning to artificial intelligence for comfort
— 47 percent said they've confided in AI tools, a higher rate than turning
to school counselors or mental health professionals.

The Foundation is urging government agencies to expand access to remote
counseling for minors and to improve awareness and effectiveness of student
mental health leave policies.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-09-17 19:35:14

A new consumer survey shows that people in Taiwan are nine percent more
likely to upgrade to the iPhone 17 series compared to the iPhone 16.

The survey, by Apple product retailer Data Express, also shows that the Pro
and Pro Max models are expected to dominate sales, with nearly eight in ten
buyers eyeing those two versions.

The Pro alone drew interest from 39 percent of respondents, while 37 percent
favored the larger Pro Max.

General manager Huang Li-jung (黃麗容) says initial shipment volumes are
about the same as last year, but demand for certain models could outpace
supply.

As for style, the deep blue iPhone 17 Pro and lavender standard model top the
color charts, with most users opting for the base 256-gigabyte storage
option.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-09-17 19:35:14

President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim on Tuesday welcomed
Shuzo Sumi, the new chair of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association (JTEA)
..... who made his first visit to Taiwan since assuming office earlier this
year.

Sumi led a J-T-E-A delegation to separate meetings with Lai and Hsiao at the
Presidential Office.

The JTEA functions as Japan's de facto embassy in Taiwan in the absence of
official ties.

According to a Presidential Office press release, Lai expressed hope that
Sumi's leadership, along with his decades of experience in Japan's business
sector, will further boost bilateral relations, and also urged Japan to
support Taiwan's push for an economic partnership agreement.

Sumi was quoted in the release as saying that both sides share similar
challenges, and he feels honored to contribute to bilateral cooperation in
various fields.

(CNA - NS)

Posted on 2025-09-17 19:29:13

The Ministry of Agriculture says more public support is needed before humane
euthanasia can be introduced in animal shelters.

The statement follows a citizen petition calling for euthanasia, stricter
owner responsibility, and clearer legal obligations for caretakers under the
Animal Protection Act.

Public shelters have avoided culling since 2017, leading to overcrowding.

Some animal groups argue that keeping sick or aging animals in cramped
conditions is more harmful than humane euthanasia.

While the law permits euthanasia for severe illness or sanitation risks,
it’s rarely used, with the current rate under one percent.

Officials stress that "zero culling is not zero euthanasia", but note
veterinarians and the public remain hesitant.

The ministry will gather feedback and respond to the petition by the end of
September.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2025-09-17 19:29:19

Taipei prosecutors have indicted a nightclub owner and manager on charges of
negligent homicide after a man died in a drinking contest last year.

The victim, an engineer surnamed Chang, downed a one-liter vodka cocktail in
just over a minute during a promotion at the A-T-T 4 Fun complex in September
2024.

Hours later, he was found dead from acute alcohol intoxication.

Investigators say the event, which refunded deposits if participants finished
the drink within eight minutes, violated rules banning promotions that
encourage excessive drinking.

Prosecutors allege the club's owner and manager failed to warn contestants of
the risks or prepare safety measures, despite knowing the dangers.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2025-09-17 17:14:13

The Health Promotion Administration says heated tobacco products will be
subject to strict regulations, as the newly-legalized items head for store
shelves.

The administration says the first batch of legal products could be available
as early as October 11th.

The agency says these products are not sold in other countries, so it remains
illegal to bring any heated tobacco products into Taiwan from overseas, with
violators facing fines of up to $5-million NT.

The HPA also says vendors are not allowed to display photos or physical
models of the heating devices.

And officials emphasize that all heated tobacco products may NOT be sold
online, and the administration will continue conducting checks to ensure
regulations are being followed.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-09-17 17:14:13

The Disciplinary Court has fined former Atomic Energy Council Chair 600
thousand for workplace bullying and sexual harassment.

Hsieh Shou-shing, who served from 2016 to 2023, was found to have abused his
authority by targeting female employees with inappropriate contact, intrusive
questions, and discriminatory practices.

He also bullied staff with public scolding and foul language.

He was removed from office in January 2023 after an Executive Yuan probe and
impeached by the Control Yuan later that year.

Hsieh denies any wrongdoing and can appeal the ruling.

The AEC was restructured as the Nuclear Safety Commission in September 2023.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2025-09-17 16:08:13

Former National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-General Ting Mao-shih, who
played a crucial role during the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis in 1996, has
reportedly passed away at the age of 99.

According to the Central News Agency, an unnamed diplomat says Ting died at
the Cheng Hsin General Hospital in Taipei.

Ting was a senior diplomat who served as the Republic of China's top diplomat
from 1987 to 1988 and later as representative to the United States.

His previous overseas posts also included being a top envoy to South Korea,
Rwanda, and Zaire.

(CNA - NS)

Posted on 2025-09-17 16:08:18

The Taiwan Indigenous Tourism Festival is set to open at Taipei Main Station
later this month.

Organizers say this year's theme "The Indigenous Art Wave" refers to the
cultural wisdom and skills of Taiwan's Indigenous peoples, and the "wave"
symbolizes the growing power of Indigenous culture.

They say the three-day event will feature crafts, food, souvenirs and tours
from different tribes.

There will also be an art corridor with traditional musical instruments and
woven crafts, as well as several song and dance performances and hands-on
workshops.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-09-17 14:13:13

The DPP says, they will aim to put forward most nominees for the 2026 local
elections before the Lunar New Year...

That's according to DPP election committee member Qiu Yi Ren邱義仁 ahead of
today's second committee meeting.

Qiu last week said that the committee had decided that the party would
"divide and conquer" in next year's local elections.

Specifically, all municipalities would be divided into three categories,
including, first, DPP strongholds in which a DPP mayor is completing their
second term in office.

In those cases, there will be a primary to choose the party's new nominee for
the mayoral position.

The second category is that of cities and counties in which the DPP holds
power, but the mayor is only in their first term.

And third, areas not controlled by the DPP.

In those two latter categories, DPP leadership will recruit the proper
candidate.

The committee also agreed to put forward non-controversial candidates as
quickly as possible to give them more time to campaign.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-09-17 14:13:13

The Central Weather Administration says two tropical systems have formed in
nearby waters ....

As a result, Taiwan can expect two waves of rainfall — first between
Wednesday and Friday, and then again early next week.

The 21st tropical depression developed this morning around 8, southeast of
Taiwan.

Forecasters say it could strengthen into a typhoon by the weekend, and may
pass near the Bashi Channel early next week.

That system could bring heavy rain to Hualien, Taitung, and the Hengchun
Peninsula by midweek.

Meanwhile, the 20th tropical depression is currently south of Taiwan near the
Bashi Channel.

It is expected to track toward China’s Guangdong coast around Friday, but
its outer rainbands may bring showers to southeastern Taiwan and Hengchun
starting tomorrow.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-09-17 13:10:13

The Central Weather Administration is set to conduct a nationwide drill to
test the island's cellular broadcast system this week.

The CWA says the exercise will simulate a major earthquake and tsunami, with
an alert sent to mobile phones at 9:21am on Friday.

This will be followed by a tsunami warning to coastal areas at 9:30am, then
an "all clear" message at 10am.

The administration say the drill is being held in conjunction with National
Disaster Prevention Day, and is designed to help the public practice
emergency responses and strengthen the country's disaster prevention system.

The Ministry of Education says all schools and kindergartens will also
practice earthquake safety procedures that day.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-09-17 13:10:16

A statue of Chiang Kai-shek at a shipyard will remain in place for now.

Ship-building corporation CSBC says the 46-year-old statue of Chiang stands
in a plaza at the entrance of the company's shipyard in Keelung, and there
are currently no plans for change.

This comes after a Keelung city councilors argued over whether the statue
should be moved due to historical context.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, Keelung had 11 such statues in
2023, and all but the one at the shipyard has since been removed.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-09-17 08:14:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

President Lai Ching-te has attended a ceremony marking the installation of
the final span of the Danjiang Bridge in New Taipei's Tamsui District.

Lai was accompanied at the ceremony by Transportat Minister Chen Shih-kai and
New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih.

All three observed the installation of the final prefabricated segment - when
the structure officially became the world's longest asymmetric, single-mast
bridge nearly seven years after construction began.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lai said the bridge connecting New Taipei's Tamsui
and Bali districts is a "major national construction" ..

.. and he praised it as a "piece of art," noting that CNN named it as one of
"11 architecture projects set to shape the world in 2025."

An official opening ceremony for the 920-meter long bridge has been scheduled
for May 9 next year.

And it is expected to open to traffic on May 12.

According to the transportat minister, the bridge will alleviate 30-per cent
of traffic from the Guandu Bridge and save about 25 minutes for travelers
heading to the Taoyuan International Airport or downtown Taipei.

The government has said the bridge will become a new landmark for Taiwan and
a major attraction for tourists.

Posted on 2025-09-17 08:14:18

The Centers for Disease Control is warning that this year's flu season is
likely to happen earlier than usual.

It comes as the health officials say the number of flu-like illnesses are on
the rise and a new epidemic period is expected to begin this week.

C-D-C spokeswoman Tseng Shu-hui says data shows 100,909 people sought
outpatient or emergency care for flu-like illness from September 7 to 13 -
marking a 10.4-per cent increase from the previous week.

According to Tseng, this year's influenza season is forecast to exceed the
epidemic threshold in the 38th week of the year - later than the 2022-2023
season, which crossed the threshold in week 35.

However, that was still earlier than most past years when the epidemic period
typically began after October.

The C-D-C says the current increase may be related to close contact among
students due to the start of the new school year.

The first phase of the year's free flu vaccines program begins as usual on
October 1, while the second phase will begin on November 1.

Posted on 2025-09-17 08:14:19

The number of workers in formal furlough programs surpassed 7,300 as of
Monday.

According to the Ministry of Labor, more than 6,000 employees have been
placed on unpaid leave due to the impact of U-S tariffs.

Data shows 7,334 workers were on furlough - and increase of 2,471 from the
end of August.

Of that total, 6,246 came from industries hit by the 20-per cent U-S levy
imposed on Taiwanese exports - and that was rise of 3,191 from two weeks
earlier.

The number of employers implementing furlough programs also rose by 88 during
the same period to stand 333.

Labor officials say the spike largely came from the export-oriented
manufacturing sector, which has been under heavy pressure since the tariffs
took effect on August 7.

Posted on 2025-09-17 08:14:24

Reports say the National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology will
be unveiling its new Sky Bow, or Tien Kung series of surface-to-air
anti-ballistic missiles and anti-aircraft defense systems at the biennial
Taipei defense show this week.

The system has been code-named "Strong Bow" and is based in the U-S' THAAD
system and its ceiling and range are reportedly both greater than those of
the Sky Bow and MIM-104 Patriot missile systems.

Meanwhile, the Army will reportedly be showcasing newly acquired US-made
M-1-A-2-T Abrams main battle tanks and High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems
for the first time at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition
2025.

Organizers says this year's show will feature a record 400 exhibitors from 14
countries, including the United States, France and Germany, across more than
1,400 booths.

The Ministry of National Defense's Armaments Bureau will also once again be
setting up a pavilion at the event.

The Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition 2025 will be taking
place from tomorrow through Saturday at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center.

Posted on 2025-09-17 08:14:24

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has raised its travel alert for Nepal to the
second-highest orange alert level.

The move advises people to avoid unnecessary travel to the country following
recent deadly anti-corruption protests.

According to the ministry, there were two Taiwanese tour groups in Nepal
during the unrest, and all 47 members of the two groups have now safely
returned to Taiwan.

The foreign ministry says about a dozen overseas Taiwanese and their
relatives are in Nepal and are also safe.

Taiwan's representative office in India in charge of Nepal affairs and is
reportedly in connact with those expats.

Posted on 2025-09-17 08:14:24

The National Immigration Agency says it has broken up an illegal cosmetic
surgery ring in Taichung led by a Vietnamese woman.

According to the agency's Changhua County Specialized Operation Brigade, the
woman had about three years of work experience in cosmetic medicine in
Vietnam before coming to Taiwan ..

.. where she purchased cosmetic injection products online and performed
double-eyelid and rhinoplasty procedures on fellow Vietnamese.

The woman and a Vietnamese man rented a small apartment in Taichung's Wuri
District to carry out the surgeries.

Authorities say the male suspect had about 80,000 followers on social media,
taught himself cosmetic techniques online, and joined the woman and her
cousin to form a three-person cosmetic surgery team.

The tems live-streamed operations and promoted services on social media.

All three are facing charges of violating of the Physicians Act.

Posted on 2025-09-17 08:14:24

And finally,

The Central Weather Administration says a tropical depression has formed in
waters just east of the Philippine island of Luzon and is currently forecast
to cross the island today before entering the Bashi Channel.

According to the administration's forecast center, the weather pattern could
develop into a tropical storm and trigger a sea warning.

It's expected to be closest to Taiwan tomorrow or Friday and southern and
eastern parts of Taiwan are expected to see the biggest impact.

Meanwhile, the weather Administration is also monitoring a another tropical
disturbance near Guam.

The administration say that could intensify into a tropical depression as
early as today or tomorrow and then rapidly strengthen into a tropical storm
or typhoon.

Based on current data, the weather administration's forecast center says it
has highest chance of approaching Taiwan either next Monday or Tuesday of
next week.

However, it's still to early to say whether or not it will directly impact
the island.

Posted on 2025-09-17 06:55:13

The Lai administration's All-Out Defense Mobilization Agency has released an
updated civil defense handbook.

The updated version defines the types of potential military aggression by an
"enemy state" and self-protection tips in such a scenario.

It's the third editions of the handbook, which covers information from
preparation of go-bags to survival tips during natural disasters and war
since 2022.

Compared with the previous edition, released in 2023, the current version has
a clearer focus on wartime scenarios.

It includes a section outlining up-to-date threats related to potential
military aggression, such as sabotage of underwater communications cables and
live-fire drills, accompanied by unilateral establishment of no-flight zones.

The handbook states that if people come across apparent members of enemy
forces, they should quickly leave the area or take shelter and
cautions against wartime messages that the government has surrendered or that
the military has been defeated ...

... stating that such information is "false."

The updated guide also includes a section encouraging people to candidly
discuss the threat of war with children, involve them in preparing go-bags,
teaching them how to recognize disinformation, and helping ease their anxiety
about war.

Posted on 2025-09-17 06:55:13

The Ministry of Transport says data shows that 1,368 traffic deaths within 30
days of accidents were recording in the first half of this year - a decline
of 4.7-per cent from the same period of last year.

That figure is also a 12.8-per cent compared with the first half of 2023.

According to deputy transport minister Chen Yen-po, the figure for the first
half of this year is the third lowest on record.

Pedestrian fatalities fell to 173, the second-lowest level after 2021, while
deaths among motorcyclists, drivers, young people and seniors also all
declined.

Broken down by city, Tainan recorded the highest number of traffic accident
fatalities at 168 in the first six-months of this year.

That was followed by Kaohsiung with 152 and Taichung with 133.

Tainan also saw the largest increase from last year.

The transport ministry says the rises involved small vehicle accidents and
elderly victims, with 30 percent of self-collision cases linked to driver
fatigue or inattentiveness.

Posted on 2025-09-17 06:55:14

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the government has pledged 3-million U-S
to the Pacific Resilience Facility regional climate and disaster fund.

The pledge comes despite Taiwan not being invited to last week's Pacific
Islands Forum

According to the foreign ministry's Department of East Asian and Pacific
Affairs, Tuvalu announced the donation on Taiwan's behalf during the
September 8 to 12 forum in the Solomon Islands.

Department head Michael Lin says the fund be paid over three years and
demonstrates Taiwan's determination to cooperate with the Pacific Resilience
Facility and like-minded countries in the region to promote prosperity and
sustainable development.

Taiwan has been a Pacific Resilience Facility partner country since 1993 and
has contributed to the bloc in the past.

The facility was launched at the 54th Pacific Islands Forum in Honiara.

It aims to help Pacific communities overcome barriers to global financing.

Posted on 2025-09-17 06:55:14

The New Taipei District Court says a man charged with the murder of his wife,
mother-in-law, and stepson last year has been sentenced to death by a court
panel that included six "citizen judges."

It's the first time that a death sentence has been imposed by citizen judges
since the the government implemented a lay judge system on January 1, 2023.

The 24-year-old man killed his 30-year-old wife on April 30 and then killed
his 69-year-old mother-in-law and his 3-year-old stepson on May 2.

He left all three bodies in the home in the city's Sanchong District.

He then stole his mother-in-law's bank cards and valuables, withdraw money
from her bank account, and used some of that money to upgrade his membership
on a dating website.

The man fled to Taichung six days later.

He was arrested there on May 12 and indicted on September 10.

According to the court, he showed no remorse for the killings and also
threatened to kill his sister-in-law and his wife's ex-boyfriend.

Posted on 2025-09-17 06:55:14

The Food and Drug Administration says it has seized a shipment of fresh
muskmelons from Japan after tests found excessive pesticide residue.

According to the F-D-A, the 240-kilogram batch of melons from Hokkaido was
imported by the Kaohsiung-based Yang Jhen Company and was found to contain
0.02-parts per million tetraniliprole.

The importer will now face 100-per cent inspection at the border instead of
random checks.

The F-D-A says it inspected 258 shipments of fresh melons from Japan between
March 8 and September 8 - eight of which failed pesticide residue tests.

The F-D-A began stepping up random inspections on Japanese melons in June -
when sampling rates were set at between 20 and 50-per cent.

Posted on 2025-09-17 06:55:15

Three men have been arrested by police in New Taipei on suspicion of stealing
from tourists.

According to the Ruifang Police Precinct, the suspects were caught following
a brief pursuit on Jiufen Old Street.

Police says one of the suspected pickpockets realized that police were onto
him, and he signaled to the other two men to flee, but officers
moved quickly and apprehended the three men.

All three are foreign nationals.

One of the suspects was later identified by a victim who had been assisting
the police in an investigation.

That suspect has been handed over to the Keelung District Prosecutors' Office
for further investigation.

While the two other suspects are still under police investigation.

New Taipei police have stepped up patrols in the area after the Japan-Taiwan
Exchange Association in Taipei published a notice on its website warned
visiting Japanese tourists to be on the alert for pickpockets.

Posted on 2025-09-17 06:55:16

And,

The Central Weather Administration says the mercury in New Taipei's Wugu
District recorded the highest temperature for a second consecutive day on
Tuesday - as the mercury there hit 39.2 degrees.

That temperature in Wugu was recorded at 11:20AM.

It was followed by New Taipei's Sanxia District - where the temperature hit
37.8-degrees at 12:50PM.

Taipei's Neihu District recorded a temperature of 37-degrees on Tuesday,
while parts of Taoyuan, Changhua and Taitung all saw highs of 36 degrees or
more.

New Taipei's Wugu District reported a high of 39-degrees on Monday.

Taiwan's highest-ever recorded temperature was 40.2-degrees on May 9 of 2004
in Taitung County.

Posted on 2025-09-16 18:51:13

TaiPower says recent incidents have cut 2.1 million kilowatts of electricity
from the grid—equal to about six percent of peak nighttime demand.

However, officials insist that supply remains stable.

TaiPower Chairman Tseng Wen-sheng (曾文生) says emergency reserve units have
now been activated, ensuring that nighttime reserve margins will stay above
six percent, or roughly two million kilowatts, through the end of the month.

This comes after a recent explosion at Kaohsiung’s Hsingda Power Plant
caused one of the units to suspend power generation.

And on top of that, the Linkou No. 2 coal-fired generator went offline
yesterday due to a malfunction, cutting another 800 thousand kilowatts.

Officials acknowledge the system is under pressure, but insist supply remains
stable, with repairs and inspections underway to bring capacity back to
normal by October.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-09-16 18:51:14

The Consumers' Foundation is urging the public not to panic over recent tests
that found heavy metals in dried goji berries.

The group says heavy metals like cadmium, lead, arsenic, and mercury are
naturally present in soil and water, making zero detection in Chinese
medicinal herbs or crops nearly impossible.

It stresses the key issue is whether levels exceed legal safety standards.

The Foundation explains that plants absorb trace elements from their
environment, meaning a background level of heavy metals is natural and not
necessarily harmful.

International bodies—such as the W-H-O—have set maximum allowable limits,
and as long as products test below these thresholds, health risks remain very
low.

The statement comes after Consumer Protection Association Taiwan recently
reported heavy metal residues in goji berries from 30 different suppliers.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-09-16 18:51:14

The Food and Drug Administration has seized shipments of Japanese muskmelons
and Philippine cakes after tests found excessive pesticide and preservative
levels.

A 240-kilogram batch of muskmelons from Hokkaido contained a regulated
insecticide above the legal limit and was returned or destroyed.

Future shipments from the same importer will undergo 100 percent border
inspection.

Meanwhile, 538 kilograms of butterscotch cakes from the Philippines exceeded
limits of the preservative sorbic acid.

In response, the importer's future shipments will now face enhanced random
checks at a rate of up to 50 percent.

Other noncompliant imports flagged in the TFDA's latest report include
mandarins from Australia, radishes from China, broccoli from South Korea, and
frozen sea urchin roe from Chile.

All non-compliant produce has either been returned or destroyed.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2025-09-16 18:51:14

Taiwan has raised its travel warning for Nepal to the orange alert level,
urging citizens to avoid unnecessary trips after deadly anti-corruption
protests earlier this month forced the government to step down.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision followed violent
demonstrations on September 8th and 9th, which led to injuries, deaths, and
curfews in several cities.

All 47 Taiwanese travelers in tour groups during the unrest have since
returned safely, and about a dozen Taiwanese residents remain safe.

Nepal has since appointed former chief justice Sushila Karki as interim prime
minister, with elections scheduled for March 2026.

Taiwan's government says it will continue monitoring the situation and
provided emergency hotline numbers for citizens in Nepal.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2025-09-16 18:51:14

Wugu District in New Taipei hit 39.2 degrees Celsius today, marking Taiwan’s
highest temperature for the second straight day.

The Central Weather Administration data also showed that nearby Sanxia
reached 37.8 degrees, while Neihu in Taipei recorded 37 degrees.

Other areas, including Taoyuan, Changhua, and Taitung, saw highs above 36
degrees.

Meterologist Wu De-rong had said forecasting models indicate the hot weather
is expected to continue for at least two more weeks.

Taiwan’s record high temperature remains at 40.2 degrees, set in Taitung in
2004.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2025-09-16 16:06:13

TaiPower Chairman Tseng Wen-sheng (曾文生) says a general status report on
Taiwan's three nuclear power plants will be released by the end of this month
or early next.

Tseng explained that all plants are being evaluated, but the No. 3 facility
is in the best condition to begin a full self-inspection.

That review will cover issues such as aging management and seismic safety,
and TaiPower plans to work with the plant's original manufacturer to ensure
accuracy.

The Nuclear Safety Commission is also drafting new regulations on restarting
existing nuclear reactors, expected in October.

That framework would allow TaiPower to formally carry out self-assessments
under official guidelines.

As for the No. 2 plant, Tseng said safety checks can only move forward once
spent nuclear fuel rods are removed and placed in dry storage.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-09-16 16:06:13

Taitung city residents are protesting the removal of two Chiang Kai Shek
statues in the city, leading to the National Property Administration delaying
their planned removal.

The NPA says, it will collect public opinion before deciding on a path
forward, and the Taitung City Mayor says, he's willing to take on the task.

Local officials posted notices on the two statues, which reside on public
land, stating that they were considered symbols of authoritarianism and
therefore would be removed.

The first of these was scheduled to be removed yesterday, and the other is
scheduled for Saturday.

Those against the removal of the two statues say that they hold memories for
many residents, and says the decision to remove them is "shocking."

They state that history should be preserved rather than erased.

NPA officials say, they will consider public opinion before moving forward.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-09-16 16:06:13

Sports Minister Lee Yang is promoting a social media tagging game to get
people excited about exercising daily, calling on other government officials
to get involved.

Lee began by posting about himself exercising online, and tagging Deputy
Minister Zheng Shi Zhong to get him involved too.

Zheng today tagged Transport Minister Chen Shi Kai, encouraging him to take
part too.

Chen today emphasized the importance of making time for exercise in a busy
schedule.

Lee took office as Sports Minister one week ago, but he says he still makes
time to run 3 kilometers before work each day.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-09-16 15:06:14

The Ministry of Education is gathering feedback on anonymous complaints
against teachers.

Teachers' groups say a new law passed last year has led to an increase in
unnecessary investigations, and schools are being forced by public pressure
to investigate every complaint, no matter how small, which drains school
resources and makes teachers afraid to discipline students.

According to the Central News Agency, the National Federation of Teachers
Unions says, the government must find a balance between reducing what they
call "frivolous lawsuits" and protecting whistleblowers.

Now, the ministry says it is collecting data from local governments and
schools and is meeting with teachers to gather feedback on the law.

It says it will also consult with legal experts and other groups before
making a decision.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-09-16 15:06:14

Taichung Mayor Lu Xiu Yan is inviting Taichung residents to participate in
the first Taiwan International Children and Youth Book Fair...

which will be hosted in Taichung from Thursday through Sunday.

Lu noted that Taichung has ranked first in the country for reading scores for
4 years in a row, leading the Ministry of Culture to choose Taichung for the
inaugural exhibition.

She also pointed out that the city has doubled its spending on book
procurement in the last year, and is planning to open 5 new libraries.

Key elements from this year's International Book Exhibition in Taipei have
also been relocated to the children's version, including the Taiwan Comics
Pavilion and an Italy-themed National Pavilion.

Meanwhile, a Taichung-themed pavilion will showcase the natural beauty of the
city, as well as students' achievements in reading.

Check out the Taiwan International Children and Youth Book Fair website for
more information on the event, which runs from the 18th to 21st.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-09-16 14:18:13

A new Ministry of Finance report finds that Taiwan's business survival rate
is relatively high.

The report indicates that over 80-percent of new businesses remain operating
past their first year, similar to the survival rate in Australia, the UK, and
New Zealand.

And the five-year survival rate for Taiwan companies is at 60%, which is
higher than those countries.

The ministry also points out that in 2023, about 1% of all active businesses
in Taiwan were "high-growth" enterprises, and almost all of these are
companies with an annual revenue of over 10 million NT.

Overall, the report finds that online retail and dining sectors have the
highest number of new and failed businesses.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-09-16 14:18:14

And, in Tainan a new battery station for electric motorbikes outside a police
station is killing two birds with one stone.

Police have long raised the concern of distance limitations on their electric
motorbikes, so the Tainan Yongkang Police Station installed a battery
charging station for electric scooters.

They say, it reduces the stress of worrying about battery life of the
scooters, whereas officers previously may have had to visit a battery
charging station before going out on a call.

But local residents are also pleased with the new battery station, as they
can also swap out the electric batteries there.

Plans are underway to install battery swap stations at Yongkang's Dawan 大灣
and Daqiao大橋 Police Stations as well.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-09-16 14:18:14

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark Tai Ex closing at 25629, after
gaining 272 points.

The turnover was 442 billion NT.

Posted on 2025-09-16 12:34:13

President Lai Ching-te has attended a ceremony marking the installation of
the final prefabricated segment of the Danjiang Bridge in New Taipei's Tamsui
District.

Installation of final segment was completed at just after 11 o'clock - when
the structure officially became the world's longest asymmetric, single-mast
bridge.

Lai posed for a photograph with officials from the government agencies and
the engineering teams that made construction of the the bridge possible.

According to the Highway Bureau, the date and time for the installation was
chosen because the final piece extends over a shallow section of the Tamsui
River, requiring a high tide to allow a floating crane vessel to maneuver
into position.

Most of the other bridge segments were connected using the floating crane
installation method - in which heavy-lift vessels placed prefabricated pieces
into position.

An official opening ceremony for the 920-meter long bridge has been scheduled
for May 9 next year and it is expected to open to traffic on May 12.

The government has said the bridge will become a new landmark for Taiwan and
a major attraction for tourists.

Posted on 2025-09-16 12:34:13

The central bank is expected to keep its key interest rates unchanged for the
sixth consecutive quarter at its next policymaking meeting on Thursday.

The bank left its policy rate unchanged during it last meeting in June.

And that meant the local discount rate was held at 2-per cent -- the highest
in 15 years.

It last raised the rate by 0.125 percentage points in March of 2024.

Reuters is reporting that economists are predicting the central bank will
maintain its stance until the first quarter of next year - when they're
forecast a rate cut to 1.875 percentage points.

The central bank will also announce its revised economic growth and inflation
forecasts for this year on Thursday.

The government has said it expects the island's economy to grow by 4.45-per
cent this year due to the A-I boom.

That would be slower than last year's growth of 4.59-per cent growth.

Posted on 2025-09-16 12:34:13

The Formosan Association for Public Affairs has held its annual advocacy
conference.

The conferance offered instructions to Taiwanese-Americans on how to convey
the critical importance of Taiwan's survival to their state legislators and
on how best to promote pro-Taiwan legislation.

FAPA says the event drew 112 participants this year - breaking the previous
record and some Taiwanese-Americans event flew in from Alaska flying to speak
at the conferance - which took place on Capitol Hill.

According to FAPA national conferance president Lin Su-mei, the visits by
members from across the U-S to country's capital is an important aspect of
its explaining to members of the U-S Congress why Taiwan is a significant
part of U-S national security.

FAPA was founded in Los Angeles in 1982 by a group of political activists,
scholars, entrepreneurs, and social activists.

It currently has over 40 chapters in the U-S and approximately 2,700 members.

Posted on 2025-09-16 12:34:13

Meteorologist Daniel Wu says two tropical disturbances are likely in the
coming week, with one of them having a high probability of developing into a
typhoon.

According to Wu, the first tropical disturbance pass through the Philippine
island of Luzon and enter the South China Sea from Thursday to Saturday as it
moves towards China's Guangdong Province.

That will have no direct impact on Taiwan.

However, the second tropical disturbance, which currently has a 70-per cent
probability of becoming a tropical storm or typhoon, is predicted to form on
Sunday at the earliest east of Taiwan.

It's currently forecast to either pass through the Bashi Channel or move in a
westerly direct towards Taiwan.

Wu says that weather pattern needs to be closely monitored.

Posted on 2025-09-16 12:34:13

And finally in this evening's Chinese Professional Baseball League.

The Rakuten Monkeys play the Wei Chuan Dragons at the Rakuten Taoyuan
Stadium.

The Fubon Guardians play the Uni-President Lions at the Xinzhuang Stadium in
New Taipei.

While the T-S-G Hawks play the C-T-B-C Brothers at the Cheng Ching Lake
Stadium in Kaohsiung.

All three games begin at 6:30.

Posted on 2025-09-16 10:10:13

The Tai-Ex opened down 21 -points this morning from yesterday's close, at
25,335 on turnover of 3.5-billion N-T.

The market lost ground on Monday - as investors opted to lock in profits from
last week's session and await for the conclusion of the U-S Federal Reserve's
policymaking meeting later this week.

Analysts says investors turned cautious as the main board moved closer to its
historical intraday high of 25,541-points early in the trading day - and some
of them simply shifted to the sell side to take profits made last week.

Posted on 2025-09-16 08:14:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling is condemning Chinese fishers for
using cyanide and is urging them to respect the United Nations Convention on
the Law of the Sea.

The calls follows the recent seizure of a Chinese vessel by the Coast Guard
Administration for illegally operating near Dongsha Island in the South China
Sea carrying cyanide on board.

Cyanide fishing involves spraying a sodium cyanide mixture into a habitat to
stun fish for capture.

The practice harms not only the target species but also other marine
organisms, including coral reefs.

Speaking to reporters after the International Conference on Marine
Environmental Management in Taipei, Kuan said all countries must respect the
Convention on the Law of the Sea ...

.. and Taiwan will firmly defend its waters, while at the same time working
to enhance its maritime surveillance capabilities, starting with the
development of drones before progressively expanding to manned aircraft.

Kuan also said the Ocean Affairs Council's latest National Ocean Policy White
Paper will be released at the end of this month.

The white paper serves as the blueprint for the government's ocean policy,
outlining its plans for marine development and its policy objectives.

Posted on 2025-09-16 08:14:13

The Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation has partnered with US-based
defense technology firm Shield A-I to develop an advanced U-A-V ecosystem in
a bid to strengthen Taiwan's defense capabilities.

According to the fighter jet developer, the two companies have signed a
formal Teaming Agreement to enhance Taiwan's aerospace industrial base and
improve collaborative technological innovations.

A-I-D-C says under the agreement, both sides will focus on sustainment,
training, autonomy and integration among other technical initiatives to
ensure Shield AI's products can be deployed, supported and scaled in Taiwan.

The corporation also says Shield AI's state-of-the-art mission autonomy and
aircraft, combined with its decades of aerospace manufacturing experience,
will strengthen Taiwan's defense and deterrence capabilities and supercharge
Taiwan's local drone and aerospace industry.

Shield A-I will be demonstrating its innovations at the Taipei Aerospace &
Defense Technology Exhibition - which begins in Taipei on Thursday.

Posted on 2025-09-16 08:14:13

The U-S State Department is backing comments two former American Institute in
Taiwan officials concerning World War-II era documents not determining
Taiwan's political status.

Former A-I-T chair Richard Bush and former A-I-T deputy director Robert Wang
said on Saturday said that a Chinese official mischaracterized World War
II-era documents as stating that Taiwan was ceded to the China.

Both also stated that the U-S does not consider the political status of
Taiwan to have been determined by any post-World War II documents, and that
Washington expects the issue to be resolved peacefully.

The U-S State Department is insisting that the comments accurately conveyed
Washington's stance on the matter.

An unnamed A-I-T spokesperson says China "intentionally mischaracterizes
World War II-era documents in an effort to support its "coercive campaign to
subjugate Taiwan" ...

.. but "Beijing's narratives are simply false, and none of these documents
determined Taiwan's ultimate political status."

Speaking in mid-August China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the Cairo
Declaration and Potsdam Proclamation "clearly defined Japan's responsibility
for the war and required that Japan return all the territories it had stolen
from China, including Taiwan."

Posted on 2025-09-16 08:14:13

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is touting the government's "Taiwan Culture in
Europe 2025" campaign ...

.. saying it shows Taiwan's ability to engage the world through culture and
highlights its role in preserving key elements of Chinese heritage.

The campaign has been jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and the Ministry of Culture.

It features more than 70 cultural events across 26 countries, including an
exhibition of the National Palace Museum's treasures.

Lin says the treasures at the National Palace Museum are not relics of the
past - and instead belong to the present and to all humankind as part of
civilization."

The foreign minister noted that while Beijing destroyed many artifacts during
the Cultural Revolution, the National Palace Museum has safeguarded some of
the most significant pieces of Chinese cultural heritage.

The statement follows accusations from China's Taiwan Affairs Office that a
current exhibition in the Czech Republic is an attempt to promote "Taiwan
independence through culture."

Posted on 2025-09-16 08:14:13

And finally,

Some 500 members of the Taiwanese Canadian community gathered Sunday for the
first-ever "Taiwan Day" - as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Baltimore Orioles
11-2 at a sold-out Rogers Centre.

The Taiwanese Canadians traveled traveled to stadium from cities including
Vancouver, Montreal and Detroit - many of them wearing "Taiwan Day" jerseys
and waving "Team Taiwan" towels.

The event was organized by the Taiwan Merchants Association of Toronto and
sponsored by local Taiwanese businesses.

Organizers say its success has encouraged them pursue a long-term partnership
with the Toronto Blue Jays to establish "Taiwan Day" as an annual fixture.

Canadian lawmaker Judy Sgro, the co-chair of the Canada-Taiwan Parliamentary
Friendship Group, joined the crowd, along with Taipei Economic and Cultural
Office in Toronto Director-General Liang Yi-peng.

Liang said the turnout far exceeded expectations and reflected the
community's love for both Taiwan and Canada.

Posted on 2025-09-16 07:04:13

The Taipei District Court has upheld its previous ruling and approved bail
for Taiwan People's Party founder and former Chairman Ko Wen-je .

The hearing came after the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office appealed the
court's earlier decision to free Ko on bail of 70-million N-T.

The court also upheld its earlier decision to free Taipei City Councilor
Angela Ying on bail of 30-million N-T.

The district court kept their original bails.

Ko had been detained since September in 2024 until September 8 when he was
released bail.

While Ying was released on bail on September 5.

Prosecutors appealed the bail orders, arguing that key witnesses had not yet
completed their testimony in court and that Ko had contacted witnesses two
witnesses after posting bail.

According to the Taipei District Court, while some witnesses have yet to
appear in court, they testified under oath during the investigation and
defense attorneys did not dispute that the testimony would be admissible as
evidence during the trial.

The court also said existing court documents will allow prosecutors and
defendants' lawyers to make their cases at the upcoming hearings, and
the large amount of bail set will impose psychological pressure and
restrictions on Ko and Ying that will serve as a substitute to detention.

Prosecutors say they make a decision later this week on whether or not to
appeal the latest lower court ruling.

Posted on 2025-09-16 07:04:16

President Lai Ching-te has sent a letter to Pope Leo XIV congratulating him
on his 70th birthday - in which he conveyed "cordial and heartfelt wishes" on
behalf of the government and people of Taiwan.

According to the Presidential Office, Lai said the Pope demonstrated
"dedication to human dignity" and "commitment to church unity" in his resolve
to "promote world peace, social justice, and global outreach" in the first
few months of his pontificate.

Lai also lauded the "efforts to build fellowship between different faiths and
fraternity among nations," saying that they strengthened Taiwanese people's
"will to uphold universal values and strive for the common good."

And the message went on to say that "Taiwan will continue to coordinate with
the Holy See to promote humanitarian assistance and bring comfort to people
in need around the world."

Lai's message was conveyed to the Pontiff by Taiwan's embassy in the Holy See.

Five D-P-P lawmakers currently visiting Rome recorded a video at St. Peter's
Square as a birthday greeting, expressing their wishes that the ties between
Taiwan and the Holy See continue to deepen.

Posted on 2025-09-16 07:04:16

The government has formally endorsed the 2014 Brighton plus Helsinki
Declaration on Women and Sport.

The move reinforced its commitment to gender equality in sports and to
promoting the country's international presence through sports diplomacy.

The document was signed by D-P-P lawmaker Huang Jie, who also serves as the
chairwoman of the Taiwan Parliamentary Women's Sports Diplomacy Committee,
and International Working Group on Women and Sport representative Elizabeth
Pike in Taipei.

The ceremony witnessed by Sports Minister Lee Yang.

The Brighton Declaration was established in 1994 and was updated as the
Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration in 2014.

It provides a global roadmap for promoting the involvement of women in sports
and physical activity.

According to the sport minister, his agency will continue strengthening ties
with the international sporting community while cultivating more female
talent in leadership roles and working with the International Working Group
on Women and Sport on future projects.

Posted on 2025-09-16 07:04:17

It is estimated that Taiwan generates more than 11-million tons of garbage
every year, a number which is on the rise.

Although there are no specific numbers for how much trash is created at
exhibitions and trade show in Taiwan every year? but with the number of
booths and displays at these shows, that number is estimated to be
significant.

At the recent Asia Pacific Sustainability Expo in Taipei? the Taiwan
Institute for Sustainable Energy made its mark? with a display made
completely of recyclable materials.

TAISE Deputy Secretary General Dennis Chien explains??

Chien says they hope to share with the public ideas on how to make
sustainability and conservation a part of our daily lives? which he says
will bring about real change in Taiwan.

The TAISE booth also featured informative quizzes to test the public??s
understanding of the source and magnitude of waste in Taiwan, and force them
to think about ways to tackle the problem, and build a greener tomorrow.

Posted on 2025-09-16 07:04:17

The Golden Bell Awards judging committee has unveiled this year's nominees -
and the period drama "Black Tide Island" is leading the nominations this year
with 16 nod.

"Black Tide Island" centers on jailed dissidents in 1950s Taiwan and has been
nominated for Best Miniseries, Creative Award for a Drama Series, and Best
Directing for a Miniseries or Television Film.

The series' leading actor, Wu Nien-hsuan has received a nod for best leading
actor in a miniseries or television film, while River Huang, Liu Cheng-en,
and Mu Mei were shortlisted for supporting roles.

In the television series category, "Born for the Spotlight" and "The Outlaw
Doctor" are tied for first with 15 nominations each, including Best
Television Series, Best Directing, and Best Writing.

Three of "Born for the Spotlight's" leading actresses are competing against
each other for Best Leading Actress in a Television Series.

Meanwhile, nominees for Best Leading Actor in a Television Series include
Wayne Song for "A Second Chance of Life," Alex Ko for "Arong and Ayu," Fandy
Fan for "Monday Again?!" and Yo Yang for "Us Without Sex."

The Special Contribution Award will be presented to veteran actress Chen
Shu-fang and set decorator Yeh Hui-lung.

Posted on 2025-09-16 07:04:17

Italian automaker Alfa Romeo has officially returned to the Taiwan market
after an 18-year absence by unveiling several new models at a launch event in
Taipei.

Alfa Romeo's general distributor, P-G Union showcased models slated to arrive
in Taiwan - including the Giulia, a compact executive car, and the Stelvio, a
sport utility vehicle.

Alfa Romeo's subcompact crossover S-U-V, the Junior, was also on display and
is scheduled to launch in Taiwan in the first half of next year.

Annie Kao, the chairwoman of Suntek Motor, which acquired operating rights
for Alfa Romeo from P-G Union Corp. in December of 2024, says she's excited
about the brand's return after an 18-year hiatus.

According to Kao, she believes many car enthusiasts have been waiting a long
time for Alfa Romeo to return and she's even ordered one for herself.

Kao also say she remains optimistic about Taiwan's auto market and hopes to
see it improve over the next year.

Alfa Romeo first entered the Taiwan market in 1974 but withdrew in 2007
following several distributor changes.

Posted on 2025-09-16 07:04:17

And,

The Central Weather Administration says New Taipei's Wugu District recorded
the highest temperature a islandwide on Monday - as the mercury there hit 39
degrees.

The temperature in Wugu was recorded at 12:10PM,

It was followed by New Taipei's Sanxia District - where the temperature
reached 38.3-degrees at 12:40PM.

Neihu District in Taipei, Sigang District in Tainan, and Luzhu District in
Taoyuan recorded temperatures above 37-degrees on Monday.

While parts of Chiayi, Pingtung, and Taitung reached highs of 36-degrees or
more.

Posted on 2025-09-15 19:55:13

The Taipei District Court has again granted bail to former mayor Ko Wen-je
(柯文哲) and city councilor Ying Hsiao-wei (應曉薇) in the "Core Pacific
City" corruption case, keeping their original bail amounts unchanged.

Ko remains free on 70 million NT, while Ying is on 30 million.

Both are restricted from leaving their residences, traveling abroad, or
contacting other defendants and witnesses.

They must also wear electronic monitoring devices.

The court had initially approved bail on September 5th, but prosecutors
appealed.

The High Court sent the case back, saying the lower court needed further
review.

After re-opening the detention hearing today, the district court upheld its
earlier decision.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-09-15 19:55:14

Nearly 2-million passengers are expected to pass through Taoyuan
International Airport over the upcoming long weekends.

The Taoyuan International Airport Corporation says the three holiday periods
for Teachers' Day, Mid-Autumn Festival, and National Day will last for a
total of 15 days, and it anticipates over 1.95-million travelers will pass
through the airport.

The corporation says the National Day holiday is expected to be the businest,
with an estimated 671-thousand passengers.

The airport is reminding travelers to arrive three hours before their flight,
and make use of self-check in services.

They are also encouraging the public to make use of the airport MRT or bus
services to get to and from the airport.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-09-15 19:07:13

Two former American Institute in Taiwan officials say recent AIT remarks on
Taiwan’s status reflect Washington’s long-standing position.

Richard Bush and Robert Wang told CNA over the weekend that the U-S does not
view World War II-era documents as determining Taiwan’s future, which must
instead be resolved peacefully with the support of the Taiwanese people.

Their comments follow Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s claim that the
Cairo and Potsdam Declarations justify Beijing’s sovereignty over Taiwan.

An AIT spokesperson rejected that view, saying Beijing misuses history to
support coercive tactics.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung also rebuked China’s stance, stressing that
the San Francisco Peace Treaty did not cede Taiwan to the PRC...

.... and that the Republic of China remains the "sole legitimate government"
administering Taiwan.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2025-09-15 19:07:13

Kaohsiung City has signed a sister city agreement with Gdynia, Poland.

Kaohsiung Deputy Mayor Lo Ta-sheng, signed the agreement with Gdynia's Mayor,
Aleksandra Kosiorek, during a three-day visit to Poland.

Gdynia is Kaohsiung's first sister city in Poland and the 43rd overall.

The two officials say they will deepen cooperation in a variety of fields,
including education, culture, trade, and smart city development.

Gdynia is located in northern Poland and, like Kaohsiung, is known for its
harbor.

The city has been recognized as a "smart city" by the World Council on City
Data.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-09-15 17:45:14

Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) on Monday condemned
Chinese fishers for using cyanide near Dongsha Island, calling the practice
harmful to marine life and a violation of international law.

She urged all countries to respect the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
and said Taiwan will strengthen maritime surveillance, starting with drones
and later expanding to manned aircraft.

Kuan also announced that Taiwan’s latest National Ocean Policy White Paper
will be released at the end of this month, outlining the government’s vision
for marine development.

She was at an international seminar on marine environment management,
attended by experts from eight countries.

During the event, Taiwan signed its first international agreement under the
Indo-Pacific Marine Debris Platform with Indonesia, aimed at tackling ocean
waste collaboratively.

Kuan stressed that "ocean waste knows no borders" and called on China to
cooperate with Taiwan on debris issues around Kinmen and Matsu.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-09-15 17:45:17

Nantou is set to test run its National Day Fireworks show tomorrow.

The National Day fireworks display will be held in Nantou County for the
first time this year, and a
test launch of about 1,000 fireworks will be
conducted tomorrow at 8 p.m. at a site along the Maoluo River.

Roads in the area will be closed from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. to accommodate the
test.

Nantou County Magistrate Hsu Shu-hua is inviting residents and visitors to
attend the full event on October 10th.

She says the festivities will include a flag-raising ceremony in the morning
and a large-scale tea-making event in the afternoon.

The main fireworks show will take place in the evening.

The county's health department says it is planning for the large crowds by
setting up multiple first-aid stations and coordinating with fire departments
and hospitals to ensure a smooth emergency response.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-09-15 17:45:20

Demolition

Taipei Metro says more commuters are riding the MRT ... after a major
demolition project began at the Gongguan Traffic Circle — the city's top
traffic accident hotspot for seven straight years.

On the first workday since demolition and underpass filling began, the MRT
recorded about 11 hundred more riders this morning compared to earlier in
September, with roughly 17 thousand passengers qualifying for fare rebates.

The road project — aimed at converting the dangerous roundabout into a safer
intersection — is expected to be completed in late November.

Officials expect the finished project to cut traffic accidents by as much as
60 percent.

To ease congestion during construction, Taipei Metro is offering a 30 percent
cashback on fares during rush hour for trips starting or ending between
Wanlong (萬隆) and Xindian (新店) stations.

The rebates can be collected the following month at station kiosks.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-09-15 15:19:13

KMT chair candidates Luo Zhi Qiang and Zheng Li Wen have both completed their
registration for the chairmanship election.

Meanwhile, Sun Yat Sen School principal Zhang Ya Zhong　張亞中 has not yet
completed the process, as he needs to submit supplementary documentation.

The election for party chair is set for October 18th, and today is the first
day that candidates can register.

But, candidates are required to register by the end of this week, with some
parties still unsure if they will run or not, like former Taipei Mayor Hao
Long Bin.

This comes after KMT legislative caucus whip and potential chair candidate Fu
Kun Chi called on the central committee to intervene to thin out the field of
candidates...

which Luo Zhi Qiang said he welcomed, emphasizing that he would respect any
decision the committee made.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-09-15 15:19:14

The Ministry of Education says it will respond to a petition to change the
start time for junior and senior high school classes.

The proposal, submitted via the online Public Policy Participation Platform
suggests that classes be held from 10am to 4pm, to give students more time to
sleep.

It argues that students that age are capable of commuting on their own, and
that sufficient sleep can improve learning efficiency, and reduce risk of
depression and self-harm.

But opponents suggest that a lack of sleep may also be caused by staying up
late.

The proposal recieved more than 10-thousand signatures in less than a week,
and the Ministry of Education says it will issue a formal response by
November 14th.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-09-15 14:14:13

Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation says, its new rules limiting noise on
trains are set to take effect one week from today.

THSR says, passengers watching videos with sound or listening to music will
be required to wear headphones, rather than allowing the sound to play aloud.

The compay added that, in the most severe circumstances, passengers may be
refused service...

but they will first be issued a warning.

Passengers must also make calls only in vestibules, and are advised to turn
phones to silent mode.

THSR says, they have been advertising the new policy in promotional
materials, station TVs, and staff announcements.

The new policy takes effect on September 22nd.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-09-15 14:14:13

The Freeway Bureau is warning drivers to expect heavy traffic on National
Freeway No. 5 during the upcoming holidays this month and next.

For the Teacher's Day, Mid-Autumn Festival and National long weekends,
officials say travel times on may be up to 5 to 7 times longer than on a
regular weekday.

The bureau says during those times a large number of cars are expected on the
Nangang-Toucheng section of the freeway, where traffic speeds may drop below
40 kilometers per hour.

To manage traffic flow, the bureau will implement control measures including
closign certain on-ramps, along with high-occupancy vehicle restrictions.

The bureau is urging motorists to consider public transportation or use
alternate routes, like Provincial Highway 9.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-09-15 14:14:13

Taiwan stocks slipped today, even as most other Asian markets moved higher.

The Tai-ex fell 117 points to close at 25 thousand 357.

Turnover for the trading session topped 397 billion NT.

Posted on 2025-09-15 13:45:14

A delegation of nine Flemish parliamentarians is visiting Taiwan on a trip to
deepen ties and cooperation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the cross-party delegation of Belgium’s
Flemish Parliament, led by lawmaker Karl Vanlouwe, arrived yesterday for a
five-day visit.

This is the first delegation from the regional parliament since its general
election in June.

MOFA says the group will meet with Deputy Minister Francois Wu, as well as
as well as Legislative Yuan Deputy Secretary General Zhang Yu-rong and
officials from the National Development Council, to discuss discuss bilateral
trade, sustainable urban development, and human rights.

(NS)

Posted on 2025-09-15 13:45:16

Taiwanese gymnast Tseng Wei Sheng 曾為聖 won a silver medal at the World
Challenge Cup in Paris yesterday...

while teammate Tang Chia-hung 唐嘉鴻 took home bronze.

Tseng, 26, won his silver for the pommel horse event with an average score of
13.916

His coach said that pommel horse is a test of mental focus and consistency,
and emphasized that Tseng has shown remarkable steadiness, even when
competing against top athletes from all around the world.

The coach added that he and Tseng would work to bring home another medal at
next year's Asian Games in Nagoya.

Meanwhile Tang took the bronze medal in the men's horizontal bar, with a
total score of 14.366.

Although Tang's difficulty level was at 6.7, he faltered on the landing,
therefore reducing the execution score.

Tang said that he had wanted to try different movements and difficulty
levels, so he deliberately increased the difficulty of his routine in the
finals.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2025-09-15 12:17:13

The Taipei District Court holding a hearing to reconsider its decision to
grant bail to Taiwan People's Party founder and former Chairman Ko Wen-je .

The hearing comes after the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office appealed the
court's decision to free Ko.

That appeal was filed with High Court on Friday.

The High Court criticized the lower court for issuing conflicting rulings
within a relatively short period of time and for failing to clearly define
which witnesses Ko is barred from contacting.

Ko was released on bail of 70-million N-T on September 8.

Prosecutors are seeking Ko's continued detention until additional witnesses
can be questioned in court later this month and in October.

The district court is also hearing a detention appeal request for K-M-T
Taipei City Councilor Angela Ying at 10 o'clock this morning.

Ying was released on bail of on bail of 30-million N-T.

Meanwhile,

The Taipei City Police Department says it's currently finalizing the
paperwork needed to peruse charges against T-P-P Chairman Huang Kuo-chang for
violating the Assembly and Parade Act and obstructing police officers.

According to the police department, the case will be filed with the Taipei
District Prosecutors' Office for investigation by tomorrow at the latest.

Those charges are related to an incident on August 30, when T-P-P supporters
clashed with police during a rally in Taipei marking the one-year anniversary
of a raid by prosecutors targeting Ko Wen-je.

Huang has been accused of assaulting a police officer.

Posted on 2025-09-15 12:17:15

illegal sand and gravel excavation case

The Ciaotou District Prosecutors' Office in Kaohsiung have released a former
special assistant to independent Kaohsiung City Councilor Chu Hsin-chiang as
part of an investigation into illegal sand and gravel excavation.

Shi Li-jun was released on bail 1-million N-T, while her husband was released
on bail of 800,000 N-T after being questioned overnight.

A third suspect has been remanded in custody.

It comes after authorities Kaohsiung is launched a crackdown last week on
illegal sand and gravel extraction operations, which have destroyed
agricultural land in the city's Meinong District.

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai has declared zero tolerance for illegal
excavation operations targeting protected farmland.

Posted on 2025-09-15 12:17:16

President Lai Ching-te will attend a ceremony tomorrow marking the
installation of the final prefabricated segment of the Danjiang Bridge in New
Taipei's Tamsui District.

According to the Highway Bureau, installation of the last segment is
scheduled to start between 4 and 5 today and the final attachment will be
completed tomorrow.

The bureau says that the dates were chosen because the final piece extends
over a shallow section of the Tamsui River, requiring a high tide to allow a
floating crane vessel to maneuver into position.

Engineers today are carrying out final calculations, while the crane will
move into position with the 390-ton, 15-meter long and 51-meter wide segment.

An opening ceremony for the Danjiang Bridge has been scheduled for May 9 next
year and it is expected to open to traffic on May 12.

Posted on 2025-09-15 12:17:16

Meteorologist Daniel Wu says a tropical disturbance is forecast to pass
through the Philippine island of Luzon and enter the South China Sea from
Wednesday to Friday ..

.. and that will result in slightly more moisture and increase the chances of
occasional afternoon rain or thundershowers in the east, mountainous areas
and the Hengchun Peninsula.

According to Wu, the tropical disturbance currently has a 60-per cent chance
of developing into a tropical depression, but its chances of developing into
a strong tropical depression are only about 20-per cent.

It is projected to have little direct effect on Taiwan.

Wu also says forecasting models show there are no signs of a northeast
monsoon moving southward for the next ten days, indicating that we can expect
to see the hot weather continuing for at least two more weeks.

Posted on 2025-09-15 12:17:16

Turning to sports news ... and beginning with the Under 18 Baseball World Cup
where Taiwan beat South Korea 3-2 to win bronze in Okinawa.

The win came after an overturned call.

With the score tied a 2-2 in the top of the seventh, catcher Jiang Ting-yi
drove in the game-winning run with a two-out single, sending home
third-baseman Zeng Sheng-en.

The run was was originally ruled out.

However, the play was overturned and ruled as an obstruction after the umpire
determined the South Korean catcher had blocked Zeng's path to home plate
without possession of the ball following a video review.

The result is Taiwan's eighth bronze medal in the Under 18 Baseball World Cup.

Taiwan is a three-time champion at the tournament and last won gold in 2019.

-

And finally in Sunday's Chinese Professional Baseball League.

The Rakuten Monkeys beat the C-T-B-C Brothers 3-2 at the Taipei Dome.

The T-S-G Hawks beat the Fubon Guardians 1-0 at the Cheng Ching Lake Stadium
in Kaohsiung.

While the Wei Chuan Dragons beat the Uni-President Lions 7-1 at the Xinzhuang
Stadium in New Taipei.

There are no games today.

Posted on 2025-09-15 11:05:13

The Tai-Ex tumbles over 100-points in early trading this morning.

The decline came despite the main board opening higher and briefly hitting
25,519-points at one point to nearing its intraday all-time high.

However, the market soon fell back to the 25,360-point mark as tech
heavyweights Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Hon Hai and Delta
Electronics lost ground.

The electronics index was down 0.5-per cent.

I-C IC design and DRAM memory company related stocks bucked the downturn -
with Nanya Technology, Winbond Electronics and Silicon Power all rising.

Posted on 2025-09-15 11:05:13

President Lai Ching-te has congratulated Pope Francis on his 70th birthday.

According to the Presidential Office, Lai's message was conveyed to the
Pontiff by Taiwan's embassy in the Holy See.

The embassy says the message emphasized Taiwan's support for the Vatican's
promoting of peaceful dialogue and noted that the Pope has worked to promote
world peace and social justice - demonstrating his dedication to human
dignity.

Five D-P-P lawmakers attended the Pope's traditional noon blessing in St.
Peter's Square - at which giant "Happy birthday" banners, balloons and
congratulatory signs were held up by the faithful.

Those lawmakers are currently in Europe on a parliamentary visit.

Posted on 2025-09-15 11:05:13

And,

The Central Weather Administration has issued a high heat alerts for parts of
Taiwan today.

"Orange" warnings have been issued for Taipei and New Taipei - where the
daily maximum temperature today is forecast to reach 38-degrees ..

.. and for Pingtung - where the daily maximum temperature could reach
36-degrees for three consecutive days.

While "yellow" heat alerts are in effect for Taichung, Changhua, Chiayi
County, Tainan and Kaohsiung - where the daily maximum temperature today is
forecast to reaches 36-degrees.

All of the heat alerts will remain in effect through late this afternoon.

Posted on 2025-09-15 07:58:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

The Taipei District Court will hold a hearing later to reconsider its
decision to grant bail to Taiwan People's Party founder and former Chairman
Ko Wen-je .

The hearing comes after the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office appealed the
court's decision to free Ko.

That appeal was filed with the High Court on Friday.

The High Court criticized the lower court for issuing conflicting rulings
within a relatively short period of time and for failing to clearly define
which witnesses Ko is barred from contacting.

Posted on 2025-09-15 07:58:15

And finally,

Taiwan beat South Korea 3-2 to win bronze at the Under 18 Baseball World Cup
in Okinawa.

The result is Team's eighth bronze medal in the Under 18 Baseball World Cup.

Taiwan is a three-time champion at the tournament and last won gold in 2019.

The U-S beat 2-0 in the final to win the Under 18 Baseball World Cup title at
Cellular Stadium in Okinawa.

Posted on 2025-09-15 07:08:13

The Presidential Office's Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee will
host an international forum in Taipei this coming Saturday.

According to the Presidential Office, the event will be held under the title
of "Resilient Taiwan and Sustainable Democracy" and has been organized with
the aim of fostering exchanges and collaboration.

The forum will also mark the the committee's first anniversary.

The event will begin with a speech by President Lai Ching-te.

It will also include a presentation by Tzu Chi Foundation C-E-O and committee
member Yen Po-wen, who will be speaking about Taiwan's disaster prevention
and rescue capacity and recent efforts to bolster social resilience.

The presentation will be take place at a seminar moderated by Forward
Alliance Director Enoch Wu and National Security Council Deputy
Secretary-General Lin Fei-fan.

Presidential Office spokeswoman Karen Kuo says the committee previously
engaged in international exchanges with Japan, the U-S and several European
countries ..

.... on issues ranging from disaster prevention to information security and
energy security.

Kuo says the event is expected to bring together more than 20 international
guests as well as 16 ambassadors and representatives to Taiwan.

Posted on 2025-09-15 07:08:14

A group of French senators have arrived in Taiwan for a six-day trip.

The delegation is being led by French Senate Taiwan Friendship Group chair
Rachid Temal.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation will meet with
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and several other senior government officials as
well as representatives from the D-P-P, the K-M-T and the Taiwan People's
Party.

It's slated to attend two banquets hosted by Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu
and Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu and hold talks with Minister without
Portfolio Audrey Tang.

The group will also visit the economics, defense, and environmental
ministries, the Taipei City government and take a trip to Sun Moon Lake.

Posted on 2025-09-15 07:08:14

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, National Security Council Secretary-General
Joseph Wu and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung have made public comments on
social media about the death of US right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.

Hsiao took to social media to say ""shocked to see the news of Charlie Kirk's
assassination" ...

..... Taiwanese, like Americans, see "university campuses as safe places for
learning, free speech, and debate" - and "different views can be argued, but
violence must not be tolerated, on campus or anywhere."

Wu took to social media to describe Kirk's killing as a "terrible tragedy"
... and he offered his "sincere condolences to his family and millions of
Americans, and people worldwide, who loved him dearly."

Meanwhile, the foreign minister also took to social media to condemn
political violence, calling Kirk's death "a loss for democratic society."

Lin, who is currently visiting Europe, went on to says he was deeply saddened
"to learn of the tragic shooting of American opinion leader, while he was
engaging in debates on campus."

Posted on 2025-09-15 07:08:14

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says a delegation is making its annual visit
the U-S this week to purchase agricultural products from the country.

According to the ministry, this year's mission is taking place under the
title "agricultural trade goodwill mission."

It's being led by Agriculture Minister Chen Jun-ji.

The delegation is joined by representatives from the Vegetable Oil
Manufacturers Association, Feed Industry Association, Flour Mills
Association, Frozen Food Processors Association, and the Association of Chain
and Franchise Promotion.

The foreign ministry says the mission's first stop is Washington, D.C.,
before it splits into three groups - a soybean and corn group, a wheat group
and a beef group.

Those groups will then travel to different parts of the U-S, where they will
be meeting with local politicians and farmers' associations.

This year marks the 15th agricultural buying mission to the U-S to have been
organized by the government since 1998.

Taiwan ranked as the eighth-largest export destination for the U-S in 2024 -
and the top four export categories to Taiwan that year
included beef, soybeans, corn and wheat.

Posted on 2025-09-15 07:08:14

The healthcare and life science industry continued to show a strong hiring
outlook for the fourth quarter of this year due to a lingering talent
shortage - that, according to the latest survey by ManpowerGroup.

According to the human resources advisory firm, after seasonal adjustments
Taiwan's overall net hiring outlook index during the October to December
period stood at 16-per cent.

That was down from 19-per cent in the previous quarter but unchanged from the
same period last year.

The ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey calculates the net hiring index
by subtracting the percentage of employers anticipating a decline in the size
of their workforce from the percentage expecting an increase.

The survey found 38-per cent of 630 employers polled say they expect to hire
more people in the fourth quarter.

While 21-per cent said they anticipated a decline in hiring and 38-per cent
said their hiring plans remain unchanged.

The ManpowerGroup says that translates into a third-quarter net employment
outlook index of 17-per cent before seasonal adjustments, and 16-per cent
after seasonal adjustments.

Posted on 2025-09-15 07:08:14

The Military News Agency say the National Military Museum is now scheduled to
open in 2027.

The museum is currently under construction in Taipei and is already more than
two-thirds complete.

According to the museum's preparatory office, the venue will feature various
types of retired weapons systems and platforms including an M-5-A-1 tank, an
F-5 fighter jet, an M-I-M-23 HAWK missile and an OH-13 helicopter.

The office says it has set aside exhibition space to accommodate future
additions to its collection.

The museum's preparatory office is also touting the seven-story building's
30-meter-high lobby and a corridor flanked by installations inspired by color
guards and marching bands ..

.. saying they have been designed to create an "awe-inspiring atmosphere"
that reflects the discipline of the nation's armed forces.

The venue features a 298-seat performance space, an outdoor display area, a
children's area and a reading area, as well as a dining area overlooking the
Keelung River.

Posted on 2025-09-15 07:08:14

And,

Plant experts says a phenomenon likely caused by climate change the reason
that several cherry blossom trees at the Tainan Shan-Shang Garden and Old
Waterworks Museum have bloomed out of season.

The statement comes after museum staff reported noticing several
Kawazu-zakura cherry blossom trees in the park blooming in September, even
though their regular season runs from late January to March each year.

The museum says as the flower is one of its mains attractions, regular
visitors have welcomed the surprise.

However, a number of visitors were also shocked by the irregular phenomenon.

According to the museum, since it does not induce blooming, the out of season
blossoming is evidence that the climate has disrupted the natural cycle of
the plants.

Horticulturists working with the museum are warning that out-of-season
blooming could negatively affect pollination and future growth.

Posted on 2025-09-15 06:48:13

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed a renewed show of support
from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), which concluded its annual summit this
week in the Solomon Islands.

Despite Taiwan not being invited to attend this year’s meeting, the official
summit communique reaffirmed the 1992 consensus, confirming that Taiwan’s
status as a development partner remains unchanged.

The Foreign Ministry thanked PIF member nations for their continued backing
of Taiwan’s participation and for recognizing its long-standing role in
regional cooperation.

Taiwan has taken part in the forum since 1993 under the name Taiwan/Republic
of China, and says it will continue to uphold the inclusive values of “The
Pacific Way”, contributing to peace and stability in the region.

This year’s forum also excluded other major partners, including the U.S.
and China, raising questions about its direction and inclusivity.

Posted on 2025-09-15 06:48:13

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has pushed back against Beijing’s
criticism of Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung’s ongoing visit to Europe,
saying China has no right to interfere in Taiwan’s international exchanges.

Lin is in Europe to promote the upcoming “Taiwan Culture in Europe 2025”
campaign and engage with what MOFA called Taiwan’s European friends. His
trip began on September 10 in Prague and will span over 10 days, though other
destinations have not been disclosed.

In a strongly worded statement, MOFA reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to
democratic values and global cooperation, while urging China to stop
pressuring both Taiwan and the international community.

The comments came after a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Beijing
had lodged diplomatic protests and urged European countries to block what it
called “Taiwan independence visits.”

China’s own foreign minister, Wang Yi, is also on a European tour this
week.

Posted on 2025-09-15 06:48:13

If you're looking to escape to Thailand this weekend, then head no further
than the Kaohsiung Music Center's Coral Zone.

"Let's Chill: Thai SELECT Experience" takes place this Saturday and Sunday,
offering food, music, and much more.

Thailand Trade Office Director... Kallaya Leewongcharoen... says the event
will showcase the best of Thai cuisine, music and handicrafts.

Meanwhile, attendees who post photos from the "Check in wall" at the event
can get discounts at partner stores, and many other fantastic prizes.

Check out... Let's Chill:Thai SELECT Experience... online for more
information.

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