ICRT

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:45:13

Taiwan says new investment talks with Lithuania are on hold as Vilnius forms
a new coalition government.

The Foreign Ministry confirmed the pause Tuesday.

Spokesman Hsiao Kuangwei (蕭光偉) says Taiwan still wants deeper trade and
economic ties with Lithuania.

Lithuania had proposed a new action plan in March.

The plan aimed to boost cooperation with Taiwan in key economic sectors.

Lithuanian media says the pause follows changes in the country's political
situation.

A new coalition was formed on June 18 after a far-right party left the
previous ruling alliance.

Taiwanese officials say earlier proposals focused on areas such as lasers,
medical AI and fintech.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:45:15

A Taiwanese startup has won a major AI prize at VivaTech 2026 in Paris.

NunoX Tech took the AI title in the Global Deep Tech Battle.

The contest was held during VivaTech, Europe's largest startup and technology
trade fair.

Taiwan's startup agency says NunoX uses AI and a high-precision scanner to
turn real fabrics into digital materials.

It says the technology can cut clothing development from 14 days to 48 hours.

NunoX was part of a 34-member Taiwan group at the event.

The delegation also visited France and Belgium to seek new partners in AI,
health care and green technology.

Taiwanese officials say the trip aims to help local startups grow in the
European market.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:45:16

Nearly 200 volunteers removed 160 kilograms of trash from Sun Moon Lake today.

The Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration says teams worked both
on water and on land.

They collected about 955 pieces of waste from the lake surface, shoreline and
nearby trails.

Plastic made up the biggest share, at 56 kilograms.

That included bottles, plastic bags, caps, straws, drink cups and food
packaging.

Officials say low rainfall exposed hidden trash, while holiday crowds added
pressure to the area.

The event also promoted water safety for stand-up paddleboarding and other
lake activities.

The administration says the cleanup supports safer travel and more
sustainable tourism at Sun Moon Lake.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:42:13

The DPP says, it's hoping for the swift passage of an Executive Yuan proposal
targeting drone acquisition and production.

DPP Spokespeson Lin Chu Yin says today that the bill would demonstrate
Taiwan's commitment to self-defense, and would anchor national defense
locally by investing in local manufacturing.

She added that the bill is in line with international trends seeking to
divest from Chinese manufacturing of drone technology.

Lin says, the bill, with a budget ceiling of 210 billion NT, would have the
added benefit of increasing cooperation with the US.

The proposal came after a previous Executive Yuan bill for additional defense
spending coming in at 1.25 trillion NT encoutered opposition from KMT and TPP
lawmakers...

who removed funding for drones.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:42:16

The Ministry of Agriculture is issuing a clarification on Taiwanese
businesses having contracts with Chinese ones...

with Minister Chen Jun Ji saying that contracts between two private
businesses are permissible, but ones with political motives would be against
regulations.

That's after China helds its Straits Forum recently, where 5 Taiwanese
agricultural groups signed contracts with China.

The Mainland Affairs Council called on the Ministry of Agriculture to
investigate whether or not the contracts violated the law.

Chen says today that Article 33 of the Cross-Strait Relations Act states that
Taiwanese citizens traveling to China cannot sign Memorandums of
Understanding with politically-affiliated organizations without approval.

Chen says, no consensus has been reached on this particular case yet.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:40:13

Taiwan has launched the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation's first health care
fund for aging societies after months of delays it blamed on China.

The Foreign Ministry says Taiwan donated 1-point-5-million US dollars to set
up the fund in late May.

Taiwan takes part in APEC as "Chinese Taipei."

Jonathan Sun, Taiwan's senior APEC official, says it is Taiwan's first major
APEC project in 10 years.

He says China gave advice during the review, but some of it was not
reasonable.

The proposal took 10 months to win approval, much longer than some other APEC
projects.

APEC says the fund will support AI, new technology and better policy to
improve health care access across the region.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:40:13

The Taiwan Expo in Europe 2026 opened yesterday in Warsaw.

There, Taiwanese and European officials hope to promote cooperation in
emerging industries including artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and
advanced manufacturing.

The Taiwan Expo in Europe is a significant trade event that showcases
Taiwan's industrial, technological, and cultural strengths that began in
2017.

This is the first time the event has been held in Poland.

Poland has become a key trade partner for Taiwan's entry into the European
market, with bilateral trade growing by 20% since 2018.

Many Taiwanese companies have established branches in Poland, expanding
sectors such as green energy and information technology.

Furthermore, the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association
announced the construction of a technology park in the town of Miękinia,
facilitating battery manufacturing, smart infrastructure, and new residential
areas.

(AT-CNA)

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:40:13

The Centers for Disease Control reports a new imported malaria case involving
a foreign man in his 20s.

The CDC says the man lives in northern Taiwan.

He was diagnosed with malaria in Pakistan last year and arrived in Taiwan in
late January.

He developed fever and vomiting in early June.

Doctors later confirmed he had a recurrence of vivax malaria.

The CDC says the illness can return because the parasite may stay hidden in
the liver.

The man has received one week of treatment and is now stable.

Health officials are urging travelers to malaria-risk areas to seek medical
advice early and finish all medicine as directed.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:40:14

Kaohsiung International Airport will start allowing pre-booked taxi pickups
from June 25.

The airport says passengers can book rides through online platforms.

Eight operators have passed review, including Uber partner fleets, Taiwan
Taxi 55688, yoxi and LINE GO.

The change follows years of complaints that travelers had too few taxi
choices at the airport.

Some foreign visitors said the old system made communication harder.

Some families also wanted more options, including cars with child seats.

The new pickup area will be between the international and domestic terminals,
near the MRT station's Exit 2.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:10:13

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu led lawmakers to T-S-M-C's Arizona campus to
discuss the chipmaker's U.S. expansion.

The Legislative Yuan says Han met T-S-M-C Arizona CEO Zhuang Rui-ping (莊瑞萍)
in Phoenix on Monday.

They discussed talent, technology, production capacity and possible effects
on Taiwan's industry.

Chuang said T-S-M-C will keep its most advanced technology and core research
in Taiwan.

The company began mass production at its first Arizona fab in late 2024.

A second fab is set to start mass production in late 2027, and a third is
under construction.

T-S-M-C has announced 165-billion US dollars in total Arizona investment.

Han's delegation will next visit Washington to meet U.S. lawmakers and senior
officials before returning Friday.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:10:15

A second drowning in just three days has struck the same stretch of river in
Taoyuan's Fuxing District.

A 17-year-old boy died Sunday after being swept under by a strong current
while wading near the Youxiayun Waterfall with two friends.

He was pulled from the water without a pulse and pronounced dead at the
hospital.

It is about two kilometers upstream from where a 20-year-old college student
drowned after diving into the water on Friday.

Authorities are urging the public to prioritize safety when swimming in
rivers or coastal waters, especially as summer heat continues to draw crowds
to the water.

According to Taiwan's National Fire Agency, rivers are consistently the most
dangerous spot for drowning nationwide...

accounting for 44% of all incidents

Posted on 2026-06-23 17:10:20

Taiwanese Go star Hsu Hao-hung (許皓鋐) has won the Taiwan Meijin title for the
fourth time, winning his second major domestic championship so far this year.

He defeated veteran player Wang Yuan-chun (王元均) by 4-0 in a best of seven
final, earning a 1.8 million NTD prize.

Hsu has seen outstanding success in the past several years, taking gold at
the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games and winning his fifth consecutive Taiwan Tengen
title earlier in March.

He hopes to secure a fifth consecutive victory at the Go Grandmaster
Tournament later this year, and plans on competing internationally,
potentially continuing his success in Hangzhou.

(AT)

Posted on 2026-06-23 16:12:13

The military is carrying out the second day of the "Immediate Combat
Readiness Exercise" today...

with the 5 day drills seeing ground forces move into New Taipei's Bali, the
Taipei Port, and Taoyuan International Airport.

The exercises began with patrols in Taoyuan, where military tanks were seen
on streets and highways.

Officials say, the drills are meant to strengthen preparedness through
familiarization with the "iron triangle."

They differ from the annual Han Kuang Exercises in that they specifically
target initial combat readiness for a scenario in which the Chinese military
begins to take action but has not yet dispatched boats.

Military experts say that the coastal areas of Taoyuan and New Taipei are
significant landing zones for enemy ships in a combat scenario.

The drills will continue through Friday.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-23 16:12:13

Kaohsiung Metro has completed a $20 million NT upgrade at World Games Station
and is adjusting platform arrangements to better handle rising passenger
numbers.

The Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation announced that from today, passengers
heading toward Xiao-gang on Platform 1 at R17 World Games Station will wait
on the northern side of the platform.

The corporation said the northern platform provides much more standing room
and will improve passenger flow and comfort during busy periods.

The upgrade work included signal system modifications and verification,
additional gates, improved waiting area layouts, better ventilation, and
updated signage.

The corporation said additional staff will be on hand during the initial
adjustment period to help travelers familiarize themselves with the new
layout.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-06-23 14:06:13

A new barrier lade has formed upstream of Hualian's Wan-li River, and
Minister without Portfolio Ji Lian-cheng (季連成)
said today that it poses an overflow risk within 10 to 20 days.

Ji said if there's heavy rain, the risk would be higher, and he has asked
households in the designated areas to prepare for preventive evacuation.

According to the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, the landslide that
created the lake covers about 45 hectares, and while the newly-formed lake
has not yet filled to the point of overflowing, small rockfalls continue to
occur sporadically.

Ji said the lake, at an elevation of 1,000 meters, is some 20 kilometers
from Wan-rong (萬榮) Township .

A preliminary estimates suggest that it could hold as much as six million
cubic meters of water.

Ji said they have invited a research team from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung
University to conduct analyses and assessments, adding that evacuations will
be carried out in two stages.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-06-23 14:06:13

One person has been injured folowing a fuel explosion at the Hsinchu Air
Force base.

Authorities say, the explosion was likely caused by a fuel pump malfunction.

The blast apparently originated in a fuel storage tank belonging to the Army
Logistics Command's Third Regional Support Command.

The explosion happened as cleaning work was being performed by a contractor.

One mechanic was injured in the accident and is now in the hospital in stable
condition.

Hsinchu firefighters were able to put out the blaze.

An investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-06-23 14:06:14

Firefighters on Orchid Island brought a fire at a landfill under control in
the early hours of the morning following an all-night firefighting effort.

That's after a landfill on the Taitung island broke out yesterday afternoon
when some discarded items began to emit smoke.

Orchid Island Fire Chief Leng Zhen Shan 冷鎮山says that the fire started at the
recycling section of the landfill in an area of about 30 square meters.

Leng added that firefighters worked together with the environmental
protection department and local officials to handle the matter,

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-23 14:06:14

Asian shares are mixed today, as recent enthusiasm cools and markets face
uncertinaty about efforts to end the war in Iran.

Benchmarks rose in early trading in Tokyo and Shanghai but fell in Seoul and
Hong KOng.

Taiwan shares are down today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at 47275
after losing 466 points.

The turnover was 1.486 trillion NT

Posted on 2026-06-23 13:07:14

The Health Promotion Adminsitration is raising the alarm over rising youth
rates of nicotine usage.

They say, new data shows that 3.7% of- or about 40,000 teenages- use vapes.

They're looking into proposing amendments to the law that would strengthen
punishments against those who possess the illegal products.

The warning comes as there has been a spate of drug-impaired driving cases
recently, most notably related to so-called "zombie vapes."

Officials add that some users may be under the misconception that such
products only contain nicotine...

but actually, the more concerning thing is that there may be other things, or
even drugs, mixed into the product that can be more dangerous.

Officials encourage those trying to quit nicotine products to join a free
program to work towards their goals.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-23 13:07:14

The Transport Safety Board is due to complete its investigative report in
August on Taipei city's first electric bus fire that took place last year.

The 262 route electric bus, operated by the Metropolitan Transport
Corporation, caught fire while stopped at a bus stop outside Chang-Geng
Memorial Hospital on northbound Dunhua North Road in June last year.

The vehicle was completely destroyed, but no one was injured as the driver
and all 7 passengers evacuated in time.

Preliminary findings show the bus had experienced battery problems and
continued displaying warning alerts even after repairs.

The bus later lost power, exploded and burst into flames.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-06-23 11:09:13

The Tai-Ex broke more records after breaking through 48,000 point mark this
morning.

The main board added 477-points in early trading to reach 48,218 -- setting a
new intraday record.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing rose 15 N-T to 2,525 N-T, after briefly
touching a new record high of 2,535 N-T.

However, other heavyweight tech stocks were mixed in early trading - as
MediaTek rose, but Hon Hai and Delta Electronics both lost ground from
Monday's close.

The electronics sector index rose 0.6-per cent.

The rise came after the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index rose by just over
2-per cent overnight to reach new historic high.

Posted on 2026-06-23 11:09:14

The Ministry of National Defense is reporting six Chinese Air Force sorties
operating near Taiwan between 6AM Monday and 6AM today.

Of those sorties, three aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan strait
and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern air defense identification
zones.

Seven Chinese Navy vessels and seven official maritime patrol vessels were
also spotted operating in Taiwan Strait over the same 24-hour period.

The latest incursions come as the Ministry of National Defense is holding a
five-day combat readiness drill through Friday.

Posted on 2026-06-23 11:09:14

And,

The Central Weather Administration has issued heat warnings for parts of the
island again today.

A "red" heat alert is in effect for Pingtung - where the mercury could reach
38-degrees for three consecutive days.

"Orange" heat alerts are in effect for New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu County,
Changhua, Nantou, Yunlin, Tainan and Hualien Count - where the mercury could
reach 36-degrees for three consecutive days.

While "yellow" heat alerts have been issued for Keelung, Taichung, Chiayi and
Kaohsiung - where the daily maximum temperature today could reach 36-degrees.

All of the heat alerts are currently slated to remain in effect through this
afternoon.

Posted on 2026-06-23 08:15:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

The Ministry of National Defense is scrapping its previous dual-track
reservist training system, and all reservists are now required to undergo a
14-day intensive training program.

The military launched the dual-track reservist training system in 2022.

It allowed reservists to choose between the traditional program of five to
seven days of training conducted four times over eight years or a more
intensive 14-day program conducted twice over the same period.

Defense officials at the time said the move was intended to improve
reservists' combat readiness and ensure that Taiwan's reserve forces could
more effectively support regular troops in defending the country amid
increased Chinese military activities around Taiwan.

However, the defense ministry says reservists have no longer been allowed to
choose between the two training options since January.

Under the current system, all reservists are required to undergo 14 days of
training and a reservist may be called up for a maximum of four two-week
training sessions over eight years.

The defense ministry also says it's still reviewing relevant laws to
determine whether it would be feasible to require discharged female military
personnel to participate in reservist training alongside their male
counterparts.

Only male veterans are currently required to participate in regular reservist
training.

Posted on 2026-06-23 08:15:13

The Ministry of Health says cancer remained the leading cause of death here
in Taiwan in 2025 - maintaining that trend for the 44th consecutive year.

According to the ministry, data shows cancer, heart disease, and pneumonia
remained the top three causes of death last year.

That was followed by cerebrovascular disease and diabetes.

Cancer claimed 54,838 lives in 2025 accounting for 27.5-per cent of all
deaths and the cancer mortality rate was 234.9 deaths per 100,000 people.

The average annual increase of cancer deaths over the past decade has been
1.5-per cent.

A total of 199,576 people died in Taiwan last year, down 1,807 from the
previous year, resulting in a mortality rate of 854.7 per 100,000 people - a
decline of 0.6-per cent from the previous year.

The overall number of deaths fell for a third straight year.

Posted on 2026-06-23 08:15:13

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Administration says it has discovered a
new barrier lake in a mountainous area of Hualien.

According to the agency, the newly formed lake is close to the Wanli River
and 7-kilometers north of where the Matai’an barrier lake breach disaster
occurred last year.

It is located in an deep in the mountains in an area not accessible by road.

It's some 22-kilometers from Wanrung Village.

Administration officials say they are now closely monitoring the site and an
emergency response team has been formed to check water levels and the
possibility of a breach if the area is battered by heavy rains.

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Administration has been closely
surveying the area since a barrier lake on the Matai'an Creek overflowed in
September of last year.

That overflow sent some 60-million tons of water and debris through Guangfu
Township - flooding over 1,600 homes and leaving 19 people dead.

Posted on 2026-06-23 08:15:13

new high

The Financial Supervisory Commission says data show local banks exposure to
countries incorporated in the government's New Southbound Policy hit
2.25060-trillion N-T at the end of May.

According to the commission, that figure was an increase of 21.1-billion N-T
from April and saw banks' exposure to the countries hitting a new record
high.

The F-S-C says cumulative growth from the January to May period stood at
251.2-billion N-T and that figure was more than three times the full-year
growth target of 80-billion N-T.

Broken down by New Southbound Policy markets, local banks exposure to
Australia recorded the largest increase at 88.5-billion N-T.

That was followed by Singapore at 54.8-billion N-T and Vietnam at 50-billion
N-T.

Local banks exposure to India hit 30.1-billion N-T.

The F-S-C says local banks are attributing the strong growth to strengthening
regional economic activity and rising demand for corporate loans.

Posted on 2026-06-23 08:15:13

C-T-B-C Brothers shortstop Chiang Kun-yu has been voted the most popular
all-star of the Chinese Professional Baseball League.

The vote came as the league officially announced the rosters for its 2026
All-Star Game weekend.

According to the C-P-B-L, Chiang received 579,003 online votes.

That makes him the league's most popular player for the second consecutive
year and the third time overall after previously earning the honor in 2023
and 2025.

The C-P-B-L has also announced that Rakuten Monkeys manager Tseng Hao-jiu
will be head coach of the fan-voted Team Star, while Uni-President 7-Eleven
Lions coach Kao Chih-kang will lead Team Taiwan during the All-Star Game
weekend.

Team Taiwan will be built around players eligible for the 2026 Asian
Professional Baseball Championship and is expected to serve as a preview of
the squad that will represent Taiwan at the tournament later this year.

The two teams will play two games at the Taipei Dome on July 18 and 19.

It will be the third consecutive year that the event will be held at the
indoor venue.

Posted on 2026-06-23 07:00:13

The Ministry of National Defense's five-day "Immediate Combat Readiness
Exercise" is underway - with combat units moving to designated defensive
positions across the country in preparation for repelling invading enemy
forces.

The defense ministry says the week long exercise is aimed at ensuring troops
are prepared to respond swiftly should China escalate its gray-zone
activities into a full-scale military attack.

The exercise is intended to help military units at all levels strengthen
their ability to transition more quickly from peacetime to wartime
operations.

The "Immediate Combat Readiness Exercise" was first launched in March of last
year.

Posted on 2026-06-23 07:00:14

The Ministry of Health says the Lai administration has no plans legalize
euthanasia... instead, it wants to improve long-term care and palliative
services.

The statement comes amid renewed public debate over assisted dying and after
former Taiwan People's Party Chairman Ko Wen-je took to YouTube this past
weekend to make the case to legalise assisted dying.

In that video, Ko talked about a man in his 40s, who, along with his older
sister, had a genetic neurological disease, and decided to travel to
Switzerland in May to undergo assisted dying.

Ko said the case highlights not only the debate over euthanasia but also
whether Taiwan's long-term care system is sufficient for patients with severe
illnesses.

The health ministry is defending the government's decision not to consider
legalizing euthanasia by saying euthanasia aims to end a patient's life to
relieve suffering, while palliative care seeks to relieve suffering without
ending life.

The ministry said any future review on the matter will focus on better
integrating palliative care, patient autonomy and long-term care services,
including daily living support, symptom control, pain relief and caregiver
assistance, rather than legalizing euthanasia.

Posted on 2026-06-23 07:00:14

A delegation from Paraguay's Alto Parana Department is visiting Taiwan this
week for talks on trade, technology and public health development.

The delegation led by Provincial Council President Gustavo Soria and includes
the council's first political secretary and a provincial councilor.

The group is scheduled to meet with members of the Taipei City Council and
the Yilan County Government during their four-day trip.

They will also visit the Department of Foreign Trade, the National Health
Insurance Administration and the International Cooperation and Development
Fund.

Alto Parana Department is hub for Paraguay's foreign trade, and a major
business location for Taiwan companies in the country, as its home to the
Taiwan-Paraguay Smart Technology Park.

The foreign ministry says the Lai administration is hoping that more Taiwan
businesses can expand into Paraguay's market.

Posted on 2026-06-23 07:00:15

A man suspected of carrying out a knife attack on C-T-B-C Brothers' Passion
Sisters cheerleading team member, Wang Ching-wen is now in detention.

The 52 year old man was picked up after the Shilin District Court approved a
request for a detention order submitted by the Shihlin District Prosecutors'
Office.

The court says it accepted the request based on strong evidence of attempted
murder and assault, as well as the risk that he could reoffend.

Wang, who is known by her stage name Wen Wen, was taking part in a private
photo shoot at a photo studio in Taipei on Saturday when she was attacked by
a man with a knife.

She sustained a 5-centimeter wound to her neck and is in stable condition
following surgery at a local hospital.

Prosecutors say the suspect has a criminal record for theft, regularly
attended related events and spent large sums of money on the cheerleading
team's merchandise.

The motive for the attack remains under investigation.

Posted on 2026-06-23 07:00:15

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan‑an has announced plans to begin trials of autonomous
buses.

Chiang says city's autonomous bus initiative will be rolled out in three
phases, the first of which is scheduled for later this year and will involve
trials of autonomous shuttle services in enclosed areas such as Taipei Zoo.

Chiang says the the city will launch an AI-powered autonomous vehicle
demonstration zone at Beitou-Shilin Technology Park in the first half of next
year ..

.. which will see an initial use of unmanned cleaning and watering vehicles
before passenger shuttle but services are introduced.

The third phase is set for the second half of next year.

That will involve pilot operations of autonomous buses on 15 dedicated bus
lanes across Taipei and after upgrades to road infrastructure, traffic
signals and sensor systems.

No details concerning who will be manufacturing or supplying the autonomous
vehicles to the city for the planned trials has been released.

Posted on 2026-06-23 07:00:15

The Central Weather Administration says Typhoon Mekkhala is likely to come
closest to Taiwan on Thursday - when residents of western and northeastern
parts of the island can expect to see localized rain or thundershowers.

The storm is currently located some 750-kilometers east-southeast of Eluanbi
at the island's southern tip and is moving in a northwesterly direction at
15-kilometers-an-hour.

Typhoon Mekkhala still has a radius of 180-kilometers but its strengthening
... and is now packing sustained wind speed of 183-kilometers-an-hour, with
gusts of up to 226-kilometers-an-hour.

According to the weather administration's forecast center, Mekkhala will
still between 400 and 500-kilomters away from Taiwan when it comes closest to
the island on Thursday.

Mekkhala is forecast to move in a northeasterly direction toward Japan from
Friday and will weaken as it moves northward.

Posted on 2026-06-23 07:00:17

And,

Taiwan's Tseng Jing-hua has won Best Lead Actor at the 2026 Global OTT Awards
in Busan, South Korea, for his performance in the Netflix distributed
coming-of-age romantic thriller "Had I Not Seen the Sun."

Tseng beat out other nominees in the category including Hyun Bin and Kim
Seon-ho of South Korea, Ryoma Takeuchi of Japan and Song Weilong of China to
take the top prize.

The Taiwan fantasy series "Agent From Above" won the prize for Best Visual
Effects at the annual streaming-content awards.

Taiwan Creative Content Agency chair and deputy culture minister, Sue Wang
says the participation of Taiwan actors reflects the strength and resilience
of the island's film and television industry.

The government is now hoping to bring more homegrown talent onto the global
stage.

Posted on 2026-06-22 17:06:13

The DPP is pushing for the opposition to support the Executive Yuan's special
budget for drones.

The legislative caucus says today that the budget aims to protect Taiwan's
national security and benefits local industries.

They're urging the TPP and KMT to support the budget, adding that they hope
it will be a priority for legislative speaker Han Kuo-yu upon his return from
the US.

DPP Caucus Whip Tsai Chi Chang says, he believes the US is aware of the draft
bill, adding that Han make take the trip as an opportunity to express the
KMT's stance on the matter.

Meanwhile Caucus leader Fan Yun stated that the bill aims to invest in
Taiwan's drone industry through large-scale, long-term contracts.

The Executive Yuan passed the proposal with a budget ceiling of 210 billion
NT for spending through 2031 after a previous defense spending proposal had
drone funding cut out by the legislature.

Taichung Mayor Lu Xiu Yan previously said that she would be in favor of the
KMT putting forward their own proposal for drone spending.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-22 17:06:13

A delegation from Paraguay's Alto Paraná Department is visiting Taiwan to
learn about trade, technology and public health development.

The group is led by departmental council president Gustavo Soria.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the delegation arrived yesterday and is
visiting until Thursday.

Officials are scheduled to visit Taipei City Council, Yilan County Government
and Taiwan's National Health Insurance Administration.

They will also visit the International Trade Administration, TaiwanICDF,
Hsinchu Science Park and the National Palace Museum.

Alto Paraná is home to the Taiwan-Paraguay Smart Technology Park.

The ministry says Taiwan is using public-private cooperation to support
industrial development in Paraguay and help Taiwanese businesses expand
overseas.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-22 17:06:13

A temporary YouBike service in Hualien's Guangfu Township will end on June 30
after helping meet post-disaster transport needs.

The service was launched after the Matai'an Creek barrier lake disaster
following Typhoon Ragasa in September last year.

Hualien County and YouBike set up 10 stations and 150 public bicycles last
December.

YouBike says the project has completed its phased mission.

The county says a wider public bicycle system is now in the bidding process.

Tourism Department Director Yu Ming-hsun (余明勲) says the county plans 150
stations and about 1-thousand-500 bicycles.

The first phase will cover northern Hualien this year.

The county says Guangfu service could be restored first if local demand is
urgent.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-22 17:04:13

Taiwan's electrical machinery maker, TECO is expanding its green energy
business in Australia through new solar and energy storage projects.

The company says its Australian unit will work with Billion Watts and Tun
Green Power.

The partners will jointly develop the Seaspray solar and battery storage
project in Victoria.

They will also take part in a second distributed energy investment portfolio.

TECO says the Seaspray project will include solar capacity of 5-point-48
megawatt-peak and storage of 11 megawatt-hours.

The company holds a 45 percent stake in the Australian joint venture.

TECO says the projects show its shift from motors and power equipment into
renewable energy.

The company says it will keep expanding in Australia's renewable energy and
storage markets.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-22 17:04:15

Taiwan travelers heading to Japan can get more yen for their money, as the
Japanese currency keeps weakening.

Bank of Taiwan rates showed the yen's cash selling price at 0-point-1991 NT
this morning.

That is lower than the recent high of 0-point-2091 NT on February 12.

A 100-thousand NT travel budget could buy about 502-thousand Japanese yen
today.

That is about 24-thousand Japanese yen more than in February.

The difference is equal to about three adult tickets to Tokyo Disneyland.

Foreign exchange bankers say the yen has fallen more sharply than the New
Taiwan dollar.

They still suggest exchanging money in batches, instead of changing all
travel funds at once.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-22 17:04:15

"Toy Story 5" has topped 91-point-2-million NT in its opening weekend box
office in Taiwan.

The Disney film marks the franchise's 30th anniversary.

Its story pits digital devices against traditional toys.

The film also reflects family debates about screen time and digital
entertainment.

The distributor says the movie continues the series' humor, adventure and
emotional appeal.

It also highlights real interaction, imagination, companionship and play.

A Disney executive says the film set a new box office record in Taiwan.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-22 16:20:13

Taipei city's Senior Card program will be upgraded starting in July, with
monthly credits increasing from 480 points to 600 points.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said cardholders will be able to use their credits
to purchase daily necessities at supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies
and farmers' associations in the second half of next year.

Chiang said the city will speed up the rollout of the second-generation
cards, and the new cards will allow unused credits to roll over.

Beginning September 1st, the first round of Double Ninth Festival cash gifts
for seniors will be deposited directly into recipients' bank accounts.

Between September 7th and 18th, recipients can also load the money onto their
EasyCards by tapping them at Taipei Metro stations and major convenience
stores.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-06-22 16:19:13

Legislative Speaker Han Guo- yu has begun a visit to the United States by
leading a cross-party delegation of lawmakers.

Speaking at Taoyuan International Airport last night, Han said the trip is at
the invitation of the bipartisan Taiwan caucuses in both chambers of the U.S.
Congress.

He said the delegation's top priority is parliamentary diplomacy - exchanging
views with U.S. lawmakers on national security, constituency governance, and
ways to deepen cooperation between the two sides.

As this year marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S., Han also stressed that
the delegation will extend its warmest birthday congratulations to the U.S.
government and people.

Han's visit will also include a visit to the American state of Arizona where
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's factories are located.

Noting that T-S-M-C has been investing in the U.S. for nearly five years, the
Speaker said the delegation plans to tour the facilities and speak with its
employees.

Han also pointed out and that they'll return to Taiwan on the inaugural
direct flight between Taiwan and Washington D.C., operated by E-V-A Air.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-06-22 16:19:13

Taipei city's Senior Card program will be upgraded starting in July, with
monthly credits increasing from 480 points to 600 points.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said cardholders will be able to use their credits
to purchase daily necessities at supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies
and farmers' associations in the second half of next year.

Chiang said the city will speed up the rollout of the second-generation
cards, and the new cards will allow unused credits to roll over.

Beginning September 1st, the first round of Double Ninth Festival cash gifts
for seniors will be deposited directly into recipients' bank accounts.

Between September 7th and 18th, recipients can also load the money onto their
EasyCards by tapping them at Taipei Metro stations and major convenience
stores.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-06-22 14:25:13

Taipei police say they cracked down hard on drugged driving over the Dragon
Boat Festival holiday, catching 56 cases in three days.

The Taipei City Police Department says officers ramped up checkpoints,
testing drivers who showed signs of impairment or whose cars smelled
suspicious.

Officials declared a "zero tolerance" policy on drugged driving, with Mayor
Chiang Wan-an echoing that sentiment at a meeting ahead of the holiday.

The push comes after a legal change in May allowed for preventive detention
in drugged driving cases.

Police say they're now working closely with prosecutors to trace drug sources
and crack down on the rising use of etomidate-laced "zombie vapes..."

while also equipping officers with more drug test kits.

(MW)

Posted on 2026-06-22 14:25:13

Cancer remains Taiwan's leading cause of death for the 44th year in a row.

Behind cancer were heart disease and pneumonia.

That's according to new figures from the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

The data also shows that nearly 200,000 people died in Taiwan last year...

marking a slight decrease for the third consecutive year.

Suicide moved up to 10th place, while COVID-19 dropped significantly from
14th to 19th on the list.

Within cancer deaths specifically, lung, liver, and colorectal cancers have
stayed the top three killers for 22 straight years.

However, health officials flagged a new trend...

noting that death rates from lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and ovarian
cancer all rose compared to the previous year, even as the mean death toll
has declined overall.

(MW)

Posted on 2026-06-22 14:25:13

Taiwan's game software industry saw revenue jump nearly 50 percent in five
years, as stay-at-home habits and digital leisure boosted demand.

The Ministry of Finance says revenue reached 71-billion NT in 2025, up 48.7
percent from 2020.

Game software publishing recorded the fastest growth, with revenue more than
doubling over the same period.

The ministry says game publishers saw the strongest growth...

...while programming and design firms faced higher costs and tougher
competition.

The industry remains concentrated in Taipei, New Taipei and Taichung, because
of talent, capital and business clusters.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-22 14:25:13

Asian stocks are mixed today, with Japan and Korea trading higher, while Hong
Kong lost ground.

Taiwan shares were strongly up today, with the benchmark tai ex gaining 1276
points to close the session at 47741.

The turnover was 1.441 trillion NT.

Posted on 2026-06-22 13:07:13

Taipei is planning to roll out self-driving buses in three phases, with the
first phase starting in the closed grounds of the Taipei Zoo.

It'll be followed by a trial period in the Beitou-Shilin Technology Park, and
finally on 15 dedicated bus lanes in the second half of next year.

Mayor Chiang Wan-an announced today that the city will introduce the program
with the goal of making Taipei a major testbed for autonomous vehicles.

The Mayor said the first phase, to begin this year, will see driverless
shuttle buses tested in closed areas such as the zoo.

And then it'll advance to unmanned street-cleaning and water-spraying
vehicles before moving on to passenger shuttle services at the Beitou-Shilin
Technology Park.

The third phase will involve trial runs of autonomous buses on 15 dedicated
bus lanes across Taipei.

Chiang said the city will first upgrade road infrastructure, traffic signals,
and sensor systems.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-06-22 13:07:13

11 people have been injured in a bus accident in Taoyuan.

The tour bus and military minibus collided on a section of National Freeway 1
this morning.

The accident occureed on the southbound lanes of the Yangmei Elevated Section
of freeway in Guishan.

Firefighters say that first responders arrived to find the driver of the
military minibus trapped inside the vehicle.

They also determined that two people needed immediate medical attention,
while four others were moderately injured.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-06-22 08:17:13

C-P-C has cut gasoline and diesel prices ending an 11-week run of leaving its
retail fuel prices unchanged due military conflicts in the Middle East.

The price cuts see gasoline declining by 1 N-T per liter and diesel falling
by 0.7 N-T per liter - with C-P-C saying the move reflects reduced upward
pressure on international energy prices.

The move means that 92 octane unleaded costs 31.4 N-T per liter, while the
price of premium diesel has dropped to at 30.3 N-T a liter at the pump for
this week.

Posted on 2026-06-22 08:17:13

And finally,

The Central Weather Administration has issued heat warnings for much of
Taiwan today - as it's forecasting highs of up to 36-degrees ahead of Typhoon
Mekkhala's closest approach to the island on Thursday.

"Orange" heat alerts are in effect for New Taipei, Changhua, Nantou, Yunlin,
Tainan, Pingtung and Hualien - where the mercury could reach 36-degrees for
three consecutive days.

While "yellow" heat alerts have been issued for Keelung, Taoyuan, Taichung,
Chiayi and Kaohsiung - where the daily maximum temperature could reach
36-degrees today.

All of the heat alerts are currently slated to remain in effect through this
afternoon.

Posted on 2026-06-22 06:52:13

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu is leading a cross-party delegation of
lawmakers to the U-S this week for a six-day trip.
Han said the trip was made possible through an invitation from a
Taiwan-friendly caucus in the U-S Congress.

Han says the main focus of the trip is to promote closer Taiwan-US exchanges
through "parliamentary diplomacy."

The delegation consists of Han and seven other lawmakers, including three
from the K-M-T, one from the Taiwan People's Party, and three from the D-P-P.

Reports say the group's itinerary will begin with a visit to TSMC's Arizona
and a banquet with overseas Taiwanese while in Phoenix.

The group will then head to Washington, D.C., to meet with U-S senators,
members of the House of Representatives and senior U-S government
officials...

They are also scheduled to attend a banquet hosted by Taiwan's representative
to the United States, Alexander Yui.

The delegation is scheduled to return to Taiwan on Friday aboard EVA Airways'
inaugural direct flight from Washington, D.C. to Taoyuan International
Airport - which Han said reflects deepening bilateral ties.

Posted on 2026-06-22 06:52:14

The Ministry of National Defense is set to hold a five-day combat readiness
drill this week.

Defense officials say the drill are part of its modernization plans to shift
its training focus to more realistic exercises simulating war, away from
set-piece events.

The military has reportedly begun basing some of its drills on a scenario in
which China suddenly turns one of its regular exercises around the island
into an actual attack.

The "Immediate Combat Readiness Exercise" begins today and runs until Friday.

The defense ministry is describing the drill as part of annual training plans
as part of joint operations for the armed forces.

They say the main objective is to train units at all levels to become
familiar with combat practices and the battlefield environment during the
readiness deployment phase.

Defense officials have also said the exercise will also help to strengthen
rapid peacetime-to-wartime transitions and priority deployments... with
"actual troops, on actual terrain, in ‌real time, using actual equipment, and
through actual implementation".

This year's Han Kuang live first exercises are expected to take place in
August.

Posted on 2026-06-22 06:52:15

The Ministry of National Defense is amending the law on mandatory military
service by calling for non-commutable prison sentences instead of fines for
convicted draft dodgers.

Proposed changes are part of the government's efforts to reduce the incidence
of draft evasion.

The act currently stipulates that citizens who evade military conscription
can get a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

But most draft dodgers receive court sentences of less than six months, which
can be commutable to a fine.

As a result, most draft dodgers actually pay a fine instead of serving time
any jail time.

Defense officials believe prison sentences would be a stronger deterrent ---
and they now want prison terms of between one and five years for citizens who
evade military conscription.

The proposed amendments also seeks to revise the penalties for those who
evade reservist training and wartime mobilization, by calling for prison
terms of between one to five years.

The proposal follows a crackdown by authorities last year on entertainers who
allegedly were evading mandatory military service by obtaining falsified
hypertension diagnoses.

Posted on 2026-06-22 06:52:15

Researchers at National Cheng Kung University say although climate change
could reduce overall PM2.5 pollution here in Taiwan, the benefits are likely
to be unevenly distributed.

The research team analyzed more than two decades of weather, air-quality and
geographic data.

Researchers found that average PM2.5 levels are likely to decline by between
1.25 and 1.5 micrograms per cubic meter nationally in the coming decades.

The study found that warmer temperatures and increased rainfall generally
help reduce PM2.5 levels, contributing to an overall decline in pollution
nationwide.

But researchers also say climate change could also alter local weather
patterns by impacting how pollutants accumulate and disperse, leading to
growing regional differences in air quality.

In that scenario, areas in northeastern Taiwan, the Taichung-Changhua border
region and parts of Kaohsiung and Pingtung could emerge as pollution
"hotspots" between 2081 and 2100.

Posted on 2026-06-22 06:52:15

And,

The Central Weather Administration has upgraded Mekkhala to a typhoon and
says it could come close enough to Taiwan later in the week to prompt a sea
warning.

The storm is currently located some 1,000-kilometers southeast of Eluanbi at
Taiwan's southern tip and is moving in a west-northwesterly direction at
26-kilometers-an-hour.

Typhoon Mekkhala has a radius of 150-kilometers and is packing sustained wind
speed of 118-kilometers-an-hour, with gusts of up to 154-kilometers-an-hour.

Mekkhala is currently expected to continue moving in a west-northwesterly
direction, before gradually turning north toward waters east of Taiwan proper
or south of the Ryukyu Islands.

The center says timing and angle of the turn remain uncertain, but current
forecasts show the storm will be closest to Taiwan on Wednesday and Thursday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

CNA_JvW

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

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

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

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

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

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

CNA_JvW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CNA_zh_JvW

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

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

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

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

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

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

CNA_JvW

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

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

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

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

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

The six men will be detained while an investigation proceeds.

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

CNA_JvW

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

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

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

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

CNA_zh_JvW

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

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

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

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

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

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

CNA_JvW

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