ICRT

Posted on 2025-12-27 16:06:13

Taiwan's central bank says the local stock market has outperformed markets in
Japan and South Korea over the past four years because of strong growth in AI
hardware.

The central bank said that the Taiex has risen about 120 percent as of Dec.
15.

That beat out the 103 percent rise in Japan's Nikkei 225 index and the 90
percent rise in South Korea's KOSPI since 2022.

The central bank said Asian stock markets were also helped by ample liquidity
generated by the loose monetary policies of the US Federal Reserve and other
major central banks

The tech-heavy Nasdaq index has been the best market performer in the world
over the past four years, surging by more than 125 percent since 2022.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2025-12-27 15:07:14

EVA Airways is planning spend nearly 2 billion US dollars to purchase new
Boeing aircraft to meet demand for a global expansion.

EVA said its board of directors approved the plan yesterday to spend no more
than US$1.94 billion to buy four wide-body Boeing 787-9 planes and extend
lease contracts for four Boeing 777-300ER aircraft it currently operates.

EVA currently has a fleet of 89 planes.

Analysts say Taiwan's three main international carriers -- which also include
China Airlines and Starlux Airlines -- appear upbeat about demand for
passenger flights ... as well as for cargo services amid the AI boom.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2025-12-27 15:07:14

Taiwan Railway Corporation says average daily passenger volume rose by 1.4%
since it raised ticket prices at the end of June.

The railway operator estimates that passenger revenue rose by NT$2.6 billion
this year thanks to increased fares and passenger volume.

Taiwan Railways said safety is its top priority heading into the new year. In
the first 11 months of the year, there were two major accidents on the tracks
in Taiwan, compared with four last year. There were 38 minor accidents, three
fewer than during the same period last year.

Trains attained a target punctuality rate of 97.5% in November. That excludes
delays due natural disasters.

Passenger volume for the full year is estimated at 670,000 up nearly 3% on
year.

CNA_zh_JvW

Posted on 2025-12-27 14:07:14

Taiwan's Cabinet has approved draft amendments that would allow authorities
to detain or fine people who spread hate speech or promote extremist causes
in parks, train stations and other public places.

The amendments to the Social Order Maintenance Act need to be passed by the
Legislative Yuan to become law. This isn't a certainty, as the opposition
controls the legislature.

Under the draft revisions, individuals who promote or disseminate hate
speech, terrorism-related messages, or narratives linked to hostile foreign
forces in public venues could face penalties.

"Hostile foreign forces" usually refers to China.

Offenders could be subject to detention of up to three days or fined up to
NT$30,000.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2025-12-27 14:07:14

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense says China launched a rocket shortly
after midnight that crossed over central Taiwan.

The People's Liberation Army launched the rocket from a satellite base in
Sichuan Province. It traveled eastward --above Taiwan's atmosphere.

The ministry said it posed no danger to to Taiwan.

Meanwhile, in the 24 hours to 6am today, the ministry reports that there were
13 PLA aircraft sorties near Taiwan, with 12 of them crossing the Taiwan
Strait median line. It also spotted seven PLA ships operating near Taiwan.

CNA_zh_JvW

Posted on 2025-12-27 14:07:14

Lower temperatures recently have led to reduced blood donations at donation
centers as well as an increased need for blood.

Donation centers say there was just 6 days of blood in stock islandwide as of
this morning, and they're calling for more donations. Blood banks say a safe
buffer period for blood supplies is around 7-10 days, while 4 days of stock
is considered an emergency.

Type A and Type O blood stocks are the lowest, at just over 5 days in stock
nationally. In Taichung, the levels are below 4 days.

Type AB blood is at the safe level.

CNA_zh_JvW

Posted on 2025-12-27 13:09:13

Taiwan's Legislative Yuan has passed a law aimed at facilitating youth
development and encouraging greater youth participation in public affairs.

Under the newly passed "Youth Basic Law," which defines youth as people aged
18 to 35, a NT$10 billion youth development fund will be established, with
funding allocated in stages over five years after the law takes effect.

It is to be financed through central government budget allocations,
investment returns and public donations, and it will be overseen by a
management committee of 13 to 15 members, with scholars, experts and youth
representatives accounting for more than half of its members.

The law also mandates that the government ensure 18-year-olds can exercise
their legal rights to participate in voting, recalls, initiatives, and
referendums.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2025-12-27 13:09:13

The Central Weather Administration says a continental cold mass brought low
temperatures and up to 9 centimeters of snow to Taiwan's highest mountains
early this morning.

The temperature dipped to as low as minus 5 degrees overnight on Jade
mountain.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2025-12-27 12:10:14

President Lai Ching-te is seeking a ruling from the Constitutional Court
regarding a bill passed by the Legislature that rolls back some pension
reforms that were introduced in 2018.

Lai has promulgated the bill, but he appended an annotation that argued it
was unconstitutional because it would require taxpayer funds to cover
shortfalls in the public service pension system.

He added that it infringes on the Cabinet's authority to formulate the
general budget.

Lai said in the annotation the "latest amendments would cause the civil
servants' and public school teachers' pension systems to go bankrupt earlier,
forcing the public to shoulder additional financial shortfalls."

Any appeal to the Constitutional Court is problematic, as it currently has
only eight justices, two fewer than a quorum required under a separate
opposition amendment that requires at least 10 justices on the 15-seat
Constitutional Court to participate in deliberations and at least nine to
approve a ruling that a law is unconstitutional.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2025-12-27 12:10:14

The Miaoli District Court has ordered the detention of a man accused of
attacking a woman with a sickle and attempting to assault a convenience store
clerk in Miaoli City.

Police said officers arrested the suspect on Thursday afternoon after
receiving reports that a man was wielding a sickle and threatening people at
a convenience store.

Earlier, the suspect had attacked a woman outside, injuring the left side of
her waist.

Officers said the suspect appeared to be under the influence of drugs at the
time of arrest.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2025-12-27 11:08:13

The Cabinet has approved amendments that would expand the range of
individuals who would be required to get government approval before visiting
China.

The revisions, which require passage by the opposition-controlled Legislative
Yuan before they can become law, follow a Dec. 19 trip to Xiamen by seven
lawmakers from the KMT to attend an event that was categorized as commercial
but reportedly touched on political issues.

Under the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and
the Mainland Area, only political appointees, the mayors of Taiwan's six
biggest cities and certain high-level government officials must undergo a
joint review before traveling to China.

The revisions would additionally require national legislators as well as all
mayors, and county commissioners to pass a joint review by the Ministry of
the Interior in consultation with the Mainland Affairs Council before they
could visit China.

Lower-level political appointees and police officers would be required to
obtain approval from their respective agencies.

The amendments would seem to be a non-starter given that the opposition
controls the legislature.

KMT caucus secretary-general Lo Chih-chiang described the revisions as a "fig
leaf" to cover up President Lai's incompetence in handling cross-Taiwan
Strait relations.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2025-12-27 11:08:13

Taiwan's manufacturing sentiment improved for a fifth consecutive month in
November, as strong global demand for AI applications continued to bolster
export-oriented producers.

The Taiwan Institute of Economic Research reports that the composite index
for the manufacturing sector rose by 2.39 points from a month earlier, to
94.42.

A TIER official said movements in the index indicate that the local
manufacturing sector has left behind the shadow created by Trump's tariff
policies.

He added that manufacturers are upbeat that the US Federal Reserve's lowering
of interest rates will create wealth effects by pushing up stock markets and
eventually boosting private consumption.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2025-12-26 17:08:14

The health ministry says a stalled 2026 central government budget could delay
new birth support under the National Pension Insurance system.

The Department of Social Insurance says about $1.5 billion NT is affected,
involving some 20-thousand people.

Starting next year, eligible National Pension recipients who give birth could
receive a combined childbirth benefit and birth subsidy of $100-thousand NT
per baby.

The new subsidy also covers birth mothers of Taiwanese newborns who are not
enrolled in other social insurance programs.

Officials say routine childbirth benefits for parents who already have social
insurance, such as Labor Insurance, should not be affected.

But the ministry says the new top-up funding cannot be paid until the general
budget is passed.

It says babies born after January 1st may first receive the existing National
Pension benefit of about $40-thousand NT, with the rest paid later.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-26 17:08:14

Penghu County says its 2026 International Fireworks Festival will open on May
4th and run through August 25th.

Officials say the event will partner with the Japanese anime Dragon Ball Z
for a themed summer fireworks program.

The county government says the festival is one of Penghu's key tourism brand
events and brings steady economic benefits.

Organizers say the 2026 edition will continue large-scale fireworks shows and
drone light performances.

The Tourism Department says the festival will be held every Monday and
Thursday from May 4th to June 25th.

Events will then move to Tuesdays from June 30th through August 25th.

The schedule includes 33 shows in total, plus 2 trial shows on April 20th and
April 27th with 10-minute fireworks.

Officials say opening and closing nights will feature 12 minutes of fireworks
and a 10-minute drone display, with themed areas and limited co-branded
merchandise also planned.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-26 17:08:14

Taiwan Bank says gold prices have jumped more than 70-percent so far this
year.

In its daily international gold market report, the bank cites investment
adviser ByteTree and its founder Charlie Morris.

Morris says central banks are still buying gold, and safe-haven demand is
rising.

He also points to a weaker U.S. dollar and loose monetary conditions as
support for gold.

Morris says the gold bull market could continue into next year.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-26 16:13:13

Doctors are warning that RSV, or 'respiratory syn-cytial virus, can spread
quickly during year-end events.

Pediatric specialist Mu Shu-chi (穆淑琪) says RSV is more than twice as
contagious as influenza.

She says in group settings, 1 infected person may pass the virus to more than
5 others.

Mu says infants and young children are at higher risk because their airways
are narrow and can block with thick mucus.

She says severe cases can lead to low oxygen, pauses in breathing, and even
intensive care treatment.

Mu also says children who have had RSV face about 3 times the risk of asthma
or repeated wheezing later.

A pediatric foundation is urging parents to wash hands often and avoid taking
babies to crowded, high-risk places.

It also says families can talk with doctors about protective options,
including vaccination, to reduce severe illness.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-26 16:13:18

The KMT and TPP legislative caucuses say that the legislature will hold an
impeachment vote in May against President Lai Ching-te.

The legislature will invite Lai to a review session for answering lawmakers'
questions on January 21st and 22nd after holding 2 public hearings to discuss
the motion.

A second review is slated for May 13th and 14th, before an impeanchment vote
at the Legislative plenary session on May 19th.

TPP chair Huang Kuo-chang criticized Lai for refusing to promulgate
amendments to the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures passed
by the legislature in November.

Meanwhile DPP Caucus Secretary general Zhogn Jia Bin slammed the opposition
for using impeachment as a prop, saying that according to law, the petition
to impeach the president by the Legislative Yuan must be passed by two thirds
of the legislature.

That means that 76 lawmakers would need to vote yes, exceeding the blue
camp's total 62 seats.

After such a petition is passed by the legislature, it would then be sent to
the Constitutional Court for the final decision.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-26 14:08:13

Taipei police say they have arrested a man over an online post threatening a
random knife attack.

The Taipei City Police says the post appeared in a Facebook group on December
20th.

Police say it came after a recent random attack in Taipei last week that
resulted in 4 dead, including the perpetrator, and 11 injured.

Investigators say the post claimed the writer would go out and slash people
on the street.

Police say it also included a photo of Cheng Chieh (鄭捷) being arrested in
the 2014 Taipei Metro killing case.

Authorities traced the account to a 33-year-old man and say he was arrested
on Wednesday in New Taipei's Xinzhuang District.

Prosecutors sought detention, but a New Taipei court set bail at $30-thousand
NT.

The Criminal Investigation Bureau says it investigated 94 related cases from
December 20th to December 25th, with 12 arrests and 4 detentions.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-26 14:08:13

Taipei prosecutors have indicted a man who allegedly leaked the details of
former president Tsai Ing-wen's trips abroad and information about Song-shan
Air Force Base to the Chinese Communist Party.

This is the second indictment against Lu Ji Xian (魯紀賢), who was already
sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison by the Taipei District Court on
another espionage charge.

Prosecutors are now seeking a total of 15 years of imprisonment for Lu, and a
jain term of between 4 and 8 years for the other three accomplices.

The indictment points out that Lu was in China attending a diabolo event when
he was recruited by a Chinese national and ultimately received nearly 6
million NT in pay.

He allegedly recuited active and retired military personnel, as well as
employees of China Airlines, to gather intelligence on a 2023 trip made by
Tsai and other classified military information.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-26 14:08:13

Asian shares are mixed amidst thin holiday trading, with shares in Tokyo and
Shanghai rising...

while those in Bangkok and Jakarta fell.

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at 28556 after
gaining 184 points.

The turnover was 431.8 billion NT

Posted on 2025-12-26 13:07:14

The Taipei Prosecutors' Office has indicted Zheng Yi-ling(鄭亦麟), a former
Economics Ministry official responsible for promoting Taiwan's renewable
energy, on charges of corruption and money laundering.

Prosecutors said Zheng, former deputy CEO of the Green Energy Industry
Promotion Center, took nearly $2 million NT in bribes and had more than $6
million in unexplained assets.

Prosecutors are seeking a prison term of 14 years for Zheng, and two years
for his parents and brother, who are also indicted.

Zheng was appointed to the position in 2018 under former President Tsai
Ing-wen, and prosecutors launched investigation earlier this year following a
tip-off alleging that he bribes money from two companies.

He is accused of pressuring Taiwan Power for the companies that needed more
feeder capacity by abusing his official position.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-26 13:07:19

Tainan city is launching a survey of homeless people in the city today as low
temperatures dropped to 14 degrees this morning with the arrival of a
continental cold air mass.

Officials say that the survey aims to better understand the living situations
of homeless people in Tai-nan and to ensure they can receive medical
treatment if needed.

Current numbers indicate that there are nearly 300 homeless people in the
city, just over half of whom regularly sleep outside.

The Tainan city government is continuing to promote a support center to aid
the homeless individuals in rebuilding their lives by finding housing and
employment.

City officials emphasize that the census also focuses on their safety,
health, and any risk factors, and social workers are offering necessary
supplies, medical referrals, and resettlement information.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-26 13:07:24

Chunghwa Telecom says its kids digital reading platform FunPark logged more
than 1.2 million hours of reading this year.

The platform is run by its subsidiary SmartFun Digital, which released the
annual reading report today.

The report says total reading time reached nearly 72 million minutes, up
nearly 3 percent from a year earlier.

SmartFun chairman Lin Wen-chih (林文智) says FunPark uses broadband, cloud
services, and integrated billing to expand into content and education
technology.

The report says over 68-percent of users are family subscribers, while just
over 31-percent come from libraries and schools.

(PB)

Posted on 2025-12-26 08:07:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

The north concourse of Taoyuan International Airport's Terminal 3 has
officially began operating.

Speaking at the opening cermony, President Lai Ching-te said upcoming goals
include completing Terminal 3 by 2027 to allow construction of the airport's
third runway to begin ....

... and another goal is for the airport to handle 83 million passengers, 3.85
million tons of cargo, and 435,000 takeoffs and landings annually by 2045,
creating an economic impact of 2.2-trillion N-T.

According to the Taoyuan International Airport Corporation, the north
concourse is expected to ease congestion during early-morning transfer and
departure peak hours, as 40 arriving and departing flights will use the
concourse every day.

A trial period began on December 1 and the airport operator says a total of
259 takeoffs and landings were recorded during that period -- with passenger
traffic reaching 58,801.

Terminal 3 was designed by British architect Richard Rogers, who also
designed the Pompidou Centre in Paris, and it features a bright, modern
design with silver-gray and orange accents.

The north concourse extends from Gate D-10 at Terminal 2 and connects to
Gates D-11 through D-18.

The main Terminal 3 complex is scheduled to be completed and opened in 2027.

Posted on 2025-12-26 08:07:13

Police in Taipei say they're investigating a threatening note written in
English found on the memorial wall at Eslite Bookstore's Nanxi branch.

The statement comes after a member of the public reported discovering the
message on the memorial wall last night.

According to the Taipei City Police Department, officers have been reviewing
closed circuit television footage from the area and are actively
investigating the suspect's identity and related information.

Images and text posted on social media show the note reads - "I will kill
more people in the next few days."

The memorial wall outside the Eslite Bookstore's Nanxi branch appeared after
members of the public began placing flowers and candles there following last
Friday's deadly knife and smoke bomb attacks.

The suspect died after falling from the rooftop of the bookstore, which is
next to the Zhongshan MRT Station.

Posted on 2025-12-26 08:07:13

K-M-T lawmaker Hsieh Lung-chieh has been presented with a "prop handgun" that
he proceeded to brandish during a campaign event in Tainan.

Hsieh is the K-M-T's nominee for the 2026 Tainan mayoral election.

He was selected as the party's mayoral pick on Wednesday and was speaking at
a year-end event for K-M-T military veterans when deputy party chairman and
retired Marine Corps general, Chi Lin-lien pulled out the gun ...

.. which appeared to shock some of the people on stage.

Chi told Hsieh that the handgun was "the latest model" from a Marine Corps
manufacturing facility, and presented it to him with wishes for a "resounding
victory" with "full firepower."

Chi added that he had wanted to bring a rifle, but that it would have been
"inconvenient" to take on the High Speed Rail.

The K-M-T is stressing that the handgun was a "toy" and intended for use as a
"prop."

Hsieh previously ran for Tainan mayor in 2022, gaining 43.63-per cent of the
vote in a loss to D-P-P incumbent Huang Wei-che, who received 48.8-per cent
of the vote.

Posted on 2025-12-26 08:07:13

The Chiayi District Court has ordered a woma to pay 13.9-million N-T in civil
damages for selling her mobile phone number to scammers who used it to
defraud the man who filed suit.

According to a civil judgment issued by the court, the woman signed up for a
mobile phone number at a telecom store and sold the SIM card to a man for 300
N-T in August of last year.

Members of the telecom fraud ring the contacted a victim using the SIM card,
impersonating police officers and financial regulators.

The victim was led to believe that his bank account had suspicious
transactions and he transferred a total of 13.9-million N-T to unknown
accounts between August and October of last year.

The court says although the woman did not carry out the fraud herself, the
mobile number she sold was used to contact the victim -- and by providing the
number, she had in effect assisted the scammers.

The verdict can be appealed.

Posted on 2025-12-26 08:07:13

And finally,

The Taiwan Network Information Center says a survey shows that short-form
videos have become the most common media format consumed by users, ahead of
social media.

According to the survey, 78.46-per cent of respondents had watched a
short-form video in the past three months, surpassing the 76.86-per cent who
had used a social media platform.

More than three-fifths of respondents said they watched short videos daily
across multiple platforms, while nearly half reported viewing short videos
multiple times a day, compared to 8.06-per cent who said they watched once a
day.

The report defined a short-term video as content lasting 15 seconds to three
minutes on such platforms as TikTok, Instagram Reels, Facebook Reels and
YouTube Shorts.

The social media platforms it surveyed were Facebook, Instagram, Threads,
TikTok, PTT, X and Dcard.

Taiwan Network Information Center says the data shows that short videos have
embedded themselves into daily life in a relatively short period, and their
influence should not be underestimated.

Posted on 2025-12-26 06:54:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it's maintaining an "open and pragmatic"
attitude towards future developments with Honduras after the country's
presidential election .

This comes after Nasry Asfura of the opposition National Party of Honduras
was declared the winner of the polls.

Asfura has pledged to restore formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

But MOFA has refused to offer any further comment on this possibility.

Instead, the foreign ministry said it called on the president-elect to
implement policies based on the welfare of the people.

Both Asfura and his opponent Salvador Nasralla had pledged to restore
diplomatic relations with Taiwan during their election campaigns.

Ties between Taiwan and Honduras were severed in 2023 by sitting President
Xiomara Castro - who established formal ties with Beijing.

Posted on 2025-12-26 06:54:13

The Pentagon has released its annual report to Congress, warning that Beijing
could eventually see a full amphibious invasion of Taiwan as the only
"prudent" way to bring about unification.

The Pentagon's "Annual Report to Congress: Military and Security Developments
Involving the People's Republic of China 2025," was similar to the 2024
report.

However, it reorganized its analysis of the options China has to take over
Taiwan.

U-S defense officials say Chinese leaders view Beijing's capabilities for a
Taiwan campaign as improving, but they remain uncertain about its readiness
to successfully seize the island while countering potential U-S involvement.

The report adds Beijing is busy refining several military options to force
unification with Taiwan, ranging from coercive actions short of war to a
full-scale joint island landing campaign ...

... and a landing campaign involving a large-scale amphibious invasion of
Taiwan would be the most decisive and riskiest option.

Washington is said to lack information about whether Beijing has determined
the viability of other unification options... but says the decisiveness of a
joint island landing campaign will probably make it an increasingly more
appealing option ..

..... as the decision space for other options is constrained.

Posted on 2025-12-26 06:54:13

The K-M-T and the Taiwan People's Party have unveiled the "Taiwan Future
Accounts" - which they say is aimed at providing government-funded investment
accounts for children that could be claimed in full when they turn 18 years
of age.

The policy is said said to be aimed at easing the financial pressure on
parents and help stop the island's declining birthrate.

Under the draft version of the plan, the government will be required to
establish accounts for children aged 12 years and below with valid household
registration in Taiwan.

The government will put an initial sum of 50,000 N-T in each account,
followed by an additional 10,000 N-T annually until a child turns 12, which
will be invested in index funds on Taiwan's stock market.

The draft states that on turning 18, the owner of the account will receive
the accumulated funds to help pay for higher education, start a business, put
towards a down payment on a house, or invest.

K-M-T Chair Cheng Li-wun says the funds for the program would be overseen by
a Taiwan Future Accounts Fund Management Committee established by the
government.

While T-P-P Chairman Huang Kuo-chang is acknowledging that the inspiration
for the proposal came from the "Trump Accounts" program - which was recently
announced in the U-S.

Posted on 2025-12-26 06:54:13

The Coast Guard Administration says it dispatched three patrol frigates to
shadow and monitor Chinese coast guard vessels after they entered restricted
waters off of Kinmen.

The three Chinese vessels were detected sailing in formation outside
restricted waters west of Dadan Island before entering Kinmen's restricted
waters.

The administration says it's patrol frigates sailed alongside each of the
Chinese vessels and prevented them from further advancing into water around
the outlying island.

The administration also says it broadcast radio messages in Chinese and
English -- informing the Chinese vessels that their actions severely
undermined regional peace and stability, posed a risk to navigation safety,
and demanded that they leave the area immediately.

The Chinese coast guard vessels left the area some two hours after first
being sighted.

The Coast Guard Administration has condemned the incursion -- describing it
as being unprofessional and irrational.

Posted on 2025-12-26 06:54:13

And,

The New Taipei Metro Corporation says the Circular Line, the Danhai Light
Rail Transit and the Ankeng Light Rail Transit in New Taipei will operate
through New Year's Eve to accommodate crowds attending year-end festivities
and fireworks displays.

Trains on the Circular Line will run at 12-minute intervals from 11PM on
December 31 to 1AM on January 1, before shifting to 15-minute intervals from
1AM to 6AM.

While services on the Danhai and Ankeng light rail transit lines will be
extended well into the morning of January 1, operating at 30-minute intervals
from midnight to 6AM in that day.

The metro company also says it has conducted a multi-hazard emergency drill
aimed to test emergency response mechanisms, the speed of police and fire
brigade support, and use of onboard self-defense and emergency equipment to
buy time before first responders arrived.

The metro operator is urging passengers to stay alert to their surroundings
and report to station staff immediately when they see anything abnormal.

Posted on 2025-12-26 06:54:13

The Ministry of Agriculture is warning that cat owners who fail to put
microchips in their pets could face fines of up to 15,000 N-T from next
month.

Under the Animal Protection Act, dog owners have been required to microchip
and register their pets since 2008 -- with violators subject to fines of up
to 15,000 N-T.

The same requirement was extended to cat owners at the start of this year
after an amendment to pet regulations was formally announced on December 16,
2024.

The penalties are set to take effect on January 1, 2026 -- that's next week.

From that time, cat owners who fail to microchip their pets may face the same
fines as for dogs and can be ordered to correct the violation within a set
time period.

If the owner still fails to comply by the deadline, additional fines may be
imposed for each subsequent offense.

Posted on 2025-12-25 17:19:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it will keep an 'open and pragmatic'
approach toward Honduras following the country’s presidential election.

This comes as Conservative, Trump-backed opposition candidate Nasry Asfura
was declared the winner on Christmas Eve, narrowly defeating rival Salvador
Nasralla in a closely fought vote.

During the campaign, both leading candidates pledged to restore diplomatic
ties with Taiwan, which Honduras severed in 2023 in favor of China.

In a statement, Taiwan urged the president-elect to govern in the interests
of the Honduran people, but avoided commenting on whether ties would be
restored.

The election outcome is still being contested, with Nasralla and senior
figures in the ruling party alleging voting irregularities.

Pressure to renew relations has grown as Honduras faces economic losses,
including a steep drop in shrimp exports to Taiwan since the diplomatic
break.

Posted on 2025-12-25 17:19:13

The Circular Line, Danhai Light Rail, and Ankeng LRT in New Taipei will
operate through New Year’s Eve to handle crowds at year-end festivities and
fireworks.

The Danhai LRT will add extra trains on its Blue Ocean Line from 3 to 5 ＰＭ,
while shuttle buses will replace train services between Binhai Shalun and
Kanding stations from 5 to 11 ＰＭ at five- to eight-minute intervals.

LRT services will continue into the morning of New Year's Day, running every
30 minutes from midnight to 6 ＡＭ.

While Circular Line trains will operate every 12 minutes from 11 ＰＭ to 1
ＡＭ, then every 15 minutes until 6 ＡＭ.

Posted on 2025-12-25 17:19:13

Taiwanese airline Tigerair Taiwan on Thursday launched its new Tainan-Okinawa
route, which will make round trips every Thursday and Sunday.

Attending the launch ceremony, Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (???) welcomed
travelers arriving in Tainan and presented them with a souvenir.

With the launch of the Tainan-Kumamoto route on Tuesday, operating flights
every Tuesday and Friday, Tainan City government said the routes between
Tainan and southwestern Japan would boost bilateral travel, trade and
cultural exchanges.

According to Tigerair Taiwan, the airline's Kaohsiung-Kumamoto route was
launched on Tuesday and is scheduled to fly every Tuesday and Friday,

Posted on 2025-12-25 15:06:13

The U-S Department of Defense warns that Beijing could eventually view a
full-scale amphibious invasion of Taiwan as the only 'prudent' option for
achieving unification.

In its newly released annual report to Congress on China's military
development, the Pentagon says Chinese leaders believe the PLA's capabilities
for a Taiwan campaign are improving, but remain uncertain about their ability
to succeed, especially if the U-S intervenes.

The report outlines several military options under consideration, ranging
from coercive actions short of war to missile strikes or a blockade.

However, it says a large-scale amphibious landing would be the most
decisive—and riskiest—approach.

Such an operation would require complex coordination to breach Taiwan's
defenses and establish a beachhead.

Despite the risks, the Pentagon warns Beijing is actively preparing for this
scenario and may see it as increasingly attractive as other options narrow.

Posted on 2025-12-25 15:06:18

Metro and light rail systems across New Taipei are set to run nonstop for 42
hours to welcome in the New Year.

According to the New Taipei Metro Corporation, the Danhai Light Rail, Ankeng
Light Rail, and the Circular Line will operate continuously starting December
31st, easing travel for New Year's Eve celebrations and post-fireworks
crowds.

Additional services will be added on the Danhai Light Rail mid-afternoon to
boost capacity to Fisherman's Wharf, a popular fireworks viewing spot.

However, commuters should note that from 5 PM to 11 PM on New Year's Eve, the
light rail section between Binhai Shalun and Kanding will be replaced shuttle
bus services running every five to eight minutes.

Then overnight, trains will run at reduced intervals through early hours on
New Year's Day.

Posted on 2025-12-25 15:06:18

Cat owners in Taiwan who fail to microchip and register their pets in the New
Year could face fines of up 15 thousand NT.

The Ministry of Agriculture officially extended the requirement for mandatory
microchipping to cats earlier this year.

Penalties are set to take effect on January 1st ... when cat owners who fail
to follow through can be ordered to correct the violation within a set time
period.

If the owner still fails to comply by the deadline, additional fines may be
imposed for each subsequent offense.

The MOA says the policy is designed to reduce pet abandonment, curb illegal
breeding, and make it easier to reunite lost cats with their owners.

According to the MOA's most recent pet census, Taiwan has 1.31 million cats.

But only around 164 thousand of them are microchipped ... as of this year.

Posted on 2025-12-25 14:49:13

The opposition KMT and Taiwan People's Party have jointly unveiled a proposal
to create a government-funded investment account for children.

Under the plan, the government would deposit 50,000 NT into a dedicated
account for every child aged 12 and under, followed by an annual contribution
of 10,000 NT until they turn 18.

These funds would be invested in the Taiwan stock market to ensure growth.

By the time a child reaches adulthood, the account is projected to be worth
at least 339,000 NT.

These funds could then be used for higher education, job training, starting a
business, or a first-home down payment.

TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang says the policy will help combat child poverty.

While KMT counterpart Cheng Li-wen noted the plan also encourages long-term
financial literacy.

The proposal carries an initial price tag of 113 billion NT, with annual
funding needs of 26 billion NT thereafter.

It now heads to the legislature for debate.

Posted on 2025-12-25 13:22:13

The Central Weather Administration has issued a yellow low-temperature alert
for some areas of the north and northwest .... as a continental cold air mass
moves south and sends temperatures plunging across the island.

That means parts of New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu County, and Miaoli could see
temperatures fall below 10 degrees Celsius tonight through tomorrow morning.

Forecasters say temperatures will continue to drop through the evening,
bringing damp and chilly conditions ... especially for northern Taiwan and
Yilan, where daytime highs of around 18 to 19 degrees can be expected.

Central and southern regions, along with Taitung, can expect highs of 22 to
24 degrees during the daytime today, but overnight lows will fall sharply.

The coldest period is expected late tonight into early tomorrow.

Posted on 2025-12-25 13:22:14

If you’re heading to Taipei's Xinyi District for Christmas today, expect to
see a strong police presence — including heavily armed officers.

Police say security has been stepped up following the random attack in Taipei
last Friday, with extra patrols deployed to crowded areas such as shopping
malls, pedestrian boulevards, MRT stations, the Taipei Dome, and nearby
nightlife districts.

Uniformed and plainclothes officers will also be conducting foot and vehicle
patrols throughout the day, while armed police stand guard to deter any
potential threats.

In addition, traffic controls are in place around major intersections to
manage holiday crowds and reduce congestion.

Authorities urge the public to stay alert, and report any suspicious activity
to police.

Posted on 2025-12-24 20:06:13

Authorities say no injuries have been reported after a strong earthquake
struck Taitung late this afternoon.

According to the Central Weather Administration, the quake struck at around
5:47 PM and was centered 10.1 kilometers north of Taitung County Hall at a
depth of almost 12 kilometers.

Local media reports the quake sent residents rushing outdoors as buildings
shook.

Rail services remain suspended between Hualien and Taitung, as well as
Pingtung and Taitung, with bus replacement services in place while safety
inspections are carried out on tracks.

Minor damage has been reported, including cracked walls at Taitung Prison and
fallen ceiling panels at a local senior high school.

Posted on 2025-12-24 20:06:13

Seismologists are also warning residents in eastern Taiwan to prepare for
significant aftershocks.

Experts say tremors measuring between magnitude 5.5 and 6 could occur over
the next three days to a week.

Residents are urged to stay alert and secure heavy furniture or loose items
inside homes.

The quake originated near Beinan Township and was shallow, allowing shaking
to be felt across much of the island.

Seismologists say it was caused by the ongoing collision between the Eurasian
and Philippine Sea Plates near Taiwan's east coast.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-24 20:06:13

The Ministry of the Interior is reminding drivers not to brake suddenly if a
major earthquake strikes while they are on the road.

Drivers are advised to slow down safely, turn on hazard lights, and pull over
to the side of the road.

Once stopped, they should take their license and registration, leave their
keys and contact details in the vehicle, and move to a safe area.

The ministry also urges the public to remember the three key earthquake
safety steps: drop, cover, and hold on.

Posted on 2025-12-24 18:10:14

No damage or injuries are being immediately reported after a strong magnitude
6.1 earthquake struck in Taitung County just over 10 minutes ago.

According to the Central Weather Administration, the quake struck at around
5:47 PM and was centered 10.1 kilometers north of Taitung County Hall at a
depth of almost 12 kilometers.

It was felt strongest in many parts of Taitung County ... where it registered
a magnitude of 5- in Beinan on the Central Weather Administration's intensity
scale ... and intensity level 4 in other parts of the county, including
Taitung City, Donghe, Taimali, Luye and Chishang.

The quake also registered a magnitude 4 on the scale in many parts of
neighboring Hualien and Pingtung Counties ...

And registered a 3 in Nantou, Kaohsiung, Tainan, Chiayi, and Yunlin ... and
intensity level 2 a little further north in Miaoli and Taichung.

While up here in northern Taiwan, tremors registered intensity level 2 in
Taipei, and New Taipei.

Posted on 2025-12-24 18:10:15

Taipei City says it is strengthening security ahead of New Year's Eve
celebrations ... following heightened concerns after Friday's random knife
attack.

Police in the Xinyi District say armed officers will be deployed daily
through the end of the New Year's Eve countdown,

Authorities have also met with 45 businesses inside the fireworks control
zone, including department stores, nightclubs, and parking operators, to
coordinate safety measures.

Large numbers of officers will be mobilized to maintain order, manage
traffic, and prevent crowd congestion around Taipei 101 and nearby nightlife
areas.

Police say rapid-response units will remain on standby overnight to deal with
emergencies.

Officials say the goal is zero tolerance for crime and a safe New Year's
celebration for everyone.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-24 18:10:15

Chiayi City has announced universal cash handouts for residents in the New
Year.

According to Mayor Huang Min-hui (黃敏惠), each eligible resident will
receive six thousand NT, with distribution set for January twenty-fourth and
twenty-fifth.

The plan was approved by the city council this week as part of a broader
economic stimulus package.

The payments will be funded through budget surpluses and aim to boost
consumer spending and support local businesses.

Only residents registered in Chiayi City before December eighth will qualify.

City officials say further details on collection procedures will be announced
soon.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-24 17:08:13

Scholars are urging the public not to put the blame at the parents of
attacker Zhang Wen...

instead, they emphasize the importance of the social safety net.

That's as his parents went to Taipei yesterday and publicly apologized for
their son's actions.

Meanwhile he mother of Yu Chia-chang, who died trying to stop Zhang, called
on the public not to direct their anger towards Zhang's parents, as the
attack had nothing to do with them.

Social psychologists emphasize that it's key to integrate those who have been
alienated from society back into the fold, and to avoid blaming the families
of origin.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-24 17:08:17

President Lai Ching-te has instructed the Cabinet to codify whole-of-society
defense responses so that government agencies and civilians have standardized
courses of action to follow in an emergency.

He made the call after the sixth meeting of the Presidential Office's
Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee.

Lai emphasized that Taiwan needs social resilience just as much as military
might.

He asked the Cabinet to take charge of coordinating disaster prevention
efforts betwen central and local governments.

Additionally, the president asked the Ministry of National Defense to expand
military-civilian cooperation through drills, building on this year's Urban
Resilience Exercises.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-24 17:08:22

Taipei's education budget for next year will rise to nearly 69.4 billion NT
— an increase of over 4.2 billion from this year.

The city's Department of Education says the added funding will support campus
upgrades, AI learning, and what officials are calling "trilingual"
education...

... which adds programming languages—or coding—to existing Chinese and
English instruction.

Starting next September, 65 schools will pilot this new curriculum

Schools that successfully integrate these digital skills into their
classrooms can apply for official "trilingual" certification starting in
2026.

Officials say the budget will also fund a major AI Education White Paper and
international exchange programs, as Taipei pushes to become a leading
high-tech learning hub.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-24 14:22:14

The DPP election strategy committee is recommending lawmaker Chen Su
Yue陳素月 to run for Changhua magistrate in next year's local elections.

Chen and fellow lawmaker Huang Xiu Fang, as well as Changhua City Mayor Lin
Shi Xian and former mayor Qiu Jian Fu had all declared their interest in
running.

Spokesperson Wu Zheng said that the DPP earlier this month conducted a poll
to gauge support of the candidates, with Chen taking the leading.

Huang and Lin both respected the results of the poll... while Qiu stated that
he would not rule out running as an independent.

Meanwhile the committee has not yet decided who they will recommend for the
position of Keelung Mayor...

while many had speculated that they would announce City Council Speaker Tong
Zi Wei as the recommendation.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-24 14:22:14

Keelung's new metro system is set to begin construction this January, with a
groundbreaking ceremony to take place in Qidu (七堵) District.

Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang (謝國樑) says the first construction site will
be near Baifu (百福) Station, where early work will focus on retaining walls
and relocating vegetation.

The Mayor believes the project will create more local jobs, encouraging
residents to work in Keelung rather than commuting to Taipei.

The first phase of the Keelung Metro, with an estimated budget of nearly 70
billion NT, will span more than 15 kilometers, linking Keelung's Badu (八堵)
Station with Taipei's Nangang District, and passing through New Taipei's
Xizhi area.

The line will include 13 stations, five of them in Keelung.

(IG)

Posted on 2025-12-24 14:22:14

attacks

The Ministry of the Interior says, the next disaster preparation booklet will
offer updated information on how to respond to violent and large-scale
terrorist attacks.

However, Minister Liu Shi Fang noted that, as the legislature has yet to
approve next year's general budget, it's not yet certain if there will be the
funds to put out another edition of the "little orange book" next year.

Liu said her ministry will first update relevant online information, adding
that she will do her utmost to strive for another edition of the booklet.

Liu noted that this year's National Public Safety Guide booklet has seen 6.8
million copies already distributed.

(AH)

Posted on 2025-12-24 14:22:14

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at 28371 after
gaining 61 points

The turnover was 429 billion NT

Posted on 2025-12-24 13:07:13

A special task force of police and prosecutors went back to the the crime
scene at Eslite Nan-xi Bookstore in Taipei this morning to carry out a 3D
reconstruction of the scene.

It is where the random attacker Zhang Wen killed three and injured 11 on the
19th.

The task force also wants to clarify unresolved questions and search for
additional evidence.

Zhang threw smoke bombs and attacked people with a knife near Taipei Main
Station and Zhongshan MRT Station, before entering the bookstore to continue
the attack.

Forensic experts concluded yesterday that he died by suicide after an
autopsy.

As for whether he may have planned additional attacks, police said current
evidence indicates there were only two targets: the area around Taipei Main
Station and the Eslite Nanxi bookstore.

(JL)

Posted on 2025-12-24 13:07:13

Taipei Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of at least 10 years for KMT
lawmaker Zheng Tian Cai (鄭天財) with charges of taking bribes totaling 7
million NT from businesses.

According to prosecutors, 9 businesses that paid the bribes were given the
title of "Special Assistants to Zheng's Legislative Office."

The indictment said Zheng and his office manager were involved in bribery and
money laundering beginning in 2020 and lasting three to four years.

It said the businesses transferred money ranging between 10-thousand and
100-thousand NT to Zheng on a regular basis.

In return he would take advantage of his position to provice service to them.

8 of the businesses owners who offered bribes were given deferred prosecution
with fines of up to 2 million NT, while one suspect is deceased and therefore
not prosecuted.

(AH)

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